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(Courtesy of Amazon.com) From Publishers Weekly Harvard child psychologist Kindlon, co-author of the bestselling Raising Cain, here gives thoughtful, hands-on advice to parents who want to help their children cope with the stress brought on by the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and other traumas. "The more we understand about how children cope with adversity," Kindlon writes, "the better able we'll be to help our kids face the challenges of an uncertain future." He offers a straightforward overview of the development stages of stress and the various psychological and physical effects stress has on children, and interweaves information from scientific research with vignettes about his daughters' and wife's ways of coping with grief, fear and strife. Models of coping methods come through the personal stories of trauma survivors-those who lived through such dark moments as the Holocaust, the Depression or a polio epidemic. Kindlon emphasizes that children, ultimately, are resilient, but that it's crucial that parents help them "make the best out of bad situations." This practical and informative guide should assist them in doing just that. Kindlon, a child psychologist and the author of Raising Cain (1999), offers this timely exploration of how to help children cope during times of trauma. He begins by examining research on the effects of stress on children. He details the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents, as well as factors from temperament to age that can influence whether or not a child will overreact to pressure. The second section includes stories of how children have coped with stress and how parents have helped them, presenting the human side of the research. The stories include the hardships of the Great Depression, the London blitz during World War II, the Holocaust, and the violence in Colombia. The third section focuses on Kindlon's personal crisis when his wife suffered a setback following surgery and how he employed many of the lessons he learned in researching this book to help his children cope. Every generation of children has to deal with unique challenges and crises. American children today face new realities, from school violence to terrorism, in a world that changed forever on that clear September morning in 2001. Is the generation of children growing up now prepared for hardship, sacrifice, and self-reliance? Here is the essential guide for parents looking for a comprehensive, optimistic strategy for easing the transition from childhood's innocence to the harsh realities of adulthood in the twenty-first century. In Tough Times, Strong Children Dr. Dan Kindlon offers wise and often moving examples of how families and individuals have coped during other periods marred by war, deprivation, and economic upheaval. Through interviews conducted specifically for this book, Kindlon talks to survivors of the Depression; the Blitz; concentration camps; as well as the Troubles in Ireland; and the guerilla war in Colombia. This testimony and these memories demonstrate that parents play a huge role in the way children absorb stress and trauma and how they handle fear and uncertainty. Kindlon examines the roles of humor, bravado, and even denial in making our children feel protected, and yet aware of the world and its dangers as well as joys. Many of the stories in this book inspire us to act courageously for our children when we are afraid, to show them confidence we may not feel, and in the words of a child of World War II, "get on Combining his clinical experience with psychological and biological research, Kindlon explains the process of dealing with adversity and why some children are able to survive and even thrive as adults and others are crippled. He combines hard science with the voices of those who have lived through the worst events of the twentieth century to illustrate the importance of family and extended family; community; a strong belief system; and self-reliance learned from involved parents. Kindlon's good news is that parents can work actively towards empowering and immunizing children against an uncertain future.
What are the three most important words in the history of telephone communication? No, no, no. Don’t be silly. The answer is not “Watson, come here.” Sure, those were the first words uttered by Alexander Graham Bell to his assistant Mr. Watson, but there are three words that matter even more, especially to Georgians, when it is concerning coast-to-coast communication. On January 25, 1915 a group of men sat huddled around what we would consider today to be crude form of the telephone in the Jekyll Island Club off the coast of Georgia. In New York City a group of men including Alexander Graham Bell sat around a second phone. A third group sat with Bell’s assistant Thomas A. Watson in San Francisco while President Woodrow Wilson was ready to congratulate AT&T president Theodore Vail from the Oval Office of the White House. An army of 1,500 AT&T employees stood at the ready from Jekyll Island, to Washington D.C. to New York, and across to San Francisco for any problem that might arise, and it’s a good thing too. Along the 4,500 mile line a pesky tree fell over the lines at some point, but it was soon removed and the line was reconnected. Theodore Vail had his entire reputation and the success or failure of AT&T riding on his shoulders that day. At a point when it looked like AT&T would be going out of business and phone calls were limited to a 2,000 mile distance he make a huge prediction much like President Kennedy’s prediction regarding the United States reaching the Moon. Theodore Vail declared that coast-to-coast communication would occur and soon. Of course all of Vail’s friends and colleagues had complete confidence in him. The Jekyll Island Blog quotes publisher B.C. Forbes….”What Woolworth was to the five-and ten, what McCormick was to the harvester, Vail is to the telephone. Bell invented it, but Vail put it on the map.” Actually, a Newsday article advises that AT&T had completed the construction of the first transcontinental phone line when the last pole was erected in Wendover, Utah on June 27, 1914, and the first trancontinental call could have been made then. However, the company waited until the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco to open before the important call was made. So, you might be wondering why such a momentous event took place on one of Georgia’s barrier islands. It’s very simple. Since 1886 members of the Jekyll Island Club had owned Jekyll Island using it as a winter hunting and vacation spot. Members included J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, George Macy, Edwin Gould, Marshall Field, William Rockefeller, William Vanderbilt, Frank Goodyear, and of course, Theodore Vail. These business giants and their families enjoyed their island, their very large club, and their cottages (many were 8,000 plus square feet) for many years. W hen they were all present the members of the club represented over one-sixth of the world’s wealth at that time. Besides sunning, hunting, and supping the club members talked business. In fact, Jekyll Island is the location where the ideas behind the Federal Reserve Bank were hatched. Actually though Vail had intended on leaving Jekyll Island in time to be in New York for the all important call, however, he injured his leg and was unable to make the trip. When the big moment came on January 25, 1915 Alexander Graham Bell placed the call to Watson and said, “Mr. Watson, come here. I want you,” which of course was a reinactment of the first ever call made on March 10, 1876. A Newsday article regarding the transcontinental phone call advises Mr. Watson joked and stated it would take him “a week” to come here since “here” was in New York and he was in San Francisco. The words “Hello, Jekyll Island,” also sounded across the phone lines as Mr. Vail was hailed and congratulations flew across both ends of the line, and President Wilson offered his words of pride to Bell and Vail. The all important Jekyll Island Club survived for a bit longer as the playground of the rich, but during World War II and the increase of income taxes the club members began to come to the island less and less. The property was finally condemed by the State of Georgia for $675,000 in 1946. The island was then turned into a state park for all to enjoy. The club building is still on the island and is open as a resort. The “cottages” are still intact and can be toured. The magic of Jekyll is that the majority of the island is still natural and undeveloped; however, there are some who are attempting to change this. Make sure you check out my related posts listed below. Related Posts: Jekyll Island Development: What's Your Opinion? A Shameful Part of Georgia's History
Coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to habitat loss from impacts such as boat groundings, extreme wind events, and declining water quality. Habitat restoration offers a way to regain ecosystem services lost as a result of acute or chronic injuries. NCCOS develops and evaluates methods and tools to guide restoration of impacted habitats. When coral reef or seagrass beds are damaged by boats in NOAA managed areas, the responsible party can be asked to pay for damages. We respond to injuries and refine restoration techniques for coral reef, seagrass, and coastal intertidal habitats. We develop approaches to assess restoration success and habitat recovery, and have established national and international guidelines on conservation and restoration of seagrasses. Management agencies use NCCOS habitat recovery models and protocols to determine recovery trajectories, claims costs and restoration strategies. NCCOS scientists also deliver expert witness testimony in federal court in support of the Department of Justice and NOAA's General Council. We also help practitioners develop monitoring programs that can determine if a restoration project is on track and gauge how well a restoration site is functioning. Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats provides technical assistance, outlines necessary steps, and provides useful tools for the development and implementation of sound scientific monitoring of coastal restoration efforts.
The Academic's Role The Academic's Role (accessible teaching and learning) How does one interpret the word "reasonable"? The general interpretation is what would be reasonably expected from the establishment concerned taking into consideration the financial resources of the establishment as a whole and the time constraints of the individuals concerned. Back to Top Making Word documents more accessible Nowadays, any information that is imparted to either the public, or within UCL should be made as accessible and as usable as possible. This includes signage, information on the web, handouts, leaflets, booklets etc. Handouts created in Word Printing handouts on off-white paper will considerable help colour sensitive users and dyslexics as it removes the glare of black text on white. Font size should be no smaller than 12 points but according to the latest research it is not thought that the style of font will affect reading of hard copies. However, it is now commonly thought that a sans serif font such as Arial or in particular Verdana are far easier to read when viewing on screen. Long documents should have a Table of Contents added so that students can see at a glance the structure of the contents. This will not only help dyslexics who respond better to learning in small chunks, but ALL students will find this will enhance their absorption of the material they are reading. There are other functions in Word that will make learning easier, e.g. cross-references, an index. Additionally, all handouts should be made available electronically, in order that disabled students, such as those with dyslexia or who are visually impaired, are able to customise documents to their own requirements. For example, they can change the background and the font colour to avoid the glare caused by black text on white. They can also change the line spacing, the font, the size of font and modify the styles of the original document. So you might ask yourself what is left for the originator to do? In point of fact the one thing that will really contribute to making an electronic version of a Word document more usable is to ensure that it is easy to navigate. So how is this done? The answer is to use an appropriate hierarchy of styles so that the user can navigate the document using Document Map view. In order to do this all headings should have a style allotted to them in the relevant hierarchy, i.e. Heading 1 for the main headings, heading 2 for the sub-headings and heading 3 for the sub-sub-headings and so on. Body text should be set to Normal with only the occasional emphasis using italics or bold, never underlining to avoid confusion with hyperlinks. Word has built in styles The option arrow in the Style box in the Formatting toolbar with all the default styles available, e.g. Heading 1, 2 and 3 and Normal. The Clear Formatting option will attribute text with Normal style. All you have to do is… Place the cursor within the heading text, select the appropriate heading from the Style box within the Formatting toolbar. You can change the default heading styles if you wish by clicking on the relevant style in the Styles and Formatting Task Pane and clicking on the Modify… option. Once you have attributed the various heading styles within the document it should then be possible to view those headings in Document Map view. To access Document Map View you will need to go the View menu and select Document Map. The entire document, no matter how many pages can be quickly navigated by clicking on the various headings. By doing this not only will you be helping students who are experiencing fine motor difficilties and would find it difficult to scroll through many pages, but those students who have been diagnosed as dyslexic. All this will the added benefit that everyone will find it easier to identify the structure of the document and navigate quickly to pertinent sections. By adopting styles and a Table of Contents (TOC) you will have created a Word document which if converted to a PDF will then also be accessible in that format as well. Back to Top Making PowerPoint presentations more accessible All students would benefit from having the speaker’s notes added to each slide which is a built-in function within PowerPoint. One would then have to ask the question as to how many academics would have the time to ‘write up’ their annotations. However, if notes in the form of a crib sheet are already available then it is a simple case of copying them to the notes section of the relevant slides. If no notes are available then the very least the originator, or the person responsible for publishing the PowerPoint presentation, should do is copy all the text from each slide and paste it into the relevant Notes section. This is necessary because if a vision impaired user is “listening” to the presentation through specialist software the actual slides become graphics when either Impatica is used or the presentation is converted to a PowerPoint show. All you have to do is… Adjust the PowerPoint Screen so that the Notes area is in view by dragging on the grey bar between the slide window and the Notes window. Print Notes Pages Paste text into the area where “Click to add notes” is displayed prior to any text appearing in the Notes window. You can format this text using bullets and numbering just as you can within Word. The Notes pages can then be printed/published/downloaded separately. The secret to making PDFs more accessible is to ensure that prior to conversion the original document was made accessible.
SplitArticle Free Pass Split, ( Italian: Spalato) seaport, resort, and chief city of Dalmatia, Croatia. It is situated on a peninsula in the Adriatic Sea with a deep, sheltered harbour on the south side. A major commercial and transportation centre, the city is best known for the ruins of the Palace of Diocletian (built 295–305 ce). Collectively with the historic royal residences, fortifications, and churches in the city, the palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Built within the palace is the nucleus of the “old town.” The immense complex has walls 7 feet (2 metres) thick and 72 feet (22 metres) high on its seaward side and 60 feet (18 metres) high on the northern side. Originally it had 16 towers (of which 3 remain) and 4 gates. A tree-lined promenade now keeps the Adriatic from lapping against the south walls as it once did. The palace was damaged by the Avars, who sacked nearby Solin (Salona) about 614; its inhabitants first fled to the islands but then returned to seek refuge in the palace (c. 620), calling the settlement Spalatum. They built their homes within the seven-acre (three-hectare) palace compound, incorporating its walls and pillars. The area within the walls of the palace has been continuously inhabited since it was built. It contains buildings and embellishments of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, as well as fine examples of Roman architecture. Efforts have been made not only to excavate further the Roman remains and identify and elucidate remains of the early medieval period but also to preserve the eclectic architecture of the complex. The palace is still thought of by the inhabitants of Split as the city centre and not a museum: The cathedral and baptistery are in use, the peristyle court is a popular meeting place, shops occupy the Roman arcades, and the main market is just outside the east gate of the palace. Tourists can see architectural remains of all periods from Roman times onward while walking under the laundry lines of the modern citizens. Split has a university (1974) and an oceanographic institute. Museums include the Meštrović Gallery (opened 1952), devoted to the works of the Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović; the Archaeological Museum (founded 1820), housing artifacts from the ruins of Solin and other nearby sites; the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments (1893, in Knin), which has notable exhibits on the Early Middle Ages; the City Museum (1946); the Art Gallery (1931); and the Ethnographic Museum (1910), which is housed in the Venetian Gothic town hall. The Croatian National Theatre, built from 1891 to 1893, was gutted by fire in 1971 but reconstructed by 1979. The belfry (c. 1100) of Our Lady of the Belfry church is the oldest in Dalmatia. The city’s harbour and port, combined with its central position on the Adriatic coast and its good rail and road connections to the northern parts of the country, have made it very important commercially. There is a large shipyard, and plastics, chemicals, aluminum, and cement are produced. Several island ferries depart from Split, and an international airport has been expanded since 1962. The growth of the port facilities dates from the temporary loss of Rijeka (Fiume) to Italy in 1924 (recovered 1945). From 812 Split developed as a major Byzantine city. In 1105, after brief incursions by Venice (998) and Croatia (1069), the city acknowledged the nominal suzerainty of Hungary-Croatia and fought sporadically with its rival Trogir; from 1420 to 1797 it was held by Venice. The Austrians ruled from 1797 to 1918 with a brief French interregnum in 1808–13. Split became part of Yugoslavia in 1918 and of independent Croatia in 1992. During World War II the port facilities were wrecked by the Germans and by Allied bombing, but the old town was little damaged, and repairs were subsequently made. In 1995 the city celebrated the 1,700th anniversary of the initiation of construction of the Roman palace. Pop. (2001) 188,694; (2008 est.) 175,140. What made you want to look up "Split"? Please share what surprised you most...
Let's look up at the stars. Astronomy is a natural science that deals with celestial objects and phenomena that surrounds our atmosphere. Experts say there are more stars in the sky than grains of sand on Earth's beaches. The largest one discovered is VY Canis Majoris, which is about 2,000 times the size of the sun. If it replaced the sun in our solar system it would extend up to Saturn. Today, we celebrate astronomy. When it gets dark out, take a look at what wonderful objects are in the sky. If you have a telescope, blow the dust off of it and put it to good use.
Organic vs Conventional: Do N-fixing bacteria care? Healthy crops come from healthy soil. Soil fertility depends on an incredible diversity and abundance of soil critters, from the microscopic to the flying and creepy crawly. Together these critters cycle nitrogen (N) and many other essential minerals and nutrients, making them available to plants. The complexity of what goes on in healthy soil is truly awe-inspiring. A key group of organisms that provide the soil with one nutrient that's often in short supply are the N-fixing soil bacteria. And according to a recent study by UK scientists, it turns out these organisms do a better job when they're working on organic farms. The study authors concluded that nitrogen-fixing bacteria are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of chemical pesticides. They found that nitrogen fixation dropped off when pesticides were used, compared to when farmers employed organic pest management tools. N-fixing bacteria help farmers' bottom line The National Academy of Sciences estimated in 2007 that in Brazil, nitrogen fixation reduced the need for nitrogen fertilizers to the tune of $1.3 billion in farmer savings. How do these specialized bacteria pull this off? They transform abundant but unusable nitrogen in the air (constituting 79% of the air we breathe) into plant-available nitrogen. In a finding that supports the UK study, the authors of the 2007 NAS report also described how pesticides reduce the capacity of legumes (such as beans, peas, soybeans and alfalfa) to fix nitrogen by disrupting the chemical signaling between the legume host plants and the bacteria. The scientists estimated that pesticides and other contaminants can reduce legume plant yields by as much as one third. In an apparently contradictory finding, the UK study also reported that use of conventional fertilizers, compared to organic manures, led to greater nitrogen-fixing activity immediately following fertilizer applications. This is somewhat confusing, as you would think N-fixing bacteria would thrive best with organic soil amendments like manures and composts, rather than petroleum-derived, greenhouse gas-generating fertilizers. But, organic amendments are still the way to go — for many reasons. Helping the soil help itself Organic practices, unlike conventional chemical-dependent practices, focus on helping the soil help itself: building soil health and fertility by protecting and increasing levels of organic matter. Soil organic matter, organic amendments and soil critters support each other, and together supply the myriad nutrients necessary for healthy and vigorous plant growth. Chemical fertilizers, on the other hand, are environmentally "expensive" shortcuts requiring fossil fuels for production, transportation to far-away farms and eventually driving water contamination both in the form of nitrate-laced drinking water and in the form of our huge and growing oceanic deadzones. As the authors of the UK article rightly point out, it is likely phosphorus (P), rather than nitrogen, that explains the jump in N-fixation after conventional fertilizers are applied (which makes good sense, as legumes tend to be rather P-demanding). But this topic of soil P and the important role of another group of specialized soil microorganisms — fungi — will have to wait for another post.
No Child Left Behind From Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia No Child Left Behind is a wildlife protection plan initiated by the WWF to protect the endangered species known as todlerus annoyunus, or "Small Child". In the NCFB, small children around the country are rounded up and placed in Wildlife Protection Facilities to be studied further and to gauge the damage they can cause, and to see if they can be used as a biological weapon. Interestingly enough, the No Child Left Behind act actually leaves a lot of children behind, which partially contributes to their endangerment in the first place. edit Small Children Small Children are one of the most dangerous, destructive, and evil species on the face fo the earth. Look at them! That hideously smooth skin, those gaps in their teeth! It's evil grin! The child is pure evil. edit The Origin of Todlerus Annoyunus The evolution of the destructive toddler begins as far back as the Stone Age, when regular children underwent a mutation that made them suppresively violent, cruel, and removed their Potty Training from their minds completely. The survival tactic of being able to pee and throw up on everything is apparently critical to the survival of the todlerus species. After a while, they became stronger, more cunning, and extremely prone to destruction. They cannot be held in a single place for too long, unless the place happens to be well-insured against toddler-based home damage. They become extremely irritable, because they want their candy NOW! The final evolutionary adaptation was a resourcefulness to use regular toys from Fisher-Price as weapons of torture and destruction. edit Physical Description and Behaviors They vary in hair and skin color, but this variety is only used to attract mates for procreation of the small child species. Because of this, many small children have been lost to cooties. They tend to be extremely destructive, screaming very loudly and causing mass destruction in public places when they don't get the Candy that they want, embarassing the parents that they own in order to teach them a lesson. When all else fails, they self-destruct, damaging themselves by banging their head against the wall, clawing at their faces, and maybe hit themselves on the head with a baseball bat seven or eight times. edit The History of No Child Left Behind One of the presidents of the United States, (we aren't sure which one), made it one of their decrees to handle the increasing rate of growth in the population of small children and the increasing danger of child-infested areas. In order to find the areas with the highest levels of child infestation, the White House conducted a survey among America's child molesters--the only people not afraid to go near small children. The result: schools! Several more actions were taken: Areas were marked off as being Child-Infested (pictured). Several users of Uncyclopedia were banned for being small children (characterized by their tendency to add "FUCK FUCK FUCKING" to the beginning of every sentence). Child Hubs, also known as Playgrounds, began to erupt all over the country, mainly in parks where there was nothing to see anyway. Eventually, the World Wildlife Fund passed the No Child Left Behind act to save them from extinction, mainly because they wanted to do something with all the money they made from their polar bear ads. The act would block off sections for wildlife, financially protect people from small children, and protect the children themselves from people of lesser moral values. edit Present Day Today, even more children have been left behind than ever before in history, which just goes to show you how well-organized and effecient the WWF is. However, the organization has succeeded in saving the small child from extinction from ads encouraging people not to use condoms, resulting in many angry teenage parents and even brattier kids than there were before. Everybody was angered with the WWF, but they soon released another polar bear ad and everyone forgave them. edit Future Plans The WWF plans to change it's name at some point during the year of 2009, then drop funding for the NCFB program in 2010. Tons of people will cheer at this and throw all the small children out in the street, causing the rate of homeless to skyrocket. A parade is thrown in the WWF's honor, and yes, they can see the future. The end result will be that all children will be left behind.
Asylum benefits used to be limited to people from certain countries, but now it's available to refugees worldwide. To qualify for refugee or asylum status, you must have a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political affiliation. It also takes into account things such as close relatives in the U-S, stable employment, and the lack of a criminal record. There are some differences between refugee and asylum processes. Unlike asylum, refugee status can only be obtained if you're outside both your own country and the United States, and you're unwilling or unable to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution. Persecution is defined as harm or suffering inflicted upon the applicant as punishment for possessing a belief or characteristic that the prosecutor will not tolerate. Your application must be filed either with the nearest INS. office outside the U-S or at a designated U-S Consulate. The burden of proof of the persecution rests with the refugee. If you're in the U-S, or at the land border of the U-S, and believe you're a victim of persecution, you can apply for political asylum with asylum officers under the jurisdiction of the Central Office of Refugee, Asylum and Parole within one year of entry. You can file even if you're in the U-S illegally, or in deportation or exclusion proceedings. Whether applying as a refugee or an asylee, you'll be interviewed to determine if your claim is legitimate and your application should be approved. Your eligibility for refugee or asylee status may be affected if it's alleged that you've: involved in the persecution of other persons; firmly resettled in another country; convicted of an especially serious crime; or committed a serious non-political crime prior to coming to the U-S. According to regulations, if your application has been pending for at least one hundred and fifty days, you may be given permission to work. One year after receiving refugee or asylee status, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence. For more information, contact an attorney qualified in the area of immigration.
Explaining GetHashCode method. Posted by Vadim on July 5, 2008 Every object you ever created or used in .NET has GetHashCode method along with Equals, GetType, and ToString methods. This method is an instance method of an Object class from which any other class derives. GetHashCode() method returns an integer that identifies an object instance. I also can repeat MSDN documentation but you can read it on your own. The best way to explain it is to show an example. In my previous post I was using class Point as an example. I’m going to continue with this class. So let assume that we have class like this: Next we want to use Point as a key in a Hashtable. Remember that the key of the Hasthable must be unique. In the code bellow we have two identical keys (line 2 & 4). We should expect ArgumentException. However, no exception was thrown. There are two reasons why exception is not thrown: - Equals() method that is also an instance method of Object class will always indicate that Point in line 2 and line 4 are different. This expected because two objects have different references. - GetHashCode() method returns different number for these objects. Try to execute code bellow: You will get output similar to this one: point1 Hash: 58225482 point2 Hash: 54267293 point1 equal to point2: False You can see that we got different hash codes. To solve this problem we override Equal() and GetHashCode() in our Point class. First we override Equals() method: You can see that I use ReferenceEquals() method that is static method of Object class. It checks if the specified objects are the same. Next we override GetHashCode() method: The whole Point would look like this: Now if you try to execute the application the output should look exactly like this: point1 Hash: 793 point2 Hash: 793 point1 equal to point2: True Also if we try to add new Point(2, 3) twice, we get an ArgumentException as expected.
In the last 10 years, advances in broadband technologies have dramatically altered the way Americans consume music. This change is no more evident than in radio, where the fast rising popularity of new alternatives such as cable, satellite and Internet radio have changed the very notion of what radio is. Unfortunately, the laws that govern radio royalty payments have not evolved at the same pace. It may surprise Americans to learn that the form of radio they listen to has profound implications for how much the artists who perform the music get paid. Yes, that's right, you can listen to a digital radio service on your home stereo, but depending on whether the stream is coming from the cable provider, a satellite signal or through a web connection, the payment to the artist is very different. The difference borders on the absurd. Consider this: last year Pandora generated $274MM of gross revenue, and paid $136MM of performance royalties -- approximately 50 percent of the total revenue. In the same year, SiriusXM, on revenues of $2.7B paid $205M in royalties, or 7.5 percent. Radio delivered over cable television pays 15 percent of revenue. Radio delivered over the FM/AM spectrum pays nothing to performers. How did we get here? Many years ago, Congress decided that terrestrial radio (AM/FM) should be exempt from paying royalties to performing artists and labels. That clear policy choice, made for a number of reasons, has endured for decades and is not likely to be changed anytime soon. When satellite and cable radio were developed in the '90s, Congress determined that these new forms of radio should compensate performing artists and labels and sensibly decided to apply the same model for determining fair compensation that had been in use since the 1970s for determining the rates that record labels should pay to songwriters and publishers for the use of their compositions. However, when Internet radio was developed several years later, the RIAA used the explicit threat of multiple lawsuits and the substantial power of its D.C. lobbying machine to force the small group of fledgling webcasters (all now defunct) to accept a completely different, highly discriminatory method for determining royalty rates that has wreaked havoc with the industry ever since. Royalty rates almost sank Pandora, and have even scared off large broadcasters looking to expand on to the web. Tellingly, Yahoo, AOL and MSN, the three largest Internet radio services when we first launched in 2005, have all essentially exited the business. There's a win-win to be had here. Consumers are clearly embracing what Internet radio has to offer, and Internet radio is fully supportive of fair compensation to performers. However, to date lawmakers have been unwilling to correct the mistakes of the past, and have continued to allow flawed legislation to pick winners in the radio industry. Ultimately, it's the artist who is most harmed by the current situation. Radio, and its $15B economy is all set to transition from a medium that doesn't pay performers to one that treats them as stakeholders, yet the law as it stands today is doing its very best to slow that transition. It is especially harmful to independent musicians who rely on Internet radio for exposure. Pandora alone plays the music of more than 100,000 artists, 70 percent of whom are independent. Of the approximately one million songs in our catalogue 95 percent play every month. For most artists, Pandora is the only radio play they will ever receive. Congress has the ability to level the playing field, and end the current discrimination against Internet radio. It's time for a technology-neutral solution that assures fair compensation to artists while encouraging new voices and new technologies. Legislation that establishes a fair royalty rate setting standard for Internet radio will drive investment in webcasting, which ultimately means greater revenue and greater opportunity for working artists.
Google revamped its reCAPTCHA system, used to block automated scripts from abusing its online services, just hours before a trio of hackers unveiled a free system that defeats the widely used challenge-response tests with more than 99 percent accuracy. Stiltwalker, as the trio dubbed its proof-of-concept attack, exploits weaknesses in the audio version of reCAPTCHA, which is used by Google, Facebook, Craigslist and some 200,000 other websites to confirm that humans and not scam-bots are creating online accounts. While previous hacks have also used computers to crack the Google-owned CAPTCHA (short for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) system, none have achieved Stiltwalker's impressive success rate. "The primary thing which makes Stiltwalker stand apart is the accuracy," wrote Adam, one of the three hackers who devised the attack, in an e-mail. "According to the lead researcher from the Carnegie Mellon study, the system we attacked was believed to be 'secure against automatic attack,'" he added, referring to this resume from a Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist credited with designing the audio CAPTCHA. Stiltwalker's success exploits some oversights made by the designers of reCAPTCHA's audio version, combined with some clever engineering by the hackers who set out to capitalize on those mistakes. The audio test, which is aimed at visually impaired people who have trouble recognizing obfuscated text, broadcasts six words over a user's computer speaker. To thwart word-recognition systems, reCAPTCHA masks the words with recordings of static-laden radio broadcasts, played backwards, so the background noise would distract computers but not humans. What the hackers—identified only as C-P, Adam, and Jeffball—learned from analyzing the sound prints of each test was that the background noise, in sharp contrast to the six words, didn't include sounds that registered at higher frequencies. By plotting the frequencies of each audio test on a spectrogram, the hackers could easily isolate each word by locating the regions where high pitches were mapped. reCAPTCHA was also undermined by its use of just 58 unique words. Although the inflections, pronunciations, and sequences of spoken words varied significantly from test to test, the small corpus of words greatly reduced the work it took a computer to recognize each utterance. Enter the neural network With the sounds isolated, the hackers then funneled each word into a battery of mathematical solvers to translate the characteristics of each isolated word into text that would solve the CAPTCHA puzzle. An early version of the attack worked by using the open-source pHash software library to generate a "perceptual hash" of each sound. Unlike cryptographic hashes, which typically produce vastly different ciphertext when even tiny changes are made to the plaintext input, pHash outputs vary minimally when generated by similar-sounding words. By comparing the perceptual hashes of the collected sounds to a table of hashes, the team could make educated guesses about which words were being included in the audio tests. But they ultimately scrapped the technique because its level of accuracy didn't break 30 percent. The hackers eventually devised a machine-learning algorithm that produced significantly better results. Their neural network was seeded with data from 50,000 reCAPTCHA utterances along with human-generated input for each corresponding word. They then combined the tool with a separate attack that exploited another weakness they discovered in the audio version—namely its habit of repeating the same challenges verbatim in pseudo-random fashion. By using cryptographic hashes to fingerprint 15 million of the estimated 25 million challenges in reCAPTCHA's repertoire, their attack was able to crack most of the tests. "The majority of the time, we can look at the challenge and not do any computation at all," Adam said. "It takes less than a second to get an answer with the MD5 solver." Their attack became all the more effective after discovering that Google's audio CAPTCHA accepted multiple spellings for many of the challenges based on the approximate phonetic sounds of each word. As a result, an audio test that included the word "boat" could be solved by entering "boat," but it could also be solved by entering "poate." Similarly, a test that included the word "plate" could be solved by entering "plate," but it too could also be solved by entering "poate." Tests for words that included "Friday," "fairy," or "four" were also solved by entering "Friay." By fashioning the same alternate spelling for a variety of different sounding words, the hackers could pare back the number of guesses required to solve a specific puzzle, a technique crackers call "reducing the keyspace." In the end, the hackers said their computer-generated attack solved 17,338 out of 17,495 challenges they attempted, a success rate of 99.1 percent. At one point, the attack was able to deduce answers to 847 tests in a row before being tripped up. More details of the hack are here. The Googleplex strikes back About two hours before the hackers were scheduled to present the attack on Saturday at the Layer One security conference, Google engineers revamped reCAPTCHA. Suddenly, Stiltwalker, which the hackers had carefully kept under wraps, no longer worked. Adam told me that he has no proof anyone tipped off Google employees—but he doubts the timing was coincidence. The updated reCAPTCHA system uses a human voice uttering unintelligible sounds as background noise, making it impossible for Stiltwalker to isolate the distinct words included in each audio challenge. The puzzles have also been expanded from six words to ten words and each challenge lasts 30 seconds, compared with only eight seconds under the previous reCAPTCHA. A Google spokesman declined to offer specifics of the reCAPTCHA upgrade beyond issuing a statement. "We took swift action to fix a vulnerability that affected reCAPTCHA," it said, "and we aren’t aware of any abuse that used the techniques discovered. We're continuing to study the vulnerability to prevent similar issues in the future. We've found reCAPTCHA to be far more resilient than other options while also striking a good balance with human usability. Even so, it's good to bear in mind that while CAPTCHAs remain a powerful and effective tool for fighting abuse, they are best used in combination with other security technologies." While the changes stymied the Stiltwalker attack, Adam said his own experience using the new audio tests leaves him unconvinced that they are a true improvement over the old system. "I could only get about one of three right," he said. "Their Turing test isn't all that effective if it thinks I'm a robot." Story updated to correct use of the word histogram.
Environment Canada says we throw away 4 million disposable diapers a day! Most of them go into landfills – making up about 2% of the garbage there and taking hundreds of years or more to decompose. What’s more, disposables cost parents $2,400 during baby’s first two and a half years. Cloth diapers cost less – especially if you launder them yourself – but in terms of “impact” they’re not necessarily better on the environment, thanks to the water and detergent used to clean them. It turns out that diapers are a matter of personal choice. If you do opt for cloth, be sure to use biodegradable, phosphatefree detergent. Here are some cost-saving baby ideas that are also green: • Scout out gently used baby clothes at garage sales and consignment shops, and on Craigslist, eBay and Freecycle. • Make your own food instead of buying all those little glass jars. Pureeing vegetables is quick, simple, healthy and cost-effective. • Nurse your baby instead of feeding formula. You’ll save about $40 a week, it’s healthier, and there’s no manufacturing, packaging or shipping involved. $40 a week by nursing the glass in 600 jars by pureeing your own baby food. Another important green baby issue has to do with the furniture in your nursery. Some scientists believe that crib death may actually be caused by flame-retardant chemicals – called PBDEs – in beds and mattresses, which become poisonous when they interact with common household fungi. Keep your baby safe by choosing organic, chemical-free mattresses and bedding. For all-natural crib mattresses, visit the website of manufacturer Hästens at www.hastens.com. Go green action steps • If you choose disposable diapers, be sure to buy the greenest ones available, such as Nature Boy & Girl, which are made with cornstarch instead of plastic (www.natureboyandgirl.net). Or try Seventh Generation’s, which are made without chlorine (www.seventhgeneration.com). • Check out the gDiapers website at www.gdiapers.com. gDiapers are a blend of cloth and disposable diapers. They combine a cotton outer-pant with a waterproof liner that can both be washed and reused. Then you slide a disposable pad into the liner, which can be flushed, composted or thrown away. • Make your own baby food. Find recipes for easy, all-natural baby food at www.wholesomebabyfood.com. Excerpted from Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach. Copyright 2008 by David Bach. Excerpted with permission from Random House Canada. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher. For even more ways to green up your life, visit RandomHouse.ca for 30% off plus free shipping on select environmental books. This special offer ends April 30, 2008.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission said the overall health of the river basin is improving, but there are some problem areas. The commission said important data on the 49,000 miles of rivers and streams in the basin comes from a network of gauges, but funding for many of those was lost in 2011. The gauges are used to monitor water and pollutant levels. Paul Swartz, the commission's executive director, said in a statement that "we would literally be flying blind" without the stream gauge data. More than 2,000 miles of streams are polluted by mine drainage, and smallmouth bass in the lower region are suffering from increasing levels of disease, Swartz said. The cause of that isn't known. Drinking water protection is also a concern in some areas, he said. Throughout the basin 32 percent of rivers and streams have water quality that isn't impaired, 40 percent are slightly impaired, 23 percent are moderately impaired, and 5 percent are severely impaired, the report said. Between 2010 and 2012 the number of stream miles that were polluted by stormwater runoff rose from 1,120 to 1,150. However, the report said that the main branch of the river meets or exceeds standards along most of its 444 miles, and many smaller watersheds are pristine. Total water use in the basin is increasing, too. Electric power companies were by far the largest user, withdrawing 86.4 million gallons of water per day in 2010, and 92.7 million gallons per day in 2012. Water use by the natural gas industry also rose significantly, from 1.3 million gallons per day in 2010 to 10.4 million gallons per day in 2012. Public water supplies used 8.9 million gallons per day in 2012, down slightly from 2010. The Susquehanna basin flows 444 miles from headwaters in Cooperstown, N.Y. to Havre de Grace, Maryland.
Monday, February 2, 2009 Flu season is making a slow start this winter. There are widespread cases reported in only two states: Virginia and New Jersey. But, experts say, don't get complacent. Influenza usually ramps up in February, long after many people have forgotten last fall's campaigns to get vaccinated. Last year, there was even a spike in March. The CDC notes that while doctor visits for flu-like symptoms have been below normal all season, they did inch up each week in January. Also, 14 states are reporting what the CDC calls "regional activity." So, flu is making people sick, but just not as many statewide as is usual. Seasonal flu aside, specialists have another worry: Bird flu. The global recession could threaten work to keep the deadly H5N1 strain in check in birds, which in turn limits its spread to people.
Capturing a Whisper From Space Deep space communications are far more challenging than communications with Earth-orbiting satellites because the distances are so staggering. Signals must travel millions or billions of kilometers between Earth and the spacecraft. At the same time, the spacecraft's communications equipment must be compact and lightweight to allow for a larger scientific payload. Most spacecraft communicate at a very low power - up to 20 times less than the power required for a digital watch. To hear the whisper of a signal at such great distances, receiving antennas on Earth must be very large, equipped with extremely sensitive receivers and protected from interference. Imagine a person shouting loudly to a companion a block away. If the street is quiet, the person can be understood. But what if the two pals are in Los Angeles and San Francisco - 700 kilometers (435 miles) apart? That's exactly the kind of conditions the Deep Space Network operates under. The Earth-orbiting satellites are the equivalent of two friends shouting a block apart; while the deep space probes a scattered through the solar system - from 2001 Mars Odyssey at Mars to Voyager 1 at the very edge of our solar system. The Deep Space Network listens to low-power spacecraft signals with huge antenna dishes that are precisely shaped and pointed at the target with pinpoint accuracy. In a sense, they are giant ears. The network's largest - the 70-meter (230-foot) diameter antenna - stands as tall as a 9-story building. They also serve as giant megaphones so mission control can talk to the spacecraft. The network's antennas use high power transmitters to broadcast commands to spacecraft, allowing mission controllers to activate computers and instruments and make course corrections. A Global Network As if that weren't hard enough, the Deep Space Network must accomplish this while anchored the the surface of a rapidly spinning planet. Imagine you are standing on Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons, looking back towards Earth with a powerful telescope. First, you'd see the United States. A few hours later - as the Earth rotates on its axis - you'd be looking at Australia and still later the European continent would swing into view. To compensate for this rotation, the Deep Space Network maintains clusters of antennas three locations - in California's Mojave Desert, near Madrid, Spain and outside of Canberra, Australia. The spacecraft signals are received at one site; as Earth turns, the spacecraft "sets" at that site - just like the Sun sets every night - and the next site picks up the signal, then the third and then back to the first. Think of it as a relay race with one runner handing off the baton to the next, who hands it off to a third. This configuration allows NASA to maintain 24-hour contact with distant spacecraft.
