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Help real analysis
1. May 6, 2009 #1
Let f: [0,1] -> R be a bounded function.
Define S(f,x) = sup { |f(r) - f(s) | : r,s in [0,1] and |r-s| <= x}.
Prove that if x>0, y>0 then:
S(f,x+y) <= S(f,x) + S(f,y).
3. The attempt at a solution
I have no idea how to proceed, could you please help?
2. jcsd
3. May 6, 2009 #2
The statement to be proved has the form
sup{g(r,s) : r,s \in A and "condition"} <= M.
For the proof, try this: Let r0 and s0 be in A such that "condition." We must show g(r0,s0) <= M.
This method may not work in general, but for this problem I think it does. That will get you started. Write up something and ask again.
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Psychological and Behavioural Aspects of Risk
Risk management is an ongoing concern for modern organizations in terms of their finance, their people, their assets, their projects and their reputation. The majority of the processes and systems adopted are either very financially oriented or fundamentally mechanistic; often better suited to codifying and recording risk, rather than understanding and working with it. Risk is fundamentally a human construct; how we perceive and manage it is dictated by our attitude, behaviour and the environment or culture within which we work. Organizations that seek to mitigate, manage, transfer or exploit risk need to understand the psychological factors that dictates the response and behaviours of their employees, their high-flyers, their customers and their stakeholders. This series, edited by two of the most influential writers and researchers on organizational behaviour and human psychology explores the psychological and behavioural aspects of risk; the factors that: * define our attitudes and response to risk: * are important in understanding and managing 'risk managers' * dictate risky behaviour in individuals at all levels. | <urn:uuid:5add8075-5f89-449d-98c3-59b4abe0a26b> | 3 | 2.65625 | 0.191528 | en | 0.964278 | https://www.routledge.com/business/series/PBAS |
Kim Jong-nam carried $120,000 in cash when assassinated – report
Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was holding US$120,000 cash when he was killed at Kuala Lumpur airport in February, the Asahi Shimbun reports, citing unnamed Malaysian officials close to the investigation.
The investigation team reportedly recovered four bundles of mostly new $100 notes in stacks of 300, as well as a laptop and two mobile phones. Since Kim Jong-nam held a diplomatic passport, his luggage was not subjected to a thorough search at the airport.
In Malaysia, Kim Jong-nam met with a US citizen at a hotel four days before the assassination. The American, presumably, has links to an intelligence agency, the newspaper reported. Malaysian authorities suspect Kim might have been paid for some kind of information, the source told the paper, adding, that the sum in question had not been withdrawn at any bank in the country prior to the assassination.
Kim Jong-nam, 45, was murdered before boarding a plane to Macau from Kuala Lumpur Airport on February 13. The investigation found that Kim’s killers used the military-grade nerve agent VX.
Two women, Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam and Siti Aisyah from Indonesia, have been arrested and charged with the Kim’s murder.
The suspects were captured on airport CCTV cameras approaching Kim, with one putting a cloth over his face, presumably containing VX. The women have denied any wrongdoing, claiming they were tricked into believing they were participating in a hidden camera prank show. If found guilty, they could face the death penalty.
A North Korean man was also arrested over links to the assassination, but he was subsequently released due to lack of evidence. Malaysian authorities also searched for seven other North Koreans, but that proved futile, as the suspects have since left the country.
North Korea was denied the right to participate in the investigation which sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries. The spat eventually led to the two countries expelling each other’s ambassadors. | <urn:uuid:1ad5f13b-5a8b-41a3-bf77-b2921cd5aac2> | 2 | 1.601563 | 0.182746 | en | 0.975586 | https://www.rt.com/news/391892-kim-cash-malaysia-assassination/ |
Is Frisian a Language or a Dialect?
Frisian (Frysk) is a Germanic language, spoken by an ethnic minority known as the Frisians in the northern regions of the Netherlands and Germany. It is similar to Dutch, German, Danish and most similar to English. In fact, Frisian is, along with Scottish, the closest living language to English. It especially bears a lot of resemblance to Old English.
In Germany, Frisian is confined to small pockets of the country, with relatively few speakers. The Netherlands has the most Frisian speakers, about 400,000, and almost all live in the Province of Friesland (Dutch for “Land of the Frisians”).
Language or Dialect?
The discussion of whether a language is instead a dialect is a difficult and often tricky one. There are two kinds of criteria that distinguish a language from dialect. The first is the political criterion; languages are official and written, whereas dialects are mostly spoken and unofficial. A language is a dialect with an army and a navy. Or, as my French teacher once said: “A dialect is the language of a people that lost the last war.”
Linguists, however, follow a different set of criteria: if two kinds of speech are so closely related that speakers can have a conversation and understand each other, they are considered dialects of a single language, but if mutual comprehension is difficult or impossible, they are distinct languages.
According to the latter critirion, Frisian is very much a language. Although a Dutchman or a German could be able to pick up on some words, it would be impossible to understand a conversation in Frisian. Conversely, a Frisian would have no trouble at all understanding a conversation in Dutch. This is because a Frisian would have been taught Dutch from a young age in school. In other words, he lost the last war.
When considering the first criterion, Frisian is still a language. Although Frisians “lost the last war” with the Dutch, the Frisian language has had a special, minority status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands ever since, and is stated in the Constitution of 1848. Within the borders of the Province of Friesland, anyone has the right to address both the local and the national administration in Frisian. It has an official written form, and Frisian courses are taught at some Dutch universities.
Three Dialects
Within the Frisian language, there are three varieties, or main dialects: West Frisian, Saterland Frisian and North Frisian. West Frisian is spoken in the Dutch Province of Friesland. Saterlands Frisian is spoken in Saterland, a small German city. North Frisian is spoken in the northernmost part of Germany, near the Danish border, and in small areas on islands closest to Denmark. Because these regions are geographicly isolated from each other, these Frisian dialects have steadily grown apart to such a degree that inhabitants of the different regions would not be able to understand each other today. According to the linguists’ critirion, these varieties should be considered languages on their own.
Frisian and the English Language
To understand Frisian’s influence on the English language, one must look at its history. When the Roman legions left Brittannia in the 5th century A.D., the local Celtic tribes were no longer able to stop Scots and Picts from invading the North. The Celts sought the aid of Germanic tribes on the other side of the North Sea; the Jutes, the Saxons and the Frisians. As payment for their military services, these tribes were offered land in Brittannia. Boats full of Frisian mercenaries set sail for Brittannia, where the promise of land and an escape from the floods and overpopulation of their homeland appealed to them. After fighting alongside the tribes of Brittannia, many Frisians became homesick and returned to their Fryslân, while others settled in Brittannia. Places in England with names like Friston are a reminder of that time.
The Future of the Frisian Language
Although the Frisian language is protected and has special legal status in all three of the regions where it is still spoken, the two regions in the north of Germany are so small and isolated that Frisian is likely to disappear in the future. West Frisian, spoken in the Kingdom of The Netherlands, only has around 400,000 speakers and is increasingly being influenced by Dutch words.
A language is never static: it is a living thing. Just like any living thing on Earth, it either evolves or it dies out. Whether the Frisian language spoken today will evolve into a Dutch dialect, or whether it will die out, remains to be seen. Whatever the future of the Frisian language, Frisian words like bûter (butter), tsiis (cheese), see (sea), boat (boat), stoarm (storm), rein (rain), frieze (freeze), froast (frost), and mist (mist) live on in today’s English, the lingua franca of the modern world.
About Sjouke S.
I am a native Dutch translator living in the Netherlands. I am also an expert in SEO and academic writing. I enjoy copywriting and blogging. | <urn:uuid:92a5337d-7184-4a94-99d7-40e019c961a0> | 4 | 3.5625 | 0.100643 | en | 0.959387 | https://www.smartling.com/blog/frisian-2/ |
The Best Time to Start Learning Anything During the Year
Home/Lifestyle/Education/The Best Time to Start Learning Anything During the Year
The Best Time to Start Learning Anything During the Year
Never stop learning; because life never stops teaching – Anonymous
All seasons have something to offer – Jeannette Walls
Was there a time in your school days that you faced challenge studying and understanding new lessons of the curriculum of any subject?
Science bets, that you must have had.
Since social media platforms have gained prominence, knowledge is equally shared by one and all. In every platform where article links are shared, definitely you will find quotes as to how seasons can affect learning moods and it is true. Let us imagine, you have done Masters in English Literature and wants to study digital marketing while working as a writing intern. Do you feel that you should have a plan where seasons play one of the major factors?
Well, you have to.
It has been proved by medical science that the time from winter to spring is the best to learn any new knowledge as you find an upsurge in moods and enhancement in energy levels.
Learning any new skills calls for the understanding of concepts and memory. Surveys have indicated that in the duration from winter to spring, students learn new skills and chapters easily. In fact, the more of sunlight, uplift of moods, energy, and well-being.
The component assisting you in learning new knowledge is called as dopamine. Its number increases on more exposure to sunlight and it enhances confidence, motivation, pleasure, and memory.
Since you know your learning abilities, why don’t you make the best use of seasons?
In spring, another factor also rules the roost. Your curiosity levels are triggered, and your learning gets easy since you can cross over borders and can do work independently.
However, too much of sunlight can lead to reduced sleeping hours and unless you have a proper work-to-do schedule, you can face a reduction in concentration, memory, and metabolism. In such cases, never wither away from the time schedule, and a sleep of six to eight hours on any day is vital for memorizing new concepts.
There is another simple way to learn new skills and concepts. Before you shut-eye, remember the concepts and skills you have acquired during the day. This will keep you not only focused but also store valuable data in the brain. Do not force your brain to retrieve more on the first day. Within a week, you can condense the concepts of the day within ten minutes.
Now, Do You Know Why Schools Announce Leave For The Summer Holidays?
When the sun is too hot, the brains switch off. If you have to learn a new way of digital marketing, for example, Amazon Web Services at Learning Technologies then do it in a way so that it is easy to you. If you are a creative guy, learn it the simple way of means of drawing images and charts. If you are a normal guy, ensure that you retain your passion for learning and try to revise the lessons every day or seek the assistance of a friend for a group study.
The Belgian study, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal, states that the resources are used by the brain differently for performing the same function according to the season.
In winter, you might feel a little laid back in learning. The easy way to understand, your body needs to use energy to withstand the cold temperature and unless you consume proper food, you may feel the lack of motivation.
Forget the seasons, even in a normal day; you could have understood the major productivity hours of the day. The morning hours are the most productive, in the afternoon after the lunch, there may be the lull in productivity. When the body recovers, after 4 pm, once again the scrambling of finishing the target before winding up for the day – These patterns may differ according to your body.
What is stronger? Mother Nature or the human mind?
The Human Mind.
Case Study One
You have performed well in your company and in the process of getting promoted as the International Manager. However, one of the new clients is a millionaire from the UAE and he insists on communicating only in Arabic.
You are given three months duration by the company to learn Arabic from experienced Arabic tutors. The time luckily is spring and so you find the learning easy. You pass the first part of the exam with flying colors and although, not proficient, can understand the words said by the man from the other part of the world.
The time is full winter and because of your tight schedule, you cannot attend the classroom based session. So you opt for taking classes on the internet. Your family stands by you; even your team members, seniors and you pass the certification.
Does your success in the exam mean that instead of winter, there was summer or spring? No, they came, will come and go. The fact is how focused you are in attaining your study goals regardless of the circumstances.
Learning new skills is not an impossible task. However, you need to have a little knowledge about gaining the skill in a smart way. The brain needs to be given information in the way as you understand its ability by which it will retain for a long time.
Case Study Two
You are a team leader and are about to get promoted as Operations Manager which was your dream goal. But there is one hitch: you have to pass the first part of Digital Certification program for application of the post.
Before learning a new task, schedule a plan on how to master it easily. Ask your friends, seniors or search on the internet for information. If needed, ask for some help from a family member, or a friend. Group discussion always benefits learning. Test your knowledge at least once a weekend. You may be a multi-tasker, but first, narrow down your strengths and focus while learning a new skill. After going via the basics, you can become your normal self.
If you are on your own, you might receive a few brickbats, do not feel afraid or fall into depression.
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TGC Graphic Design Web Design Animation Multimedia Courses Training Institute
Taking a FCP Course
Taking_a_FCP_Course-01Starting a career in Video Editing and cinematography involves taking up a video editing course. Video Editing courses would provide the opportunity to understand video making terminologies, hands on learning of non –linear editing through computer editing software. There are several computer software used for video editing and mixing among them are Adobe Premiere pro, Avid Composer and Final cut pro. Final cut Pro also known as FCP is a Video Editing software owned by apple that is being extensively used in the film industry for video editing. It has enabled top professional video editors in the world get Oscar awards for using them for their editing job, an example is the editing of Girl with the Dragon tattoo released in 2011. The editing job was done by Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter. This has contributed to the increased use and demand for FCP in the film industry and the resultant demand for FCP courses in the education Industry. FCP course fees range from INR 10.000 to INR 35000 in Delhi depending on the level of expertise required and the FCP training Institute .
FCP course fees are however higher than fees for other video editing software training like Adobe premiere pro for instance. This is due to the high cost of fcp software and all other apple accessories associated with the FCP Software. Most FCP courses deal with the latest version of the final cut pro software known as the FCPX, released in 2011 with a more advanced and speedy interface.
FCP courses last between 1- 3 months and FCP course fees are usually demanded in full at the start of the course or a lump sum with subsequent monthly installment payments until the course is done.
What does a FCP course offer?
1. A FCP course would teach an intending video editor the basics and rules of video editing and how to get them done in final cut pro interface using the Magnetic Timeline for an exceptionally fast, fluid new way to edit. It would also help an intending video editor manage his files by creating Smart Collections to organize media based on metadata and keywords. Depending on the FCP course fees, advanced metadata techniques for organizing projects may be taught or omitted.
2. A FCP course would teach the student how to combine multiple elements into a single compound clip, finetuning clips in the timeline with the precision editor and how to compare alternate shots from a collection of clips using auditions as well as working with compound clips
3. A FCP course would help the student understand the process and methods of applying video and audio effects, applying transitions and re timing clips. It would also teach the student the art of color correction using FCP both for entire clips and target specific areas using shape and color masks
4. A FCP course would also help the student learn how to create custom effects and transitions and apply a cinematic glow to clips, it would also teach the student how to export and import video files from other video editing software.
TGC India is a Multimedia Institute with affordable FCP course fees.
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Do You Know Nutrition: Invasion of the genetically modified organisms
Oct. 11, 2011 at 5:11 a.m.
Phylis Canion
Phylis Canion
By Phylis Canion
Sometime back, you had a timeline about GMOs. Can you please explain more about what GMOs are, how they affect our food supply, and names of product ingredients that we need to be aware of?
GMOs are genetically modified organisms (also called GEs, genetically engineered) plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology.
According to the Non GMO Project, this experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. Virtually all commercial GMOs are bred to withstand direct application of herbicides.
In more than 30 countries around the world, including all of the European countries and Japan, there are significant restrictions or outright bans on the production of GMOs because they do not consider them safe.
In the United States, however, the government has approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies conducted by companies who created them and profit from their sales.
The six major GMO crops are soy, corn, canola, cotton, sugar beets and alfalfa. Specific ingredients to look for on product labeling that should be avoided are the following: soy protein isolate, hydrolyzed soy protein, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, monosodium glutamate, dextrose, modified food starch, corn syrup, sugar syrup, malt, mono and di-glycerides and rBGH(a recumbent growth hormone added to milk and butter), to name a few of the most prevalent.
One of the major issues concerning genetically modified organisms is that there is no labeling requirements that specifically states a product contains GMOs although they make up approximately 1/4 of our food supply.
Those manufacturers whose products do not contain GMOs gladly list on their packaging that the product is GMO free or that it is a NON-GMO product.
Because GMOs are relatively new and have not been in use long enough for the risk to be known, there is growing concerns about safety.
According to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with genetically modified foods that include infertility, immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation and issues with the gastrointestinal system.
The World Health Organization has also taken an active role in the evaluation of genetically modified foods.
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3 years ago
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How Not to Interview for a Job
This video made by Fast Company shows how your cliched, rehearsed speeches aren't going to get you anywhere in a job interview! The interviewer has heard it before, and they'll hear it again after they don't hire you! "Nobody wants a cliché for an employee." There's nothing more true than that! Thankfully, not all jobs will ask these kind of cliche questions, but if they do, do not answer! Like! These! People!!! When they ask you something like, "What's your biggest weakness?," don't say "I'm a perfectionist." Give a real weakness that they're bound to find out anyways, like "I rush through tasks, but I'm learning to _____" Show that you're aware of your real weaknesses, because that's what they're actually looking for. When they ask you something like "Why do you want to work here?" have an answer other than "the job description looks cool!" Point out things you noticed in your research about the company (you did research, right?) that you thought appealed to you as an employee, or things you think the company is growing well but you could help grow in an exciting way,too. Go get em!
onesmile clipped in 1 collections
This is really funny. Now I'm mentally going back to the last job interview I had and trying to see if I did any of these things. (I did get the job though!)
3 years ago·Reply
@danidee I have been trying desperately to NOT think it through (because I know mine was horrible!)
3 years ago·Reply
@onesmile I forget what my go-to answer is when people ask what my biggest flaw is. Probably something about how I'm so naturally good-looking that I can't help staring at my face in most reflective services. Jk.
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If you feel like Cortana just doesn't get you, improvements may be on the way.
We all want to know the person we're talking to is listening to us. We extend this expectation to our "non-human" AI companions as well. Having to repeat oneself, once we've mentally moved from "expression of thought" to "expectation of response" only to be volleyed back to "expression of thought" because the listener did't hear us is an exercise in frustration.
Talking to digital assistants can be frustrating.
This all-too-common pattern of exchange between humans and our AI digital assistants has caused many of us to default to more reliable "non-verbal" exchanges.
Ironically, speaking to our assistants is supposed to be a more natural and quicker way to get things done.
Perhaps science fiction has spoiled us. The ease with which Knight Rider's Michael Knight verbally interacted with his artificially intelligent Trans Am, KITT, (and other fictional AI-human interactions), painted a frictionless picture of verbal discourse. The bar has been set very high.
Microsoft may have gotten us a bit closer to that bar, and to a route out of the pattern of frustration talking to digital assistants often engenders.
Crystal clear
On Monday, October 17th, 2016 Microsoft announced that their latest automated system had reached human parity regarding speech recognition. In a nutshell, Microsoft's non-human system was just as accurate as professional human transcriptionists when hearing and transcribing conversational speech.
Microsoft's automated system performed as well as professional transcriptionists.
The tests included pairs of strangers discussing an assigned topic and open-ended conversations between family and friends. The automated system surpassed the respective 5.9%, and 11.3% word error rates of the professional transcriptionists for each test.
Microsoft's executive vice-president of Artificial Intelligence and Research Group, Harry Shum, praised this accomplishment:
This breakthrough, of course, is foundational to the realization of the more complex AI interactions we have come to believe are just around the corner. An assistant's ability to accurately hear us, like with human interactions, is a prerequisite to its understanding us. The journey to understanding is, of course, the next step. That may or may not take as long as our trek to human parity in "hearing" has taken us to achieve.
Competition is good
The road to human parity speech recognition began in the 1970's with a research division of the US Department of Defense, DARPA. Microsoft's subsequent decades-long investments led to artificial neural networks which are patterned after the biological neural networks of animals. The combination of convolutional and Long-Short-Term-Memory neural networks helped Redmond's system become "more human". Xuedong Huang, Microsoft's chief speech scientist exclaims:
This is an historic achievement.
And, of course, it is. Microsoft is not alone in its efforts to evolve AI understanding of human language, however. Google and Apple have invested in neural networks as well. The boost to Siri's performance is likely attributable to Cupertino's investments. Furthermore, Google's access to a massive repository of data through its search engine and ubiquitous Android OS has helped Mountain View's voice-recognition efforts make tremendous strides.
Apple is striving to catch up to Microsoft and Google.
Google's and Microsoft's industry leading progress with deep neural networks, AI, natural language processing and machine learning have likely spurred Apple's most recent investments in Siri.
Cupertino is looking to make its bounded assistant more competitive if recent job postings for the Siri team in Cambridge UK are any indication:
Join Apple's Siri team…and be part of revolutionizing human-machine interaction!"
"You will be joining a highly talented team of software engineers and machine learning scientists to develop the next generation of Siri. We use world class tools and software engineering practices and push the boundaries of artificial intelligence with a single aim: make a real difference to the lives of the hundreds of millions of Siri users.
This will undoubtedly increase Siri's reliability over time. Still, these advantages will be limited to Siri users within Apple's walled garden of 11.7% of all smartphone users and around 10% of all PC users.
Canvasing the competition
In a world where digital experiences are transient, the unbounded (cross-platform) nature of Cortana and Google Now, is arguably an advantage these assistants have over Siri. Combined with the Bing and Google search engine backbones respectively, Microsoft's and Google's investments in conversation as a canvas position these companies beyond the "iPhone-focused" Apple.
Speech recognition is key to Microsofts Conversations as a Platform plan.
Microsoft's forward-thinking platform focus is the backdrop which supports its accomplishments in human parity in speech recognition. This achievement is important to Nadella's Conversation as a Platform and human language (written/verbal) as a UI strategy. It's a critical piece to a complex puzzle of making AI and human interaction more natural. Nadella had this to say about Conversation as a Platform:
We're in the very early days of this…It's a simple concept, yet it's very powerful in its impact. It is about taking the power of human language and applying it more pervasively to all of our computing. ...we need to infuse into our computers and computing intelligence, intelligence about us and our context…by doing so…this can have as profound an impact as the previous platform shifts have had, whether it be GUI, whether it be the Web or touch on mobile.
Cortana on PC, Edge, Windows Mobile, iOS, Android and Xbox is a big part of this vision. Shum shared of Redmond's speech recognition achievement and Microsoft's AI assistant:
This will make Cortana more powerful, making a truly intelligent assistant possible.
Going Forward
Customizing Cortana to each region, like Korea, before her launch there, provides a tailored regional experience but slows her global expansion. This is a sore spot for many users but is an essential part of Microsoft's personal digital assistant vision. Still, it is a disadvantage Cortana has in relation to the more widely distributed Siri and Google Now.
Finally, the lack of a standalone unit such as Alexa and Google Home is an apparent hole in Microsoft's strategic positioning of Cortana. Perhaps Redmond's groundbreaking success in speech recognition will give such a future a device a strategic advantage over the competition. Fans are asking, I wonder if Microsoft can hear them. | <urn:uuid:739231ea-e6fe-489c-94b2-738dd6c91b55> | 2 | 2.4375 | 0.104784 | en | 0.94656 | https://www.windowscentral.com/gorundbreaking-tech-will-make-cortanas-hearing-good-ours |
I recently read an interesting article by respected writer and analyst Walt Mossberg, who said the PC is being redefined. I agree. But ...
I've described the evolving personal computing landscape in the past. To communicate an accurate picture of the modern personal computing environment and the influencing factors that have shaped it, I've acknowledged that it's impossible to ignore the impact of the iPhone.
Though smartphones existed before the iPhone, those business-focused devices were not relevant to the masses. The iPhone, with its "massive" touch screen merged the iPod, a phone and an internet device, and redefined the smartphone. Consumers loved it as much as they loved the popular iPod that primed them for a pocketable consumer-focused smartphone from Apple.
Eventually, the iPhone and the "there's-an-app-for-that" model, which made it a veritable "swiss-army mobile computing device," evolved into much more than the phone-iPod-internet device introduced by former Apple CEO Steve Jobs in 2007.
In time, Apple's introduction of the iPhone had a profound effect on the personal computing landscape. The iPhone, Android phones and to a lesser extent Windows phones — all with their supporting app ecosystems, integrated services, always-connected nature and pocketability — supplanted the traditional PC as the most used personal computers. Yes, smartphones are personal computing devices.
Microsoft, not Apple, is more instrumental to the evolution of the PC.
I agree with Mossberg that the mobile computing environment and ecosystems that shape personal computing today are influencers on what the PC will ultimately be. However, I disagree with his assessment that a significant shift to the new type of ARM-based PC that runs mobile apps will be determined by Apple.
Millions of consumers already buy laptops that use "mobile apps"
Microsoft's Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and Windows 10 laptops and 2-in-1s have already begun the process of bringing consumers to a laptop form factor that runs mobile apps, as well as traditional apps. This computing environment will be brought to ARM processors, as ARM-based Windows 10 PCs begin rolling out in several months. The change to an ARM-based system will be largely transparent to users.
What won't be transparent are the advantages of ARM-based cellular Windows 10 PCs. Among other advantages, consumers will reap the benefits of lower costs, and lighter, fan-less and more power-efficient Windows 10 PCs.
Mossberg said the following of a shift to ARM in relation to this problem:
But the signs of a shift to ARM only set the stage for a bigger development: The migration of the most important modern software platforms, Android and iOS, to laptops and other traditional hardware that once defined the old kind of PC.
... I believe it won't matter much until Apple builds an ARM-based laptop running iOS. Here's why.
Microsoft ... does have a modern breed of multi-touch apps that work properly on a tablet or clamshell screen, and some are included on every Windows tablet and laptop. Unfortunately, partly because Microsoft has no smartphone business to speak of, it also lacks a critical mass of these new-style apps and, even on its tablets, relies instead on classic Windows apps.
Apple, by contrast, boasts 1.3 million tablet-optimized apps for the iPad, and these could presumably easily run on a small laptop with a built-in keyboard and touchscreen. This is more than a small advantage; it's the reason people might buy this type of device instead of a traditional laptop.
I agree with the general assessments Mossberg puts forth. I also see the value in his conclusion that Apple, because of its vast and appealing app ecosystem, occupies an influential position. Consumer love for iOS apps may be a sufficient motivating factor for the masses to consciously and deliberately choose to use a laptop running those same mobile apps. That's if Apple can deliver a good mouse-and-keyboard productivity experience.
Can Apple generate interest in a laptop that runs only mobile apps?
I put forth a similar analysis in relation to Google's position if it ever decided to merge Chrome and Android. Google's 80 percent dominance of the mobile market would be a real threat to Microsoft's 90 percent dominance in PCs if Google brought a viable desktop experience to a desktop environment.
Microsoft already invented the universal app 'wheel' Apple needs
iOS apps are optimized for a slate consumption-based experience, not a peripheral-enhanced productivity setting. Mossberg stated the following in relation to this problem:
The definition of a PC, a personal computer, is already undergoing a profound change. A great laptop running the new kinds of user interfaces and apps that people now love on phones and tablets would be a big, exciting event that would help seal the deal. But there hasn't yet been a product that emphatically suggests the era of the traditional PC is fading. And it feels like an opportunity only Apple can seize.
Microsoft's Windows 10 and Universal Platform with Continuum are driving the evolution of the PC while also keeping the traditional PC around. Rather than just a clamshell laptop that runs mobile apps, which is Mossberg's vision for an evolved PC, Microsoft's strategy is more comprehensive.
Microsoft's PC vision is more comprehensive than mobile apps on a laptop.
Redmond saw the coming shift and created a device form factor with the Surface, a context-sensitive OS in Windows 10 and a Universal Platform that provides a common core for all device types and app development.
The research firm IDC said the following, confirming the success and adoption of Windows laptops and 2-in-1s in a recent report:
Consumers are just starting to graduate from old, consumption-based, slate tablets to a more productive detachable tablet. At the same time, the benefits of having a thin, touch-sensitive, productivity-based machine is [sic] shining light on the traditional PC category, causing vendors and consumers to focus on more premium devices in the Convertible and Ultraslim space.
As we watch the unfolding of Microsoft's strategy with the industry's embrace of 2-in-1s, Windows 10 laptops and PCs and Windows Mixed Reality (formerly Windows Holographic), Microsoft's impact on the evolution of the PC, in all of its forms, obviously exceeds Apple's.
Technologically, Microsoft is where Mossberg hopes Apple will get
Mossberg states, "Apple … boasts 1.3 million tablet-optimized apps for the iPad, and these could presumably easily run on a small laptop with a built-in keyboard and touchscreen." He supplies the caveat "presumably" in acknowledgment of his (and all of our) uncertainty as to the viability of iOS apps running on a small laptop with a built-in keyboard (and mouse).
iOS apps are not yet optimized for a laptop environment.
By contrast, we know with full certainty that Microsoft's unique UWP allows Windows Store apps to run on phones, laptops, 2-in-1s, HoloLens, Xbox, desktop PCs and any as yet to be created Windows devices. Most Windows 10 devices also run Win32 apps in conjunction with Store apps, and Windows 10 on ARM may bring that ability to phones.
What Mossberg speculates would be a technological advancement for the Apple ecosystem already exists in far greater depth and breadth as part of Microsoft's UWP. Mossberg's vision of an evolved PC is a laptop with iOS apps and only iOS apps.
Microsoft's personal computer vision is far broader than that.
Windows 10 is key to the modern PC
Though Windows 10 is only running on 400 million devices, Windows is a desktop and mobile platform. In less than two years, though far below it's one billion devices target, 400 million devices is impressive. iOS and Android have had roughly a decade to reach the billion mark those OSes achieved.
Windows 10 is an evolution of the OS that embraces mobile computing.
Some may argue that Windows 10 is merely an upgrade to the Windows OS that has a billion installed base. It is actually more of an evolution toward a new type of OS that retains the legacy strengths of the traditional desktop while adopting the necessary attributes of the modern, mobile personal computing environment. Universal Windows Apps, along with the coming full Windows on ARM and CShell on all types of mobile devices, help us visualize this reality.
When viewing it from that proper perspective, the unique unified desktop and mobile OS that is Windows 10 has already begun to achieve in a very real way what Mossberg anticipates will be achieved with Android and iOS: bringing a relevant "mobile" OS to a desktop clamshell form factor.
The market is buying, but may not "buy into" Microsoft's vision
The PC's transformation, based on Windows 10 2-in-1s and even laptops, has already been accepted in the market by OEMs and consumers. Mossberg's vision awaits a move from Apple to create wide acceptance for what the success of Windows 2-in-1s is already achieving: market-wide acceptance of a laptop (or 2-in-1) OS that runs mobile apps. The Windows Store on a Windows 10 desktop has thousands of universal apps that work across various form factors, including mobile.
I concede that the success of the Windows Store is not on par with Microsoft's goals. Moreover, the implementation of a Windows-based smartphone has not met commercial success. Consequently, though there are thousands of universal apps that are compatible beyond the mobility of a laptop or 2-in-1 form factor, and that work on a phone, the number is dwarfed by the number of iOS apps in the App Store.
So yes, the popularity of iOS apps, if somehow made to work as efficiently in a mouse-and-keyboard laptop form factor, would produce more of a "conscious" decision by consumers to seek out or inquire about such a device. These consumers may be motivated by a desire to use the mobile apps they're familiar with from their iPhones, on a laptop-like device.
PC consumers are likely not motivated by an opportunity to experience Store apps.
By contrast, the universal apps that are part of Microsoft's proliferating "evolving PC" vision and that are also available to users who buy Windows 10 2-in-1s and laptops are in many cases likely just "along for the ride." Candidly speaking, these user purchases are likely less motivated by the opportunity to experience universal apps and their benefits than by the productivity legacy of Window PCs, even as manifest in modern touch-enabled laptops and 2-in-1s.
The Windows Store's underperformance is likely one of the motivating factors in Microsoft's increasingly aggressive advertising efforts in Windows 10. It needs to get users that have embraced the new OS and evolving PC form-factors to also embrace the ecosystem that they exist within. Apple, with the popularity of iOS apps, but the lack of a truly universal platform akin to the UWP, and the efficient productivity environment that Windows 10 PCs bring mobile apps, would have the exact opposite challenge.
Microsoft's impact on PC evolution is both deep and broad
Ultimately, I agree with Mossberg's conclusion from a consumer perspective. That is, if Microsoft cannot draw developers and consumers to its modern app ecosystem, Apple may be more successful in drawing consumer "attention" to the concept of a mobile-app-focused laptop. That's if Apple invests in and successfully creates an iOS-based laptop, which the famously secretive company has made no indication of doing.
I do, however, believe that Mossberg may be underestimating the industry impact Microsoft's Windows 10 and UWP has had, and is currently having, on the evolution of the PC, in the form of touch-sensitive laptops, 2-in-1s and other devices like HoloLens that run universal apps.
Mossberg may be underestimating Microsoft's impact on the PC's evolution.
OEM's, consumers, businesses, and various industries have greatly embraced these "modern," evolved PCs.
As Microsoft's partners begin bringing ARM-based cellular PCs to market in several months, that impact will be even more evident than it is now. In truth, Apple's mimicry of the Surface with the iPad Pro is indicative of its reactive, or follower's role, in the PC's evolution.
The evolution is well underway. Microsoft is driving it, and its plan goes even further than Mossberg's vision of mobile apps on a laptop form factor.
Related reading:
The truth about the new iPad ads, Microsoft Surface and Windows
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Monthly Archives: December 2014
Yoga perfects your posture
Your head is like a big, heavy, round bowling ball sitting on top of your shoulders. When it is properly balanced, directly over your erect spine, much less effort is needed by the muscles on your back and neck in order to support it. By only moving it a few inches forward, those muscles begin to be strained. If you continue to keep that forward posture, with that heavy load, 48 to 12 hours daily, is there any wonder why you feel so tired? There may be other problems also, not just fatigue. There may be joint, muscle, neck, and back problems to go along with the poor posture. As you continue to slump, your body will naturally compensate by flattening the normal curves of your lower back and neck. This, in turn, can lead to pain and degenerative arthritis within the spine. | <urn:uuid:5439847a-728b-4724-8b28-5c75da335392> | 2 | 1.835938 | 0.086287 | en | 0.952651 | https://yogaretreatthailand.wordpress.com/2014/12/ |
Financial Repression
Reinhart and Sbrancia characterize financial repression as consisting of the following key elements:
1. Explicit or indirect capping of interest rates, such as on government debt and deposit rates (Regulation Q).
3. High reserve requirements
These measures allow governments to issue debt at lower interest rates. A low nominal interest rate can reduce debt servicing costs, while negative real interest rates erodes the real value of government debt. Thus, financial repression is most successful in liquidating debts when accompanied by inflation and can be considered a form of taxation, or alternatively a form of debasement.
“Unlike income, consumption, or sales taxes, the “repression” tax rate (or rates) are determined by financial regulations and inflation performance that are opaque to the highly politicized realm of fiscal measures. Given that deficit reduction usually involves highly unpopular expenditure reductions and (or) tax increases…the relatively ‘stealthier’ financial repression tax may be a more politically palatable alternative to authorities faced with the need to reduce outstanding debts.”
Financial Repression Animated
Banking in the age of financial repression and public hostility | <urn:uuid:063f9ae7-af50-4ca0-bdd4-ce04c0015a4d> | 3 | 3.015625 | 0.918142 | en | 0.913697 | https://zirpqe.wordpress.com/financial-repression/ |
Friday, 7 June 2013
Avanti Polar Lipids - Super G Balance
Avanti Polar Lipids - Super G Balance
Great balance for measuring lipid stocks before doing a monolayer experiment.
Surface Tension Droplets at 2500fps - The Slow Mo Guys
Just water (with its amazing properties), a slow motion camera and two Englishmen. See what happens...
Droplet Collisions at 5000fps - The Slow Mo Guys
I love the Slow Mo guys. Showing that surface tension can be sexy!
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Quantum model helps solve mysteries of water
Quantum model helps solve mysteries of water
These guys from the University of Edinburgh and IBM's TJ Watson Research Center are made a new model to understand the properties of water. Since there is no ultimate model but models that can reproduce certain aspects of water these scientists made a bottom up approach.
Their approach shows how a single charged particle called a 'quantum Drude oscillator' can mimic that way electrons of real water respond to their environment and fluctuate.
This simplification allows the network of hydrogen bonds and other properties like surface tension to be observed.
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Study led by George Washington University Professor May Help Understand Freezing Bulk Water
Study led by George Washington University professor provides better understanding of water's freezing behavior at nanoscale
Bulk water verses the water at the surface. Is there a difference? And where is the boundary of this difference. These guys show that ice nucleation at the nanoscale is smaller than that of the bulk water. Water at the small scale can no longer be considered bulk water.
This has important research in climate. Clouds largely contain a lot of water. This research may answer the question of whether ice nucleation occurs within the cloud or right at the surface. Engineering may be able to control this nucleation by tuning the surface tension if the nucleation occurs on the surface of the cloud (it reminds me of Storm controlling the weather in X-Men).
Saturday, 1 June 2013
Bill Nye Teaches About Surface Tension
I remember watching Bill Nye when I was younger and learning about science. From this post from Mashable I learned that Rush Limbaugh said, '"Bill Nye is not a scientist. Bill Nye can explain to kids things like surface tension, why you can fill a glass above the rim and it won't fall over if it's just the right amount. He explains things like that, surface tension. He's not a scientist. He knows it, and everybody else knows it. Doesn't matter." Well teaching kids anything about science and having passion about it is far better than whatever bullshit Rush Limbaugh spews out of his mouth.
Personally, I would love to see Bill Nye work with Tesla or Elon Musk on the Hyperloop. Bill Nye has a degree in hydraulic engineering and works with cool space stuff. Well that is what I would say during an interview to build something called a Hyperloop.
‘Lotus effect’ paper repels oil and water
‘Lotus effect’ paper repels oil and water
Lotus leaf effect from paper can help make sustainable materials.... | <urn:uuid:45f3c085-e429-49c5-9823-6e4ad515b32f> | 3 | 2.625 | 0.084814 | en | 0.922243 | http://72dynes.blogspot.fi/2013/06/ |
Issues: Immigration
Click here to join the fight for Immigrant rights!
To be effective and fair, immigration reform must be comprehensive and include a roadmap to citizenship that is inclusive, an end to cruel immigration enforcement, and protection of civil, labor and human rights. Here is what comprehensive reform should look like:
A Roadmap to Citizenship
Legalization is essential for the most vulnerable in our community: low-wage workers and families. Legalization must be inclusive and promote integration of working immigrant families in our communities; promote civic participation and community and labor organizing, rather than suppress it; ensure that immigrants can access and contribute to the safety net instead of being locked out of it; and ensure that immigrant workers and their families can participate fully and contribute to the growth of a fair economy that will protect the rights of all working families, rather than be segregated at the bottom of an economy that is unjust. Our priorities include:
• A roadmap to citizenship for all of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
• Minimization of exits, detours, roadblocks and obstacles to full legalization, such as work requirements,
fines, high fees, and language requirements
• Social safety net protections for immigrants during the legalization process
• A review and restructuring of the legalization process to ensure that visa, residency, and citizenship
backlogs are addressed and the process moves faster and more smoothly
An End to Cruel Immigration Enforcement
Immigration reform must include a complete reform of our country’s cruel, irrational, and dehumanizing immigration enforcement system. Current immigration policy and enforcement practices result in employer manipulation and abuse, and suffering and injustice for immigrants and American-born workers. Any reform should include access to justice and due process, civil, labor and employment rights, and public safety. Reform must stop deportations that tear families apart, and end dangerous programs that intertwine local law enforcement with ICE and force local law enforcement agencies to deviate from their original purpose of protecting our communities. Our priorities include:
• An immediate moratorium on immigration arrests, deportations, and detentions
• An end to collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and ICE
• Termination of the Secure Communities Program
Protection of Civil, Labor, and Human Rights
Immigration reform must strengthen the rights of workers, families, and communities by protecting workers from retaliation for exercising their labor rights, and promoting rights we cherish in our country such as access to justice and due process. Employers must not be able to use enforcement or employer sanctions to block the rights of workers to organize and enforce workplace standards. There must be protections from racial discrimination by law enforcement officials. Our priorities include:
• Protections against retaliation for workers who are defending civil, labor, and human rights, and their families. These must include protections for workers who expose civil rights violations related to immigration enforcement, and long-term status, work authorization, and a path to citizenship.
• Stronger mechanisms for investigating and addressing instances of racial profiling by law enforcement officials
• Opposition to any mandatory expansion of E-Verify, the error-ridden electronic verification system that has repeatedly been used by employers as a tool to threaten workers and destroy labor organizing campaigns.
• Full transparency of the Department of Homeland Security.
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Federal Labor Standards Make the Baseline of Employments Law
Whether you want to claim a severance or you want your employer to reconsider your termination, you have to consult a law firm that has lawyers with expertise in employment law. Once you are fired off your services you cannot claim anything from your employer unless you follow the proper means. To claim proper compensation or to claim justice, you need to employ an expert from an employment law firm.
The expert hired by you will guide you through the whole process of reclaiming justice. He will make you understand the entire process and what you can claim in compensation. Moreover, the expert you hire should also have proper knowledge of the employment law prevalent in the particular province. Though employment law is almost same in every province and more or less similar law code governs the companies that fall under the jurisdiction of a province; even then there are certain differences.
The highlighting factor is that the common law that governs the employment law in Canada is based on ‘Federal Labor’ standards. These standards make the baseline of employment law throughout the country. If there is any confusion about the provincial regulations to be followed then the federal standards are to be followed. These standards are the basics and it is like the main law related to employment and thus neither an employer nor an employee can show disregard to these laws and hence are bound to abide by them.
When you face a situation where you have lost the job and there is no valid reason or cause behind it, you are supposed to file a suit against the employer asking for the damages. However, these laws are not only to safeguard the rights of the employee, but it also safeguards the rights of the employer. Thus when an employer finds unlawful activities conducted by an employee or there is a breach of the terms and conditions that were laid down and agreed upon as part of the contract terms of employment then he can exercise his power vested by the federal labor standards and can terminate your services. The employer can also take the issue with an expert from BC law society and can move the court of law against the employee.
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Oliviero Toscani Photographer
Every picture is a piece of the inside of ourselves”. That may be the reason why Oliviero Toscani‘s shoots strike so much the international public. The philosophy followed by the famous Italian photographer brings him to stand out, to be exceptional and totally different from an ordinary fashion photographer. The images Oliviero Toscani has signed for many fashion maisons (Benetton above all) or fashion magazines, the social campaigns he has promoted and the works he has been realising in the over 50 years of his career have made the tour around the world, bringing a piece of made-in-Italy talent to the most remote countries.
Photography was in his veins. His father was the first photo-journalist for the famous Italian newspaper “Il corriere della sera”, and Oliviero Toscani began to play with his first cameras at a very young age, soon showing the talent inherited from his father. After studying in Milan, he moved to Zurich were he attended photography and design courses at the Hochschule fur Gestaltung from 1961 to 1965.
In 1968, while Italy (like the rest of the world) was hit by the waves of the social revolution, the Italian photographer began to move his first important steps on the world of photographic films. Soon enough, Oliviero Toscani became a renowed synonim of original portraits of the contemporary social trends and movements, his camera becaming an artistic eye through which people can watch the world they lived in from an unusual perspective.
His talent caught the eye first of many important fashion magazines. From Vogue to Elle, from the Harper’s Bazaar to G.Q., the Italian photographer’s signature became to appear under more and more images printed on the glossy paper of the most famous international reviews. The popularity brought by these publications allowed Oliviero Toscani to reach the most important Italian (and international) fashion houses. Brands like Prenatal, Valentino, Fiorucci or Esprit choosed the Italian photographer as creative head for their promotional campaigns, and Toscani began to stand out for its strong and scandalous images.
The portrait of the supermodel Donna Jordan’s backside in a pair of Jesus Jeans hot pants, with the biblical phrase “Those who love me will follow me”, was just one of the first shocking advertisment campaigns realised by the Italian photographer. Many others followed, bringing the name of Oliviero Toscani to ever greater success, but the turning point came in 1982, when the Italian fashion group Benetton put its total trust on the new talent of Italian photography, leaving to him the reins of the creative division of the company.
Almost twenty years of collaboration which saw the Benetton group communication policy reach levels that any fashion maison could have reached before. Besides the simple promotion of the brand, Oliviero Toscani’s images were explicit and daring messages on problems and issues of the modern society; peace, tolerance and fight against social plagues were his main purpose, hidden behind the Benetton’s signature. Two nuns kissing, children from different ethnic groups holding hands, a Vietnam war’s victim cemetery, a boy dying from AIDS or a man killed by mafia. These were just a few of the most famous images that brough the Italian photographer, as well as the Italian fashion brand, to reach popularity and fame also through their social commitment.
Even after leaving the Benetton brand, Oliviero Toscani continued to shock the world with his works. One popular example is the anti-anorexia campaign that saw the too-thin model Isabelle Carol pose totally naked showing her body worn out by the disease, which history was documented in the film “Anorexia, storia di un’immagine”. The giant posters spreaded all over Milan and the other main Italian cities did not only conquered the favours of the anti-anorexia movements, but were also condemned by some people who didn’t appreciate the Italian photographer’s strong images. For that same reason, sometimes Oliviero Toscani has had to face critics and censorship, for the rawness of his images, printed as well as in TV spots.
The Italian photographer indeed has worked not only with his camera, but also using the other promotional medias, from TV to the internet. He helped realising many TV spots, ever so strong as his photos, and the Benetton group website’s birth saw his precious collaboration. The signature of Oliviero Toscani was so present in the fashion group that he even realised sportswear lines for Playlife, one the brands under the Benetton label.
In 1990, Oliviero Toscani, with the collaboration of the American graphic designer Tibor Kalman, co-founded the magazine Colors, owned partly by Benetton. “A magazine about the rest of the world”, this was the tagline of the magazine, which perfectly describes the multicultural publication. Under the supervision of the Italian fashion group, he also set up Fabrica, the Benetton Group Communications research center, in 1994. Not an academy nor a simple school, Fabrica is defined as a laboratory of creativity, where new and winning ideas come to life, changing the communication and media’s world.
The collaboration with the Italian maison, as well as the many and many other works that have marked his long career, have gained Oliviero Toscani many prizes, among which we can find the Grand Prix d’Affichage, or the Grand Prix Unesco, and even the Leone d’Oro, the award given at the Festival of Cannes, in 1989. His works were shown in the most important location, from the Biennale of Venezia, to the Triennale Museum of Milan, or even in exhibitions held all over the globe, from Brazil to Europe. The world of Italian photography even recognised him a professorship in the Roman University of La Sapienza, where he taught communication strategies to young and curious students.
His life has changed a lot, but his passion for photography has never abandoned him. Nowadays, besides portraiting the Appaloosa horses he breeds in his Tuscany’s estate, where he lives with his wife and three children producing wine and olive oil, he keeps on surprising the whole world with his innovative idead that have changed and revolutioned the concept of photography. (via) | <urn:uuid:17f15036-83f3-4b05-8084-1aad256130bd> | 2 | 1.609375 | 0.035127 | en | 0.968041 | http://agonistica.com/oliviero-toscani/ |
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A discussion thread had to do with why we pantheists call ourselves pantheists. My reply follows:
The consciousness that rides along within and is generated by the activities of the brain that calls itself I, since it is the slave of biology and physiology, interacts strangely with these attempts or any institution's attempts to use the language of consciousness to define what consciousness, carried along by the body's activities, finds itself being and thinking from day to day.
I call myself pantheist because the brain that calls itself I and that carries the I of me along with it is deeply enmeshed in the biology and physiology of the airy reality into which it found itself swimming (existing). The collective brains who make up the category "scientist" have physically interacted with the Cosmos in such a way as to give other brains, through the senses of their eyes (reading) and ears (hearing), a new kind of information about that reality. The brain that calls itself I has learned from this set of scientific brains (who form opinions, expressed mathematically, only after by materially testing the physical Universe) that it is not enough to trust language, the creator of consciousness, and, thus, does not accept any reality that exists solely within the language and which is not physically present (so as to be sensed) in the material Cosmos. Thus concepts like "god" which exist only in the realm of the untrustworthy consciousness and which can't be smelt, touched, sensed by the physical body are foreign to it (the brain that calls itself I). The brain that calls itself I and finds itself afloat in air like a fish in water knows itself as a part of the physical Universe and not part of the conscious Cosmos.
If "MY" speechless physical body has any relationship with the physical Universe, it is much like a zygote to a mother's body than it is a consciousness to a higher consciousness which language has made up totally and completely. Since it is my speechless body that exists in the Cosmos and "I" am the language it is hearing as thought, it/I am completely and totally dependent on the physical Cosmos for my continued existence. And since a speechless zygote can't worship it's source, so my body can't worship the Cosmos, except through hearing itself in the thoughts that are generated within its synaptic patterns by its daily efforts to procreate, win friends, have sex with the opposite sex, surround itself with comfort and surplus, et cetera.
Sometimes the body that experiences its own self in consciousness as I will sense itself so safe for a moment in the Cosmos that a wonderful feeling of well-being (i.e. flood of dopamine or other chemical) fills it and that feeling will generate a thought to explain to itself what it's feeling and that thought is "worship".
The previous philosophical notations have made me understand something very interesting to me—the human robot (i.e. animal) through consciousness (the naming with words of the outer reality) has been returning from the naming of the outer world back to the naming of itself, to its physical reality as a robot that is experiencing and responding to the physical Cosmos. The namer is discovering the silent source of its naming function and, perhaps, someday the namer and the named will become as one.
Anyway, that's why I (or the brain that names itself I) name myself "pantheist" for this moment in time. It's purely an emotional thing, separate from all the conscious quibbling that goes on in the insubstantial world of consciousness where disagreements about naming are common.
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Lesbian Historic Motif Project: #110e Borris 2004 - Same-Sex Desire in the English Renaissance (Chapter 5)
Full citation:
Publication summary:
Chapter 5: Physiognomics
Anyone who has participated in a palm-reading has taken part in the pseudo-science of physiognomy. For that matter, statistical studies attributing a wide variety of psychological and behavioral traits (including sexual orientation) to the ratio of lengths of the index and ring fingers are operating within the realm of physiognomy. The two excerpts below that specifically mention sexual desire between women touch on only a few aspects of the field. It is interesting to note how fuzzy the line is between supposed cause and effect. In the description of Fracassa, her "manly" personality is considered to be signaled by the shape of her head and her lower limbs, but are behavioral traits (such as gait and posture) or activities (such as jousting in armor) considered to be a further consequence of that "manly personality" or are they, too, simply outward signifiers by which one may determine her "nature"? That is, does she joust because she's manly, or is she manly because she jousts?
* * *
We have not entirely managed to shed the idea that an individual’s habitual predispositions are reflected in their physical features. The Greek pseudo-Aristotelian Physiognomics is one of the foundational treatises that systematized this view. References to female homoeroticism (as opposed to male references) in the context of physiognomy are rare and primarily appear in texts derived from an anonymous Latin treatise of the 4th century.
Bartolommeo della Rocca (1467-1504) in a section on chiromancy (interpreting the hands) discusses how to interpret “signs of morally offensive lust on the hands of a woman”. The discussion groups together a wide variety of sexual behaviors, from incest, to women taking an active role with men, to any sexual activity by nuns, to masturbation, to bestiality. But the discussion specifically notes, “Note also that in women ‘morally offensive lust’ can be understood when women come together vulva to vulva and rub one another, of which Juvenal writes in this verse: ‘They ride one another, turn and turn about, and disport themselves for the Moon to witness.’ And such women are called by the ancient term tribades. It is said that Sappho, the Lesbian lass and poet, amused herself with this kind of lust.”
In a section primarily discussing characteristics of hair, della Rocca provides a detailed description of a “manly woman” both in terms of physical appearance and behavior (though sexual activity is not specifically mentioned). “By many outward signs may a man find out the qualities of the mind and courage. As when a woman is apparelled and decked in man’s apparel, which doth then declare her nature to draw near to man’s. As the like did that woman of courage named Fracassa, who commonly used to wear (by the report of the Physiognomer [i.e., Rocca himself]) man’s apparel, and would upon a bravery many times arm herself at all points to joust and run sundry times so armed at the ring. The form of which woman...was on this wise: she had a small head, and Pineaple-like, a neck comely formed, large breasted, seemly arms, answering to the body. But in her other parts, as in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and legs, near agreeing to man’s. This manly woman also walked upright in body, treading light on the ground, and bearing her head playing like to the Hart. The other notes of this woman did the Physiognomer for brevity sake here omit. Yet he thus concludeth that by the sundry notes which he viewed, she was prone to come to a violent death...”
Time period:
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Will This Affect The Price of Beer?
Are rich people more likely to be alcoholic than poor people? No, than why oh why is a minimum price of beer or spirits supposed to be a good thing? I just came back from Miami where beer is significantly cheaper than here in New Brunswick. Does Florida have a higher rate of alcoholism than New Brunswick?
Minimum prices and surtaxes for alcohol products is a bad idea. It does not reduce consumption. It just makes drugs look cheaper.
Think about it. By that logic, government should increase taxes for the poor so they don't have enough left over after rent and food to splurge on beer. It is just crazy. Makes no sense. Worse, the LCBO system already distorts costs by making beer the same price all across the province. That makes beer in some parts of Ontario cheaper than juice!
1 comment:
Anonymous said...
Do you know that many of your post titles have typos?
Atantic Canada?
Bemefits Ontario?
Don't you read before posting?
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Previous: Nazi's go to England for help (CYOAH) Göring decides to take what would be a safe course. He figures that the Allies will not intervene if he tries to pull off Anschluss, forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. He begins pouring money to Nazi elements in Austria, helping them out. He begins waiting for some act by the government against the growing Nazi strength.
His time comes when the Austrian Nazi's stage a failed coup against the government. A civil war erupts in Austria between the military and the Fascist elements. Göring declares his desire to restore peace to Austria. He declares war on Austria, and deploys troops into the nation. The Germans crush the military loyal to the government, and help put the Fascists in power. With the war successfully concluded, he withdraws. The Allies, stunned, but seeing how Göring did not stay there, look on passively.
A few months later, a bill comes up in the Austrian parliament calling for union with Germany. The bill quickly passes, due to political gerrymandering by the Fascists. Göring approves, and announces the annexation of Austria. German troops move into the nation, and suppress the dissenters. The Germans use the Austrian industry to augment their own capacity, and to increase the militarization of the army.
Suddenly, the allies are brought around to the stark political reality of what has happened. They can choose to do something, or not. What happens next?
Threaten Germany with War
Let it be
Created by: Azecreth 21:16, October 11, 2011 (UTC)
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The Northwestern Gang Wars was the term given to the post-World War IV gang wars in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Several major cities, including Sitka , Mikhailgrad , Ross , Petropavlovsk , Beringia , and Los Angeles
were affected by it. The last of these cities to be "cured" of the gang wars was Ross. The gang wars started in the 1920s and worsened in the 1930s with the onset of the Great Depression. The largest of the groups was the so-called Mexiquean Mafia, which derived from the Neapolitan-based underground gang. Death numbers and assault frequencies dropped as several immigrant-based vigilante groups formed with the Alyeskan Exodus
in progression. Several of these vigilante groups became open crime-fighting groups in the 1950s and 60s, the most well known of which is the Asian American Crime Fighting Syndicate, which operates even today in several locations with many branches. The gang wars officially came to an end in the 1980s with the truce signed between the AACFS and several Los Angeles gangs.
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Operation: South American Freedom is codename for the liberation of South America from the oppresive hand of the Axis. It began in mid-1943 and is currently an ongoing conflict and part of the Second World War.
Allied Forces
USA: 2,000,000 troops, 350 P-51 Mustangs, 400 P-59 Airacromets, 600 M4 Sherman tanks, 150 Howitzers and 400 M29 Pershing tanks
Brazil: Unknown number of forces, known military support involved.
Axis Forces
Third Reich: 135,000 Infantry, 450 Panzer IIIs, IVs, 90 Artillery Pieces, 600 He 111s, Ju 88s, Ju 87s, Bf 109s, Fw 190s, 1 Battleship, 5 Cruisers, 3 Destroyers.
Argentina: 1,170,000 Infantry, 375 Bombaredos Aire's, 13 Warships, 1,000 Henshels, and 4 destroyers.
Chile: At least 45,000 infantry, 1 Battleship
Cuba: Unknown forces.
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Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
Timeline: Cherry, Plum, and Chrysanthemum
Portrait of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.
26th President of the United States
March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921
Predecessor: William Howard Taft
Successor: Charles Evans Hughes
Vice-President: Hiram Johnson (1913-17)
Henry Cabot Lodge (1917-21)
24th President of the United States
September 14, 1901 – March 4, 1909
Predecessor: William McKinley, Jr.
Successor: William Howard Taft
Vice-President: None (1901-05)
Charles Warren Fairbanks (1905-09)
24th Vice-President of the United States
March 4, 1901 – September 14, 1901
Predecessor: Garret Augustus Hobart
Successor: Charles Warren Fairbanks
President: William McKinley, Jr.
33rd Governor of New York
January 1, 1899 – December 31, 1900
Predecessor: Frank Swett Black
Successor: Benjamin Barker Odell, Jr.
Born: October 27, 1858
New York City, New York, United States of America
Died: March 4, 1929 (aged 70)
Cove Neck, New York, United States of America
Spouse: Alice Hathaway Lee (1880–84)
Edith Kermit Carow (1886–1929)
Political Party: Progressive (1912-29)
Republican (1882-1912)
Religion: Dutch Reformed
Profession: Politician; Author; Historian; Explorer; Conservationist
Theodore "T.R." Roosevelt, Jr. (October 27, 1858 – March 4, 1929) was an American author, naturalist, explorer, historian, and politician who served as the 24th and 26th President of the United States. He is the only U.S. president to serve four non-consecutive terms (1901–1909 and 1913–1921) and the second to be counted twice in the numbering of the presidents (the other is Ulysses S. Grant). With total of sixteen years in office, he remains the longest-serving President in the history of the United States.
Roosevelt was the co-founder and initial leader of the Progressive Party. He is noted for his colorful personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement in early 20th century, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity. Roosevelt is consistently rated by scholars as one of the top three U.S. Presidents, along with George Washington and Ulysses S. Grant. His face adorns Mount Rushmore alongside Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Ulysses S. Grant.
Roosevelt's eldest son, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., was also became the 30th President of the United States (1941–1945).
Early life
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. was born on October 27, 1858 in the modern-day Gramercy section of New York City to businessman Theodore "Thee" Roosevelt, Sr. and Dixie-born socialite Martha Stewart "Mittie" Bulloch. Theodore Roosevelt had Dutch, English, Irish, and Welsh ancestry from his father, and Scottish, English, and French ancestry from his mother.
TR Age 11 Paris
Theodore Roosevelt at age 11
Young Roosevelt suffered heavily from asthma attacks and spent much of his time in bed. Roosevelt used this time to study and develop an interest on natural history. Nevertheless, he was energetic and mischievously inquisitive. To compensate for his physical weakness, he embraced a strenuous life. With encouragement from his father, he then began a heavy regime of exercise.
Roosevelt made quick work of his political introduction to the membership in the Republican Party ("GOP") and was soon put forth as the party's candidate for the District's House seat in Albany. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1882, 1883, and 1884. In 1883, he was the GOP minority candidate for Speaker. In 1884, he lost the nomination for Speaker to Titus Sheard by a vote of 41 to 29 in the GOP caucus.
On October 27, 1880, Roosevelt married socialite Alice Hathaway Lee, daughter of banker George Cabot Lee and Caroline Watts Haskell. Their daughter Alice Lee Roosevelt was born on February 12, 1884. Alice died two days after their daughter was born from an undiagnosed case of kidney failure. His mother Mittie died of typhoid fever on the same day, in the same house. Seeking solace from personal tragedies, he left politics and went to the frontier, spent much of the next two years on his ranch in the Dakota Territory.
Political career
Harsh winters wiped out Roosevelt cattle ranch, leading him to bankruptcy
After his cattle was wiped out by the severe winters, Roosevelt decided to return to the East. On December 2, 1886, he married his childhood sweetheart, Edith Kermit Carow in London, England. Soon after, he resumed his political career. Despite a Republican and supported re-election of George F. Edmunds, Roosevelt re-entered the public life after being appointed to the United States Civil Service Commission by a Liberal president, Grover Cleveland, where he served until 1895. He vigorously fought the spoilsmen and demanded enforcement of civil service laws.
Roosevelt became president of the board of New York City Police Commissioners in 1895 for two years and radically reformed the police force. With his strictly disciplined style of leadership, Roosevelt implemented regular inspections of firearms and annual physical exams; he appointed 1,600 recruits based on their physical and mental qualifications, regardless of political affiliation, established Meritorious Service Medals and closed corrupt police hostelries.
Tr - nyc police commissioner 1894 - jacob riis bio - the making of an american - illustration named one was sitting asleep on a buttertub crop
Known for his deep interest on naval history, President William McKinley, urged by Roosevelt's close friend Congressman Henry Cabot Lodge, appointed Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1897. Roosevelt seized the opportunity and began pressing on the president his national security views regarding the Pacific and the Caribbean. Roosevelt was particularly adamant that Spain be ejected from Cuba, to foster the latter's independence and demonstrate U.S. resolve to re-enforce the Monroe Doctrine.
When the Spanish-American War finally broke out in 1898, Roosevelt promptly resigned as assistant secretary of the Navy and volunteered as commander of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, known as the Rough Riders, an elite company comprised of Ivy League gentlemen, western cowboys, sheriffs, prospectors, police officers, and Native Americans. Under his leadership, the Rough Riders became famous for dual charges up Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill on July 1, 1898. The victories came at a cost of 200 killed and 1000 wounded.
Theodore Rooseveltnewtry
Col. Theodore Roosevelt
Roosevelt and the Rough Riders returned to the United States as war heroes. Roosevelt's war achievements caught the eye of New York Republican leaders who were looking for a gubernatorial candidate after their current governor was tainted by scandal and would probably lose. Just shortly after he was elected Governor of New York, Roosevelt began to exhibit an independence from the party bosses' influence that upset the state's political machine.
To stop Roosevelt's reforms, party bosses "kicked him upstairs" to the vice presidency under William McKinley, a powerless and merely ceremonial post at that time. Roosevelt's energetic campaigns helped ensure McKinley's re-election as president. However, the party bosses' efforts to keep him away from active politics soon vain; President McKinley was assassinated by an anarchist on September 6, 1901, making Roosevelt the nation's twenty-fourth President. At the age of 42 years old, he was the youngest person ever to serve in that capacity. Neither the nation nor the presidency would ever be the same again.
First Presidency, 1901–1909
659206249 orig
A cartoon depicting Roosevelt's policy of "trust-busting"
Ascending to the presidency, Roosevelt kept McKinley's Cabinet and promised to continue McKinley's policies. While he still endorsed the policies of gold standard, protective tariffs and lower taxes from his predecessor, Roosevelt called for a "Square Deal", and initiated a policy of increased Federal supervision that aggressively curbed the power of large corporations called "trusts". For his aggressive use of United States antitrust law he became known as the "trust-buster." Roosevelt then won the presidency in his own right in a landslide victory against Alton Brooks Parker in 1904.
Forty antitrust suits was brought by Roosevelt and major combinations such as the Standard Oil, the largest oil company, were broke-up. A new Department of Commerce and Labor was created in 1903. Conservation of the nation's natural resources and beautiful places was also a very high priority for Roosevelt. He placed 230 million acres under federal protection for preservation and parks and began systematic efforts to prevent forest fires and to retimber denuded tracts.
The United States emerged as a world economic and military power in late 1890s. Roosevelt worked to build and to strengthen the Army and the Navy into the forces that would able to protect U.S. interests corresponding with his "Speak softly and carry a big stick" policy. In late 1904, following the Colombia Crisis of 1902–03, Roosevelt announced his corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, stated that the U.S. would exercise an international police power over its Caribbean and Central American neighbors against European interventions.
Roosevelt monroe Doctrine cartoon
A cartoon depicting Roosevelt Corollary of Monroe Doctrine
The most spectacular of Roosevelt's foreign policy initiatives was the establishment of the Panama Canal. In 1899, Colombia negotiated with the United States and the United Kingdom for the support of a joint controlled canal that would be constructed in the Isthmus of Panama. Despite initial reluctance from his predecessors, Roosevelt was quite enthusiastic regarding the plan. After the U.S. concluded a negotiation with Colombia in 1903, the construction that believed to be one of the world's greatest engineering feats was finally started in 1904. In November 1906, Roosevelt inspected the canal's progress. This was the first trip outside the United States by a sitting President.
In 1905, Roosevelt offered to mediate a treaty to end the Russo-Japanese War. Although Russia and Japan initially refused his offer, they finally agreed to meet in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and ironed out a final conflict over division of Sakhalin and Korea in the Treaty of Portsmouth: Russia took the northern half and Japan the south, and Japan dropped its demand for an indemnity. For his role as a peace mediator, Roosevelt earned enough prestige to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, the first U.S. President to do so.
Return to private life
"Teddy" Roosevelt and "Big Bill" Taft
Roosevelt's popularity was at its peak as the campaign of 1908 neared, but he declined to be nominated by Republicans for the third term. Instead, he supported his Secretary of War, William Howard Taft, for the presidential ticket. Taft was easily elected to the office, defeated three-time candidate William Jennings Bryan. Roosevelt had attempted to refashion Taft into a younger version of himself, but as soon as Taft began to display his individuality, Roosevelt unveiled his disenchantment. Roosevelt was further alienated when Taft did not consult him about cabinet appointments.
In March 1909, shortly after the end of his presidency, Roosevelt left New York for the safari in east and central Africa outfitted by the Smithsonian Institution. His decision was based on his desire to leave the political stage to Taft and on his natural need for action. With his son Kermit, he acquired more than 3,000 animal trophies, including eight elephants, seven hippos, nine lions, and thirteen rhinos. The expedition consumed 262 of the animals. Tons of salted animals and their skins were shipped to Mayflower, D.C.; the quantity was so large that it took years to mount them all, and the Smithsonian shared many duplicate animals with other museums.
Roosevelt and his son, Kermit, sitting on the top of the buffalo they shot on safari
After the year-long hunt, the safari was ended in Khartoum. There Roosevelt reunited with his wife Edith and family and took a vacation in Europe. He then proceeded to England for the funeral of King Edward VII and then on to Scandinavia to accept the Nobel Peace Prize for his part in ending the Russo-Japanese War. When he returned to New York in June 1910, he was greeted by one of the largest mass receptions ever given in New York City.
1912 Presidential election
Briefly after his return, Roosevelt found the crisis on Republican Party. Unlike Roosevelt, Taft never attacked business or businessmen in his rhetoric. However, he was attentive to the law, so he launched 90 antitrust suits, including one against the largest corporation, U.S. Steel, for an acquisition that Roosevelt had personally approved. Consequently, Taft lost the support of antitrust reformers (who disliked his conservative rhetoric), of big business (which disliked his actions), and of Roosevelt, who felt humiliated by his protege. In August 1910, Roosevelt gave his famous speech at Osawatomie, Kansas, which was the most radical of his career and openly initiated his break with the Taft administration and the conservative Republicans.
1912 national progressive convention
First National Progressive Convention, 1912, in the Chicago Coliseum
Pressured by the progressive wing of the Republican Party to challenge Taft, Roosevelt decided to run in the presidential election against his former protege in January 1912. The Republicans met in Detroit in June 1912, hopelessly split between the Roosevelt progressives and the supporters of President Taft. Roosevelt came to the convention having won a series of preferential primaries that put him ahead of the President in the race for party delegates. Taft, however, controlled the convention floor, and his backers managed to exclude most of the Roosevelt delegates by not recognizing their credentials. These tactics enraged Roosevelt, who then refused to allow himself to be nominated, paving the way for Taft to win on the first ballot.
Roosevelt and the Republican progressives reconvened in Chicago two weeks later to form the Progressive Party. When formally launched later that summer, the new Progressive Party chose Roosevelt as its presidential nominee and Hiram Johnson of California as his running mate. Declaring to the reporters that he felt "as strong as a Bull Moose," Roosevelt gave the new party its popular name, the "Bull Moose Party." In a famous acceptance speech, Roosevelt electrified the convention by cried out that "we stand at Armageddon, and we battle for the Lord."
While campaigning in Milwaukee, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by a fanatic. Fortunately, the bullet had been slowed down by the steel eyeglass case and the pages of a thick speech he had in his coat pocket. He declined suggestions to go to the hospital immediately. Instead, he delivered his scheduled speech with blood seeping into his shirt. The bullet in his chest had found to be more dangerous if it removed. Roosevelt carried it with him for the rest of his life. However, the bullet exacerbated his rheumatoid arthritis and prevented him from doing his daily stint of exercises; Roosevelt would soon become obese as well.
Second Presidency, 1913–1921
Despite running as a third-party candidate and have been expected the split between the Republicans would have assured a landslide victory for the Liberals, Roosevelt showed his popularity still strong enough on the 1912 election by took 62.8% of the popular vote and won 290 electoral votes from 26 states, defeated Taft and the Liberal candidate, Champ Clark. He was the second U.S. president that ever elected to third term after Ulysses S. Grant in 1881.
Roosevelt now adopted the "New Nationalism" that more radical in tone, emphasized the priority of labor over capital interests, a need to more effectively control corporate creation and combination and proposed a ban on corporate political contributions. The Federal Reserve System was created in 1913. The National Health Service and the Federal Insurance System were following in 1914. Roosevelt also approved a legislation that secured a maximum eight-hour workday and 40-hour work week for industrial workers in 1915. His most important move was the passage of the Antitrust Act of 1914 that ended the long battles over the trusts by spelling out the specific unfair practices that business were not allowed to engage in.
With Henry Cabot Lodge as his new running-mate, Roosevelt was narrowly re-elected in 1916, having faced strong performances from other candidates, Republican Elihu Root and Liberal William Gibbs McAdoo. He is the first and only U.S. president that ever elected to the fourth term (albeit not a full one). Roosevelt's re-election in 1916 later brought both the Republicans and the Liberals to put forward a proposal for constitutional amendment that would sets term limit for election to the office of U.S. President. Later in 1924, the Twentieth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed. It sets a term limit for election to the office of President of the United States where a person cannot be elected president more than two terms.
Retirement and death
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Tuesday, January 24, 2017
China is Building a Navy to Displace, Not Defeat the US in Asia
January 24, 2017 (Joseph Thomas - NEO) - In many ways, China's socioeconomic and military influence in Asia has already balanced a long-lopsided equation of geopolitical power in the region. The social and economic stability brought by the rise of China along with the rest of Asia has helped eliminate many of the "dark alleys" the US and its European allies have often used to create division, destruction and opportunities to then intervene, even overturn entire governments.
China's naval ambitions in particular have been disparaged by Western political and military analysts who believe (correctly) China's growing naval capabilities will never be on par with the United States' global-spanning naval forces.
But that is precisely the point.
China's naval capabilities are not meant to take and hold global hegemony by defeating the United States as a nation, but rather in displacing the United States as a regional hegemon in Asia where the US presence and its decades of influence have chaffed at, and at times trampled, Westphalian sovereignty.
Western analysts have pointed out that China's blue ocean naval capabilities fall far behind America's, and that it will be many years if and when China is able to compete on equal terms. For instance, analysts point out China's single operational aircraft carrier, Liaoning, faces America's 10 aircraft carriers.
However, if China's ambitions are not to overwhelm or compete with America's global fleet, and merely deter and ultimately displace America's presence in Asia Pacific, its current fleet is already adequate. Analysts point out that when China's naval assets are operated near Chinese shores, land-based weapon systems including land-based aircraft significantly tip the balance of military power in Beijing's favour.
China's decision to establish what are essentially unsinkable aircraft carriers in the South China Sea amid its island-building frenzy have angered waning Western hegemons specifically for this same reason. From these islands, should China choose or be forced to, military power can be exerted against Western naval assets in ways even the West's formidable military would struggle to counter.
And while analysts, politicians and demagogues alike attempt to accuse China of building up its forces in what will result in full-scale war between Beijing and the West, the reality is that war will only unfold if the West fails to gracefully concede the end of its "age of empires," and its unwarranted influence it has maintained quite literally an ocean away from its shores, in Asia Pacific.
Beyond America's waning military presence in the region, many of what Washington has called its "allies" have recently shown signs of shifting economically and even militarily toward Beijing. This is the result of not China's growing military might, but its expanding economic influence, as well as its differing style of diplomacy relative to Washington's.
China brings its neighbours trains and other infrastructure and investment opportunities, the US brings NGOs and colour revolutions.
Where the US has pursued a foreign policy in Asia Pacific based on "nation building" either through direct military intervention and occupation, various methods of coercion or through the use of its immense number of nongovernmental organisations used to build parallel institutions within allied nations to then displace existing governments and replace them with more pliant regimes, Beijing has focused more on cutting economic and immense infrastructure deals, regardless of who is in power.
China does not operate media organisations propagating political agitation within neighbouring states as the US does throughout Asia Pacific, nor does it play a role in supporting or opposing political parties in neighbouring states as the US does. In other words, no matter how beneficial a relationship with the US may seem to Asian Pacific states, the spectre of subversion always looms overhead, where with dealings with Beijing, it does not.
It is ironic then, that despite America's military might, it is its own, fundamentally backwards methods of diplomacy, a throwback to European colonialism, that has undone its power and influence in Asia Pacific. But then again, had the US not pursued a foreign policy based on extraterritorial expansion throughout Asia Pacific, it wouldn't need power and influence in Asia Pacific beyond the boundaries of Westphalian sovereignty to begin with.
China's naval forces then, are not intended to sail across the Pacific and project Beijing's influence upon the people of North and South America. It is intended to deter and eventually displace American forces in Asia. In many ways, China's strategy is already working and in time, it will inevitably succeed.
America's presence in Asia Pacific, like all imperial powers before it attempting to project influence thousands of kilometres from their own shores, finds itself in an untenable, unsustainable position. Even without a push, this precarious balancing act must eventually come to an end. China's burgeoning naval fleet, however, will provide a sufficient push to ensure it does sooner than later, and on Beijing's terms.
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Bogus Quotes
One of the things I've noticed on Facebook the past two years is the great number of bogus quotes attributed to the Founding Fathers and other historical figures. This is one currently making the rounds,
Like Washington would have encouraged insurrection while he presided as President. This is a blatant distortion, as noted by guncite, of a speech Washington gave before Congress in 1790. The actual quote is,
Washington, like many other Americans, was worried the fledgling United States was in a poor military position in regard to its hostile neighbors, Britain, France and Spain, and was encouraging the manufacture of more weapons to arm state militias and the marginal US Army. Yet, these bogus quotes are being used in defense of gun rights.
1. I like even more those purported quotes which say the Founders intended this to be a Christian nation. That's a joke of the worse kind.
2. The sad part is that blockheads accept these "quotes" at face value, which means they have read little if any history. The guy who invented the quote doesn't even capture Washington's tone of voice.
3. Jefferson"quotes" seem to be a favorite of these folks.
4. You sound like a typical anti-gun Liberal using any opportunity to interpret the 2nd amendment to your benefit. What makes you an expert about what Washington and others were concerned about? Show me your expertise on what the mindset was behind any of their opinions. The actual text of What Washington said and the "bogus" quote are essentially the same thing. One is put into more modernized language for the average person to understand. No mater how you spin it, you can not deny that the Constitution gives us the right to keep and bear arms. The first line of his quote "A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined" Spin it how you want. You know what the founding fathers intended.
1. It isn't the first part of the "quote" that is problematic, it's that last bit about "which would include their own government." That is putting words into Washington's mouth. We are all free to believe what we think Washington meant, but that is different from quoting him. A quote is not an interpretation. Washington either said or wrote the words attributed to him or he didn't.
5. What? A quote is what someone says, in his or her own words. That's why they are put in quotation marks. Otherwise it's not a quote.
Washington either said something or he didn't. You can't just make up quotes or edit them because they sound more modern.
As they say, you are entitled to your own opinion, but not your own quotes ....
6. Well, Whitehorse, your comment sounds like the typical knee-jerk reaction by a gun owner who doesn't bother to read much history. Washington would have never supported insurrection against his own government. He never said it or thought it. But, thanks for dropping by. | <urn:uuid:fb428f29-8579-40b9-8074-77cb2100e268> | 2 | 1.796875 | 0.654551 | en | 0.976527 | http://am-perspectives.blogspot.com/2012/02/bogus-quotes.html |
How to Get Your Parakeet to Come Back to the House if He Flew Away
Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images
You watch in horror as your beloved parakeet flies through the open door. Follow quickly and try to keep him in your sight. Pet parakeets usually tire easily, although they may travel up to a mile if they catch a wind current to ride on or if they're frightened. Keeping your pet in sight is your best chance for recovering him quickly.
He Lands Out of Reach
You can see your parakeet, but you can't reach him. Approach the area slowly and use caution not to scare him away. If your budgie is trained to fly to you, a favorite treat may be enough to entice him to land on you. Otherwise, have someone bring his cage to the area, along with treats and a favorite toy. Leave the cage door open and step away to a hidden area that you can see from. Thirst, hunger or the security of home may send him into his cage.
You Lose Sight of Him
If you lose sight of your parakeet, don't panic and don't give up. Take notice of where you last saw him and which way he was headed. Call to him intermittently, listening carefully for his chirp. Search visually in a circular area around where you last saw your budgie. Parakeets often land in a nearby tree or shrub, hiding in the leaves. Describe your pet and give your contact information to people in the neighborhood.
Bring a Friend
If you have a second parakeet, bring him to the area where you last saw your lost bird. Set his cage on the ground, and place an open cage containing food and water next to it. Walk to where your parakeet can't see you, but you can see the cages. Your caged pet will call out, and if your missing parakeet is nearby, he will answer the calls and, hopefully, come looking for his friend.
If He Remains Unseen
If, despite your best efforts, your parakeet remains lost, don't give up. Notify animal control, the SPCA, the Humane Society, and local veterinarians, pet shops and zoos. Call your local radio station and your local police department to report your missing pet. You can make and distribute fliers, look in your local newspapers for found ads and place your own lost pet ads. Parakeets look to humans when they're tired and frightened, so get the word out.
Photo Credits
• Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images
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Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Making Dromaeosaurids Nasty Again Part IV: New Hypotheses on Dromaeosaurid Feeding Technique & Role of Tail in Movement
Hey now... I really thought about splitting this post into two posts for both respective hypotheses, but for the sake of brevity and wrapping this series up I decided to combine them. Additionally, as I will elaborate on further, the two aspects I will focus in on here - biting & locomotion - are not mutually exclusive and one dovetails into the other. So I gave this article a really long title and hope you get something out of it!!
Readers of this series may have detected a slight yet pervasive diminution of the import of the famed "killing claw" over the course of these posts. In my first post I documented the shift in scientific thought on these claws from scythes that cut meter long slashes in prey to crampons that allowed hitching rides on the hides of dinosaurs to ultimately the prevalent modern interpretation of raptor prey restraint (RPR) model of Fowler et al. in which prey subequal in size is grasped by all four digits. I reiterated a point seldom mentioned from the Fowler et al. paper on the dromaeosaurid RPR hypothesis: relative to accipterids, the ungual grasping ability of dromaeosaurids was >not as strong< as these birds in that arena i.e. they were not simply scaled up hawks. Later in that post I suggested a role for the arm/wings for pummeling prey/combatants as the feet grasped and pinned the animal. In my next post focusing on aggressive/combative scavenging in these animals I focused in on digit II as a useful tool in pinning large carcasses down as the head, neck and teeth pulled back on flesh - an idea supported by the unique morphology of the denticles on these theropods and the presence of enlarged digit II claws in several birds that work in a similar fashion.
My contention is that the import of digit II - so highly regarded that it is referred to as the "killing claw" - has both culturally and scientifically influenced these animals to the point that other aspects have been enshrouded. But was the "killing claw" really the most pivotal aspect of these animals behavior and ecology? I think not, or at least >not always<.
If the use of the "killing claw" digit II was indeed the be all and end all of dromaeosaurid prey capture and feeding technique we should be able to make some predictions to test that assertion. That over the course of the 100 million year evolutionary trajectory of these animals an increasing reliance on ungual prey capture will 1) show a trend towards shorter and therefore stronger legs i.e. less cursorial adaptations 2) as firepower is concentrated in the feet for killing the robustness of the skull and teeth should hold steady or potentially diminish. In the early Cretaceous Deinonychus we have a relatively sub-cursorial but highly adept foot grasper - again there is a bit of an inverse relationship between foot grasping strength and cursorial ability as I discussed in the first post and which Fowler et al. highlighted in their paper. I will cut and paste the source of this observation from the Fowler et al. paper:
As evidence for the purported trend in increasing foot strength Fowler et al. cite Deinonychus (early Cretaceous), and Velociraptor & Saurornitholestes (late Cretaceous). While Deinonychus and Velciraptor have relatively short metatarsi I can't see how they interpret the leggy Saurornitholestes as an example of this trend. Additionally there are some notable omissions, most obviously the name sake for the whole family Dromaeosaurus!!
In Dromaeosaurus albertensis cursorial adaptations are highlighted, the killing claw is relatively atrophied, and the skull is relatively massive and robust (almost tyrannosaurid like as GSP has commented). I mean just check out the skull of this animal, there is nothing slight, superficial, or atrophied about it at all:
robust head of Dromaeosaurus albertensis. credit LadyofHats. public domain
relatively diminished claw size/strength D. albertensis. credit LadyofHats. public domain
On the other hand digit II is not especially robust in Dromaeosaurus and the remaining unguals look more adapted towards a cursorial lifestyle than grasping. A "ground hawk" this was not.
Several of these trends towards diminished ungual strength and/or increasing skull robustness also play out in Dakotaraptor (cursorial w/diminished foot grasping ability) and the very robust skulled Atrociraptor.
Atrociraptor credit Ferahgo the assassin (Emily Willoughby) CC3.0
What am I getting at here? If anything the trend is towards increasing tooth and skull reliance over time >not always< towards increasing foot grasping & "killing claw" importance. I say >not always< because there were and likely always were dromaeosaurids that highlighted foot grasping ability. Sometimes foot grasping became diminished, sometimes it was very important. But what was always important and what was always highlighted in these animals was the jaws and teeth. They are the feature that always stayed pat or, if anything, increased in prominence.
No dromaeosaurids were not evolving protobeaks or going edentulous despite the persistent artistic meme and no they were not diminishing emphasis on teeth and jaws.
It really is all about the teeth....
To drive home this contention I want to revisit a famed piece of data that has caused quite a stir in terms of whom and how it was done - the famed Tenontosaurus bite marks and the case for Deinonychus "bite strength". A technical paper by Gignac et al. (2010), a blog post by Mark Witton, a blog post by central coast paleontologist, and an internet article/summary from The World of Animals all highlight the attention and thought these remains have attracted.
That these bite marks have evolved into a bit of a paleontological "who done it" has always irked me. Not because of a lack of data or some systemic problem with the analysis - but because of the pervasive "explaining away" of data that most parsimoniously points to Deinonychus as the perpetrator. Several ideas have been bandied about in an attempt to account for these bite marks by Deinonychus, a predator that appears to not have an especially high bite force.
Let's unpack them:
1) An undescribed and undiscovered tyrannosauroid dinosaur did this damage.
We have seen this story before... tremendous damage to bone - no way a "blade toothed" theropod did it much less a puny dromie. Let's just imagine a stout toothed, bone crunching tyrannosauroid existed at a time when such animals were basically all blade toothed anyways, and make this essentially fictional animal the perpetrator. Made up tyrant lizards did it!! Pesky blade toothed theropods just stay in your lane - you guys can't bite through bone the way tyrant lizards can!!
As you can tell (snark alert) I am not so much a fan of this idea. We have evidence of Deinonychus being the most ubiquitous theropod in the area; the tooth arcade matches; broken teeth in the area; the well established Tentontosaurus - Deinonychus relationship - the whole tide of evidence points to Deinonychus. If a cryptic lineage of stout toothed, bony crunching tyrannosauroids existed at this time I will be happy to be proven wrong - as of now I know such evidence and of the tyrannosauroids from this time period they are blade toothed predators without expanded jaw musculature - although I have heard murmuring of tyrannosauroid teeth from the same formation (but blade toothed not lethal bananas).
2) Deinonychus could bite hard, but it did so extremely rarely.
I mean really? Remember when you kept hearing how humans only use 10% of their brain? Yeah, this explanation sounds a lot like that. Over designed with a bite force exceeding modern American alligators yet barely ever uses this strength? I can't really go with this thought.
3) Stronger bite than predicted from studies.
I don't think that this animal had much of a stronger bite than studies indicate. I believe that we have been a little bit more than led astray by always looking at static bite strength as opposed to other methods of cutting that highlight speed, friction, and getting those darn denticles to do the work for you. It really is all about the teeth and it really is all about getting the denticles to work in a way that maximizes cutting efficiency with minimal effort and wear & tear of the tooth.