One of the simplest ways to encourage learning is by answering your child's questions. Children are curious. They want to know everything about the world around them. Give them a real answer. If you don't actually know why the sky is blue, don't just say 'because God made it that way.' Say, 'let's look it up together.' When you show an interest in learning, it's bound to motivate your child. Probably the single most important step you can take is urging your child to read. Buy him or her any books that are appropriate, even comic books. Take your kids on trips, where they can see the things they've read about come to life: rivers, canyons, forests, and deserts. Discuss what you're seeing as you drive along. Visiting historical sites can make history a real experience, not just boring dates from a textbook. You can even find educational value in a simple trip to the grocery store. Have your children help you figure out how much two pounds of carrots might cost, and other related tasks. Finally, always praise your children for what they learn. Small rewards are okay, as long as they don't become the child's only motivation for the behavior. Always emphasize that learning is its own reward. ©2004 Bluestreak Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bāburnāma (Chagatai/Persian: بابر نامہ;´, literally: "Book of Babur" or "Letters of Babur"; alternatively known as Tuzk-e Babri) is the name given to the memoirs of Ẓahīr ud-Dīn Muḥammad Bābur (1483–1530), founder of the Mughal Empire and a great-great-great-grandson of Timur. It is an autobiographical work, originally written in the Chagatai language, known to Babur as "Turki" (meaning Turkic), the spoken language of the Andijan-Timurids. Babur's prose is highly Persianized in its sentence structure, morphology, and vocabulary, and also contains many phrases and smaller poems in Persian. During Emperor Akbar's reign, the work was completely translated to Persian by a Mughal courtier, Abdul Rahīm, in AH 998 (1589–90). Bābur was an educated Timurid and his observations and comments in his memoirs reflect an interest in nature, society, politics and economics. His vivid account of events covers not just his life, but the history and geography of the areas he lived in, and their flora and fauna, as well as the people with whom he came into contact. The Bāburnāma begins with these plain words: \|“\|\|In the month of Ramadan of the year 899 and in the twelfth year of my age, I became ruler in the country of Farghana\|\|”\| There is a break in the manuscript between 1508 and 1519. By the latter date Bābur is established in Kabul and from there launches an invasion into northwestern India. The final section of the Bāburnāma covers the years 1525 to 1529 and the establishment of the Mughal empire in India, which Bābur's descendants would rule for three centuries. Babur also writes about his homeland, Fergana: \|“\|\|The Domain of Fergana has seven towns, five on the south and two on the north of the Syr river. Of those on the south, one is Andijan. It has a central position and is the capital of the Fergana Domain.\|\|”\| He also wrote: \|“\|\|A man took aim at Ibrahim Beg. But then Ibrahim Beg yelled,"Hai! Hai!"; and he let him pass, and by mistake shot me in an armpit from as near as a man on guard at the Gate stands from another. Two plates of my armour cracked. I shot at a man running away along the ramparts, adjusting his cap against the battlements. He abandoned his cap, nailed to the wall and went off, gathering his turban sash together in his hand.\|\|”\| The Bāburnāma is widely translated and is part of text books in no less than 25 countries mostly in Central, Western, and Southern Asia. It was first translated into English by John Leyden and William Erskine as Memoirs of Zehir-Ed-Din Muhammed Baber: Emperor of Hindustan and later by the British orientalist scholar Annette Susannah Beveridge (née Akroyd, 1842–1929). Illustrations from the Manuscript of Baburnama (Memoirs of Babur) See also - Dale, Stephen Frederic (2004). The garden of the eight paradises: Bābur and the culture of Empire in Central Asia, Afghanistan and India (1483–1530). Brill. pp. 15,150. ISBN 90-04-13707-6. - "Biography of Abdur Rahim Khankhana". Retrieved 2006-10-28. - English translation - Bābur (Emperor of Hindustān) (1826). Memoirs of Zehir-Ed-Din Muhammed Baber: emperor of Hindustan. Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green. Retrieved 5 October 2011. Further reading - The Babur-nama in English (Memoirs of Babur) (1922) Volume 1 by Annette Susannah Beveridge at the Internet Archive - The Babur-nama in English (Memoirs of Babur) (1922) Volume 2 by Annette Susannah Beveridge at the Internet Archive - The Baburnama: Memoirs of Babur, Prince and Emperor, Zahir-ud-din Mohammad Babur, Translated, edited and annotated by Wheeler M. Thackston. 2002 Modern Library Palang-faack Edition, New York. ISBN 0-375-76137-3 - Babur Nama: Journal of Emperor Babur, Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babur, Translated from Chagatai Turkic by Annette Susannah Beveridge, Abridged, edited and introduced by Dilip Hiro. (ISBN ) ISBN 978-0-14-400149-1; (ISBN ) ISBN 0-14-400149-7. – online version - Local Culture \|Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Baburnama\|
Globe and Mail A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada was very, well, Canadian. A young Muslim woman wanted to testify in court while wearing her niqab, saying her religious beliefs required it – and that she had the right to do so. The accused objected, claiming their right to a fair trial would be affected if they could not see the face of the witness. Which right trumps the other? The Court was split. One judge suggested barring niqabs would effectively bar some women from the justice system. Two other judges felt niqabs should simply be banned in court. But the majority said, in the best Canadian tradition, find a balance: “..clashes between rights should be approached by reconciling the rights through accommodation if possible, and in the end, if a conflict cannot be avoided, by case-by-case balancing.” Finding the balance between competing rights is not the easy way. People tend to like clear-cut answers, especially when that answer is “I’m right and you’re wrong.” At the Ontario Human Rights Commission we’ve seen more and more cases where rights protected by the Human Rights Code or the Charter of Rights conflict. It’s hardly surprising. As our society changes, tensions can appear. Old ways brush up against new ones. Thankfully, more people are aware of their rights and are willing to protect and exercise those rights. But how to do the balancing act? We developed a way to help balance conflicting rights. The starting point was the understanding, reinforced by courts and tribunals, that no right automatically trumps another. Context is (almost) everything. Are these real rights? What are the limits? Will adjusting the limits end the conflict? Is the impact substantial or trivial? Lots of questions, but the answers guide the process. At the heart of all of this analysis is something just as important as the legal language – respect. Recognizing and celebrating differences and finding common ground are the best routes to resolution. Last week we heard that the “barbershop case” in Toronto settled. A woman asked for a “businessman’s” haircut and was told the barbers could not serve her because of their religion. The case went to the Human Rights Tribunal where the parties agreed to a settlement after, as the owner of the shop said, “we got together and we had a good talk.” Not every case is resolved by a good talk, but a process for addressing conflicting rights can work in the courts too. This week saw the resolution of the long-running Whatcott case at the Supreme Court. Although the case began in Saskatchewan, the Ontario Human Rights Commission intervened. Our hope was that, as in the niqab case, the Court would see value in a process for balancing rights. It’s another good decision, a clear example of how to find that sometimes elusive balance of rights. The Court said the section of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code banning language that “ridicules, belittles or otherwise affronts the dignity of any person or class of persons” is too broad. The message was – you don’t have the right to be protected from offensive language. But, said the Court, prohibiting “hate speech” is still legitimate. (The rules are different across Canada; in Ontario hate speech is only covered under criminal law). In human rights cases, there isn’t a “one size fits all” solution. When rights conflict resolution will come more easily though cooperation and a process of respectful and open-minded dialogue. Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner Ontario Human Rights Commission
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience an uncomfortable feeling in the legs, coupled with a strong compulsion to move the limbs so as to alleviate the symptoms. The feeling may be described as "creeping," "crawling," or "aching" and happens most often at night, during periods of rest or inactivity. So people with RLS have trouble falling asleep. They may also wake up frequently at night because of periodic limb movements, a condition that occurs frequently among people with RLS. Periodic limb movement disorder is characterized by repeated body movements. Unlike RLS, which occurs when a person is resting or trying to fall asleep, the movements of period limb movement disorder occur during sleep, and the person may be unaware of them. These movements may occur in the toes, feet, ankles, and/or legs. According to some estimates, as much as 15 percent of the population has RLS. Most have symptoms that are mild and can be managed with self-care and better sleep habits. For more severe cases, medications may help. This section contains more information on: Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder, thought to be related to the activity of dopamine, a chemical that carries messages in the central nervous system. RLS can also be caused by other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes. Iron deficiency can cause RLS or make it worse. About half of patients with restless legs syndrome have relatives with the condition. Although symptoms can start at any age, older people may be more likely to have severe symptoms. RLS is more common during pregnancy. It may also appear in people who have another medical problem, such as anemia or kidney problems. Last reviewed on 10/05/2006 U.S. News's featured content providers were not involved in the selection of advertisers appearing on this website, and the placement of such advertisement in no way implies that these content providers endorse the products and services advertised. Disclaimer and a note about your health.
Search Results for "H" One born in lawful matrimony, who succeeds by descent, and blood, to lands, tenements or hereditaments, being an estate of inheritance. It is an established... more One who has an indefeasible right to the inheritance, provided he outlive the ancestor. 2 Bl. Com. 208. A term used in the civil law. Beneficiary heirs are those who have accepted the succession under the benefit of an inventory regularly made. Civ. Code... more A collateral heir is one who is not of the of the deceased, but comes from a collateral line; as, a brother, sister, an uncle... more civil law. A conventional heir is one who takes a succession by virtue of a contract; for example, a marriage contract, which entitles the heir to the... more Forced heirs are those who cannot be disinherited. This term is used among the civilians. Vide Forced heirs Heir at common in the English law. The heir at is he who, after his father or ancestors death has a right to, and... more In Louisiana, irregular heirs are those who are testamentary nor legal, and who have been established by law to take the succession. See Civ. Code of... more HEIR AT LAW r legitime. There are three classes of legal heirs, to wit; the children and other lawful descendants; the fathers and mothers and other lawful ascendants; and the... more estates. This word seems to be compounded of heir and loom, that is, a frame, viz. to weave in. Some derive the word loom from the A presumptive heir is one who, in the present circumstances, would be entitled to the inheritance, but whose rights may be defeated by the contingency of... more civil law. A testamentary heir is one who is constituted heir by testament executed in the form prescribed by law. He is so called to distinguish him... more A term used in the civil law, adopted by the Civil Code of Louisiana. Unconditional heirs are those who inherit without any reservation, or without making... more A female heir to a person having an estate of there is more than one, they are called co-heiresses, or co-heirs. Eng. law. The name of the kingdom or government established by the Saxons, on their establishment in Britain so called because it was composed of seven kingdoms,... more civil and canon law. The art or office of a herald. It is the art, practice, or science of recording genealogies, and blazoning arms or ensigns armorial.... more English Law, A species of easement, which consists in the to feed ones cattle on another mans ground. estates. Anything capable of being inherited, be it corporeal or incorporeal, real, personal, or mixed and including not only lands and everything thereon, but also heir looms,... more That which is inherited. Eng. law. The adoption of any erroneous religious tenet, not warranted by the established church. 2. This is punished by the deprivation... more Popular Forms: Accounting, Affidavits, Assignments, Attorney Forms & Guides, Bankruptcy, Bill of Sale, Business, Canadian Forms, Collections, Confidentiality, Contracts, Copyright, Corporations, Credit, Declarations, Deeds, Divorce, Employment, Entertainment Law, Family Law, Government, Health Care, Homestead, Indemnity Agreements, Intellectual Property, Internet, Landlord & Tenant, Leases & Rentals, Letters, Limited Liability Co., Living Trusts, Name Change, Non-Compete, Non-Disclosure, Notices, Parental Permissions, Partnership, Power of Attorney, Promissory Notes, Real Estate, Receipts, Releases, Sale of Goods, Spanish Forms, Technology, Trusts, UCC Forms, Wills, more...
In 1994, supporters promised that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) would help create jobs and prosperity to the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. Yet the real results have been just the opposite: wages have stagnated in Mexico and we’ve lost 3 million manufacturing jobs in the U.S. Worse yet, some 1.3 million Mexican campesinos have lost their livelihoods, causing a massive increase in displacement and migration . But instead of fixing the problem, the Bush administration has been attempting to expand the failed NAFTA model to countries around the world – particularly to Latin America. Efforts towards a hemisphere-wide Free Trade Area of the Americas fell apart in November 2003. Since then, the Bush administration has been trying to pressure smaller countries to sign so-called "free trade" agreements with the U.S. The Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) was approved by the US Congress in July of 2005. The attempt to expand NAFTA to the Andean region (comprising Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia) were launched on November 2003, but has faltered. Bolivia never joined, the citizenry having elected a new president – Evo Morales – who had campaigned against the neoliberal model that has kept the Bolivian people impoverished despite vast natural resource wealth. Negotiations with Ecuador have drawn to a halt . But negotiations have concluded on “Free Trade Agreements” with Peru and Colombia. Large mobilizations against the US-Peru Free Trade Agreement (PUFTA) have wracked Peru for months. [link to] Over 60,000 Peruvian citizens signed petitions demanding that the agreement be submitted to a popular referendum. Anti-PUFTA candidates won a majority in their Congress in June of 2006. But the Congress (that had just been voted out but was still in office!) pulled a sneaky maneuver, voting to approve PUFTA in their last remaining weeks. Check out Public Citizen for the latest scoop on how to prevent NAFTA expansion to Peru. We can stop the US – Colombia FTA from ever coming to the US Congress for a vote if we stop PUFTA first.
Like any other form of matter gas molecules feel the gravitational pull of the planet they surround, so they're attracted to the planet by gravity. At any temperature above absolute zero the atoms/molecules in a gas have a velocity distribution known as the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. As long as their velocities remain well below the escape velocity of the planet the atmosphere will be bound to it. Although this gives the basic idea it's an oversimplification for several reasons. For example the escape velocity decreases as you move up through the atmosphere, however the temperature changes as well so the average gas atom/molecule velocity also changes with height. Also even if the average is well below the escape velocity a small fraction of molecules will have high enough velocities to escape. However even then only molecules near the top of the atmosphere are likely to escape as the mean free path near the ground is too short for even an energetic molecule to escape. Finally radiation from the Sun is an important factor in removing gas molecules from planets. On Earth the magnetic field keeps most of the radiation out, but on Mars gas loss due to solar radiation is important. For more info you might want to have a look at the Wikipedia article on atmosphere loss. I'm not sure what your second question is asking as it doesn't seem relevant to atmosphere loss. If you're asking why planets generally have a non-zero tilt this should be posted as a separate question. In brief, for most planets the tilt is chaotic and varies contnuously, and the planet may even flip over completely. Earth's tilt is stabilised by the moon and varies only slightly with time. Re the revised question: At any given temperature the average velocity of lighter gas molecules is greater than heavier gas molecules, so it's the ligher gas molecules that escape most easily. For example the Earth loses a few kg of hydrogen per second but almost no oxygen or nitrogen. However if the rate of loss of a light gas is very fast it can carry molecules of heavier gases along as well by colliding with them and transferring momentum to the heavier molecules. This is known as hydrodynamic escape. Note that this only happens when there is a rapid loss rate of the lighter gas, so it isn't happening to any significant extent on any of the planets in the solar system.
And now for something completely different… or is it? This problem comes from the ancient Greeks (Euclid, to be exact). Suppose you have a rectangle which is one unit tall and has this special property: if you cut off a square piece from the end of the rectangle, you’re left with a smaller rectangle that has the same proportions as the original rectangle. How long is the original rectangle? Maybe this picture will help you see what is going on. Starting with the big blue rectangle at the top, the white square is cut off from the left side, leaving the smaller blue rectangle — which is just a smaller copy of the big blue rectangle. E-mail me with questions, comments, or solutions, or post them here. Also, if anyone has solved either or both parts of Challenge #4, feel free to post your solution now!
Day three of the Innovation Forum featured a talk on "Innovative Approaches to Geographic Information Science," followed by a presentation entitled "22 Ways to be More Sustainable," by our partners from the City of Bothell. In the afternoon there was a discussion on "Zines" and an evening celebration of Bollywood. TIC Talk: Innovative approaches to Geographic Information Science (GIS) Jung and Lopez are both assistant professors in the UW Bothell School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. When talking about geographic information science, Jung prefers the abbreviation "GISci" to communicate the philosophy that GIS is "not just a tool, but a science." Jung said GIS "helps us understand the procession of place. We are living in a completely new era. We have unprecedented power to map anything, anytime. What does that mean?" Jung’s work focuses on qualitative GIS, which he said provides a new way to collect and analyze information. To illustrate the power of GIS, he described a research project he is working on that explores how children perceive their community. Jung and his colleagues interviewed children about the places they visit in their community and then used GIS technology to show the community on a visual basis. "When you show the community on a visual basis, it provides different truths about that neighborhood. It also makes it possible to visualize barriers and opportunities." Jung said. As he compared children who live in cities to children who live in suburbs, it became apparent that children in in the city have a smaller "activity space" than those in the suburbs. Jung defined "activity space" by the amount of space children have to move and walk around. The SENSEable City Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is using GIS technology in Rome, Italy. To visit that site, go to : http://senseable.mit.edu/realtimerome/. Santiago Lopez: "GIS - A spatial approach to addressing global environmental change" Lopez said he uses GIS "to help ask important questions about the space we live in, and to visualize that information." There is an unprecedented amount of data being created," he said. "How do we incorporate all the information to create knowledge?" Specifically, he is looking at changes in the landscape and what factors triggered those landscape changes. There is an unprecedented amount of data being created," he said. "How do we incorporate all the information to create knowledge?" Lopez described his research project which involves visualizing changes in physical systems in the tropical Andes region. "The human aspect of climate change in tropical Andes is larger than in Antarctica," he said. "By the end of the 21st century, the region could experience a change in temperature from 4.5 to 5 degrees. The effects include the shifting of grasslands and recession of mountain glaciers." Glaciers are important to regulate climate and to provide water to human populations, he noted. Lopez uses thematic mapping to illustrate his data. "With thematic mapping you can start asking questions and visualize changes," He said. "GIS allows accurate longitudinal characterizations of landscapes. We need to find innovative ways to find linkages between spatial data and human behavior." Ultimately, he hopes to determine the key factors to environmental change. Glacial Recession in the Andes Mountains More highlight photos from the day three events:
NICHCY Connections to...Including Students with Disabilities in State & District Assessments NICHCY is pleased to connect you with sources of information on including children with disabilities in state and district-wide assessments. This is an area of considerable concern and endeavor for state and local education agencies, educators, and families alike. Federal law--specifically, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)--requires that students with disabilities be included in large state or district assessment programs. In order to enable children with disabilities to participate in such general assessments, appropriate accommodations may be made, as necessary, as well as modifications in how the assessments are administered (including individual modifications, as appropriate). The decision as to whether a particular child will participate in a particular assessment belongs to the IEP team. The IEP team also specifies what accommodations or modifications that child will need in order to participate. However, a student's IEP team may also determine that the student cannot participate in a particular State or district-wide assessment of student achievement or part of such an assessment, even with modifications. If this is the case, the team must include a statement in the IEP as to why the assessment is not appropriate for the student and how he or she will be assessed. Under the law, the state or local education agency (SEA / LEA) must then assess the child using an alternate assessment. It's complicated---and yet very important. There is enormous pressure for accountability, and states routinely use high stakes testing programs that require students to reach a specified competency level in order to graduate. Thus, how these tests affect students with disabilities is an area of continuing concern. We hope the resources we've listed below will be useful to parents and professionals alike. They focus upon discussions of what high stakes testing means for students, what types of accommodations and modifications states are using to enable their participation, and what alternate assessments are being designed for students whose IEP teams determine that they cannot participate in a particular state or district test. The list below isn't intended to be exhaustive of the resources available on including children with disabilities in state and district assessments---it's ever-growing. We'll be adding to this page throughout the year, so check back now and again to see what's new! Reprinted with the permission of the National Dissemination Center. Add your own comment Today on Education.com - Kindergarten Sight Words List - The Five Warning Signs of Asperger's Syndrome - What Makes a School Effective? - Child Development Theories - Why is Play Important? Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Creative Development - 10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism - Bullying in Schools - Test Problems: Seven Reasons Why Standardized Tests Are Not Working - Should Your Child Be Held Back a Grade? Know Your Rights - First Grade Sight Words List
The Cold War/Changes in the USSR In 1984, Mikhail Gorbachev was unanimously elected leader of the USSR by the politburo. He was far younger (in his fifties!) than his predecessors, and, although still a committed Marxist-Leninist, was far more open to western ideas. When he came to power, he found out what had previously been kept from him: that the Soviet Union had massive financial problems: - A high percentage of the budget was being spent on subsidies. - The Afghanistan War was proving to be both expensive and unsuccessful. - The USA was putting on the pressure in the Arms Race, and the USSR did not have the money to keep up. - A large proportion of factories were running at a loss. - Military spending was high, and was difficult to cut, as no premier could afford to risk offending the Army. - The USSR, through COMECON, was supporting many other Communist states, and was entirely responsible for keeping the Cuban economy afloat. Gorbachev, in an attempt to solve these problems by increasing efficiency and productivity, introduced two policies: This meant 'openness'. People were allowed to criticize the way the country was run, the media were no longer controlled, political prisoners were released, and, in 1990, free elections were held, with non-Communist candidates. This meant 'economic restructuring'. Gorbachev decentralized the economy, allowing small businesses, thus motivating people to produce more, more efficiently. With regards to foreign policy, Gorbachev decided to let satellite states (such as those in Eastern Europe) go their own way - the USSR would not intervene in their affairs. One adviser called this the 'Sinatra Doctrine'. Problems caused by the Solutions These changes inevitably caused problems. Because of glasnost, people were, after years of repression under leaders like Stalin and Brezhnev, finally allowed to say what they thought about the government. Perestroika just was too little change, far too late to make any difference to the economy. Some good products were imported, but only enough to whet people's appetites so that they wanted more, but could not get it. People were still scared of the repression that they had lived under for so long, so not enough small businesses were created. In short, glasnost and perestroika meant that people started to protest more, paving the way to the breakup of the Soviet bloc in 1989, and the coup of 1991 which eventually lead to Gorbachev's resignation and the end of Communism in Russia. The Cold War Introduction - Background - Strategy - Truman Doctrine - Marshall Plan - Berlin Blockade - Korean War - Hungarian Uprising - Cuban Missile Crisis - USSR under Gorbachev - USA under Reagan - Arms Race - Space Race Please read the page creation guidelines before creating a new page.
Eugène Boudin (July 12, 1824 – August 8, 1898) was one of the first French landscape painters to paint outdoors. Events 1191 - Saladin 's garrison surrenders ending the two-year Siege of Acre. Year 1824 ( MDCCCXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar (or a Leap year Events 1220 - Sweden is defeated by Estonian tribes in the Battle of Lihula. Year 1898 ( MDCCCXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. For the art of designing external spaces see Landscape architecture. Boudin was a marine painter, and expert in the rendering of all that goes upon the sea and along its shores. Marine is an Umbrella term. As an adjective it is usually applicable to things relating to the Sea or Ocean, such as Marine biology, Marine His pastels, summary and economic, garnered the splendid eulogy of Baudelaire, and Corot who, gazing at his pictures, said to him, "You are the master of the sky. Pastel is an Art medium in the form of a stick consisting of pure powdered Pigment and a binder Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot ( July 17, 1796 &ndash February 22, 1875) was a French landscape painter and Printmaker " Born at Honfleur, Normandy, he worked in a small art shop where Claude Monet displayed his art work Le Havre and Honfleur across the estuary of the Seine. Honfleur is a commune in the Norman département of Calvados in France, located on the southern bank of the estuary Normandy (Normandie Norman: Normaundie) is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. Le Havre is a city in the northwest region of France situated on the right bank of the mouth of the Seine River as it outlets into the Bay of the Seine The Seine (sɛn in French) is a slow flowing major River and commercial waterway within the regions of Île-de-France and Haute-Normandie But before old age came on him, Boudin's father abandoned seafaring, and his son gave it up too, having no real vocation for it, though he preserved to his last days much of a sailor's character, frankness, accessibility, and open-heartedness. In 1835 his family moved to Le Havre, where his father established himself as stationer and frame-maker. Le Havre is a city in the northwest region of France situated on the right bank of the mouth of the Seine River as it outlets into the Bay of the Seine He began work the next year as an assistant in a stationery and framing store before opening his own small shop. There he came into contact with artists working in the area and exhibited in his shop the paintings of Constant Troyon and Jean-François Millet, who, along with Jean-Baptiste Isabey and Thomas Couture whom he met during this time, encouraged young Boudin to follow an artistic career. Constant Troyon ( August 28, 1810 - February 21, 1865) French painter, was born in Sèvres, near Paris Jean-François Millet ( October 4, 1814 &ndash January 20, 1875) was a French painter and one of the founders of the Barbizon Jean-Baptiste Isabey ( April 11, 1767 - April 18, 1855) French painter, was born at Nancy. Thomas Couture ( December 21, 1815 &ndash March 30, 1879) was an influential French history painter and teacher At the age of 22 he abandoned the world of commerce, started painting full-time, and traveled to Paris the following year and then through Flanders. Flanders (Vlaanderen Flandre Flandern is a geographical region located in parts of present day Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. In 1850 he earned a scholarship that enabled him to move to Paris, although he often returned to paint in Normandy and, from 1855, made regular trips to Brittany. Brittany (Breizh bʁejs Bretagne; Gallo: Bertaèyn) is a former independent Celtic kingdom and Duchy, now incorporated into Dutch 17th century masters profoundly influenced him, and on meeting the Dutch painter Johan Jongkind, who already made his mark in French artistic circles, Boudin was advised by his new friend to paint outdoors (en plein air). Johan Barthold Jongkind ( June 3, 1819 &ndash February 9, 1891) was a Dutch painter and printmaker regarded En plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air" and is particularly used to describe the act of Painting outdoors He also worked with Troyon and Isabey, and in 1859 met Gustave Courbet who introduced him to Charles Baudelaire, the first critic to draw Boudin’s talents to public attention when the artist made his debut at the 1859 Paris Salon. For the French Admiral see Admiral Courbet (1828-1885 Jean Désiré Gustave Courbet ( 10 June 1819 &ndash The Salon (Salon or rarely Paris Salon (French Salon de Paris) beginning in 1725 was the official Art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts In 1857 Boudin met the young Claude Monet who spent several months working with Boudin in his studio. Claude Monet ( French klod mɔnɛ also known as Oscar-Claude Monet or Claude Oscar Monet (14 November 1840 &ndash 5 December 1926 was a founder The two remained lifelong friends and Monet later paid tribute to Boudin’s early influence. Boudin joined Monet and his young friends in the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874, but never considered himself a radical or innovator. Impressionism was a 19th-century Art movement that began as a loose association of Paris -based Artists exhibiting their art publicly in the 1860s Boudin’s growing reputation enabled him to travel extensively in the 1870s. He visited Belgium, the Netherlands, and southern France, and from 1892 to 1895 made regular trips to Venice. He continued to exhibit at the Paris Salons, receiving a third place medal at the Paris Salon of 1881, and a gold medal at the 1889 Exposition Universelle. In 1892 Boudin was made a knight of the Légion d'honneur, a somewhat tardy recognition of his talents and influence on the art of his contemporaries. Late in his life he returned to the south of France as a refuge from ill-health, and recognizing soon that the relief it could give him was almost spent, he returned to his home at Deauville, to die within sight of Channel waters and under Channel skies. For the motorcycle of the same name see Honda Deauville. Deauville is a commune in the Calvados département The Eugene Boudin Prize is an award given by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts ( SNBA) was the term under which two groups of French artists united the first for some exhibitions in the early 1860s the second since 1890 Among the laureates of this award, the following painters were nominated:
? — 1618 ?) was a Portuguese-Brazilian poet. He is considered to be the introducer of Baroque and the first Brazilian poet — however, this last affirmation is contested by many historians. Details about Teixeira's life are very sparse. His birthplace is most commonly accepted to be Porto , to Manuel Álvares de Barros and Lianor Rodrigues. He moved to Brazil in 1567(?), most precisely to Bahia , but he had to flee to Pernambuco when he revealed he was Jewish In Pernambuco, he became a teacher of Arithmetics . Returning to Bahia, he married Filipa Raposa in the city of Ilhéus , in 1584(?). Allegedly, Teixeira murdered his wife under suspects of adultery , what made him flee to Pernambuco once more. Refugiated at the Monastery of São Bento , he wrote his masterpiece Prosopopeia Another version tells that Teixeira's wife accused him of being Jewish. After being interrogated and absolved in 1589, he was intimated by the caller of the Inquisition , and Teixeira then confessed that he was a follower of the Judaism . Enraged by his wife's delation, he murdered her and fled to the aforementioned monastery. However, he was found, arrested and sent to Lisbon in 1595(?), staying there until his death. Many works were attributed to Teixeira, such as:
The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) deals with the rules on the conduct of warfare, the rules relating to the rights and dutes of armed forces during a conflict, and the rules that protect potential or actual victims of armed conflict. LOAC is often also referred “international humanitarian law” or IHL. For a basic introduction to LOAC/IHL, see International Humanitarian Law: Answers to your Questions, published by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Research Guides & Bibliographies These resources are good starting points for most research projects. They will identify relevant books, articles, and websites. ASIL Guide to Electronic Resources for International Law, Humanitarian Law. Harvard Law Library, International Humanitarian Law research Guide. Globalex, research guides on international, foreign and comparative law topics. The Peace Palace Library has a number of research guides on the topic of War, Peace and Security, which include citations to books and articles, along with links to online sources of interest. Research Guide: International Humanitarian Law. United Nations Documentation: Research Guide.
Description - Touching four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan's 3,288-mile shoreline consist of two separate areas, Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula. Along Michigan's western shore lies the Great Lake Michigan. The southeastern shore fringes Lake Erie and the northeastern shore borders Lake Huron. Along the Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior dominates. Michigan's Great Lake harbors are an area of domestic and international commerce and also a rich haven for recreation. Popular destinations include Tawas Bay, Saginaw Bay, and Traverse Bay. Compounding the rich natural resource of the Great Lakes, Michigan has over 11,000 smaller lakes and thousands of miles of rivers and streams. As a result, the state is one of the leading industrial, farming, tourist, and mining states in the nation. Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests Duck Lake State Park features a towering sand dune and ideal water sports. - Michigan has several nicknames; one such name is The Water Wonderland. With lands that share the Great Lakes, Michigan has more fresh water than any other state in the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts descending on Michigan's waters are limited only by their imagination. State parks, national parks and forests, national wildlife refuges, and a host of other public lands border both the interior waters and the Great Lakes. Popular destinations include Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore where visitors enjoy beautiful coastal forests, white sand beaches, and towering 460-foot dune formations. Sterling State Park, sitting on the shores of Lake Erie's Brest Bay, provides good wildlife and bird life viewing opportunities amid the marshland habitat. Lake Huron is a Mecca of destinations including Tawas Point and Harrisville State Parks, Huron National Forest and Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge. Situated along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, well known hiking parks include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Michigan is also home to the only seasonal national park in the country, Isle Royale National Park. Located approximately 50 miles north of the mainland via a 6-hour ferry ride, Isle Royale is surrounded by Lake Superior and is recognized as the best backpacking park east of the Rockies. Rivers and streams are a major contributor to Michigan's popularity. The Black River, which passes through the Ottawa National Forest, has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River attracting thousands of nature lovers each year. Found in the Lower Peninsula, the scenic Au Sable River is a major tributary to Lake Huron providing an array of experiences that include everything from power boating to viewing migrations. The Big Sable, Presque Isle, and Pine rivers are just three more waterways amid a lengthy list of recreation attractions. Recreation - Much of Michigan's recreation centers on its most plentiful natural resource. Water sport enthusiasts can water ski, sail, scuba dive, swim, freshwater fish, hunt for waterfowl, canoe, kayak, ice fish, enjoy the thrill of wave running or just kick back and relax while floating on a pontoon and houseboat. Climate - This state normally experiences mild summers with average temperatures near 70 to 80 degrees F. Nights can be cool in the northern reaches of the state with lows dipping near 50 degrees F. August and September are the wettest months on average. Fall temperatures begin to cool in mid September, which brings a spectacular fall foliage color change. Days are crisp and nights chilly during this time of year. Winters can be brutal in Michigan with lake-effect snows bringing 200 inches of snow to some areas in the Upper Peninsula. Spring reaches the southern regions of the state in late March and a few weeks later in the north. This time of year is also very wet with snow melt and spring rains. Michigan Lakes are scatttered throughout the entire state.
From the NEWS Shah Allah Ditta caves are located on the route leading towards Khanpur. These caves are next to the shrine and tomb of a Mughal period ‘dervish,’ Shah Allah Ditta. Once you start travelling on Golra Sharif Road, a sharp turn comes for a village named after the saint — Shah Allah Ditta. The narrow road leads towards Margalla Hills on the base of which these caves are located. Old Banyan trees at the roadside marks the entrance to the caves. The caves are in the form of tufa (a rough, thick, rock-like calcium carbonate deposit that forms by precipitation from bodies of water with a high dissolved calcium content) caverns with a stream about 17 metres below. According to the research conducted by Taxila Institute of Asian Civilisations Director Dr. M Salim, tufa deposits are from the late Pleistocene Period and 17 metres is the maximum thickness of tufa deposits recorded in this area. There are two caves in general, which further bifurcate into two more portions. They are arranged in a crescent form on tufa rocks at foothills of the Margallas. This cliff is located at the base of Margalla Hills and has ancient city of Taxila on its back. It is reported that the people of Taxila also used these caves in Buddhist times. The caves have a spring water stream in the middle. The water of the stream is collected in a man-made pond. There is an arch opening into this pond and steps leading down into the water. The caves have underground warm mineral water springs, which the locals believe, have powers to heal their illnesses. These caves have some important religious significance as well for the local people as devotees visit the place often. We found signs of burning of ‘diyas’ on the cave walls that these people have been burning and many ‘taveez’ or amulets were tied to roots of old Banyan trees. Banyan trees are interlaced with the caves so tightly that they have become their part and facade. On the outer wall of the caves there are paintings on the red toned mud plaster. The paintings are more like drawings with the black and terracotta red paint. Unfortunately, the people who visited the place have totally vandalised paintings on the wall. Now only an eye of a human face is left to give us clue that there were some paintings on the wall. The remains of red pottery and flaked artefacts of limestone have been discovered all around the caves. Dr. M Salim and his team have found evidence that makes them believe that these caves were in the use from the middle stone-age period. The caves have platform like formations between them, indicating a raised area where ‘sadhus’ or priests performed their acts of spiritual meditations. There are many fossilised deposits found here. The Taxila Institute of Asian Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, has dated these to the late Pleistocene Period. Recently, a research team of the Comsats University, in a joint venture with Natural History Museum, visited the caves. The idea was to collect samples for dating the correct time period of these cavern like caves. And to create awareness about these caves, which are there for many thousands of years ignored by the people of Islamabad. The initial conclusion of the team that was made on the site after looking at tufa fossils was that it was a very important discovery, as it gives clues about the botanical life of this area as well as also tells geologists about the cultural life that has been going on in these caves. Hence these caves have dual importance as they hide scientific as well as anthropological clues within them. The director general of Natural History Museum was certain that these fossils were thousands of years old and immediately need to be taken under the protection as national heritage sites. The team took many samples from the site for dating the caves. These caves need our immediate attention or they will vanish without a trace. They are situated at such a place that they will most certainly become part of some housing scheme sooner or later. It is our heritage that we are ignoring. We need to take immediate steps to save these caves from their hopeless and doomed conditions and preserve them for our coming generations. —- By Samra M. Khan (associate professor) & Aisha Imdad (assistant professor), Department of Architecture, Comsats Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad
Improve the quality of life of ordinary citizens by strengthening sustainable, legitimate livelihoods. Decades of ongoing conflict, political instability, drought and economic chaos has left Afghanistan one of the world’s poorest and unstable nations. Eighty-five percent of the population relies on agriculture and natural resource-based livelihoods, leaving them vulnerable in a precarious economy. - Agriculture & Food: Increasing farmers' production through training, infrastructure and links to local and global markets - Economic opportunity: Providing training and work opportunities in areas ranging from road-building to poultry farming - Water: Supporting equal, sustainable access to water resources for farmers - Women & Gender: Helping women learn job skills and start small businesses All stories about Afghanistan Afghanistan: Winter in Afghanistan brings its own challenges January 31, 2012 In freezing conditions, Afghanistan's most vulnerable are in need of water and warmth. As we help them cope with immediate needs, we're also building a stronger economy to help break the cycle of poverty. Afghanistan: Setting a strong development agenda December 3, 2011 Ten years after the international intervention in Afghanistan began and the Taliban regime fell, world leaders are this week gathering in Germany to discuss Afghanistan's future. Afghanistan: Helmand-born, university-bound November 10, 2011 I was at the Mercy Corps Vocational Training Centre this morning checking in with the team and catching up with some of the students and teachers. Afghanistan: What it's like in Helmand November 9, 2011 Helmand, where I’ve worked for the last two years, is certainly a fascinating place. It is a place where you can wake to yet another suicide bombing that rattles the windows and leaves you wondering who might have been the target this time. Afghanistan: 'All roads lead to women' May 6, 2011 This afternoon Gayle Tzemach Lemmon talked with Mercy Corps’ communications director Joy Portella and supporters from around the country and the world about the importance of investing in women -- a theme of her New York Times bestselling book, Th Afghanistan: New book honors Afghan women entrepreneurs March 7, 2011 International Women’s Day reminds me of the many courageous women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting during my last years at Mercy Corps. In all corners of the globe, women work tirelessly — sometimes against incredible odds — to build better, more prosperous and peaceful lives for their families. Afghanistan: When entrepreneurs need a boost December 2, 2010 Afghanistan: Searching for the next Frank Perdue November 15, 2010 Afghanistan: Better than meeting Springsteen November 11, 2010 Some people are thrilled to meet rock stars or celebrities. I, on the other hand, get really excited about meeting grape growers. Afghanistan: Afghan farmers get noticed by NY Times October 8, 2010 I'm a big consumer of news, and sometimes I get tired of reading about the same old cadre of high-profile folks: politicians, celebrities, big business types — the "news makers." It's rare to hear about how current events impact normal people; even rarer to hear about the impoverished and voicele
It was April 14, 1912. At 11:40 p.m. the ill-fated Titanic, touted as unsinkable, struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York, killing 1,507 people. In 1985, a team of U.S. and French scientists led by Robert Ballard discovered its watery grave. Since then, fewer than 100 people have journeyed into the depths of the North Atlantic to visit the doomed ship. Michael Harris and his son Sebastian are two of them. GUINNESS RECORD HOLDER On August 5, 2005 Sebastian Harris became the youngest person ever to dive on the Titanic. Diving to a depth of 12,500+ feet put him in the Guinness Book of World Records. To the thirteen-year-old, that’s pretty cool. But Michael Harris, Sebastian’s dad, points out that it wasn’t really the Titanic or the depth that made it so special. For both Michael and Sebastian, the significance was that father and son went on this adventure together. Michael had been to the Titanic site seven times before. He’s dived in search of Amelia Earhart and he’s recovered incredible artifacts from ancient Chinese dynasties and still he says the thrill of sharing a dive with his son outweighs all his other accomplishments. 'THE SUBMERSIBLE IS LOOSE' Michael and two other men were in the submersible, MIR2 as it surfaced from a dive in August 2000. The normal procedure meant the MIR2 would be literally picked up out the sea and returned to the deck of the Russian research vessel, Keldysh . But a storm swell lifted the Keldysh up on a huge wave. As the Keldysh rose, the sub with Michael aboard slid down the side of an opposing wave. The Keldysh crashed down on the sub and the inhabitants were tossed around the inside of the tiny cabin. The CO2 scrubbers in the submersible were damaged and malfunctioned and the air was no longer the right mix to sustain life. CO2 levels were rising fast. In the capsule just large enough to hold the three adult men, a fire was burning. The collision had broken the MIR2 free from the Keldysh. The Keldysh crew struggled to capture and recover the MIR2, but it looked like death was certain for the men inside. After several harrowing hours being tossed in the wounded submersible, rescue crews were finally able to pull the men on board the Keldysh and they were spared. But facing what appeared to be certain death made Michael really think about his own life. When it looked like he would die in the submersible, he thought of his wife and his kids and the life he had led so far. He wondered what his 36 years of life were worth. He wondered what he had missed by being so focused on the Titanic’s dead and the past. Even though he began to apologize to God during that storm, and even though Michael had been an atheist, he would contemplate this whole new concept of the significance of life for the coming three weeks. Not only was there a life-threatening storm on the sea that night, but over the next several days storms raged in Michael’s business and personal life. The company he headed was taken from him by his business partners. He says there was just upheaval everywhere. Suddenly this atheist found himself without a job or a plan or any thoughts as to how it could all work out. Then he received a call from one of the other two men trapped with him that night on the sea. The man said his mother wanted to talk to Michael. Michael says he has no recollection of that 3.5 hour conversation with this woman. He says the lady told him later it was nothing more than a demonic tirade from him while she patiently talked to him about how the Lord was with him and wanted to save him from his sins. Michael can’t explain it, but at the end of the 3.5 hours with all the resistance gone out of him, the woman finally asked if he was ready to ask Jesus into his heart and Michael said, “Yes.” IT’S ALL ABOUT LIFE In the five short years since Michael made his decision, his wife and children have also been saved and all his thinking about the importance of life and the living has begun to make sense. He is now thrilled to be, first and foremost, a husband and father who keeps his priorities as God, family and then work. Michael says that what he learned when he almost died in 2000 was exactly the opposite of what he’d believed for years. For him, diving on the Titanic had originally been about the 1507 people who died. His exploration of the site had been about how life ended there and what the remains could tell us. He says he felt his job was to protect and preserve the memory of those who died. Since his salvation, God has given Michael back his company including the Titanic exhibit he created. During the years since he lost his job, he says God miraculously provided for his family even when there was no work for him. Michael and Amy developed a habit of giving to the Lord which has resulted in continued blessings. Michael has had theories about what really happened to the Titanic and how the sinking may actually have occurred. In his last dive with son Sebastian, he made several exciting discoveries that seem to confirm his theories. “We found a new debris field about 900 meters south of the stern, which supports my long-standing belief that the Titanic began to break apart and sink further south than where she currently sits.” The discovery of personal artifacts in this area, some of which include Gladstone bags, women’s shoes and White Star Line china, contribute to the validity of his theories on the ship’s final moments. In addition to the newly discovered debris field, damaged pieces of the ship’s hull were also discovered for the first time. These findings support what Michael calls the “grounding theory.” This theory suggests the Titanic rode up onto the iceberg, damaging the plates on the underside of the ship, and causing water to enter through the damaged plates in the bottom of the hull. Michael and Amy are members of the 700 Club’s Chairman’s Circle. They live in Belleair, Florida with their four children. Amy and their older two children are certified divers and Michael says each child will take their deep water dive with dad when the time is right. A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
The efforts of volunteers to increase public awareness of invasive plant issues are invaluable in protecting native plants, animals, and their habitats in the Refuge System. – Jenny Ericson, Invasive Species Volunteer Coordinator, USFWS What’s It All About? This module on Public Outreach will provide you with a look at - understanding the audience as learners - how to engage an audience during a presentation - the nuts and bolts of an effective presentation - a PowerPoint slide show and interactive activities that can be used for giving a presentation - online resources of invasive plant information for a presentation
by Zakutnyaya Olga Moscow (Voice of Russia) May 15, 2012 Light coming from an exoplanet only eight times larger than the Earth was observed with the help of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. With the advent of new space and Earth-based devices, the study of exoplanets has become more intensive and competitive than ever. Even though no 'entrance fee' is required to enter the space race, Russia still considers exoplanet research as a potential, rather than real, prospect. The planet under close scrutiny is orbiting a star in the Cancer constellation and is called 55 Cancri e, since its star has four other planets. Exoplanet 55 Cancri e faces its star, 55 Cancri A, whose temperature exceeds 2000 Kelvin, with only one side, and takes a little less than 18 hours to complete an orbit. As the star is relatively close to our Solar System (55 Cancri A can be observed with naked eye), and the planet's position is convenient for observation, the planet was chosen as a promising target for further studies. The study was performed by an international team of researchers with the help of the Spitzer Space Telescope. The results will be published in the Astrophysical Journal. While preliminary observations studied the planet as it passed in front of its star, thus affecting the appearance of the latter, a new study was aimed at the planet's composition. Therefore researchers tried to detect infrared light coming from the planet itself. Collected data were interpreted and revealed evidence that 55 Cancri e most likely has a rocky core enveloped in an extremely thin atmosphere, that does not allow the heat from the sun-facing side to be transferred to the other side. It might also be covered by water in a so-called 'super-critical' state, which is both liquid water and gas. Such observations can also prove useful as they allow the orbit of the planet to be defined more accurately and therefore helping make assumptions about its internal structure. For example, tidal forces can lead to extensive volcanism that might be supporting the atmosphere of the planet. The work performed by researchers paves the way for further, more detailed studies of exoplanets. While Spitzer, launched nearly a decade ago (in August 2003), was primarily used for studying radiation from hot 'Jupiters' (gas giants that are very close to their host stars), a new generation of telescopes, the James Webb Space Telescope being the first to name, might bring a wealth of data on emissions from super-Earths, or much smaller rocky planets comparable to the Earth. Although they frequently say that the technique applied in the current research can be used to detect signs of life on other planets, studies of the overall structure and composition of alien worlds are no less promising for their own sake, since they can help one to understand the formation of planetary systems around stars. The study and discovery exoplanets evolves rapidly. More than 750 planets outside the Solar System have been found since 1992 (to name only confirmed ones). Even more are promised by the continued operation of NASA's Kepler observatory, specially dedicated to search for extrasolar planetary systems, that led to wave of new exoplanets (accounting for thousands since its launch in 2009) discovered on a routine basis. However, since we know that there are other planets outside of our Solar System, it is not enough to find a new one, but rather to obtain its detailed characteristics and to find a rather peculiar planet. Therefore it is of utter importance that new instruments possess high sensitivity since the objects being studied are extremely far and faint (strictly speaking, the telescopes do not detect planets themselves, but rather their effects on the host star, thus making the task even more complicated). The search for life or planets capable of sustaining life is only part of the task, since no one really knows how life can manifest itself. It would be more precise to say that studying other planetary systems brings us closer to understanding the way planets evolve and whether there are common laws for planetary formation. Up until now only few planetary systems have been found that resemble our own Solar System, where gas giants orbit the Sun in the outer regions and small rocky planets - in the inner regions. Suprisingly, we see the contrary: gas giants that seem to like form near their stars, thus shattering earlier theories on the origin and evolution of planetary systems. The study of exoplanets was one of the space exploration development strategies specified by the Federal Space Agency. According to the document, other planetary systems are to be studied from a period lasting till 2030. As there are no specific details on the plan, one is left to speculate what actual steps will be taken to actually carry out these studies. As for now, Russia does not have observatories specifically dedicated to the task, and it is unlikely that there will be any, since the history of other space instruments, such as Spitzer or Kepler, counts several decades from initial idea to the actual design. Probably, there might be some kind of program that will use Earth-based facilities, but its specific structure is unclear. Furthermore, as technology and data processing methods develop rapidly, the task to study other planets might become kind of a routine by the end of 2020's. To stay in trend, one is better to start today. Daily Russian News Lands Beyond Beyond - extra solar planets - news and science Life Beyond Earth Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login. Free-floating planets in the Milky Way outnumber stars by factors of thousands Heidelberg, Germany (SPX) May 11, 2012 A few hundred thousand billion free-floating life-bearing Earth-sized planets may exist in the space between stars in the Milky Way. So argues an international team of scientists led by Professor Chandra Wickramasinghe, Director of the Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology at the University of Buckingham, UK. Their findings are published online in the Springer journal Astrophysics and Space S ... read more \|The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2012 - Space Media Network. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. 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The spine is composed of 33 interlocking bones called vertebrae. The lumbosacral region of the spine (or lumbar spine) consists of 5 lumbar vertebrae and 5 sacral vertebrae. The sacral vertebrae, which are fused together, are called the sacrum. A disc is located between each pair of lumbar vertebrae. The discs are capsules of connective tissue with a soft, jellylike center. The discs absorb shock and make the spine flexible. The bones of the sacrum are joined to one another and have no discs between them. The vertebrae are supported by ropy tissues called ligaments and groups of muscles: The spinal cord runs through the spinal canal, a tunnel that is formed by the holes in the center of each of the vertebrae. Nerves branch from the spinal cord, pass through openings (foraminae) between the vertebrae, and branch to the lower body. \|Primary Medical Reviewer\|\|William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine\| \|Specialist Medical Reviewer\|\|Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics\| \|Last Revised\|\|December 14, 2011\| Last Revised: December 14, 2011 Author: Healthwise Staff To learn more visit Healthwise.org © 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
William Wordsworth (7 April 1770 – 23 April 1850) was a major English Romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped to launch the Romantic Age in English literature with the 1798 joint publication Lyrical Ballads. Wordsworth's magnum opus is generally considered to be The Prelude, a semiautobiographical poem of his early years which the poet revised and expanded a number of times. The work was posthumously titled and published, prior to which it was generally known as the poem "to Coleridge". Wordsworth was England's Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death in 1850. See main article: William Wordsworth's early life. The second of four children born to John Wordsworth and Ann Cookson, William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 in Cockermouth in Cumberland—part of the scenic region in northwest England, the Lake District. His sister, the poet and diarist Dorothy Wordsworth, to whom he was close all his life, was born the following year, and the two were baptized together. They had three other siblings: Richard, the eldest, who became a lawyer; John, born after Dorothy, who would become a poet and enjoy nature with William and Dorothy until he died in an 1809 shipwreck, which only the captain escaped; and Christopher, the youngest, who would become an academician. Their father was a legal representative of James Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale and, through his connections, lived in a large mansion in the small town. Wordsworth, as with his siblings, had little involvement with their father, and they would be distant with him until his death in 1783. Wordsworth's father, although rarely present, did teach him poetry, including that of Milton, Shakespeare and Spenser, in addition to allowing his son to rely on his father's library. In addition to spending his time reading in Cockermouth, he would stay at his mother's parents home in Penrith, Cumberland. At Penrith, Wordsworth was exposed to the moors and was influenced by his experience with the landscape and was further turned toward nature by the harsh treatment he received at the hands of his relatives. In particular, Wordsworth could not get along with his grandparents and his uncle, and his hostile interactions with them distressed him to the point of contemplating suicide. After the death of their mother, in 1778, John Wordsworth sent William to Hawkshead Grammar School and Dorothy to live with relatives in Yorkshire; she and William would not meet again for another nine years. Although Hawkshead was Wordsworth's first serious experience with education, he had been taught to read by his mother and had attended a tiny school of low quality in Cockermouth. After the Cockermouth school, he was sent to a school in Penrith for the children of upper-class families and taught by Ann Birkett, a woman who insisted on instilling in her students traditions that included pursuing both scholarly and local activities, especially the festivals around Easter, May Day, and Shrove Tuesday. Wordsworth was taught both the Bible and the Spectator, but little else. It was at the school that Wordsworth was to meet the Hutchinsons, including Mary, who would be his future wife. Wordsworth made his debut as a writer in 1787 when he published a sonnet in The European Magazine. That same year he began attending St John's College, Cambridge, and received his A.B. degree in 1791. He returned to Hawkshead for his first two summer holidays, and often spent later holidays on walking tours, visiting places famous for the beauty of their landscape. In 1790, he took a walking tour of Europe, during which he toured the Alps extensively, and visited nearby areas of France, Switzerland and Italy. His youngest brother, Christopher, rose to be Master of Trinity College. In November 1791, Wordsworth visited Revolutionary France and became enthralled with the Republican movement. He fell in love with a French woman, Annette Vallon, who in 1792 gave birth to their child, Caroline. Because of lack of money and Britain's tensions with France, he returned alone to England the next year. The circumstances of his return and his subsequent behaviour raise doubts as to his declared wish to marry Annette, but he supported her and his daughter as best he could in later life. During this period, he wrote his acclaimed "It is a beauteous evening, calm and free," recalling his seaside walk with his daughter, whom he had not seen for ten years. At the conception of this poem, he had never seen his daughter before. The occurring lines reveal his deep love for both child and mother. The Reign of Terror estranged him from the Republican movement, and war between France and Britain prevented him from seeing Annette and Caroline again for several years. There are strong suggestions that Wordsworth may have been depressed and emotionally unsettled in the mid-1790s. With the Peace of Amiens again allowing travel to France, in 1802 Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, visited Annette and Caroline in France and arrived at a mutually agreeable settlement regarding Wordsworth's obligations. In his "Preface to Lyrical Ballads" which is called the "manifesto" of English Romantic criticism, Wordsworth calls his poems "experimental". The year 1793 saw Wordsworth's first published poetry with the collections An Evening Walk and Descriptive Sketches. He received a legacy of £900 from Raisley Calvert in 1795 so that he could pursue writing poetry. That year, he met Samuel Taylor Coleridge in Somerset. The two poets quickly developed a close friendship. In 1797, Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, moved to Alfoxton House, Somerset, just a few miles away from Coleridge's home in Nether Stowey. Together, Wordsworth and Coleridge (with insights from Dorothy) produced Lyrical Ballads (1798), an important work in the English Romantic movement. The volume had neither the name of Wordsworth nor Coleridge as the author. One of Wordsworth's most famous poems, "Tintern Abbey", was published in the work, along with Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". The second edition, published in 1800, had only Wordsworth listed as the author, and included a preface to the poems, which was significantly augmented in the 1802 edition. This Preface to Lyrical Ballads is considered a central work of Romantic literary theory. In it, Wordsworth discusses what he sees as the elements of a new type of poetry, one based on the "real language of men" and which avoids the poetic diction of much eighteenth-century poetry. Here, Wordsworth gives his famous definition of poetry as the "the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings from emotions recollected in tranquility."A fourth and final edition of Lyrical Ballads was published in 1805. Wordsworth, Dorothy and Coleridge travelled to Germany in the autumn of 1798. While Coleridge was intellectually stimulated by the trip, its main effect on Wordsworth was to produce homesickness. During the harsh winter of 1798–1799, Wordsworth lived with Dorothy in Goslar, and, despite extreme stress and loneliness, he began work on an autobiographical piece later titled The Prelude. He wrote a number of famous poems, including "The Lucy poems". He and his sister moved back to England, now to Dove Cottage in Grasmere in the Lake District, and this time with fellow poet Robert Southey nearby. Wordsworth, Coleridge and Southey came to be known as the "Lake Poets". Through this period, many of his poems revolve around themes of death, endurance, separation and grief. In 1802, after returning from his trip to France with Dorothy to visit Annette and Caroline, Lowther's heir, William Lowther, 1st Earl of Lonsdale, repaid the ₤4,000 debt owed to Wordsworth's father incurred through Lowther's failure to pay his aide. Later that year, Wordsworth married a childhood friend, Mary Hutchinson. Dorothy continued to live with the couple and grew close to Mary. The following year, Mary gave birth to the first of five children: 1.) Isabella Curwen (d. 1848) had six children: Jane, Henry, William, John, Charles and Edward. 2.) Helen Ross (d. 1854). No issue. 3.) Mary Ann Dolan (d. after 1858) had 1 daughter Dora (b.1858). 4.) Mary Gamble. No issue. Wordsworth had for years been making plans to write a long philosophical poem in three parts, which he intended to call The Recluse. He had in 1798–99 started an autobiographical poem, which he never named but called the "poem to Coleridge", which would serve as an appendix to The Recluse. In 1804, he began expanding this autobiographical work, having decided to make it a prologue rather than an appendix to the larger work he planned. By 1805, he had completed it, but refused to publish such a personal work until he had completed the whole of The Recluse. The death of his brother, John, in 1805 affected him strongly. The source of Wordsworth's philosophical allegiances as articulated in The Prelude and in such shorter works as "Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey" has been the source of much critical debate. While it had long been supposed that Wordsworth relied chiefly on Coleridge for philosophical guidance, more recent scholarship has suggested that Wordsworth's ideas may have been formed years before he and Coleridge became friends in the mid 1790s. While in Revolutionary Paris in 1792, the twenty-two year old Wordsworth made the acquaintance of the mysterious traveller John "Walking" Stewart (1747–1822), who was nearing the end of a thirty-years' peregrination from Madras, India, through Persia and Arabia, across Africa and all of Europe, and up through the fledgling United States. By the time of their association, Stewart had published an ambitious work of original materialist philosophy entitled The Apocalypse of Nature (London, 1791), to which many of Wordsworth's philosophical sentiments are likely indebted. In 1807, his Poems in Two Volumes were published, including "". Up to this point Wordsworth was known publicly only for Lyrical Ballads, and he hoped this collection would cement his reputation. Its reception was lukewarm, however. For a time (starting in 1810), Wordsworth and Coleridge were estranged over the latter's opium addiction. Two of his children, Thomas and Catherine, died in 1812. The following year, he received an appointment as Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland, and the £400 per year income from the post made him financially secure. His family, including Dorothy, moved to Rydal Mount, Ambleside (between Grasmere and Rydal Water) in 1813, where he spent the rest of his life. In 1814 he published The Excursion as the second part of the three-part The Recluse. He had not completed the first and third parts, and never would. He did, however, write a poetic Prospectus to "The Recluse" in which he lays out the structure and intent of the poem. The Prospectus contains some of Wordsworth's most famous lines on the relation between the human mind and nature: My voice proclaims How exquisitely the individual Mind (And the progressive powers perhaps no less Of the whole species) to the external World Is fitted:--and how exquisitely, too, Theme this but little heard of among Men, The external World is fitted to the Mind. Some modern critics recognize a decline in his works beginning around the mid-1810s. But this decline was perhaps more a change in his lifestyle and beliefs, since most of the issues that characterize his early poetry (loss, death, endurance, separation and abandonment) were resolved in his writings. But, by 1820, he enjoyed the success accompanying a reversal in the contemporary critical opinion of his earlier works. Following the death of his friend the painter William Green in 1823, Wordsworth mended relations with Coleridge. The two were fully reconciled by 1828, when they toured the Rhineland together. Dorothy suffered from a severe illness in 1829 that rendered her an invalid for the remainder of her life. In 1835, Wordsworth gave Annette and Caroline the money they needed for support. Wordsworth received an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree in 1838 from Durham University, and the same honor from Oxford University the next year. In 1842 the government awarded him a civil list pension amounting to £300 a year. With the death in 1843 of Robert Southey, Wordsworth became the Poet Laureate. When his daughter, Dora, died in 1847, his production of poetry came to a standstill. William Wordsworth died by re-aggravating a case of pleurisy on April 23rd, 1850, and was buried at St. Oswald's church in Grasmere. His widow Mary published his lengthy autobiographical "poem to Coleridge" as The Prelude several months after his death. Though this failed to arouse great interest in 1850, it has since come to be recognized as his masterpiece.
Uffizi GalleryArticle Free Pass Uffizi Gallery, Italian Galleria degli Uffizi, art museum in Florence that has the world’s finest collection of Italian Renaissance painting, particularly of the Florentine school. It also has antiques, sculpture, and more than 100,000 drawings and prints. In 1559 the grand duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de’ Medici, engaged the painter-architect Giorgio Vasari to plan a building for the offices (uffizi) of the government judiciary. The Uffizi Palace (1560–80), one of the most important examples of Italian Mannerist architecture, has been subsequently enlarged and remodeled, but always in keeping with Vasari’s original design. After Cosimo I died in 1574, the new grand duke, Francis I, commissioned Bernardo Buontalenti to convert the top floor of the Uffizi into a repository for the art treasures amassed by the Medici family from the time of Cosimo the Elder (1389–1464) on. These galleries were expanded in the 17th century by the grand duke Ferdinand II and his brother, Cardinal Leopoldo, who collected the artist self-portraits later exhibited in the Vasari corridor connecting the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace. In the 18th century the Medici’s personal property was bequeathed to the Lorraine family with a pact providing that the works of art should always remain in Florence. It was the grand duke Leopold I who gave the Uffizi its status as a museum in the 18th century. He had its collections reorganized, appointed its first director (1769), and opened it to the public. The Uffizi Gallery has a comprehensive and voluminous collection of Florentine paintings from the Late Gothic through the Renaissance and Mannerist periods. Its holdings of works by Sandro Botticelli are quite extraordinary, and the Uffizi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florence. A car-bomb explosion in 1993 killed six people and seriously damaged parts of the gallery, though few of its masterworks were harmed. In the wake of the bombing the museum was rebuilt, and over the subsequent decade an expansion of the Uffizi’s gallery space was planned. The Nuovi Uffizi project was begun in 2007, with the goal of more than doubling the size of the Uffizi’s exhibition area. New galleries featuring Dutch, Flemish, French, and Spanish artists were unveiled in 2011, and a series of rooms highlighting the works of 16th-century Tuscan artists were dedicated the following year. What made you want to look up "Uffizi Gallery"? Please share what surprised you most...
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (abbreviated J. Acoust. Soc. Am. or JASA) is a scientific journal in the field of acoustics, published by the Acoustical Society of America. It contains technical articles on sound, vibration, speech and other topics. Access to articles is by subscription or purchase, though most universities have access. Children with hearing loss struggle to hear in noisy school classrooms, even with the help of hearing aids and other devices to amplify their teacher's voice. Training the brain to filter out background noise and thus understand ... Health Feb 11, 2013 \| not rated yet \| 0
President of the Southern States Out of the depths of the 80’s, Ta-Nehisi Coates unveils Hank Williams, Jr’s “If the South Woulda Won,” an absolutely astonishing hymn to how great it woulda been: Coates laconically suggests we “Notice the whiteness of the “we,” and generally how black people do not figure in.” Which is true, but doesn’t even scratch the surface of the crazy. Let’s start with the almost total evacuation of politics into culture: in the world of this song, the idea of Hank Williams, Jr, singing “I’d probably run for president of the Southern States” comes to seem almost natural since the singer’s father, Hank Williams senior, has his picture on the hundred dollar bill and “the day Elvis passed way would be our national holiday” (reprised with Lynrd Skynrd and Patsy Cline). If the South woulda won, in other words, the nation woulda been defined by a sainted aristocracy of cultural heroes. Which makes some sense; such a polity has to be imagined specifically not in terms of political figures — the Lee’s, the Jackson’s, the Jefferson Davis’ etc — because those people are tainted by actual politics, the actual real world in which black people exist and were enslaved. Instead, you have to invest authenticity (and civic authority) in entertainers, who can give you the fantasy. This might be why, instead of restoring Richmond, the historical capital of the confederacy, he imagines how “we’d put that capitol back in Alabama,” whatever that means. Some other highlights are the line “We’d put Florida on the right track, cause we’d take Miami back” — not that we’re racist or anything — and the amusing conceit that “Southern Justice” had anything to do with proof, as in the line “If they were proven guilty, then they would swing quickly, instead of writing books and smiling’ on TV.” It’s also kind of cute that he wants to ban all the “cars made in China.” Oh, the 80’s! But what really caught my attention was the great blast of NOLA brass from about 1:20-1:38, by far the funkiest part of the entire song. Up until that point, the closest thing we’ve gotten to syncopation is the little riff off “Dixieland” that punctuates the line “…president of the Southern States”; the rest of the song is the ploddingly dead country beat so beloved of boring musicians like him. But for about eighteen seconds in the middle of the song (and then reprised at the very end), we get a whole bunch of what is a distinctly, if not exclusively, black form of music. That’s not to say its Rebirth or anything, just to echo what Jorgen Harris pointed out in the comments to that post, that in moments like that you see — slipping through – “how huge the influence of black southerners has been on the southern culture that CSA nostalgics are so proud of.” Which is why it’s also worth noting that when he gets to Louisiana (in his state-by-state shout out), he emphasizes “cajun cooking” which is followed by a lick of cajun fiddle music right afterward. When it comes to celebrating Louisiana, you see, it’s important that the blackness of that musical lineage be displaced onto a safely white set of references, the white Acadians/Cajuns. Which got me thinking. Who are the musicians actually playing that music? Are they white or are they black? Not that it really matters, of course; but it would be interesting at least, if some of the session people on that track — as a commenter suggested — were not white. And the thing about the internet is that you can find out a lot of information while sitting at your kitchen table drinking coffee on a Saturday morning. So, after clicking around, I determined that — surprise! — all the horn players playing NOLA style brass music are white. I started with Wikipedia, which tells us that the horn section consisted of Herbert Bruce, Ray Carroll, Quitman Dennis, Jack Hale, Michael Haynes, Jim Horn, Jerry McKinney. Herbert Bruce (trombone) is white. Ray Carroll (trumpet) was a longtime member of the Nashville Brass (whose recordings he now sells on the internet), and if this album cover is any indication, he is white. Quitman Dennis was harder, but via this account of Bobby Darin’s last concert, I determined that Dennis was one of the four backing musicians at that show, and in this clip of that show, you can see his glorious caucasionicity shining forth as he plays bass (he was a bassist as well as a sax player and arranger for Darin). Jack Hale is white. Jerry McKinney (saxophone) is a white guy, as I determined from this video of “Larry Raspberry and the High Steppers.” Jim Horn (baritone saxophone), is a white sax player who played sax on Pet Sounds, it appears. And finally, Michael Haynes… Well, when I found out he played trumpet with Confederate Railroad, I lost interest in searching any further. So there’s that.
- Pregnancy & Childbirth - Attachment Parenting - Family Nutrition - Family Wellness It's fascinating how even children in the same family are so different from one another. A child's individual personality is determined, at least in part, by their inborn temperament, which begins to reveal its self soon after birth. One three-month-old baby may be described as "laid-back," while another three- month-old may need to be constantly entertained. Your job as a parent is to help your child become the best he or she can be. This means nurturing your child in a way that shapes his or her nature to the child's advantage. The toys you select for your child can help you do this. A shy child might benefit from toys that require interaction with other people—games that use the thinking skills she excels in but that are played with a partner. A very active or aggressive child probably should not have an assortment of toy weapons at his disposal. Instead, think sports equipment or skates or balls—toys that channel energy away from violent play. If you feel that an aggressive child needs to learn more about caring for others, your first thought may be to give that child a baby doll or a teddy bear. But will he play with it? Instead try toys that encourage caregiving activities on a heroic scale—equipment to play police officer (minus the gun) or fire fighter. Avoid the trap of selecting toys for the child you wish you had as a child. If you're using toys to stretch a child in a new direction, think small steps. Giving a doll-loving little girl a tool set probably won't turn her into a construction expert, but building a dollhouse together might be the first step toward a career in architecture.
Device: Science is one step closer to producing drugs in the right place at the right time in the body, avoiding the collateral damage of untargeted treatments. Researchers led by Daniel Anderson at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed nanoparticles that can be stimulated via UV light to produce proteins on demand in vivo. The new method, which involves packaging the molecular machinery for making proteins into a membraned capsule, allows the researchers to spatially and temporally regulate protein production, said Zhen Gu, who also researches nanoparticle drug delivery at North Carolina State and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, but did not participate in the research. “They can control generation of a protein at any time with a trigger of light.” The scientists created the nano-sized “protein factories” by using lipids to encapsulate polymerase and other machinery necessary for protein production from E. coli, along with a DNA plasmid containing a gene of interest. To block transcription until the right moment, they added a DNA “photo-labile cage” to the plasmid—a small chemical that inhibits transcription but is cleaved by exposure to UV light. To test the principle in vivo, the researchers used luciferase as the reporter protein and injected mice with the nanovesicles. After zapping them with UV light at the site of injection, they were able to measure a local burst of luminescence. What’s new: Protein expression in liposomes has been possible for at least 10 years, said Mitchel Doktycz, a synthetic biologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. What is new, said Doktycz, who did not participate in the research, is being able to control the timing of protein expression in an animal. “They can do it remotely,” he said. And that switch is not limited to UV light, added Gu, but will likely work with other wavelengths using different chemical ligands. Importance: Many life-saving drugs, such as chemotherapy, can have nasty and toxic effects outside the tissues they’re designed to treat. The goal of remotely-controlled factories like Anderson’s is to produce a drug in a specific place (such as a tumor) at a specific time (after enough particles have accumulated to produce a therapeutic effect). Anderson’s group is “trying to deliver a payload, [and] activate [it] in a specific spot, so they’re not dosing everywhere,” Doktycz explained—which has the potential to minimize side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefit. Needs improvement: “We have a long way to go still before we have a drug factory that will land in a target tissue to produce a drug of interest,” noted Anderson. The study has proved the principle of the first step—getting the protein expressed on signal—but future research will need to ensure that the nanoparticles and the proteins they produce aren’t toxic in the wrong place, and that they get to the right location. Targeting the nanoparticles to the appropriate tissues might be achieved by “decorating” the surface of the vesicles with specific proteins, said Gu. Furthermore, although most of the materials in the current particles are probably safe, some are microorganism-derived, Anderson pointed out, and most likely need to be switched to human alternatives. Finally, getting the drug expressed is also just one part of the problem, said Doktycz. So far the system has no way to re-cage the DNA to halt protein production when it’s no longer needed. “Turning on is one thing, but turning off is another,” he said. A. Schroeder et al., “Remotely activated protein-producing nanoparticles,” Nano Letters, 12:2685-89, 2012.
Mammals like ourselves pass our genes ‘vertically’ from parent to child. But bacteria aren’t quite so limited; they have mastered the art of gene-swapping and regularly transfer DNA ‘horizontally’ from one cell to another. This “horizontal gene transfer” has been largely viewed as a trademark of single-celled organisms, with few examples among animals and plants. That is, until now. A group of American researchers have discovered a group of genetic sequences that have clearly jumped around the genomes of several mammals, one reptile and one amphibian. It’s the most dramatic example yet that horizontal genetic transfer outside of the bacterial realm is more common than we thought, and has helped to shape the evolution of animals. Meet the Space Invaders, genetic hitchhikers coming soon to a genome near you. John Pace from the University of Texas originally discovered the sequences he named Space Invaders (or SPIN elements) by looking at the genome of a small primate called a bushbaby. He was searching for transposons, a group of parasitic DNA sequences that can cut themselves out of genomes and jump to new locations of their own accord. One sequence in particular stood out and Pace searched for it in all other vertebrates whose full genomes have been sequenced. To his surprise, he found a large number of matches among the DNA of seven very distantly related species – the green anole (a lizard), African clawed frog, little brown bat, mouse, rat, opossum and tenrec , a small animal that looks like a hedgehog but is more closely related to elephants, manatees and aardvarks. While these animals come from very diverse lineages, their SPIN sequences were incredibly similar; compare those of any two species and you’d get an average match of 96%. That is a remarkable resemblance; even genes for some of the most vital, unchanging proteins within the vertebrate repertoire aren’t that similar between different species. The widespread but patchy distribution of SPIN sequences means that it is extremely unlikely that the seven species inherited these sequences from the same common ancestor. They each have close relatives with completely sequenced genomes that lack any SPINS; they’re in tenrecs but not elephants, in mice and rats but not squirrels, and in bushbabies but not macaques or humans. There is more evidence. None of the SPIN elements (except for those in the rat and mouse) were found at the same locations in their respective genomes. And while the Space Invaders, like all transposons of their ilk, have characteristic sequences at their ends, theirs all differ in a small but consistent way – a single change to their sequence that always shows up in the same position and sets them apart from other transposons. It’s strong evidence that they all of these species picked up their SPIN passengers independently. All the modern sequences are descended from a common ancestor, a transposon forefather that jumped across the genomes of all these species and left its descendents in its wake. They aren’t closely related to any other transposons so they don’t tell us the identity of the ‘Patient Zero’ species that was the source of the ancestral sequence, or how said sequence managed to jump into so many different vertebrates. But Pace has some ideas on those fronts; he suggests that the Space Invaders may have infiltrated the genomes of vertebrates by stowing away aboard certain viruses. There is precedent for that – last year, scientists discovered a piece of DNA that hitched a ride from the genome of a carpet viper into that of a gerbil, by hitching a ride onboard a poxvirus that infected both species. And four of the species that harbour SPINs – bats, opossums, mice and rats – are rich reservoirs of poxviruses that could act as vehicles for mobile DNA. Regardless of their origins, the SPINs have been busy in their new hosts. Each genome typically contains many copies of the full-length versions and even more shorter variants that do not have the ability to jump around themselves. Together, these short versions (known as MITEs) and the full-length originals can number in their thousands. The frog has 4,000 of them and the tenrec has around 99,000, making SPINs some of the most successful transposons known. In one case, within the genomes of mice and rats, a SPIN element appears to have given rise to a new gene. It’s not clear what it does, but it appears to be functional and dates back to the time before mice and rats diverged from each other. But for the most part, natural selection has turned a blind eye to these sequences, and they have simply drifted through evolutionary time, picking up the odd neutral mutation. Based on this steady drift, Pace estimated that the majority of SPINs spread through the genomes of vertebrates between 31 and 46 million years ago, with a possible second burst about 15 million years ago that affected the bat and opossum. That’s a very narrow period of time in evolutionary terms and during it, the elements managed to ‘infect’ the DNA of very unrelated species living in distant parts of the world. It was effectively a global pandemic that left lasting consequences. Reference: J. K. Pace, C. Gilbert, M. S. Clark, C. Feschotte (2008). Repeated horizontal transfer of a DNA transposon in mammals and other tetrapods Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0806548105
In 1942, a United Press International photographer visited a metal pressing factory outside Detroit and took a snapshot of a slim, fresh-faced brunette leaning over a machine. The picture enchanted the graphic artist J. Howard Miller, who had been hired by the Westinghouse Company to design a series of motivational posters aimed at boosting female factory workers’ morale. He incorporated its pretty young subject’s face and polka-dot headscarf into one of the posters, which features a determined-looking woman flexing her right bicep under the slogan “We Can Do It!” Decades later, the poster became one of America’s most recognizable emblems of women’s empowerment, spawning countless imitations and reproduced on everything from mugs and magnets to postage stamps. Geraldine Hoff Doyle, the real-life inspiration behind the iconic poster, died on December 26 in Lansing, Michigan, at the age of 86. Just 17 when the photographer captured her, she had taken a factory job after graduating high school, one of 6 million women who entered the workforce during World War II to plug gaping holes in the industrial labor force. An aspiring cellist, Doyle left after just two weeks of employment when she learned that the machinery had badly injured another worker’s hands. She found a position at a soda fountain and bookstore, where she met her future husband, Leo, in 1943. The couple had six children and ran a successful dental practice. More than four decades would go by before Doyle learned of the poster’s existence and discovered that her likeness had inspired a pop culture reference. Paging through a magazine one day in 1984, she spotted a photograph of the poster and recognized her younger self. In a 2002 interview with the Lansing State Journal, Doyle, who began making frequent appearances in Michigan to sign posters, explained that motherhood and daily life had kept her too busy to realize she had become the face of Rosie the Riveter. “I was changing diapers all the time,” she said. Unlike another famous depiction, painted by Norman Rockwell and featured on a Saturday Evening Post cover in 1943, the “We Can Do It!” poster was not originally intended as a portrayal of Rosie the Riveter, who was first immortalized in a 1942 hit song and starred in numerous government-sponsored recruitment campaigns. One of many in Miller’s series, the poster was barely seen outside Westinghouse factories in the Midwest, where women were making plastic helmet liners. It was not until later, when feminists rediscovered the poster during the 1970s and 1980s, that it achieved its iconic status and became associated with the World War II-era character.