Its high time we start looking at hypotheses that invoke Deinonychus as the prime perpetrator. I will put out a hypothesis that highlights an unorthodox feeding mechanism in these animals, that is consistent with the data, and offers much explanatory power for the observed data.
To prime you for it I want to look at birds a bit (as usual). To really confound the situation the obvious choice is flamingoes - because what better to compare dromaeosaurids to than flamingoes, amirite?!?
I mean, excuse the poor video quality, but just look at those tongues go!! It is the tongue just pumping back and forth causing the whole neck to just vibrate. I have no idea why these flamingoes engage in this lingual vibration? Anyone ever see wild flamingoes do this? I would have to assume that they pump their tongues back and forth to filter food but in my observations of these captive Chilean flamingoes they just do it while walking around... probably just bored.
No I am not suggesting that Deinonychus had some sort of lingual vibrational apparatus set up - just pointing out how one muscular organ - the tongue - can move with such speed and power in this bird that it vibrates the whole head and neck of these animals. I mean can your tongue move with such speed and power that it causes the whole body to hummm and vibrate... ummm never mind. The message I am trying to convey here is that when we look at avian feeding mechanics - and by extension many dinosaurs and especially paravaians/maniraptorans/dromaeosaurids - there is a lot of potential for quick twitch muscle, full body and/or neck movement involved in the feding apparatus. To drive home this point, literally, what would woodpeckers be without their exceptionally quick and rapid - fire neck movements? Yes, it is the skull of woodpeckers that is wonderfully equipped to handle the blows and stresses incurred but without the power and speed provided by the neck the woodpecker would, essentially, not peck. It would just be a bird with a strong skull.
An often overlooked aspect of feeding mechanics is elaborating on how parts of or the whole of the body is engaged in feeding mechanics - the head need not be looked at as an isolated aspect of the process. Regular readers should note that I have made this point before on antediluvian salad especially with regards to twist or torsional feeding (death rolls) in plesiosaurs and in my bonesaw shimmy hypothesis on Allosaurus in which it is rapid neck movement in both the fore and aft direction that allows the denticles on the front and back end of the tooth to saw right through tissue. Bite force was not especially important in that hypothesis, in fact tight clamping would work against free movement of the denticles over the tissue.
This hypothesis does take some inspiration from the bonesaw shimmy model but it does deviate from it in several ways.
I propose that fast twitch muscular contractions of the neck, torso, and even tail would pulse out vibrational waves of energy towards the head. As bipeds that do not have their front feet on the ground these pulses of vibrational energy would travel unhindered through the neck, head, teeth, and ultimately into the food item they are cutting into. As the vibrational energy literally vibrated the tooth back and forth into the food item the peculiar denticle pattern of dromaeosaurids comes into fruition as an optimized adaptation to literally bore and auger into tissue.
The most striking and unique feature about the denticles on Deinonychus is that they are fairly reduced on the front of the tooth but very pronounced on the rear. But even stranger is the manner in which they are curved on the rear side which is towards the tip of the tooth, referred to as apical hooking. Fowler et al. suggested that this unique denticle design would optimize cutting into tissue as the prey animal was held in the RPR model and the head of the dromaeosaurs was sub-vertical with the nose facing down and biting between the legs. However this suggestion by Fowler fails to address the issue that many other theropods likely held prey/food down with their feet and wrenched off bites in a sub-vertical manner yet these theropods did not evolve such weird denticles as seen in many dromaeosaurids.
But if we imagine each denticle as a "tooth" and each tooth having a respective duty in food processing a potentially new perspective emerges that could explain the unique bone damage ascribed to Deinonychus.
As the piece of food is grasped a strong bite is first established. The slight and reduced serrations on the front of the tooth are useful here in establishing a piercing bite - not very deep as their bite force was modest but merely a small indentation into the article of food. Once a purchase is made then the body commences vibrations - potentially a combination of head, neck, torso, and tail rapid fire twitches - which allow the tooth to bore and auger into the food particle i.e. bone. As the "bore hole" phase commences the utility of the weird apically hooked denticles comes into play as each denticle literally chips and shreds away at tissue like individual teeth. As the tooth works its way into the material it leaves a remarkably accurate impression of the tooth - a literal bore hole that for all intents and purpose can be read as a puncture. Once the integrity of the material is weakened substantially the item can be pinned with the arms and/or feet and the head and neck are pulled back strongly incurring further and more drastic damage as the tooth is dragged back through the (weakened) material literally leaving deep bone raking marks and furrows. It is also potentially possible that vibrations of the body were not emphasized or were in fact used in concert with multiple quick bites - essentially chattering of the jaw - in which micro - abrasions from the denticles work to carve into tissue.
This "vibrational feeding" hypothesis could potentially explain the two types of feeding traces recorded on the bones of Tentontosaurus which include longer gouges and simple punctures.
Above you see the type of "bone rakings" I mentioned earlier. An initial puncture is established and with the teeth embedded now the neck and body can pull back and rake through tissue.
What I suggest was occurring here is that these were investigative bites into bone. The theropods were gouging into the bones to see if there was ample nutritional value in them to justify the effort and potential wear of teeth. There would always be a three-way tradeoff between nutritional value versus the effort and wear on the animals feeding apparatus all of which is tempered by the relative health of the animal i.e. how desperate for food is it. Ultimately it looks like the theropods abandoned the bone consumption in this case.
That dromaeosaurid teeth occasionally show extreme wear - especially on the tips as should be predicted in this model - is very interesting.
worn tooth "Dromaoesauroides" wiki
Private "dromaeosaur" tooth Montana .84"
Judith River "dromaeosaur" tooth
Clearly these animals were putting some heavy wear on their chompers, especially when we account for the fact that they were not keeping their teeth for life. An interesting test would be to see if komodo dragon teeth ever show equal levels of wear. But again, not the best test because theropod teeth were actually superbly designed to withstand stress more than any other ziphodont predators (Brink, 2015) (including komodos), yet they were still showing drastic wear... these animals were not getting this type of wear from just eating small animals and delicately nipping carcasses I'll tell you that much.
Of course it is worth mentioning that there is a lot of room for deviation in this model and we need not assume that all dromies employed vibrational feeding to the same extent. Indeed Dromaeosaurus could have employed a lot more emphasis on traditional "power chomps" than what I suggested for Deinonychus.
In theropods, being both ziphodont toothed and bipedal, there is no go to analogy among modern tetrapods - birds don't quite tell the whole story and neither do monitor lizards. So maybe we should expect some unothodox feeding mechanics.
Lifestyles of not only the quick and cursorial but the slow and persistent as well...
And now for the tail. Probably the aspect >least likely< to be assumed to be involved in "making dromaeosaurids nasty again". But it is the tail that is the most important aspect of these animals I will argue. The tail is what really pulls together all the disparate attributes of these animals and makes them what they were. And what they were was quite literally the most successful in tenure small to medium sized terrestrial hunter - scavengers that have ever existed. A unique blend; of accipterid "raptor"; combative scavenging vulture; bone chomping hyena ; a dash of felid; and, yes, highly efficient cursors similar to kangaroos, hyenas, humans, wolverines, and Arctodus.
One of the persistent ideas that has gained popular recognition in recent years is that dromaeosaurids were sub-cursorial - that they were slow. A chief argument put forth to support this notion is that the ankle bones - the metarsii - were rather short. And this is true for many species - Deinonychus and Velociraptor in particular - that were gaining mechanical advantage of foot claw strength at the expense of speed. But this was not so true in several other species - Dakotaraptor and Dromaeosaurus for instance - that were leggy to an exceptional degree. I am just not at ease with suggestions that species at the lower end of the spectrum were heavy footed clunkers - they could probably all put on a decent burst of speed if need be. Ursids (da' bears) have all the hallmarks of real clunkers but put on good speed with their short ankles. Keep in mind that dromies were competing with larger - and in the case of tyrannosaurids likely larger and quicker - theropods as well as azhdarchids. It is not always about being the fastest - but about being more agile when fleeing a larger threat. With their arm - wings and long tails doubtless many dromies frustrated an angry tyrannosaurid back in the day with their superior agility.
The dromie tail, just like the dromie "killing claw" has gone through a twisted and convoluted history of interpretations and revisions. A brief recap. Ostrom interpreted the tail as an intricate balancing rod that facilitated use of the "killing claw" for kicking and hanging onto prey. Each subsequent interpretation of dromie killing technique from hanging onto the side of prey and biting to the RPR method invoked the tail as intricate balancing organ for their respective prime foraging technique.
To add further context to the strange saga of dromie tails I want to revisit a post from Pterosaur.net Blog (remember that great site?) Dragon Tails: What Pterosaurs Teach Us About Velociraptor that made the strange and startling comparison between dromaeosaurid tails and rhamphorynchid tails... wtf? Well there is a comparison to be made there and it is not soooo strange when we work from the starting point that dromaeosaurids likely had flighted ancestors... so that they inherited a tail that - presumably - shared a convergence in form and function with rhamphorynchid pterosaurs.
credit Scott Hartman used w/permission . blog Scott Hartman's Skeletal Drawing
So if dromaeosaurids inherited the weird morphology of their tails from flighted ancestors - full of chevrons, diminished musculature, partially ossified dual tendons (i.e. caudal rods) there becomes two rather interesting questions: 1) what adaptive benefit did these features incur in flighted dromaeosaurids and tailed pterosaurs? and 2) how was this morphology coopted into terrestrial based dromaeosaurids? Question number #1 I am going to leave alone but I think it is a long overdue question that needs analysis but question number #2 is what I am going to approach here.
credit Scott Persons
What I am going to suggest is that dromaeosaurids across all ranges of absolute speed and leg length - were highly efficient long distance pacers. They could and did just keep going for miles at a time at a relatively moderate pace. The whole lot of 'em could just run you to death. And the key to this long distance efficiency was the tail. The tail - the whole organ - served as an elastic recoil that allowed these animals to store, redistribute, and recoup energy for efficient, long distance traveling. I have seen scant attention to the tail as an aide in terrestrial efficiency in dromies. Despite the fact that these animals were terrestrial and the tail of dinosaurs is intimately linked with movement - especially per the caudemofemoralis muscle. Darren Naish raised the question of dromie tails back in 2008 (What the hell is going on with dromaeosaur tails?) in light of Norell & Makovicky (1999) describing an articulated and sinuous Velociraptor tail. The comment section is interesting. I do note in it a pervasive sentiment of trying to "explain away" the sinuous tail - the presupposition being that stiff tails is the better supported null in dromies to start with. But is a stiff tail the better supported null or is it just how we grew up expecting dromie tails to behave? In either case lateral flexibility shown in both Velociraptor and Bambiraptor seems to have prevailed. But there is one comment by Alan #19 that I believe was very prescient and which received literally no attention in the discussion.
I think Alan was on the right track as goes energy efficiency although I doubt the hopping dromie scenario has much merit - indeed trackways have proven otherwise.
I will be working from the assumption that dromaeosaurids - whatever abilities they had for arboreal behavior or even some amount of gliding or even "flight" in small ones - that they were basically terrestrial animals and that the tide of evolutionary impetus should create a better and more efficient terrestrially adapted animal. Not an evolutionary experiment, and not a maladapted kinda-climber, kinda-jumper, kinda-walker but a reasonably well equipped and efficient animal that could do all the things that we should expect a small to medium sized hunter - scavenger to do in a highly competitive ecosystem. In short they could climb, they could potentially even swoop, they could swim, but what they did the most was walk and run around. Namely that means that they could move fairly quickly and efficiently to highly localized food sources - carcasses, hatching dinosaurs, large concentrations of prey. Especially given their long tenure, efficient terrestrial movement should almost be expected. Contra the "ground hawk" image we need not assume that these animals were >always< sit and wait ambushers or would swoop down from a perch. Indeed sit and wait ambushing is more of an ectothermic strategy and even when warm blooded predators do ambush from trees or from cover they choose spots that have a high degree of certainty that prey will be there fairly regularly. Dromies possibly could have utilized this tactic to some degree but I hardly think it was their dominant foraging strategy given that several species developed obvious cursorial adaptations and that some species lived in areas with little tree cover or sparse vegetation in general (i.e. dune fields).
From my own experimental paleontology in which I strapped on a huge tail to my butt at SVP Los Angeles and commenced to simultaneously entertain and annoy attendees I noted several patterns. What was really interesting to me is how much that darned tail moved around. Literally the smallest movement I made would thoroughly send the tail in motion. And what was most notable was the dramatic up and down oscillations that the tail went through as I walked. Each foot fall would create a simultaneous rise and fall of the tail - even the smallest and daintiest step. Don't believe me strap one on yourself and be a dinosaur for a day - you'll see what I am talking about.
These up and down movements of the tail that occurred simultaneously with each footfall likely occurred in all dinosaurs to some degree. What is interesting is that dromaeosaurid tails - because of their "caudal rods" - were designed to diminish this up and down movement of the tail as thoroughly explained by Scott Persons on his post on dromie/rhamphorynchus tail convergence. Note in the pic below how the caudal rods are neatly stacked against one another on the vertical plane to limit movement dorso - ventrally.
Caudal rods in Deinonychus prevent up and down movement of tail
credit Scott Persons
As has recently been illuminated by discoveries of articulated tails of Velociraptor and Bambiraptor these tails could still bend quite sinuously in the lateral realm.
Bambiraptor tail credit Scott Persons
So if the caudal rods of Deinonychus and other dromies diminish the up and down movement of the tails - which is a natural consequence of bipedal movement - we have some missing kinetic energy to account for. Energy is neither created nor destroyed. Something has happened to the energy otherwise absorbed and dissipated by the tail through up and down movement with each footfall in dromaeosaurids... where does it go? I suspect that this energy is recouped into the legs and aides in giving these animals just a little extra "bounce" to their step. The tail may work as a wonderful elastic rebound organ. We should potentially imagine dromies being very bouncy and springy as they paced along.
This model of locomotory efficiency is not without parallel in animals that have to move across vast expanses to find and locate rare and ephemeral food resources. A leading hypothesis concerning Arctodus is that it was a highly efficient long distance pacer that scavenged and usurped carcasses (Matheus, 2003) utilizing long legs and elastic recoil to travel at a moderate pace over long distances. Hyenas have long been noted for their efficient loping pace that allows large scale movements and carcass retrieval. Kangaroos and wallabies are well noted for their ability to travel long distance at an extremely energy efficient pace owing a lot to the elastic recoil in their leg tendons. Indeed a robotic kangaroo has been designed that utilizes such elastic recoil in the tail to recoup energy for movement.
I would be remiss not to mention the endurance running hypothesis has been invoked as a strategy for both scavenging and pursuit hunting in our own genus aided by the achilles tendon. To further quell the notion that short legs - such as in Deinonychus or Velociraptor - imply a suboptimal terrestrial movement capability let us not forget about wolverines which are notorious long range hunter -scavengers despite being very short limbed. I don't know if there have been any studies on the locomotory efficiency of these animals but I suspect there is something to 'em in those regards. There are at least loads of references to the marathon travels of these facultative scavengers.
"It is absolutely impossible for any human to keep up with a wolverine. What wolverine can do is just beyond human."
"A wolverine crosses a topo maps like we cross a street."
"They devour the landscape at a constant 4 mph regardless of terrain."
An energetic bundle of tooth, claw, and attitude? Switching from small game foraging to large carcass acquisition as the seasons dictate? Bone consumption? Able to outpace, outcompete, and outwork competitors that are several orders of magnitude larger in size? Thriving in areas and desolate habitats that other predators eschew (snowfields analogous to dune fields in these regards)? A little bit of the Gulo gulo in your dromie? You bet.
Making dromaeosaurids nasty again... Invoking the wolverine as a likely analogue for many dromies, it doesn't get much nastier than the demon of the north.
Ichnology: What Does It Tell Us?
Xing et. al. (2013) document a variety of dromaeosaurid trackways from the lower Cretaceouls Hekou group in China. The pace was not very high at about .75 meters/second which is about 1.7 mph or 2.7 km/hour. Average human walking speed is said to be about 3.1 mph or 5.0 km/hour. Let me just cut and paste the discussion:
So although these particular dromies seem to be moving along at slowish pace - perhaps they had full bellies or were just walking down for a drink. It is noteworthy that they mention several dromie ichno-species in the last paragraph that seem to be cruising along at quite brisk paces and one zipping along pretty good.
Dromaeosauripus from Korea at 4.86 m/s (Kim et al. 2008) which is 10.9 mph / 17.5 kmh
Paravipus (Murdoch et al. 2010) at 1.67 m/s and 3.61 m/s which is 3.6 mph / 5.8 kmh and 8.1 mph / 13.0 kmh
Dromaeopodus at 1.63 m/s (Li et al. 2007; Kim et al. 2008) which is 3.6 mph / 5.8 kmh
Considering that to document an actual predatory chase in the footprint record is exceptionally rare and that there is no evidence that a chase was in progress in any of these instances the ichnological data is very interesting. We see a range of speeds here from the more leisurely .75 m/s to a quite hectic 4.86 m/s. If we assume that these are reasonable cruising speeds then the small sample size we have does point to a relatively fast paced "cruiser" similar to humans, wolverines, coyotes, and hyenas that can cover vaste expanses of land at an efficient pace as the penultimate terrestrial hunter - scavengers of their time.
The Seldom Mentioned Fact of Dromie Toe & Heel Pads
The trackways from this study demonstrate that dromies had big ol' foot pads like two toed ostriches but also large heel pads! So pay attention to this aspect paleo-artists >at least some< dromies had big fat derpy looking foot/heel pads that are universally never depicted at all or large enough in paleo-art depictions (including my own). Why has this well documented aspect of dromaeosaur foot anatomy never penetrated into popular depictions? I mean no one - literally nobody - including world renowned paleoartists or more obscure/enthusiast artists depicts dromies with large heel pads. Yup the toes had big padding but the heel pad would have been very apparent in life. And this is from a peer reviewed paper with several notable authors including most notably to my western biased eyeballs, Phil Currie (who is btw the last author).
Such fleshy and large toe/heel pads would assist in stalking behavior by muffling sounds, stability, absorb stress from cursorial activity but I also have to wonder if such fleshy structures would diminish grasping effectiveness?
Also check out the base of digit II often reveals a bit of a fleshy toe pad. Dromaeosauripus yongjingensis represents a fairly large "Utahraptor" size dromie but other dromie footprints reveal fleshy toe pads and heel pads.
Kim et al. did a paper with reference to a speedy little dromie in the above discussion (Kim et al. 2008) from Korea of Dromaeosauripus moving along at about 4.86 meters per second (10.9 mph or 17.5 kmph).
The question is though does this represent a cruising speed or were we in fact lucky enough to document one of the rare instances that a theropod was actually "on the hunt"? Or neither? Could it be that dromies would normally walk at a fairly leisurely pace of less than 2 mph but when spurred into action (i.e. carcass or prey that have been detected via sensory cues but still require covering large terrain) that they then shift gears into a relatively higher pace 3 - 4 mph or even up to 8 - 10 mph / 16 -18 kmph? That is pretty fast but I hardly think it represent the top speed of these animals.
I also should give some space to the ichnological data pointing to at least six large dromies traveling in parallel and the special emphasis the authors give to the toe and heel pads in the footprints ( Li, 2007).
So when depicting the average large terrestrial dromie foot think more about ostrich feet than harpy eagle feet. Except that unlike ostriches dromies often had big ol' heel pads in addition to toe pads that would have further cushioned the foot and added a degree of stability normally not ascribed to these animals. The increased surface area would have facilitated greater efficacy and stability of movement in dubious terrain such as dune fields and mud flats.
ostrich foot credit Masteraah CC 2.0
Again it does beg the question that - at least among the dromies that sported such large heel & toe pads - how efficient a grip could have been enacted with the claws in the RPR model? I mean having such big, cushy organs between your claws and the animal you are gripping does pose some practical questions as goes the efficiency of such a grip.
A lot of questions to be answered but I do think that a fresh appraisal of these animals as primarily terrestrial long distance hunter - scavengers that have to cover a lot of ground efficiently is needed. Optimal walking versus optimal cruising speed can be addressed with larger sample size of ichnological data and computational methods... What I can say is that the anatomy of the tail likely has something to do with terrestrial locomotion and efficiency of gait is as good of a hypothesis to investigate as any...
These animals had to have been able to move and move well. They had to have traversed wide distances to secure meals in often times inhospitable terrain. They had to have competed against larger and aggressively hungry and growing youngsters of tyrannosauroids, carcharodontosaurids, and other theropods. They had to get to carcasses before large pterosaurs got all the good stuff. They had to have been at least reasonably competent in these realms to have persisted as... I don't know... the longest tenured group of small - medium sized tetrapod terrestrial hunter - scavengers that ever existed ( I know I said it before but it bears repeating). Speedy thieves indeed.
Earlier in this article I suggested that there was a link between the tail and biting apparatus in these animals - that their functions dovetail together. At the risk of piling one hypothesis on top of another let me put it out there that the diminished dorso-ventral movement of the tail as dictated by the caudal rods would have shunted more of the potential energy towards the anterior of the body - essentially towards the head, jaws, and teeth - during vibrational feeding.
credit Duane Nash Tsaagan & Velociraptor
Final Thoughts
Both a scientific and cultural emphasis on the "killing claw" in dromaesaurids has obscured a more nuanced, multifaceted, and holistic approach to these animals; that the "ground hawk" model has so embedded itself into our conscious; that the potential role of arm-wings as brutal spiked clobbering devices analogous to wing pummeling in modern aves has been overlooked; that the teeth were highly specialized and brutal weapons in their own right capable of extreme insults to carcass integrity (including bones) and perhaps full body "vibrational feeding"; that the importance of head and tooth weaponry did not diminish over the evolutionary history of this group but sometimes increased while emphasis on "killing claw" and foot grasping capability did in fact sometimes diminish; that cursorial ability did often times increase in capability and that all dromaeosaurids may have benefited from elastic rebound provided by caudal rods in the tail enhancing long distance, mid-paced terrestrial efficiency of movement as well as large fleshy toe & heel pads; that life appearance may have been more varied than simply "grounded hawks" with "dapper" haircuts but imbued with much of the panoply of life appearance we see in ratites, predatory and scavenging accipterids, cathartidae, bucerotidae, galliformes, and other large/terrestrial aves including but not limited to large exposed fleshy areas including caruncles, wattles, frills, dewlaps, and other tough - elastic - and fleshy skin derived outgrowths for thermorgulation and sexo-social signaling; that these attributes when generously applied to an outstanding and long lasted dynasty - in fact the longest tenure of small to medium sized tetrapod terrestrial hunter - scavengers to have ever existed - create a strikingly original, efficient and for lack of a better term "nasty" eco-morphological package that punched above their own weights in many categories.
They were above all else... awesome... bro.
And finally... can we please stop calling them raptors? That name is already taken!! You may have noticed through the course of these articles that I have bounced a lot between dromaeosaurid and dromie... I probably in retrospect should have used the term eudromaeosaurid through out as they are what I am principally talking about here not microraptorines or unenlagines.
I vote for calling these guys "dromies"and am fully favor of eschewing the befuddled term "raptor".
Scientific Reports 5, article no. 12338, July 2015
Gignac, P. M., Makovicky, P. J., Erickson, G. M., & Walsh, R. P. (2010). A description ofDeinonychus antirrhopus bite marks and estimates of bite force using tooth indentation simulations. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 30(4), 1169-1177.
Kim, J.Y., Kim, K.S. and Lockley, M.G. 2008. New didactyl dinosaurs footprints (Dromaeosauripus hamanesnsi ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov.) from the Early Cretaceous Haman Formation, south coast of Korea. Palaeogeography, Paleoclimatology, Palaeoecology 262: 72-78
Li, Rihui., Lockley, M.G., Makovicky, P.J., Matsukawa, M., Norell, M.A., Harris. J.D., Liu, M., (2007) Behavioral and faunal implications of Early Cretaceous deinonychosaurian trackways from China. Naturwissenschaften (2008) 95: 185-191 online
Xing, L., Li, D., Harris, J.D., Bell, P.R., Azuma, Y., Fujita, M., Lee, Y.−N., and Currie, P.J. 2013. A new deinonycho−
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D-man said...
Interesting hypotheses
Bk Jeong said...
I actually compared dromaeosaurs to large mustelids for a long time.
Nice to see that dromaeosaurs, despite the fact some of them were clearly not as fast, definitely were not sluggards. Speed isn't mobility.
Duane Nash said...
Right if those fossil trackways represent cruising speeds and they were not actively chasing something anything more than 4 mph is well above what most animals normally walk at. In one day they might cover 20-30 miles, that is getting around.
khalil beiting said...
An amazing "saga" of posts to sum up such amazing organisms. I don't have much else to say/ask about them seeing as how you covered nearly everything about their general behaviour, ecology, etc.
As I've talked to you about before, the large scale Dinosaur field guide I'm working on uses common names just like modern animals. I never wanted to use the word "raptor" for Dromaeosaurs since it's already taken by another group of highly carnivorous Theropod, so what are some good ideas that you (or anyone else in the comment section) have in mind that I could use? I thought of the name "Eagledrak" (literally Eagle Dragon) as a common name, but I have also thought of the name "Hell Hawk" to either replace or to accompany Eagledrak as a common name. Got any other suggestions?
Duane Nash said...
"Hell-pacer" "Running Bone Rattler" "Demon-scarf-hell-face" LOL
Thomas Holtz said...
A couple of notes:
There *IS* a Cloverly tyrannosauroid: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08912963.2010.543952#.V6SD4GUxu3c
In terms of metatarsal/tibia ratio, and scaled for size, even Saurornitholestes is actually fairly stumpy-footed.
Anonymous said...
I think the problem is more to do with:
Is the size and shape of the tooth resembles the scar made in tenontosaurus bone(Deinonychus does)? Even if it does, that means that Tyrannosaurs had a blade-tooth unlike later tyrannosaurs.
Anonymous said...
I think I may have sounded rude up there. What I was trying to say is that is there good reason to believe that Tyrannosaurs with classic blade tooth(that resembles Deinonychus tooth in size and shape) were capable of making significant bone damage via bite force.
khalil beiting said...
Duane I actually really love the names Hell-pacer and Bone Rattler. I'll be using these if that's fine with you ;).
Also, are there any other indications of other Dromies besides Deinonychus using this "bone rattling" technique? I'd be suprised if other well known genera weren't doing the same.
And speaking of bone rattling, do you think another common named for various Dromie taxa could be "Bonepeckers", in the same vain as modern Woodpeckers?
Duane Nash said...
@khalil any indictions of other dromies using this "bone rattling" technique? Not that I know of and it is far from proven or even adequately tested in Deinonychus. It's a hypothesis, one which may potentially explain the bone puncture marks, although I would not get too expectant in people jumping on board with it cuz skeptical scientist is skeptical.
Duane Nash said...
@Thomas Holtz Point taken regarding size correction for saurornitholestes and ref on the Cloverly turannosauroid. Anonymous iterated my concerns with simply ascribing the bone damage to a relatively rare and unknown tyrannosauroid.
I did in the post emphasis the long range loping ability of the wolverine - a stumpy footed carnivoran - which never the less travels staggering distances and has immense home ranges. I did make the analogy with that mustelid because dromie "cruising" foot print speed is often times not too shabby considering their stumpy footed design and the rarity of actual chases documented via footprints. Such high cruising speeds should stir interest in the use of the caudal rods as potential elastic rebound organs in facilitating such efficient paces over long distance as hunter - scavengers of often times marginal habitat (i.e. deserts/dunefields).
strangetruther said...
Hi Duane -
If you really are interested in understanding dromaeosaurs, you should be interested in my book where I ... SOLVED THESE QUESTIONS - not just questions to do with the tail. Far from my account being the only one that seems to be completely ignored, it is in fact the only one you need to read.
Would you like me to send you a free e-copy? I think it's about time you read it.
I'd actually put the tail explanation out on the internet several years before I published the book four years ago, but of course the "Ugly Sisters" complex amongst so many, made people want to pretend that I and my comments didn't exist. Energy storage is an interesting idea, which is why I noticed it and formed it into my theory. But seeing as many flying dromaeosaurs such as Microraptor gui had an extremely long stiff tail but clearly, from their feathered feet, could not have been long-distance foot predators, and since no predatory theropods without the special claw had the tail, it's unlikely energy saving in locomotion is the answer.
But energy utilisation by the tail is instead to do with the teeth. And I also explained why the back of the teeth had the larger denticles. And I also explained how the rear wings worked. And I also explained why it was the descendants of dromaeosaurs that won out in bird survival in the end.
Palaeontology usually seems to be played as a social game which pretends to be science, but if you choose you can actually follow the real science, Duane!
Anonymous said...
Although, I have to mention that Wolverine seems to be a plantigrade, so being efficient cruiser is not that strange. Same goes for human and bear.
Duane Nash said...
Hi Mr. jackson
Thanks for comments and my email is [email protected] if you want to send me an e-copy
(1) "seeing as many flying dromaeosaurs such as Microraptor gui had an extremely long stiff tail but clearly, from their feathered feet, could not have been long distance foot predators
(2) since no predatory theropods without the special claw had the tail, it's unlikely energy saving in locomotion is the answer"
First off in point (1) I am not so sold on the notion that just because Microraptor and other microraptorines had feathered hindlimbs that this in fact hindered or negated their terrestrial capability. Feathers can be especially tough and resilient and I don't see compelling reason why hindlimb feathers were so dainty and weak that brushing past vegetation or active movement would have been discouraged.
Point (2) I need to reiterate that dromie tails share remarkable similarity to rhamphorynchine tails. Why is this? Dromies were once flighted and it seems such a tail morphology had something to do with flight... did it aide in balance,,, did it store and recoup energy from the flight stroke?... I don't know. But what I am hedging to is that the caudal rod morphology inherited from flighted ancestors was exapted into a terrestrial capability in terrestrial dromies. The reason that other theropods did not evolve a similar caudal rod tail adaptation is quite simple - they did not have flighted ancestors to inherit the basic design. What they had - and other theropods/dinosaurs could have had parallel solutions to movement efficiency - was just good enough. Not perfect - but good enough.
I will have piece on microraptorines up soon so I will say more on them in the future...
I am interested in reading your book although I might disagree with some of your ideas/conclusions. But in this way I am treating you no different than many of the "luminaries" of the field which I also differ from on many points.
Dave said...
Interesting as always, Mr. Nash. I feel several comments are in order.
1. I feel that the Manning et al study has been too quickly accepted as dogma. Take a look at figure 9 in Kirkland's original description of Utahraptor: https://www.academia.edu/225747/A_large_dromaeosaurid_Theropoda_from_the_Lower_Cretaceous_of_Eastern_Utah
You'll notice that Utahraptor's killing claw is teardrop-shaped in cross section, and that it retains this shape very nearly all the way to the base. It practically screams "I had a sharp edge in life!" I'm not sure whether or not this is the case with Deinonychus and Velociraptor as well, but if it is, Manning et al's justification for testing a claw with a dull ventral surface on the basis of phylogenetic bracketing seems extremely weak - especially so given that similar arguments could be constructed demonstrating that dromaeosaurs probably didn't have those ossified ligaments in their tails, or that they probably didn't have serrated teeth! Why no one in the scientific community has pointed out this seemingly obvious shortcoming of Manning's test is beyond me. Suffice it to say that the slashing hypothesis is far from falsified. This isn't to say that the RPR model is totally wrong. After all, an entire clade of today's apex predators use ventral keeled claws for prey restraint. Whether slashing or prey capture was the primary use of the claw remains to be determined.
2. Re. Your "tooth boring" hypothesis:
a) given the orientation of the tooth in the mouth, it looks to me that it would be the anterior serrations that would be doing most of the work, not the posterior ones.
b) I'm somewhat confused as to the benefits of such a feeding style. The potential benefits of the bone saw shimmy you proposed for carnosaurs were fairly obvious. What purpose would this "bone-drill dougie" serve?
c) it seems to me that there's a simpler explanation for how a Deinonychus could have made such marks. Energy is force times distance, therefore force is energy divided by distance. Energy is conserved, so if you apply a force of 1000 Newtons to something (for example, a mandible full of teeth) for 20 cm, and then something else (for example, a dinosaur bone) decelerates the first thing for a distance of 5 cm, that something else will experience a force of some 4000 Newtons.
It's probably worth mentioning that, in a scrum of feeding dromaeosaurs, a lot of animals would be jostling to snap up a chunk of meat. It's probably also worth mentioning that some of these quick, hard, snapping bites might be poorly aimed, and could thus end up gouging marks in bones far deeper than would be expected from the sustainable force output of a dromaeosaur's jaws.
For whatever it's worth, to my (admittedly amateur) eyes, this explanation of the tooth marks seems to fit in better with the whole "dromaeosaurs as combative scavengers" model than your "bone-drill dougie" hypothesis does.
3. Regarding the use of the term "raptor," seeing as falcons, owls, accipitridae, and new-world vultures form a polyphyletic group, I see no reason why extinct clades of predatory/carnivorous bird - including at least dromaeosaurs and the terror birds - should not be subsumed under the term as well.
Duane Nash said...
†hanks for comment Dave
1) Interesting you mentioned a sharp edge likely in Utahraptor as I have came across this notion elsewhere in addition to new thought on the subject... well my thoughts have been evolving on the killing claw and I may have to eat some of my own words and come back around to the killing claw actually being a killing claw.
2) a) "looks to me the anterior serrations that would do most of the work" I think that they both had a function. The diminished anterior serrations allow piercing while the posterior serrations which are apically hooked do the excavation. I'm sure a computer simulation could be used to test this.
b) bone drilling would be useful not just for bone but more importantly getting into the thick hides of dinosaurs. Once the teeth get "drilled" into the carcass then the neck and body could pull back with better purchase. The "bone drilling" and "bonesaw" hypotheses might be better understood as ways to penetrate and get through the tough, often times osteoderm studded hides of dinosaurs. Of course "skinsaw" or "skin- drill" don't sound as cool ergo I use the bone terminology. Dinosaur skin and hide was a daunting task to get through and these speed & friction based biting methods provide hypotheses on how best to get through the skin of animals very similar to komodo dragon or crocodile skin.
c) yes but we still have the question of relatively weak bite force in Deinonychus - where is the energy coming from? If it is not coming from static jaw pressure maybe the body is generating the energy which gets transmitted through the teeth?
3. Little known fact: Jurassic Park made the term "raptor' popular because they followed the taxonomy of Gregory S. Paul. GSP sunk Deinonychus into the genus of Velociraptor an idea that pretty much no one follows except for Jurassic Park. JP really wanted more of a Deinonychus style villain - not a coyote sized Velociraptor - in their movie. They took Deinonychus (which they assumed as a type of Velociraptor per GSP taxonomy) and made it bigger, Incidentally Utahraptor discovered later that year!! The term "raptor" therefore came about and was popularized for a mistake!!
Dave said...
Thank you for taking the time to respond my comments, mr. Nash.
1. Not that I think you give a crap about my opinion, but it's nice to see a willingness to admit mistakes combined with a willingness to come up with out of the box hypotheses - especially when it comes to paleo-ecology, where we have such a dearth of empirical data.
2. I'm not going to continue with the further subdivision of this heading, as I wish to transition to a holistic discussion of tooth mechanics. In deinonychus, the teeth point backwards, and the denticles point towards the tip - in other words, backwards as well. If most theropods had teeth for slashing and sawing, dromaeosaurs had teeth for gripping and pulling. Of course, the anterior serrations mean that sawing is still viable, but their reduction could indicate that it was somewhat less important than the backwards yank. As for where the energy was coming from - it was coming from the weak jaws!
Deinonychus had a 40 cm skull. Conservatively, it could have had a gape of some 35 cm. Therrian et al calculated its sustainable bite force to be 1450 Newtons. That probably couldn't be sustained through the jaw's entire range of motion, as the jaw muscles would be further from perpendicular to the tooth row at wider gapes, so we'll go with a figure of 750 N. We'll subtract 5 cm from the gape to fit in the tenontosaur bone, and cut out an additional 2.5 cm to leave room for deceleration. So our 750 N will be applied for 27.5 cm. That means that the tooth row will have an energy of 206.25 J. If the bone decelerates the tooth row for a distance of 2.5 cm, it will be experiencing a force of some 8250 N - well in line with the experimental data. Needless to say, if the muscles of the neck and legs are recruited as well - say, if the animal violently thrusts its head into the scrum to snap a bite out of the carcass - the figure could be further inflated. In my opinion, this sort of suggestion has two advantages over yours: first, in my admittedly inexpert estimation, it seems less biomechanically questionable. Second, it fits in with your whole "combative scavenger" model somewhat more organically.
I hope that my contributions are helping you think through your ideas!
Duane Nash said...
Well no I do give a crap about other's opinions, in fact that was one of my main imperatives with this blog. Suggest new ideas, put them out there, and see how people respond to them either through valid critiques or other lines of evidence that I didn't think of. Sort of a group sourcing of paleo thought. A lot of my ideas of course need more rigorous and quantitative testing (math not my strong suit) and hopefully paleontologists with better experimental technology (FEA, actual models, computer simulations) will take up some of the hypotheses I have been suggesting.
We should not throw out unpolished gems just because they need a little work!!
Uggh it's been a long time since I did any physics but if your math holds up the scenario you put forth is much more reasonable than what I suggested. Which begs the question why didn't the pros think it through like you did? Admittedly using power and speed garnered from the legs and necks seems more reasonable from a biomechanical perspective but also from an evolutionary perspective - a problem with my idea is that I don't have an evolutionary mechanism - an exaptation - that would facilitate such a method as I proposed.
Don't worry I am not very wed to the idea of bone drilling teeth in dromies just kinda throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks!!
Thanks for your input Dave like I mentioned in the last post I did come across some rather novel and interesting thought on the dromie killing claw that infers a strong cutting edge and a rather bizarre use of the tail. Problem is that this idea comes from a man who is.... well he has a strong allegiance to an idea that is not very well liked in the dino-bird-paleocommunity. Unfortunately I fear this unyielding insistence on a particular idea has caused people to overlook - or not even read - his rather good idea on dromie killing claws. It's a tough needle for me to thread.
Dave said...
One weakness of my suggestion would be that such forces could only be delivered for a fraction of a second.if sustained pressure were required to produce such markings, my idea wouldn't work.
Would you be willing to direct me to this new thought on the killing claw?
Duane Nash said...
I found this old blog post basically laying it all out there: http://lefthandedcyclist.blogspot.com/2012/02/raptors-revisited.html
Interestingly this idea presented on the blog converges with pretty much the same idea developed by notorious Birds Came First advocate John Jackson in his self-published book The Secret Dino-Bird Story.
I don't agree with the BCF idea, nor with several of Jackson's other ideas. But I do suspect he is on to something with the hypothesis he developed. Unfortunately due to his reputation online and the lack of support and evidence for BCF I don't think many are aware of his ideas on the killing claw, However when his idea is decoupled from BCF no reason for it to not attract attention and further analysis.
I will probably blog on this "pierced from within" hypothesis eventually.
Dave said...
Very interesting... The dromaeosaur tail is such a curious adaptation.
Out of curiosity, does the Gignac study on Deinonychus bite force happen to mention how long force has to be applied in order to produce the observed indentations? In the interest of Scientific Progress (tm), I'm interested in finding out whether my suggestion really is plausible.
Duane Nash said...
to tell you the truth I don't know the ins and outs of the Gignac study just that it is referred to a lot in reference to bite force in Deinonychus.
Lam Luong said...
When I read in these dromies post about the heel pads that may impair grasping ability in the feet, as well as the diminished second toe claw in more cursorial species, I started thinking about cassowaries. They also have that enlarged talon on the second toe, and they can jump up to about 5 feet in the air. They don't have a need to grasp anything since they're ground-dwellers and mainly frugivorous, but they do charge and kick out at anything they feel threatened by, capable of leaving huge gashes in the offender/victim (I've heard of one report of a cassowary ripping down a car door and leaving it with a 6-inch gash). I was thinking that perhaps dromies (perhaps the cursorial species in particular) employed this tactic in prey capture along with, and possibly preceding, biting and wing-pummeling. Thoughts?
Duane Nash said...
Hi Lam Luoung thanks for comments. I tend to think that the cassowary/dromie comparison is taken too literally. The morphology of their claws are indeed very different. Indeed my thoughts on how the killing claw functioned has changed quite dramatically as of late, deviating from ideas I have expressed on these posts, as I have come across some alternative ideas on how the claw may have functioned. Stay tuned.
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A US History of 'Panic' - Part I
Most people believe the first economic crisis the US has ever had to deal with was the Great Depression (1929-41) This is not the case. The nation has dealt with many small-d 'depressions' also known as 'Panics' in its history. Very little to nothing is known about these other economic downturns because the Great Depression tends to overshadow anything before it, and quite frankly, people wrongly believe history is 'boring' and 'dull' due to shoddy teaching of the subject in school, so most American History is foreign to its own citizens.
So here's a short lesson on the US history of Panics...
Panic of 1796-97 - A series of downturns in Atlantic credit markets led to broader commercial downturns in both Britain and the US, first emerging with the bubble of land speculation in 1796. The crisis deepened into a broader depression when the Bank of England suspended money payments in 1797. The Bank's directors feared insolvency when English account holders, fearing a possible French invasion (Britain was at war with Napoleon), began withdrawing their deposits. In combination with the unfolding collapse of the U.S. real estate market, the Bank of England's action suffered deflation in the financial and commercial markets of the coastal United States and Caribbean through the turn of the century. By 1800, the crisis had resulted in the imprisonment of many American debtors.
~ 1819 Political cartoon
Panic of 1819- This was the first major financial crisis in the US, which occurred during the end of 5th US President James Monroe's Administration. This was the nation's first failure of expansionary monetary policy (increasing the money supply). Government borrowed heavily to finance the War of 1812, which caused tremendous strain on the banks’ reserves of money, leading to a suspension of payments twice, violating contractual rights of depositors. The suspension of the obligation to redeem greatly spurred the establishment of new banks and the expansion of bank note issues, and this monetary inflation encouraged unsustainable investments to take place. It soon became clear the monetary situation was threatening, and the national bank at the time, called the Second Bank of the United States was forced to call a halt to its expansion and launch a painful process of contraction. There was a wave of bankruptcies, bank failures, and bank runs; prices dropped and wide-scale urban unemployment began. In Philadelphia alone, unemployment reached 75%.