Dora Bas Rivka Silver O'H Prescription: Take 3X Daily Psalm 145 is commonly known as "Ashrei," even though the two verses that start with that word are actually from two other Psalms (84 and 144). This Psalm is an alphabetic acrostic missing the letter Nun, and the Talmud in Brachos (4b) says that one who recites it thrice daily is assured of a place in the Next World. (We will discuss both of these points at the conclusion of the synopsis.) David says that he will praise G-d and bless His Name every day, forever. G-d is great beyond our comprehension and He is rightly praised for it. Each generation will tell the next of His mighty deeds and the wonders He has made. They will relate how He punishes the wicked and bestows kindness. G-d is merciful and slow to anger; He is good to all and has mercy on His creatures, who thank Him for it. Those whom G-d has created will tell of His might and the glory of His kingdom. His kingdom is eternal and He rules throughout history. G-d supports those who have fallen and He straightens those who have been bent. Everyone and everything turns to G-d for sustenance, and He supplies it in the proper time. He opens His hand to feed every creature. G-d is righteous and kind in all His actions; He is close by for those who call Him with faith. He acts on behalf of those who are in awe of Him and saves them. He protects those who love Him and destroys the evil ones. David concludes by saying that he hopes to always be able to bless G-d and that eventually all mankind will be inspired to join him in doing so. So, back to our two statements. The Psalm is an alphabetical acrostic, but it does not contain a verse beginning with the letter Nun, which represents falling, as in Amos 5:2, "Fallen is the maiden of Israel; she will not arise again." That's some bad mojo. But the missing letter is alluded to in the verse subsequent to where Nun would be: "Someich Hashem l'chal hanoflim" - "G-d supports all who have fallen." Finally, what's so special about Psalm 145 that reciting it three times a day ensures one a place in the Next World? Two things: it is an alphabetical acrostic, which praises G-d "from A to Z," and it contains the verse "You open Your hand and satisfy the needs of all living things." Others Psalms may have one of these sentiments or the other, but only Psalm 145 has both. Disclaimer: Merely reciting the Psalm thrice daily may not be enough to reserve your place! It is assumed that the constant repetition reinforces the sentiments in the Psalm and causes a person to act upon them. Don't take Ashrei for granted!
1. What are the different technologies that WaterAid uses? Water technologies include protected hand-dug wells, boreholes, tube wells, rainwater harvesting schemes, protected springs, gravity flow schemes, sand dams and infiltration galleries. Where pumping is required, WaterAid usually supports the installation of handpumps. Electrical, diesel and solar pumps are sometimes used where communities are able to cover operation and maintenance costs and where spare parts can be found locally. Examples of sanitation technologies include simple pit latrines, ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines, dual pit latrines, composting latrines, pour flush latrines and communal latrines with a septic tank. Communities and families are trained in all aspects of the correct usage and maintenance of latrines, including emptying systems which is of particular importance in high density settlements. With all technologies, we evaluate each approach with the first aim of long-term sustainability. Each is evaluated based on: - Availability in local markets - Availability of spare parts or materials in local markets - Ability to deliver cost effective, long-term supplies without complex maintenance, expensive components or expensive chemicals These lists are not exhaustive and WaterAid is supportive of innovation at the local level and efforts to develop new sustainable technologies. 2. Why do you use the technologies you do? WaterAid focuses on long-term sustainable development and therefore uses technologies and approaches that can be supported by local communities and institutions beyond WaterAid's term of intervention. The technologies we use to assist with water and sanitation provision need to be appropriate to local financial and geographical conditions and within the technical capacity of the benefitting community to operate and maintain. We aim to use technologies that include locally sourced materials and spare parts which can be purchased and transported easily. We also work closely with local and national governments who may have their own criteria for technology choice. 3. I have invented a new technology or product that I think would benefit WaterAid, what should I do? WaterAid is always interested to hear about innovative technologies and approaches. We are particularly supportive of locally led innovation within the communities where we work. They can support our local partners to develop technical solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene related problems. We do however, have limited financial resources and as such are not in a position to pilot new inventions developed outside of our programme work. If there is a sufficient body of data concerning the performance, cost, sustainability and appropriateness of a particular technology and it fills a clear gap in the provision of equipment or services, we may consider using it. But, if it seems to us that a technology is not appropriate for work with the poorest people, we will not take it up. Reasons for this may include cost, availability of spare parts, skills to operate and maintain, and suitability for use in specific geographical conditions. If you have developed a new water or sanitation technology or have a new product that's been reviewed against the above criteria and would like further advice please contact our Technical Advisors at [email protected].
Although March 8th marks the 101st anniversary of International Women's Day (first celebrated in the US in 1911), women and men are far from equals in 2012. Only 16 percent of Fortune 500 board chairs are women, and the U.S. ranks 17th in the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Report. Still, in other parts of the globe, women are much worse off: Did you know that every minute one woman dies from often-preventable complications due to pregnancy and childbirth? Or that an estimated 50 million+ girls worldwide aren't in school? In many countries, rape is used against women and girls as a weapon of war, and sex trafficking and human slavery remain a very real problem. Poverty and hunger disproportionately affect females, and 70 percent of the world's poorest people are women. Statistics may stun us, but there's so much we can do to impact change. Below are ten simple actions you can take right now to learn more about the inequality debate and improve the lives of women and girls everywhere. - Join or host a potluck dinner. Dining for Women is a giving circle that supports women's programs year-round, and during the month of March, the organization is focusing on the Women's Earth Alliance. The Alliance implements water-related strategies to improve health, self-reliance and resilience to climate change. Find a dinner here. - Sign a pledge. Help Every Mother Counts reduce needless maternal deaths by signing the MAMA pledge. Part of the Motherhood Around the Globe exhibit at the International Museum of Women, the Pledge will be given to policy makers and presented at the 2012 UN General Assembly. Sign the pledge here. - Watch a movie on your laptop. On Wednesday, March 7 at 7:30 PM (EST) the humanitarian organization CARE presents a special live stream of the award-winning film, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell." The film tells the story of the brave Liberian women who took on a harsh regime and won peace for their country. Watch the movie here. - Organize a bridge walk. On March 8, help Women for Women International assist women survivors of war in rebuilding their lives. From the Brooklyn Bridge to your neighborhood cul-de-sac, Join Women on the Bridge events are marches that unite women and men around the world in taking a stand for peace and women's equality. Find a local event here. - Play an online trivia game. Help a mother feed her family. For each correct answer on Freerice.com, the World Food Programme will donate 10 grains of rice to help end hunger. Over 91 billion grains have been donated so far. Choose from dozens of categories including humanities, geography, math and more. Play the game here. - Read a book. Learn about the courageous journey of anti-slavery activist Somaly Mam. In the vein of Ayaan Hirsi Ali's "Infidel" and Ishmael Beah's "A Long Way Gone," Mam's "The Road of Lost Innocence" is a story of triumph over years of sexual slavery and puts a face and a voice to a human rights disaster of global proportions. Click here to read an excerpt. - Volunteer at a local women's shelter. The National Network to End Domestic Violence supports the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA) and connects local domestic violence service providers and provides valuable resources for information about services, programs, legislation and policies that support survivors of domestic violence. Learn more here. - Write a letter. Amnesty International's campaign "Demand Dignity" wants to end the injustice that perpetuates the cycle of poverty and disproportionately affects the livelihood of women and girls. Add your voice to those in poverty and help their rights count. Find out how here. - Give yourself a history lesson. March is National Women's History Month. Read about women who broke rules and barriers and paved the way for future generations -- from suffragettes to artists to factory workers to the women in the military. And lend your signature to the campaign for a permanent home for the National Women's History Museum. Learn more here. - Exercise your right. Many women have died for the right to vote. In this U.S. election year, it's important for every voice to be heard and every vote to count. Register here. This March 8, I'm standing in solidarity with Annie Lennox and EQUALS to step up the call for an equal world. For more information and ways you can get involved, click here. Follow Kristi York Wooten on Twitter:
California Beetle Project > Species Pages > Narpus angustus Scientific name: Narpus angustus Casey Images (click to enlarge) What it looks like: 3-4 mm in length. Its body is dark brown with striae, or shallow punctures, running the length of its elytra. The rows of striae alternate with rows of light brown, short hairs. Where you'll find it: This beetle is found throughout the coastal California mountain ranges, in large, clear, rapid streams. Natural History: These beetles are abundant where bars of coarse gravel drop off into deep pools. Both the adults and the larvae are aquatic. This page was written by Maren Farnum, a 2005 California Beetle Project intern.
- Category: Self Development - Last Modified: 19 July 2012 No one can emphasize enough the importance of brain development in early childhood education. Today’s developing technology and research have allowed us to learn more about the brain, how it works and the critical periods for its development. We now know that through research conducted with rats’ brains that an enriched environment actually increases brain size (Diamond and Hopson, 1998). There is a new growing interest in developmental neuropsychology, or research in brain development. It has been discovered that the first six years of one’s life is significant for the brain to develop fully. Most importantly Montessori’s vision applies to brain development. There is new research that coincides with the discovery that the foundation of neural structures in the frontal lobes of the human brain isn’t fully developed until approximately the age of twenty-four. This states that the brain continually develops and that adults and parents who provide the immediate environment of the child can do something to make this experience positive. In order to achieve this full potential a human being needs interaction with the immediate environment and sensorial awareness. This is evident with the child’s growing independence, coordinated movements, language and developed will (Lillard and Jessen, 2003). So now the question therefore is “how do we best help children achieve the full potential of development of the brain?” There are several ways to achieve this according to Diamond and Hopson. They define an enriched environment as one that includes a steady source of environmental support, nutritious diet, stimulates all senses, atmosphere free from stress and enjoyable, challenging, allows social interaction, promotes development, and gives the child a chance to assess the results of their actions, all in all allows the child to be an active participant rather than a passive observer (Diamond and Hopson, 1998). This idea is reflected in what Montessori perceives to be a prepared environment. The prepared environment allows the link for a child to reach into his world. Montessori defines a prepared environment to consider the specific needs of the child with concerns to their age of development, it is provides the child what they need in order to live such as physical and emotional security, it should be aesthetically pleasing and inviting this includes hygiene and appropriate furniture, and it has to have order and should reflect the interest adult has with the child. These are her main ideas but she also mentions that the environment has to allow freedom of choice, allows the child to act independently, and allows the child to learn to take responsibility for his actions. What Diamond and Hopson defines as an enriched environment to stimulate brain development is similar to the prepared environment by Montessori. To become an active participant what better way to involve children than movement. Movement is now realized to be helpful and even essential for increasing learning, develop creative thought and a high level of reasoning (Hannaford). Movement has been said to improve the brain functions by improving the interconnections between the two brain hemispheres. We know that the left side of the brain controls the right side of your body, so when you move the opposite are and leg you are stimulating your brain to develop more neural pathways that ultimately help the brain function better. Movement has also been discovered to strengthen the basal ganglia, cerebellum (coordinates muscle contraction), and corpus collosum (a fibrous bundle of axons connecting the 2 brain hemispheres. It also increases the production of neurotrophins, the natural neural growth factor between the two brain hemispheres (Lyons) and increase myelination. Myelination is an important process for brain development as it helps with better brain function. First of all, myelin is the brain fat that wraps around the axon and helps transmit electrical pulses. It is also found to be responsible for the tripling of brain weight after birth. As the myelin layer gets thicker the faster the transmission of information within the body and therefore improve brain functions. (Diamond and Hopson, 1998). One of the methods that is fairly new that may help improve a child’s brain development is through movement with the science of educational Kinesiology. Educational kinesiology (Edu-K) is defined as “the study and application of exercises that activate the brain for optimal storage and retrieval of information”. It focuses on the “educational model”, the model of “drawing out through movement” (Lyons). One of the developed programs from that study is called brain gym. Brain Gym is a registered trademark for educational sensorimotor program development by an expert in child motor development, Paul E. Dennison, PhD. It consists of simple movements similar to the movements that children naturally do during the first three years of life. Yet the most help that brain gym can offer is that it helps lay the foundation for lifelong learning in young children as it has been scientifically proven that laterality skills help children learn, read and write and even speak (BrainGym.com). Some examples or the principles behind the Brain Gym exercises are: a. Crossing the midline of the body. Examples are cross crawl or any arm and leg movement that will cross to the other side of the body. Painting with and easel, dish-washing activity and window washing are activities that allow the midline to be crossed found in the Montessori classroom. b. Lengthening activities or stretches. Most effective stretches are one that extends all extremities. c. Energy Exercises. This might just be as simple as deep breathing, and activating the body through touch/caressing just by sliding the hands through the body or even tapping your fingers all throughout from the top of the head to ones feet. d. Double doodles. This is drawing with pens using both hands and drawing mirror images from the middle of the paper. The benefits can include fun and easy learning, aid with literacy, improved gross and fine motor skills, increased self-confidence better communication and body awareness. With the study of early childhood one always tries to find the best ways to stimulate the development in children. One area that remained a puzzle in the past was brain development. With the current interest and research, understanding of brain development has broadened and ways to concretely help this phenomenon has been developed. One of the many facets for development, found in movement, have been revitalized and found ways to also help brain development in children. Movement is important and it can help a child build a good foundation for learning.
The basics of Minecraft Servers & Hosting Minecraft. What are Minecraft Servers? Minecraft Servers are basically big computers that have fast internet connections that are running Minecraft, and you can connect to them and PLAY Minecraft with your friends! Now you have a choice, this can either be your own computer (run your own Minecraft server) OR you can pay for someone else to do all the dirty work (buy server hosting) To get started on 3rd party hosting, check out our review of the best hosts who are out there –>minecraft server hosting review here<<– Should I run my own Minecraft server from home? Even though it is possible (and well, quite fun… for those computer nerds among us) to host your Minecraft Server from your own PC, over time this can cause more headaches than you originally thought. First of all, running a Minecraft server from your home PC will be extremely draining on your system resources. Even though most new computers running Windows 7 or Vista come with high speed multi-core CPUs and enough RAM (memory) to run a game server, the situation will probably be different once a active Minecraft server starts chewing up your resources. Plus the additional internet bandwidth you require is likely to be a big bottleneck. On top of this, you have to conisder that you will be dedicating your machine to one purpose, being a Minecraft server. This means that you won?t be able to PLAY Minecraft on your own server, as your CPU % and RAM are already being chewed up (as mentioned earlier)! Sitting there and monitoring the server while your friends play Minecraft doesn’t sound like as much fun now does it??It also means that you won?t be able to use your PC (now a Minecraft server) for a lot of the other tasks you are used to. As we said before, consider that if there are other people (family members, room-mates, work colleagues) sharing the same Internet connection, they are probably going to come looking for you wondering why the Internet is so slow! (Answer: because your friends are building giant replicas of the Eiffel Tower!) The other key factor is that if you were running your own server, you would need to keep it turned on and connected to the Internet 24/7, to let people connect and play when they wanted. If your server is turned off or your Internet connection is down, that means no Minecraft! (and you would be getting a lot of angry phone calls from your friends asking you to switch the server on!) Other things like residential internet outages, having to restart your computer and Windows shut-downs can affect your server up-time. Another final factor to consider is that setting up a Minecraft server is like setting up any web server or multiplayer game server. If you haven?t set one up before, you will need to have a lot of patience and a good understanding of your own TCP/IP network, how to set port-forwarding on your router, allowing traffic through your firewall, modifying your anti-virus settings, and so on. All of these things can lead to frustration, which is why we ultimately recommend going with a Minecraft hosting solution, after all wouldn?t you rather spend your time building an awesome world with your friends and enjoying Minecraft? That Eiffel Tower replica isn’t going to build itself! Having said that, if you are REALLY committed to hosting your own Minecraft server, here is a guideline for minimum PC requirements Starters: 4 player Multiplayer game - RAM: 500MB minimum - Internet connection: ADSL or better Intermediate: 16 players - RAM : 2GB - Internet connection: ADSL2+ or better Hosting on a dedicated or shared Minecraft server So then what are the advantages when we are looking at purchasing a hosting package? - The server is designed to be high powered, with heaps of spare CPU and RAM. You don?t have to worry about your own machine lagging! - The server has a super-fast always-on Internet connection. This means no downtime, so you and your friends can always play 24/7. Most of the servers we recommend achieve a 99%+ uptime statistic! - You don?t have to worry about leaving your own machine open to incoming connections from around the world as people connect onto your server to play Minecraft. (A potential security risk) - Choice of host, choice of price and features Making the right choice When looking through all of your choices for hosting packages, there are a few key things to consider. - Server specifications and data limits - Dedicated or shared server - Customer support - Server location This is where we come in to help you discover what is the best Minecraft server hosting package for you. When looking at features, you will be considering things like, - Does it have a built in server control panel? - What add on packages can I run? - And so on. When considering location, think about the geographic location of the hosting company?s servers. ?If you are in the United States and your server is located in Europe, this will add unnecessary lag-time to your game. Obviously when people from all over the world are joining your game, then it will be hard to find a location close to everyone, but naturally you should lean towards a server provider that is in a geographic location close to you and where most of your Minecraft buddies will be playing from. The difference between a dedicated and a shared server is quite simply, a shared server means that you will be sharing the same PHYSICAL server with other customers who have purchased hosting, but you will have a ?virtual server? or part of the server resources dedicated to your Minecraft games. So if the 1 physical server has 32GB of RAM and 2TB of Hard disk space, you may be allocated 8GB of RAM and 400GB of data, as well as a portion of bandwidth. A dedicated server means that you?re paying the hosting company for the exclusive use of a physical server, to be dedicated to hosting your Minecraft games. This is a premium service that will be more expensive, and for those who are planning on hosting much larger Minecraft communities. Customer Support is a vastly under-rated factor when it comes to choosing a hosting provider. The support can take the form of live chat, a 24 hour phone service, server alerts, basic guides to help you manage your server, and online FAQs which give you a rundown of common questions. Even if you think you won?t need support, there will always be random things popping up, like forgetting passwords, needing to recover your server after installing mods, banning troublesome players, etc. So where should you look? To get started, let us recommend a few great hosting companies that we also use ourselves! FragNET has a number of options with the basic package starting at $13.22 a month. This offers you shared hosting with 536MB and a 12 player limit. The other great feature is that you have access to the MCMyAdmin server configuration panel, which is a super easy user friendly server manager that has become a common standard on Minecraft servers. The servers are hosted on AMD Opteron 8 Core Processors and have a very good track record with providing quality service and support. Good luck, and watch out for friggin creepers!
This site will have an interactive timeline that will integrate the historical data, images, and video. At present we are working on the first version of the timeline, from 1861 to the present, as a web page. 1892 – Robert R. Taylor becomes the first black student to graduate from MIT. (Source: Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge Massachusetts) 1894 – William Arthur Johnson may be the first black student to participate on a varsity athletic team (football). (Source: Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge Massachusetts) 1905 – Marie Celeste Turner becomes the first black female to attend MIT. (Source: Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge Massachusetts) 1933 – Marron Fort becomes the first black student to earn the Ph.D. (Source: Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge Massachusetts) 1952 – Institute Committee (Undergraduate Association) resolution: “… The Institute Committee of MIT stands opposed to racial and religious discrimination and deems it advisable to abolish all discriminatory clauses in the charters and constitutions of activities, organizations, and living groups on the MIT campus…” 1952 – Establishment of fund for “award to worthy and well-qualified students who have demonstrated a democratic and tolerant spirit and who are well disposed toward people of all creeds and races.” Mar 1955 – “National Conference on Selectivity and Discrimination in American Universities” organized by 2 MIT students, white and black, to discuss “issues of discrimination in higher education” 1956 – Joseph R. Applegate becomes the first black Assistant Professor at MIT. 1960s – Establishment of Committee on Community Service and Committee on Education in the Face of Poverty and Segregation 1964 – Establishment of Committee on Educational Opportunity by President Stratton (mission is “to explore how the Institute might become more involved in tackling problems relating to race, segregation, integration, and related issues”) 1964 – MIT hosts Conference on Programs to Assist Predominantly Negro Colleges (part of efforts to diversify campus community) 1968 – MIT Task Force on Educational Opportunity established. 1968 – Black Student Union started. Founding members: Charles Kidwell, Shirley Jackson, Ronald Mickens, Sekazi Mtingwa, Jennifer Rudd, Nathan Seely, Linda Sharpe, James Turner. 1968/69 – Frank Jones becomes the first black tenured Professor at MIT (Urban Affairs). 1969 – Project Interphase started. Early 1970s – Various studies conducted on academic performance of black students (e.g. by Kenneth Schoman SM’70, at request of Paul Gray and in consultation with administrators John Mims, William Hecht, and James Bishop). 1972 – Report published: Academic performance and admissions indices of black students at MIT>. Analyzes “academic performance of 157 blacks who had entered as freshmen in 1969, 70, 71.” 1972 – MIT Gospel Choir started 1973 – Creation of “Special Assistant to the President for Women and Work” post, held by Mary Rowe. 1974 – Creation of Special Assistant to the President post for Minority Affairs – Clarence Williams: functions relate “not just to minority graduate students but all matters relating to minorities at MIT, including advising senior officers on recruitment and retention of minority faculty, students, and staff; advocacy of the interests of minority members of the community; and addressing formal and informal complaints or concerns relating to the treatment of minorities at the Institute.” 1974 – MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) started. 1974 – Lincoln Lab Summer Program started. 1974 – National Society of Black Engineers-MIT established. Mid-1970s – Exhibits on blacks organized at MIT in collaboration with MIT Museum during Black History Week. 1975 – Office for Minority Education established “following difficult negotiations between black students and the administration over competing needs and goals.” Jan 1975 – First annual MLK, Jr. celebration at MIT. (Text of addresses during first 20 years compiled in Williams, Clarence (Ed.). Reflections of the Dream, 1975-1994: Twenty Years Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology>. Cambridge: MIT Press (2005). Addresses from 2003-2009 available at >http://web.mit.edu/mlking/www/address.html>.) 1975 – Chocolate City established on the initiative of Theodore Austell (’78), Albert H. Frazier Jr. (’78), Glenn A. Graham (’77), Roy W. Haygood III (’78), and Edward S. Miller (’78) “to maintain our African-American community, promote our ethnic identity, encourage social and intellectual improvement, and provide support for our brotherhood throughout and after our years at the MIT.” 1975 – Community Fellows Program started by Profs. Frank Jones & Lloyd Rodwin, continued by Prof. Melvin King – exposed minorities to “issues relating to the urban environment” (See The Tech 11/21/95) >http://tech.mit.edu/V115/N58/conf.58n.html 1976 – Black Graduate Students Association (BGSA) founded with support of John Turner (assistant dean, later promoted to associate dean); goal is to “encourage minority entrants and help shape a community of black graduate students at MIT.” 1978 – Formation of “Group of Six”: Wesley Harris, Willard Johnson, John Turner, Wade Kornegay, James Young & CW: aims are to “step-up efforts to place blacks on key MIT policy committees, and to prepare position papers on issues such as recruitment, academic performance, and financial aid.” Mid-late 1970s – Initiatives by Jerome Weisner (Pres) & Paul Gray (Chancellor) to encourage departments to hire minorities Sep 1978 – Submission of report, Blacks at MIT: The Challenge for Full Participation in the 1980s> to administration. 1980 – Posts of Special Assistant to the President for Women and Work & for Minorities renamed to “Special Assistant to the President.” Early 1980s – Formation of Greater Boston Inter-University Council (GBIUC): “group of local black administrators and faculty outside MIT [working] to develop retention strategies for students of color.” Among original group: Ken Haskins, James Cash, Dexter Eure, Kenneth Guscott, Bernard Fulp, & Clarence Williams. Early 1980s – Formation of Association of Black Administrators at MIT; group fizzles in 90s. Early-mid 1980s – Jim Gates and Jim Hubbard tenure controversy. Both were undergraduate students, graduate students, and then faculty at MIT; denied tenure. >1982, 1984 – ABAMIT organizes 2 national conferences: First and Second National Conferences on Issues Facing Black Administrators at Predominantly White Colleges and Universities (1982, 1984). Attracted black administrators, major black (and a few white) figures. Goal was to “explore the anxieties, stresses, and aspirations of black administrators within often hostile academic environments.” 1982-1989 – Association of MIT Alumnae (AMITA) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Boston cosponsor annual professional development conferences for women in “non traditional fields.” (Source: AMITA) >http://www.mit-amita.org/esr/critical.html 1984 – Ronald E. McNair, Ph.D. ’76, becomes the first African American scientist-astronaut to go into space. McNair is killed in the 1986 Challenger disaster. In 2005, a professorship in Astronautics is named in his honor. 1985-1986 – Survey of black alumni by John Wilson (assistant provost for outreach and director of foundation relations and school development services in mid-1990s); co-author with David Wiley of report on black students at MIT 1969-1985 1986 – Publication of The Racial Climate on the MIT Campus: A report of the Minority Student Issues Group>, spearheaded by Shirley McBay (former dean for student affairs, first black person to sit on MIT Academic Council). Report receives national attention. 1989 – Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity apologizes for party poster depicting one of their African-American brothers in a degrading pose. 1991 – First MLK Visiting Scholar (Prof. Henry McBay) appointed. 1992 – Prof. Phillip Clay becomes head of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the first black academic department head at MIT. (Source: Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge Massachusetts) 1993 – Phi Beta Epsilon fraternity denies racial epithets were shouted from a window to four black students walking past the house. About 20 students demonstrate in protest outside PBE and in Lobby 7. 1994 – Phillip Clay becomes Associate Provost, the first black Associate Provost at MIT. (Source: Institute Archives and Special Collections, MIT Libraries, Cambridge Massachusetts) 1994 – Committee on Campus Race Relations appointed by President Charles Vest “to catalyze activities, develop and distribute information on programs and resources, and administer a modest grants program to support projects proposed by members of the MIT community – with the goal of enhancing multicultural understanding and collegial race relations on campus.” 1995 – MLK Visiting Scholar program expanded into MLK Visiting Professors program. Inaugural professors are Profs. Wesley Harris, Richard Joseph, Steven Lee, and Oliver McGee. 1995 – PBE and BSU (Black Student Union) reach a resolution to their long-running controversy. The Committee on Discipline eventually concludes that racial epithets were >shouted but that there was not sufficient evidence to implicate the students charged. (See The Tech 02/07/95, >http://tech.mit.edu/V114/N68/conflicts.00n.html>) Fall 1995 – Beginning of Blacks at MIT History Project by Clarence Williams to “[explore] the black experience, assess our role, and leave a legacy so that future generations may relate to our hopes and disappointments here, to our struggles and achievements.” 1997 – Black Women’s Alliance established (Source: The Tech 02/11/03) Jan 1999 –MLK Design Seminar (Course 17.920) begins, led by Tobie Weiner. Participants design installations and engage in community projects to celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. King. See http://web.mit.edu/spotlight/mlk-design-seminar/ Fall 2000 – Appointment of Institute-wide Council on Faculty Diversity, “charged with formulating plans for the recruitment and advancement of women and minority faculty throughout the Institute.” Co-chairs: Prof. Nancy Hopkins, Provost Robert Brown & Chancellor Phillip Clay. 2000 – Human Resources Diversity Initiative Process instituted (Source: Reports to President 2000-2001) >http://web.mit.edu/annualreports/pres01/21.00.html 2001 – Racially charged language sparks a physical altercation between members of the band The Roots and brothers at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. (Source The Tech 05/01/01) >http://tech.mit.edu/V121/N22/22ATO.22n.html Jul 2001 – Phillip Clay appointed Chancellor (first black Chancellor of MIT). Responsible for continuing the enhancement and integration of education, student life, and campus community. (See >http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2001/clay-0606.html>) Fall 2001 – Report of the Task Force on Staff Diversity (mentioned in Reports to the President 2000-2001) Feb 2003 – MIT to open admissions to Interphase and MITES to non-minority applicants following lawsuit filed against MIT with US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (Source: The Tech 02/11/03) http://tech.mit.edu/V123/N3/3mites_inter.3n.html Feb 2007 – Prof. James Sherley, of the Biological Engineering, initiates twelve-day hunger strike on campus to protest the department’s decision not to promote him to tenure. Leaves MIT June 30, 2007. (Source, The Tech 02/06/07) >http://tech.mit.edu/V127/N1/1sherley.html Feb 2007 – Initiative on Faculty Race and Diversity established to conduct “research designed to provide key information needed for developing recommendations and implementationplans to address recruitment and retention of Under-Represented Minority faculty” (Report to the Corporation, 2008)
The mirror display is an interactive mirror that enables the user to view and interact with widgets. These widgets include traffic, news, calendar, and weather. All pull data from the internet in real time to display content to the user. The input to the mirror are gesture swipes that are captured by IR reflectors. This project was done as a ECE 4180 project at Georgia Tech using the Ebox 3300 and phidgets sensors. The source and materials list are available for reproduction by others. The premise behind the project was to build something that could be useful in everday life. We decided topresent the user with information that could prove useful for the day ahead while carrying on with Morning routine. The idea of the mirror came while watching corningware's video on the future of glass. The use of the E-box was required by the design requirments of the class so windows CE and C# were chosen as the developing platform. We also wanted it to work much like a drawer where you could pull out the things you wanted to know about. The swipe gesture was chosen so that fingerprints on the mirror would not be an issue. All of these factors led to the development of the cloud mirror project. When the user expands the traffic widget for more information, he is presented with the local traffic representation of all the major roads in his local area. Using MapQuest traffic for updated information, the user can see exactly which routes are backed up, so that he may plan alternate means of getting somewhere. The news widget presents the headlines of the day from around the world. The news shows a title followed by an article, which the user can scroll through using the swipe motion. The widget display multiple articles that can be customized to display whatever type of news is desired. News updates from Google News or other selected RSS feed whenever the news widget is opened. The weather widget shows local weather conditions for the current day through a graphic, temperature, and weather conditions. This widget also shows a 2-day forecast so that users may plan accordingly. The weather comes from the Yahoo Weather API. This widget shows the user their current calendar to-do list for the day. The calendar automatically synchronizes with any Google/Gmail calendars so that the user can see what plans he may have during the day.
"Transcendent legal/moral standard over human life creates a critically important human equality before the law. " "The grounding of all moral obligation in God's law had a deep impact on the understanding of human law." Shalom - the dream of God for a redeemed world, for an end to our division, hostility, fear, drivenness and misery. Shalom happens when humans stop killing each other, and therefore life's dignity is honored at its fundamental level. Shalom means: Delight, obedience to God (the precondition of shalom), the healing of broken bodies and spirits, enough to eat and drink, an inclusive community, the rebuilding of the human community Matthew 4 - Jesus did 2 new things 1. turned the eschatological future into an inaugurated eschatological present 2. Embodied the kingdom of justice, peace, and healing, in which human beings at last treat others and are treated, as God originally desired. Jesus' inclusive ministry in a religious culture in which: - Women were devalued - Leaders subjugated human well being to legal observance - Sinners treated as beyond the pale of God's care - Children were devalued - The sick ere often cast out of the community - The occupying Romans were hated - Tensions between jews and Samaritans - A woman on her own faced desperate financial challenges - Social-economic divisions were acut "The paradox of the incarnation is that when divinity stooped low and took on humanity, humanity revealed its loliness and yet was elevated through God's mercy." Jesus died for "the world" - everyone, people in all states, conditions, nations and orientations toward God and neighbor. Everyone should matter to us because everyone matters to God Christ rose in a body, the victory of God over evil, and the resurrection marks the triumph of life. Acts depicts rapidly growing church...more inclusive and hospitable community ethos. Paul offers an expansive theological effort to defend transformation of relationships (Gal 3:28) All divisive human distinctions are transfigured and overcome through Jesus Christ. Momentum toward radically inclusive and egalitarian community Multi-ethnic, multi-racial, gender-inclusive, class-inclusive community Congregations that believed that in their own experience of transformed human relations lay the beginnings of the redemption of the world. "Only because God became human is it possible to know and not despise real human beings...this is not because of the real human being's inherent value, but because God has loved and taken on the real human being. The reason for God's love for human beings does not reside in them..." D. Bonhoeffer"A secular, rootless human dignity ethic may be the best that our culture thinks it can manage. But Christians know not only that we can do better but that we must do better and that the resources for doing better are embedded in our tradition." We must claim our own rich, theological heritage.
What Makes a Tragic Hero Tragic? All tragedies need a tragic hero or heroine, but what makes a character tragic? Who are the most famous tragic heroes and what do they have in common? Tragedy: When The Feeling's Gone and You Can’t Go On My apologies to The Bee Gees First things first, what is a tragedy? Well, in theatrical and literary terms, it’s a devastating event, or string of events, that cause the downfall of a protagonist. What’s That You Say, Aristotle? Aristotle's views on tragedy have dictated every medium of drama So, what makes a tragic hero or heroine? To answer that question, we need to turn to the authority on drama: Aristotle. In Poetics, Aristotle sketched out the template from which he believed true tragedy was made. He also suggested that there are some rules to which all tragic heroes must conform. The tragic hero or heroine must evoke pity or fear in an audience. In order to do this effectively, the tragic protagonist must fit a particular character type. He, or she, must be a person to whom we can relate - therefore, a tragic hero cannot be unrealistically virtuous. However, he or she cannot be evil either, otherwise we will not feel empathy for their plight. In fact, a tragic hero must be morally blameless for his misfortune (this part of Aristotle’s prescription has been interpreted rather more loosely by some playwrights, as you’ll see below). Tragic protagonists meet with a downfall and, often, death, which is precipitated by a fatal flaw (hamartia) that causes him or her to perpetrate some unintended, although usually pretty horrific, act. Five Famous Tragic Heroes and Heroines To give all that some context, let’s take a look at some of the most famous tragic protagonists and explore whether or not they fit into Aristotle’s template. Aristotle’s favourite tragic hero was Oedipus - in fact, as far as he was concerned, Oedipus Rex is the most perfect example of tragedy. Of course, we should bear in mind that he has missed out on a subsequent two millennia of plays, so perhaps he would change his mind if he were around now. Anyway, Oedipus is, on the face of it, an all-around good guy. However, it is his arrogance, or hubris, which causes him to leave his presumed parents’ home, kill his real father and marry a beautiful older woman, who turns out to be his mother. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth Macbeth is problematic in terms of fitting the Aristotelian prescription, because he is arguably not on morally safe ground in killing Duncan. However, he is not all bad and it is his hamartia of ambition that culminates in his downfall. By no stretch of the imagination, can he be described as blameless, in his downfall - but it seems that Shakespeare foregoes this part of Aristotle’s view on tragedy in favour of creating a tragic hero who is extremely human. Subsequently, despite the fact that his actions are morally dubious (to say the least), his downfall still prompts empathy (and perhaps a little fear) from an audience. 17th century tragic drama from playwright Jean Racine, who borrows from Greek mythology (Phaedra). Phedre is another tragic protagonist who is not morally pure; thanks to her incestuous desires. However, this is thanks to a curse - so, perhaps we can forgive her for it. It is the hereditary curse, coupled with her husband’s infidelity, that lead her to make a series of unwise decisions, which culminate in her inescapable downfall. \|Phaedra (MGM Limited Edition Collection)\| The wife of a Greek shipping tycoon has a love affair with her stepson.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy ... Moving further away from Aristotle, we shift into ‘modern tragedy’ territory. However, Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, remains faithful to many of Aristotle’s views, including the three unities. The main difference in modern tragedies, is that the tragic hero can now be an ‘ordinary’ man or woman. Previously, it was the downfall of a man of high status that constituted tragedy. Joe Keller lies about his involvement in shipping damaged aircraft parts, which caused the deaths of 21 airmen during World War II, for three years. On one sunny afternoon, the truth finally emerges and Joe justifies his actions, by telling his family that he did it for them. His efforts to prioritise moral obligations then lead him to commit suicide. Willy Russell’s Mrs Johnstone’s is a typical Liverpudlian single mother, struggling to get by, but doing the best she can for her children. When she is forced to give one of her twin boys away, it is superstition which causes her to remain silent. Years later, in a desperate bid to stop the son she kept from murdering his twin brother, she blurts out the truth. Poster for Blood Brothers So, as you can see, tragic heroes and heroines differ greatly. However, they all have a few things in common. Things that comply with Aristotle's vision of tragedy and things that, quite frankly, make them miserable. But that's why we love them!
The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003, 50 years after the discovery of the structure of DNA and 17 years after an influential debate at the annual Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Symposium about the Project's feasibility. The 2003 Symposium was dedicated to examining what has been learned so far from the human genome sequence. This book contains over sixty contributions from the world's leaders in this field and covers genome structure and evolution, methods of data analysis, lessons from species comparison, and the application of sequence data to the understanding of disease. Purchasers of the hard cover edition of this book are entitled to access to the Symposia website. The site contains the full text of the written communications from the 2003 Symposium and the Symposia held in 1998 through 2002 (Volumes LXIII-LXVII). Subscribers to the site also gain access to archive photographs and selected papers from the 60-year history of the Annual Symposium, and will have the opportunity to receive as-it-happens text, audio, and video reporting from the 2004 symposium to be held June 2nd-7th on Epigenetics.
In February 2012, the US Supreme Court granted certiorari to once again decide the constitutionality of affirmative action in higher education. Next term, the Court will hear the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which arises from a complaint made by Abigail Noel Fisher alleging that she was denied admission to the University of Texas while minority students with lower grade point averages and standardized test scores were admitted. In its April 2012 decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the university's affirmative action program by finding that it passed strict scrutiny. The Supreme Court will be called on to address whether the University's program, which gives minority students an advantage on undergraduate college applications, violates the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The issue of affirmative action stems from the divisive period of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s and 1960s. In the midst of civil strife and tense race relations, the US Congress, with the encouragement of President Lyndon B. Johnson, passed a series of laws which are popularly known as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One section of that document has particular bearing on the issue of affirmative action — Title VII. Title VII prohibits discrimination by covered employers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin and at its heart held the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that "no state shall ... deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." However, the law alone did not end the inequality. Supplementing Title VII, Johnson declared that all federal contractors be required to take affirmative action in hiring practices towards minorities in his Executive Order 11246. Subsequently, the practice became integrated into higher education in public universities. The first true challenge to the policy in regards to college admissions came in 1978 in the decision in Bakke v. Regents of the University of California. In Bakke, an applicant to the University of California Davis School of Medicine was denied admission while other, less academically qualified minority candidates were granted admission. The Supreme Court decided that the University's quota system for admitting minorities was far too rigid and thus violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. However, Justice Powell went further to state that despite their ruling, diversity in higher education was, in fact, a compelling interest to continue affirmative action. Many years and much debate later, two cases changed the standard of review for affirmative action cases. The cases of Freeman v. Pitts and Adarand Constructors, Inc. v. Pena, falling within three years of one another, illustrated the court's renewed interest in the policy. In Freeman, the court found that not only was diversity a compelling interest in pursuing affirmative action in higher education, but remedying past racial injustice also met this benchmark. Then, in Adarand, the court found that the standard of review for federal race and ethnicity based programs would be strict scrutiny, requiring: The decision in Adarand reaffirmed the 1989 case of City of Richmond v. Croson, which applied the standard to state-based challenges. - (1) a compelling governmental interest in promoting or restraining a certain action, and - (2) that the action be narrowly tailored to that end. The next cases of importance came a decade later in Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger in 2003, collectively known as the Michigan cases. In Gratz, the two petitioners Jennifer Gratz and Patrick Hamacher — both white residents of the state of Michigan — were denied admission to the University of Michigan's undergraduate program. The petitioners filed suit against the university in 1997 claiming that their Fourteenth Amendment rights to equal protection were infringed upon. They sought declaratory and injunctive relief. The Court heard the case in conjunction with another case that had been brought against the University's law school, Grutter v. Bollinger. In Grutter, the petitioner Barbara Grutter was similarly denied admission to the University's law school based on the school's affirmative action policy that gave minorities an advantage in admissions. The Court split their decision on the two cases. In Gratz, the Court held that Michigan's point-based admissions system was too rigid and gave too much weight to race. However, the Court diverged from this opinion in Grutter where they held that the more holistic approach to admissions utilized by the university's law school was constitutionally valid and that there was still a necessity of promoting diversity in higher education. Justice O'Conner, writing the opinion of the court stated: The Court takes the Law School at its word that it would like nothing better than to find a race-neutral admissions formula and will terminate its use of racial preferences as soon as practicable. The Court expects that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest approved today.While the decision in Grutter held that affirmative action in higher education was still supported by a legitimate governmental interest, only four years later a fractured Court dealt a blow to the legal rationale underpinning their decision. In the case of Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1, the Court found in its plurality opinion that remedying past racial diversity was no longer a sufficiently compelling governmental interest. Additionally, the Court held that denying a student admission to the school of their choice based on a pursuit of racial diversity violated that student's equal protection rights. However, Justice Kennedy writing in concurrence stated that "diversity, depending on its meaning and definition, is a compelling educational goal a school district may pursue." Further, while this case represented a changing view on the program, the Court has long held that affirmative action in higher education is uniquely privileged. In recent years, strongly competing opinions have emerged on the rationale underlying affirmative action in higher education. Former presidents of Princeton and Harvard, William G. Bowen and Derek Bok, respectively, are strong proponents of the policy. In their 1998 book, The Shape of the River, they offer empirical evidence showing the benefits of the policy on minorities. They cite reasons including increased college access to minorities, increased earning power of graduates and popular support for affirmative action as the basis for the continued necessity of the policy. Opponents of the program, including Marie Gryphon of the CATO Institute, have called their statistics into question and systematically undercut their arguments. Ms. Gryphon argued that not only were their conclusions based on flawed representative samples but contended that the policy is actually detrimental to minority students. According to Gryphon, affirmative action produces no concrete benefits to minority groups but instead produces several significant harms. First, a phenomenon called the "ratchet effect" occurs when the preferences at a handful of top schools, including state flagship institutions, worsen racial disparities in academic preparation at all other American colleges and universities. This occurs due to the fact that top schools are able to create a class that is both racially diverse and academically equivalent while less selective schools are forced to make greater concessions in order to create a racially diverse student body. Here, the schools are forced to accept less academically prepared minority candidates in order to achieve racial diversity due to the dwindling pool of applicants. This gap in preparation combines with other negative factors to create disparate graduation rates between minority and non-minority groups. Ms. Gryphon cites recent sociological research concluding that admission preferences hurt campus race relationships. According to the studies, this in turn harms minority students' performance by activating fears of confirming negative group stereotypes, lowering grades and reducing college completion rates among minority students. Finally, Gryphon argues that the benefit of affirmative action programs may not be as great as previously thought. She states that recent research shows that skills, not credentials, can narrow socioeconomic gaps between white and minority families. Therefore, policymakers should end the harmful practice of racial preferences in college admissions. Instead, they should work to close the critical skills gap by implementing school choice reforms and setting higher academic expectations for students of all backgrounds Further complicating the issue is the recent accidental release of the academic information of students at Baylor Law School, including their GPA and LSAT scores. However, even with hard data, there is still disagreement over how significant of an advantage was given to those students. Some sources view the advantage as miniscule while others view it as significant. Despite disagreement over the impact of the program, the incident has brought the subject of affirmative action to the forefront of the minds of the legal community once again and will likely play some role in the upcoming case. Ultimately, the issue of the continued implementation of affirmative action is going to come down to the decision of a Court bearing little resemblance to the one that upheld the program in Grutter. Two justices who signed on to the opinion, Justices Stevens and Souter, have been replaced with ideologically comparable successors in Justices Sotomayor and Kagan. However, Kagan has recused herself due to her role in the case as former US solicitor general. Likewise, Chief Justice Rehnquist has been replaced with conservative Chief Justice John Roberts. However, O'Conner, the opinion writer for Grutter, has since retired and has been replaced by the more conservative Justice Samuel Alito. Remaining on the Court are Justices Thomas, Scalia and Kennedy who dissented in Grutter and Justices Breyer and Ginsburg who wrote concurrences. The 5-4 Grutter majority seems to have dwindled to a 5-3 split in the other direction. The fate of affirmative action, the policy that Justice O'Conner predicted would stand for 25 years from her opinion in Grutter, will likely face tough opposition in the upcoming term. With the changing membership of the Court, the recent case law and the recent research and events it is not inconceivable that the decades old practice could come to an end. James Craig earned his B.A. in political science and history from the University of Pittsburgh in May 2011. He is currently an associate editor of JURIST's Social Media service. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of JURIST or any other organization. Suggested citation: James Craig, The Unsure Fate of Affirmative Action, JURIST - Dateline, May 18, 2012, http://jurist.org/dateline/2012/05/james-craig-affirmative-action.php This article was prepared for publication by Elizabeth Imbarlina, the head of JURIST's student commentary service. Please direct any questions or comments to her at [email protected]
Birth Control Behavioral Methods (cont.) Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Other Methods of Periodic Abstinence Several other methods of periodic abstinence exist. - Rhythm method: Couples who practice the rhythm method, also called the calendar method, decide when to abstain from intercourse based on calendar calculations of the past 6 menstrual cycles. However, allowances are not made for the normal variations in the menstrual cycle that many women experience. This method is not as reliable as the symptothermal method of NFP or FAM. - Cervical mucus method: Also called the ovulation method, the cervical mucus method involves monitoring cervical mucus only, without also recording basal body temperature or menstrual history. The safe period is considered to be any dry mucus days just after menstruation and the 10 or 11 days at the end of the cycle. Days of menstrual bleeding are deemed infertile; however, pregnancy can occur during menstruation. Vaginal infections, sexual excitement, lubricants, and certain medications can significantly affect the accuracy of cervical mucus assessment. - Basal body temperature method: This method involves monitoring basal body temperature only, without also recording cervical mucus or other signs. Sex is avoided from the end of the menstrual period until 3 days after the increase in temperature. Must Read Articles Related to Birth Control Behavioral Methods Birth Control FAQs The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Your choice of birth control method involves factors such as how easy it is to use, safety, risks, c...learn more >> Birth Control Overview The practice of birth control is as old as human existence. Today, the voluntary control of fertility is of paramount importance to modern society.learn more >>
Step One-Identify Wildlife Needs Choose a Target Species. What type of wildlife would you like to attract to your landscape? Most people are interested in attracting songbirds, hummingbirds, or butterflies. Of course, if you plant the right native plants, you can attract all three! Determine the Basic Needs of Target Species. All wildlife have the same basic life requirements: food, water, and cover. Find out what your target species requires. Keep in mind that wildlife have different needs in different seasons. Does it need a certain type of food plant? Does it prefer a particular plant for cover? Some butterflies need a specific host plant on which to lay their eggs. Click below for more information on identifying the needs of native wildlife. Determine Limiting Factor. Once you know what your target species needs to survive and thrive, take a look at your existing landscape to see if any of these elements are missing. That will be a limiting factor that you will need to correct. Do you have the host plant? Do you have an adequate source of water? Are there any food plants? Cover plants? Keep in mind that limiting factors may change from one season to the next. Back to top
< Browse to Previous Essay \| Browse to Next Essay > Tacoma City Council approves Chinese Reconciliation Resolution on November 30, 1993. HistoryLink.org Essay 4132 : Printer-Friendly Format On November 30, 1993, the Tacoma City Council approves the Chinese Reconciliation Resolution (Resolution 32415) to make amends for the 1885 expulsion of the entire Chinese community in Tacoma by the mayor and other leading citizens. This event occurred on November 3, 1885, in the context of an economic downturn. It was preceded by months of mass meetings and bigoted rhetoric in the newspapers and elsewhere. The day after the Chinese were forced to leave, their houses were burned to the ground. Dr. David Murdoch, who moved to Tacoma with his wife in 1982, initiated the reconciliation project. In 1992, he joined with city councilman Robert Evans, former State Representative Art Wang (D-Tacoma), and community activists to initiate the process of making amends. As part of the reconciliation process, a Chinese Commemorative park and international pavilion will be built at the former National Guard site on Commencement Bay, not far from the early Chinese settlement that was forced to leave. The cost is estimated at $6 million and the architect is J. A. Brennan and Associates in association with Joe Y. Wai Architect Inc. The Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation was founded in 1994. Their objective is to promote peace and harmony in Tacoma's multicultural community, to educate the community and establish historical memory, to build the Chinese commemorative park for the use of the community, to set a reconciliation example for other communities across the country that have encountered similar events, and finally to explore and celebrate cultural diversity as well as our common humanity. As of 2004, the site on Commencement Bay had been acquired and the design plans had been completed. Groundbreaking took place on August 19, 2005. City of Tacoma website (economic development/Major Projects) (http://www.ci.tacoma.wa.us/econdev/MajorProjects); Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation Website (http://crpftacoma.org). Note: This essay was updated on November 30, 2004 and again on April 18, 2006. Travel through time (chronological order): < Browse to Previous Essay Browse to Next Essay > Asian & Pacific Islander Americans \| Licensing: This essay is licensed under a Creative Commons license that encourages reproduction with attribution. Credit should be given to both HistoryLink.org and to the author, and sources must be included with any reproduction. Click the icon for more info. Please note that this Creative Commons license applies to text only, and not to images. For more information regarding individual photos or images, please contact the source noted in the image credit. Major Support for HistoryLink.org Provided By: The State of Washington \| Patsy Bullitt Collins \| Paul G. Allen Family Foundation \| Museum Of History & Industry \| 4Culture (King County Lodging Tax Revenue) \| City of Seattle \| City of Bellevue \| City of Tacoma \| King County \| The Peach Foundation \| Microsoft Corporation, Other Public and Private Sponsors and Visitors Like You
Career as a wandmaker Geraint took up the family business in London, studying further into wandlore and becoming an accomplished wandmaker. He considered it an honour to match a witch or wizard with a wand made from the wood of the cypress tree because it indicated he had met someone who was going to die heroically, and left that fact in his writings. - "Geraint" is a name of unknown origin, possibly a Welsh form of the Late Roman name "Gerontius" deriving from Greek γερων (geron), meaning "old man". Geraint was the name of a figure various Welsh legends. He was also incorprorated into later Arthurian tales as one of the knights of the Round Table and the husband of Enid. - Pottermore (Mentioned only)
Entering the Value_if_true Argument The Value_if_true argument tells the IF function what to do if the Logical Test is true. In this tutorial we are testing to see if the data in cell E6 is less than $30,000. If it is, we want the IF function to use a formula to multiply the employee's annual salary in cell E6 by the deduction rate of 6%, which is located in cell E3. Relative vs Absolute Cell References After we complete the IF function in cell F6 we will be copying it to cells F7 to F10 to find out the deduction rate for the other employees in our data sample. Normally, when a function is copied to other cells the cell references in the function change to reflect the function's new location. These are called relative cell references and they make it easier to use the same function in multiple locations. Occasional, however, having cell references change when a function is copied will result in errors. To prevent these errors, the cell references can be made Absolute which stops them from changing when they are copied. Absolute cell references are created by adding dollar signs around a regular cell reference, such as $E$3.For this tutorial we will enter the deduction rate located in cell E3 as an absolute cell reference into the Value_if_true line of the dialog box. Adding the dollar signs is easily done by pressing the F4 key on the keyboard after the cell reference has been entered into the dialog box. - Click on the Value_if_true line in the dialog box. - Click on cell E3 in the worksheet to add this cell reference to the Value_if_true line. - Press the F4 key on the keyboard to make E3 an absolute cell reference ( $E$3 ). - Press the asterisk ( * ) key on the keyboard. The asterisk is the multiplication symbol in Excel. - Click on cell E6 to add this cell reference to the Value_if_true line. - Note: We will not make E6 into an absolute cell reference because we want it to change when the function is copied. - The completed Value_if_true line should read: $E$3 * E6.
11 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Testsby Lindsay Hutton To help children prepare adequately for tests (whether teacher-made or standardized), you can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience. 1 of 12 Study the Material The best way to prepare for tests is to study, know the work, and take the right courses. Next: Help Your Child Relax More on: Testing
An estimation of the galaxy's span resulted in a conclusion of 150,000 light years, which is slightly larger than the Milky Way. The Cartwheel galaxy shows non-thermal radio and optical spokes, but they are not the same spokes. The galaxy was once a normal spiral galaxy like the Milky Way before it apparently underwent a head-on collision with a smaller companion approximately 200 million years ago (i.e., 200 million years prior to the image). When the nearby galaxy passed through the Cartwheel Galaxy, the force of the collision caused a powerful shock wave through the galaxy, like a rock being tossed into a sandbed. Moving at high speed, the shock wave swept up gas and dust, creating a starburst around the galaxy's center portion that were unscathed. This... Read More
Wind Energy Systems Other than the solar energy, wind energy is also one of the widely used alternative renewable energy in the modern era. Many countries are focusing on harvesting wind energy to help fulfill the electricity demand from the countries, as it is one of the easiest systems to incorporate into the alternative energy system other than solar energy. As a result, almost everyone will be able to install their own personal wind energy system in the backyard to help being more energy conservative and saving a lot of money in the energy bills. Indeed a small wind energy system can be installed in your house to help fulfilling your electrical energy need. The wind energy system works by collecting the wind energy from the wind turbine. In which the wind turbine will connect to an energy collector that will collect the electrical energy and transfer into a common electrical voltage to use in your electrical appliances. As a resulted, it will minimize your electrical bills dramatically. Furthermore, the excess electricity produced from the wind turbine in your backyard will be transfer back to the utility company that is powering your house and sold back to the company. Anyways, depending on your neighborhood, you might need to consider different sort of wind energy system; either a standalone system or a grid connected system. For a standalone wind energy system, you might only want to consider if you live in a place with an average wind speeds of about 9 miles per hour annually, and there is no grid connection in your region or only be able to get it from an expensive extension for running the power line. Whereas if you live in the region with wind speed that is about 10 miles per hour annually, and that your electricity cost is way above the ceiling in your region. Then you might want to consider going for a grid connected wind energy system. Wind energy system is the best option for those who are interest to be energy independence rather than dependence from the utilities company, which will eventually lower your cost in energy gills. Furthermore, the wind energy system is also best for those who wish to reduce the impact on environment from using electricity. Similar to all of the renewable energy, producing wind electrical energy require no emission. As a result, wind energy system has no negative impact to our environment and making the earth a better place to live. North American Palladium The North American Palladium is a mining company whose home office is in Toronto Canada. This company is involved in the exploration of not only Palladium but also, other metals such as, gold, nickel, copper, and platitinum. The company formed in 1968 and was known as...
Phosphates are minerals that are combined with phosphorus and oxygen. Apatite is common in various places in Kentucky. Crystal system: hexagonal. Fracture: conchoidal. Color: red, brown, white. Hardness: 5.0. Luster: opaque or semitransparent. Specific gravity: 3.1. Apatite, also called collophane, occurs in peridotites in eastern and western Kentucky. A microcrystalline variety of collophane found in central Kentucky is dark reddish brown, porous, and occurs in phosphatic beds, lenses, and nodules in the Tanglewood Member of the Lexington Limestone in northern Woodford County. Some fossils in the Tanglewood Member are coated with phosphate. Beds are generally very thin, but occasionally several feet thick. The Woodford County phosphate beds were mined during the early 1900's. Crystal system: monoclinic. Color: blue. Hardness: 2. Specific gravity: 2.68. Vivianite commonly occurs in radiating small aggregates or earthy masses. It is rare, though () reported in Floyd County. It is possible that this mineral could occur in geodes, nodules, or fossil cavities in the phosphate beds of central Kentucky. Crystal system: hexagonal. Cleavage: occurs in rounded or barrel-shaped crystals. Color: light green to brown. Hardness: 4. Specific gravity: 7.0. Pyromorphite is a rare lead phosphate that can occur in oxidized lead deposits and has been reported at the Big Four Mines and Dike Eaton areas in the Western Kentucky Fluorspar District.
Each amino acid consists of an alpha carbon atom to which is attached \|Arginine\|\|Arg\|\|R\|\|free amino group makes it basic and hydrophilic\| \|Asparagine\|\|Asn\|\|N\|\|carbohydrate can be covalently linked ("N-linked) to its -NH\| \|Aspartic acid\|\|Asp\|\|D\|\|free carboxyl group makes it acidic and hydrophilic\| \|Cysteine\|\|Cys\|\|C\|\|oxidation of their sulfhydryl (-SH) groups link 2 Cys (S-S)\| \|Glutamic acid\|\|Glu\|\|E\|\|free carboxyl group makes it acidic and hydrophilic\| \|Glycine\|\|Gly\|\|G\|\|so small it is amphiphilic (can exist in any surroundings)\| \|Histidine\|\|His\|\|H\|\|basic and hydrophilic\| \|Lysine\|\|Lys\|\|K\|\|strongly basic and hydrophilic\| \|Proline\|\|Pro\|\|P\|\|causes kinks in the chain\| \|Serine\|\|Ser\|\|S\|\|carbohydrate can be covalently linked ("O-linked") to its -OH\| \|Threonine\|\|Thr\|\|T\|\|carbohydrate can be covalently linked ("O-linked") to its -OH\| \|Tryptophan\|\|Trp\|\|W\|\|scarce in most plant proteins\| \|Tyrosine\|\|Tyr\|\|Y\|\|a phosphate or sulfate group can be covalently attached to its -OH\| Humans must include adequate amounts of 9 amino acids in their diet. These "essential" amino acids cannot be synthesized from other precursors. However, cysteine can partially meet the need for methionine (they both contain sulfur), and tyrosine can partially substitute for phenylalanine. \|Methionine (and/or cysteine)\| \|Phenylalanine (and/or tyrosine)\| Two of the essential amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, are poorly represented in most plant proteins. Thus strict vegetarians should ensure that their diet contains sufficient amounts of these two amino acids. 19 of the 20 amino acids listed above can exist in two forms in three dimensions. Link to a discussion.
Stasis dermatitis and ulcers Stasis dermatitis is a change in the skin that occur when blood collects (pools) in the veins of the lower leg. Venous stasis ulcers; Ulcers - venous; Venous ulcer Causes, incidence, and risk factors is a long-term (chronic) condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. Some people with venous insufficiency develop stasis dermatitis. Blood pools in the veins of the lower leg. Fluid and blood cells leak out of the veins into the skin and other tissues. This may lead to itching, which causes more skin changes. You may have symptoms of venous insufficiency including: - Dull aching or heaviness in the leg - Pain that gets worse when you stand - Swelling in the leg At first, the skin of the ankles and lower legs may look thin or tissue-like. You may slowly get brown stains on the skin. The skin may become irritated or crack if you scratch it. It may also become red or swollen, crusted, or weepy. Over time, some skin changes become permanent: Skin sores (ulcers) may develop (called a venous ulcer or stasis ulcer). These most often form on the inside of the ankle. Signs and tests The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin. Your doctor may order tests to examine the blood flow in your legs. Stasis dermatitis can be related to heart problems so you may need test to check your heart function. You may take the following steps to manage venous insufficiency, which is causing stasis dermatitis: Some skin care treatments can make the problem worse. Talk with your health care provider before using any lotions, creams, or antibiotic ointments. Things to avoid: Topical antibiotics, such as neomycin Drying lotions, such as calamine Benzocaine and other products meant to numb the skin Treatments your health care provider may suggest include: Stasis dermatitis is often a long-term (chronic - Bacterial skin infections - Chronic leg ulcers - Infection of bone - Permanent scar Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if you develop leg swelling or symptoms of stasis dermatitis. Watch for signs of infection such as: Reider N, Fritsch PO. Other Eczematous Eruptions. In:Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, et al, eds.Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 13. Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
We feel this is one of the best classroom activities because kids and adults alike, no matter what their skill level or inclinations, will have great results. There will be a sense of pride and satisfaction with this project from Jacquard Products. - Silk Hoop - Jar of water - Jacquard Gutta or Water-Based Resist - Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow or Silk Colors - Applicator bottle with metal tip - Cups or ice cube trays for mixing colors - There are many approaches to painting the hoops. They can be painted in the traditional silk painting method of applying a resist to outline a design and then filling in the shapes with color. They can be painted in a more freeform watercolor style that doesn't include the use of the resist. A salt technique for adding texture to a painted area can be applied to any wet area of color. Drawing with the resist can be done on top of the dry painted hoop.Or stamping can be done with other textile paints. The main thing to remember is to experiment and have fun! - Apply the resist. In the resist technique, the gutta/waterbased resist lines are drawn on and the dyes are applied within these lines. When painted on, the dyes will flow and spread on the silk until it reaches the resist lines. The resist acts as a boundary between colors much like lead in a stained glass window. These islands of color can be blended, highlighted or accented with other colors. - Pour the resist into the dispenser bottle, replace the plastic insert and screw on the metal tip. - If you are using a pattern, center the hoop over the pattern. The silk is light enough that the pattern lines will be visible through the fabric. Trace the pattern with the resist, or trace lightly with a pencil and then go over the pencil lines with the resist. - Hold the resist bottle like a pencil. Gently squeeze the bottle until the resist begins to flow. It is a good idea to practice on a separate piece of silk or paper until you get the feeling of drawing smooth, flowing, continuous lines. - Begin drawing your pattern. Move steadily, but not so quickly that you leave gaps in your lines. All lines must be connected or the dye will bleed through the gaps in the resist line. - Once you've completed the design, carefully examine the lines. Make sure the resist has penetrated through to the back. Go back and fill in any gaps. Let the resist dry completely, usually 30 minutes. Use a hair dryer to speed drying time. - Mix and apply the dye. Use Dye-na-Flow or Silk Colors. - Use straight from bottle or use an ice cube tray to mix colors. - Dip your brush gently into a color. Touch the brush to the fabric about 1/2" from the resist line. The dye will migrate the rest of the way. Paint all areas inside the gutta lines. For large areas, work quickly painting the color from corner to corner. Always work wet to wet. Never go over a dry area. - For the silk hoop paintings, setting the dyes is not necessary. - Special Techniques: - Salt Technique: A beautiful starburst affect can be achieved by sprinkling salt over the fabric while still wet. Different size salt granules can be used, from table salt to rock salt, to create different size starbursts. The larger the granule, the larger the effect. The salt should be applied immediately while the fabric is still very wet. The salt crystals will begin to soak up the dye as it dries. - Watercolor Method: One of the most exciting methods of painting on silk incorporates the wonderful qualities of the colors spreading and mixing on the silk. Simply paint one color next to another. The dyes will flow and blend automatically. You may pre-wet the fabric to enhance this effect.
Air Date: January 23, 2008 You cannot fly a lead balloon. Adam and Jamie constructed a cube-shaped balloon with approximately 2 meter edges using lead foil. Even without pure helium inside it (a mixture containing air was used), the balloon had enough buoyancy to lift a basket weighing several pounds. You can surf on a wave generated by explosives. The Build Team tried several depths and found that you get the best waves from an explosion at a depth of 12 feet. They then used a couple hundred pounds of TNT and a mechanical surfer (built by Grant) to see if you could generate a wave large enough to be surfed. Even with two hundred pounds of high explosives, the wave wasn’t large enough for surfing. A consultant they asked about the survivability of the explosion stated that an explosion of that magnitude would likely kill you (from internal bleeding) within 24 hours if you were submerged in the water at the time.
Chronic fatigue syndrome \|Also listed as: CFS\|\|Integrative Therapy Quick Links:\| - Autoimmune disorder, chronic fatigue, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, dysfunctional immune system, enlarged lymph nodes, exhaustion, fatigue, hypoglycemia, hypotension, immune system, memory loss, muscle soreness, sleep disturbance. - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder that causes extreme fatigue. The condition does not improve with bed rest. The flu-like symptoms associated with the disorder may last for years. - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered the disease in 1988. However, the cause still remains unknown, and there is currently no method to measure the severity of the condition. Also, since little is known about the disease, there are few treatment options available. - CFS may occur after an infection. It may develop during or shortly after a period of high stress. It may also develop gradually with no clear starting point. - The illness may develop at any point in life. However, the CDC has found that it is most prevalent among individuals who are 40 to 59 years old. Occasionally, CFS is seen in members of the same family. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that CFS is contagious. Instead, researchers suspect that there may be a familial predisposition or genetic link to the disease. More research is needed to confirm these claims. - Women are diagnosed with CFS two to four times more often than men, according to researchers. However, it is unclear whether CFS affects more women or if women report the condition to their doctors more than men. - According to the CDC, about one million Americans have CFS. This disease affects more Americans than multiple sclerosis, lupus, lung cancer or ovarian cancer. - This information has been edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com). - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. . Accessed March 10, 2009. - Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) Association of America. . Accessed March 10, 2009. - National Institutes of Health (NIH). . Accessed March 10, 2009. - Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. . Copyright © 2009. Accessed March 10, 2009. - The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains unknown. However, researchers have suggested some possible causes, which include iron deficiency anemia, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), history of allergies, viral infections (like Epstein-Barr virus), immune system dysfunction, hypotension, as well as changes in the levels of hormones produced in the hypothalamus, pituitary glands and adrenal glands. - The disease may be caused by inflammation in the nervous system pathways, which occurs in reaction to the autoimmune process. However, unlike other autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), CFS cannot be detected in the blood. Other researchers suggest that CFS occurs when a viral illness is complicated by a dysfunctional immune system. - Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are similar to common viral infections. However, CFS symptoms may last anywhere from months to years. Some individuals recover completely from the disorder while other patients' symptoms become progressively worse. Symptoms may also subside and then reappear later. - An individual meets the diagnostic criteria for CFS when they experience unexplained persistent fatigue for six months or longer with at least four of the eight primary symptoms, according to the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group, which was brought together by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). - The eight primary symptoms of CFS include: loss of memory or concentration, sore throat, painful and enlarged lymph nodes, muscle soreness, joint pain (without swelling or redness), headache, sleep disturbance and extreme exhaustion. - Individuals with CFS may also experience a wide range of symptoms that are not part of the official diagnostic criteria. Additional symptoms may include: abdominal pain, alcohol intolerance, bloating, chest pain, chronic cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry eyes/mouth, earache, irregular heartbeat, jaw pain, morning stiffness, nausea, night sweats, psychological problems (like depression and anxiety disorders), shortness of breath, tingling sensation and weight loss. - Some people with CFS may develop a low blood pressure (hypotensive) disorder that causes fainting. - In general, it is often difficult to diagnose chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) because it shares the symptoms of many other diseases, and there is currently no diagnostic or laboratory procedure that can confirm a diagnosis. In fact the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that less than 20% of individuals who have CFS have been diagnosed. - The healthcare provider will first try to rule out other possible causes of fatigue, such as infections, immune disorders, tumors, muscle or nerve diseases (like multiple sclerosis), endocrine diseases (like hypothyroidism), drug dependence, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease or psychiatric/psychological illnesses (like depression). - A diagnosis is confirmed if the patient has experienced unexplained persistent fatigue for six months or longer with at least four of the eight primary symptoms described by the International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group. - Currently, there is no specific treatment available for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, some medical treatments may help alleviate symptoms of the disease. - Anti-anxiety medications: Lorazepam (Ativan®) or alprazolam (Xanax®) may be prescribed to relieve anxiety symptoms associated with CFS. - Antidepressants: Antidepressants may help improve sleep and relieve pain associated with CFS. Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Limbitrol® or Triavil®) have been used. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac® or Sarafem®), paroxetine (Paxil®), sertraline (Zoloft®) and bupropion (Wellbutrin®) have also been used. - Antihistamines: Antihistamines like fexofenadine (Allegra®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®), as well as decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine (Sudafed® or Dimetapp®) may relieve allergy-like symptoms. - Clonazepam: Clonazepam (Klonopin®) may be used to treat dizziness and skin tenderness associated with CFS. - Exercise: CFS patients may be encouraged to begin an exercise program with the help of a physical therapist. The program should gradually increase in length and difficulty. Consistent exercise may help prevent or decrease muscle weakness, as well as increase the individual's energy level. - Hypotension medications: Fludrocortisone (Florinef®) and midodrine (ProAmatine®) have been used to treat CFS patients who experience hypotension (low blood pressure). - Lifestyle changes: Patients may be encouraged to avoid excessive physical and psychological stress. A change in lifestyle may help the individual save more energy for important activities. - NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) may be helpful to reduce pain and fever. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) has also been used to reduce CFS symptoms. - Unclear or conflicting scientific evidence: - Aspartic acid: Evidence from clinical study suggests that potassium and magnesium salts of aspartate may have fatigue-reducing effects. However, the effects of aspartic acid alone are unclear. Secondary sources suggest that aspartates may be low in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome. Additional clinical study is needed in this area. - Use cautiously in patients with high protein intakes, gastrointestinal concerns, liver damage, gout, kidney damage, or osteoporosis. - Coenzyme Q10: Early study indicates that CoQ10 may improve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. High quality research is needed in this area before a decision can be made. - Allergy associated with Coenzyme Q10 supplements has not been reported in the available literature, although rash and itching have been reported rarely. Stop use two weeks before surgery/dental/diagnostic procedures with bleeding risk and do not use immediately after these procedures. Use caution with a history of blood clots, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke, or with anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel (like Plavix®), or blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, or thyroid drugs. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - DHEA: The scientific evidence remains unclear regarding the effects of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) supplementation in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn. - Avoid if allergic to DHEA products. Few side effects are reported when DHEA supplements are taken by mouth in recommended doses. Avoid with a history of seizures. Use with caution in adrenal or thyroid disorders, or in patients taking anticoagulants, or drugs, herbs or supplements for diabetes, heart disease, seizure or stroke. Stop use two weeks before surgery/dental/diagnostic procedures with bleeding risk, and do not use immediately after these procedures. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Evening primrose oil: Not enough information is currently available to advise the use of evening primrose oil for chronic fatigue syndrome or post-viral infection symptoms. - Avoid if allergic to plants in the Onagraceae family, gamma-linolenic acid, or other ingredients in evening primrose oil. Several reports describe seizures in individuals taking evening primrose oil. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Folate (folic acid): Some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have decreased folic acid levels. Daily injections of a combination of folic acid, bovine liver extract and vitamin B12 for three weeks were not beneficial for CFS in limited available study. - Avoid if allergic to folate. Folate appears to be well tolerated in recommended doses. The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 400 micrograms per day for males or females ages 14 years and older; 500 micrograms per day for breastfeeding adult women and 600 micrograms per day for pregnant adult women. The RDA for infants 0-6 months-old is 65 micrograms per day; for infants 7-12 months-old the RDA is 80 micrograms per day; for children 1-3 years-old the RDA is 150 micrograms per day; for children 4-8 years-old the RDA is 200 micrograms per day; for children 9-13 years-old the RDA is 300 micrograms per day. Stomatitis (mouth sores), alopecia (hair loss), myelosupression (blood marrow condition) and zinc depletion have been reported with folate use. It is recommended that all women capable of becoming pregnant consume folate in order to reduce the risk of the fetus developing a neural tube defect. Folic acid supplementation in recommended doses is FDA Pregnancy Category A. When taken in higher doses, it is categorized as FDA Pregnancy Category C. Folic acid is present in the breast milk and is likely safe to use during breastfeeding under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. - Ginseng: A few studies using ginseng extract G115® (with or without multivitamins) report improvements in patients with fatigue of various causes. However, these results are early, and studies have not been high-quality. - Avoid ginseng with a known allergy to plants in the Araliaceae family. There has been a report of a serious life-threatening skin reaction, possibly caused by contaminants in ginseng formulations. - Iron: Ferrous sulfate may improve fatigue in women with low ferritin levels. Further research is needed to confirm these results. - Iron is a trace mineral, and hypersensitivity is unlikely. Avoid with a known allergy/hypersensitivity to products containing iron. Avoid excessive intake. Avoid with blood disorders that require frequent blood transfusions. Use cautiously with a history of kidney disease, intestinal disease, peptic ulcer disease, enteritis, colitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, alcoholism, or in those who plan to become pregnant, or are over age 55 and have a family history of heart disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before beginning iron supplementation. - Jasmine: Jasmine is commonly used in aromatherapy as a relaxing, yet stimulating herb. However, preliminary study did not find a significant difference between the alertness levels of essential oil users and controls. More research is needed in this area. - Use cautiously during pregnancy or lactation. Use cautiously in patients allergic to jasmine, jasmine oil, or other fragrances. Avoid oral consumption of essential oils, including jasmine essential oil, as they are extremely potent and can be poisonous. - Kiwi: One study suggests that a kiwi-containing drink has beneficial effects on athletic performance. However, methodological weaknesses in this study preclude making any firm conclusions regarding kiwi's effectiveness for energy enhancement. - Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to kiwi, latex, birch pollen, banana, chestnut, fig, flour, melon, poppy seeds, rye grain, sesame seeds and related substances. Kiwi is generally considered safe when taken in amounts naturally found in foods. Use cautiously with anti-platelet drugs like aspirin, cilostazol or clopidogrel. Use cautiously with hormone therapies or serotonergic drugs. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. The amount found in foods appears to be safe in most people. - L-carnitine: There are several promising reports on the use of L-carnitine for fatigue. However, additional study is warranted in this area. - Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to carnitine. Use cautiously with peripheral vascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis, and diabetes. Use cautiously in low birth weight infants and individuals on hemodialysis. Use cautiously if taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Liver extract: An injectable solution of bovine liver extract containing folic acid and cyanocobalamin has been studied as a potential treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. Preliminary study indicates that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome reacted positively to intramuscular bovine liver extract. Additional study is needed to make a conclusion. - Use cautiously as raw liver may contain liver flukes or the bacterium, Vibrio fetus. Use cautiously if taking antacids or with acid reflux. Use cautiously with clotting disorders, compromised immune function, or abnormal iron levels. Use cautiously if taking antihypercholesterolemic drugs (drugs that affect blood cholesterol), antiviral agents, especially interferon, or any agents for cancer. Use cautiously in hepatopathic patients with reduced human growth hormone metabolic clearance rate. Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to liver extract or its constituents. Avoid with iron metabolism disorders or iron shortage disorders, such as hemochromatosis. Avoid liver extract from countries where bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE or "mad cow disease") has been reported. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Meditation: Mindfulness meditation with Qi gong may contribute to improved overall health. However, not enough studies have examined the specific effects of meditation on chronic fatigue syndrome. More studies are needed in this area. - Use cautiously with underlying mental illnesses. People with psychiatric disorders should consult with their primary mental healthcare professional(s) before starting a program of meditation, and should explore how meditation may or may not fit in with their current treatment plan. Avoid with risk of seizures. The practice of meditation should not delay the time to diagnosis or treatment with more proven techniques or therapies, and should not be used as the sole approach to illnesses. - Physical therapy: There is inconclusive evidence on whether physical therapy may help reduce cancer-related fatigue. Additional study is needed in this area. - Not all physical therapy programs are suited for everyone, and patients should discuss their medical history with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatments. Physical therapy may aggravate pre-existing conditions. Persistent pain and fractures of unknown origin have been reported. Physical therapy may increase the duration of pain or cause limitation of motion. Pain and anxiety may occur during the rehabilitation of patients with burns. Both morning stiffness and bone erosion have been reported in the literature although causality is unclear. Erectile dysfunction has also been reported. Physical therapy has been used in pregnancy and although reports of major adverse effects are lacking in the available literature, caution is advised nonetheless. All therapies during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a licensed obstetrician/gynecologist before initiation. - Reflexology: Reflexology may help relieve fatigue and stress. High quality clinical research is needed to make a conclusion. - Avoid with recent or healing foot fractures, unhealed wounds, or active gout flares affecting the foot. Use cautiously and seek prior medical consultation with osteoarthritis affecting the foot or ankle, or severe vascular disease of the legs or feet. Use cautiously with diabetes, heart disease, or the presence of a pacemaker, unstable blood pressure, cancer, active infections, past episodes of fainting (syncope), mental illness, gallstones, or kidney stones. Use cautiously if pregnant or breastfeeding. Reflexology should not delay diagnosis or treatment with more proven techniques or therapies. - Rolfing® Structural Integration: Rolfing® Structural Integration may benefit cardiovascular endurance in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. In preliminary study, patients showed improvement in overall well being. However, larger well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results. - Rolfing® Structural Integration should not be used as the sole therapeutic approach to disease, and it should not delay the time it takes to speak with a healthcare provider about a potentially severe condition. Rolfing® Structural Integration is generally believed to be safe in most people. Avoid in patients taking blood thinners and in patients with broken bones, severe osteoporosis, disease of the spine or vertebral disks, skin damage or wounds, bleeding disorders, blood clots, tooth abscesses, acute disc problems, aneurysm, fever, recent scar tissue, connective tissue disease, cancer, and in patients who have just received cortisone shots or who are on chronic cortisone therapy. Use cautiously in patients with varicose veins or phlebitis, joint diseases, psychosis or bipolar disorder, severe kidney, liver, or intestinal disease, diabetes, menstruation, infectious conditions, colostomies, high blood pressure, and stenoses or strictures. - Sandalwood: Preliminary study indicates that sandalwood oil may increase alertness; however, more research is needed in this area. - Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to sandalwood (Santalum album), its constituents, or related members of the Santalaceae family. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Selenium: Evidence of selenium's effectiveness for fatigue is currently inconclusive. Additional research is needed in this area. - Avoid if allergic or sensitive to products containing selenium. Avoid with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Selenium is generally regarded as safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, animal research reports that large doses of selenium may lead to birth defects. - Taurine: Energy drinks containing taurine, along with other ingredients such as caffeine and glucuronolactone, are widely available. Overall these drinks have been suggested to decrease sleepiness associated with driving, increase energy, concentration, and memory, and positively affect mood, well-being, and vitality. Further study is required to examine the effect of taurine alone. - Taurine is an amino acid and it is unlikely that there are allergies related to this constituent. However, allergies may occur from multi-ingredient products that contain taurine. Use cautiously in patients with high cholesterol, low blood pressure, coagulation disorders, potential for mania, or epilepsy. Avoid alcohol or exercise after consumption of energy drinks containing taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, B vitamins, and other ingredients. Use cautiously if pregnant or breastfeeding; taurine is a natural component of breast milk. - Vitamin B12: There is some evidence that intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 given twice per week may improve the general well-being and happiness of patients with symptoms of tiredness or fatigue. However, fatigue has many potential causes and well-designed clinical trials are needed before a recommendation can be made. - Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to cobalamin, cobalt, or any other vitamin B12 product ingredients. Avoid with coronary stents (mesh tube that holds clogged arteries open) and Leber's disease. Use cautiously if undergoing angioplasty and with anemia. Vitamin B12 is generally considered safe when taken in amounts that are not higher than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). There is not enough scientific data available about the safety of larger amounts of vitamin B12 during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. - Yoga: Preliminary studies in humans report that yoga may improve fatigue in adults. However, better-designed studies are needed before any conclusion can be made. - Yoga is generally considered to be safe in healthy individuals when practiced appropriately. Avoid some inverted poses with disc disease of the spine, fragile or atherosclerotic neck arteries, risk for blood clots, extremely high or low blood pressure, glaucoma, detachment of the retina, ear problems, severe osteoporosis, or cervical spondylitis. Certain yoga breathing techniques should be avoided in people with heart or lung disease. Use cautiously with a history of psychotic disorders. Yoga techniques are believed to be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when practiced under the guidance of expert instruction (the popular Lamaze techniques are based on yogic breathing). However, poses that put pressure on the uterus, such as abdominal twists, should be avoided in pregnancy. - Fair negative scientific evidence: - Spirulina: There is currently inadequate evidence to recommend the use of spirulina in chronic fatigue syndrome. - Avoid if allergic or hypersensitive to spirulina or blue-green algae. Use cautiously with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder of a liver enzyme that disrupts normal body functions), autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Use cautiously with products containing the blue-green algae species Anabaena spp., Aphanizomenon spp., and Microcystis spp.; in underweight patients or in those taking antiobesity agents or appetite suppressants; or if consuming a high-protein diet. Avoid in children and if pregnant or breastfeeding. - Since the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains unclear, there is no known method to prevent the disease. Individuals who experience CFS symptoms should consult their healthcare providers. Support for cfs patients - The CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) Association of America is the largest charitable organization dedicated to conquering CFS. Since the organization was founded in 1987, the association has invested more than $18.4 million in initiatives to find a cure for CFS. The organization works to promote awareness of CFS and promotes high-quality scientific research. - For more information about the CFIDS Association of America, please visit www.cfids.org. Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com) The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
The Green Energy Act was created to expand Ontario's production of renewable energy, encourage energy conservation and promote the creation of clean-energy green jobs. The act aims to expand Ontario's renewable energy production and create clean-energy jobs by: - creating a feed-in-tariff program that guarantees rates for energy generated from renewable sources - such as solar photovoltaic, biogas, biomass, landfill gas, on-shore and off-shore wind and water power; minimum levels of Ontario labour and materials are required to qualify for the program - establishing the right to connect to the electricity grid for all renewable energy projects - including small-scale energy generators, such as homes and schools - that meet technical, economic and regulatory requirements - establishing a "one-stop" streamlined approvals process for small-scale renewable energy projects that meet regulatory requirements - implementing a "smart" power grid to support the development of new renewable energy projects, and to prepare Ontario for new technologies such as electric cars. The act promotes conservation in Ontario through: - creating new energy-efficient standards for Ontario's building code and for household appliances - providing financial assistance for small-scale renewable energy projects - working with local utilities to help them reach conservation targets - ensuring conservation measures protect low-income Ontarians.