The Panic was also partially due to international events. European demand for American foodstuffs was decreased because agriculture in Europe was recovering from the Napoleonic Wars, which had decimated European agriculture. War and revolution in South & Central America destroyed the supply line of precious metals from Mexico and Peru to Europe. Without the base of the international money supply, poor Europeans and governments hoarded all the available money. This caused American bankers and businessmen to start issuing false banknotes and expand credit. American bankers encouraged the speculation boom but by the end of 1819, the bank would call these loans.
~1837 political cartoon
Panic of 1837- A financial crisis built on land speculation. The bubble burst when every bank began to accept payment only in gold and silver coinage, based on the assumption by former president, Andrew Jackson, that government was selling land for state bank notes of questionable value. The Panic was followed by a five-year depression, with the failure of banks and record-high unemployment levels. Within the first two months the losses from bank failures in New York alone aggregated nearly $100 million. Out of 850 banks in the United States, 343 closed entirely, 62 failed partially, and the system of State banks received a shock from which it never fully recovered.
Economist Milton Friedman explained the Panic of 1837 as follows: "The banking panic of 1837 was followed by exceedingly disturbed economic conditions and a long contraction to 1843 that was interrupted only by a brief recovery from 1838 to 1839. This Great Depression is particularly interesting for our purposes. It is the only depression on record comparable in severity and scope to the Great Depression of the 1930s, and its monetary concomitants largely duplicate those of its later mate. In both, a substantial fraction of the banks in the United States went out of existence through suspension or merger --around one quarter in the earlier and over one-third in the later contraction--and the stock of money fell by about one-third. There is no other contraction that even closely approaches this dismal record. In both cases, erratic or unwise governmental policy with respect to money played an important part"
~ 1857 political cartoon
Panic of 1857- This was a sudden downturn in the economy with a general recession first emerging late in 1856, but the successive failure of banks and businesses that characterized the panic began in mid-1857. While the overall economic downturn was brief, the recovery was unequal, and the lasting impact was more political than economic. From its peak in 1852, to its trough in 1857, the stock market declined by 66% and the panic/depression spread to Europe, South America and the Far East. No recovery was evident in the northern parts of the United States for a year and a half, and the full impact did not dissipate until the American Civil War.
The Panic ended a period of prosperity and speculation that had followed the Mexican-American War (1846–1848) and the discovery of gold in California in the late 1840s. Gold pouring into the American economy had inflated the currency. Changes in worldwide economic trade, caused by the Crimean War between Britain and Russia, had pushed American firms into a precarious worldwide market. After a large increase in state banks in the early 1850s, by July 1856, banks began to lend far more money than they could back up in money even as deposits began to fall. By October of 1856, depositors started runs on banks which motivated the decision of British investors to remove funds from U.S. banks, and raised questions about overall U.S. economic soundness. Adding to this, the collapse of land speculation programs that depended on new rail routes, ruining thousands of investors.
Investor confidence was also shaken in mid-September when 15 tons of gold were lost at sea in a shipment from the San Francisco Mint to eastern banks. The gold and more than 400 lives were lost when the SS Central America sank during the North Carolina Hurricane of 1857. Lastly, what added greatly to the economic tensions of the time was the Dred Scott case with the Supreme Court's ruling in 1857 that when a slave entered a free state with his master, he/she was still the property of his/her master and thus still a slave. The Court's decision threatened to open up all western territories to slavery, prompting the bonds of east-west running railroads to plummet in value, which in turn helped motivate a run on the major New York banks.
~ A US History of 'Panic'- Part II to come soon...
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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Frequently Asked Questions about Mild Cognitive Impairment
cognitive exerciseSome episodes of memory lapses, like forgetting an appointment or when the car is parked is normal for all the world, especially those who are aging. When you have concerns or are too worried about something, should not be punished for forgetting to buy cheese for spaghetti or may not remember where you placed the car keys. However, you should start worrying when there is a pattern of forgetfulness and when his friends or family members begin to comment on the frequency of memory
lapses as they already can show symptoms of mild cognitive impairment.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment, also known as benign senescent forgetfulness, is a disorder in which nerve cells responsible for functions specific, or cognitive abilities such as memory, language, reading, attention, trial, and writing are damaged. However, many experts believe that most of victims of MCI show impaired memory area.
If your friends or family to begin to notice that is showing a pattern of forgetfulness, as ever forget your appointment with your dentist or missing the exit that is supposed to take to get home, you should see a neurologist or psychiatrist immediately. Remember, MCI cases may lead to more serious conditions if left untreated for a long time.
What are the different types of Mild Cognitive Impairment?
There are two types of MCI: amnestic, which affects memory and, ultimately, can lead to Alzheimer's disease and amnestic not, affecting cognitive abilities other than memory and which can develop dementia or primary progressive aphasia. Research shows that about 12% of people over 70 suffer from this disorder and 3-4% of cases of MCI eventually lead to Alzheimer's disease.
What causes this disorder?
Apart from trauma or serious injury in the forebrain, MCI usually develops due to several underlying causes. Depression, extreme stress or other psychiatric disorders that can affect the state mood, memory and concentration, degeneration of the brain cells, and problems related to the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the brain may lead the development of mild cognitive impairment. People with high blood pressure or low also at high risk for MCI in the future.
What must be done to prevent the development of MCI?
Despite all the technological advances that our generation is enjoying in the field of medicine, an ounce Prevention is still much better than cure. Why would anyone risk having a degenerative disease that can lead to very serious problems when there are multiple ways to prevent disease? Here are some ways that can reduce your risk of MCI having:
The address of your pressure problems blood
One of the first things you can do to help prevent MCI is doing something to normalize high or very low blood pressure. Actually, there are many therapies and medications that can help meet their blood pressure problems.
Make the necessary changes Lifestyle
Studies have shown that people who are physically active, mentally and socially are less likely to have MCI, as they get older. To reduce the risk of MCI, then you need to ensure that the exercise regularly. Swimming, brisk walking and other forms of cardiovascular activities can really help produce new brain cells.
Apart from physical exercise, should also begin to develop the habit of reading a lot, play puzzles, and problem solving and mathematical equations in his head. Finally, learn how to properly handle the stress and increase their social activities such as going out with friends, going out to dinner with your family or help with various extension programs.
Mind your diet
Eating a large amount of vegetables and fruits instead of junk and processed foods, is beneficial not only for the health of your body, but the health of your mind. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of antioxidants such as vitamins E and C which are needed to help restore the cells in the brain. You can also take supplements containing ginkgo and other herbs that are known to help improve cognitive function. One product that is specially designed to provide the nutrients needed by the brain's neurovascular. If you are interested in learning more about this supplement, just visit
How can I deal with cognitive impairment (fibro fog) caused by fibromyalgia?
Makes any another person suffers from fuzzy thinking and memory due to fibromyalgia or a similar condition? How do I handle. it is ruining my life. I lost my last job because of her, and now i cannot get a job. Its preventing me from learning to drive too. I tried many things, eating healthily, drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep, plenty of exercise, therapy, but nothing seems to work. Some days its so bad I cannot use my brain at all. Please help, is there anything else I can help you manage or improve it. It is ruining my life and now I am losing hope in life because i cannot get a job or anything. Any help would be greatly, greatly appreciated. Thanks to all person who answers. I keep asking doctors what can I do to the scabies, but you just said "we know"
You should talk to your doctor about going on stimulant medication like Ritalin. They can give you some extra mental pep when needed. Be Ritalin may seem extreme, but you said yourself that this "fog" is ruining his life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mild Cognitive ImpairmentSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend
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Behind China's surge in patents
By Nin-Hai Tseng, reporter
FORTUNE -- China has won a few high-profile crowns lately: In January, the East Asian giant surpassed Germany as the world's largest exporter. Then in August, it trumped Japan to become the world's second largest economy.
And by next year, China is expected to surpass both Japan and the United States in patent filings, according to a Thomson Reuters report released this month.
Since patents often measure a country's inventive streak, it's reasonable to think that China is in line next year to become the world's top innovator. But the country, which is known for being lax on piracy and for its relatively uneven enforcement of intellectual property laws, has some ways to go before it catches up to the kind of innovation found in Japan and the U.S.
There's little doubt that China has made incredible advances since its first patent law went into effect in 1985 -- the country has been reforming its court system and administrative offices to better enforce laws. China's government has also encouraged innovation through subsidies and other incentives. More students are engineer graduates, and the country is known for some of the world's most innovative companies including Lenovo.
While patent applications across the world grew at their lowest rate in 2008 since the dot-com crisis in the early 2000s, growth of applications in China grew by 18.2%, according to the World International Property Organization. In fact, the country kept the worldwide total from spiraling to zero growth in 2008 as applications in Japan and Korea dropped, 1.3% and 1.1%, respectively. The U.S. saw zero growth.
In 2009, patent filings at most offices dropped again except in China, where they grew by 8.5%, even as public companies on average reduced R&D spending, according to WIPO. Spending at General Motors fell by 24.5%; Toyota (TM) by 19.8%; Caterpillar (CAT, Fortune 500) by 17.8% and Unilever (UL) by 3.9%, WIPO notes in a report released last month. Even information technology companies reduced spending, with the exception of a few, such as Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) and Microsoft (MSFT, Fortune 500).
In many ways, the global recession gave China an unexpected edge over other economies leading innovation.
Growing pains
But the relevance of China's rise to the top isn't straightforward. It signals huge progress, and yet reminds the world that the country still has a host of issues to work out before its level of innovation reaches that of the United States, Europe or Japan. Just because the country may lead in patent volume doesn't necessarily mean it has yet become the world's top innovator.
For instance, look at China's quality of patents. Though experts say it's improving, Reuters notes that about half of all Chinese patents filed in 2009 were utility models -- a more affordable and less rigorous form of patent that provides a shorter term of protection of only 10 years versus 20 years for invention patents. What's more, despite the challenging economy in 2008, utility model applications surged with China leading the helm with a 24.4% increase in utility model patents, according to WIPO.
"If you're talking about Chinese companies using patents to exclude Americans or to gain a competitive advantage in the U.S. marketplace, the utility patents are meaningless," says Bruce Lehman, president of the International Intellectual Property Institute, a Washington DC-based think tank that promotes the idea that intellectual property can help drive economic growth, especially in developing countries.
Lehman adds that while the surge in utility model applications is a sign of progress given the Chinese economy's size and history, they are not recognized in the U.S. and most parts of the world.
And while China's intellectual property laws are strong, enforcement is still inconsistent. Even though the country has reformed its court system to better handle disputes, inefficiencies remain. Song Jung, attorney with McKenna Long & Aldridge, recalls his experience four years ago winning an intellectual property infringement case against a Chinese company. He says that while China's system has generally improved, one of the drawbacks is that compensation and royalties for intellectual property is very low compared with the U.S. This potentially creates a situation where companies that have grievances might not have an incentive to resolve intellectual property issues through the courts. Jung says it's not that compensation should be outrageously high either, as that could spark a frenzy of lawsuits and scare off companies from innovating.
"You have to strike a balance," he says.
Indeed, China is on its way to becoming the world's top innovator. It's not there yet, however. To top of page | <urn:uuid:a5bcc49f-60d4-4286-a999-abf473a36056> | 2 | 1.617188 | 0.022053 | en | 0.962187 | http://archive.fortune.com/2010/10/14/news/international/china_patents_innovation.fortune/index.htm?section=magazines_fortune&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmagazines_fortune+%28Fortune+Magazine%29 |
Showing posts with label Antiquities; Looting; Smuggling; Collecting; Collections; iraq. Show all posts
July 8, 2017
Thou Shall Not Covet thy Neighbor's Cuneiform
Op/Ed By: Lynda Albertson
As the US press and social media came alive in condemnation as a result of the Hobby Lobby smuggling case, I couldn't help but notice that while the hashtag #HobbyLobbyisISIS is noticeably attention-grabbing, (as well as probably inaccurate), the more important facet of the "is-that-object-looted" puzzle was still being overlooked.
I asked myself, instead of simply rewording the press release announcement released by the government, why hadn't US news organizations dug deeper into the development of the Green Collection in ancient art. Especially since everyone now seems hellbent, (excuse the pun) on crucifying the fundamentalist Christian collector or finding some way to tie Hobby Lobby to Da'esh.
This is a case that has been widely publicized since 2015, and it's not the only time the Greens or their large collection have come under scrutiny or been accused of acquiring objects through untrustworthy channels with illicit ties.
In June 2014 Dr. David Trobisch, Director of Collections for the Museum of the Bible even attended ARCA’s annual art crime conference where he heard concerns made by Dr. Roberta Mazza, a papyrologist and ancient historian from the University of Manchester about the Green Collection's unprovenanced papyrus fragments. Those fragments however were not mentioned in this current civil complaint.
While this US civil forfeiture case underscores that illicit traffic in cultural objects contributes to the despoliation of a country's ancient heritage and causes irreparable loss to the world's heritage knowledge, why is it then that the public only wakes up and takes notice when ISIS ties are tangentially inferred?
Are trafficked Middle East artifacts only worthy of the world's indignation when they are looted to fund terrorism?
As the general public responded to the press coverage over the last two days most of the grumbling I've come across was either ISIS-funding related or centered on whether or not the punishment fit the crime. I use the word "crime" here loosely because no criminal charges were filed for the looting and theft of the 450 ancient cuneiform tablets and 3,000 ancient clay bullae which ultimately were the subject of this civil forfeiture.
In civil cases, the object of the law is the redress of wrongs by compelling compensation or restitution. As those following this case closely are painfully aware, civil law deals with the disputes between individuals, organizations, or between the two, in which compensation can be awarded to the victim. Criminal law is the body of law that deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses.
A civil fine is not a criminal punishment.
Civil case fines are primarily sought in federal investigations in order to compensate the state for harm done to it, rather than to punish a wrongful conduct, something many like myself would have liked to have seen happen given the Green's less than stellar record when it comes to vetting antiquities for inclusion in their collection. In this case, Hobby Lobby only suffers so much harm as is necessary to make good the wrong they have done (to the state).
Civil penalties, in this case a $3M fine, do not carry any jail time or other legal penalties. This fact illustrates why no one from Hobby Lobby was criminally charged, despite the large number of objects seized and subsequently forfeited.
This may also explain the absence of any noticeable public remorse on Hobby Lobby's part for their role in this antiquities smuggling affair. The lack of regret can also be seen in the unrepentant statement by Hobby Lobby President Steve Green, in his company's press release after the federal civil ruling was publicized.
Was new to the world of acquiring these items? Did not understand the correct way to document and ship these items?
Let's look at his statements more closely.
While Hobby Lobby, may be "new" to the world of acquiring antiquities, the fact that it has purchased more than 40,000 objects since November 2009 does not in any way make it a neophyte collector of ancient art.
In addition to the cuneiform tablets seized in this well publicized case, the Green Collection already had in its possession the third largest holding of cuneiform tablets in North America (over 10,000 pieces). This means Green and Hobby Lobby by proxy had ample prior opportunity to explore what could and should go on any customs declaration for objects that contain writing first developed by the ancient Sumerians of Mesopotamia between 3500-3000 BCE.
In 2010, a year before the seized cuneiform tablets arrived in Memphis, the Greens had also already consulted with Dr. Patty Gerstenblith, a cultural heritage law expert with DePaul University 's College of Law, about import restrictions for ancient antiquities who is reported to have advised them about their need for deeper due diligence in their collecting. Given Gerstenblith's impeccable familiarity with the cultural heritage law, it can be assumed that the Greens as collectors were not as ignorantly naive to the road they were embarking down as the firm's press statement this week seems to imply.
But setting aside the intricacies of import and customs documentation specifically related to ancient antiquities coming from Iraq, Hobby Lobby itself has some 32,000 employees, 750 stores in forty-seven states, and $4 billion in yearly revenue, much of it based on imported items.
It's corporate headquarters include a 9.2 million-square-foot manufacturing, distribution, and office complex in Oklahoma City. Its warehouse has an hourly employee base of 2500+ employees with 80+ members of management, headed by an Assistant Vice President of Warehouse Operations, who reports to the Senior Vice President of Distribution.
When importing merchandise from foreign countries Hobby Lobby is fully aware there are certain trade laws and regulations, and that U.S. Customs oversees the compliance of those laws. They even have an international department responsible for training and compliance to ensure the import process go smoothly, not to mention a manual outlining laws and regulations, valuation, assists, and country of origin requirements which can be downloaded here
So to imply to the public that Hobby Lobby "imprudently relied on dealers and shippers who, in hindsight, did not understand the correct way to document and ship these items" seems a bit unapologetic coming from an apologist.
Especially given Green's business thrives on supply-chain distribution members in its shipping department who would have to have, given the large scale operation of receiving imported cargo from across the globe in support of Hobby Lobby's national operations, sufficient knowledge of what the legal requirements are for import. If they didn't, they certainly knew who to ask.
As I have mentioned in a previous post, the estimated 40,000+ objects in the Green Collection equates to acquiring 6,666 objects per year or collecting a whopping 18 new objects per day. Compare that acquisition rate to the number of employees working on the Green's or the Museum of the Bible's payroll who are tasked with historic object provenance and one can easily surmise that an object's ethical collection history has never been either group's overriding priority.
Emphasis instead has been on filling the Museum of the Bible, Washington DC's about-to-be-opened 430,000-square-foot, eight story massive red brick museum located over the Federal Center SW Metro station. To put that into perspective, one NFL football field is 57,600 square feet. The Museum of the Bible has seven and a half football fields of space it needs to fill.
Given the scale of archaeological theft in biblical area source countries and the number of objects with questionable origins which have already been identified by various researchers following the Green Collection prior to this forfeiture, it's time for Hobby Lobby's founders to do more than just open their wallets, purchase, and if caught, pay civil fines and forfeit the objects in question.
Opening their wallets has been the crux of the problem, as the Green's appetite for unprovenanced antiquities, and the profits to be had from this appetite, have likely been a motivating factor for others to loot, thereby destroying whatever context the objects may have had.
It's time for the Greens to fulfill the promise previously made by their employee.
In 2014 the director of Collections at the Museum of the Bible, David Trobisch, informed Dr. Roberta Mazza that the Green Collection was going towards full digitisation and open access. This has yet to happen.
They should also make every effort, before making any further acquisitions, to ensure that the objects they are purchasing have been legally obtained and been legally exported from their country of origin.
If the Greens truly want to make amends, they should fill their future Museum of the Bible with acquisitions collected ethically, and make the details of their past purchases open to researchers and investigators so that they can start to set things right by restituting any objects previously purchased without sufficient moral and ethical consideration.
Exodus 20:15 and 17 King James Version (KJV):
“Thou shalt not steal."
I think that includes cuneiform tablets, clay bullae, incantation bowls and papyrus fragments.
July 6, 2017
By: Lynda Albertson
So much for remorse.
March 19, 2017
Lecture: Criminals without Borders - The many profiles of the (il)licit antiquities trade.
For those interested interested in the realm of illicit trafficking who will be in Rome, Italy April 21, 2017 Lynda Albertson, ARCA's Chief Executive Officer will be giving a talk on "Criminals without Borders."
This one hour lecture, at 6:00 pm at John Cabot University will provide a brief overview of the profile of actors in the illicit art trade, giving examples of how those in the trade avoid detection and prosecution.
This presentation will discuss the motives of trafficking in art and antiquities, highlighting cases from source and conflict countries emphasizing that the trade thrives on commercial opportunity i.e., a means of dealing in high value commodities that are often poorly protected, difficult to identify and easy to transport across national boundaries.
Her presentation will examine specific case examples and will underscoring response mechanisms that work to proactively counter the illegal trade.
The discussion will highlight
--the interchangeable participants in the illicit antiquities trade
--varying motives/opportunities
--how connections through single interactions can form loosely based networks
Lynda Albertson is the CEO of ARCA — The Association for Research into Crimes against Art, a nongovernmental organisation which works to promote research in the fields of art crime and cultural heritage protection. The Association seeks to identify emerging and under-examined trends related to the study of art crime and to develop strategies to advocate for the responsible stewardship of our collective artistic and archaeological heritage.
Ms. Albertson, through her role at ARCA seeks to influence policy makers, public opinion and other key stakeholders so that public policies are developed and based on apolitical evidence, and which addresses art crime prevention and the identification of art crimes in heritage preservation initiatives.
In furtherance of that, Ms. Albertson provides technical, scientific and regional expertise to national and international organizations such as UNESCO, CULTNET, ICOM, in furtherance of ARCA's heritage preservation mission. For the past five years, Lynda has focused part of her work on fighting the pillage of ancient sites and trafficking of artifacts, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, conducting research on the illicit trade in antiquities in MENA countries.
Ms. Albertson also oversees ARCA's inter NGO - Governmental engagement and capacity building in MENA countries in recognition of UN Security Council Resolution 2199, which among other provisions, bans all trade in looted antiquities from Iraq and Syria and encourages steps to ensure such items are returned to their homelands.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CET)
Guarini Campus
Via della Lungara, 233
March 18, 2017
For information please see the exhibition webpage here.
Exhibition Dates:
April 3 - May 13, 2017
Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society
Exhibition takes place on the 1st floor gallery
5701 S. Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
11am-5pm, Monday-Friday
773-795-2329 (Front desk) | <urn:uuid:3e651ee4-d995-47f0-b427-adbff4e1bf52> | 2 | 1.835938 | 0.030356 | en | 0.945987 | http://art-crime.blogspot.co.il/search/label/Antiquities%3B%20Looting%3B%20Smuggling%3B%20Collecting%3B%20Collections%3B%20iraq |
Serbs, Croats and unhealed wounds Serb recalls how his parents were killed by Croats.
October 01, 1991|By Carl Schoettler | Carl Schoettler,Evening Sun Staff
This man who is a Serbian Yugoslav recites his litany of the awful hurts of World War II as if they happened yesterday.
And as you listen, you realize that in the long history of animosity between Serbs and Croats, the 1940s were yesterday.
"I am born in Bosnia in a village called Blagaj," Vosjislav Velkjo says.
Velkjo owns a foundry in southwest Baltimore where he and his wife, Julia, and three Serbian friends have come to talk about the civil war now raging in Yugoslavia between Serbians and Croatians.
They fear the horrors of World War II are being re-enacted today. They see the Yugoslav army as the protector of Serbians in Croatia from radical Croat nationalists.
"The Croatians," says Velkjo, "who were calling themselves Ustashe, who are close to our village, living with us together like brothers before the Second War, after the war started, turned against us."
Velkjo was born in 1935. He's 56 now, a trim, black-haired, handsome man not given to smiling. He was about 7 when World War II came to his village. He speaks a slow, serviceable English, choosing his words carefully.
Julia, his wife, interrupts, comments, anticipates, moving Velkjo's narrative along like a member of the chorus in a tragedy.
Her brother, a professor who was dean of a university, is now a refugee from Croatia. He lived in Osijek, a city where heavy fighting has been reported.
"Together with Germans, Austrians and Italians," Velkjo says, picking up his story, "Croatians, who are called Ustashe, they catch our Serbs, the old people, children and other people and they put them down these big holes that are called jama."
Bogdan Miscevic, a painter of Yugoslav "primitives" who has lived in Baltimore for years, explains that a jama is a natural grotto common in Yugoslavia.
Miscevic worries about his sister, who lives in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. He hasn't been able to get in touch with her.
"They put thousands and thousands of people in the same hole," Velkjo says. "Then they shoot into the hole. And they smile and drink and dance. They celebrate.
"So was the husband of my sister killed," Velkjo says.
Ustashe is described by the Encyclopaedia Britannia as a Fascist terrorist organization of radical nationalists that turned Croatia into a country modeled on "the most extremist [Nazi] formation, the SS."
To "purify" Croatia, the Britannia says, "the Ustashe persecuted and killed many thousands of Orthodox Serbs, Jews and Muslims."
Among them, Velkjo says, was his mother.
He describes women and children fleeing from his village into a forest during a battle between Yugoslavia partisan guerrillas and Nazi and Ustashe troops.
"Because she was an old woman she is going only into the woods close to the edge, at the first border, to cover herself, like hundreds of old women and the children they were carrying.
"Ustashe come and with knives kill my mother and one of the older girls." His sister, he says. Another sister was left alive to tell the tale.
"That girl lost her voice," Velkjo says. "From that time on she never talked again."
He and his father found his mother decapitated.
"She was there lying without her head," he says. "Her head on one side, her body on the other. Partisans bury her.
"Now I tell you how my father died."
His father, he says, was questioned and beaten by the Ustashe. They wanted to know where an older brother who had been in the Yugoslavian army was. His father didn't know.
"The last time they beat him," Velkjo says. "He came home and die after 24 hours from the beatings."
His father was 65 or 66. Velkjo was the youngest of nine children. His brother was, in fact, in a German concentration camp, a prisoner of war.
"Now," he says, "this time they're starting to work again the same thing they did in 1941, like they did with Nazis.
"I can't believe it that this happened again," he says. "Croatian politicians are working a long time on organizing what they call 'unfinished war,' what they call 1941 to 1945, fighting against the Serbs."
"Like an unfinished movie," Julia Velkjo says.
Roots of the division run all the way back to the Schism between the Roman and Eastern Orthodox religions in 1054. Serbs are primarily Orthodox, Croats Roman Catholic.
Conflicts between the Austro-Hungarian and the Ottoman Empire exacerbated the split. World War War I, of course, started after a Serb shot the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand at Sarajevo.
During World War II, various nationalist, Communist, monarchist, ethnic, pro-Allies and pro-Nazi groups fought one another. After the war, Josip Broz Tito, a Croat who led the Communist partisans, held the country together almost by sheer force of will -- and a fairly stiff police state -- until his death in 1980.
Franjo Tudjman, now president of the Croatian Republic, was one of Tito's generals. Becoming increasingly nationalist, he was tossed out of the Communist Party about 1967 and imprisoned for several years.
"For 46 years, we lived together to build a new Yugoslavia," Velkjo says. "We are all South Slavs living together. Building our houses, building together, building our hotels, building our factories. Living all together. And being proud for our work and lives together."
"The Serbs who live a long time in Croatia fight for their lands, their houses," Velkjo says. "They are a minority and the Yugoslavian army comes to help them, coming between the Serbs and Croats. They want to keep peace.
"The politicians are always sitting at the table and talking for something they can never achieve," he says. "How long we want to fight we don't know. We want peace for Yugoslavia because we know what peace means."
"But if we don't have army," Julia says, "we'll be killed overnight."
Baltimore Sun Articles | <urn:uuid:3db4a621-bd69-4547-baea-b63f25d2167a> | 2 | 2.21875 | 0.131237 | en | 0.984334 | http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1991-10-01/news/1991274192_1_serbs-croatia-war-ii |
Bad Legislation
Assembly Fails To Defend Bills That Would Save Lives
April 07, 1995
This week's brief General Assembly session, held to give the assembly an opportunity to override Gov. George Allen's 11 vetoes and to accept or reject his amendments to 154 bills, should be judged on more than the big-ticket money items that have received so much attention.
The Democratic controlled assembly has been credited with standing up to the governor on money matters, but the assembly caved when it came to important social issues. Those issues are more likely to have a direct impact on the lives of Virginians than the philosophical argument of whether or not lottery proceeds are applied to state or local government budgets.
For the second consecutive year the assembly failed to override Allen's veto of a bill that would require safety restraints for young passengers in the back of a pickup. This was common-sense legislation that was limited to riders under 16 years of age riding on interstates. But Allen vetoed the bill, and the House of Delegates could muster only 59 of the 67 votes needed to override the veto.
The House was able to defeat Allen's proposed amendments to a bill that would increase the penalty for conviction of blocking access to an abortion clinic if the person already had one such conviction. But that was a hollow victory. Allen has promised he will veto the bill if it doesn't include his amendment that would have made the increased penalty apply to all business.
In what was arguably the worst move of the session, the Senate failed to reject Allen's amendment to a concealed weapons bill. The already bad bill takes away judges' discretion in issuing permits to carry concealed weapons. Allen's amendment makes it worse by allowing concealed weapons to be carried into bars.
Protecting children riding in pickups, trying to deter violence outside abortion clinics and keeping handguns out of reach of inebriated bar patrons are all good ideas. The state's failure to do these things is dumb and irresponsible.
Daily Press Articles | <urn:uuid:0025e8b9-0f00-404b-b988-db0984e6ec08> | 2 | 1.664063 | 0.033226 | en | 0.970767 | http://articles.dailypress.com/1995-04-07/news/9504070172_1_weapons-bill-override-veto |
Bethlehem Plans To Open Zoning For Steel City Council Will Vote On The Proposal, Which Would Let Developers Convert The Dormant 160 Acres To Almost Any Legitimate Use. Old Blast Furnaces Could Become New Condominiums.
February 09, 1996|by THOMAS KUPPER, The Morning Call
Bethlehem Steel Corp. began easing the yoke of zoning regulations from its shoulders yesterday, as Bethlehem's Planning Commission went along with a plan to rezone 160 acres of the company's land to allow almost any use.
Steel Vice President Stephen Donches said the rezoning, which will go before City Council next, was essential to allow the company to negotiate with potential developers of the land, where steelmaking ended last fall.
"We would talk to developers or potential investors and there would always be three or four questions," Donches said, "and one of those questions was always zoning."
The commission gave its approval by a 3-1 vote, over the objection of member Barbara Flanagan. She said she wanted an idea of the company's intentions before giving executives carte blanche to redevelop the land as they see fit.
Under the plan, the city would rezone the land as an Industrial Redevelopment District. Unlike traditional zoning, which designates areas for specific uses, there would be no guidelines on what could go where.
The primary remaining requirement would be that new buildings would have to meet the requirements that apply to areas zoned for those buildings' uses. So, for instance, a commercial building would have to meet the requirements of a commercial zone.
Individual development plans would still be subject to review by the Planning Commission, but the commission would have no say in what types of buildings were allowed. The review would cover details such as the number of trees or parking spaces.
There would be no legal barrier to stop the company from, for example, putting condominiums next to its remaining steel operations.
City Business Administrator Robert Wilkins, a former Bethlehem Steel vice president, said the proposal had Mayor Ken Smith's strong support. He said Smith's administration knew some of the company's plans but had to keep them quiet to protect developers' confidentiality.
Bethlehem Steel has not divulged details of its plans for the riverfront land, where blast furnaces stand as central features of Bethlehem's skyline. Donches said the company would present a conceptual plan with possible uses for the land within about two months.
The rezoning proposal reflects an ordinance Bethlehem Steel submitted to the city with some modifications to meet the requirements of state law. One change will require the company to submit a report with its goals and possible uses for various sections.
City Council has scheduled a public hearing on the plan for March 5.
One man in the audience questioned whether there couldn't be some community control over the mix of uses on the property, for instance, setting aside a parcel for recreation. But city Solicitor Constantine Vasiliadis said that type of regulation would not be "appropriate."
Flanagan said the company ought to make its goals public before any rezoning.
"You're telling us, trust us, we're Bethlehem Steel," Flanagan said. "I'm saying we do trust you, but give us the public presentation first. Then I think we'll gladly give you the zoning."
Donches said the reason for the company's urgency was that potential developers might lose interest in the next two months. He said the company had put several developers on hold, and that cooperation from the city would help in the redevelopment.
Morning Call Articles | <urn:uuid:6c15978b-224e-4cc0-97b1-8e5fc14f147b> | 2 | 1.5625 | 0.020776 | en | 0.964138 | http://articles.mcall.com/1996-02-09/news/3079075_1_bethlehem-steel-bethlehem-s-planning-commission-rezone |
White Cane Law
December 2, 1985
I USE A long white cane, and one of several that I own was bent into the shape of the letter L by a motorist who whizzed around a corner while I was trying to cross a street under a ''walk'' traffic signal. It was only luck that the shape of my body does not look like that cane.
Florida Statute 413.07 -- the white cane law -- requires drivers to come to a stop at an intersection where a person raising or using a white cane is trying to cross. This means a full stop and not a ''rolling stop,'' regardless of the fact that the motorist is making a turn or proceeding straight ahead.
The same rules apply where dog guides are used.
Any person who violated any portion of the law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree.
George Curtis Mild
Florida Blinded Veterans Association
Orlando Sentinel Articles | <urn:uuid:c6aa2324-40ea-4b23-94c0-4034c733990d> | 2 | 1.820313 | 0.118885 | en | 0.921117 | http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1985-12-02/news/0340570277_1_cane-law-white-cane-full-stop |
Buyers Of Life Insurance Face Complicated Choices
December 17, 1990|The Washington Post
Little in life is more complicated than life insurance. Few people outside the industry, and possibly not everyone inside it, understand all the ins and outs of choosing the right size and type of policy.
On top of that, life insurance is expensive. So if you make the wrong choice, you may be out a lot of money, and your beneficiaries may not get the protection you expect.
All insurance is complicated, of course. Indeed, it has become synonymous with fine print and escape clauses that somehow always seem to let the insurer off the hook.
One company is even advertising that it will not sell you a policy until you understand it. What this suggests about the way other companies -- and perhaps this company in the past -- market their products is not exactly reassuring.
But for many people, life insurance represents a prudent way of protecting loved ones against financial hardship in the event of the person`s untimely death. So they need to address the question of how much insurance they should buy, and what kind of policy or policies they should have.
This discussion is not meant to take the place of expert advice; it is intended, rather, to give a general picture of needs and options.
The first question is whether you need life insurance at all. You may not. If there is no one depending on your earning power -- no young children, for example, who will be needing college money -- and your estate is not so large and illiquid that your heirs need instant cash for taxes, you probably do not need a policy.
If your death would mean economic hardship for someone, you do need insurance. But what kind?
Insurance can be divided several ways. There are group policies and individual policies. There are term policies and cash-value policies.
To understand the differences, look first at the way insurance works. Basically, insurance is a bet. The insurance company bets that if you give it some money, either all at once or over a period of time, it can invest that money and make enough to pay the promised benefit when you die.
Plainly, the company does not always win. People who take out policies and die a year or two later cost the company money. But in the aggregate, the company thinks that enough policyholders will live out their life expectancies to provide a profit.
Policies that offer only a death benefit and cover only a specific period of time are called term insurance. These policies usually offer the most death benefit per premium dollar, and they make excellent sense for consumers who need insurance, but only for a limited time.
For example, a term policy could be used to ensure that money will be there for college.
``But eventually the kids get out of school, so you don`t need that money anymore,`` said William G. Brennan of the accounting firm of Ernst & Young.
Likewise, a term policy could fill in for your salary if you die, protecting your spouse. But ``pension plans kick in`` after you reach a certain age, and if yours provides an adequate survivor benefit for your spouse, you probably do not need insurance, Brennan said.
But there are some drawbacks to term insurance. Premiums often rise with age. Renewal may require a physical examination, which you cannot be sure of passing. So for longer-term needs, Brennan suggests a cash-value policy.
In such a policy, part of the premium goes to cover the death benefit, just as in a term policy. But an additional part of the premium goes into some sort of savings or investment vehicle.
With traditional whole-life policies, this is a savings plan, and the insurer guarantees to pay a certain interest rate to you. This feature allows the company to keep the premiums level as the policyholder ages.
As time passes, this money, known as the ``inside buildup,`` accumulates, creating a fund that the policyholder can borrow against or get returned if he or she cancels the policy.
Whole-life policies were widely criticized for providing inadequate returns on the investment portion of the premium. Such criticisms helped lead to the development of other, more investment-oriented cash-value policies.
One such type is called universal insurance. These policies promise a higher rate of return, at least initially. However, the return is usually reset at intervals and may fall in later years.
Another relatively new type is variable life insurance. Generally, the policyholder is offered a choice of investment vehicles -- mutual funds, money-market funds and the like -- and can allocate the investment portion of the policy. The investment risk falls on the policyholder -- that is what they mean by variable -- but for the person who thinks he or she can beat the returns offered by other policies, variable life can be attractive.
Two other developments in life insurance also are worth noting.
The first is called ``survivor life`` or ``second-to-die`` policies. These cover two lives, usually a husband and wife, and pay on the death of the second.
Sun Sentinel Articles | <urn:uuid:1de0dcc1-c0b0-4548-a9cb-57d6401615af> | 2 | 2 | 0.093405 | en | 0.952324 | http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1990-12-17/business/9003030152_1_term-policy-insurance-works-death-benefit |
Location: Trzebinia, Poland
Camp Commandant: SS-Unterscharführer Wilhelm Kowol
In August 1944, a former British POW camp by the Erdöl Raffinerie GmbH owned refinery in Trzebinia was transformed to accommodate an expected 1,000 prisoners from Auschwitz. This came at the request of the refinery management who were displeased at the rate of production undertaken by the British POW's who were deliberately working to low capacity. Following the removal of the British, the Germans organised the first shipment of Jews from Auschwitz in August 1944. By September, the figure had reached 800 and would not surpass this number throughout the camps duration. Some prisoners were sent from Auschwitz III but others may have been sent from Birkenau. Out of the 800 prisoners, 120 were children under the age of 17.
The sub-camp was surrounded with a barbed wire that was electrified. There were four guard towers by the fence, and there were the SS guards walking alongside it.
The camp Commandant was SS-Unterscharführer Wilhelm Kowol who had 60 SS men working for him at the camp.
Read testimony of Arnost Tauber about living and working in Trzebinia sub-camp.
The task of the prisoners was to extend the refinery so that increased production at a faster rate could be achieved, such was the demand at this time. Working up to 11 hours a day, prisoners worked under threat of constant beatings, torture and starvation. The death rate became so high that corpses were no longer sent back to Birkenau. Instead, the SS constructed a small crematorium in the west of the sub camp grounds (furthest from the main road).
The refinery management had no interest in the welfare of the prisoners. They saw how the Germans were treating them and they were aware of the rations and completely inadequate clothing, particularly in the winter. However, they insisted to the SS that more productivity was possible. They therefore insisted that the Jewish foreman be replaced with Germans who could be more brutal and get more work from the prisoners. When this did not have the desired effect, they intervened and encouraged the Germans to be more relentless with the prisoners and drive them though pure fear. This was followed with constant beatings at the work place and on the way to work (a short walk south from the sub-camp). Various instruments were used to beat the prisoners such as large tools found on the building site. This sometimes meant iron bars were used to beat or kill prisoners who stopped to rest, or accept food from the other workers. In one instance, Oberkapo Albert Gumpricht stopped a prisoner in his tracks and made him lie down. A pole was then placed across his windpipe and 2 prisoners were ordered to stand either side to suffocate him.
The lack of food, cold weather and constant beatings meant that by the end of 1944, nearly half of the camps population had been in the camp hospital at some point. Despite the high numbers, the hospital was very primitive and occupied only half of a barrack. Those who showed no signs of recovering were sent to Birkenau to be killed. There was no kitchen in the sub-camp as the food and other provisions such as clothes were brought to Trzebinia from Monowitz.
By January 17th, 1945, the evacuations of prisoners who could walk began. Unlike other sub-camps, those who could not march were packed in rail cars close to the camp and removed. The SS dismantled some buildings before evacuation including the partial demolition of the crematorium. Bones that had not been incinerated were found on liberation close by.
The eventual destination of those evacuated was Bergen-Belsen, however only a few prisoners had survived the long and winding journey.
Trzebinia the sub-camp of Auschwitz
The exact location of the entrance to the camp, now a housing estate
Photo by Michael Challoner ©
| <urn:uuid:d8cb303e-dea7-499f-96cd-539b8e00c9c7> | 4 | 3.515625 | 0.042731 | en | 0.980864 | http://auschwitzstudygroup.com/auschwitz-sub-camps/11-trzebinia |
Monday, October 30, 2006
The gentler sex?
Recently, reader Eriqua left a comment, asking:
"do we have any modern examples of women dictators? I just wonder if the gender gap has been bridged"
This is a fairly good question. The answer is, somewhat surprisingly, not really. Even though it's a man's world, there have certainly been some notable female tyrants, but nearly all of them have been monarchs from centuries past. From Queen Ravanalona I ("The Cruel") of Madagascar to Empress Catherine II of Russia, one would normally find a crown on the head of a woman crushing her people under her heel.
Given the relatively small list of female national leaders, the question remains: where are the dictators? It is curious that for communism's alleged penchant for gender equity, not one of the leaders of the former Soviet Union, nor any of its satellite states, was a woman. Similarly, there were no women among the military brasshats taking power in South America or post-colonial Africa. Lots of superfluous military decorations, yards of shiny patent leather, but no estrogen. Even when Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto took the top job in a nation notorious for its dictatorships, she either failed, or elected not to, follow in the footsteps of some of her infamous contemporaries.
So where has the modern age, so rife with dictators, found a woman's touch? Naturally, there have been a number of dictators whose wives have played a role behind the scenes, but only one of them, Argentina's Eva Perón, took a public role alongside her dictator husband (a role she eventually renounced). One supposes there are other reasons for a lack of women dictators, ranging from the traditional links between military service and dictatorial rule, to the overall lack of women in prominent leadership roles around the world, but even considering the diminished opportunities, few female rulers have sought to rule with an iron fist as male rulers have.
The best I can think of is a woman who, while not a dictator in the strict sense of the word, did at one point exercise dictatorial control over her country: the late Indira Gandhi of India (pictured above, manhandling a hapless koala).
Riding high after crushing Pakistan in the 1971 war of Bangladeshi Independence and India's equally successful entry to the nuclear age, Gandhi was riding high until the country found itself paralyzed by a political crisis in 1975. Without hesitating, Gandhi suspended India's democracy during the (now infamous) "emergency period", during which time, she adopted dictatorial powers, including the all important ability to rule by decree.
During the two year emergency period, Gandhi rode roughshod over her political enemies, sending tens of thousands of political opponents to jail on specious charges, imposed strict press censorship, dismissing state officials perceived to be hostile to her rule, while simultaneously grooming her sons Sanjay and Rajiv for a more political role.
Gandhi's confidence proved to be her undoing. Believing the economic progress made during the emergency period added to her political prestige, she called for new elections in 1977, and was soundly trounced by the opposing BJP party. She removed herself from office without a struggle, thus ending the brief and only dictatorship by a woman in the last century. Indira returned to power again, with disastrous results, before being assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Top 10 Profile: Saparmurat Niazov
Name: Saparmurat Atayevich Niazov
Born: Aşgabat, TSSR (USSR) February 19, 1940
Length of rule: June 21, 1991 - present (15 years)
Means of ascent to power: Elected
Style: Cult of personality
Quick: what the first thing you think of when you hear the word "Turkmenistan"? For most Americans, the answer would be "What-where-i-stan?". For people fascinated by dictators, however, the sleepy Central Asian republic is white hot, thanks to its viciously ruthless yet lovably eccentric tyrant, Saparmurat "Turkmenbashi" Niazov. With rumors of his imminent demise coming from all angles, it behooves me to provide a quick outline of one of the strangest dictators of the past century.
After the catastrophic dissolution of the Soviet Union, the backwater chunk of Central Asia formerly known as the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic found itself, for better or worse, an indepent nation. Politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum, but nobody really took much notice when the leader of the Turkmen Communist Party, an undistinguished hack named Saparmurat Niazov, won newly independent Turkmenistan's first, and last, presidential election in 1992.
Taking a cue from Kemal Atatürk, Niazov found the role of "president" a bit too limiting, preferring shrewdly to announce that he had become the very personification, and even the very essence of the Turkmen people themselves. Very soon, Saparmurat Niazov, the colorless Soviet apparatchik, restyled himself as the dynamic Turkmenbashi, meaning, "leader of all Turkmen".
Taking a cue from Josef Stalin, Niazov isolated his nation from the rest of the world and began building a formidable personality cult. In case anyone might think he's a one trick pony, Niazov also borrowed something from Mao Zedong (more specifically, Mao's odious Little Red Book): the Ruhnama.
Written as a national epic in a quasi-religious, quasi-nationalistic style, Niazov's Little Green Book humbly purports to be the equal of lesser known works like the Bible and the Koran. Lest anyone attempt to diminish the importance of his book, Niazov has made study of Ruhnama compulsory. If there is anyone in Turkmenistan seeking employment (in the public or private sector), anyone seeking a driver's license, anyone looking to get married, and so on, he or she had better be able to recite large portions of Ruhnama by heart.
More ominously, failing to praise the book is a crime against the state, to say nothing of the punishments awaiting anyone who might dare to actually criticize the book as the rantings of a senile dictator. Niazov is so enamored of his epic, he's erected statues - even buildings - in its likeness. When prominent Muslims in Turkmenistan complained about being compelled to put his book next to the Koran, Niazov simply had them thrown in jail and ordered their mosques bulldozed. Perhaps these old fashioned Muslims can be appeased by Niazov's entirely straightfaced declaration that anyone who reads Ruhnama three times will "automatically" be admitted to heaven. That sure beats blowing yourself up on a bus in Tel Aviv, doesn't it?
While officially downplaying the extent of his personality cult, Niazov has seen fit to allow several golden statues of his likeness to remain standing, including a marvelous statue that rotates to face the direction of the sun. It is, perhaps, his crushing ubiquity in Turkmenistan that has provided him to pass some of the world's stupidest laws without his people raising an eyebrow in surprise. These laws include, but are by no means limited to:
• Outlawing gold teeth in favor of promoting "chewing bones"
• Banning female newscasters from wearing cosmetics
• Bans on karaoke and car stereos
• Replacing the Hippocratic Oath with an oath of allegience to Niazov
It's not known for sure if Niazov's bizarre presidental decrees are serious, or merely an effort to deflect attention from his country's appalling human rights record and lousy economy. Whatever the case may be, Turkmenistan is unencumbered by serious political opposition to his rule, much less military threats from at home or abroad. As long as he keeps pumping natural gas to Europe, the rest of the world will be content to paint him as the eccentric ruler of a charming backwater, more than happy to ignore the less amusing aspects of his totalitarian rule.
Still, one has to admire Niazov's sense of style, and his eagerness to set himself apart from the other grey stuffed Soviet suits that took over other former Soviet Republics. Ever seen anything about Heider Aliev, Islam Karimov, or Nursultan Nazarbayev in the insufferable "wacky news of the day" section of your local newspaper?
Didn't think so.
Monday, October 23, 2006
The Last King of Scotland
No, not James I, but the late, unlamented Idi Amin Dada of Uganda, is the focus of the new film The Last King of Scotland.
While the movie is clearly fiction, the real life and times of one of Africa's most notorious big men are brought to life in the movie, beginning with the overthrow of Uganda's previous dictator, to the economically disastrous expulsion of Uganda's "Asian" business class, to the militarily diastrous decision to provide assistance to Palestinian hijackers at Entebbe, the film reconstructs the timeline of Amin's bloody tyranny through the eyes of a Scottish doctor who manages to ingratiate himself to Amin.
Amin, of course, was no stranger to film during his lifetime, having appeared as himself in the bizarre documentary Idi Amin Dada, where he plays the accordion, mounts a mock invasion of the Golan Heights, and terrifies his subordinates, all while playing the role of a large, jolly man who feels wounded at being "misunderstood" at being portrayed as a bloodthirsty buffoon an unsympathetic Western press. Amin certainly didn't help his own cause, however, by murdering his political opponents, launching ill advised military actions against Uganda's neighbors. What's more, Amin's penchant for self-aggrandizing made him a popular target for Western reporters looking to portray him as an ignorant lout. Consider his modest, self-described title:
His service in the King's African Rifles notwithstanding, Idi Amin's chances of being awarded the Victoria Cross were roughly equivalent to my chances of being Miss Venezuela. It was Amin's bufoonish side and boyish charm that unnervingly contrasted with his explosive temper, total paranoia and bloodthirsty appetite for revenge, making him equal only to Mobutu Sese Seko as the most notorious of Africa's big men.
So what did I think of the movie? As a dictator-phile, I was pleasantly surprised by Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Amin, delighted that he paid such close attention to Amin's own mannerisms and body language from Idi Amin Dada. I was less enthralled with the Scottish doctor as narrative device, the romantic and espionage subplots, et al., and look forward to the day when Hollywood is ready to tackle the dictator biopic with the seriousness and breadth of vision it deserves. | <urn:uuid:3cf98b0c-53a1-4488-a1a6-f57a07f9e621> | 2 | 1.8125 | 0.08998 | en | 0.96647 | http://authoritarianism.blogspot.ae/2006/10/ |
A Crash Course In Law: The Legal And Financial Issues That Surround Car Accidents
(Image Link)
On our busy roads, accidents occur all the time. Of course, it’s very rare that you’ll actually be involved in a car crash. But, most people do experience them at some point in their lives. Along with the emotional side of things, you also have to think about the law and finance. Which, in this sort of situation, can be very difficult indeed. To help you out, this post will go through some of the important things that you need to consider if you’re involved in a crash.
Insurance is a legal requirement in most places. It protects your own car, as well as the cars and property of other people using the road. So, it’s understandable that it’s quite important. When you have an accident, though, it can make your insurance costs go up. This is usually only if the accident is your fault, or you have to make a claim in the case of a hit and run. This is because you’re deemed a more dangerous driver by the insurance company. So, their estimates would say that you’re more likely to cost them money. The numbers that insurance companies generate for insurance aren’t just random. They are heavily based on the level of risk that drivers present for them. So, if you cost them more money, you’re a higher risk.
When you have an accident, things can often get heated. Nobody wants to take the blame for an accident; especially if it’s a serious one. So, you’ll find a lot of conflict in these areas. In some cases, this will result in the need for court cases. These cases will often be run by the insurance companies, who will fight for you. But, you will still be expected to be there to talk. It’s important to make sure that you collect evidence at the scene of an accident, to ensure that you have the best legs to stand on in court. It can be very hard to get out of situations like this without trouble. So, it’s worth making sure that you’re well prepared. A lot of these claims will be based on injuries at the scene of the accident. This makes it very important to call an ambulance to the scene if you’re injured.
(Image Source)
Along with these insurance court cases, you may also face some other claims. A lot of accidents occur when people break the law. Commonly, accidents are caused by people driving above the speed limit. Or, after having a few too many drinks. In the case of an accident it can go very much in your favor if the other person was breaking the law at the time of the crash. But, if you were breaking the law, it could reflect very badly on you. This would make winning a case very difficult. So, it’s always best to obey the rules of the road. If you’re not sure about them, then it might be worth taking a refresher course to help you along. Most people have no trouble at all following these rules; so you shouldn’t either. If you think another driver was breaking a law that’s lead to a crash, it’s always best to call the police to the scene. This will give you a chance to make sure they’re handled correctly.
If you end up going to court, you may end up having to pay compensation or other claims. Sometimes, these can be huge and almost impossible to pay. So, you might need some help. When you choose insurance for your car, it’s worth keeping legal cover in mind. Most companies have additions to their policies that will protect you from having to make huge payouts. This can save a lot of stress and will make the whole process much more pleasant. Of course, having a claim made will raise the cost of your insurance, though.
After an accident, you also have to think about the value of your car. Accidents will often damage more than can be seen with the naked eye, causing problems in the future. So, people are much less willing to pay for a car that’s been in an accident. This isn’t fair, though, if the accident wasn’t your fault. This is where diminished value claims come in. As part of your insurance claim for the repairs to your car, you may also be able to take extra for the lower value of the car, as well. To help you out with this, have a look at the Kelly Blue Book value for your car, that can be found online.
Hopefully, this will give you an idea of the lengths that you have to go to. This is to protect yourself against legal and financial issues when it comes to getting in an accident. Little bumps and scrapes happen all the time. So, it’s worth having yourself ready from the offset. | <urn:uuid:f0c7bc6b-98f2-400b-a509-d6cb937ce43f> | 2 | 1.671875 | 0.026532 | en | 0.968911 | http://bangastang.com/news-features/a-crash-course-in-law-the-legal-and-financial-issues-that-surround-car-accidents |
Fixed Orthodontics
What are invisible braces?
In the event that you experience smile outlining utilizing Clear Path you can accomplish the smile you've generally needed. Smile design is an energizing new thought in dental treatment that we offer our patients. Whether you have screwy, chipped, split, stained, or misaligned teeth, our smile designing service will give you a chance to select your new smile.
Smile designing procedures are paramount for smiles that are defective, unappealing or ugly. The defects may lie in the color or state of the teeth. Smile outlining methods blanket a wide territory of treatment strategies running from essential nonessential dentistry techniques to profoundly intricate surgeries on the facial skeleton to redress jaw deformations. In the event that you search for a complete smile designing service our accomplished restorative dental practitioners are excited to offer assistance!
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are specially crafted fixed braces fortified to the once again of the teeth making them invisible to other peoples. In lingual braces the brackets are established onto the posterior of the teeth making them undetectable while in standard props the sections are solidified onto the front side of the teeth. Thus, lingual braces are a nonessential option to the individuals who don't wish the props to be noticeable.
What is fixed orthodontics?
Dental braces are gadgets utilized within orthodontics that adjust and straighten teeth and help to position them with respect to an individual's chomp, while likewise attempting to enhance dental wellbeing. They are frequently used to revise underbites, and malocclusions, overbites, cross nibbles, open chomps, profound nibbles, warped teeth, and different defects of the teeth and jaw. Props might be either nonessential or structural. Dental props are frequently utilized within conjunction with other orthodontic machines to help broaden the sense of taste or jaws and to generally support in forming the teeth and jaws.
Patients Photo
• Patient 1 | <urn:uuid:a70261d8-d3c8-4b69-b3db-4ee39acb4cdf> | 2 | 1.867188 | 0.122829 | en | 0.891129 | http://bansaldental.com/Fixed-Orthodontics-Treatment-Jaipur.html |
[EnglishFrontPage] [TitleIndex] [WordIndex
Command Substitution
Command substitution is a very powerful concept of the UNIX shell. It is used to insert the output of one command into a second command. E.g. with an assignment:
$ today=$(date) # starts the "date" command, captures its output
$ echo "$today"
Mon Jul 26 13:16:02 MEST 2004
This can also be used with other commands besides assignments:
$ echo "Today is $(date +%A), it's $(date +%H:%M)"
Today is Monday, it's 13:21
This calls the date command two times, the first time to print the week-day, the second time for the current time.
Of course, this could just be done with:
date "+Today is %A, it's %H:%M"
As with all substitutions, the results of a command substitution will undergo WordSplitting, unless the whole thing is inside double quotes.
Command substitutions may be nested within each other:
IPs=($(awk /"$(</etc/myname)"/'{print $1}' /etc/hosts))
Notably, once inside a command substitution, the shell begins an entirely new quoting context. That is, double quotes inside the substitution do not match up with double quotes outside the substitution. So, things like this may be done:
echo "The IPs are $(awk /"$(</etc/myname)"/'{print $1}' /etc/hosts | tr '\n' ' ')"
The outermost quotes delimit a single argument that will be passed to echo. The inner double quotes prevent word splitting or glob expansion on the results of the inner command substitution. The two sets of double quotes are independent of each other.
(For a better approach to discovering local IP addresses, see IpAddress.)
Command substitutions create subshells, so any changes to variables, current directory, etc. inside the command substitution affect only the rest of the substitution, and not the parent shell.
$ var=$(cd ../../usr/bin; pwd)
$ echo "$var"
$ pwd
Command substitutions strip all trailing newlines from the output of the command inside them. This allows common cases such as foo=$(grep foo bar) to populate variables without needing a second step to remove the newline. Sometimes, you may want the newlines -- for example, when attempting to read an entire file into a variable without data loss (except NUL bytes):
var=$(<file) # strips trailing newlines
# Workaround:
var=$(cat file; printf x) var=${var%x}
The $(command) syntax is supported by KornShell, BASH, and PosixShell. Older shells (e.g. BourneShell) use the following syntax: `command`. Note that these are not the apostrophe characters '...', but small ticks going from the upper left to the lower right: `...`. These are often called "backticks" or "back quotes".
Nesting of command substitutions using the `...` syntax is more difficult. One must use backslashes:
IPs_inna_string=`awk "/\`cat /etc/myname\`/"'{print $1}' /etc/hosts`
# Very Bourne-ish: use the positional params as a pseudo array
As one may imagine, this becomes rather unwieldy after two levels. FAQ 82 discusses the differences between $() and `` in more detail.
The use of $(<file) instead of $(cat file) is a Bashism that is slightly more efficient (doesn't require forking a cat(1) process) but obviously less portable.
2012-07-01 04:05 | <urn:uuid:8dd66b67-96b3-43e6-984f-df9610b5fc10> | 3 | 3.421875 | 0.257799 | en | 0.815443 | http://bash.cumulonim.biz/CommandSubstitution.html |
Oil of Empires is a Codex Entry featured in Battlefield 1. It is unlocked by completing Operation Oil of Empires in the Operations gamemode.
Oil of Empires Codex Entry
When the modern combustion engine was first developed in the 1880s, few realized how much it would change the global economy. But over the next decades, in every shipyard it became obvious that oil power was superior to coal in every way.
A motor could now reach full power in 30 minutes instead of six hours, it required a fraction of the men to run it, and a ship's range increased fourfold. Even before the war the Dreadnoughts of the mighty British navy had begun to convert to oil power, but oil was to be found far from British shores.
Much of the British war effort in the Middle East was to protect British oil supplies, the Suez Canal transport route, and to take or destroy the Berlin-Baghdad railway, Germany's oil supply line to the Ottoman Empire. As the war progressed, and the airplane, the car, the submarine and the tank were produced in greater and greater numbers, oil became ever more important.
Ad blocker interference detected!
| <urn:uuid:9ee51b14-9ec4-4471-9974-5e55628bdba3> | 2 | 2.15625 | 0.09134 | en | 0.967467 | http://battlefield.wikia.com/wiki/Oil_of_Empires_(Codex_Entry) |
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
"Enough Money"
"Enough Money"
Thomas Sowell
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The French Revolution began arbitrary executions among the hereditary aristocracy, but ended up arbitrarily executing all sorts of other people, including eventually even leaders of the Revolution itself, such as Robespierre.
Very similar patterns appeared in the Bolshevik Revolution, in the rise of the Nazis and in numerous other times and places, where expanded and arbitrary powers were put into the hands of politicians-- and were used against the population as a whole.
Both men were selling a product that others were also selling, but more people chose to buy theirs. Those people would not have voluntarily continued to pay their hard-earned money for Rockefeller's oil or Gates' software if what they received was not worth more to them than what they paid.
The fortunes that the sellers amassed were not a deduction from the buyers' wealth. Buyers and sellers both gained from these transactions or the transactions wouldn't have continued.
Ida Tarbell's famous muckraking book, "History of the Standard Oil Company," said that Rockefeller "should have been satisfied" with the money he had acquired by 1870, implying greed in his continued efforts to increase the size and profitability of Standard Oil. But would the public have been better off or worse off if Rockefeller had retired in 1870?
One of the crucial facts left out of Ida Tarbell's book was that Rockefeller's improvements in the oil industry brought down the price of oil to a fraction of what it had been before.
As just one example, oil was first shipped in barrels, which is why we still measure oil in terms of the number of barrels today, even though oil is seldom-- if ever-- actually shipped in barrels any more. John D. Rockefeller shipped his oil in railroad tank cars, reducing transportation costs, among other costs that he found ways of reducing.
Would the public have been better off if older and more costly methods of producing, processing and shipping oil had continued to be used, leading to prices far higher than necessary?
Apparently Rockefeller himself decided at some point that he had enough money, and then donated enough of it to create a world-class university from day one-- the University of Chicago-- as well as donating to innumerable other philanthropic projects.
But that is wholly different from having politicians make such decisions for other people. Politicians who take on that role stifle economic progress and drain away other people's money, in order to hand out goodies that will help get themselves re-elected. Some people call that "social justice," even when it is anti-social politics.
To read another article by Thomas Sowell, click here.
Children and Finances
Rebecca Hagelin
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
In a recent survey on personal finances, only 27 percent of parents surveyed said they feel well informed about managing household finances. Fewer than half believe they are good role models for their children regarding saving and spending.
Yet, 94 percent of students say their parents are their primary teachers on financial matters.
Oops. We have a problem. We've totally messed up our finances, and no one is teaching our children how to unravel it.
Our national debt is unsustainable. Our government is promising programs and services that it can't possibly deliver, but that will bankrupt our children in trying. Add that to the reality that today's teenagers haven't the slightest clue about how to manage their personal finances, and you realize that the future of America's economy is not just bleak, but headed for a melt down.
The economic problems we face are obvious. The question is: What are we going to do about them? While a strong alliance of policy experts and Tea Party activists around the nation join hands to try and reverse out-of-control government spending, we also need to be educating the younger generation about how to be personally fiscally responsible.
A good first step is to teach children and teens how to handle their money, rather than allowing their money to handle them.
Helping them understand how to be wise stewards is a gift that can free them from the emptiness that comes with materialism, the depression that comes with debt, and replace them with the peace that comes with financial stability and the fulfillment that comes with philanthropy.
The Bible addresses economic issues with surprising frequency. As a matter of fact, as Crown Financial Ministries points out, there are 2.350 verses on money and stewardship, making it "second to the subject of love as the most discussed subject in the Bible. In fact, two-thirds of the parables Jesus taught are about money, possessions, and stewardship."
Regardless of your faith, the wisdom of this all-time best seller is undeniable - and incredibly applicable to our world today. Here are a few examples of profound principles you and your children can start memorizing - and putting in to action - right away:
- "The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets." (Proverbs 21:20)
- "The wicked borrow and never repay but the godly are generous givers." (Psalm 37:21)
- "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender's slave." (Proverbs 22:7)
-"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children." (Proverbs 13:22)
-"Steady plodding brings prosperity." (Proverbs 21:5)
One of the very best resources to use in teaching your children how to practice the principles above comes from Crown Ministries at www.Crown.org . Entitled, Discovering God's Way of Handling Money Teen Study, this 10 week study guide "is designed to practically help teens create habits that will set them on a lifelong journey of handling money responsibly." If you need personal help to get your own finances in order Crown also offers free local counseling for you with what they call a Money Map Coach.
And then there is the great Dave Ramsey - noted author, radio host and "all around" genius on finances. Dave has a fabulous website filled with great tips, and he also offers one of the most life-changing programs for teens I've ever seen. It's called, Generation Change, and you can order it at www.DaveRamsey.com . Dave also offers curriculum for educators at the elementary, high school, and colleges levels. His turn-key programs are engaging and comprehensive, and will build a sound economic foundation in the lives of our young people. They are designed to be used in a school or home setting, and are exactly what we need to build hope, and financial security, into the lives of the next generation of adults.
If enough young people learn sound financial principles, perhaps they will also one day run government in a way that promotes prosperity and personal responsibility too.
1 comment:
Anonymous said...
I agree that Dave Ramsey's teachings are wonderful for teenagers, and probably college students as well. This is when the teaching needs to happen. His teachings, which are far from genius, are nonetheless very practical and down to earth. He has effectively packaged very basic common sense. I don't know that it's possible to teach common sense, but it's definitely worth a try! | <urn:uuid:e3ff06a4-0186-4852-95f7-0a343897ad86> | 3 | 2.75 | 0.060001 | en | 0.974544 | http://bcfoley.blogspot.com/2010/05/enough-money.html |
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“รานิเอรี่” กร้าว “เลสเตอร์” ไม่หวั่นใครแน่นอน ในชปล.
กุนซือของสโมสรเลสเตอร์ ซิตี้ ทีมชื่อดังในพรีเมียร์ลีก อังกฤษ อย่าง เคลาดิโอ รานิเอรี่ได้ออกมาเผยว่า ต้นสังกัดของตนนั้น จะลงสนามแบบไม่หวั่นใครหน้าไหนเลย ในนัดการแข่งขันยูฟ่า แชมเปี้ยนส์ ลีก ซีซั่นหน้า ซึ่งจากการคอนเฟิร์มแชมป์ลีกแดนผู้ดี จะเป็นทีมวางในเกมแบ่งกลุ่มแชมเปี้ยนส์ลีก ซึ่งมีแววว่าคงไม่ได้เจอกับทีมแกร่งในยุโรป แต่ เคลาดิโอ ก็บอกว่าตั้งใจเล่นต่อไปเช่นกัน
โดน รานิเอรี่ ได้กล่าวถึงเรื่องนี้เอาไว้่า “ผมมั่นใจว่า เมื่อมีการแบ่งกลุ่ ต้องมีหลาบสโมสรที่อยากจะแข่งกับทีมของเรา เนื่องจากเลสเตอร์ พึ่งจะได้ลงสนาม ที่ยุโรป เป็นรอบแรก โดยทีมของพวกเขานึกว่าจิ้งจอกสีน้ำเงิน เป็นเพียงแค่ทีมรองบ่อนเท่านั้น ซึ่งผมเชื่อว่า ทีมรองบ่อนก็น่ากลัวไม่น้อยเหมือนกกัน เพราะว่าเมื่อปี 2013 เคยสอยแชมป์แชมเปี้ยนชิพ มาแล้ว ซึ่งมันก็ยากอยู่กว่าจะได้มา”
ทั้งนี้ เทรนเนอร์ของทีมจิ้งจอก ยังระบุเพิ่มเติ่ม เรื่องการดึงนักเตะเข้ามาร่วมงานด้วยตอนช่วงหน้าร้อนนี้ เพื่อผนึกกำลังให้ทีม เอาไว้ว่า “ผมมองว่า ทีมของเราจะได้ แข้งที่สุดมาร่วมงานด้วยกัน และผู้เล่นที่จะแทนตัว นักเตะที่ขาดหายไปได้ด้วย เพราะว่ายังมีเกมที่สำคัญรอพวกเราอีกเช่นกัน”
Considerations Before opening savings accounts Banks
When I open a savings account for the first time, there are a few features you should look for banks that we satisfy your needs. Many financial institutions dedicated to building their client list at any cost. I will say that the features they offer, but they may not emphasize the fees they charge, how to avoid the fees and what to do in order to not overdraw your account.
A savings account is designed to help you save money and build interest. Some banks offer higher interest rates than others, but that does not mean it is the best option. It is important to ask the associates what it takes to open a savings account. Ask any fees associated with your account, and make sure to find out which fees are unavoidable and that. This allows you to be sure that you only pay the necessary fees.
You want to be sure that a number of physical locations available in your area. If you need a check book, you want to be sure that you know that this is in print with ease. If you have to drive for hours to be able to control the print, you more than likely will not be able to make the best use of the account.
I would also like to ask how long it takes to do a transfer. When buying a new car or boat, you need to put down an advance, and quickly transferred the money will allow you to avoid the hassle of getting a check. We also want to make sure that you can get the money to the employer directly deposited into your account, if needed. Also, if you have little money, and someone wants to make money, you want to make sure that the transfer is as smooth as possible.
You will also want to know that the banks are offering protection to overdraw. If you have a checking account, the institution, we want to make sure that the bank will automatically draw money from the savings account to cover the difference. This allows you to make sure that you never expect overdraft fees, and that you are able to pay the bills, even if there is no money in the account at the time. This is a feature that not all banks offer, and it is important to be sure to ask the associates about it because it can be a great way to protect yourself and your money.
The most important feature to look for the banks
The account type
types of functions
Compare the details
Hire a professional to get things done Winners
As the weather gets warmer and more people start to relocate, you will start to see more moving truck on the road. You are in the process of working on their own living conditions. Although you may feel as if there is never a perfect time to have to move, there is no reason why you let this situation that’s best for you. If you hire some professional movers special day, then the only thing you need to concern yourself make sure you have done.
If you do not make your plans early, you can run into some trouble when it comes time to do things in a different place. There is nothing worse than moving the check-in day, and we still have yet to finish packing. If you’re like most people, this is one task you end up procrastinating indefinitely. If pressed for time and can not seem to get things done yourself, contact a professional Movers and consider whether or not to provide packaging services.
There is no reason to feel overwhelmed by your situation. While you may think that it’s a good idea to hire friends and family for a move if you are planning to get things done-to-date and professional manner, it is not. So many things can go wrong if you rely on people to do professional movers. Not only that, an increased risk of damaged property, you also have a higher risk of disputes and other issues that could cause some very stressful and tense moments.
Do yourself a favor and hire professional movers must move all the time. You do not have to wait for hours at the end everything must be done and you will not have to take several days off work in order to put himself in the new location. When you hire professionals should not have to stress out about how things are going to continue. You will be able to give yourself peace of mind knowing that all things are in good hands.
The next time you are thinking about relocating, do not forget to contact several companies that have professional movers. Do your homework, so you pick the most qualified, experienced and professional service to you. Fees and services so that you get the most out of your money. Take advantage of these services, so it’s easier time getting everything together with the moving day. No matter how busy your schedule, you can get everything done in the most efficient way possible without any extra obligations or stress in your life.
Choosing the right mattress
We choose the mattress according to what feels good when touched, but soon we realize After use, it may be something wrong with it. First, consumers tend to choose without trying out, since they are under the assumption that anything will do. While others buy the same things that you are trying to use is not that right in the past few years one or not. These days, they are usually selling offer their customers the opportunity to try out all of them in order to find the right one. The reality is that that is not our preference could be better for our body.
types of mattresses
It is extremely important that the mattress is firm and stable support with the person who will be using. Many people prefer the innerspring, because they are pretty assistance of two or more people on the bed. The problem with this kind is that the spring eventually lose their springiness and become limp or eventually poke holes in the fabric and one would be lying on the bed. This can be a problem because of the discomfort to the report. The fabric and insulation that is in place can become lumpy and greasy at the same time, which would result in an uneven place to lie down. The spring is more, it must be even harder. One advantage of this type of the air flow added to the right owners. Since the space in the upper and lower, there is a better circulation. This means that the cooler for those who use it.
Polyurethane foam mattresses durable than all other types of mattresses. They also have different degrees of hardness, so that people can choose from, but you can warm or warmer than the innerspring types. The reason for this is because of the inability of the material to “breathe”. The polyurethane foam is a dense, compact material, it is very solid and stable. This is also the reason why this may be warmer than the other types. In colder climates, it can be an advantage, while in warmer areas can be a disadvantage. The denseness of the material also means, that is quite durable, and even also in the innerspring.
Another type of bed waterbed. This is a bed that can be either like or do not like about this there is no in between. Made up of a durable material, which is separated into compartments to be filled with water. The compartments dictate that a stable water bed. The multiple compartments of the water bed more stable in this type of mattresses. Despite the setting of stability, this is a very movable bed, and, where appropriate, the owner of dizzy or uncomfortable during use.
These are the three main types of mattress consumers. The three come in varying degrees of strength.
Why Buy Hunting Supplies stores better than shopping online
The Internet has made it easy to find and all types of equipment you might need to enjoy a great day of hunting; but it will not be a lot to gain by buying hunting stores to buy items online. Many people do not realize how important it is to get the right equipment when they go hunting. Whether you’ve hunted deer for years or are just starting out, shopping stores to hunt for the best way to get the equipment you need.
If you physically go to the store, you can be sure that staff are knowledgeable and will be able to answer any and all questions. If you buy the products on the Internet, many people who have not even seen the customer service departments of deer in real life. You look online and you get a regurgitated answer that they more than likely do not understand. The shop staff hunt, fish, and knows what he’s talking about when they answer your questions.
The hunting stores will also have the latest and greatest products on display. It allows you to stay in the loop at all times and make sure that you have the ultimate advantage when you go to the next big hunt. You will be able to see and touch the items in person. This allows you to get to know the quality of items before actually investing in them. Many companies make amazing things over the internet, but when the product arrives, can not be all that the company claims.
If you find that the product does not work, and you think that you need, you can simply walk into one of the search business to return, but if you buy the product online, you will need to deal with the hassle of shipping could pay for the shipping cost back and may not be able to get your money back when it’s all said and done. The shops are a return policy on what to see and to read before buying any product. This allows you to rest assured that you will be completely satisfied with the equipment, what to buy, easy to get a refund or replacement product or the company.
Shopping in stores takes all the hassle and guesswork out of buying high quality equipment. Do not let the big one get away. Already the gear you need, pay for affordable and rest assured that you are prepared for anything that comes from the purchase of hunting shops.
Understanding the basis for the tax sale
Why is it necessary for a tax sale in the United States, you ask? Since our country existed, it depended on the government to pay local taxes to municipalities that required the city to work. Roads, schools, public areas and services such as garbage pickup and fire department is funded by taxes paid by citizens. If someone decides not to pay taxes to owe the government the power to take control of the property to pay the money to the shareholders. We usually will happen to the government to levy taxes against the property owner, the owner of the market debt auction. Two types of auctions, auction certificate and a deed auction. While the two options offered by the bidder eventually take ownership of real estate, they both function in different ways.
Tax certificate sale at a public auction, which resulted in the taxpayer’s delinquent debt that is sold to the highest bidder. The auctions will be held at the county and usually only once a year. If you are looking to bid on one of these auctions, the information is usually found in local government websites. If you win this auction, you are essentially loaning money to criminals owners take the performance of debt. If the former owner is unable to pay the debt in a designated time, it will take over the right to the property and stand up to all future taxes.
If the tax sale on a document, you can bid on the property of the taxpayer made it criminal. Keep in mind that all parties concerned had to notify the auction, and the previous owner had been given the opportunity to pay back the money thus remains the property of the owner of the property. Foreclosures are not from one day to the next, as I remember, there was an extensive process that happened before the auction even been announced. The difference between the tax sale certificate that you buy the property instead of the final offering credit to delinquent property owner. Buying the property final will reduce the risk, because you are guaranteed ownership, but is waiting to see if the previous owner to pay back the debt. There will, however, be forced to float more money in advance if they win the deed auction.
As you can see, this type of auctions may be worth the investment if the money to bid. Make sure to do a thorough inspection of the property before they decide to make the investment. Always assume, first, that there is a serious problem that the property should be secured major improvements. Also, be sure to learn the rules and regulations of how the state handles auctions. If necessary, the assistance of a lawyer to help the real estate auction process. This made it big advantage of investing in a tax sale.
Quality printers
If you are trying to figure out ways to improve the look and quality of the materials, it is worth re-elected printers. While it may be trying to save money to all within the company, if you do not want to sacrifice quality in the process. No matter what type of business you run, it may be difficult to focus on the printing department and run a successful business. Now is the perfect time to start learning providers in the industry and how they can benefit your business.
Keep in mind that although it may be a lot of professional printers to choose from, the industry is very competitive. This means that if you’re willing to invest a little time and ingenuity, you can find a good service to enhance its operations. Although you might be looking at all the different companies to choose from, you do not have to contact all of you to the list. If you go online and you can ask your colleagues and peers, you can get the names of some of the popular and recommended printers in the business.
Do a little research on the internet and look for more of these services. You want to end up in companies that have a great reputation in the industry. Do not forget to take into consideration how long they have been around in the business. While you may be more tempted to go with a company that is surrounded by several years, do not be so quick to rule out some younger companies do.
Take a look at the prices that are available, and a comparison with other printers. Keep in mind that the pricing is very competitive, and in some places willing to offer special rates and discounts depending on the size of the order. Do not let what seems to be the lowest price you roll. You have to try the service out before we know whether or not it wants to develop a good working relationship with them.
Be aware that this will not be like other types of transactions, where you can sample the goods before you commit or purchase. You should do a trial run of the printers you are interested in doing business with. Try a system that allows you to get a better idea of how well their work will increase the materials and campaigns. Pay attention to how well the provider complies with the policies and preferences. Pay attention to how quickly they are able to meet filed after ordering. Do not forget to also pay attention to how to follow up if there is uncertainty or a need for communication. Ultimately, you want service that is efficient, courteous, helpful and very professional.
Getting preapproved mortgage companies
If you are planning to buy a house, it is wise to pre-approved mortgage companies before you start your search for a home. It’s exciting to go looking at the open houses or scout around the property with a realtor. If you do not know whether you can get credit, but it will waste everyone’s time. There are many factors that determine whether you will be seen as a good risk as a homebuyer. In recent years, banks have tightened the testing of applicants to avoid getting the last housing crunch.
How much can you afford?
Maybe your dream is dying at home no matter the cost. It is wise to be careful when calculating what you think you can afford. A rule of thumb is a maximum monthly payment equal to one-quarter or one-third of take-home pay. Do not forget the homeowner, not a renter, you will have to pay for the repairs and maintenance, as well as PITI. PITI is payment including taxes and insurance. It all adds up, and you do not want to end up “house poor”, which means that you can not afford to have anything else, just sitting in the house.
What is a credit score?
Everyone needs a decent credit score before preapproved mortgage-company loans. This means you need to register as a responsible bill paying. The interest rate you get, if approved, will depend on your score. If you have intermittent paying the bills, it is likely that you will not get denied or have to pay extra for having a higher risk. If some mistakes in this area, it’s wise to wait a bit before. Spend a few more years for a better credit history and score.
Do you know where the paperwork?
must be in order to be approved in advance by the mortgage companies, you’re going to show them who you are and papers. You’re going to come up with a few years of income tax, paystubs, bank statements and anything else related to your finances. Your employer can vouch for job performance, and it is planned that already used for some time. If you do not remember what happened to income taxes and all the paperwork disorganized, it’s time to do everything before approaching the bankers.
Buying a house can be exciting realization of the American dream. If you want to make the dream a reality, you can get preapproved by mortgage companies. Figure out what you can really afford, find out your credit score and collect the papers.
Funeral homes and services
Funeral homes are the places where we bring our loved ones when we departed. These places of business services for those who are deceased friends and relatives. These services are generally a result of the center, as well as before, during and after the funeral, the funeral and other events related to the individual religious or community. The choice is one that is able to accommodate the wishes and preferences, who missed a priority. Most people actually choose this place before they are passed to make sure that their wishes and preferences understand and be brought forward when the day comes. On the other hand, some people have to deal with the choice of many funeral when someone they love has passed away.
The services that come in these places is not only a result of the business center, but the paperwork that is needed when someone dies. The government must call the death of the individual and are licenses and other documents that must be submitted in declaring the death of the person. Arrangements with the cemetery and the obituary that is attached to the services of the salon. It is important to declare the death of the individual to the government because of the legal consequences that follow it. Other places of business that relate to the person who receives the deceased’s knowledge of his passes. Funeral Homes also those relating to arrangements with the cemetery burial of the individual.
Other services are also available visitation services that are viewing a few days before the funeral of the deceased. Typically, a portion is reserved for the group of mourners at the salon and see the remains of a friend or relative in relative peace and in a way that religion and belief sees fit. According to the religious service of the religion or beliefs of the deceased they were also held in the parlor, where the visual is considered at the moment. In most cases, relatives are usually informs you that the people who run the business, to inform them of the schedule. Cremation is also an option that can be added to the living room to the relatives of the person who died or those who are interested.
Embalming is something that is usually in order to delay the decomposition process of the body before the funeral takes place. The reconstruction disfigurements during which the accident took place, is also a service that can provide a funeral for family and friends of the deceased. The embalmer can make use of the technique that he had been taught in school. In cases where the body can be deformed so that the embalmer not reconstruct the closed coffin could be a possibility. | <urn:uuid:1e258fb2-0df7-4faa-be88-e41ba39262e2> | 2 | 1.773438 | 0.020256 | en | 0.937668 | http://bio-dynamics2013.org/ |
Article Text
Ocular findings in linear sebaceous naevus syndrome.
1. M S Insler and
2. L Davlin
The case of a 5-month-old black female child with a linear sebaceous naevus syndrome and multiple congenital anomalies is presented. Ocular malformations consisted of colobomatous changes of the lid and retina, dermoid of the conjunctiva, chorioretinal changes, and peripapillary atrophy of the optic nerve. Systemic findings included midline cleft of the secondary palate with involvement by the naevus, bilateral hearing loss, asymmetrical skull bones, ventricular septal defect, epidermal inclusion cyst, and developmental delay without seizures.
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| <urn:uuid:f535adf3-7567-4bd7-8ae6-877b6761ca78> | 2 | 1.898438 | 0.048677 | en | 0.821246 | http://bjo.bmj.com/content/71/4/268 |
Duxbury columnist and Black Facebook is saying: the civilized reaction of the victims of the atrocity in Charleston is almost beyond imagining.
All Lives Matter
After the urban riots of 1967 we were trained in riot control. It in was a National Guard unit based in Middleborough that would be called to active duty in March 1968. (Three weeks before the call-up, members living in Duxbury and points north were transferred to a unit in Hull. One of those bureaucratic things.)
The National Guard then was nowhere nearly as professional, nor as regularly put into harm’s way, as it is today. But riot control was taken seriously and the instructions were explicit: If the use of a firearm is necessary, aim below the belt to stop a man; above the belt to kill him. A gunshot wound below the waist is no favor. But it might let a man live.
Today, when lethal force is deemed necessary, the officer is instructed to aim for the center of the visible target. A seemingly small distinction that erases any difference between “stopping” and “killing.” It seems obvious that in a charged confrontation this can encourage deadlier force, and more multiple rounds being fired. The targets may be reckless kids or disturbed people representing less than a deadly threat to law enforcement.
America is not now in a good place in this regard. “Black lives matter” are not words that Martin Luther King, Jr. would have used. He would and did say that all lives matter. One understands the outrage when officers of the law show disregard for black citizens’ lives. But what amounts to a war-cry does no good. Police lives also matter. If retaliatory assassinations of police officers lead to temporarily diminished police services, “activists” will move on. It is the law-abiding black working class that will pay the price for a very long time. After 48 years, neither Detroit, nor Grove Hall in Boston, has completely recovered from its 1967 riot.
The civilized reaction of the victims of the atrocity in Charleston on June 17 is almost beyond imagining. But it is consonant with what Dr. King preached after the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham on Sept. 14, 1963. Let us hope it awakens the nation to a new birth of unity.
In Duxbury in 2015, the police are well-trained in the practice of restraint. But every time any cop anywhere pulls a car over it entails a stressful encounter between two human beings. Neither can be sure how it will play out, and both know the taste of fear. We send kids to driver training, give them licenses and in many cases souped-up cars. But we do not teach them how to behave when they get pulled over — as sooner or later they will be.
So this is to kids of every age, everywhere: If those flashing lights behind you are meant for you, pull over and roll down your window. If it is nighttime turn on your interior light. The law says you must. Put your hands on top of the steering wheel where they can be seen, leave them there, and wait for instructions.
The fellow human being who has pulled you over does not know who you are or what you represent. But the officer will notice that you “know the drill,” and will appreciate it. By your cooperation you will have helped to avert a confrontation that could lead to tragedy. This is as much a verity in Duxbury as it is anywhere in the United States.
–D.A. Mittell, Jr. | <urn:uuid:e0f76194-55df-43d2-841e-27b14156632a> | 2 | 2.109375 | 0.047108 | en | 0.958209 | http://blackboston.com/archive/duxbury-columnist-and-black-facebook-is-saying-the-civilized-reaction-of-the-victims-of-the-atrocity-in-charleston-is-almost-beyond-imagining/ |
Seat Belt Usage Up in the United States
You weren't going far. Maybe you just wanted to drive two blocks to the store. Maybe you were moving your car down the street. Either way, you didn't put your seat belt on. You always do, but you didn't do it that day. Then, of course, you were hit by another driver and you were hurt. Can you still seek compensation for your injuries?
State Laws
The reality is that it depends where you live. This is governed by state law and it is different in different states. There is no blanket answer that covers all cases.
In some states, you may be able to seek compensation, but you simply won't get as much. They may claim your injuries were only as bad as they were because of the lack of a seat belt. With one on, for instance, you may have just had a cut and some bruising on your arm. Without the belt, you hit the steering wheel harder and broke your arm. The court may not force the other driver -- even if he or she caused the accident -- to pay for injuries that shouldn't have happened if you hadn't broken seat belt laws. However, the court will still give you something, acknowledging that the other driver was at fault and you wouldn't have been in a wreck at all without his or her actions.
In some cases, though, your ability to seek compensation can be negated entirely.
Comparative Negligence
The seat belt defense may be used in states like Ohio, which use comparative negligence laws. Essentially, these laws mean that both parties may be given a percentage of the responsibility, and then compensation is paid accordingly. Not wearing a seat belt could increase your own responsibility for your injuries, even when most of it falls on the other driver.