Volume 15, Number 2—February 2009 Nontuberculous Mycobacteria, Zambia Clinical relevance of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from 180 chronically ill patients and 385 healthy controls in Zambia was evaluated to examine the contribution of these isolates to tuberculosis (TB)–like disease. The proportion of NTM-positive sputum samples was significantly higher in the patient group than in controls; 11% and 6%, respectively (p<0.05). NTM-associated lung disease was diagnosed for 1 patient, and a probable diagnosis was made for 3 patients. NTM-positive patients and controls were more likely to report vomiting and diarrhea and were more frequently underweight than the NTM-negative patients and controls. Chest radiographs of NTM-positive patients showed deviations consistent with TB more frequently than those of controls. The most frequently isolated NTM was Mycobacterium avium complex. Multiple, not previously identified mycobacteria (55 of 171 NTM) were isolated from both groups. NTM probably play an important role in the etiology of TB-like diseases in Zambia. Tuberculosis (TB) is a problem of enormous dimensions in Africa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most important causative agent. However, in industrialized countries, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) also play a key role in etiology of TB-like syndromes. In Africa, the contribution of NTM to such disease has been examined on a small scale only (1–6). Zambia is a country with historically high prevalence rates of TB. Patients with acid-fast bacilli (AFB)–positive sputum, or those with chest radiographic findings suggestive of active TB, who do not respond to general antimicrobial drugs, are generally presumed to have pulmonary TB. In general, these patients are treated empirically for 6 months with a combination of drugs recommended by the World Health Organization. However, several TB-like syndromes in Africa could be caused by NTM. Thus, inconclusive diagnosis of pulmonary TB would lead to overdiagnosis of TB and in some cases, to inappropriate treatment for NTM infections. When NTM are isolated from a usually sterile site (e.g., blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, synovial fluid), diagnosis of true disease is generally straightforward. However, when NTM are isolated from nonsterile sources, such as sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage samples, the diagnosis is less definitive, especially when the colony numbers are low or NTM are isolated from only 1 cultured specimen. Therefore, it is a challenge to differentiate true NTM lung disease from contamination and colonization. Thus, finding AFB by microscopy of respiratory specimens or by culture may pose a diagnostic problem for the clinician. In 1997, the American Thoracic Society (ATS), published useful criteria for determining the clinical relevance of NTM isolates (7). In 2007, the ATS guidelines were revised to include more lenient diagnostic criteria (8). Clinical criteria include a symptomatic patient with pulmonary symptoms, nodular or cavitary opacities on chest radiographs, or a high-resolution computed tomography scan that shows multifocal bronchiectasis with multiple small nodules. In addition, the microbiologic criteria comprise positive culture results from >2 separate sputum samples, or positive culture results from >1 bronchial wash or lavage, or a lung biopsy specimen with mycobacterial histopathologic features (granulomatous inflammation or AFB) and positive culture for NTM, or lung biopsy specimen showing mycobacterial histopathologic features and >1 sputum or bronchial washing culture positive for NTM. In a pilot study performed in 3 hospitals in Zambia in 2001, high rates of NTM culture–positive sputum samples were obtained (P.C.A.M. Buijtels et al., unpub. data). Therefore, we studied the clinical relevance of and risk factors for isolation of NTM from HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with chronic productive cough and from randomly selected community controls in Zambia. Materials and Methods The study was conducted in St. Francis Hospital in the district of Katete in Zambia from August 2002 through March 2003. Informed consent was obtained from all patients and controls before enrollment. The study was reviewed and approved by the research ethics committee of the University of Zambia, the Central Board of Health, and the Ministry of Health in Zambia. The study population was composed of adults (>15 years of age) with chronic (defined as >2 weeks) signs and symptoms and a productive cough who were admitted to the department of internal medicine at the hospital. Most (96%) of the included patients had respiratory tract symptoms. The other 4% of the patients had skin infections/abscesses or lymphadenopathy. For each eligible patient who consented to participate in the study, 2 healthy community controls were recruited randomly from the neighboring community. These controls were not matched for age or other characteristics of the patients. Nested within this case–control study, the characteristics of NTM-positive and NTM-negative persons were analyzed separately. At the time of enrollment, patients and controls were interviewed in their own language, and their medical records were reviewed by using a standard form. A detailed physical examination was conducted. Chest radiographs were evaluated in a blinded manner in the Netherlands without any additional clinical information. Radiographs were scored for mediastinal adenopathy, cavitation, pleural and pericardial fluid, miliary pathologic changes, alveolar infiltration, interstitial pathologic changes, other lung pathologic changes, or no pathologic changes. Results of the scoring system were chest radiographs with no pathologic changes, pathologic changes not suggestive of TB, and pathologic changes consistent with TB. Over 3 consecutive days, sputum was collected from patients with a productive cough. Controls were asked to gargle with normal saline if they could not produce sputum. The first 2 sputum samples or gargle specimens were cultured for mycobacteria, and a third sample was stored at –20°C until used. Sputum or gargle specimens were divided into 2 equal parts: half was decontaminated with N-acetyl- Data were entered into SPSS version 6 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and analyzed by using STATA version 8.0 (StataCorp., College Station, TX, USA). Student t-tests were used to assess different means between groups; proportions were compared by using χ2 tests. Univariate odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess associations of potential risk factors for NTM positivity. A stepwise backward regression approach was used for multivariate analysis. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by squared height in meters. Underweight was defined as a BMI <18. Clinical Diagnosis of NTM Lung Disease NTM lung disease was diagnosed if patients had respiratory symptoms, abnormal chest radiographic results suggestive of Mycobacterium infection, and 2 positive sputum cultures with the same NTM. Patients or controls with positive NTM cultures who did not meet these criteria were considered colonized. From August 2002 through February 2003, 180 patients and 385 controls were enrolled in the study. Two sputum samples were cultured from 154 patients and 383 controls, and from 1 sample of the remaining participants. The median age of the patients and controls was 35 years (range 16–80 years) and 30 years (range 15–78 years), respectively. Female participants represented 55% (99/180) of the patient group and 69% (265/385) of the control group. A total of 128 (71%) of the patients were HIV positive, and 87 (23%) of the controls were HIV positive. Statistically significant differences in age, sex, and HIV status were observed between patients and controls. Culture Results for Patients Of 180 patients, 60 (33%) had only M. tuberculosis isolates in their sputum samples, 12 (7%) had M. tuberculosis and NTM, and 19 (11%) had only NTM (Table 1). Microscopic results of Ziehl-Neelsen–stained smears of sputum samples were positive in 46 (67%) of 69 patients with M. tuberculosis isolates and in 1 patient with an NTM-positive culture. Of the 31 NTM-positive patients, 29 had 2 consecutive sputum samples subjected to culture. In 22 of the 29 patients, only 1 of 2 cultures was positive. Four NTM-positive patients had 2 positive NTM cultures; 1 of these patients had pulmonary disease. M. intracellulare was isolated twice from 2 of these 4 patients, M. avium was isolated from both samples from 1 patient, and NTM of 2 species and M. tuberculosis was isolated from 1 patient. One of 2 sputum cultures from 3 other NTM-positive patients contained mycobacteria that could not be identified. Two of these 3 patients had M. intracellulare in 1 sputum sample; M. porcinum was isolated from 1 patient. Case Reports for Patients with Suspected NTM Disease Characteristics of the 4 patients with NTM isolates in both sputum samples and of the 3 NTM-positive patients from whom 1 of the 2 sputum samples contained mycobacteria that could not be identified are shown in Table 2. For 3 patients (1, 2, and 4), NTM-associated disease was suspected because of the combination of symptoms, positive cultures, and pathologic changes consistent with TB seen on chest radiographs. However, only 1 patient (patient 4) fulfilled the ATS criteria for NTM lung disease. M. intracellulare was isolated from all 3 of these patients. The first patient (patient 4) was a 32-year-old HIV-positive man who reported having had a productive cough with hemoptysis for 17 weeks. He also was vomiting and had diarrhea. His BMI was 15. He had been treated for TB. Results of a chest radiograph were consistent with TB and showed alveolar infiltration and interstitial pathologic changes. His condition did improve after treatment with antimicrobial drugs (chloramphenicol and tetracycline), and he was again given treatment for TB. Mycobacteria were cultured from 2 sputum samples and identified as M. intracellulare. The patient died 5 weeks later. The second patient (patient 1), who had M. intracellulare pulmonary disease, was a 55-year-old HIV-positive man. He was admitted because of a productive cough with hemoptysis for 17 weeks. Diarrhea was also reported; his BMI was 17. He had been receiving treatment for TB for 4 months. Sputum obtained before treatment was AFB negative. Radiographic investigation of the chest showed cavities and alveolar consolidation. No improvement was seen after he was treated with antimicrobial drugs (chloramphenicol, amoxicillin, gentamicin, and metronidazole). Sputum was examined again and was smear positive for AFB. The first sputum culture showed M. intracellulare. In the second sputum culture, the isolated mycobacteria could not be identified because of logistic reasons. The patient died 3 weeks later. The third patient (patient 2), who had M. intracellulare pulmonary disease, was a 45-year-old HIV-positive woman who had had respiratory signs and symptoms for >1 year. She was known to have asthma. Physical examination found enlarged submandibular, supraclavicular, and axillary lymph nodes. Her BMI was 20. Alveolar infiltration was seen on a chest radiograph. Treatment with chloramphenicol was started. Culture of the first sputum sample showed mycobacteria that could not be identified; the second sputum showed M. intracellulare. Three days after admission, the patient was taken home by her family and was lost to follow-up. Culture Results for Controls M. tuberculosis was cultured from sputum or gargle specimens from 3 (0.8%) of the 385 controls; in 1 of these 3 controls, NTM and M. tuberculosis were isolated (Table 1). In 61 (16%) controls, only NTM were isolated; this number was comparable with the proportion of patients among whom only NTM were isolated (11%; p = 0.2). In 61 of 62 NTM-positive controls, only 1 sputum or gargle specimen was culture positive for NTM. In 1 control, who was HIV negative, 2 mycobacteria, M. porcinum and an unknown Mycobacterium sp., were isolated. No chest radiographs suggestive of TB were observed for any of the controls. From 383 controls, 2 sputum or gargle samples were cultured for Mycobacterium spp. Significantly fewer controls (1/383) than patients (4/154) had 2 sputum or gargle cultures positive for NTM (p<0.05). Mycobacterium spp. Isolated To compare the influence of the decontamination method on the yield of mycobacteria, we divided sputum or gargle samples from all patients and controls into 2 equal parts before decontamination (9). A total of 635 sputum samples were cultured from 180 patients, and 1,532 sputum or gargle samples were cultured from 385 controls. The results of the cultures are shown in Table 3. The number of NTM (72) isolated from 635 sputum samples of patients was significantly higher than the number of NTM (99) isolated from 1,532 sputum or gargle samples from controls (11% and 6%, respectively, (p<0.001). Mycobacteria were isolated from 273 (43%) of 635 sputum samples from patients; M. tuberculosis isolates were found in 201 (74%) of the 273 positive sputum specimens, and NTM were found in 72 (26%). The most frequently isolated NTM was M. intracellulare, which was found in 12 specimens. Mycobacteria were isolated from 104 (6.8%) of 1,532 sputum or gargle samples cultured from the controls. M. tuberculosis was found in 5 (4.8%) of the 104 positive cultures, and NTM were found in 99 (95%). The predominant NTM isolated from the controls were M. avium (5 specimens), M. goodii (4 specimens), and M. peregrinum (4 specimens). A total of 55 (32%) of 171 NTM isolated from patients and controls were not identified because their 16S rDNA sequences were absent in the BLAST (National Center for Biotechnology Information, Bethesda, MD, USA, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) database. These 55 NTM species were closely related to various Mycobacterium spp. such as M. intracellulare, M. malmoense, M. fortuitum, M. smegmatis, and M. terrae. Comparison of Persons with and without NTM in Sputum or Gargle Samples The 93 patients and controls with NTM-positive cultures had different clinical and radiographic features than the 472 patients and controls without NTM in sputum samples (Table 4). These persons were more likely to report vomiting and diarrhea, were more often underweight (BMI<18), more often had general malaise, and their chest radiographs more frequently showed changes consistent with TB, such as consolidation and interstitial changes. HIV status and presence of M. tuberculosis in the sputum culture did not differ between the NTM-positive and NTM-negative groups. There were no significant differences between these groups in terms of age (mean 36.7 years vs. 34.8 years; p = 0.2), sex, smoking habits, alcohol use, and previous treatment for TB (Table 5). The percentages of farmers and of persons in both groups who used unboiled milk were comparable. Moreover, NTM-positive persons used tap water more often than NTM-negative persons (p = 0.004). A subgroup analysis, restricted to patients with NTM and patients without NTM in sputum, yielded similar results (data not shown). Independent risk factors for NTM culture–positive sputum were determined by using multivariate analysis. Two factors, underweight (BMI<18) and use of tap water, were independently associated with having an NTM-positive sputum culture (Table 6). The purposes of this study were to compare the prevalence of NTM in sputum between hospitalized chronically ill patients and community controls and to determine the clinical importance of isolation of NTM. The proportions of patients and controls with positive sputum or gargle cultures for NTM were comparable (11% and 15%, respectively). However, the proportion of NTM-positive sputum samples was higher for patients than for controls (11% and 6%, respectively). This finding suggests that persistent NTM are associated with chronic illness in these patients. It is not known whether culture results were influenced by the method of obtaining specimens. A gargle specimen contains flora of the oropharyngeal mucosa, whereas a sputum sample contains flora of the lower airways. In the patient group, more persons were capable of producing sputum, which may have influenced the yield of positive NTM-positive cultures. NTM lung disease was definitively diagnosed for 1 patient and probable diagnosis was made for 3 patients (nos. 1, 2, and 4; Table 2). M. intracellulare was isolated from the sputum samples of these HIV-positive patients. These patients had respiratory symptoms, and chest radiographs showed pathologic changes compatible with TB. Unfortunately, in 2 of these patients, 1 of 2 sputum samples with mycobacteria could not be identified because of contamination and reculture problems. The combination of symptoms, positive cultures, and pathologic changes seen on chest radiographs are characteristics of NTM infection and suggestive of NTM pulmonary disease. However, the ATS criteria valid at the time of the study were not completely fulfilled because only 2 sputum samples were cultured for mycobacteria on consecutive days, instead of the 3 samples recommended. Furthermore, 2 of these patients suspected of having NTM lung disease had been treated for TB. Because these sputum samples were not tested with molecular amplification techniques for multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis, the possibility that they had multidrug-resistant TB could not be excluded (12,13). Conversely, performance of these nucleic acid amplification tests is generally good for clinical respiratory specimens that are AFB smear positive but less so for specimens that contain fewer organisms or are AFB negative. Moreover, because sputum specimens were not cultured on solid medium, it was not possible to count the number of colony-forming units to distinguish colonization and infection from disease. Many risk factors for NTM have been identified (14–16). In this study in a setting in Africa, HIV, sex, and age were not risk factors for NTM. The 2 risk factors for a positive NTM culture were being underweight and having consumed tap water. NTM are natural inhabitants of municipal water systems and soil. A biofilm may form in the water distribution system and be a source of replicating NTM (17). Consequently, availability of clean tap water may introduce a serious danger, in particular, to immunosuppressed human populations. Therefore, tap water in Zambia should be tested for NTM. In this study, patients and controls with NTM in sputum or gargle samples more often had symptoms and signs of general malaise, including diarrhea, vomiting, and being underweight, and chest radiographs for these NTM-positive persons more often showed pathologic changes than did those for NTM culture-negative persons. These symptoms and signs may not be specific for NTM infection, but they may reflect the patients’ poor health in general. Differences in geographic distribution of NTM species have been reported (16,18,19). The most commonly encountered NTM from clinical specimens in industrialized countries are M. avium complex (MAC) and M. kansasii (20–24). Despite limited studies conducted in Africa, the distribution of NTM is not known. In our study, the most commonly isolated NTM in patients and controls was M. avium complex. However, 32% of NTM found in both groups in Zambia have not been identified on a species level. This study indicates that the distribution of NTM in Africa may differ from that in Europe and the United States. NTM in Africa may have diverged from NTM in industrialized countries. This hypothesis could be tested by extensive DNA sequencing of semiconserved genes such as those for RNA polymerase B and 65-kD heat-shock protein. Unidentified NTM colonize persons in Africa and can cause disease in some instances. The magnitude of this problem, in addition to the problem of TB, is unknown but deserves more attention. Rates of NTM colonization and disease that have been reported vary in different areas. In North America and Europe, rates of colonization and disease in the general population range from ≈1–15/100,000 persons to 0.1–2/100,000 persons, respectively (20–23,25–28). These rates are largely unknown for most countries in Africa. In South Africa, prevalence rates of NTM colonization of 1,400–6,700/100,000 persons have been reported (29,30). In gold miners in South Africa, rates of infection were 101/100,000 persons for NTM, 66/100,000 persons for M. kansasii, and 12/100,000 persons for M. scrofulaceum (31,32). Although numbers of cases were small, the estimated rate of colonization in our study in the patient population was 9% (14/154) and the rate of disease was ≈2% (3/154). Two sputum or gargle specimens were collected and cultured from 383 controls in our study. NTM were isolated from both specimens for 1 of 61 controls with >1 sample being culture positive for NTM. This control was not suspected of having NTM pulmonary disease. The estimated rate of colonization in the general population on the basis of this result is 16% (61/383). NTM probably play a role in the etiology of TB-like disease in Zambia. More extended studies, in terms of duration and size, will be needed to determine the true prevalence of NTM infection in Africa. Dr Buijtels is a medical microbiologist at the University Medical Centre in Utrecht. Her research interests include the clinical relevance of NTM in Africa. We thank Shirley Visser-Triep and Astrid Bos-Grit for excellent laboratory assistance, Wouter Tietge and Ilse van den Berg for sampling a subgroup of the controls, the staff of St. Francis Hospital in Katete for their teamwork and cooperation, and Margôth Petit-Vijgen for managing the extended patient database. This study was supported by the partnership of microbiologists at the Medical Centre Rijnmond-South in Rotterdam and The Netherlands Society of Tropical Medicine and International Health. - Elliott AM, Halwiindi B, Hayes RJ, Luo N, Mwinga AG, Tembo G, The impact of human immunodeficiency virus on response to treatment and recurrence rate in patients treated for tuberculosis: two-year follow-up of a cohort in Lusaka, Zambia. 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Epidemiologic aspects of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease and of tuberculosis in British Columbia. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1974;109:613–20. - Arabin G, Gartig D, Kleeberg HH. First tuberculosis prevalence survey in KwaZulu. S Afr Med J. 1979;56:434–8. - Fourie PB, Gatner EM, Glatthaar E, Kleeberg HH. Follow-up tuberculosis prevalence survey of Transkei. Tubercle. 1980;61:71–9. - Corbett EL, Hay M, Churchyard GJ, Herselman P, Clayton T, Williams BG, Mycobacterium kansasii and M. scrofulaceum isolates from HIV-negative South African gold miners: incidence, clinical significance and radiology. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 1999;3:501–7. - Corbett EL, Blumberg L, Churchyard GJ, Moloi N, Mallory K, Clayton T, Nontuberculous mycobacteria: defining disease in a prospective cohort of South African miners. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1999;160:15–21. Suggested citation for this article: Buijtels PCAM, van der Sande MAB, de Graaff CS, Parkinson S, Verbrugh HA, Petit PLC, et al. Nontuberculous mycobacteria, Zambia. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2009 Feb [date cited]. Available from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/15/2/08-0006.htm
In 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added folic acid to the list of vitamins and minerals added to the nation's food supply. The intent was to prevent devastating neural tube birth defects, which previously afflicted as many as 1 in 1,000 newborns. The Role of Folic Acid in Fetal Development Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established that 50% to 70% of neural tube abnormalities, which produce profound and sometimes fatal neurologic defects, can be prevented by ensuring that pregnant women get enough folic acid daily. Women who are planning to become pregnant should start taking a supplement containing 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid every day. Women should start taking it at least 1 month before conception and continue it for the first 3 months of pregnancy. Without supplementation, most women would fall short of the mark. Public health officials reasoned that if the vitamin were added to grain products, such as flour, pasta, bread and breakfast cereals, women would get more of the folic acid they need, when they need it. But there was much debate about how much folic acid could be safely added to food. In a compromise, the FDA decided to limit the amount of folic acid added to food. A bowl of breakfast cereal, for instance, provides only about 0.1 milligram. Most women of childbearing age do not consume enough folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. All women of childbearing age should take a vitamin containing at least 0.4 milligrams of folic acid. Folic Acid in Food Supplements aren't the only way to make sure you get plenty of this important B vitamin. Here are some of the top folic-acid-rich foods. \|Food \|\|Folic acid (milligrams) \| \|Chicken giblets, 3.5 ounces \|\| 0.38 \| \|Beans, most types, cooked, 1 cup \|\| 0.26 \| \|Turnip greens, cooked, 1/2 cup \|\| 0.17 \| \|Avocado, 1 medium \|\| 0.16 \| \|Okra, cooked, 1/2 cup \|\| 0.13 \| \|Asparagus, cooked, 1/2 cup \|\| 0.13 \| \|Breakfast cereal, fortified, 1 cup \|\| 0.11 \| \|Orange juice, 1 cup \|\| 0.11 \| \|Spinach, cooked, 1/2 cup \|\| 0.10 \| \|Source: USDA Nutrition Database \| Last updated July 01, 2009 folic acid,neural tube,vitamin
Bug parents have it easy. Instead of suffering the starving cries of their babies like bird and mammal mommies do, new research indicates that insects merely need a whiff of their kids to gauge what little ones need. The new findings reveal a novel way for offspring to communicate hunger. Most larvae aren't blessed with a strong set of noisemakers. So it's a safe bet that they must get their parents' attention in some other way. Recognizing that bugs tend to use chemical signals to communicate with each other, evolutionary biologist Edmund Brodie III of Indiana University, Bloomington, wondered if baby insects speak by stinking. To find out, Brodie and colleagues looked at parental feeding behavior in burrower bugs (Sehirus cinctus). Adults are about the size of a pencil eraser, and the youngest babes--there can be up to 100 per brood--look like bright red pinheads. The researchers separated the babies into two groups: One got plenty to eat, while the other was underfed. They then collected the volatile chemicals wafting from each clutch. Finally, using a "smell-o-tron," the researchers blew these odors toward mother bugs. Moms receiving odors from ill-fed babies immediately set to finding more food. Mothers gassed with sated-baby odors, on the other hand, slowed their food search. When the team analyzed the chemical make-up of the odors, they found 8 distinct compounds: One was more prevalent in gas from starving babies; another was more prevalent in well fed ones. The mothers didn't respond to these individual compounds alone, however, suggesting a complex interplay between the odors is required. Figuring out exactly which combination of odors is needed to elicit a maternal response will take a lot of trial and error, says Brodie, whose team reports its findings online this week in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. "This may be the first example of animals communicating hunger by chemicals," says evolutionary biologist Allen Moore of the University of Exeter, Cornwall, U.K. Behavioral ecologist Marty Leonard of Dalhousie University, in Halifax, Canada, says the work is exciting because "it takes us off in another route we haven't traveled."
Restrictive immigration policies have long been associated with a variety of economic problems including the diminished availability of foreign business and scientific talent, the inability to fill low-skilled agricultural and service jobs typically scorned by legal residents, and reduced access to the kind of entrepreneurial enthusiasm characteristic of those willing to risk their futures in another country. Only recently has it become clear how restrictive immigration laws also produce harmful social consequences, particularly when it comes to the age-old scourge of human trafficking—the use of force and fraud to supply cheap labor and sexual services. To understand these consequences, it is important to appreciate just how lucrative a branch of organized crime the modern slave trade has become. Efficient transportation, technological advances in both farming and factory work, and advances in communication have all combined to make the use of forced labor very cheap by historical measures. Free the Slaves, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, has calculated the return on the cost of an enslaved field worker in 1850s Alabama at just 5 percent, whereas today a trafficked farmhand can yield the owner anywhere from double digits to 800 percent. Similarly, an imprisoned prostitute shuttled around the boroughs of New York City in a van by a driver scheduling appointments on his cell phone can service as many as 40 customers in a single shift. As one researcher coldly but accurately put it, “People are a good commodity as they do not easily perish, but they can be transported over long distances and can be re-used and re-sold.” The result, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, is that 2.5 million victims, approximately 80 percent female and 50 percent under the age of 18, are being trafficked around the world at any given time. In 2005 the International Labor Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, estimated the annual revenues from this “industry” at $32 billion, or $13,000 per victim. CONTINUED at FEE. Written by Lewis M. Andrews.
USGS project to understand coastal evolution and modern beach behavior; to identify and model the physical processes affecting coastal ocean circulation and sediment transport; and to identify sediment sources and construct a regional sediment budget. Topics in Coastal and Marine Sciences provides background science materials, definitions, and links to give a common context for users from a variety of backgrounds. Coastal erosion was chosen as the first topic. Study addresses questions and concerns related to limited sand resources along the Louisiana shelf and their implications to long-term relative sea-level rise and storm impacts, using newly acquired geophysical and vibracore data. Home page for Coastal and Marine Geology with links to topics of interest (sea level change, erosion, corals, pollution, sonar mapping, and others), Sound Waves monthly newsletter, field centers, regions of interest, and subject search system. Interactive map server to view and create maps using available coastal and marine geology data sets of offshore and coastal U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. Links to available data and metadata that can be downloaded. Information on video and still photography used to supplement laser altimetry measurements of the coast. The photography is used for recognizing geomorphic and cultural features impacted by storms. Links to photo collections of hurricanes and El Nino.
John C. MacInnis is a member of the Embedded and Communications Group at Intel. Courtesy Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Embedded systems using the Intel architecture must include a firmware stack that initializes CPU cores, memory, I/O, peripherals, graphics, and provides runtime support for operating systems. While Intel architecture-based PC designs typically use a full BIOS solution as a firmware stack, many embedded systems are designed with a more optimized firmware layer known as a boot loader. The job of the boot loader is to quickly initialize platform hardware and boot the system to an embedded real-time operating system (RTOS) or OS. Until recently, many embedded operating systems were designed to boot the device and enable all the drivers and networking on the board with no power management per se. As Intel architecture expands into more differentiated types of embedded systems, power management becomes increasingly important both for saving electricity costs as well as maximizing battery life in mobile systems. OS-directed Power Management (OSPM) using Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) methodology provides an efficient power management option. For system developers, an ACPI design can help yield full PM control with quick time to market and cost savings. It offers flexibility by pushing state machine management and policy decisions to the OS and driver layer. The OS creates policy decisions based on system use, applications, and user preferences. From a maintenance and support perspective, patches, updates and bug fixes are better managed at the OS and driver layer than in the firmware. A Note About Firmware Terminology: Since the first IBM clones in the early 1980s, the PC BIOS has been the predominant firmware layer in most of Intel architecture system designs commonly referred to as x86. It has been observed that many Embedded Intel Architecture product designers have unique requirements not always completely satisfied by the standard PC BIOS. This article uses the terms "firmware" and "boot loader" to denote the distinct differences between a PC BIOS and the hybrid firmware required for many of today's embedded systems. Dynamic System Power Management Many types of embedded systems built on Intel architecture are necessarily becoming more power-savvy. Implementing power management involves complex state machines that encompass every power domain in the system. Power domains can be thought of globally as the entire system, individual chips, or devices that can be controlled to minimize power use, as illustrated in Figure 1. Power and Thermal Management States G0, G1, G2, and G3 signify global system states physically identifiable by the user G3 -- Mechanical Off G2 -- Soft Off G1 -- Sleeping G0 - Working S0, S1, S2, S3, S4 signify different degrees of system sleep states invoked during G1. D0, D1,…, Dn signify device sleep states. ACPI tables include device-specific methods to power down peripherals, while preserving Gx and Sx system states; for example, powering down a hard disk, dimming a display or powering down peripheral buses when they are not being used. C0, C1, C2, C3, and C4 signify different levels of CPU sleep states. The presumption is that deeper sleep states save more power at the tradeoff cost of longer latency to return to full on. P0, P1, P2,…, Pn signify CPU performance states while the system is on and the CPU is executing commands or in the C0 state. T0, T1, T2,…, Tn signify CPU-throttled states while the CPU is in the P0 operational mode. Clock throttling is a technique used to reduce a clock duty cycle, which effectively reduces the active frequency of the CPU. The throttling technique is mostly used for thermal control. Throttling can also be used for things such as controlling fan speed. Figure 2 shows a basic conceptual diagram of a clock throttled to 50 percent duty cycle. Power Consumption and Battery Life Power consumption is inversely related to performance, which is why a handheld media player can play 40 hours of music but only 8 hours of video. Playing video requires more devices to be powered on as well as computational CPU power. Since battery life is inversely proportional to system power draw, reducing power draw by 50 percent doubles the remaining battery life. System PM Design Firmware: OS Cooperative Model; In Intel architecture systems, the firmware has unique knowledge of the platform power capabilities and control mechanisms. From development cost and maintenance perspectives, it is desirable to maintain the state machine complexity and decision policies at the OS layer. The best approach for embedded systems using Intel architecture is for the firmware to support the embedded OS by passing up control information unique to the platform while maintaining the state machine and decision policies at the OS and driver layer. This design approach is known as "OS-directed power management" or OSPM. Under OSPM, the OS directs all system and device power state transitions. Employing user preferences and knowledge of how devices are being used by applications, the OS puts devices in and out of low-power states. The OS uses platform information from the firmware to control power state transition in hardware. APCI methodology serves a key role in both standardizing the firmware to OS interface and optimizing power management and thermal control at the OS layer.