Seeking Compensation
If you were hurt in an accident, no matter how it happened, you need to know your rights. Be sure to look into all of your options for compensation. | <urn:uuid:e202f4fc-e9b3-414d-a2a0-b169cd7453d7> | 2 | 1.882813 | 0.901 | en | 0.988635 | http://blog.lawinfo.com/2017/02/17/what-if-i-wasnt-wearing-a-seat-belt-in-an-accident/ |
Monday, December 12, 2016
Fishing is Engaging
A student's response to a structure sentence course
A class about only sentence work, now that would be boring. In What should colleges teach?” Fish talks about, "I put a simple sentence on the table, something like “John hit the ball” or “Jane likes cake.” I spend an entire week on sentences like these". If your in a class and all you do is sentence work, it would be so tedious and boring. I bet half the students would skip the class. Although the idea of sentence work should definitely be present in an normal English class. I believe a student needs to be taught sentence work in high school, but a refresher should be applied every step of the way. This idea of a refresher should just be practiced in a more complex way each step of your English career. Fish has some good ideas, but I believe your everyday college level writing class should consist of a well-rounded curriculum on a copious amount of key ideas which relate to English. One of these topics that should probably be taught to students whom are writing college level writings, is the idea of engaging in your topic. Although this is probably not a huge idea in an college level English class it should be taught in a class and should be brought up all the time. Students who want to engage in their topic idea may look to choose a topic they have interest in, maybe take ownership of a topic, or retain feedback from their community on their topic. These are all ideas of engaging in your topic which ultimately may result in a higher grade. Why not use these ideas??? Don't you want to get a higher grade.
The man of the hour Stanley Fish
Although, I do agree with Fish that teaching sentence structure is important in writing college level, but I have come to find out that is not the only important skill college writing requires. Fish has some really great ideas on sentence structure such as "You have to start with a simple but deep understanding of the game, which for my purposes is the game of writing sentences. So it makes sense to begin with the question, What is a sentence anyway? My answer has two parts: (1) A sentence is an organization of items in the world. (2) A sentence is a structure of logical relationships.". This is an example of great sentence structure and another awesome point of starting with a understanding of the "game", which can be directly related to something that interests you. Then this idea plays a role on engagement.
The idea of engaging the writer is a much more important idea. When thinking about engaging it takes me back to an early reading with Graff Hidden Intellectualism. Here he motivates the writer to write about something that they were interested in. He says how the writer will be able to write more and actually enjoy research. Next a website I found explains perfectly with five ways to choose a topic, here at Aims Community College, they talk about how the topic should be something that interests you, something you have experience in, one that fits guidelines, will interest the reader, and one where outside sources were used. These are all great ways to engage in a topic.
Even if a writer doesn't like a topic or idea they have to write about, they must learn to take ownership. If I was in Fish's class I would probably take ownership of my works, but the idea of ownership I found in a journal while doing research for my analytical research essay. The idea of calling the paper mine is actually good because you'll probably go deeper in research and you'll enjoy it more.
Bill Dance finds fishing engaging
Other ways for the writer to engage in their writing, is through the community. I have gotten an abundance of help every step of the way in my writing's in The Ohio State University at Newark Writer's Studio. There they gave me feedback to better my writing. Then I had my classmates look into my writing and tell me what was good in my writing and bad. Iv'e had my family see my writing's.
Fish may have had it right that sentence structure is a key skill in developing a college level writer, but there are so many other skills required. These skills are research, details, content, topic, thesis statement, etc. These are all very important skills, especially for a college level writer, but you can't write a paper without a topic. Fishing is engaging just make sure you are hooked on your topic.
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Input management with Dependency Injection
Object oriented programming has a lot of patterns that can be very useful for making games. One of those patterns is the Dependency Injection, a pattern that helps to decouple classes that would otherwise be tightly connected. So let’s take something that’s really connected and see how dependency injection can help us: the input management.
Wait what’s this Dependency Injection?
Usually if you have a thing (call it client) that uses another thing (call it service), when you change the service, then you have to also change the client. And that’s bad. Let’s say the client is your game logic and you are porting your game from pc to mobile, and that therefore you need to switch from a keyboard + mouse input to a touch one. Since all inputs are changed (perhaps radically since your WASD is now a UI element) you now need to change some input-read line in your game logic even if you used an intermediate class to get those button inputs.
The Dependency Injection way to do it instead is to have the input manager call the game logic functions. Without it knowing whose functions they are. You just set them as callbacks and call them when needed. Who sets the callbacks? The naive option is: the client. But then you still have a direct dependency between the classes. Enter the DIC: Dependency Injection Container. He takes the callbacks from the client and gives them to the service, thus eliminating the dependency between them (and adding another class to your code, that’s not a free lunch).
And what are those de-leee-gates?
A delegate is just a way to pass a function as an argument, it can also be stored as a variable and given a type name to be checked so that only the functions that match a certain signature can be stored or passed as a delegate of a specific type.
Let’s read some Input!
string XbuttonName = "Fire1";
// other button names
string LeftStickHorizontalName = "Horizontal";
string LeftStickVerticalName = "Vertical";
//other axis names
First of all we’ll need the names of the input buttons and axis we’re going to read, for this example I’ve used a regular xbox controller. We’ll do this with the old unity input system, not the (currently) experimental one, so we’ll need a string name for it. If you’ve read my other tutorials you know I’ve a personal feud with strings, but this is one of the few cases you really have to use them: if you are building an input manager you don’t want to force whoever uses it to edit code just to rename an input field, so you really want to have that in the inspector, which means a serialized string. Notice that for thumbsticks we’ll need two axis per stick, so two thumbsticks means four axis.
public static InputManager instance;
InputManagerDIC inputDIC;
float triggerSensibility = 0.2f;
As for the other variables, the instance reference will be used to make this class a singleton, the inputDIC is needed to ask for the injection, and the trigger sensibility trashold will be used to get a button behaviour from an axis, because back in my days triggers were fucking buttons and I like it that way.
public delegate void buttonReaction();
public delegate void axisEffect(Vector2 axisVal);
Although we could make this all with predefined System Actions, I’d rather estabilish a more specific interface that reminds whoever writes the game logic code what is supposed to act as a button and what is supposed to act as an axis. It’s just a reminder, nothing more.
good old controller
good old controller
public static buttonReaction XbuttonPress = delegate () { };
//other press callbacks ...
public static buttonReaction XbuttonPressContinuous = delegate () { };
//other continuous callbacks
public static axisEffect leftStickEffect = delegate (Vector2 a) { };
public static axisEffect rightStickEffect = delegate (Vector2 a) { };
public static System.Action InputStartRead = delegate () { };
Each callback is initialized to an empty delegate because if for whatever reason we don’t want to use something, we don’t want a nullreference exception to pop out after the change.
Now, we can define a lot of callbacks for each Input since every button has four relevant conditions:
• just pressed
• pressed (continuously)
• just released
• released (continuously)
In this example I’ll use four buttons and the triggers and read only two condition for the buttons (just pressed and continuous press) and one for the triggers (continuous press), for each of the conditions I want to read I need to define a callback.
The same goes for what to do with thumbsticks, but in that case I just want to read a direction out of them and let the game logic interpret it.
The last callback isn’t really needed but for this tutorial I’ve also built a public repository where you can download a test scene and I need to clean the UI state at the beginning of every frame, so I want a callback for that too.
void Awake()
if (instance == null)
instance = this;
As I said before this is going to be a Singleton. And at the beginning of execution we want the DIC to inject his callbacks in the InputManager, so we’ll call his loading function here.
void Update()
if (Input.GetButtonDown(XbuttonName))
{ XbuttonPress(); }
//read other buttonDowns
if (Input.GetButton(XbuttonName))
{ XbuttonPressContinuous(); }
//read other buttons
if (Input.GetAxis(leftTriggerName) > triggerSensibility)
{ leftTriggerPressContinuous(); }
if (Input.GetAxis(rightTriggerName) > triggerSensibility)
{ rightTriggerPressContinuous(); }
leftStickEffect(new Vector2(Input.GetAxis(LeftStickHorizontalName), Input.GetAxis(LeftStickVerticalName)));
rightStickEffect(new Vector2(Input.GetAxis(RightStickHorizontalName), Input.GetAxis(RightStickVerticalName)));
And at last here’s the action. At first we call the “start reading” callback, then for each button we check the relevant states. Notice that for the trigger we read an axis input and only when it’s over the trashold we’ve set before we call a callback just as if it were a regular button. From the game logic standpoint that trigger will be undistinguishable from a button, it even uses the same delegate type for the callback. For the thumbsticks instead we’ll read the two axis in a single Vector2 variable and use that to call the appropriate axisEffect callback.
How about a UI class for testing this?
a really simple ui
a really simple ui
I’ve made it as basic as it gets, sorry but no fancy stuff here:
Toggle xButton;
//other toggles
Text rStick;
//other texts
For each button I’ll set a toggle on and off, while for the sticks I’ll show the direction in a text. All the references are passed with serialized fields in the inspector.
public void LogCallTLCont() { ShowLogButton(lTriggerButton, "TL Cont"); }
public void LogCallTRCont() { ShowLogButton(rTriggerButton, "TR Cont"); }
public void LogCallA() { ShowLogButton(aButton, "A "); }
public void LogCallB() { ShowLogButton(bButton, "B "); }
public void LogCallX() { ShowLogButton(xButton, "X "); }
public void LogCallY() { ShowLogButton(yButton, "Y "); }
public void LogCallACont() { ShowLogButton(aButton, "A Cont"); }
public void LogCallBCont() { ShowLogButton(bButton, "B Cont"); }
public void LogCallXCont() { ShowLogButton(xButton, "X Cont"); }
public void LogCallYCont() { ShowLogButton(yButton, "Y Cont"); }
public void LogCallL(Vector2 direction) { ShowLogAxis(lStick, "L stick with dir", direction); }
public void LogCallR(Vector2 direction) { ShowLogAxis(rStick, "R stick with dir", direction); }
void ShowLogButton(Toggle toggle, string text)
toggle.isOn = true;
void ShowLogAxis(Text field, string text, Vector2 direction)
field.text = direction.ToString();
Debug.Log(text + direction);
All the callbacks are actually using the same couple of functions, logging and setting an UI element each time. But who’s going to reset all those toggles when we didn’t read the button’s release? Our reset function of course:
public void ResetUI()
xButton.isOn = false;
yButton.isOn = false;
aButton.isOn = false;
bButton.isOn = false;
lTriggerButton.isOn = false;
rTriggerButton.isOn = false;
rStick.text =;
lStick.text =;
It’s Injection time
dependency injection input time
dependency injection input time
Also the DIC is really simple, all it does is to set the callbacks in the InputManager, so it only needs a load function and a field to specify from which class instance it should take the callbacks:
UserExample target;
public void LoadInputManager()
InputManager.XbuttonPress = target.LogCallX;
InputManager.YbuttonPress = target.LogCallY;
InputManager.AbuttonPress = target.LogCallA;
InputManager.BbuttonPress = target.LogCallB;
InputManager.XbuttonPressContinuous = target.LogCallXCont;
InputManager.YbuttonPressContinuous = target.LogCallYCont;
InputManager.AbuttonPressContinuous = target.LogCallACont;
InputManager.BbuttonPressContinuous = target.LogCallBCont;
InputManager.leftStickEffect = target.LogCallL;
InputManager.rightStickEffect = target.LogCallR;
InputManager.leftTriggerPressContinuous = target.LogCallTLCont;
InputManager.rightTriggerPressContinuous = target.LogCallTRCont;
InputManager.InputStartRead = target.ResetUI;
So, as you can see the InputManager has no dependecy towards the client class and the UserExample doesn’t even know that his functions are linked to an input. Any maintenance change on either class will stop here in the DIC and will be as trivial as just changing wich callback is assigned to what variable since that’s all that can happen here.
But what if I just changed Input Settings instead of doing all that?
That’s cool and that’s also the proper way to do it (until you are not porting from pc/console to mobile). Really, until you are not changing between radically different input sources in unity, you’re better off using Unity3d’s input system to remap controls and avoid changing code. I only used the Input management as the easiest-to-explain example, if one thinks this technique is just for that, he’s totally missing the point. This technique can (and according to some people should) be used for absolutely everything.
That’s all folks
Thanks for the read. This time no copy-paste, you get a repository with the whole project already set up and ready to use here. If you have any questions or comments please do express that either in the comments here or just hit me on twitter. And if you don’t want to lose my future stuff, consider my newsletter.
P.S.: I’m currently looking for a job, if you are interested take a look at my portfolio. | <urn:uuid:42dbbf37-bd70-40f8-a4fd-8ca39ec8097c> | 3 | 2.75 | 0.211256 | en | 0.804406 | http://brightreasongames.com/tag/design-pattern/ |
1. What is a non-compete?
1. Why do companies like using non-competes?
Employers may require non-competition agreements for a variety of reasons, including protection of trade secrets or goodwill. The fear is that when an employee resigns or is terminated the employee may start working for a competitor or start their own business by exploiting the information of their former employer’s operation. However, courts generally disapprove of non-competition agreements as limitations on a former employee’s right to earn a living.
1. Does every state enforce non-compete agreements?
The majority of U.S. states recognize and enforce various forms of non-compete agreements. However, some states – like California – ban non-competes except in limited circumstances. In order to be considered a valid non-compete agreement it must do three things. Be supported by consideration at the time it is signed; protect a legitimate business interest of the employer; and be reasonable in scope, geography, and time.
1. Is the employee compensated for the non-compete?
Generally, the employee must receive something of value in exchange for the promise to refrain from competition. However, if an employee signs a non-compete agreement at the beginning of employment the employment itself can be considered sufficient enough compensation for the non-compete.
1. What is the most important parts in a non-compete?
The three most important things in a non-compete are the duration, scope of employment, and the geographic radius of the agreement. For the most part, if any is found to be an unreasonable restriction, the agreement as a whole will be declared invalid.
1. What is duration? How long is reasonable duration for a non-compete?
Duration restrictions are how long it is until the contract expires. Michigan courts have not found non-compete durations in excess of three years to be reasonable, but the standard one year duration has been consistently deemed reasonable.
1. What is the scope of employment? What is reasonable for the scope of employment?
The scope of employment is how the employer has limited the employee’s ability to find work in similar fields. A reasonable non-compete may prohibit a former employee from working in a very specific subset of an industry, but a non-compete that prohibited a former employee from working for a competitor in any capacity, even in a position wholly unrelated to the employee’s former work, would be unreasonable.
1. What is geographic radius? How far can the distance be to be reasonable?
Geographic radius restrictions have to do with where the employee can be restricted from working. For instance, the agreement may specify a certain town or region where the employer does business. A non-compete agreement is unreasonable if it limits a former employee’s ability to work for too long over too large an area. A non-compete clause that prohibited competition over the entire nation would never be reasonable, but one that prohibited working for competitors in a radius of several miles around the employer’s place of business may be reasonable.
1. Can I get my agreement looked over by an attorney before I sign?
Typically employers will give you some time to consider an agreement before signing it. You may even be able to request from your employer some time to look it over. Some businesses even expect employees to do just this, and you are not risking anything by asking for the opportunity. | <urn:uuid:46de9ab9-7e59-48da-b0fc-b40918c67faa> | 2 | 1.984375 | 0.822988 | en | 0.959552 | http://bruchlawoffices.com/what-is-a-non-compete-agreement/ |
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Plague of Pollen Beetles
If you live downwind of an oilseed rape field, the chances are that you'll be well-acquainted with these tiny pollen beetles Meligethes aeneus., which are only a few millimetres long but take to the air in billions. When they emerge from pupae in the soil in spring they lay their eggs in flower buds of rapeseed flowers. When they're fully feed the grubs pupate in the soil then emerge in mid-July, in vast numbers. Blown downwind, that's when they descend on gardens, infesting flowers in their hunt for pollen. They've become a major pest of the oilseed rape crop and have now developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in many areas of Europe where the crop is grown.
They'll eat pollen wherever they can find it (the keel petals of sweet peas are a favourite destination in my garden), but are particularly attracted to yellow blooms, like this sow thistle...
... and this hawkweed....
... and this buttercup.
The only comfort is that they are probably a very useful food source for swallows, swifts and house martins which catch them in large numbers in flight.
1. They're also on my Shasta Daisies..... and the washing hanging on the line. :O)
2. These do seem to get everywhere don't they lol
That Sow Thistle has attracted them like a magnet.
3. I have noticed this year there does seem to be an explosion of these little beetles.
4. Hi Lesley, I've seen them on yellow cars too...
5. Hi Keith, I think they're a problem for people who cut flowers from a garden and bring them indoors. Beetles everywhere...
6. Hi Linda, they are becoming a major pest of oilseed rape crops everywhere | <urn:uuid:0188dbd7-95ce-43fa-92b1-53de72042294> | 2 | 2.484375 | 0.418517 | en | 0.961158 | http://cabinetofcuriosities-greenfingers.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/plague-of-pollen-beetles.html |
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
Bibi at the Barricade
Cal Thomas | Mar 03, 2015
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen at the Western Wall on January 22, 2013. ( Marc Israel Sellem/POOL/FLASH90)
The White House opposes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking to Congress, but not because the speech has political implications, coming as it does just two weeks before Israel's March 17election. If the administration truly had political concerns it would not have dispatched a team of Obama loyalists to Israel to help defeat Netanyahu.
No, many believe the real reason the administration opposes Netanyahu's speech is because he will tell the truth about Iran's nuclear threat and the administration wants to cover up what could ultimately become a very bad deal. Iran wants nuclear weapons. And yet the U.S. is promoting the fiction that despite past behavior and the apocalyptic statements by its leaders, Iran will agree to stop its nuclear program. It will not.
"Six powers -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany -- are negotiating with Iran toward an agreement to restrain Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for easing economic sanctions," writes Reuters. "Netanyahu has spoken scathingly about a possible deal and says a nuclear-armed Iran would pose an existential threat to the Jewish state." Netanyahu is right.
Iran cannot be trusted to honor any agreement. Iran wants to become a global player. It wants Israel gone. No agreement meant to hamper either goal will have any lasting effect.
Netanyahu's defiance of American dictates has precedence. On June 7, 1981, Prime Minister Menachem Begin ordered the destruction of the Iraqi Osirak reactor just before it would become operational. The attack occurred three weeks before Israel's June 30
election. There were the predictable denunciations from all quarters about how the attack would hurt the "peace process," which has never existed, but privately Reagan administration officials were said to have cheered Israel's actions.
President Obama and the State Department are on the wrong side of history and public opinion when it comes to Iran and the threat it poses to global stability. BloombergView.com cites a Paragon Insights poll conducted for The Israel Project, a pro-Israel group, which found that 51 percent disapprove of Obama's foreign policy, 41 percent approve. A wider margin -- 43 percent to 25 percent -- approve of Netanyahu speaking to Congress and 47 percent oppose the way the president has handled the Netanyahu address, Just 32 percent are in favor.
Other polls, including one by CNN/ORC, which Israel supporters say is flawed, found that 63 percent of those Americans surveyed were opposed to the Netanyahu visit.
It isn't just American public opinion that mostly opposes the president on Netanyahu and Iran. Pro-U.S. regimes in much of the Arab world understand the existential threat they face against a nuclear Iran. These nations -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt -- are regarded as apostates by Iran's theocratic rulers who view them as targets, not fellow Muslim neighbors, possibly because Iran has become the world's number one exporter of terrorism, including to these countries.
These nations are not convinced by the president's laughable contention that "the world is less violent than it has ever been." Compared to what? There are none so blind as those who will not see. The Obama administration should open its eyes to a world that is aflame.
President Obama's defenders say he, not Congress, should shape foreign policy, but that's not what the Constitution says. The State Department acknowledges: "The United States Constitution divides foreign policy powers between the President and the Congress so that both share in the making of foreign policy. The executive and legislative branches each play important roles that are different but that often overlap. Both branches have continuing opportunities to initiate and change foreign policy, and the interaction between them continues indefinitely throughout the life of a policy."
Former ABC newsman Ted Koppel once said: "Our society finds truth too strong a medicine to digest undiluted. In its purest form, truth is not a polite tap on the shoulder. It is a howling reproach."
Israel's prime minister should offer such a howling reproach to America's disastrous policy with Iran and the administration's failure to tell the truth about the threat should Iran go nuclear.
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Monday, January 28, 2013
Plant trees, disband the army, work together: the Tuscan way of escaping the growth trap
You probably know the story of the man who invented the game of chess. It is said that he presented the game to the king and that he asked in exchange a grain of rice on the first square of the board, two on the second, four on the third and so on, for all the 64 squares. The story says that the king agreed to the deal, only to find out, later on, that the amount of rice he was supposed to provide was gigantic, larger than the amount existing in the whole world.
The story doesn't say what happened at that point, but we may suppose that the king was not happy and that the inventor of the game received a reward much different than what he had asked for. So, we learn that growth is a trap and that doesn't apply just to grains of rice on a chessboard. It is always difficult to understand the consequences of exponential growth and everyone can fall in the trap; even whole civilizations. Today, we are still trying to go after the mythical "growth" that many think will magically solve all problems. Yet, many of us have this terrible feeling that it will be all useless and not just that. The feeling is that economic growth is taking us straight into the abyss.
So, is there a way to get free? We don't know what our destiny will be, but there have been examples of civilizations who managed a long term equilibrium. One is Japan of Edo times, another one is Tuscany after the Renaissance. There was a fateful moment in Tuscan history when people understood that the solution to the terrible times they were experiencing was not growth but adaptation. It came gradually, but we can identify the turning point with the rule of Grand Duke Ferdinando 1st, who put Tuscany on a path that in a personal interpretation of mine I can describe as, "plant trees, disband the army and work together". A path that led to a few centuries of peace (or at least without major wars) and to a moderate prosperity.
Tuscany: escaping the growth trap
Tuscany is a region of central Italy stuck between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a land of gentle hills and plains; of grain fields and of cypress trees, of farms and of walled cities. It has been like that from the time of the Etruscans, the first dwellers of the area and from whom the old name of Tuscia comes.
Even though small and relatively isolated, Tuscany came to play an important role in the world's history with the Renaissance; an age of poets, painters, sculptors, bankers, and explorers. For a while, the main city of Tuscany, Florence, was the center of the Western World; the place of the financial power, the center of commerce, the place where artists, literates, and professionals would go to learn their trade.
But the golden age of the Renaissance didn't last for long. Its peak times were maybe one or two centuries long. Then, with the 16th century, decline started. Plagues, famines, economic crisis, military invasions, gradually led Tuscany to become one of the poorest countries of Europe. Yet, population never collapsed and something survived of the old spirit of freedom and intellectual independence. In the early 17th century, Tuscany became a refuge for the Jews fleeing from persecution in Spain. Tuscany kept her universities and academies and, in 1786, it was the first European state to officially abolish torture and the death penalty. So, the Tuscan collapse was not total - it was managed; it was "soft" and not so disastrous as it could have been. How was it done? It is a long story that deserves to be told.
Growth and collapse in Tuscany
Emerging out of the terrible times of the Great Plague, in 14th century, Tuscany's agriculture was able to create the resources needed to restart population growth and to embark in that age of economic growth and of great artistic accomplishments that we call "Renaissance." But nothing can grow forever: a growing population meant that more and more land was needed to feed it, and that could be obtained only by clearing forests. That, in turn opened the way to erosion. And erosion destroys the fertile soil that supports agriculture.
Still today, you can see how bad the erosion problem was during those times by looking at the city of Pisa. Today, it is an inland city but, during the Middle Ages, it had been a thriving harbor. It is reported that, already in the 15th century, Pisa’s harbor had been silting because of sediments carried by the Arno River. In the 17th century, silting became so serious that the harbor had to be abandoned. The sediments that destroyed the harbor of Pisa were the rich soil that had once supported Tuscan agriculture and, with it, the Tuscan population.
With the decline of agriculture, the Tuscan economic system started imploding; commerce and industry could not survive without food. Famines became common. The proud citizens of Florence, the city that had been called the “New Athens," started going hungry. According to a chronicler, in 1590 Florentines were reduced to eat a kind of bread that “in older times would have been given to dogs, and perhaps dogs would have refused it."
The Tuscan cities declined also in terms of military strength and the once free cities of Tuscany fell one by one to foreign invaders. The republic of Florence fell to the Spanish Imperial Armies in 1530. The republic of Siena fell to the combined armies of Spain and of the Florentine Medici in 1555. Afterwards, Tuscany became a province of the Spanish Empire, although still maintaining some degree of independence.
Plant trees, disband the army, work together
From the beginning, the Grand Dukes who ruled first Florence and then the whole Tuscany were turning their attention inward, to the management of the Tuscan territory. Already in 1559, at the time of Cosimo 1st of the Medici family, Tuscany had started a policy of protection of agriculture with a severe law that forbade cutting trees in the Appennino mountains, even on pain of death! That policy was continued by later rulers and Grand-Duke Ferdinando 1st was probably the turning point in abandoning all dreams of growth and expansion.
The monument to Ferdinando 1st (1549-1609), Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1587 to 1609. He was perhaps the first Tuscan ruler to recognize the end of growth times
Ferdinando ruled Tuscany from 1587 until his death in 1609. He was fond of saying that he ruled not by force but by "dignity only"; as his motto in Latin said: "maiestate tantum." He did a lot for agriculture, among other things enacting laws that reduced the tax burden on farmers. He went some steps further and he spoke of Tuscans as “worker bees" (“api operose") meaning that they had to work hard all together. Here is the symbol of the working bees in a bronze plate on Ferdinando's monument in Florence.
The “Working Bees", (“Api Operose") symbol of Ferdinando 1st. Image on the monument in Piazza SS. Annunziata, Firenze.
Some warlike spirit remained in Tuscany during Ferdinando's rule and that led to skirmishes with the Turkish Empire. But, on the whole, this age was the start of a period of careful management of the territory, of reducing military expenses, of seeking for social harmony and justice. We could define this policy as "plant trees, disband the army, work together", even though Ferdinando himself never used these terms.
The Dukes who followed Ferdinando 1st, continued this policy. Agriculture remained a focus of the policy of the government. The laws protecting trees were maintained and expanded and, in 1753, Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo created the “Georgofili" academy with the specific task of promoting agriculture. The academy still exists today and its motto is “For the sake of public prosperity."
The symbol of the Georgofili Academy established in Florence in 1753. The writing says “Prosperitati Publicae Augendae" (“In favor of public prosperity")
The Tuscan government also progressively reduced military expenses. The navy had basically ceased to exist with the first years of the 18th century and the army created by the Medici family was progressively reduced in strength until it was formally disbanded in 1753 by Grand Duke Francesco Stefano. New kinds of armies were created in later times but, basically, Tuscany just couldn’t afford war. Often, her borders had to be opened to invaders; it caused less harm than fighting them. Tuscany underwent a good number of invasions but, on the whole, these wars never brought great destruction. After the fall of Siena, in 1555, Tuscany didn’t see one of her cities besieged and bombarded until 1944, almost four centuries later.
It took time but, eventually, these policies had their effects on reducing the severity of the decline and of bringing Tuscany back from collapse. From the 18th century onward, agriculture managed a comeback. Famines didn’t disappear but could be contained while commerce and industry restarted with a new network of riverways and roads.
Not everything was perfect during this period. One problem was that Tuscany never really succeeded in stabilizing population, which slowly grew from less than half a million in 15th century to more than a million in 18th century. As a consequence, there remained a strong pressure to find new land for agriculture. So, the rules that protected trees were relaxed more than once. It is reported that, in 1780, a group of woodcutters fell on their knees in front of Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, pleading hunger. This resulted in a decree liberalizing tree cutting. But the mountains were reforested and the policies of protecting agriculture maintained.
Our times
With the 19th century, Tuscany merged with the newly created Italian state and the industrial revolution generated a new phase of rapid population growth and economic expansion. With the improvement of the transportation network and the development of railroads, famines became a thing of the past. The last recorded one in Tuscany was in 1898-1899. Forest suffered during this period of expansion; nevertheless, today Tuscany remains one of the most forested regions of Italy, a legacy of the policy of the old Grand-Dukes.
But times have changed and the latest wave of building frenzy seems to be transforming some of the once fertile areas of Tuscany into areas that look like suburbs of Los Angeles. With a population four times larger than it was at the time of the famines and with climate change and the oil crisis looming, Tuscany is facing difficult times. But we have a tradition of caring for the land that has helped us in the past. It will help us also in the uncertain future.
Can Tuscany be seen as a model of “soft collapse" for other regions of the world? Perhaps; at least it gives us a recipe that worked from the time of Grand Dukes: "plant trees, disband the army, work together. It is not exactly what we are doing right now, but we may learn.
This is a revised version of a post published in 2006 on the blog "Transition Culture.It was one my first posts in English and, some years later, I think it is appropriate to repost it on "Cassandra's legacy" with some modifications and corrections. I am grateful to Susan Kucera for leading me to return to this subject and for suggesting to me the analogy with the "grains on the chessboard" story .
Most of the data that I report about Tuscan agriculture in ancient times come from the book "ALPI" by Matteo Biffi Tolomei published for the first time in the early 1800s and re-published in 2004 with a post-faction by Fabio Clauser. (Libreria Editrice Fiorentina)
Data on the history of the Tuscan army at the time of the Grand Dukes are also not so easy to find, but a description can be found in "Corpi armati e ordine pubblico in Italia (XVI-XIX sec.)": Seminario di studi, Castello Visconti di San Vito, Somma Lombardo, 10-11 novembre 2000 Livio Antonielli, Claudio Donati Rubbettino Editore, 2003. For a history of the Tuscan Navy, see the relative article in Wikipedia
Data on the population of Tuscany from Middle Ages to present times can be found in the paper (in Italian) by Marco Breschi and Paolo Malanima, ""Demografia e Economia in Toscana"
A list of famines in Tuscany up to 1736 can be found in this document, by the Georgofili Academy. There aren't many data available about the famine of 1898-99 that affected all Italy and that was, probably, the last recorded famine in the country. A description can be found in this document (in Italian)
The site of the Georgofili academy.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Ugo Bardi speaks about limits to growth
This is the video record of the talk on resource depletion I gave in the University of Bielefeld, Germany, in November of 2012. It is almost one hour and a half long, so I am not sure that anyone would really want to watch it. In any case, if you are interested in the subject, you may try.
The gist of the talk, anyway, is that depletion is not an isolated problem. Minerals are part of the geological cycles of the Earth. When we extract a mineral and we disperse it all over the ecosystem we cause changes of all kinds, besides the obvious fact that we use non renewable resources. So, for instance, when we extract fossil fuels we alter the climate. The two problems: fossil fuel depletion and climate change are two sides of the same coin. And that is true of all the minerals we use - in most cases depletion is just one side of a larger problem.
Thanks to professor Marcus Kracht for having organized this presentation in Bielefeld.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The story of the E-Cat, the "cold fusion" device proposed by Mr. Andrea Rossi seems to be losing interest everywhere. Yesterday, Jan 14, another of Rossi's supporters, Mr. Daniele Passerini, announced that he is abandoning the fray and closing down his blog, at least for the time being.
Mr Passerini's blog, titled "22 steps of love" has been the main focus of support for the E-Cat in Italy up to now. He says in his last post, titled "ad maiora" that "Some time ago, I wrote that, after that two years would have passed from the date of January 14 2011, I would quit in any case in the absence of official and certain announcements on the reality of the E-Cat." Passerini states that he will be waiting patiently and "will return when the news that we have been waiting for during the past two years will arrive"
The closing of Mr. Passerini's blog comes after that, in November of last year, another of Mr. Rossi's supporters, Mr. Paul Story of "eCatNews" declared that he would close his blog because, "with scant hope of Rossi delivering on his promises, I find myself wondering why I would waste any more time on him. If he is committing fraud, he should be pursued by the police. Interest in the man or the subject is now relegated to the level of curiosity, not dedication."
Earlier on, in April 2012, Mr. Sterling Allen of the blog PESN (Pure Energy Systems) had been appalled at Rossi's behavior and had stated, "I apologize to anyone that I've encouraged to try and do business with Andrea Rossi, and I retract my endorsement" even though he later continued to cover announcements about the E-Cat. (*)
The supporters of the E-Cat are still numerous and the marketing techniques of Mr. Rossi have generated a remarkable number of imitators. So, what we are seeing is not likely to be the end of the story. However, these defections are a clear symptom that the interest in the E-Cat is winding down. After two years of impossible claims, missed demonstrations, broken promises, and unverifiable endorsements, no other outcome was possible.
(*)Mr. Sterling Allen commented on this post stating that "But a few months after that I felt he (Rossi) was back on a better track, and worth giving my confidence in again... Though I don't know for sure, I have a high extent of confidence in Rossi and his group.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Can we trust the reporting of environmental issues by the mainstream media?
Guest Post by Max Iacono:
Among the various lessons we learned in 2012 there is also whether or not the so-called “mainstream media” really can be trusted to tell the truth about environmental issues. Or can it be trusted to do just the opposite, and in various diverse and difficult to detect ways?
This additional “lesson to be learned” is in fact the subject of an entire excellent –and also recently published book by the title “Project Censored 2013”, which describes quite well many of the important issues which the mainstream media has mostly (or fully) censored, or completely misled us about, over this past year or so.
The book is available on Amazon in both Kindle and hard copy versions. I recently purchased it and have been reading it. I thought the Foreword by Dr. Nafeez Mosssadeq Ahmed was particularly clear and convincing and nicely summed up the current situation with respect to mainstream media censorship of “inconvenient topics” and in particular those which are of interest and concern to Cassandra Legacy readers and that deal with the environment and its various aspects. And also with Al Gore’s extremely “inconvenient truth” which is becoming more and more inconvenient by the day to some, but much more convenient to the millions or even billions of people who think something should be done urgently about climate change. Some have said that the ratio of persons on one side to those on the other is 1 to 99 (or 99 to 1) but I will leave that particular quantitative aspect aside for the time being.
The book –and this particular post which tries to give an idea of what the book is about - also offers an additional perspective or amicable warning to us all regarding the ubiquitous “mainstream media” - is also a kind of logical follow-on to my own earlier post on Cassandra Legacy by the title “Limits to Growth” : An Alternative History
In that post I tried to argue that the old book Limits to Growth (first published in 1972) might have been better received -or at least less poorly received and less “demonized”- if it had taken into account in its World Model (or at least had done so qualitatively, separately) not only the variables which it did consider and model –namely a series of economic, industrial, resources, pollution, and demographic variables all in interaction within its dynamic systems model-, but also selected variables of culture, identity, politics, political science, political economy, societal institutions, and ideology.
This second set of variables I believe were those that had caused the book to be “demonized” once its central message that there are limits to growth and that “economic growth forever” is not possible on a finite planet, clearly came up against them, in the so called real (social) world. That is, “the real world” of business, politics, economics, religions, and their various academic disciplines and professions, and up against their many representatives and advocates. And this also since to many who are active in those disciplines and professions apparently the “real world of physics, chemistry and biology” (and ecology) regrettably is either considered to be “pretty unreal” or is secondary, or at least is not particularly worthy of much serious or top priority policy consideration. And of course one very important player in that broad social context -and one which also significantly influences and affects all the rest- is the so-called mainstream (or corporate) media in all of its forms. That is, mainstream –and generally corporate-owned, newspapers, magazines, TV channels, radio, and etc. etc. including also some Internet media.
Did the mainstream media “inform” the wider public, or did it misinform, or “dis-inform and mislead” the public with respect to the book Limits to Growth? And even more significant at this specific time, is it informing or dis-informing right now with respect to the ongoing and continuing significant range of serious environmental problems, topics and issues? And in particular with respect to climate change, peak oil, limits to growth and other particularly important environmental topics and issues such as Arctic methane, ocean acidification, Arctic and Antarctic ice melt, diminishing or dwindling fish stocks, biodiversity and habitat loss, ongoing deforestation, advancing desertification, and several others. The reader can make up her / his own mind about that, but I would like to offer the following for consideration:
First, below follows a list of the titles of the 15 chapters of the book Project Censored 2013 which provides a pretty good idea of what topics those who wrote or compiled the book –and there were many contributing chapter authors- think the mainstream media has either censored or lied to us (the wider public) about. And, moreover, most often in quite clever and deceptive ways which are very difficult to detect, pick up and deconstruct. And for those who may be interested in reviewing some of the specific ways and techniques through which the mainstream media (in this specific instance Fox News Channel) (but they are by no means the only ones) lies to us and tries to deceive us, they can read the following very good article which summarizes their top 14 techniques: “Fourteen Propaganda Techniques Fox “News” Uses to Brainwash Americans
Some of the topics and book sections in “Project Censored 2013” deal with some of the main issues treated by Cassandra Legacy -namely climate change, peak oil and limits to growth- and some deal instead with other issues related to politics, democracy, and U.S. foreign and domestic policy, which often are equally censored or lied about. And if one reads the book one might also consider quite apt an alternative possible title for the book that I came up with myself (only in “jest”) and namely:
“Project Dissembled, Denied, Distorted, Delayed, Deleted, Deflected and Deceived
About by the Mainstream Media”, or perhaps more succinctly and humorously simply “Mainstream Media Project-7D”. In any case, here is the list of the book’s chapters:
1. “The top 25 Censored Stories from 2011-2012 and Censored News. Clusters:
i) The Police State and Civil Liberties
ii) From “Bankster Bailout” to “Blessed Unrest”: News we can use to create a US economy for the 99 percent
iii) Environment and Health
iv) Human Costs of War and Violence
v) Women and Gender, Race and Ethnicity
2. Déjà vu: What happened to previous censored stories?
3. American Idle: Junk Food News, News Abuse, and the Voice of Freedumb
4. Media Democracy in Action
5. Ownership Backfires: A Taxonomy of Concepts Related to Censorship
6. The Global 1 Percent Ruling Class Exposed
7. The Information War: How Government is Seeking Total Information Awareness and What This Portends for Freedom and Democracy
8. GerM Warfare: How to Reclaim the Education Debate from Corporate Occupation
9. Kent State: Was it about Civil Rights or Murdering Student Protesters?
10. The Creative Tension of the Emerging Future: Facing the Seven Challenges of Humanity
11. Guantanamospeak and the Manufacture of Consent
12. Framing Al-Awlaki: How Government Officials and Corporate Media Legitimised a Targeted Killing
13. A Morally Disengaged America: Sacrificing Iraqi Refugees to Terrorism Fears and Anti-Immigration
14. On the Road to Fukushima: The Unreported Story Behind Japan’s Nuclear-Media-Industrial Complex
15. An Occupation of Truth: Indian Administered Kashmir”
As a conclusion, below I add a quote containing several specific examples regarding the recent treatment by the mainstream media of peak oil and climate change –including also what Dr. Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed says about each- in his excellent foreword to the book.
At a time when the world faces tipping points in the escalation of multiple crises, the publication of this volume is of momentous significance.
As I write, a sampling of the latest “mainstream” corporate news illustrates the unprecedented nature of our current predicament as a civilization. The bizarre and extreme weather of the early United States summer prompted one leading climate scientist to state boldly that we are “certainly seeing climate change in action,” as a window on a worsening future. Record-shattering heat waves, wildfires, and freak storms are a taste of things to come – “This is just the beginning” said one meteorologist.
Simultaneously, the International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecast for the US economy, warning that the ongoing Eurozone crisis, along with the weak housing market, risks triggering a recession by 2013 while the jobless rate morphs into “higher structural unemployment”.
As the defunct neoliberal model of casino capitalism wreaks havoc at home, it is doing the same abroad. Global food prices doubled between 2006 and 2008, and despite some fluctuation, remain largely at record levels. One of the key causes has been speculation in derivatives –thirteen trillion dollars was invested in food commodities in 2006, then pulled out in 2008, and then reinvested again by 2011. The rocketing food prices for the global poor have generated an unprecedented global food crisis across the developing world
But another driver of the food crisis is climate change, which has already led to crop failures in key food basket regions. This is only going to get worse on a business-as-usual model, which could lead to a minimum 4 degrees Celsius rise by mid-century. Even a 2-degree rise could lead to a minimum 4 degrees Celsius rise by mid-century. Even a 2-degreee rise would lead to dramatic crop failures and soaring meat prices; at 4 degrees Celsius, rice crops could be reduced by about 30 percent, leading to global food shortages and hunger.
Amid this escalating frenzy of perfect storms, however, over the last year the corporate media has focused on one apparent light at the end of the tunnel: unconventional oil and gas. “Has Oil Peaked? Read one headline in the Wall Street Journal. Across the pond, BBC News asked, “Shortages: Is ‘Peak Oil’ Idea Dead?” Environmentalists have also jumped on the bandwagon. Andrew C. Revkin in the New York Times took “A Fresh Look at Oil’s Long Goodbye, while George Monbiot wrote in the Guardian that “We Were Wrong on Peak Oil. There’s Enough to Fry Us All”
The essence of this uniform message is that the new drilling methods – like hydraulic fracturing, i.e. “fracking” among others- have allowed the fossil fuel industry to exploit previously untapped reserves of tar sands, oil shale, and shale gas, bringing them to market at much cheaper prices than hitherto imaginable, and effectively turning the US from net oil importer into a leading exporter.
But it should come as no great surprise to Project Censored readers that, once again, the corporate news media has obfuscated the facts. The latest figures from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirm that the supposedly massive boost in unconventional oil production that is pitched to launch the world into a glorious future of petroleum abundance – capable of sustaining the wonders of capitalist economic growth ad infinitum – has had negligible impact on world oil production. On the contrary, despite the US producing a “total oil supply” of ten million barrels per day – up by 2.1 million since January 2005 – world crude oil production remains on the largely flat, undulating plateau it has been on since it stopped rising around that very year. As reported by oil markets journalist Gregor Macdonald, who has previously reported for the Financial Times and Harvard Business Review, among other publications:
Since 2005, despite a phase transition in prices, global oil production has been trapped below a ceiling of 74 mmbpd (million barrels per day). New production from new fields and new discoveries comes on line, but it has not been at a rate fast enough to overcome declines from existing fields. Overall, global decline has been estimated at a minimum of 4% per year and as high as 6+% pa year. Given that new oil resources are developed and flow at much slower rates, the existing declines present a formidable challenge to the task of increasing supply I see no set of factors, in combination that would take global production of crude oil higher in 2012, or next year, or thereafter.
Yet this stark fact has not been reported in any mass media news outlet whatsoever, anywhere in the world. Indeed, Macdonald points out that data from British Petroleum’s Statistical Review of World Energy shows that oil’s heyday is well and truly in decline. In 1973, oil as a percentage of global energy use had peaked at around 48.5 percent. Forty years later, “oil is barely hanging on as a the world’s primary energy source, with a much reduced role as a supplier of only 33.5% of all world energy consumption.”
The disparity in reporting is instructive. In June 2012, the corporate media focus on the unconventional oil boom revolved around one study in particular by oil company executive Leonardo Maugeri – former executive vice president of Italian oil major ENI. The report was not peer-reviewed but as published at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs by the Geopolitics of Energy Project, “which is supported in part by a general grant from the (same) oil major (i.e. ENI),” conceded the WSJ. Hardly an impartial perspective, then.
Meanwhile, a series of peer-reviewed reports by independent scientists published in highly reputable science journals from January through to June 2012 – Science, Nature, and Energy – have been blacked out in corporate news reporting. In Energy Gail Tverberg documented that since 2005, “world oil supply has not increased”, that this was “a primary cause of the 2008-2009 recession,” and that the “expected impact of reduced oil supply” will mean the “financial crisis may eventually worsen.” An even more damning analysis was published in Nature by James Murray and Sir David King, the latter being the British government’s former chief scientific adviser. Murray and King’s analysis found that despite reported increases in oil reserves, tar sands production, and hydrofracturing-generated natural gas, depletion of the world’s existing fields is still running at 4.5 percent to 6.7 percent per year, and production at shale gas wells could drop by as much as 60 to 90 percent in the first year of operation
Curiously forgotten in the spate of reporting on the opportunities opened up by fracking is a New York Times investigation from 2011, which found that “the gas may not be as easy and cheap to extract from shale formations deep underground as the companies are saying, according to hundreds of industry e-mails and internal documents and an analysis of data from thousands of wells.” The e-mail revealed industry executives, lawyers, state geologists, and market analysts voicing “skepticism about lofty forecasts” and questioning “whether companies are intentionally, and even illegally, overstating the productivity of their wells and the size of their reserves.” A year later, it seems, such revelations were merely destined for their memory hole”
Following the above opening section the Foreword to the book goes on to describe additional examples and also the role which a book such as “Project Censored 2013” can play in at least exposing the disinformation or the non-information so often “put out” or censored by the mainstream media. Which is something it often does instead of putting forward real facts and truthful stories and their respective most plausible and most sensible overall descriptive or explanatory or prescriptive narratives, which could help tie together and integrate i.e. “connect the dots” regarding the important evidence and facts, and thereby also support and be able to provide significant help to those who are concerned and are trying to do something about the issues….through their various ongoing struggles. And I say “ongoing” because the key issues and problems (already listed above) are certainly NOT going to go away in 2013. So we had better be ready also for the long haul and will need all of the intellectual and other help we can get. And having access to accurate, reliable and valid information is of course quintessential, just as it is quintessential for democracy itself to function properly.
But I am not a “conspiracy theorist” and moreover nothing is black and white. Is all of the “mainstream media” and its countless writers and protagonists equally bad and misleading or is it always omitting important stories, and is it bad and lying all of the time and in every instance? And is everything which is reported in the “non-mainstream” media always factual, truthful and correct? And although “exceptions often prove the rule” there remains always, and in any case, a key element of personal responsibility to try to figure out what actually is true or false and what is just or fair or not, and which narratives and story-lines make the most sense and which do not. So it is probably also useful to try to consult multiple sources even if perhaps only one among the many later will be shown to have contained the facts and have been correct. Also remembering of course that a lie or a deception repeated fifty times, is still a lie. But I think it can be of great “ex ante” “heuristic help” when navigating the information territory to know at least generally speaking who one’s friends are -and whether they are only “fair weather” friends and NOT also “fair climate” friends- and who instead are the self-serving liars and the promulgators of assorted exercises in deception, i.e. “the spin starts here” sorts of people.
Friday, January 4, 2013
A New Year's tale
In 1960, Vladimir Dudintsev (1918-1998) published a short novel titled "A New Year's tale." This story greatly impressed me when I read it, many years ago, in an Italian translation in a collection titled "Russian Science Fiction"
Some 50 years ago, I received as a Christmas present a book titled "Russian Science Fiction." All the stories in that book made a deep impression on me, but there was one that has remained in my mind more than the others; a curious story titled "A New Year's Tale".
I was, maybe, 12 at that time and, of course, I couldn't understand everything of that story and I didn't pay attention to the name of the author. But, as time went by, I didn't forget it; rather, it became entrenched in my mind, progressively acquiring more meaning and more importance. I reread it not long ago, and it came back to my mind during a recent trip to Russia. So, let me tell you this story as I remember it.
"A New Year's Tale" tells of one year of life of the protagonist, a researcher in a scientific laboratory somewhere in the Soviet Union. Dudintsev manages to tell the story without ever giving specific details about anything: no place names, no names of the characters, not even of the protagonist. It is a feat of literary virtuosity; it gives to the story an atmosphere of fairy tale but, at the same time, it is very, very specific.
It took me time before I could understand the hints that Dudintsev gives all over the text, but after many trips to Russia everything fell in place. It is curious how Dudintsev managed to catch so well the atmosphere of a research lab in the Soviet Union; he was not a scientific researcher. But that's what makes a great story teller, after all: understanding what one is describing - and feeling something for it.
The story starts with a debate - rather, a quarrel - that the protagonist has with someone termed "a provincial academic" (of course, we are not told his name). This provincial academic should be nothing more than a nuisance, but the protagonist can't stop from engaging in the debate. He understands that he is losing time, that he should be doing something more useful, more important. But he just can't sit down and do his job.
While the protagonist is entangled in this useless quarrel, the chief of the laboratory (again, we are not told his name) dabbles in archeology and one day he tells his coworkers of a research of his somewhere in the Caucasus, where they found an ancient tomb. There was an owl engraved on the tombstone and an inscription that they could decipher. It says "...and the years of his life were 900...."
Now, what could that mean? Could the man buried there have lived 900 years? No, of course not. But then, what does the inscription mean? Well, someone says, that must mean that this man spent his life so well and so fully that it was like his years had been 900.
The discussion goes on. What does it mean to live such a full life? The researchers try to find an answer but, at some moment, they hear the voice of someone who usually keeps silent at these reunions. We are told that he is from far away, not Russian, that is. We can imagine that this man doesn't have a Russian name, but we are not told names. So, he is an outsider and he comes with a completely different viewpoint; let me call him "the foreign scientist" even though in the old Soviet Union, theoretically, there was no such distinction. "You see, comrades," he says, "it is very simple. To live a full life, you must always choose the greatest satisfactions, the highest joys you can find."
At this point, we hear the voice of the political commissioner of the lab. Apparently, there was usually someone in scientific academies in the Soviet Union who was in charge of making sure that Soviet Scientists would not fall into doing decadent capitalist science. So, he stands up and he tells the foreign scientist, "Well, comrade, don't you think one should also work for the people or something like that?" And the foreign scientist answers, "You are so backward, comrade. Don't you understand? The greatest satisfaction, the highest joy one can have in life is exactly that: working for the people!"
After that the discussion is over, the protagonist of the story reflects on the words of the foreign scientist and he resolves to start doing something serious in his life. He decides to start doing experiments, advance his theory. We are not told exactly what he is doing, but we understand that he is working on something important; a great discovery that has to do with capturing and storing solar light. And he manages to work on that for some time. Then, his colleagues bring to him another paper written by his provincial antagonist. So, he feels he has to answer that, and then the provincial academician responds.... and the protagonist finds himself entangled again into this argument that he can't abandon.
Things are back to the silly normalcy of before, but then something happens. The protagonist finds that he is being stalked. Someone, or something, is following him all the time. When he sees it in full he discovers that it is an owl. A giant owl, almost as big as a man, looking at him. He thinks it is a hallucination, which of course it must be. But he keeps seeing this owl over and over.
So, the protagonist goes to see a doctor and the doctor asks him what made him come there. "An owl" he says, and the doctor pales. After a thorough physical examination the doctor tells him: "you have one year to live, more or less." We are not told of what specific sickness the protagonist suffers. He asks, "but why the owl?" And the doctor answers, "we are studying that. You are not the only one. The owl is a symptom." Then, the doctor looks at the protagonist straight in his eyes and he says, "I can tell you something. Those who see the owl, have a chance to be saved."
In the meantime, there had been a long discussion between the protagonist and the foreign scientist, the one who had so well silenced the political commissioner. So, the foreign scientist had told to the protagonist his story, obliquely, yes, but clearly understandable. His fellow countrymen had not liked the idea that he had left the country to become a scientist. They are described as gangsters and criminals, but we have a feeling that there was something more at stake than just petty crimes. This man had made a choice and that had meant to make a clean break from his country and his culture; it had meant to accept the new Soviet Communist society. Now, he was spending his time in this new world trying to get his "greatest satisfactions and highest joys" by working for the people. And, because of that, his former countrymen had condemned him to death. So, he had changed his name and his identity, and he had even surgically changed his face to become unrecognizable. But he knew that "they" were looking for him and they would find him at some moment.
So, the destiny of the protagonist and of the foreign scientist are somehow parallel, they both have a limited time. After having seen the doctor, the protagonist understands the situation and he rushes to search for the foreign scientist. They can work together, they can join forces, in this way, maybe they can.... but in horror he discovers that the scientist has been killed.
In panic, the protagonist desperately looks for the notes he had collected over the years. But the cleaning lady tells him that she had used them to start the fire in the stove. She had no idea that they could have been important. The protagonist feels like he is walking in a nightmare. Just one year and he has lost his notes. He starts from scratch.... his great discovery.... how can he do? Yet, he decides to try.
He becomes absorbed in his work. He works harder and harder. Staying in the lab night and day and, when he goes home, he keeps working. His colleagues note the change; they are surprised that he doesn't react any more to the attacks of the provincial academician, but he doesn't care (which is, by the way, a good lesson on how to handle Internet flames). He still sees the owl; always bigger and coming closer to him, the owl has become something of a familiar creature, almost a friend.
Then, someone appears. It is a woman with well formed shoulders (of course, we are not told her name!). The protagonist recognizes her. It is not the first time he has seen her. He remembers having seen her with the now dead foreign Scientist.
The protagonist has no time for a love story. He has to work. He tries to ignore the woman but he is also attracted to her. He can concede her just a few words. Ten minutes, maybe. So they talk and the woman tells him. "It is you, I recognize you! You can't fool me!" The protagonist remembers something that the foreign scientist had told him; that he had his face surgically changed to escape from his enemies. Now, this woman thinks that the protagonist is really her former lover, who changed again face and appearance and didn't tell that not even to her.
The protagonist tries to deny that he is the former lover of the woman but, curiously, he doesn't succeed, not even to himself. In a way, he becomes the other, acting like him in his complete immersion in his work. The protagonist discovers that the foreign scientist had assembled a complete laboratory at home, much better than the lab at the academy. So he moves there, with the woman with the well formed shoulders (and the owl comes, too, perching on a branch just outside the window). Then, the protagonist even discovers that the foreign scientist was secretly copying his notes and he gave them to the woman, who has kept them for him. With these notes, he can gain months of work. Maybe he can make it in one year, maybe.....
The last part of the story goes on at a feverish pace. The protagonist becomes sicker and sicker; to the point that he has to stay in bed and it is the woman with the well formed shoulders who takes up the work in the lab. And the owl perches on the bed head. But they manage to get some important results and that's enough to catch the attention of the lab boss. He orders to everyone in the lab to come there and help the protagonist (and the woman with the well formed shoulders) to move on with the experiments.
In the final scene, the year has ended and we see the protagonist in bed, dying. But his colleagues show him the results of the experiment: something so bright, so beautiful; we are not told exactly what: anyway it is a way to catch sunlight in a compact form: a new form of energy, a new understanding of the working of the sun - we don't know, but it is something fantastic. Even the owl looks at that thing, curious. The protagonist hears the sound of bells from the window. A new year is starting. We are not told whether he lives or not, but in any case it is a new beginning and, whatever it happens, they'll tell of him that the years of his life had been 900.
And here we are. You see, it is a magic story. It keeps your attention; you want to know if the protagonist lives or not and you want to know if he manages to make his great discovery. But it is also the story of the life and of the mind of scientists that I think you can't find anywhere else in novels or short stories. It is curious that Dudintsev did so well because, as I said, he wasn't a scientist; he was a literate. But he managed to catch so incredibly well the life of a scientist - of a scientist working in the Soviet Union, yes, but not just that. Dudintsev's portrait of science and scientists goes beyond the quirks of the old Soviet world.
Yes, in Soviet science there were things that look strange for us, such having a political commissioner in the lab to watch what scientists are doing. But that's just a minor feature and today we have plenty of different constraints on what we do that don't involve a dumb political commissioner. The point is that scientists often work as if their life were to last just one year; at least during the productive time of their life; when they are trying to compress each year as if it were to be 900 years long. It is their lot: the search for the discovery, being so deeply absorbed in their work, being remote from everyone else; obsessed with owls that they alone can see.
And yet, Dudintsev's story is so universal that it goes beyond the peculiar mind of scientists. It is the story of all men, all over the world, of what we do and how we spend our life. And the key of the story is the woman with the well formed shoulders. She recognizes her former lover in the protagonist, or she feigns to recognize him. It is him or it is not him - it doesn't matter, but her devotion to her man is so touching: you perceive true love in this attitude. In the end, that's the key of the whole story: whatever we do in life, we do it for those we love.
Some of us are scientists, some aren't. But it is not a bad advice to live your life as if you wanted each year to be 900 years long. And every new year is a new beginning.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
What future for petroleum?
by Marco Pagani
x y
Crude oil 20 0,95
To be developed 5 0,80
To be discovered 3 0,67
LNG 5 0,80
Non conventional oil 2 0,50
Shale Oil 2 0,50
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
The cracked pot: a little hope for 2013
Painting by Giovanni Segantini (1858-1899)
The old story of the cracked pot explains the basic mechanism of the universe. The continuous spilling of energy from one energy level to another is the true engine of creation that generates those structures that we call "life". Real perfection, apparently, lies in a little imperfection.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
h/t "Attack on Earth"
| <urn:uuid:daf5bf86-9a81-4bd6-ac89-ff22946d5596> | 2 | 1.960938 | 0.02193 | en | 0.96934 | http://cassandralegacy.blogspot.ru/2013/01/ |
What is Clostridium Botulinum?
Clostridium Botulinum
For those of us born before the technological age, our childhoods would probably have involved playing outside for much of the time, making our own entertainment. For many, playing in the mud and dirt was a great pastime. You might be one of those that made mud pies and got absolutely filthy, to the despair of your parents. Some children actually proceeded to tuck into said mud pies but have turned out just fine. Little did we know, however, that something pretty sinister was lurking in the very same soil from which we were making our mud pies.
Sources, Causes and Symptoms
Clostridium botulinum is bacteria which is present in untreated water, soil and dust all over the world and can also be found on a number of food items, for example, anything which has been grown in soil may have had contact with the bacteria. The bacteria in its natural state is not harmful but, as an ‘obligate anaerobe’, if it is deprived of oxygen, its spores start to produce toxins which can, in very rare cases, be fatal. It is no exaggeration to say that it is probably the most dangerous of food borne illnesses that can be contracted. The toxins attack the nervous system, disabling the neurotransmitters which carry instructions from the brain to our muscles, thus causing paralysis. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, double vision, drooping eyelids and paralysis amongst others. It can be treated with antitoxins which prevent the toxins from travelling round the body so an immediate visit to the doctor or hospital is absolutely imperative.
Foodborne botulism is generally contracted from canned foods which have not been processed correctly at source. In food in canned form, the bacteria are deprived of oxygen and toxins develop so that, when consumed, the illness strikes. In the UK, hygiene regulations are very strict so food being processed incorrectly is a real rarity. Canned food is subject to intense heating and sterilisation processes which should eradicate any risk.
Clostridium Botulinum in Children
Infant botulism is the most frequent form of the illness and occurs mostly in babies under the age of 6 months, although it tends to occur through botulinum spores releasing the toxins once ingested, rather than pre-developed toxins in foods. At this age, their bodies have not yet developed to deal with botulinum in bacteria form, as adults’ immune systems have. For adults, it is the pre-developed toxins that pose the risk.
It should be noted that cases of botulism are very scarce but there are measures you can take to ensure avoiding contact with these potentially deadly toxins. Never eat food from a can which is bulging or leaking, or which shoots out unnaturally when being opened, as it could be contaminated. Heat food which comes from cans properly. The World Health Organisation states that, ‘the toxin produced by bacteria growing out of the spores under anaerobic conditions is destroyed by boiling (for example, at internal temperature greater than 85 °C for 5 minutes or longer)’. Never give honey to children under 1 year old as this is a common cause of infant botulism. If you are going to can food at home, make sure you find out how to do it properly so that you can follow the strictest hygiene procedures. Always put leftover and cooked food in the refrigerator, as low temperatures help to prevent the formation of toxins. Decant any leftovers from cans into other containers and refrigerate. Simple measures which are easy to follow and which could make all the difference.
On a final note, it’s not all bad news. The botulinum bacteria is the main ingredient used in botox, where the skin is effectively ‘paralysed’ to reduce the appearance of wrinkles so, for those who seek the elixir of youth, the botulinum bacteria is one of the finds of the modern age!
Campylobacter in chicken
Protecting Your Customers from Campylobacter
Protecting Your Customers from Campylobacter
Food poisoning is a major cause of concern in the UK. When bacteria, viruses or parasites are present in food, they cause diarrhoea, vomiting and other serious illnesses that can sometimes turn out to be fatal. Currently the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK is that of Campylobacter; and is therefore a very real cause for concern. It’s currently estimated that Campylobacter causes around 100 fatalities each year and is believed to cost the UK economy a whopping £900 Million! The Food Standards Agency (FSA) have estimated that around 28,000 people in the UK fell ill to Campylobacter in 2014.
The Campylobacter bacteria is particularly prevalent in raw meat, especially in raw poultry; not surprisingly there have been a number of cases in which poultry farms have been identified as being the source of a food poisoning outbreak. Research shows that almost 65% of chicken sold in UK’s butcheries and supermarkets are contaminated with Campylobacter. This has been such a huge problem that the Food Standards Agency were driven to order new tests to be conducted on UK farms.
Contamination usually occurs when chicken are reared in cramped conditions. Some poultry farmers will do this in order to maximize production, but this intense farming method actually enhances the spread of bacteria from flock to flock. A single infected bird can infect the entire flock, so farmers need to be very diligent and act immediately it is identified.
Whilst the bacteria rarely cause symptoms in animals, it can prove seriously detrimental to human health once consumed; therefore animal health is absolutely foundational to food safety in humans.
There are some measures that can be taken to make chicken less vulnerable to Campylobacter. However, most farmers are unable to conduct a thorough enough cleaning programme because of the associated costs which would inevitably have to be passed on to an increasingly price sensitive consumer, who has become used to cheap chicken.
Who is at risk of Campylobacter? Put simply; all of your customers are! But especially those whose immune systems are weaker, or impaired. These include young children, pregnant women, the elderly, those who are convalescing after an illness.
In the Kitchen: Practical ways to protect your customers from Campylobacter.
One really important control measure is to be sure only to purchase poultry from reputable and approved suppliers. Once Poultry has been delivered, ensure that it is stored correctly; covered and placed in a deep container in the bottom of the refrigerator. By doing this, you will significantly reduce the risk of blood or juices dripping onto high-risk, ready-to-eat foods. However, it is best practice to have a separate fridge solely for the storage of raw meat and poultry. The same levels of segregation apply to frozen poultry.
Prior to cooking, it’s vital that poultry is not washed – as this can spread the bacteria around the kitchen by splashing! When dealing with frozen poultry, always plan ahead, and ensure that it is fully defrosted before cooking. When defrosting poultry, or any raw meat for that matter, it’s always best to thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours before it’s required.
During preparation, it’s essential that you thoroughly clean and disinfect all work surfaces, chopping boards and utensils ‘as you go’. Cleaning is absolutely fundamental to food safety, as is frequent and effective hand washing, but especially after handling raw poultry.
Most of the bacteria present in raw foods, can be eliminated by thorough and effective cooking, the same applies to Campylobacter. Making sure that chicken and other poultry is properly cooked before consumption will help to eliminate Campylobacter in raw meat. | <urn:uuid:529ccc25-e28f-4fd8-a656-8cffc2a9f95b> | 3 | 3.328125 | 0.024623 | en | 0.939067 | http://catersafeconsultants.co.uk/category/food-poisoning/ |
Make sure your Summer al fresco celebration doesn’t end inside…with food poisoning!
Spring has had its day and we’ve passed the first official day of summer, the solstice of 21st June, and with that milestone comes the season for al fresco eating, so beloved by the British people. Picnic baskets will have been dusted off and plastic plates and mugs dug out from the back of the cupboard.
It is worth mentioning that cases of food poisoning in the UK rise significantly over the summer months! Most people love a good picnic but, away from our fridges and freezers and clean running water, it’s wise to be extra mindful of food safety risks and helpful to have some guidelines to follow to get the most out of your al fresco dining experience.
When you’re getting ready – the first steps:
• When preparing the food at home, make sure usual hygiene procedures are followed; wash your hands, keep cooked and raw meat separate to avoid cross contamination and pack the food up separately in airtight containers or keep individual items covered in foil or clingfilm
• If it’s the first time you’re venturing out this summer, give all those implements and containers that have been lurking in the dark corners of your cupboards a thorough clean
When you’re ready to pack up and go:
• Use a cool bag for cold items: a good cool bag lined with ice blocks or frozen gel packs will keep your food cool for a good 2-3 hours. Keeping the food at a low temperature, similar to that of your fridge at home (5°C), will prevent any bacteria from multiplying. It’s best to leave packing the cool bag until just before leaving home so that the food is stored straight from the fridge and is as cold as possible.
• Like you would when stacking your fridge at home, keep any raw meat that you might intend to cook completely separate from other food and place it at the bottom of the cool bag so that there is no danger of any leakage onto other foods.
• Make sure all items are separately contained or wrapped so that you avoid cross contamination.
• If you’re really pushing the boat out and taking hot food, the safest way to transport it is in a thermos box to ensure it retains its temperature. Hot food should be held above 63°C.
• Keep the cool bag in the coolest place possible when in transit, somewhere shady away from the glare of the sun.
When you’re ready to serve up and eat:
• Clean or wash your hands. If there’s a facility for washing, great, but if not, take some anti-bacterial gel with you to ensure you rid your hands of any bacteria you might have picked up running your hands through long grass or making sandcastles.
• Only serve up what you’re intending to eat. Keep the rest in the cool bag until you’re ready for it. In hot weather, food should not be left out for more than a maximum of one hour.
• Keep raw foods and cooked/ready to eat foods strictly separate.
• Make sure you cook any raw meat thoroughly, until the juices run clear and there is no pink left. Use a clean knife to cut into the meat to check the colour and juices if you need to.
• Keep any cooking utensils or implements used in preparing food separate and wrapped up to prevent any bugs or animals touching them and contaminating them.
• Avoid putting food onto unclean surfaces such as the ground, picnic tables etc. Bring plates or even a tablecloth from home if you can.
When you’re ready to come home:
• If the ice packs in the cool bag are still cold and there is leftover food, it should be fine to take home, refrigerate and re-use, – provided it has not been left out but the safest rule is; if in doubt, chuck it out!
Most of all, enjoy it while it lasts and make the most of the sunshine whenever you can because, in this country, you never know when you’ll see it again!
What is Acrylamide?
We’ve all done it. We’ve popped the bread in the toaster and gone away and forgotten about it. The next thing we know, the smoke alarm’s going off and our toast resembles a lump of charcoal. Some of us will consign it to the dustbin, but others adhere to the old adage, waste not want not, and continue to consume it, attempting to overcome the burnt flavour with lashings of their favoured topping.
For years, there have been rumours circulating that burnt toast is carcinogenic but, realistically, is there any evidence for this?
Studies have shown that a chemical called acrylamide is formed naturally when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures (anything above 120˚C). Food items that this applies to are potatoes in various forms, e.g. roast, chips, crisps etc., bread and some cereal products. The sugars in the foods react with naturally occurring amino acids when exposed to high temperatures to form acrylamide.
Scientists tested the impact of acrylamide on rodents and it was found that exposure to the chemical increased the risk of developing several types of cancer quite significantly. As a consequence of these results, food scientists are concerned that this evidence indicates there is a potential cancer risk to humans. There are a few caveats to this, however. It should be noted that the rodents were subjected to exceptionally large doses of the chemical, doses which would be far greater than any amount contained in your Sunday roast potatoes or a bag of crisps, for example. Studies in humans are still incomplete and are, at present, inconclusive. It is impossible to say that a chemical will affect animals and humans in exactly the same way so the results must be considered rationally and cautiously, but it is sensible to pay attention to the scientific findings and take some precautions.
This year, the Food Standards Agency has launched a campaign called, ‘Go for gold’. Contrary to how it might sound, they are not encouraging people to enter the Olympics, but have issued guidelines on how to attain the optimum shade of gold when cooking your starchy foods. With any form of cooking, whether it be frying, roasting or toasting, the goal should be to achieve a light golden colour. Cooking starchy food for too long and at too high a temperature will increase the amount of acrylamide. They also advise against keeping potatoes in the fridge as this can cause the sugars to multiply, thus raising the amount of acrylamide in the end product once cooked. Always check the guidelines on the packet when cooking things like oven chips. The food industry is attempting to do what it can to reduce the acrylamide concentrations in food so it would be prudent to follow their cooking guidelines.
It is easy to be alarmed by these reports about such staple fixtures of our diets, but it is important to remember that the studies on humans are inconclusive and that the risk is not yet substantiated. The Food Standards Agency recommends that a balanced and moderate diet including your standard 5 a day will help reduce the risk of cancer. Let moderation be our watchword and maybe that piece of toast really should just go in the bin.
Here is a video from the Food Standards Agency with some basic information on Acrylamide and their ‘Go for Gold’ Campaign.
Seven Common Reasons for a Low Food Hygiene Rating!
Seven Common Reasons for a Low Food Hygiene Rating!
hygiene ratingFollowing on from my comments on BBC West Midlands in November and my radio interview with BBC Coventry and Warwickshire on the 17th June 2015; I thought it would be a good idea to remind people of the most common reasons why food businesses fail to achieve a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ food hygiene rating. I was invited onto the breakfast show to give some insight into why a wide range of eateries in the Coventry and Warwickshire area, have only attained a food hygiene rating of “1” from the Local Authority – with some premises awarded “0” out of a possible “5”.
Every food business, whether it be a large supermarket, a branded restaurant chain or a small proprietor run café, have the potential to be awarded the Food Standards Agency maximum food hygiene rating of 5 (very good). The maximum rating demonstrates to your customers that you not only value their custom, but you’re working hard to ensure the highest possible standards of food safety and that food purchased from your premises won’t make them unwell.
The food safety officer inspecting a business will work out and award an overall Food Hygiene Rating based across three different areas, which are:
1. How hygienically the food is handled – how food is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored.
1. The condition, layout and structure of the building- including the cleanliness, lighting, ventilation as well as other facilities and amenities.
1. Confidence in management – how effectively the business manages food safety.
Unfortunately, although many businesses have the potential to be awarded a very good rating, they don’t actually achieve it because of a failure to develop, implement, and adhere to some very straightforward procedures. Based on our experience, these are the seven most common reasons why businesses fail to achieve a very good food hygiene rating:
1. No documented food safety management system in place. (Whilst the premises may not be dirty, there’s no documented evidence that food safety is being taken seriously. Remember: If it’s not written down, there’s no proof!)
1. Failure to actively and diligently manage an existing food safety system. (Documentation and monitoring records such as fridge/freezer temperatures etc. must be filled in regularly and in a timely manner. Depending on the type of business, this will require records to be completed several times each day.)
1. Lack of knowledge. (A failure to keep abreast of current legislation may result in a food safety management system that is no longer “fit for purpose”.)
1. Business operators viewing food safety as an ‘optional extra’. (During the course of a busy and pressurised day, when customer numbers are high, there may be a temptation to serve food quickly rather than safely.)
1. Lack of staff training. (Many food service businesses employ additional staff during the summer but fail to provide them with adequate training. Some small business operators working on narrow margins are often tempted to view training for casual or seasonal staff as a waste of money.)
1. Poor hygiene habits of food handlers. (Even where food safety training has been delivered, management may fail to ensure staff actually adhere to it!)
1. Poor cleaning practices due to poor structure and layout of the premises. (Food businesses by law should have adequate lighting, ventilation, drainage and a dependable supply of hot and cold potable water, with separate sinks for hand washing and food preparation. Poorly laid out or difficult to access areas, such as behind ovens and freezers, may result in staff failing to clean effectively, which can result in a build-up of dangerous levels of bacteria and an infestation of pests.)
If you would like help implementing a food safety management system for your business, or help in achieving the Food Standards Agency maximum food hygiene rating, contact Sam Turner at CaterSafe Consultants: | <urn:uuid:48e12229-a858-4236-9a06-f0a5ed120f4e> | 2 | 1.84375 | 0.022779 | en | 0.943544 | http://catersafeconsultants.co.uk/tag/food-safety/ |
Coal has a rich heritage in West Virginia and has contributed significantly to the progress and well-being of West Virginians since it was first discovered in what is now Boone County in 1742 by Peter Salley, more than a century before West Virginia became a state.
The coal industry has played a major leadership role in the state’s economic, political and social history. The industry has also been a center of controversy and the brunt of unfounded criticism, giving rise to battles in the arenas of labor, environment and safety. It was coal that transformed West Virginia from a frontier state to an industrial state. Coal in 62 recoverable seams can be found in 43 of the state’s 55 counties.
The first widespread use of West Virginia coal began when the salt works along the Kanawha River expanded dramatically in the decades before the Civil War. Coal was used to heat the brine pumped from salt beds underneath the river. That modest use soon was dwarfed by the demands of a growing nation that looked to coal to heat its homes, power its factories and fuel its locomotives and steamships. When the anthracite fields of Pennsylvania no longer could provide the tonnage needed, American industrialists discovered the massive coalfields of West Virginia. Large-scale investment soon opened the remote valleys along the New, Bluestone, Tug, Monongahela, and Guyandotte rivers.
The Chesapeake & Ohio and Norfolk & Western railroads were built specifically to penetrate the rugged terrain of the coalfields, and investors purchased extensive tracts of land to lease to independent coal operators, Later, the Virginian and the Baltimore & Ohio also became coal-hauling lines as well. In those days, coal mining was highly labor intensive, but only a few rugged mountaineers lived in the remote, isolated hills and hollows where the operations developed. Thus, operators recruited much of their labor from two human migrations underway around 1900. Thousands of African-Americans fleeing discrimination and segregation left the Deep South, and many exchanged the poverty of the cotton fields for the bustling coalfields. Meanwhile, European immigrants fleeing religious persecution and impending war came to America to find jobs and homes, and many came from coal-bearing regions of Europe to the prosperous mines in West Virginia.
Today many decry conditions in the “coal camps,” but miners and their families fared as well as most working class Americans, and better than those unfortunate souls who labored in urban sweatshops or as rural sharecroppers.
West Virginia’s coalfields were home to some of the most significant labor strife in this nation’s history, as the United Mine Workers battled coal operators for control of the industry. Spectacular incidents such as the famed Matewan Massacre and the Battle of Blair Mountain, landmarks in American labor history, showed the strategic importance of the state’s crucial industry, and its national significance.
Today, West Virginia’s coal industry contains more than 500 mines, provides more than 44,000 direct and contract jobs, pays $1 billion dollars in annual payroll and hundreds of million dollars to state and local governments in taxes and contributions. Coal is still the rock-solid backbone of West Virginia’s industrial economy. | <urn:uuid:da541a45-f387-407f-888e-fb19bf893855> | 4 | 4.03125 | 0.019406 | en | 0.955726 | http://cedarswv.com/index.php/coal-primer/history |
Military Logic and the Web Crawler
Soon, this effort was overwhelmed. From the original military logic that encouraged its inception, the Internet enhanced (almost to delirium) the idea of playing without center fixed, without borders, to keep for one of its components succumb. As perhaps no other technology has come in human history, the Internet was developed at a ferocious speed and disconcerting chaos + Maps Very soon, the site became an ocean. How do I know? How virtual guide through the maze? Arose, then the web search engines. Huge databases that tell the browser where to find information of interest, the search engines Devine las of Access doors. Without them, who were drawn to the work of indexing other sites, perhaps virtual space would have been impassable. The search engines rely on a specific program type, called a web crawler (also, web spider or web robot).
A web crawler runs on a virtual space and permanent insomniac. (At this point, while someone reads these lines, thousands of crawlers are active.) Unlike a traditional database, where people draw near specific information relevant to a particular case, the expansion of Web search engines is blind automatically. The reason is clear: to develop a comprehensive index of the web exceed, exceed, and probably will continue to exceed the possibilities of a single person or even a crowd of people. The crawlers are traveling, they encounter a website, stop, sniff it, explore it, drop all the available information and then return to their barracks. | <urn:uuid:eb542da7-54a2-4bb7-887e-e226b968b2ac> | 3 | 2.53125 | 0.740784 | en | 0.941888 | http://cgreviews.com/military-logic-and-the-web-crawler/ |
thumb|300px|right thumb|300px|right thumb|300px|right Ninny and the Professor is the second episode of the fourth season of Charles in Charge. It originally aired on January 7, 1989.
The following plot was taken from Feel free to expand it!
Charles is in charge of a study group that meets in his bedroom, when Professor Flack asks to be careful about a student named Muffy. When Professor asks Charles to grade the term papers, after reading Muffy's term paper about Moby Dick, he gives her an A, but Professor Flack thinks that it deserves a D, and he gives Charles to change her grade or look for a new career, he does, but he the goes with Buddy to break into his office and change the grade back to an A, When they hear Professor Flack coming down the hall, he catches Buddy, while Charles was hiding under his desk. When Charles learned that reading Muffy's term paper encouraged Jamie to read Moby Dick, the Professor says that Muffy can keep her A.
Ad blocker interference detected!
| <urn:uuid:16bd5c56-6a64-494f-baee-b406a4d642b6> | 2 | 1.648438 | 0.039999 | en | 0.969232 | http://charles.wikia.com/wiki/Ninny_and_the_Professor |
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Hot Springs Village trunk - Chinese tourism scenic spots
China hot spring located in the trunk 12 km south of County Office. 80 km from the city of Yuxi, Yunnan Province, from the office 148 kilometers, covers an area of 2.3 square kilometers, the construction area of 70,000 m2. Hot Springs is a deep fault zone along the natural water cycle of the outcrop, the flow of 3760m3 /day, the water temperature 39-41 degrees, colorless and tasteless, State Department of Geology and Mineral Resources, and other technology to identify units that are re-chuen, carbonated, contain Piangui Suan, strontium and lithium, and other 11 kinds of human essential elements of macro and micronutrients 13, the appropriate temperature, the four seasons can be bath, second only to the quality of international Stephen France of the Peili Ai quality mineral water, tea bath is a valuable dual-use high-quality mineral water. Hot Springs early Eastern Han Dynasty have been found that drinking mineral water after a shower can be refreshing, fitness, disease-drive, the beauty of the skin results are obvious. During the Ming Dynasty by the masses as "Shen Shui", has been the development and utilization. Hot springs in the vicinity Cui over trees, there are banks of Stephen Jinsuo Old Bridge Resort and beautiful environment, health care is the Four Seasons Zengshou, drink-bath in convalescence, State tourism, leisure ideal place.
Hot springs from the trunk trunk, Jinsuo Bridge, Cui Pingshan, the composition of the nursing home. Beautiful, beautiful. Cliffs steep ridge trunk, thick, heavy shade, such as huge as the view down to drink. Since the hot trunk pouring between Shek Pik Ling Ha, a moderate temperature (at 39 Between ~ 40 ?), four-bath can be. Two dozen meters away from the spring, into separate bathrooms for men and women. Sulfur spring water, skin diseases, rheumatism patients have a certain effect.
Xiren praise is a hot trunk, "Shen Ke In addition to washing dirty cloud, a deep source of cinnabar." Once upon a time, during the winter and the beginning of the Lunar New Year, Huaning Near the sea, Jiangchuan, to build water and other places of the masses, have come to visit, bathing. They group together in Quanbian ignite the fire, Zaiyang chickens, drinking song, Tunghsiao up to Dan. Qing Zhang Lingyun who Huaning hot trunk title poem: "Man Mo Tang Quan boast the world, so that rumors Wen de Sai (Yuan Dynasty Huaning County had 000 West) If the trunk is no different from Ling Ling, water tranquil water more than Kerry. Bathing solution and teaches people how to Siyu, the arrival of many flowery appearance. I want to frequent cold as this, the Acura Le Tong Guan Hua-year-old. "It can be seen that the object of love springs nose. Hot clean water, according to laboratory tests showed that the hot spring is a re-chuen, carbonated category, the human body contains 13 kinds of beneficial micro-yuan And macro elements, which Piangui Suan, strontium and lithium content of up to three elements of the national standard for drinking natural mineral water, known as "high-quality precious drinking water." Radium, radon, and other elements of the human body will have the effect of a variety of diseases. Luan stacked heavily on Stephen Cheung, Longdong River outlet clear as a mirror, Lilikeshuo gravel bottom. Cross-strait pines Tsui , Wild flowers fragrant grass, the pleasant scenery.
Nursing home was founded in October 1986, is located about 200 meters away from the hot springs of Longdong River? Covers an area of 70 acres. Housing construction in accordance with the mountain covered, Cuolayouzhi to locally-produced yellow glazed tile roof of the coverage, style flavor, unique. In a nursing home after Chengkungling trunk, stands a 6? Block of various styles of the pavilion, Chui-verdant slopes decorate more enchanting charm. Nursing home also has physical therapy rooms, restaurant, conference room, dance hall, and so on, around the cultivation of fruits, flowers, evergreen the four seasons, the smell assail the nostrils. Entire nursing homes and shade trees in the hot springs, towering tall and straight as the Ridge, slowly flowing river of Longdong, magnificent bridge Jinsuo add radiance to each other, an integral whole.
Jinsuo bridge in the trunk near Hot Springs, across the River Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill West Ridge, lying like Changhong Jin Bo, like jade belt Jinchan play, a magnificent view. Bridge 10 years Qianlong Dynasty (1745 AD) for single double Steeple arc stone arch bridge, 9 meters wide, 37 meters in length, 14 meters high. 18 m-span bridge opening,? Arc with a radius of 11.5 meters, 2.1 meters high vector, Yunnan Province is the largest single-span stone arch bridge one. On the north side of the middle of the bridge has a Shihfang, there is Yin-ting South, North and South symmetrical structure of the unique, exquisite stone carvings Li, a beautiful environment. Jinsuo around the scenic bridge, bridge numerous bamboos, gurgling water under the bridge, tree-lined both sides of the strait. Although the earthquake and weathering several times, still stand tall.
Cuiping Shan and Cheung Pei Shan confrontation, the screen like a Qing Cui For drop, named. Shek Pik a mountainside, traditional costumes and smooth. The shape of the moon "The moon rock," Lam around in the grass under a foil to the fascinating glory.
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From: Steven Ng <>
Sat, 01 May 1999 10:31:53 +0800
A interesting but albeit quite a long article by Britt S Phillips, in one of his internet postings. Enjoy reading!
I've heard it said often... "You can't put all your eggs in one basket". What a novel concept and moreover a very sound strategy. That single statement sums up many things but sadly it is the reason most will never experience true joy.The same is true about many things in life.
Most take an idea or concept and kick it around in their mind. They actually talk themselves right out of even the best idea or strategy in about the same time it takes to make a deposit. Worse than this are those who don't even trust themselves to make the decision. No, no that won't do, they need to pass the idea around to family, friends or co-workers. How many of us are guilty of this? The fact is we all are.
The sad thing is most will never change. They don't know any other pattern and that's their choice. One of my favorite quotes is "Never listen to anyone in life unless they are doing better than you". Now, let's talk about the alternative for a moment. I'm going to ask you to do one simple thing now and I really want you to do this. You do not have to move from your chair and it will only take a
few moments. Please do this and don't skip past it. This is very important to your understanding of this article and how it will greatly benefit you.
Ok, take just 30 seconds (or longer of you like) and look around the room you are now in. Notice everything in it. Look at the simple things and the complicated ones as well. Now as your eyes travel, think about how everything you see started with a thought or an idea. As you do this, also think about how every item around you, came from a thought in someone's mind. Now imagine how our world would be if it didn't have people who could also not only imagine an idea or concept but also put it into practical use. These people are directly responsible for many things we enjoy and could never dream of being without. Yes, you guessed it, most things you and I take for granted each and every day.
You may be asking yourself right about now, "how can this help me become a better person?" Well here's how it has helped me!!! As I look back a few short years ago, I realize I indeed have come a long way. I also know that if I had not decided to stop listening to others around me, I would still be right where they wanted me to be today, STUCK on the same level they are on.
Yes that's right, most never even realize our friends and family subconsciously do not want us to succeed. They don't intentionally try to hold you or I back from our dreams it just happens and sadly it will always prevail.
A close friend (Buddy) is one of those people who like me is a dreamer. He often talks about how "one day" he will do this or "one day he will do that. I asked him once while we were eating lunch (after he had told me his latest idea had not materialized) what his girlfriend thought about his idea. He sadly replied "oh man, she said it was no good and that it couldn't work". I asked him immediately what he thought of his idea. He enthusiastically said "I think it could easily work and it would be great" I then asked him if he felt this way, why he had bothered to ask her or anyone else. His answer was "I don't know".
Well the sad truth in this example is that this sort of thing happen a billion times a day and it has stopped many from the much deserved success that awaits them. In my own businesses, people have commented many times to me... "Britt, you're a worker, you make things happen and you are always involved in one thing or another to make money".
What are these people really telling me? Aren't they in a way admitting to me they wish they indeed had inside the same thing that drives me to pursue my goals? Of course you and I know they do possess what it takes, we all do as no one is better than another. Another favorite quote is... "Unless you're the lead dog, the view never changes".
Remember my friend Buddy? About a year ago I asked him if he wanted me to teach him how to place classified ads. He asked me how much money I was making and I told him it was more than he would believe if I told him.He insisted and of course just as I expected he didn't believe me. We had many conversations and I would from time to time share the fact that the ads were continuing to be a real money maker for me.