Whitley County in Indiana is situated in the North America. It comprises of four important cities to explore, Columbia City, Churubusco, South Whitley and Larwill. Formed in the year 1842, Whitley County has a wide historical importance. It was named after the great American warrior col. William Whitley, who gave his life in the Battle of Thames on 8th October 1813. To remember his sacrifice forever, the people of Indiana named this land as Whitely County. The county is separated into 9 townships: Columbia, Cleveland, Etna-Troy, Jefferson, Richland, Smith, Thorn Creek, Union and Washington. Since before, Whitley people were primarily agriculture minded because of the large fertile lands of Whitely County. Even today Whitley communities have maintained their connection to agriculture and conduct agriculture expo for benefit of farmers. Various County offices of Whitley County are located in Columbia City. Whitley County is becoming a center for business and hence, many residential and commercial complexes are developing in this area in the past years. Even though Whitley County is predominant for its lush pathways, Blue River Trails, recreational parks and historical locations, more and more industrial organizations are stepping here, thus employment opportunities in Whitely County are growing simultaneously. The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Whitley County works with regional and state partners to support and encourage the clients’ business development and efforts to reach their goals. Triad Metals International is one such company, which developed in this area and has become a large steel manufacturing unit in the area. Moreover, Whitley County is a best place to live due to its favorable climatic conditions, warm people and thriving scope for development.
Attrition mills can operate in either batch or continuous mode and suit harder-to-grind material such as metal powders, metal carbides and glass frits. Their shaft speed runs from 75–500 rpm and media generally range in size from 5–13 mm. Feed material can be as coarse as 1/2 in., while end product size can be as fine as 2–3 microns if the mill operates in a batch mode. Dry grind mills also are used to make dispersion strengthened metal (DSM). In this process (known as mechanical alloying or cold welding) the grinding media break the metals and additives into small particles first, and then beat them together to form agglomerates. Repeating the process evenly mixes and disperses the various metals to form the DSM. Pigment makers also use these mills to develop color in pigments. High-speed attrition mills rely on small (2–3-mm) media and operate at a much higher speed, generally from 400–2,000 rpm. Proprietary design features such as shaft/arm configuration and side discharge screens allow these mills to continuously produce fine powders, which are discharged by centrifugal force. However, the small media size used limits feed materials to 40 mesh and finer. The end products from these continuous mills generally are in the 2–5 micron range. Dry grind mills can be used in conjunction with air classifiers or screeners to form a closed grinding process loop (Figure 5). By continuously classifying out fines and returning oversize material to the mill, such systems can very efficiently provide sharp particle-size-distribution grinds. As a rule of thumb, dry grinding generally will achieve particle sizes of 3–5 microns. To mill to sizes below that range requires wet milling. Today, the trend clearly is to produce nanoparticles. Wet grind processing can be done in batch, continuous or circulation modes. In recent years, many paint and mill manufacturers have focused much of their attention on a "new" type of "high circulation rate grinding" to achieve superior dispersions. In actuality, this type of grinding has been used for many years. These units combine a grinding mill with a large holding tank equipped with both a high-speed disperser and a low-speed sweep blade. The entire contents of the holding tank pass through the milling chamber at least once every 7.5 minutes or about 8 times per hour. This high circulation rate results in a uniform dispersion, narrow particle-size distribution and faster grinding. There are two types of high circulation mills — one uses 3–10-mm media to process material down to sizes of a few microns, the other uses 0.1-2-mm media to achieve sub-micron and nano-size products. Choice of grinding media depends upon several factors, some of which are interrelated. • Specific gravity. In general high-density media give better results. The media should be denser than the material to be ground. When grinding some slurries, media with higher density may be required to prevent floating. • Initial feed size. Smaller media can't easily break up large particles. • Final particle size. Smaller media are more efficient when ultrafine particles are desired. • Hardness. The harder the media the better the grinding efficiency and, consequently, the longer the life. • pH. Some strongly acidic or basic material may react with certain metallic media. • Discoloration. Certain applications require, for instance, white material to remain white. • Contamination. Material resulting from media wear shouldn't affect the product or should be removed by a magnetic separator, chemically or in a sintering process. • Cost. Media that may be two-to-three times more expensive may wear better, sometimes lasting five-to-six times longer — and therefore may justify their extra cost in the long run.
What is the difference between a paper receipt and a paper ballot? We speak of OVC creating a paper ballot, not a receipt, nor simply a "paper trail." That is, for OVC machines, the printout from a voting station is the primary and official record of votes cast by a voter. Electronic records may be used for generating preliminary results more rapidly, but the paper is the vote. Some writers discuss producing a paper receipt, which a voter might carry home with them, as they do an ATM receipt. There are two significant problems with this approach. In the first place, if we suppose that a voting station might have been tampered with and/or simply contain a programming error, it is not great jump to imagine that it may print out a record that differs from what it records electronically. A receipt is a "feel good" approach that fails to correct the flaws of DREs. But the second problem with receipts is even more fundamental. A voting receipt that can be carried away by a voter enables vote buying and vote coercion. An interested third party--even someone as seemingly innocuous as an overbearing family member--could demand to see a receipt for voting in a manner desired. With OVC systems, ballots must be placed into a sealed ballot-box to count as votes. If a voter leaves with an uncast ballot, even if she went through the motions of printing it at a vote station, that simply does not represent a vote that may be "proven" to a third party. What some vendors refer to as a paper trail suffers from a weakness similar to the first problem paper receipts suffer. Under some such models, a DRE voting station might print out a summary of votes cast at the end of the day (or at some other interval). But such a printout is also just a "feel good" measure. If a machine software or hardware can be flawed out of malice or error, it can very well print a tally that fails to accurately reflect the votes cast on it. It is not paper that is crucial, but voter-verifiability. Some voting systems I have heard about use a system where a paper ballot is displayed under glass, but not handled directly by a voter. It seems like those systems would prevent ballot-stuffing, since voters do not have direct access to ballot-boxes. Why doesn't OVC use that approach? There are several narrowly technical problems with "ballot under glass" systems. For one thing, such a system will almost inevitably be more expensive than one like ours that can use commodity printers and paper stock. But voting is too important to be decided on cost, so that is an incidental issue. Along a similar line, a "ballot under glass" system has some extra mechanical problems with allowing rejection of incorrect ballots; some sort of mechanism for sending a spoiled ballot somewhere other than to the ballot-box is needed. Again, this adds cost and more points of physical failure. A more significant issue for "ballot under glass" systems is their failure to provide the quality of accessibility to vision- or reading-impared voters that OVC's design does. Ordinary sighted voters who happen to need reading glasses are likely to find "ballot under glass" systems more difficult to check than are OVC printed ballots. Even if these machines add provisions for audio feedback on final ballots, users are dependent on the very same machine to provide such audio feedback. Potentially, a tampered-with machine could bias votes, but only for blind voters (still perhaps enough to change close elections). In contrast, OVC positively encourages third parties to develop software to assure the barcode encoding of votes matches the visibly printed votes--every voter is treated equally, and all can verify ballots. From a more sophisticated cryptology perspective, "ballot under glass" systems are likely to compromise voter anonymity in subtle ways. One of the issues the world-class security researchers with OVC have considered is the possibility that sequential or time-stamp information on ballots could be correlated with the activity of individual voters. Even covert videotaping of the order in which voters enter a polling place might be used for such a compromise. Security experts are folks who get paid to think about even the most nefarious attacks on systems, and voting is important enough to merit such paranoia. While "ballot under glass" does indeed do a pretty good job of preventing ballot-box stuffing with forged physical ballots, this approach is not the only--nor even the best--technique to accomplish this goal. We plan for OVC systems to incorporate cryptographic signatures and precinct-level customization of ballots that can convincingly prove a ballot is produced on authorized machines, at the voting place, rather than forged elsewhere. A simple customization of ballots is a variation of the page position of our ballot watermarks in a manner that a tamperer cannot produce in advance. Surprisingly much information can be subtly coded by moving two background images a few millimeters in various directions. Another option is to encode a cryptographic signature within the barcode on a ballot--in a manner that can be mathematically proven not to disclose anything about the individual voter who cast that vote, but simultaneously that cannot be forged without knowledge of a secret key. There is a lot you can do with fancy mathematics. Professor Amit Sahai directs a Wiki (discussion site) where OVC developers analyze threat models. Contact David Mertz <[email protected]> for suggestions on updating these documents, new questions/answers, and so on.
Teaching a parrot to step on and off something other a human hand – be it a hand-held perch, a basket, a pillow, etc. This enables an owner to transfer a recalcitrant parrot safely from one place to another without the risk of aggression or bloodshed. All parrots should be stick-trained, as well as trained to step on and off the hand. Owners should not wait until they need to have a parrot perch-trained, such as when a pet parrot begins to mature and becomes excessively territorial around its cage. Parrots are most easily trained when they are still youngsters; they are more malleable and eager to please. This is not to say that adult pet parrots cannot be trained, but it will take a bit longer. Disclaimer: BirdChannel.com’s Bird Behavior Index is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the expertise and experience of a professional veterinarian. Do not use the information presented here to make decisions about your bird’s health if you suspect your pet is sick. If your pet is showing signs of illness or you notice changes in your bird’s behavior, take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic as soon as possible.
Usability is regarded as the most pressing issues with web development nowadays. The usability from the website is tested against its simplicity which makes easier for targeted traffic to navigate the immediately, therefore making can download information easier. Accessibility is truly a concept that will be intertwined employing the concept of usability. It refers to creating the location content acceptable for each person. The disease has caught the attention of sectors of society. Why? Because 1 aside 5 people in the usa have any type of disability and figure means around $ 30 million Americans. The figure is always increasing, on the coming of age of the elderly. In earlier times decade alone, a dramatic increase of 25% was seen. Why on the internet? One might ask, “Why in considered the Internet a central concentrate this trouble of usability?” Cyberspace has transformed the lives person in earlier times decade. Individuals have succeeded to carry out actions that they weren’t capable of singing before, companies provided include the employees with disabilities. Traders who are impaired don’t have a opportunities than traders who are well and able. The world wide web provides them avenues for communication, information gathering, social interaction, getting in cultural activities and also it adds with occupations. However, statistics have established simple fact that potential of a Internet to choose from these certain opportunities still is not maximized being the those who disabilities are hindered by usability issues from using it of the fullest. Ingestion of usability is not merely watched by institutions which are usually in connection with giving support to those with disabilities, many of the sectors of society are closely watching its progress. Institutions might be associated with governance, education, media, public services and not to mention another choice . sectors are observers amongst players. Running one benefits improving accessibility of web sites doesn’t just benefit the noticing impairments and often will replace the whole web community. Businesses, services, information campaigners, everyone will manage to benefit. Answer with developing websites by using a universal design approach. They can be a way for developing web page additionally accommodate the widest large choice of potential users. Some why people love this said scheme are: provision of inter-operability of applications; access for one’s disabled; localization and customization. Tips for Improving Accessibility Here i will discuss a few selected key recommendations on the internet Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 that wasthat’s including the Accessibility Initiative of W3C on how you can improve accessibility around the items in an internet. 1. Provide alternatives to audio-visual content Some men and women will have the opportunity to use forms of content. They can might well be disabled or may lower version of Browsers. Movies, sounds, animations or contents inevitably will be translated into text alternatives providing information in direction of broadest variety of viewers. 2. Developers shouldn’t take advantage of color alone Is to purchase impaired in color differentiation. Developers shouldn’t rely a large amount of close to the authority to access colors to relay information the websites. Charts who are color-coded should be modified along with background and foreground colors with all the websites ought to have enough contrast to permit those who have color differentiation impairment to simply navigate the web page. 3. Clarification with their use of natural language Content developers usually margin the adjustments in natural language within his or her websites. They should be proven to identify the dominant language that is used at the site in an attempt to avoid confusion. 4. Effects of content changes might be time-sensitive Issue particularly involves confirm visual or cognitive impairments and people who could not read texts that is normally moving quickly. Movement can be considered an over-all enhancer in the direction of look of the site, nevertheless may pose some problems women with cognitive impairments. 5. Accessibility of user interfaces is usually embedded Objects that posses their own very own interfaces has to be made accessible, and alternative solutions need provided you can possible. 6. Provision of orientation and context information The unbooked time of knowledge on how the objects are organized is actually essential to provide those who assistance with very best access information. There are many other tips on how to improving a website’s over-all option of make sure it is more usable. Developers should give thought to multiple individuals who are most likely view their websites to produce them a priority within a designing process.
Weather, not climate, hurts wildlife BBC News - Fears harsh winter harmed UK wildlife The harsh winter may have had a devastating impact on Britain's wildlife, it has been warned. BBC News - Harsh Scottish winter leaves starving deer Thousands of deer are thought to be at risk of starvation in Scotland following this year's harsh winter. In Sutherland, there are fears that an entire generation will be lost due to the winter weather. BBC News - 'Wildlife in crisis' in frozen UK Britain's wildlife is being pushed to "the brink of a crisis" as sub-zero temperatures continue to grip the nation, according to conservationists. No prize for guessing what two words beginning with C aren't used in these reports.
Digestive Diseases News Summer 2010 Institute of Medicine Calls for National Hepatitis B and C Awareness Strategy Reducing the enormous health burden of chronic infections of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) will require a substantial increase in public resources, according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The IOM report Hepatitis and Liver Cancer: A National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis B and C was released January 11, 2010. The report calls for stepped-up efforts to increase awareness among health care providers, the general public, and at-risk populations of the risks and prevalence of HBV and HCV infections. Four million Americans are living with chronic HBV and HCV infection. Because symptoms rarely appear until viral hepatitis has caused liver damage—10 years or more in the case of HCV— two out of three people with the virus do not know they are infected. Each year, about 15,000 deaths are caused by HBV- or HCV-associated liver cancer or end-stage liver disease, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hepatitis B or C infection is the cause of about half of liver transplantations in the United States, and researchers estimate that 150,000 people in the United States will die in the next decade from end-stage liver disease and liver cancer resulting from viral hepatitis infections. The IOM was asked by the CDC in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable to “determine ways to reduce new HBV and HCV infections and the morbidity and mortality related to chronic viral hepatitis.” The report cited three principal shortcomings: - a lack of knowledge and awareness about chronic viral hepatitis on the part of health care and social service providers - a lack of knowledge and awareness about chronic viral hepatitis among at-risk populations, members of the public, and policy makers - insufficient understanding about the extent and seriousness of this public health problem; therefore inadequate public resources are being allocated to prevention, control, and surveillance programs As a result of these shortcomings, the report’s authors observed the following: - Inadequate disease surveillance systems underreport acute and chronic infections, so the full extent of the problem is unknown. - At-risk people do not know they are at risk or how to prevent becoming infected. - At-risk people may not have access to preventive services. - Chronically infected people do not know they are infected. - Many health care providers do not screen people for risk factors or do not know how to manage infected people. - Infected people often have inadequate access to testing, social support, and medical management services. The IOM report offered recommendations for improvement in four key areas: - The CDC should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the national HBV and HCV public health surveillance system. - The CDC should develop specific, cooperative viral hepatitis agreements with all state and territorial health departments to support core surveillance for acute and chronic HBV and HCV infection. - The CDC should support and conduct targeted active surveillance, including serologic testing, to monitor incidence and prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in populations not fully captured by core surveillance. Knowledge and Awareness about Chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C - The CDC should work with key stakeholders—other federal agencies, state and local governments, professional organizations, health care organizations, and educational institutions—to develop HBV and HCV educational programs for health care and social service providers. - The CDC should work with key stakeholders to develop, coordinate, and evaluate innovative and effective outreach and education programs to target at-risk populations and increase awareness in the general population about HBV and HCV. - All infants weighing at least 2,000 grams and born to HBV surface antigen-positive women should receive single-antigen HBV vaccine and HBV immune globulin in the delivery room as soon as they are stable and washed. The recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices should remain in effect for all other infants. - All states should mandate that the HBV vaccine series be completed or in progress as a requirement for school attendance. - Additional federal and state resources should be devoted to increasing HBV vaccination of at-risk adults. - States should be encouraged to expand immunization information systems to include adolescents and adults. - Private and public insurance coverage for HBV vaccination should be expanded. - The Federal Government should work to ensure an adequate, accessible, and sustainable HBV vaccine supply. - Studies to develop a vaccine to prevent chronic HCV infection should continue. Viral Hepatitis Services - Federally funded health insurance programs—such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program—should incorporate guidelines for risk factor screening for HBV and HCV as a required core component of preventive care so that at-risk people receive serologic testing for HBV and HCV and chronically infected patients receive appropriate medical management. - The CDC, in conjunction with other federal agencies and state agencies, should provide resources for the expansion of community-based programs that provide HBV screening, testing, and vaccination services that target foreign-born populations. Hepatitis and Liver Cancer: A National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis B and C is available through the National Academies Press at www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12793. For more information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other kinds of hepatitis, visit the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse at www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov. NIH Publication No. 10–4552
Our Global Hazards Atlas provides a map showing recent earthquakes and a "ShakeMap" that models estimated ground motion and shaking intensity following significant earthquakes. You can also use the Global Hazards Atlas to review significant historical earthquakes, tectonic plate boundaries, and more. - Ground shaking and ground displacement - Landslides and debris falls - Fire from broken gas or power lines - Flooding from ruptured dams or levees - Tsunami (generated by undersea earthquakes) - Have a disaster supply kit ready in case of evacuation, including a radio and batteries. - Prepare a family communication plan. - Know how to turn off water and gas supplies to your home. Inspect your home for potential earthquake hazards; secure top-heavy furniture to the wall and place heaviest objects on bottom shelves. What to Do During an Earthquake - If you are inside, seek shelter under a sturdy desk or table and hold on. Stay away from windows and glass fixtures. Remain inside until the shaking stops. - Do not use elevators. - If you are outside, stay away from power lines and objects that can fall, such as streetlights, buildings, and trees. - If you are in a vehicle, pull off the road but do not stop on or under bridges, overpasses, or tunnels. For more Information Can Earthquakes Be Predicted? - Data for International Response - Solutions Across Borders (DMRS) - Information Support for Japan - Protecting Papahānaumokuākea - Statewide Hurricane Preparedness - Preparing for Hazards in the Pacific - Information Support for Haiti - Reducing Flood Risk in Hawaii - DisasterAWARE in Thailand (NDWC) - Vietnam Decision Support System - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation - Situational Awareness in the Philippines - Modeling Volcanic Gases - Risk Assessment in the Philippines
A body burns on a funeral pyre while an attendant prods the logs with a pole to keep it alight. The smoke is thick around the public funeral ground. Eyes are stinging, and the air is heavy with the smells of burning wood, incense, and – somewhat disturbingly – an aroma described as being like barbecuing meat. Piles of wood smoulder and burn along the riverbanks, occasionally poked by men or boys with sticks in order to keep them alight. Here and there, jutting from the stacked lots, you can make out a human limb or head of one of the departed – their soul believed to be on its way to heaven. This is not a place for the squeamish. Varanasi’s ghats are large stone steps constructed along the banks of India’s holy river, the Ganges. For centuries, people have been coming here to pray, meditate, bathe and, famously, cremate their dead. Despite the ancient and sacred character of the place, however, visitors to these steps should expect more of a jostling market atmosphere than a place for quiet contemplation. The larger of the burning ghats, Manikarnika (where these photographs were taken), is believed to host around 200 cremations in a single day. Bodies smoulder and burn while onlookers chat among themselves. The funeral ghats of Varanasi are well known – which some might say is fortunate, given that stumbling unexpectedly across a human body burning on top of a pile of logs would come as rather a shock to the unsuspecting! Most visitors are not only aware of what goes on here; many come especially to observe this ancient ritual – whether out of cultural curiosity or mere morbid fascination. A Dom caste funeral worker stokes the pyre. Manikarnika Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat are the two ghats used for funeral fires in Varanasi. Legend says that an ancient Hindu king Harishchandra once worked at the cremation ground (later named after him) after he had been sold into slavery. These days, the grounds are worked by members of the ‘untouchable’ Dom caste. It is said that the work is so despicable that Doms cry when their children are born and rejoice when one of their number dies – death representing a final liberation from their unpleasant duties. The pyres are kept burning until only ashes remain – but only if the mourners can afford enough wood. With impressive business acumen, the Doms have managed to make the best of their seemingly undesirable circumstances. In Varanasi they control the funeral business, and no one can be cremated without paying the Doms for their services. It is thought the Doms have become rich from their traditional responsibilities, with the current 'Dom Raja', or leader, being described as a multimillionaire. A funeral procession on the way to the cremation ground. The popularity of Varanasi’s cremation ghats stems from the Hindu belief that those whose remains are submerged in the holy Ganges river after death are guaranteed a good afterlife. Even Western celebrities such as George Harrison wanted their ashes scattered here. It is also considered a particularly auspicious place to die, as those who are bathed in or even sprinkled with Ganges water at the time of their death will be released from the cycle of death and rebirth and will instead reside in paradise forever. The bodies are wrapped in gold and silver cloth to begin with, then burned in simple white or orange shrouds. The first step when cremating a loved one at the ghats (much as it is in the West) is to choose a funeral package. The price that relatives and friends can afford will determine the amount of wood used, and how much of it will be the desirable sandalwood, as well as the quantity and quality of other cremation necessities like ghee (clarified butter), straw and religious services. A decent funeral generally costs anywhere from US $12 to US $71, but the costs can vary widely. Poor families may only be able to buy a sprinkle of sacred sandalwood powder, while the wealthy may pay for an entire pyre of the expensive wood. How much mourners can afford to pay determines the quality and even location of the funeral pyre. Those who can afford it wrap their deceased first in shrouds made of silver and gold. As Hindus traditionally see death as an occasion for celebration – because the deceased is hopefully headed for a better rebirth, or even heaven – the procession that accompanies the body as likely to seem as cheerful as it is solemn. Crying at funerals is discouraged – partly because it is not simply (if at all) viewed as a sad occasion and partly because bodily fluids, like tears, are considered ‘pollutants’ at religious rites. For this reason, women have traditionally been barred from funeral grounds, the reasoning being that they are more likely to weep than men. The Dom cast of 'untouchables' has a fiercely held monopoly on funerals at the ghats. Before laying the body on the funeral pyre (now in a white shroud), the relatives plunge it quickly into the Ganges and then rub it with ghee – the latter for religious reasons, and possibly to help it burn better. Men are usually placed face up on the pyre while women are cremated face down. The eldest son or male relative (the chief mourner) typically sets the wood alight, starting near the mouth, with a sacred flame taken from a nearby temple. It is then the attending Doms' job to see that the fire burns evenly by adding straw and ghee and prodding it with poles when necessary. Wood is brought into Varanasi from a great distance, making complete funeral pyres too expensive for some. A body burned in this way normally takes about three-and-half hours to reduce to ashes. If the mourners are lucky, the skull will explode in the heat. This, according to Hindu belief, releases the soul to heaven. If this does not happen, it is up to the chief mourner to crack it open himself when the fire has died down. Quite a responsibility. After the cremation, any remaining bones (for some reason usually a hip bone for women and a chest bone for men) are thrown with the ashes into the river. After the cremation, ashes, bones, and sometimes partially burned body parts are poured into the river. Sometimes poorer people cannot afford enough wood to completely burn a body. In this case charred body parts are simply flung into the river with the ashes. Certain people, such as small children, pregnant women and holy men, are not cremated at all, but instead simply have their bodies weighted down with stones and are dropped into the Ganges. Not too pleasant for the many bathers around the ghats. As a solution to the problem of human remains clogging up the Ganges, snapping turtles were bred and released into the river specifically to eat the corpses and bones. A good idea, maybe, but since bodies and body parts are still seen floating around the river today, perhaps not as effective as originally hoped. The burning ghats are a 24-hour hive of activity. Apart from dead bodies in the river, there are other environmental concerns about the burning ghats. For one, the funeral pyres require an enormous amount of wood for fuel. To effectively burn a body takes about 300 kilograms (660 lbs.) of wood, and multiplied by the tens of thousands of people who are cremated here every year, it’s small wonder Varanasi has no local forest left. Wood has to be carted in from over a thousand kilometers away. The government tried to address this problem in the 1990s by building an electric crematorium near the Ganges. Religious customs are hard to change, however, and most people still prefer to send off their dead the old-fashioned way. Constant power outages at the crematorium don't help either. A view of Manikarnika from the Ganges river. The funeral pyres of Varanasi are without doubt one of the most amazing sights in India. Although to some of us they may seem macabre and grisly, to Hindus, death and all its aspects are seen as an important, and indeed joyful, part of life that should be embraced rather than hidden away. Tourists are not discouraged from visiting the burning ghats, although for obvious reasons visitors should try to maintain an attitude of respect around the cremation site. Women are generally not allowed into the funereal area, although April Maciborka, the photographer who took most of these pictures, managed a quick 10-minute visit to take her shots. We thank her for the fascinating insight she's given us into an ancient ritual – which remains as strong as ever today.
\|Anarchism in culture\| \|Anarchism by region\| Anarchism is a political theory which aims to create anarchy, "the absence of a master, of a sovereign." (Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, What is Property, p. 264) In other words, anarchism is a political theory which aims to create a society within which individuals freely co-operate together as equals. As such anarchism isn't social chaos and a return to the "laws of the jungle." This process of misrepresentation is not without historical parallel. For example, in countries which have considered government by one person (monarchy) necessary, the words "republic" or "democracy" have been used precisely like "anarchy", to imply disorder and confusion. Those with a vested interest in preserving the status quo will obviously wish to imply that opposition to the current system cannot work in practice, and that a new form of society will only lead to chaos. Or, as Errico Malatesta expresses it: "since it was thought that government was necessary and that without government there could only be disorder and confusion, it was natural and logical that anarchy, which means absence of government, should sound like absence of order." [Anarchy, p. 12]. "Change opinion, convince the public that government is not only unnecessary, but extremely harmful, and then the word anarchy, just because it means absence of government, will come to mean for everybody: natural order, unity of human needs and the interests of all, complete freedom within complete solidarity." [Ibid., pp. 12-13]. \|anarchism is a popular tag and you can find media on this topic on\|\|Tag\| The meaning of anarchism \| Echo of Freedom, Radical Podcast has a podcast related to this aticle\| Hello, World! Anarchism, and I To quote Peter Kropotkin, anarchism is "the no-government system of socialism." [Kropotkin's Revolutionary Pamphlets, p. 46]. In other words, "the abolition of exploitation and oppression of man by man, that is the abolition of private property [i.e. capitalism] and government." [Errico Malatesta, '"Towards Anarchism,"' in Man!, M. Graham (Ed), p. 75] Anarchism, therefore, is a political theory that aims to create a society which is without political, economic or social hierarchies. Anarchists maintain that anarchy, the absence of rulers, is a viable form of social system and so work for the maximisation of individual liberty and social equality. They see the goals of liberty and equality as mutually self-supporting. Or, in Bakunin's famous dictum: "We are convinced that freedom without Socialism is privilege and injustice, and that Socialism without freedom is slavery and brutality." [The Political Philosophy of Bakunin, p. 269] - Collection of critical articles - Objections to Anarchism Objections and rebuttals, from The Dandelion 1977-79 Freenet links - Note: These freesite links cannot be viewed without prior set up. For explanation on how to set up a connection see ways to view a freesite. - localhost is assumed as the base for the freesite \|This article incorporates text from An Anarchist FAQ \|\|@-faq\| \|This article contains content from Wikipedia. Current versions of the GNU FDL article Anarchism on WP may contain information useful to the improvement of this article\|\|WP\|
God's Design for Life by Debbie and Richard Lawrence. (2009) FREE GROUND SHIPPING Included in this set: • Heat and Energy (student book) • Machines and Motion (student book) • Inventions and Technology (student book) • Teacher's Manual • CD with student supplement worksheets and tests for each student book Have fun with electricity, magnetism, and light; learn about machines and technology with hands-on activities and experiments. This fascinating series for grades 3 through 8 covers studies in motion, energy, and technology. 105 lessons. Full-color. Elementary and middle schoolers will love the exciting, easy-to-understand, and easily taught lessons in the God's Design textbooks by Debbie and Richard Lawrence. All twelve books in the God's Design series are very comprehensive, richly illustrated, and cover material that is often left out of other curricula. You'll love the flexibility of this popular series, which is designed to be used with students ranging from first through eighth grade...all at the same time! Best of all, God's Design textbooks help you teach science from a biblical, creationist perspective, emphasizing God's handiwork in the world around us. Using the God's Design curriculum from AiG will help strengthen your student's faith by showing how science consistently supports the Bible's written record. Students will learn to think critically and logically examine arguments presented by all sides in the creation/evolution debate. As homeschool parents who are also trained electrical engineers, Debbie and Richard Lawrence have designed each lesson with ease and excellence in mind. Each lesson begins with a "read-aloud" section that covers the basic material and is followed by a fun hands-on activity that involves your child and reinforces what you just read. Each lesson ends with review and application questions. In addition to the lessons (35 per text), God's Design books contain special feature articles that examine the lives of scientists throughout history who have contributed to the subject. Other articles contain fun facts. Finally, each book has a unit project that ties all of the lessons together and reinforces what the student has learned. Good science couldn't be more fun! About the authors Born out of the concern of a mom and dad for their own children, Debbie and Richard Lawrence spent years developing this complete science curriculum out of their own homeschooling experiences.
Biblical Repentance/The Meaning of Repentance From Gospel Translations You see then, sinful man stands as a rebel against God’s government and authority. This is why our Lord Jesus came on the scene preaching, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mat 4:17). He commands every sinner to lay down his arms of rebellion and hoist the white flag of surrender to enter the Kingdom of God. In other words, a sinner has to change his mind about sin. This is exactly what it means to repent: a change of mind about sin and about God, which results in turning from sin to God. The Biblical vocabulary for repentance is truly rich. The theme of repentance is found throughout the en-tire Bible and its idea is expressed even when the word itself is not used. In the Old Testament, two Hebrew words, the verbs nacham and shub, are often translated as repent. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament by Koehler, Baumgartner, Richardson, and Stamm says nacham means “to be sorry, come to regret something, to repent” as in Job 42:6, “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” In their Commentary on the Old Testament, Keil and Delitzsch remark, “Nacham is the exact expression for metanoeo, the godly sorrow of repentance not to be repented of. He repents (sitting) on dust and ashes after the manner of those in deep grief.” Regarding shub, which means “to turn,” the Theological Wordbook of the OT says, “The Bible is rich in idioms describing man’s responsibility in the process of repentance. Such phrases would in-clude the following: ‘incline your heart unto the Lord your God’ (Josh 24:23): ‘circumcise yourselves to the Lord’ (Jer 4:4); ‘wash your heart from wickedness’ (Jer 4:14); ‘break up your fallow ground’ (Hos 10:12) and so forth. All these expressions of man’s penitential activity, however, are subsumed and summarized by this one verb shub. For better than any other verb it combines in itself the two requisites of repentance: to turn from evil and to turn to the good.” They conclude by saying, “To be sure, there is no systematic spelling out of the doctrine of repentance in the OT. It is illustrated (Ps 51) more than anything else. Yet the fact that people are called “to turn” either “to” or “away from” implies that sin is not an ineradicable stain, but by turning, a God-given power, a sinner can redirect his destiny. There are two sides in understanding conversion, the free sover-eign act of God’s mercy and man’s going beyond contrition and sorrow to a conscious decision of turning to God. The latter includes repudiation of all sin and affirmation of God’s total will for one’s life.” In the New Testament, three Greek words express repentance: the verbs metanoeo, metamelomai, and the noun metanoia. 1) According to the Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament by Friberg, Friberg, and Miller, metanoeo is used “predominately of a religious and ethical change in the way one thinks about acts: repent, change one’s mind, be converted (Mat 3:2).” It can also express an emotional element: “as feeling re-morse regret, feel sorry (Luk 17:3, 4).” 2) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testamen and Other Early Christian Literature by Arndt, Gingrich, Danker, and Bauer says that metamelomai means to “feel regret, re-pent.” The Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains by J.P. Louw and E.A. Nida says of metamelomai “to change one’s mind about something, with the probable implication of regret—‘to change one’s mind, to think differently.’” 3) “Metanoia means “a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior.” Louw and Nida say of metanoeo and metanoia, “To change one’s way of life as the result of a com-plete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness—‘to repent, to change one’s way, repentance.’ metanoeo: ‘And they went out, and preached that men should repent’ (Mar 6:12). metanoia: ‘not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?’ (Rom 2:4). Though in English a focal compo-nent of repent is the sorrow or contrition that a person experiences because of sin, the emphasis in metanoeo and metanoia seems to be more specifically the total change, both in thought and behavior, with respect to how one should both think and act.” The importance of these definitions is that while the primary emphasis in re-pentance is on the change of mind that leads to a change of behavior, one cannot rule out the emotional element of regret or remorse. What Repentance Includes Therefore, to repent is a change of mind about sin and about God, which results in turning from sin to God. And what a turning it is! Repentance affects the whole life of a sinner. Repentance includes a sinner taking the blame for his sinful condition before God and siding with Him against himself. A penitant blames no one else for his condition, but rather condemns himself under God’s eternal wrath because he deserves it. Repentance includes sorrowing for sin. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says that “godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” And Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be com-forted.” Repentance leads to confessing sin. Hiding nothing, a sinner owns his sins and pours out his sinful heart to God. Furthermore, repentance leads to forsaking sin. A repenting sinner determines not to return to it. So in Bib-lical repentance, a convicted and convinced sinner takes his place before God as justly condemned. He hates his sin, longing to be free from it. He sorrows over sin, determining not to return to it. And he shows that his repentance is real by walking in the pathway of righteousness and true holiness. “Bringing forth fruits for re-pentance” is evidence that a radical change has taken place in our lives (Mat 3:8). Repentance and Judgment In Acts 17:30 we read these words, “The times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” God says all men—not just the Gentiles, but all men, which includes every tongue, nation, tribe and people. And in v.31 we find out why God has commanded all men everywhere to re-pent: judgment is coming! “Repent!” God says, “The King is coming in judgment! Repent, if you value your never-dying soul!” Why? “Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained [Jesus Christ]; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” Yes, God commands that all men everywhere repent and bring forth fruit suit-able for repentance which is a holy life, or He will meet you in judgment without mercy! You see, God is sovereign in his salvation. He alone sets the terms by which He receives rebellious sinners into His kingdom. His Word does declare that He is loving, kind, merciful and gracious; but He is also holy and righteous. Therefore, He commands men to repent. Unless a rebellious sinner repents and believes the Gospel, there is no forgiveness. But praise His precious name; it is to this kind of sinner that He will look! The Lord says in Isaiah 66:2, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trem-bleth at my word.” Also, Psalm 51:17 tells us, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Praise the Lord! He will never turn away a repentant, believing sinner. Christ came to seek and to save just this type of sinner. Listen to Isaiah 55:6-7: “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD; and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” You will note in these verses there is again a command for forsaking our way and turning unto God. Forsake your way and turn to God! Repentance Is Perpetual I must stress yet another truth: Biblical repentance is perpetual—God’s child will repent till God takes him home. Repentance is a lasting mindset, a continuing abhorrence of evil. Oh how many precious souls have been damned right here! They seem to embrace repentance for a while. They give up their old companions and leave their places of sin—the bar, the dance floor, the harlot’s house. They seem to embrace Christ. They even preach, teach, and witness for Him. But because they are “stony-ground hearers” (Mar 4:5, 6; 16, 17), they only endure for a while. They begin to grow cold, gradually return-ing to their former ways. They go back to sin, back to what they had renounced. One by one they pick up the old sins and companions and return to the world. You see, their repentance was not perpetual: it did not spring from the new birth, but from the flesh. The Word of God describes them: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Sav-ior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2Pe 2:20-22). In so many cases, going back is slow. Few go back all at once! First, they long for “liberty”: they search the Word of God to find out what liberty they have, so they can live as close to the world as possible. Then slowly they go back to this sin and that sin. Finally, they no longer have a witness for Christ, but only an outward pro-fession of faith. Sin doesn’t bother them anymore. They neither hate it nor cry against it. They tell themselves that God no longer wants them to repent and hate sin. They think they’re in the way of life, yet sin doesn’t bother them anymore! So they turn back to those sins from which they had once turned saying, “We now have liberty to walk in these ways!” But oh, my friends, this is not liberty, but license to do what you’ve always wanted to do, license to walk in sin without restraint! You’ve played with fire and your heart is now hardened by the deceitfulness of sin! (Heb 3:12) Again I warn you, beware of repentance that does not continue! If it is not true Biblical repentance, your heart will again be satisfied with the garbage of the world: “He feedeth on ashes; a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?” (Isa 44:20). So never forget: true repentance is perpetual. If you are truly converted, you will hate and forsake your sins for the rest of your life. And you will long to be holy, to be like Christ, and to please God. I ask, “Have you ever possessed the true Biblical repentance that God commands of all men?” Repentance Is a Gift Now I must quickly add that repentance is a gift of grace worked in the heart by the power of God the Holy Spirit. Acts 11:18 tells us: “Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” The Holy Spirit shows us our sinful condition before God and makes us willing to renounce our hatred of God and His authority. And by His grace He gives us a desire to walk with Him in newness of life and holiness. As we have already seen, God commands us to repent because you and I are rebels against God by nature. Every man outside of Christ is a rebel against the Throne of God (Rom. 8:7). Because of our sinful nature we have determined to live our lives apart from God. So we must radically change our minds about living inde-pendently of Him. This displays itself in our crying after God to be Lord and Ruler of our lives! Because we have spit in His face, blasphemed His name, bowed down to the gods of gold and pleasure, spent His Day as we pleased, and walked in pride and arrogance against Him, God commands us to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We must change our minds about pride and arrogance, about covetousness and worldly pleasure, and about walking in our way. We must cry out to Him to work His love and holiness in us. Yes, my friends, because we have not loved Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and have lav-ished our love on self and the world, God commands us to repent, trusting the Lord Jesus for the remission of our sins. For you see, true repentance takes self off the throne and enthrones Christ as Lord over every area of life. Study Questions The Meaning of Repentance 1. What does God command every sinner to do? 2. a. How would you have defined “repentance” before taking this course? b. How does the author define “repentance”? 3. Please carefully read the paragraph about the Old Testament words for “repentance.” a. What does nacham mean? b. What does shub mean? c. Read Psalm 51. Briefly, how would you describe repentance based on this Psalm? d. Finish this quotation: “There are two sides in understanding conversion, 1) the free sovereign act of God’s mercy and 2) man’s going beyond contrition and sorrow to a __________________ ____________________ ______ ______________ to God.” 4. Please carefully read the paragraph about the New Testament words for “repentance.” a. Describe the basic overall meaning of the three Greek words which are translated into English as “re-pent.” b. What is the more specific emphasis in metanoeo and metanoia that goes beyond mere “sorrow… that a person experiences because of sin”? What repentance includes 5. In your own words, what are the four additional descriptions of true repentance (i.e., what does repentance include or lead to)? Repentance and judgment 6. Why does God command “all men everywhere to repent”? 7. Write the key point and reference for each of these verses. a. Isaiah 66:2 b. Psalm 51:17 8. Read Isaiah 55:6-7. Fill in the phrase in these verses which answers each of the following questions. a. Why should you seek the Lord now? b. What is the wicked and unrighteous man commanded to do? c. What does God promise to do? 9. Making It Personal a. Do you consider yourself wicked or unrighteous? Why or why not? b. If so, what does God command you to do in Isaiah 55:6-7? Repentance is perpetual 10. What is meant by “stony-ground hearer” (from Mark 4:5-6, 16-17)? 11. Briefly, describe the process phrased as “going back is slow.” 12. What is the meaning of the statement “Biblical repentance is perpetual” (in your own words)? Repentance is a gift 13. In this section and in footnote 8, what are the Scriptures which tell us that biblical repentance is a gift of God? Write for each the key phrase and reference.
Tampa, FL (Aug. 11, 2009) -- A 65-year-old women goes into the hospital for routine hip surgery. Six months later, she develops memory loss and is later diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Just a coincidence? Researchers at the University of South Florida and Vanderbilt University don't think so. They suspect that the culprit precipitating Alzheimer's disease in the elderly women may be a routine administration of high concentrations of oxygen for several hours during, or following, surgery – a hypothesis borne out in a recent animal model study. Dr. Gary Arendash of the Florida Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at USF and Dr. L. Jackson Roberts II at Vanderbilt University used mice genetically altered to develop abnormal levels of the protein beta amyloid, which deposits in the brain as plaques and eventually leads to Alzheimer's-like memory loss as the mice age. They found that young adult Alzheimer's mice exposed to 100-percent oxygen during several 3-hour sessions demonstrated substantial memory loss not otherwise present at their age. Young adult Alzheimer's mice exposed to normal air had no measurable memory loss, and neither did normal mice without any genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease. The authors suggest that people genetically predisposed to Alzheimer's disease or with excessive amounts of beta amyloid in their brains are at increased risk of developing the disease earlier if they receive high concentrations of oxygen, known as hyperoxia. Their study is published online this month in NeuroReport. "Although oxygen treatment beneficially increases the oxygen content of blood during or after major surgery, it also has several negative effects that we believe may trigger Alzheimer's symptoms in those destined to develop the disease," said USF neuroscientist Arendash, the study's lead author. "Our study suggests that the combination of brain beta amyloid and exposure to high concentrations of oxygen provides a perfect storm for speeding up the onset of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's Disease." While postoperative confusion and memory problems are common and usually transient in elderly patients following surgery, some patients develop permanent Alzheimer's-like cognitive impairment that remains unexplained. Recent studies have indicated that general anesthesia administered during surgery may increase a patient's risk of Alzheimer's disease, but the laboratory studies did not use animals or people predisposed to develop the disease. "Postoperative memory loss can be a fairly common and devastatingly irreversible problem in the elderly after major surgical procedures," said Roberts, an MD who holds an endowed chair in Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. "There has been much speculation as to the cause of this memory loss, but the bottom line is that no one really knows why it happens. If all it takes to prevent this is reducing the exposure of patients to unnecessarily high concentrations of oxygen in the operating room, this would be a major contribution to geriatric medicine." The USF-Vanderbilt study looked at 11 young adult mice genetically modified to develop memory problems as they aged, mimicking Alzheimer's disease. After behavioral tests confirmed the mice had not yet developed memory impairment at age 3 months – about age 40 in human years – the researchers exposed half the Alzheimer's mice to 100-percent oxygen for three hours, three times over the next several months. The protocol was intended to replicate initial and supplemental exposures of elderly patients in hospital operating rooms and recovery suites to high concentrations of oxygen. The other half of the mice were exposed to 21-percent oxygen, the concentration of oxygen in typical room air. When researchers retested the mice after the final gas exposure, they found that Alzheimer's mice exposed to 100-percent oxygen performed much worse on tests measuring their memory and thinking skills than the Alzheimer's mice exposed to normal room air. In fact, the Alzheimer's mice exposed to room air demonstrated no memory loss. Moreover, exposure of young adult mice without beta amyloid protein deposited in their brains to 100-percent oxygen did not adversely affect their memories. This is consistent with studies in humans showing that exposure of young adults to high concentrations of oxygen has no harmful effects on memory. The researchers also demonstrated that even a single 3-hour exposure to 100-percent oxygen caused memory deficits in the Alzheimer's mice. Furthermore, when they examined the brains of these mice, they found dramatic increases in levels of isofurans, products of oxygen-induced damage from toxic free radicals. The increase was not present in the brains of normal control mice exposed to the single hyperoxia treatment. How might high concentrations of oxygen hasten memory impairment in those destined to develop Alzheimer's disease? The researchers suggest the striking increase of isofurans during surgery may be one triggering mechanism, particularly in cardiac bypass surgery where very high blood oxygen levels are routinely attained and permanent memory loss often occurs months after the surgery. Secondly, exposure to high concentrations of oxygen prompts abnormal swelling of brain cell terminals that transmit chemical messages from one brain cell to another and may further disrupt already frayed nerve cell connections in those at risk for Alzheimer's. Third, high concentrations of oxygen combined with beta amyloid plaques constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to the brain more than either one alone. The authors caution that the study in mice may or may not accurately reflect the effects of hyperoxia in human surgery patients. "Nonetheless, our results call into question the wide use of unnecessarily high concentrations of oxygen during and/or following major surgery in the elderly," Roberts said. "These oxygen concentrations often far exceed that required to maintain normal hemoglobin saturation in elderly patients undergoing surgery."
Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 12:32:55 -0400 Author: "Larry Hess" Subject: Fw: Physics question This is a multi-part message in MIME format. Can anyone help me with the following? Thanks in advance Here is what my Physics students would like to do. I have a small horse treadmill, and(somehow), we would like students to "ru= n" on the treadmill, and in front of them have a large circular dial that w= ould indicate their horsepower. ie...faster they run, the more horsepower = indicated. Each student's mass would be the same, "g" is constant, and the= ir height above the ground would remain the same. Only the treadmill speed = would change. How would we convert this to horsepower ?, and also, I assum= e we could .by belt, or cog gear, rig up a dial of some type; but calibrati= ng it from speed of foot movement to conversion of horsepower is puzzling.= Can this be done? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Reply to comment Think drug-induced hallucinations, and the whirly, spirally, tunnel-vision-like patterns of psychedelic imagery immediately spring to mind. But it's not just hallucinogenic drugs like LSD, cannabis or mescaline that conjure up these geometric structures. People have reported seeing them in near-death experiences, as a result of disorders like epilepsy and schizophrenia, following sensory deprivation, or even just after applying pressure to the eyeballs. So common are these geometric hallucinations, that in the last century scientists began asking themselves if they couldn't tell us something fundamental about how our brains are wired up. And it seems that they can. Computer generated representations of form constants. The top two images represent a funnel and a spiral as seen after taking LSD, the bottom left image is a honeycomb generated by marijuana, and the bottom right image is a cobweb. Image from , used by permission. Geometric hallucinations were first studied systematically in the 1920s by the German-American psychologist Heinrich Klüver. Klüver's interest in visual perception had led him to experiment with peyote, that cactus made famous by Carlos Castaneda, whose psychoactive ingredient mescaline played an important role in the shamanistic rituals of many central American tribes. Mescaline was well-known for inducing striking visual hallucinations. Popping peyote buttons with his assistant in the laboratory, Klüver noticed the repeating geometric shapes in mescaline-induced hallucinations and classified them into four types, which he called form constants: tunnels and funnels, spirals, lattices including honeycombs and triangles, and cobwebs. In the 1970s the mathematicians Jack D. Cowan and G. Bard Ermentrout used Klüver's classification to build a theory describing what is going on in our brain when it tricks us into believing that we are seeing geometric patterns. Their theory has since been elaborated by other scientists, including Paul Bressloff, Professor of Mathematical and Computational Neuroscience at the newly established Oxford Centre for Collaborative Applied Mathematics. How the cortex got its stripes... The visual cortex: the area V1 is shown in red. Image: Washington irving In humans and mammals the first area of the visual cortex to process visual information is known as V1. Experimental evidence, for example from fMRI scans, suggests that Klüver's patterns, too, originate largely in V1, rather than later on in the visual system. Like the rest of the brain, V1 has a complex, crinkly, folded-up structure, but there's a surprisingly straight-forward way of translating what we see in our visual field to neural activity in V1. "If you imagine unfolding [V1]," says Bressloff, "You can think of it as neural tissue a few millimetres thick with various layers of neurons. To a first approximation, the neurons through the depth of the cortex behave in a similar way, so if you compress those neurons together, you can think of V1 as a two-dimensional sheet." An object or scene in the visual world is projected as a two-dimensional image on the retina of each eye, so what we see can also be treated as flat sheet: the visual field. Every point on this sheet can be pin-pointed by two coordinates, just like a point on a map, or a point on the flat model of V1. The alternating regions of light and dark that make up a geometric hallucination are caused by alternating regions of high and low neural activity in V1 — regions where the neurons are firing very rapidly and regions where they are not firing rapidly. To translate visual patterns to neural activity, what is needed is a coordinate map, a rule which links each point in the visual field to a point on the flat model of V1. In the 1970s scientists including Cowan came up with just such a map, based on anatomical knowledge of how neurons in the retina communicate with neurons in V1 (see the box on the right for more detail). For each light or dark region in the visual field, the map identifies a region of high or low neural activity in V1. So how does this retino-cortical map transform Klüver's geometric patterns? It turns out that hallucinations comprising spirals, circles, and rays that emanate from the centre correspond to stripes of neural activity in V1 that are inclined at given angles. Lattices like honeycombs or chequer-boards correspond to hexagonal activity patterns in V1. This in itself might not have appeared particularly exciting, but there was a precedent: stripes and hexagons are exactly what scientists had seen when modelling other instances of pattern formation, for example convection in fluids, or, more strikingly, the emergence of spots and stripes in animal coats. The mathematics that drives this pattern formation was well known, and it now suggested a mechanism for modelling the workings of the visual cortex too. ...and how the leopard got its spots The first model of pattern formation in animal coats goes back to Alan Turing, better known as the father of modern computer science and Bletchley Park code breaker. Turing was interested in how a spatially homogeneous system, such as a uniform ball of cells making up an animal embryo, can generate a spatially inhomogeneous but static pattern, such as the stripes of a zebra. Turing hypothesised that these animal patterns are a result of a reaction-diffusion process. Imagine an animal embryo which has two chemicals living in its skin. One of the two chemicals is an inhibitor, which suppresses the production of both itself and the other chemical. The other, an activator, promotes the production of both. Initially, at time zero in Turing's model, the two chemicals exactly balance each other — they are in equilibrium, and their concentrations at the various points on the embryo do not change over time. But now imagine that, for some reason or other, the concentration of activator increases slightly at one point. This small perturbation sets the system into action. The higher local concentration of activator means that more activator and inhibitor are produced there — this is a reaction. But both chemicals also diffuse through the embryo skin, inhibiting or activating production elsewhere. For example, if the inhibitor diffuses faster than the activator, then it quickly spreads around the point of perturbation and decreases the concentration of activator there. So you end up with a region of high activator concentration bordered by high inhibitor concentration — in other words, you have a spot of activator on a background of inhibitor. Depending on the rates at which the two chemicals diffuse, it is possible that such a spotty pattern arises all over the skin of the embryo, and eventually stabilises. If the activator also promotes the generation of a pigment in the skin of the animal, then this pattern can be made visible. (See the Plus article How the leopard got its spots for more detail.) Turing wrote down a set of differential equations which describe the competition between the two chemicals (see the box on the right), and which you can let evolve over time, to see if any patterns emerge. The equations depend on parameters capturing the rate at which the two chemicals diffuse: if you choose them correctly, the system will eventually stabilise on a particular pattern, and you can vary the pattern by varying the parameters. Here is an applet (kindly provided by Chris Jennings) which allows you to play with different parameters and see the patterns form. Patterns in the brain Neural activity in the brain isn't a reaction-diffusion process, but there are analogies to Turing's model. "Neurons send signals to each other via their output lines called axons," says Bressloff. Neurons respond to each other's signals, so we have a reaction. "[The signals] propagate so quickly relative to the process of pattern formation, that you can think of them as instantaneous interactions." So rather than diffusion, which is a local process, we have instantaneous interaction at a distance in this case. The roles of activator and inhibitor are played by two different classes of neurons. "There are neurons which are excitatory — they make other neurons more likely to become active — and there are inhibitory neurons, which make other neurons less likely to become active," says Bressloff. "The competition between the two classes of neurons is the analogue of the activator-inhibitor mechanism in Turing's model." Stripy, hexagonal and square patterns of neural activity in V1 generated by a mathematical model. Image from , used by permission. Inspired by the analogies to Turing's process, Cowan and Ermentrout constructed a model of neural activity in V1, using a set of equations that had been formulated by Cowan and Hugh Wilson. Although the equations are more complicated than Turing's, you can still play the same game, letting the system evolve over time and see if patterns in neural activity evolve. "You find that, under certain circumstances, if you turn up a parameter which represents, for example, the effect of a drug on the cortex, then this leads to a growth of periodic patterns," says Bressloff. Cowan and Ermentrout's model suggests that geometric hallucinations are a result of an instability in V1: something, for example the presence of a drug, throws the neural network off its equilibrium, kicking into action a snowballing interaction between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which then stabilises in a stripy or hexagonal pattern of neural activity in V1. In the visual field we then "see" this pattern in the shape of the geometric structures described by Klüver. Symmetries in the brain In reality, things aren't quite as simple as in Cowan and Ermentrout's model, because neurons don't only respond to light and dark images. Through the thickness of V1, neurons are arranged in collections of columns, known as hypercolumns, with each hypercolumn roughly responding to a small region of the visual field. But the neurons in a hypercolumn aren't all the same: apart from detecting light and dark regions, each neuron specialises in detecting local edges — the separation lines between light and dark regions in a part of an image — of a particular orientation. Some detect horizontal edges, others detect vertical edges, others edges that are inclined at a 45° angle, and so on. Each hypercolumn contains columns of neurons of all orientation preferences, so that a hypercolumn can respond to edges of all orientations from a particular region of the visual field. It is the lay-out of hypercolumns and orientation preferences that enables us to detect contours, surfaces and textures in the visual world. Connections in V1: Neurons interact with most other neurons within a hypercolumn. But they only interact with neurons in other hypercolumns, if the columns lie in the direction of their orientation, and if the neurons have the same preference. Image from , used by permission. Over recent years, much anatomical evidence has accumulated showing just how neurons with various orientation preferences interact. Within their own hypercolumn, neurons tend to interact with most other neurons, regardless of their orientation preference. But when it comes to neurons in other hypercolumns they are more selective, only interacting with those of similar orientations and in a way which ensures that we can detect continuous contours in the visual world. Bressloff, in collaboration with Cowan, the mathematician Martin Golubitsky and others, has generalised Cowan and Ermentrout's original model to take account of this new anatomical evidence. They again used the plane as the basis for a model of V1: each hypercolumn is represented by a point on the plane, while each point in turn corresponds to a hypercolumn. Neurons with a given orientation preference (where is an angle between 0 and ) are represented by the location of the hypercolumn they're in, together with the angle , that is, they are represented by three bits of information, . So in this model V1 is not just a plane, but a plane together with a full set of orientations for each point. If two elements (x,y,θ) and (s,t,θ) interact, then so do the elements of the same orientation at (x+a,y+b) and (s+a,t+b), and the elements of orientation -θ at (x,-y) and (s,-t). In keeping with anatomical evidence, Bressloff and his colleagues assumed that a neuron represented by interacts with all other neurons in the same hypercolumn But it only interacts with neurons in other hypercolumns, if these hypercolumns lie in their preferred direction : on the plane, draw a line through of inclination Then the neurons represented by interact only with neurons in hypercolumns that lie on this line, and which have the same preferred orientation . This interaction pattern is highly symmetric. For example, the pattern doesn't appear any different if you shift the plane along in a given direction by a given distance: if two elements and interact, then the elements you get to by shifting along, that is and for some and , interact in the same way. In a similar way, the pattern is also invariant under rotations and reflections of the plane. A lattice tunnel hallucination generated by the mathematical model. It strongly resembles hallucinations seen after taking marijuana. Image from , used by permission. Bressloff and his colleagues used a generalised version of the equations from the original model to let the system evolve. The result was a model that is not only more accurate in terms of the anatomy of V1, but can also generate geometric patterns in the visual field that the original model was unable to produce. These include lattice tunnels, honeycombs and cobwebs that are better characterised in terms of the orientation of contours within them, than in terms of contrasting regions of light and dark. What's more, the model is sensitive to the symmetries in the interaction patterns between neurons: the mathematics shows that it is these symmetries that drive the formation of periodic patterns of neural activity. So the model suggests that it is the lay-out of hypercolumns and orientation preferences, in other words the mechanisms that enable us to detect edges, contours, surfaces and textures in the visual world, that generate the hallucinations. It is when these mechanism become unstable, for example due to the influence of a drug, that patterns of neural activity arise, which in turn translate to the visual hallucinations. Bressloff's model does not only provide insight into the mechanisms that drive visual hallucinations, but also gives clues about brain architecture in a wider sense. In collaboration with his wife, an experimental neuroscientist, Bressloff has looked at the connection circuits between hypercolumns in normal vision, to see how visual images are processed. "People used to think that neurons in V1 just detect local edges, and that you have to go to higher levels in the brain to put these edges together to detect more complicated features like contours and surfaces. But the work I have done with my wife shows that these structures in V1 actually allow the earlier visual cortex to detect contours and do more global processing. It used to be thought that you process more and more complex aspects of an image as you go higher up in the brain. But now it's realised that there is a huge amount of feedback between higher and lower cortical areas. It's not a simple hierarchical process, but an incredibly complicated and active system it will take many years to understand." Practical applications of this work include computer vision — computer scientists are already building the inter-connectivity structures that Bressloff and his colleagues played around with into their models, with the aim of teaching computers to detect contours and textures. On a more speculative note, Bressloff's research may also one day help to restore vision to visually impaired people. "The question here is if you can somehow stimulate part of the visual cortex, [bypassing the eye], and use that to guide a blind person," says Bressloff. "If one can understand how the cortex is wired up and responds to stimulation, perhaps one would then have a better way of stimulating it in the right way." There are even applications that have nothing at all to do with the brain. Bressloff applied the insights from this work to other situations in which objects are located in space and also have an orientation, for example fibroblast cells found in human and animal tissue. He showed that under certain circumstances these interacting cells and molecules can line up and form patterns analogous to those that arise in V1. People have reported seeing visual hallucinations since the dawn of time and in almost all human cultures — hallucinatory images have even been found in petroglyphs and cave paintings. In shamanistic traditions around the world they have been regarded as messages from the spirit world. Few neuroscientists today would agree that spirits have anything to do with it, but as messengers from a hidden world — this time the hidden world of our brain — these hallucinations seem to have lost none of their potency. Bressloff's work on visual hallucinations is summarised in the paper What geometric visual hallucinations tell us about the visual cortex (). A more detailed description can be found in the paper Geometric visual hallucinations, Euclidean symmetry and the functional architecture of striate cortex (). About this article Paul Bressloff was interviewed by Marianne Freiberger, co-editor of Plus, in August 2009. Paul Bressloff graduated with a degree in physics from Oxford 1981 and completed a PhD in string theory at King's College London in 1988. He then spent five years as a research Scientist at GEC-Marconi Hirst Research Centre, where he worked on dynamical systems theory and neural networks. In 1993 he joined the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Loughborough University, where he built up a group in mathematical biology and became Professor of Applied Mathematics in 1998. Tenured Full Professor at the University of Utah he built up a group in mathematical neuroscience between 2001 and 2009. He returned to the UK in July 2009 to take up an appointment as a University Research Professor in Mathematical Neuroscience at the University of Oxford. He has also been awarded a Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award (2009-2014). Bressloff has spent the past 20 years working at the multidisciplinary interface between applied mathematics, theoretical physics and neuroscience. The main focus of his work is to understand how the brain functions as a complex dynamical system at multiple spatial and temporal scales in healthy and diseased brains. He has published more than 120 papers in research journals and co-authored one book. He has mentored ten PhD students and four postdocs.
camp complex of Auschwitz-Birkenau was the largest killing center in Nazi-occupied Europe. Located in Southern Poland, on the outskirts of the town of Oswiecim, it consisted of the original camp, Auschwitz I, and the much larger second camp of Birkenau (Brzezinka), 2 miles away, plus over 40 sub-camps [link], the largest of which was Buna (Monovitz) [link]. photograph taken by the CIA in June 1944 shows the two camps. (The color overlay added by us.) The camp was established in 1940, less than a year after Germany occupied Poland in WWII, and grew over the next few years into an entire complex providing slave labor for the German industrial facilities in the area. In 1942, it became the largest death camp, carrying out Hitler's "final solution" - the plan to systematically kill all Jews in Europe. It is estimated that between 1.1 and 1.5 million people died here. At its peak, Auschwitz I held as many as 20,000 prisoners at a time, Birkenau 90,000 and Buna 10,000. Historians estimate that among the people sent to Auschwitz there were at least 1,100,000 Jews from all the countries of occupied Europe, over 140,000 Poles (mostly political prisoners), approximately 20,000 Gypsies from several European countries, over 10,000 Soviet prisoners of war, and over ten thousand prisoners of other nationalities. The majority of the Jewish deportees died in the gas chambers immediately after arrival. Of the estimated 400,000 people who were placed in the main concentration camp or one of the sub-camps, less than half survived. The camp continued operation till its liberation by the Soviet Army in January 1945. For more information about the history of Auschwitz, visit this [link] on the Auschwitz Museum website. stairs in Auschwitz I show the wear of some 25 million visitors. site is managed by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland which, in addition to maintaining the camps and providing visitor support, is also a very large research and publications center. Over 25 million people have visited the Auschwitz Museum since its establishment in 1947. tour of both camps tries to give viewers a first-hand experience of visiting the actual sites. The photographs were taken in 2003 and 2004, by Alan
What are the Roles of Largest Groups of Mammals Mammals are air-breathing vertebrate animals that came, from the mammary glands that are functions in mothers with young. The word “mammal” is from the scientific name Mammalia derived from the Latin word mamma. There are about 5,000 species of living mammals. Unlike other class of animals, mammals have hairs in the body, have 3 middle ear bones, and they nourish their young with milk. All female mammals nurse their young born with their own milk, who lay from its sweet glands called the mammary glands. They feed their young born and stay with them until they develop well. They protect their young even if, it can cause their life. The largest Groups of Mammals are the placental group. Placental is a class of mammal who carry their young inside their body. This include the whales, dogs, cats, rats, deer, sheep’s, bears, seals, rabbits and even us the human species can be called as mammals. There are other mammals that they call the marsupial. This class of mammal carried and nourishes the young’s in a pouch like the kangaroo and monkey. They protect them and teach them until the time to come that they are grown and ready to get out of the pouch. Only that human species are the highest group of mammals that live on earth. Most of the mammals possess specialized teeth. Human species are a bit different from the other mammals because they have the higher class of brain. There thinking ability is not like other animals. Not all animals can be part of the group of mammals. Only those animals that have a strong connection with their young can be class as mammals. Reptiles and birds are sometimes referred as a mammal like, but they are not mammals. In short that animal who lays egg is not a mammal.
WASHINGTON, July 11 (UPI) -- The first half of June saw unusually rapid ice loss in the arctic with especially rapid ice retreat in the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska, NASA researchers say. June's summer solstice brought long hours of sunlight, and by mid-month images taken from NASA's Terra satellite showed the open-water area off the Alaskan coast had expanded substantially and snow had melted on land, a NASA release reported. The rapid melt north of Alaska was part of a larger phenomenon as sea ice across the entire arctic reached record-low levels for this time of year, the National Snow and Ice Data Center reported. "Recent ice loss rates have been 100,000 to 150,000 square kilometers (38,600 to 57,900 square miles) per day, which is more than double the climatological rate," the center said. The Beaufort Sea was a "hot spot" of rapid retreat in June, researchers said, driven by a high-pressure pattern over the region that kept skies clear at the very time of year when sunlight lasts the longest. The early onset of the spring melt and the sunny skies around the solstice have increased the likelihood of heightened melt rates throughout the rest of the summer, they said. \|Additional Science News Stories\| LOS ANGELES, June 18 (UPI) --Danielle Bradbery was declared the Season 4 winner of the singing competition series "The Voice" in Los Angeles Tuesday night. LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 18 (UPI) --A new computer algorithm that can give humans the ability to map their environments with sound could lead to an app to aid blind people, Swiss researchers say.
Reducing the impact of poverty on health and human development: Scientific approaches Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Volume 1136, June 2008 Stephen G. Kaler and Owen M. Rennert National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland ".....In summarizing the general condition of poverty, one observer concisely described it as "a form of exile, of being cut off from the larger society."1 Efforts to define poverty more specifically perhaps risk incompleteness, since the causes underlying human destitution are so diverse and interrelated. This volume is an attempt to collate major dimensions of poverty and their impact on human development. In conjunction with the Council of Science Editors Global Theme Issue,2 we recruited established and emerging experts within nine topical areas, illness and disease, maternal health, health disparities, health care services, nutrition, education, housing, social and economic determinants, and engineering and technology. We asked them to provide their scientific perspectives on the causes and solutions relevant to human poverty. Twenty-five U.S. and foreign universities, as well as thirteen national or international organizations are represented. This collection focuses on the United States, as an example of a developed country in which poverty disrupts many lives,1 and provides an international context as well, through studies of developing countries in which the scale and impact of poverty are often more graphic and apparent. Thus, China, India, Nicaragua, Peru, Russia, and the countries of Africa are represented here, in addition to the United States. We hope the entire volume provides a better understanding of poverty, as it has for us, and that it may spur others to apply the rigor of science to understand, to reduce, and to ultimately eliminate poverty in our nation and around the world. The opening section is devoted to diseases of poverty, including chronic as well as acute infectious disorders. While not exhaustive in scope-measles, lower respiratory infections, and diarrheal illnesses are covered only by review of recent literature-the connections between neglected diseases and suboptimal development are abundantly evident. One worker remarked with regard to his disease of interest, "It's tied in with grinding poverty; where you find it maps almost perfectly with the poorest of the poor."3 Many whose contributions are in Part I are active participants and leaders in efforts to directly reduce the human toll of these conditions. Their cautious hopefulness in the face of difficult odds indicates the progress their work is engendering. In Part II, maternal health is specifically addressed, and the critical need for support of mothers in avoiding the cycle of poverty is delineated. Indeed, this theme recurs throughout many other sections of this book. In Part III, health disparities in U.S. urban and Native American communities are formally addressed, whereas international health disparities are conveyed throughout most of the book. Access to health care and the problems of the uninsured are the subjects of Part IV. Basic human needs for food, education, and shelter are addressed in Parts V to VII, with papers from experts involved in the intimate connections between these topics and the experience of poverty. Part VIII considers social and economic determinants of human development, in both national and international contexts. Finally, Part IX discusses engineering and technological aspects of human development, which are especially critical for sustaining progress in poverty reduction in the developing world. While these nine sections provide a framework for the book, the boundaries between them are admittedly artificial. The answer to the question of why someone is poor will vary among individuals but invariably involves one or more of the issues addressed here. One author who supports preferential options for the poor has written, "Unless the poor are accorded some right to health care, water, food, and education, their lives will inevitably be short, desperate and unfree."4 Poverty touches numerous aspects of human life simultaneously, and concerted efforts must be sustained in multiple arenas to secure meaningful gains. That is truly the message of this volume.." Table of Contents Part I. Diseases of Poverty Treating Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Tomsk, Russia. Developing Programs That Address the Linkage between Poverty and Disease Expanding Global HIV Treatment. Case Studies from the Field Poverty and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Children. A View from the Western Cape, South Africa Diseases of Poverty with High Mortality in Infants and Children. Malaria, Measles, Lower Respiratory Infections, and Diarrheal Illnesses Malaria and Poverty Hookworm and Poverty Dracunculiasis, Onchocerciasis, Schistosomiasis, and Trachoma Eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis. A View from the Field Intersectoral Approaches to Neglected Diseases Chronic Diseases in Developing Countries. Health and Economic Burdens Part II. Maternal Health and Poverty Poverty, Maternal Health, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Supporting the Mental Health of Mothers Raising Children in Poverty. How Do We Target Them for Intervention Studies? Poverty, Gender Inequities, and Women's Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS Part III. Health Disparities and Poverty Poverty and Elimination of Urban Health Disparities. Challenge and Opportunity Poverty and Health Disparities for American Indian and Alaska Native Children. Current Knowledge and Future Prospects Part IV. Health Care Services and Human Development Trends in Private Insurance, Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Healthcare Safety Net. Implications for Vulnerable Populations and Health Disparities Health Insurance and Access to Health Care in the United States Poverty and Access to Health Care in Developing Countries Part V. Human Nutrition and Poverty Poverty. The Double Burden of Malnutrition in Mothers and the Intergenerational Impact Latent Effects of Prenatal Malnutrition on Adult Health. The Example of Schizophrenia Food Security, Poverty, and Human Development in the United States Diet and Health Outcomes in Vulnerable Populations Agriculture in Africa: Strategies to Improve and Sustain Smallholder Production Systems Building an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Part VI. Education and Human Development The Effect of Poverty on Child Development and Educational Outcomes Long-Term Effects of Head Start on Low-Income Children Education for All. An Imperative for Reducing Poverty Part VII. Housing and Human Development Housing and Health. Intersection of Poverty and Environmental Exposures Social and Economic Aspects of Immigration Improving the Health and Lives of People Living in Slums Part VIII. Social and Economic Determinants of Human Development Role of Income and Family Influence on Child Outcomes Psychological Costs of Growing Up Poor Mandated Empowerment. Handing Antipoverty Policy Back to the Poor? The Chinese Social Benefit System in Transition. Reforms and Impacts on Income Inequality Part IX. Engineering and Technological Determinants of Human Development Poverty, Energy, and Resource Use in Developing Countries. Focus on Africa Sustainable Transfer of Biotechnology to Developing Countries. Fighting Poverty by Bringing Scientific Tools to Developing-country Partners Delivery of Agricultural Technology to Resource-poor Farmers in Africa
Severe damage to Philippine Rice Terraces by two typhoons The Northern Luzon of the Philippines was severely affected by Typhoon Pedrin (International Name: Nesat) which crossed the region on Tuesday 27 September. Its trajectory passed across the Ifugao Province and has, according to preliminary reports, caused major mud and landslides within the area of the World Heritage property of the Rice Terraces in the Philippine Cordilleras. A second typhoon crossed the area this past weekend. While the communication in the area is still not fully functional and many roads remain blocked, the full extent of the damage and possible loss of lives is still unknown. The Philippine authorities have informed UNESCO that they will be applying for Emergency Assistance under the World Heritage Fund to respond to this situation. The conservation of the Rice Terraces will require substantial and concerted efforts and the World Heritage Centre is exploring all possible means to respond to this situation as quickly as possible.
The Sannyasin in America About Swami Vivekananda’s stay in America by Sri Chinmoy Swami Vivekananda, a great Indian hero, and a great spiritual renunciate or sannyasin, came to America to preach spiritual philosophy and to offer India’s message to the nation. After addressing the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, he became famous overnight. This lofty spiritual figure had many friends and admirers. One day, some of these friends and admirers came to his house to ask him questions about Indian philosophy and spirituality. They were moved by his answers. By the time they departed, it was nearly midnight. After they had gone, the man thought of India, his poor India, especially Mother Bengal. He said to himself, “I am going to bed. But tonight there are thousands and thousands of people without beds who will be lying in the street, poverty stricken. Here I have got a cozy and most comfortable bed. But once upon a time, I was a renunciate. Even now I am a renunciate. I used to roam in the street with no food, with nothing. Still, from time to time, I have no food or clothes. I’m in a destitute condition. “God blesses me with riches, and my friends keep me in their homes. They’ve even given me this beautiful apartment. indeed, I’m living in great luxury. In a few minutes, I’ll go to sleep in a comfortable bed, and yet many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Bengal will be sleeping in the street. “My heart bleeds for them. I have not fulfilled my task. I must help my poor Indian brothers. I must save their lives; I have to enlighten them, to awaken their consciousness. There is so much to do! Alas, what am I doing here? I need rest, but I won’t sleep on the couch. I’ll sleep on the floor.” He unwrapped his turban and laid it out on the floor for bedding. Early the following morning when the owner of the apartment, who was his friend, came to invite him to breakfast, he saw this great Indian hero lying on the floor. He said, “What is the matter?” The Indian replied, “Thousands and thousands of my brothers and sisters spend the night in the streets. How can I sleep in a comfortable bed? I can’t, unless and until I have done something for them. It is my duty to serve God in the poor and needy. So the life of comfort is not for me. The life of selfless service, the life of dedicated, devoted service, is for me. Service is my goal, service is my perfection in life.” from Garden of the Soul by Sri Chinmoy Published by Health Communications
The most common and most important greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Black carbon is also a potent warmer, although not a greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide (CO2) This greenhouse gas is present in relatively low concentrations in the atmosphere; prior to the Industrial Revolution, it made up about 0.03 percent of the atmosphere. Despite its low levels, CO2 makes up about 30 percent of the greenhouse gases naturally found in the atmosphere and it is the major driver of climate change. There are currently approximately 3 trillion metric tons of CO2 in the atmosphere; this is 37 percent higher than the level prior to the Industrial Revolution. In the late 1800s, levels of carbon dioxide were 280 parts per million (ppm). Current concentrations are around 380 ppm. Scientists warn that if the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere goes above 450 ppm, the Earth's climate could spiral out of control. Natural sources of carbon dioxide include rotting plant and animal matter, forest fires and volcanoes. The major human sources of CO2 are from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and from deforestation. Scientists attribute the increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere to these human sources. Methane is a very strong greenhouse gas. Over 100 years, a ton of methane would heat the globe 23 times more than 1 ton of carbon dioxide would. The atmosphere has a methane concentration of 1,774 parts per billion (ppb). This is a 59 percent increase from the methane concentration prior to the Industrial Revolution. There is, however, around 220 times less methane than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, so overall carbon dioxide has a far greater effect in the atmosphere. Methane is created by the decay of organic matter. Large amounts come from landfills, cattle and the rest of the livestock sector (chicken and pigs) in general. Methane hydrates, a frozen combination of methane and water, are found in vast quantities on the sea floor. It is possible that continued climate change could release these frozen stores of methane and cause a sudden, very large addition of methane to the atmosphere. This would massively magnify the greenhouse effect, causing global warming to reach unprecedented levels. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Nitrous oxide has a global warming effect roughly 300 times that of carbon dioxide over 100 years. However, like methane, nitrous oxide exists in much lower concentrations than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide concentrations in the atmosphere are currently 319 ppb, 18 percent higher than what they were prior to the Industrial Revolution. Nitrous oxide is emitted by bacteria in soil. Agriculture and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers, along with the handling of animal waste, increase the production of nitrous oxides. Industries, such as the nylon industry, and the burning of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines also release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. Black carbon (BC) Black carbon, or soot, is not an actual greenhouse gas, as it is a solid, and warms the atmosphere differently to a gas. However, it has a significant warming effect on the atmosphere. Black carbon is made up of microscopic particles that result from the incomplete burning of organic matter, especially fossil fuels. Black carbon warms both in the atmosphere and when deposited on lighter surfaces, like snow and ice. Black carbon may be responsible for as much as 25 percent of observed global warming. The overall contribution of black carbon to global warming may be substantial, perhaps second only to that of carbon dioxide. Because it can accelerate the melting of snow and ice, black carbon may play a particularly important role in Arctic climate change. Black carbon may be responsible for over 30 percent of Arctic warming. Because the Arctic has warmed at around twice the rate of the rest of the world over the last 100 years, controlling and reducing black carbon emissions is particularly important.

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