Once I remember showing him my new car. His first comment was of course that it was a nice ride. Next he asked "what kind of payments did you get?" My reply was zero down and zero per month. he asked what I meant and with much pride I stated the car was paid in full and that I never did like making payments. Did this turn him around? It sure did, in fact he was so fired up he was ready to get serious about running his own classified ads. That was until he got home and started (you guessed it) talking to his girlfriend again.
Finally one day I asked him to have lunch and although it was not planned beforehand, I did enjoy it later when I saw his reaction to what happened after we had eaten. I had told him several times before how I had very
steadily pulled in many orders in a day. I could tell while he knew itwas possible, he still was going to have to see it first hand.
On the way back to my office, I picked up the day's mail and asked Buddy to help mecarryit inside. His energy was high and he was getting pumped up once again.Aswe opened random envelopes from around the world, his enthusiasm grew and grew. We sat there and did a count which revealed proof positive to him that almost $4,000.00 had came in that day !
Buddy was ready to explode he was now serious as I had never seen him before. I really thought he had gotten bitten by the bug to take actionandreally make a change in his life for the better.I wish I could tell you that today Buddy is super successful. The factishe is in his early thirties and still lives in his parent's basement.Heworks one job he hates after another for a hardly substantial hourlywage.
On a good day he will again get that gleam in his eye. He will get that glow of the dreamer tucked awaydeep inside him. The sad part is he doesn't do anything about it. I doubt he ever will. Does Buddy describe anyone that you know? Does Buddy describe you ?
My grandmother used to always tell me, "Britt, you can have anything inlife you want but only if you want it bad enough". I can hear her sweetvoice saying those words to me right now. She wanted to share with me amessage she knew would make the biggest difference in my life. She's only with me in spirit now as she died at age 83 two Thanks givings ago.
She left me with not only memories I will never forget but also a message thatshaped who I am today.In closing I'll just share that true success comes from having morethan asingle source of income. It also is imperative that you not allowanyone totalk you out of your dreams.
And whatever you do... DON'T sit and talkyourself out of them either! What will you do after you finish reading this article? For those of you wanting a dramatic change in your life will you let this be what moves you to take some action and make it happen? If you're already successful, is where you're at today as far as you can go ? I hope this article has touched you in a personal way and it will encourage you to never give up on your dreams. | <urn:uuid:e9ffc434-2152-474c-a709-d65dc680489f> | 2 | 1.804688 | 0.039401 | en | 0.991578 | http://chngoh.tripod.com/moneyandyou/shouldbeu.htm |
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Pride and Prejudice
My family and I are watching the BBC/A&E version of Pride and Prejudice, which is considered by many to be the definitive video version of the novel. My wife and I have already watched it several times. It is fascinating to me how delightful I find this show even after all the viewings. And having read the book, I know it is very faithful to Jane Austen's story.
I first tried to read the book when I was in high school (in the early 70s) because one of my favorite authors, Nero Wolfe's Rex Stout had said Jane Austen was HIS favorite author. Back then, I found all the discussion of society and marriage and relative wealth, etc, to be nauseatingly trivial. But back then, I didn't get what Austen was really saying. It was her own commentary on those topics and attitudes from a very familiar perspective. Now, having a better understanding of the author's intentions, and the background from which she wrote, I can really appreciate and enjoy the story, whether from the book or the movie.
I highly recommend both book and movie, and Jane's other books as well. And of course, any Nero Wolfe story by Rex Stout!
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Thursday, January 5, 2017
Twilight Zone
Last night my wife and I watched an episode from the second season of the original Twilight Zone series, "Nervous Man in a Four Dollar Room," about a very cowardly, small time criminal, anxiously awaiting instructions on a "job" he is to do later that evening. Finally, his "boss" shows up and tells him that he is supposed to murder someone who is being "uncooperative," and elderly shop owner, I think.
Of course, our criminal has never committed a murder, and he is very reluctant and fearful to do this one, but his own life is at stake, so he's in quite a quandary.
While he is arguing with himself in his cheap hotel room, awaiting the time to commit the murder, his less fearful, stronger alter ego appears in the mirror, and tries to convince his external self to be more courageous, and even to allow himself to be more dominant. Eventually, the stronger, mirror self takes over, becomes the dominant, external ego, while the cowardly one is relegated to the mirror to look on while the other takes control of the situation. The murder is not committed, the boss shows up to punish the criminal, who beats his boss and chases him out of the cheap room, and then himself checks out and resolves to change his own life, get a real job, and maybe even get married and have a family!
All pretty amazing stuff.
The thing that impresses me the most is that most of the Twilight Zone episodes tend to have negative outcomes, usually the main character "gets what's coming to him" something bites them back, some consequence falls to them.
But in this episode, the cowardly criminal gets his courage back, and he has ahead of him the option, the opportunity, to turn his life around, to leave his cowardice behind in the mirror of the $4 room. If he succeeds, there will be no more loneliness in cheap hotels, no more fear of the law, no more living hand to mouth, no more being subject to criminal bosses, no more nail-biting and general anxiety.
It seems that most of the time, our friend Rod Serling tended to see the Twilight Zone as a place where conscience comes to the fore, one way or another, and assigns the ironic, deserved pay back. Humans are flawed, sinful, selfish creatures who require a special "zone" to make sure they get their just due. In this episode, however, Rod takes pity on our petty criminal and gives him another chance. The Zone pays him back, not with a penalty, but with mercy. It's kind of an interesting twist.
Closing narration: "Exit Mr. John Rhoades, formerly a reflection in a mirror, a fragment of someone else's conscience, a wishful thinker made out of glass, but now made out of flesh, and on his way to join the company of men. Mr. John Rhoades, with one foot through the door and one foot out of the Twilight Zone."
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Happy New Year
Years ago, when I was much younger, I read Frank Herbert's Dune, which I enjoyed. Recently, I listened to a podcast about the book, (check out the site: http://agoodstoryishardtofind.blogspot.com/2016/09/good-story-141-dune.html ) And it piqued my interest to read it again. I think there is a good chance that as a teen or twenty-something, I didn't fully understand the book, and I never read the sequels. So, there is a good chance I may read it again.
I also recently read Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, a favorite story in our house, especially around this time of year. We annually watch George C Scott's version, although this year, we also watched the 1951 Alastair Sim version. I liked it, the rest of my family also liked it, but still prefer the Scott version.
Every time I read a Dickens book, I am impressed by his powers of description, his ability to bring life to a character and a setting, and make a story very interesting, and to weave multiple plots into a book.
I would be very happy to be able to write like him.
I have heard that authors like Thomas Hardy and Stephen King, and I think also Dickens, would start writing early in the morning, for a set length of time, or a set number of pages, whether they felt inspired or not. And of course, I have read that a writer who waits for inspiration will get the end of life without ever having put a word to paper.
I am resolving to do something similar, to write a certain amount every day, no matter what. We'll see what the fruit of this resolution is.
Happy New Year!
Friday, July 18, 2014
What Have I Been Reading Lately
I know, it has been a while since I have posted anything. I apologize.
For a while, I was reading Oz books, by L. Frank Baum, and a few by Ruth Plumley Thompson. I had only been familiar with the Wizard of Oz, and for most of my life, only with the famous Movie. I found that the movie is fairly faithful to the book, or shall I say, to the books, because it seems there are some elements in the movie not found in the book, but hinted at in the other books.
One thing I noticed, that I found fascinating, was that some of the Oz natives (Scarecrow, Tin Man) are somewhat vain! This comes up quite often in the books. They think quite highly of themselves. The "meat" people, like Dorothy and Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger, see to have a more humble opinion of themselves. In fact, the "non-meat" people like Scarecrow and Tin Man tend to think of themselves as better off than the "meat" people because they are more easily repairable, less easily damaged, and not subject to weaknesses like needing to eat or needing to sleep. So, once they fixed their one perceivable lack (no brains, no heart) they were quite satisfied with themselves.
Dorothy, in most of the books, is the real hero, as you would expect. She is competent, humble, very kind and thoughtful, intelligent, imaginative, has great initiative, and is very self-sacrificing, as most of the "good" characters are, but she more so. In fact, the girls in Oz are the real heavyweights. There is only one novel that I can think of, in which the story revolves around a boy character.
Ozma is the princess and absolute ruler of Oz, and she has a great benevolence for her country, although she is unfamiliar with some lands and some peoples. One important thing I had not know before reading the books is that the natives of Oz, all of them, are immortal, and they are basically fairies, or descended from fairies. They can't be killed. Even if they are dismembered and sunk to the bottom of a sea, they won't die, but they'll be helpless, out of commission (and conscious) until they can be rescued and restored. (There is a grim scene in which Tin Man and another tin fellow made by the same tin smith meet the still living original head of one of them, which has been sitting on a shelf for quite some time, sleeping and thinking, and not wanting to be bothered!) There is a great deal of magic, good and bad, in Oz, but Ozma and Glinda are the only ones, along with the Wizard who has special permission and tutors under Glinda, who are legally allowed to practice magic. The stories introduce various characters, some bad, some irresponsible, who practice magic and are found out, and are punished mildly or strongly depending on their actions and intentions, but in the end, Ozma and Glinda and the Wizard are the only ones allowed to practice magic.
Baum admits in his forwards that many of his ideas came from his readers, children who wrote to him and begged him to write more book, and who suggested characters and themes and adventures. It appears that at least a couple of times he tried to end a story such as to prevent the possibility of having to write another, but each time, through the pleading of his readers, he finds a way to overcome his own obstacle to write yet another book, until his death, when Ruth Plumly Thompson and others took up the pen.
The books are great escapism, which is partly why I read them. I read all the books I could find in e-format for free. It is only after the first couple by Thompson that I have been unable to find e-books, and I'm reluctant to pay for bound copies.
So, I went on from there and downloaded a couple of other Kindle Daily Deals. I am sort of reading Joseph Pearce's memoir about his conversion from racism to Catholicism, which is good and interesting, but not gripping. I read some stories by Louis L'Amour, whose westerns are another great form of escapism. I was somewhat (based on wikipedia) expecting them to be very similar because of formula, but actually found each story to be different enough to hold my interest, and a couple of them WERE quite gripping.
Then, not finding any other deals or freebies of L'Amour, I downloaded some free Kindle versions of Zane Grey. I think I had read one of his books as a kid. I am now reading Riders of the Purple Sage, which is a very enjoyable book. He has good powers of description and fairly good characterization, and a good story. AND, I am listening to Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, by C. S. Forester. I understand that Captain Kirk of Star Trek is somewhat based on Horatio Hornblower, and I can see it. I am enjoying the book, and would like to read or listen to the whole series.
I am also reading, as a daily spiritual exercise, Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium. I will tell you what strikes me most about this letter. The beginning is criticism, of just about everyone. I was amazed. This pope that everyone loves and praises as being so accessible and gentle: he has strong words to say about just about everyone. And I don't get the impression that these words are off the cuff, as if thought of for the first time for this letter. I get the impression that he has given this a lot of thought for a long time.
However, once he got past that long section of criticism, he started offering ideas and analyses and courses of action, and I can see that this man loves Christ and the Gospel and dearly wants the church to get off its butt and really focus anew, and deeply on evangelization, real evangelization. But I do wonder how many people finished reading the letter, have been offput by the long section of criticism. Or how many read for a while, and skipped to get to the more positive parts.
I read Death Comes for the Archbishop, which was quite good, a condensation of the life of the figure of the title. I read Daybreak, a murder mystery that takes place in Iceland. North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell. I had seen part of the movie, but couldn't finish it because it seemed so dark and hopeless, but the book is less so. I also read a book called The Golem and the Jinni, which was a wonderful, enjoyable, gripping, original book. There was another memoir about a woman who sings in a NYC choir, called Imperfect Harmony. There was Edible, about eating insects, and Alice at Heart, about women descended from mermaids, living right here in the USA. A very good good. I read Brain Rules, explaining research on what we understand now about how the brain works (as well as what we still don't understand.) That was an excellent book.
I read How George Washington Fleeced the Nation, which was a good premise, but turned into a wearying collection of historical gossip. I read a wonderful book about winemaking in Spain called The Winemaker. It had everything, romance, mystery, war, wine. A very enjoyable book. I read The Shrinking Man by Matheson. I'd seen the movie a couple of times, and in some ways the book was quite different, but similar enough to be recognizable. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I read The Great Santini, which was also a very good book, though in some ways it demands a lot of the reader. The main character is a mixed bag, admirable and despicable at the same time. It does make me want to see the whole movie based on it. I read a murder mystery called a Drop Of The Hard Stuff, which contained many scenes, and I mean many, that take place at AA meetings. I mean, the main character is an ex-cop who is a recovering alcoholic who goes to at least 3 meetings a day. I gained a lot of insight into AA and the recovery process, and I did enjoy it very much. I CAN, however, easily imagine some readers growing weary of the AA meetings, and the recovery theme under the mystery. But it was a very important element and I, personally, am glad it was there.
I would recommend all the books I have mentioned here, and there are others as well. As time goes by, I may take the time to provide more detailed reviews of individual books, but this at least, in terms of my reading, brings us up to date.
Thanks for reading!
p.s. I've changed a bit since the photo in my profile. You're less likely to see me wearing a tie, and I have eschewed shoes for the most part. I now wear xero-shoes, very thin sandals that allow one to "feel the world." Once likely to be bundled up in long sleeves and long pants, I now wear short sleeves and can be seen with my pants legs rolled up, or wearing shorts, and am barefoot whenever I can be. Mostly it is about being a little more comfortable, carrying less weight around, but also about health, getting sunlight for Vitamin D, and being, as much as my life allows, a little freer, a bit more natural, a bit closer to the earth. I will have to write, perhaps on my Brief Think blog, about how the Paleo-Primal way might be closer to the simple, humble way that Jesus called his followers to, you know, birds of the air and that sort of humble simplicity and reliance on God's providence. | <urn:uuid:87eab67b-9f00-4260-9651-b0b4683fcd95> | 2 | 1.5625 | 0.023445 | en | 0.983733 | http://cimmerianjournal.blogspot.com/ |
Pay the ransom, and then pay some more: Security teams should bet on defense
By Carl Herberger, Vice President of Security, Radware
When a movie character is kidnapped, paying the ransom doesn’t always result in the hostage’s release. Quite often, the kidnappers simply ask for more money.
In real life, companies who have become victims of a ransom attack face a similar situation. Paying the ransom encourages the hackers to attack again, and certainly keeps them in business to attack others.
Ransom attacks have come primarily in two forms: Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks flood a network or website with requests, paralyzing it, while a second form, so-called non-volumetric attacks, exploit vulnerabilities in a system to encrypt and lock a hard drive. Both models, as you probably know, have the same outcome: To free your frozen data or prevent an impending DDoS attack, hackers demand payment, usually in the form of a hard-to-trace cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
Whether it’s a classic phishing scheme or an SSL based attack, the threat of DDoS, or another variant, ransom attacks are here to stay. They’re finding new victims and leveraging new tools. If your systems are locked down or under threat of a flood of malicious traffic, should you pay up? If you take the right steps, you might not need to.
Ransom attacks find new, vulnerable targets
Financial institutions remain a favorite target of hackers. That’s where the money is, after all. But cybercriminals have also turned their attention to healthcare facilities, which have proven themselves to be unprepared for attacks and more willing to pay than other organizations.
Hospitals require constant access to health records and their network, and ransomware can cripple operations. At the same time, the private health information sold on Darknet marketplaces commands higher prices than credit card data. In March, for example, an Austin, Texas-based urology practice began notifying 279,000 patients that a ransomware attack may have exposed their confidential financial and medical records.
The healthcare industry isn’t the only sector ripe for extortion – the critical factor is the nexus of money and a desperate need for access to data. The money doesn’t have to be high stakes. College students sometimes pay ransoms of $50 or $100 to unlock the coursework on their hard drives.
New tools, new threats
Ransom attacks have grown sneakier, and more powerful, as hackers try different methods. SSL-based attacks have increased by approximately 10 percent over the past year, according to our research. About 39 percent of companies experienced an SSL-based attack last year, and 75 percent of companies said they aren’t confident they can handle one. SSL attacks are one way hackers are dropping ransomware onto a victim’s system, taking advantage of the encryption to strike vulnerable organizations before they’re aware.
As for ransom DDoS, hackers can up the ante on their threats with powerful botnets harnessed by the Mirai malware. Capable of DDoS attacks above 1 TB, a Mirai botnet offers significant incentive to pay up. Of course, like with any ransom DDoS, no one knows if the hacker can make good on the threat until payment is refused.
To pay or not to pay?
Deciding whether to pay a ransom requires executives to weigh issues of business expediency against their morals. If your IT system is locked down, and you’re caught flat-footed, you can pay the ransom and get back to business, but you put a big target on your organization by doing so, essentially exclaiming that you’re willing to pay to avert an attack.
On the other hand, you can refuse to pay and deal with the loss of data, productivity, and revenue. It’s not an easy choice, but consider the moral question: Do organizations do themselves any favors by keeping criminals in business?
If you’re going to pay, do so knowing that you’ll likely keep paying. The alternative? Shore up your defenses, segment your backups, and build a system that can easily be restored to normal if a user clicks on a bad link. It’s cheaper in the long run, and it slows the flow of cash into the pockets of criminals. | <urn:uuid:d958eaa0-9792-4f14-bb1b-0bc16dcb3d93> | 2 | 2.09375 | 0.035534 | en | 0.940786 | http://ciostory.com/technology/security/pay-ransom-pay-security-teams-bet-defense/ |
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Reliving the horror in Orlando
Univision’s weekly news show Crónicas de Sábado recently aired a special re-enactment of the 2016 Pulse nightclub mass shooting complete with actors and special effects. They called it Baño de Sangre. Translated, it means Blood Bath.
The producers interviewed the survivors shortly after the massacre which killed 49, many of whom were still in shock and emotionally traumatized. Some had no memory of the interviews while others claim they thought they were speaking with news reporters.
Just months later, Univision began promoting the episode that included actors and special effects. So it’s no surprise that the victims along with Orlando’s LGBTQ community condemned the show and asked Univision to re-think its broadcast.
Univision responded by removing the commercials promoting the show and releasing a statement that the show would be “deeply respectful of the many people whose lives were impacted by this tragedy.” Then they aired the show as planned.
In this age when nearly everyone has a Smart Phone and generations are developing a narcissistic need to share their images with the world, television news has unlimited access to real-time video. Networks air footage of a police stand-off at a college campus while it’s still going on thanks to bystanders uploading images at alarming speeds.
Consequently, we have clearer – and yet more unclear – information about the events in our world. They’re blurry, full of panic and horror, offering more shock and awe than actual facts. But they get ratings.
And true crime partial re-enactments have been a popular television tool for decades. So is it any surprise that these producers went one step further with added blood and special effects? After all, realism is necessary to get the complete picture.
The question is: Do we need this picture?
Shortly after a woman was killed on Highway 61 this past January, dashcam footage of the three-car accident was aired during the TBT News Hour. Was this appropriate? Or necessary?
With the growing concern over the safety of that stretch of road, there was a strong argument that the video would have educational value to the public. The images were slightly blurry and at a distance so no one’s privacy was invaded. No one’s personal loss exploited. However, it did clarify what happened better than the post-accident photos.
Can Univision say the same? Given the preponderance of violence in entertainment, most adults can imagine what it was like with a gunman shooting inside the crowded Pulse nightclub.
And what is the educational value? Is this a how-to video for the next generation of crazed killers?
Every day, television news must decide what kind of visuals to add to their stories. It can be a fine line between information and intrusion. Education and glorification.
Real news focuses on the former. Fake news takes advantage of the latter.
Obviously, the survivors and the victims’ families didn’t have to watch Blood Bath’s violent re-enactment. Most probably didn’t. But now it’s out there. And it should have been enough for everyone the first time. | <urn:uuid:8eb65ced-3547-4a7b-b763-90aadea7dd5a> | 2 | 1.890625 | 0.037967 | en | 0.950289 | http://ckprthunderbay.com/fitv.aspx?id=2347 |
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How Java Garbage Collection Works
By Justin Poirier
In the Classroom306 article Details of C/C++ Dereferences and C++ Calls to delete, it is explained that a C/C++ program's heap is contained in a contiguous block of memory, and calls to allocation and deallocation functions/operators (e.g. "new") are solely responsible for managing the heap's contents (dynamically-allocated variables). This article will build on the contents of that article, to explain how memory management works in Java.
The most basic function of the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) is to convert java bytecode to native machine code at run-time. This may be accomplished using interpreting, by which each line of bytecode is converted to machine code just before being executed; or just-in-time compilation, by which conversion is done on several lines of bytecode at a time, and such a block may be reused later in the execution without re-compiling. With either system, the JVM, as opposed to code written by the Java programmer, is frequently in control of the CPU. During certain bouts of control, the JVM performs the additional task of deleting items on the heap that are no longer referenced. This process is called garbage collection, and it does the work that calls to the deallocation functions/operators do in C/C++, making such calls unnecessary in Java.
If garbage collection is implemented with reference counting, the JVM is continuously at work monitoring each heap item, before the time comes to actually delete it. A count is kept for each heap item, of the number of references to it at a given time. The JVM must increment this count whenever a variable in the Java code is set equal to the item, and decrement the count when a variable that previously referenced the item is set equal to null or some other item, or goes out of scope. When this count becomes zero, the item can be deleted.
In modern JVM's, garbage collection is more commonly implemented using tracing. Instead of keeping track of the number of references to an item over time, a tracing collector periodically identifies all references that have been created by the Java program and might be used again (live references), and deletes all items that are not the object of such a reference. The first phase is called marking because referenced objects must be marked in some way--for example, by setting a bit flag in the actual heap space used to store an object. The majority of live references will typically be found in the form of variables local to some active function (ie. existing on the call stack), or as member variables of class instances that are themselves objects of other live references. Therefore a JVM must search for references in both these areas of memory. To do so it must have knowledge of how the raw bits within each function's typical stack frame and each class's typical instance are divided up into variables. However, a JVM may not always distinguish between the types of variables it encounters, and may therefore ignore some live references in favour of discerning whether they are references or other primitive types.
The second phase of tracing, where unreferenced objects are deleted, is called sweeping. As with C/C++, a Java program's heap may suffer from fragmentation after objects are allocated and then deleted. JVM's may try to reduce this effect. In addition to combining adjacent free blocks of memory like C/C++ systems, JVM's may combine non-adjacent free blocks by moving allocated items around using compacting or copying. In order to avoid having to update every reference to an item that has been moved, Java is typically implemented such that a reference points not to the allocated block of an object itself, but to an entry in a lookup table that contains the address of each object referenced. Each access to an object implicitly uses this table. This is similar to the technique used in the dynamically-allocated memory system presented in the Classroom306 article A System to Dynamically-Allocate Memory With Minimal Fragmentation. | <urn:uuid:3ce2d9b4-9353-4fc0-9f1e-56ec65103ec5> | 4 | 3.65625 | 0.268261 | en | 0.92735 | http://classroom306.com/tutorials/how_Java_garbage_collection_works.html |
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Should I care if students like me?
"Who decides if your work is good? When you are at your best, you do."
Too often I hear from educators comments such as "you can't please everyone" or it is not my job to "be a student's friend." Now while there is some truth to these axioms I am concerned about teachers who seem to ignore how students feel about them as a person. Some teachers even brag about students being disciplined or "put in their place."
So Mr. Politician, #standardizethat
1. There is a big difference between can you learn from someone you don't like and will you learn from someone you don't like. For every story I hear from an adult talking about the "teacher from hell" that they learned the most from I hear another story about how they didn't learn anything from them. In the end, life is too freaking short to spend nine months in a room where the person delights in being mean to you.
2. True Bill and I think that only self-motivated students who care about their grades will work for the "teacher from hell." Many other students just opt out of that style of classroom with a "whatever so fail me" attitude.
The more I think about this I think relationships are most important with diverse students, lower SES students, and any students who have a history of being unsuccessful at school. They need someone to care about them and believe in them before they can believe in themselves.
3. Mike, many teachers fail to understand that covering content is really the easiest thing that we do in the classroom. I agree that we must build respectful relationships with each other. I agree that teachers should have an end of the year survey for students. I do. I read their responses in the summer. It would be easier to ignore negative comments. Instead, I reflect.
4. I'm afraid the term "like" is not likely to produce meaningful discussion. Likes and dislikes are emotional and often irrational. Some people you may dislike because of their personalities or some other aspect of their behavior. Some you may not like; that is, you may have no positive feeling toward them even though you have no specific reason for disliking them.
What is necessary within a classroom is mutual respect, which is an entirely different matter than liking. Very little can be accomplished in society without mutual respect, as the American political landscape shows.
1. I think most people that you know that you dislike you have a reason for it. I spend 10 hours a week with my students so they have time to like or dislike me. Again I do not need to be their best friend or favorite person but if they have a negative feeling towards me then I believe it will harm their learning. Especially those who are not self-motivated, high achievers.
I think the key is your second sentence: "Likes and dislikes are emotional." If a student has negative emotions towards me then it will affect their attitude and effort in class negatively.
5. Of course you want students to like you. Relationships predicate learning, and when you clearly state the course goals and rationale in a way that shows you care about the students, work with them, hear them, flex, etc. they WILL like you and will invest in the class and the learning. I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately -
I appreciate your thoughtfulness on this blog and think you are on the right track!
6. Well said. I like to use a student survey to assess my affect on each class. I'm not always good a making the changes but I do want to improove. Can you link to survey your school uses? I'm always looking for ways to make the survey better, too. Thanks.
7. Joni,
I think the best surveys should be customized to your situation. I am not sure that ours will really fit another situation but you can check it out. Here is a link to the one we just used
It was created by our students with input from the teachers. It is based on our school being PBL and we use the format of "I likes" and "I wonders" to give feedback.
8. There is something to students "liking" you, but on the other side, if you are asking students to do things like struggle through problems and work in new ways (PBL) that they are unused to, they may not "like" you for that reason. Of course you want a positive environment and that is a goal to always be working for.
9. @Dvora,
Thanks for the comment but I look at it the exact opposite way. If I want to challenge students to push themselves in a new PBL environment than I better make sure I have a relational capacity with them so they will go the extra mile with effort. If students don't like me that can be an excuse to cop out when they are challenged.
10. It is not important for teachers to spend time getting the kids to "like" them, they just need to spend time "liking" the kids.
From the first day of school, the only message should be---"Kid, I am lucky to have you in my class this year."
My line is "I am glad that you chose me, and I wouldn't want to be with anyone else."
Copy of my class eval
1. Like the way you say that Paul. I am not worried about kids liking me, but am talking about relationships and want to have a positive one with every student.
On that note a student that I had some behavioral struggles with this year gave me a hug as it was her last day. That was a very good feeling to see her finish the year well. | <urn:uuid:6ee7dab9-e8c8-43c5-b419-32c8961d0108> | 2 | 1.75 | 0.081546 | en | 0.982118 | http://concretekax.blogspot.com/2012/04/should-i-care-if-students-like-me.html |
‘And It Was in the Middle of the Night..’
Beginning in 1951, just a few months after he accepted the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch, the Rebbe would Farbreng for his Chasidim on the second night of Pesach after finishing his Seder, usually until around 4:00am. Rabbi Michoel Seligson was privileged to be present at many of these unique Farbrengens, and shares his fascinating recollections with our readers.
“And it was in middle of the night..” – Impressions of the Second-Night-of-Pesach Farbrengen with the Rebbe
by Rabbi Michoel Seligson
Over the course of more than forty years, we merited many Farbrengens from the Rebbe. Some of them took place during Yomim Tovim and were filled with feelings of celebration; others commemorated Chassidishe Yomim Tovim, such as Yud-Tes-Kislev, Yud Shvat, or Yud Aleph Nissan, and overflowed with lessons and directives for the entire year.
There were many Farbrengens over the course of a Yom Tov. For example, at the end of the second day of Succos the Rebbe would wash his hands for the Farbrengen, speak Sichos relevant to the Yom Tov, and at the conclusion, distribute “Kos shel Brocho” from his wine and recite Birchas Hamozon and Havdala. Two more Farbrengens took place during the last days of Yom Tov. The final Farbrengen concluded with a three-and-half-hour “Kos shel brocho” following a six-hour Farbrengen.
It was similar on Pesach. In 1951, the Rebbe began the custom of farbrenging after the seder on the second night of Pesach and did so for the next twenty years until 1970. The Rebbe would have the sedorim and Yom Tov meals in the Previous Rebbe’s apartment on the second floor of 770. On the tenth of Teves, 1971 the Previous Rebbe’s Rebbetzin, Nechama Dina was nifter and the Rebbe had all the Yom Tov meals at his own home. After the seder, the Rebbe went to the shul, and sat in his customary place for Farbrengens.
On different occasions, the Rebbe explained the significance of the Farbrengen on the second night of Pesach.
The Rebbe quoted the Previous Rebbe in the Hayom Yom, “At the first seder my father would be brief, in order to eat the afikoman before midnight. On the second night, he would expound at length; he began the seder before 9 p.m. and ended at about 3 or 4 in the morning, dwelling on the explanations of the Haggada.
In 1951, after the Rebbe concluded the second seder he said, “My father-in-law, the Rebbe said that the niggun “E-li Ato” is a segula pnimi, a special potential, for the revelation of Eliyohu. Therefore, the song should be sung now with joy and dancing.” Chassidim began dancing with great enthusiasm.
The Rebbe then escorted his mother, the Rebbetzin Chana to her home. When he returned, he encouraged the dancing and then joined in for a period of time. The crowd continued dancing after the Rebbe left.
The Rebbe entered the “zal” of the upstairs shul after a short interval. He was holding his Haggada, which was published in 1946 and included his commentaries.
The Rebbe sat down and said, “My father-in-law, the Rebbe said that his father would begin the second seder at 8:00 PM and continue until after midnight.
Since a person has an obligation to quote his Rebbe; therefore, all students, mekushorim, and people connected to the Rebbe need to conduct themselves in the same manner as the Rebbe. In this case, it relates to the second seder which should begin at 8:00 P.M. and end after midnight. Since this was the custom of my father-in-law, the Rebbe and the Rebbe Rashab, it seems that this was also the custom of the previous Rebbei’m.”
The Rebbe began speaking Sichos, expounding insights on the Haggada. This was the topic upon which the Rebbe would hold forth through the night over the course of the next twenty years. Today, almost all of the Rebbe’s explanations and insights on the Haggada are based on those Farbrengens.
At the conclusion of the Farbrengen, the Rebbe announced “L’shana Haboa Byerusholayim”.
The Rebbe’s fiftieth birthday was in 1952 on Yud Alef Nissan. That Pesach the Rebbe Farbrenged after the seder on both nights.
The next year in 1953, bochurim and anash expected a Farbrengen on the first night of Pesach as well. The Rebbe told Reb Berel Junik, who merited to serve the Rebbe and his household for forty years, that this was a night for the revelation of Moshiach and therefore, he would participate in the dancing instead of a Farbrengen.
On the second night of Pesach, the Rebbe Farbrenged from 12:00 A.M. until 2:00 A.M. People dozed off during the course of the Farbrengen. The Rebbe commented, “Since my father-in-law the Rebbe sat [Farbrenged], I also need to sit [Farbreng]. Don’t blame me for keeping you awake. If it disturbs anyone, on Erev Yom Kippur one asks pardon for acts done innocently or intentionally. Chassidim with their unity will lead to Moshiach”.
During the Farbrengen on the second night of Pesach in 1955, the Rebbe asked if anyone knew the niggun “Vhi sheomdo”. Many of Anash suggested different niggunim for this verse. The Rebbe said that none of these was the niggun he was referring to and began singing the niggun. That is when Chassidim learned the niggun “Vhi sheomdo” that is sung today. It is one of the ten niggunim that the Rebbe taught over a span of ten years.
In 1966, during the second night of Pesach Farbrengen, the Rebbe introduced a new format to explain the Haggada. He asked a list of questions on selected verses of the Hagadda and with one explanation answered them all.
Farbrengens would begin at 1:30 A.M with a request from the Rebbe to sing a niggun. The Rebbe cited the writings of the Arizal that one needs to say the Haggada loudly, with joy and therefore, the niggun should be loud and joyously sung.
On other occasions, the Rebbe would encourage Reb Yaakov Katz, the chazan at the seder, to begin a niggun in a joyous manner, on the words “Memitzrayim Gealtonu”.
Reb Yankel Katz of Chicago had the merit to participate in the Previous Rebbe’s seder in 1930 during the Previous Rebbe’s yearlong visit to the United States. When the Rebbe settled in the U.S. in 1940, Reb Yankel Katz was invited to participate in the sedorim and did so for the next ten years until the histalkus of the Previous Rebbe. The Previous Rebbe appointed Reb Yankel to be the chazan, and told him to recite the Hagadda loudly.
The Rebbe continued this tradition and for the next twenty years, from 1951 until 1970, Reb Yankel would fly to New York for Pesach and participate in the Rebbe’s sedorim.
The Rebbe would also deliver a Chassidic discourse during the course of the Farbrengen, which opened with the words of a Haggada verse.
The Farbrengens were very unusual. A small crowd was present since it was one-thirty in the morning, after the seder and four cups of wine. There were no L’chaims, as no further food or drink was permitted after the afikomon. The Rebbe would speak with closed eyes, avoiding the sight of people sleeping. In addition to the local crowd, there was a contingent of yungeleit and bochurim who walked in from Boro Park to participate.
The Farbrengen would end at approximately 4:00 AM, and the Rebbe would be escorted home by a group of Chassidim who would sing a Pesach niggun as they accompanied him. The echoes of the niggun would ring across the empty expanse of Eastern Parkway as they left 770.
One of the Pesach nights in 1969, the Rebbe was escorted home by two bochurim who had been chosen for this honor. Before entering his house, the Rebbe turned around and began singing the niggun “Memitzrayim Gealtonu”. For five minutes the Rebbe stood there and encouraged the bochurim to sing along.
Recalling these unique Farbrengens (on the second night of Pesach), one feels privileged to have been present when the Rebbe sat with Chassidim and chose to fulfill the mitzva with them of “Discussing through the night the exodus from Egypt”. The words of the Zohar express perfectly what it was like for all those who were there, “Ano umalko blchodohi”, me and the king alone.
May we merit experiencing this in a physical sense, with the Rebbe this upcoming Pesach in 5777.
• 2. B"H wrote:
Can someone please clarify
I am sure there is an answer but I want to know what it is
I heard red is not a good color for Jews
But I see the Rebbe’s chair and now these chair and they look red why it is different?
Thank you
• 4. yaakov Altein wrote:
REb hendel started onthispicture inthe summer off 1963or1965 in the Catskills I was there inthatcolony so were the popacks
Rebhendelsaidheistrying topicturethe Rebbe’s face how it will looktenyearsahead..
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| <urn:uuid:2ca450e4-c1f4-4f78-98f1-5e3891daf6da> | 2 | 1.945313 | 0.052502 | en | 0.965157 | http://crownheights.info/something-jewish/572994/and-it-was-in-the-middle-of-the-night/ |
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Saudi Arabia Will Intervene In Iraq If USA Withdraws
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki dismissed an article by a Saudi security adviser suggesting that the oil-rich Gulf state would back the country's Sunnis in the event of a wider sectarian conflict. "I know this article doesn't represent Saudi policies. I am in contact with the Saudi government and they realise the necessity of protecting the democratic process," said Maliki, on his return to Baghdad from talks with U.S. President George W. Bush in neighbouring Jordan. Nawaf Obaid, a security adviser to the Saudi government, said on Wednesday the kingdom would intervene with funding and weaponry to prevent Shi'ite militias from attacking Iraq's Sunnis once the United States begins pulling out of Iraq.Obaid stressed in the article that the views were his own and not those of the Saudi government. "We have said repeatedly that speaking of one country backing the Sunnis and another the Shi'ites will deepen the differences within Iraqi society," Maliki said. Maliki also told reporters that Baghdad had added new language to this week's U.N. resolution extending the mandate of foreign forces in Iraq through to the end of 2007. "The international resolution on the forces ... has three new improvements or demands: our taking over security responsibility, our taking over the responsibility for building our forces and taking over the leadership and control of Iraqi forces," he said. | <urn:uuid:89d07406-a032-47a8-b973-085284d648b9> | 2 | 1.664063 | 0.020396 | en | 0.970662 | http://cruelkev.blogspot.com/2006/12/saudi-arabia-will-intervene-in-iraq-if.html |
Quality Essay Paper at The Attractive Price
Every day, thousands of students all over the world receive the task to prepare a writing project. The grade for such assignment influences the overall picture of academic performance of a student. It should be noted that preparing essay paper is not the only task. Except for preparing some writing assignment, a student is supposed to attend classes and take part in different activities like sports. What is more, family matters and household are not supposed to be disregarded as well. Meanwhile, each and every student wants to go to the parties or throw them by him or herself. Therefore, the question arises, how to find time for everything? How to achieve the optimum balance?
Unfortunately, for a great number of students it is almost impossible. It is very hard to provide in-depth research when your friends are hanging out at the party and you are supposed to spend hours in the dusty library. Some students give up and fail to maintain a balance in their life. Consequently, they make a poor fist of preparing good paper and receive low grades. Thus, let us focus on the main problems connected with preparing essay papers and clarify why students decide to order the assignments from the different online writing services.
We have conducted a short interview connected with the problems that arise when dealing with essay paper writing. So, these are the most commonly used explanations.
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It is not a secret that one has to provide an in-depth research to prepare a good piece of writing. What is more, all the sources used are supposed to be academic and reliable. The next thing is to prepare at least few drafts to make sure that a student is moving in the right direction. One should not forget that deadlines can be very short; it means that everything should be done quickly. References are the cornerstone of the whole essay paper. The reason is that each assignment is supposed to be based on proper evidence. There are a lot of different types of references that can be used in the paper, i. e. scholar journals and magazines, books, interviews, records, documentaries, and others. By and large, there are various sources, but the hardest thing is to pick the right ones.
2.Preparing writing task limit the time that can be spend with friend and family.
It is not a secret that preparing custom essay papers takes a lot of time. Therefore, a student must burn the midnight oil writing the required assignment instead of spending time with friends. What is more, less time will be spent with family. One can conclude that such student will probably miss a great number of fun activities sitting in the library with books.
3. When writing is not your forte, preparing a paper turns into a huge challenge.
Considering the information provided above, it becomes clear that even preparing a draft can become a nightmare for some students. Not to mention the fact that writing is not an easy task for many of those whose writing skills are not very good. Sometimes, it seems that you can easily speak on some topic, but when it comes to writing – tabula rasa. You can spend hours sitting before the screen, but putting your thoughts into writing seems totally impossible. The reason is that not all of us are good writers In this case, ordering custom essay paper is the best solution. One can purchase quality paper from the seasoned professionals who know how to meet all the requirements of the assignment.
If you do not want to worry about your grades any more, choosing our writing service is the best solution. Every customized essay paper that is prepared by our talented and highly qualified writers will bring high grade. At Custom-Essays-Online.com, thousands of students have already received professional writing help. Our company has been working for years and a lot of returning customers are a sign of high quality. Our writing service is totally reliable! All the papers that we propose are at a reasonable price. It should be noted that we hire only those writers who obtain academic degrees and are experienced in preparing assignments of different levels, such as high school, college, and university. | <urn:uuid:f172b82b-8693-4744-89e7-5ae616d8bce3> | 2 | 1.9375 | 0.060127 | en | 0.967927 | http://custom-essays-online.com/essay-paper |
Q. How is the value of "my" car determined?
Most insurance companies use a service that maintains late model vehicle values. Like, Kelley Blue Book, or Edmunds. Establishing a value for your car is simply using one of the available formulas to compute the value of your car based upon the general condition of your car, its mileage, plus the options and equipment package on your car and other allowed factors. | <urn:uuid:720ef088-5867-4edb-8d26-abed2bc04f4e> | 2 | 1.828125 | 0.392608 | en | 0.925496 | http://daviddanda.com/faqs/116-q-how-is-the-value-of-my-car-determined |
Steve Jobs Al Davis is dead. The Apple chairman and former CEO who made personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and digital animation mass market products NFL owner who built the Oakland Raiders and became an NFL icon, passed away today. We're going to miss him. Deeply, and personally.
Steven P. Jobs Al Davis passed away on October 5th 8th, 2011 after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer...various illnesses. He was just 56 82 years old. We mourn his passing, and wish his family the very best.
Let's address this up front: Gizmodo Deadspin and Steve Jobs Al Davis had, at best, a tumultuous an imaginary relationship. Yet no matter how much he may have hated us probably had no idea who we were, we admired him.
No, that's not quite right. We loved him.
He was the reason many of us got into this industry N.W.A, or even care about technology gangsta rap at all. He made the computer black and white tracksuits cool and smartphone firing Lane Kiffin a national spectacle. Bill Gates may have put a computer on every office desk, but it was Steve Jobs Al Davis who put one in every dorm room and bedroom and living room brought back the overhead projector. And then years later, he repeated the trick, putting one in every bag and every pocket, thanks to the iPad and iPhone. If you use a computer or smartphone today, it is either one he created, or an imitation of his genius. he hired Tom Cable without investigating his qualifications.
He changed the way movies are made, the way music is sold, the way stories are told, the very way we interact with the world around us. offensive game plans were executed. He helped us work, and gave us new ways to play open up the passing game. He was a myth made Sid Gillman man.
Prior to Steve Jobs Al Davis, computers the Raiders were alien to most of us. They were accessible to few people without an engineering degree a terrible team before he took over head coaching duties in 1963. Not merely because of their complex operating procedures antiquated ground attack, but also because they were so cold and so inhuman boring. Jobs Davis understood that they could be something more than that. That while computersThe Raiders would never be people losers again, he could would endow them with humanity swagger and a "commitment to excellence." He could transform them into machines that not only anyone could use black and silver menaces, but that everyday people would enjoy using with new garish uniforms, thanks to the art of great design. He made them something that would be part of our lives. And he did that again and again. with great pride.
His life story is familiar, but it deserves repeating. He was given up for adoption by his unmarried parents. He grew up in California Flatbush, and was very much a product of that place and time. He took drugs went to Wittenburg University and Syracuse University. He got into phone hacking coaching at Adelphi College. Both were precursers to what would always be his interest: changing the status quo.
In 1976 1960 he started Apple in a garage as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers. Together with Steve Wozniak Gillman, he shipped the first true fully-built personal computer tweaked the West Coast Offense, with, the Apple I"vertical passing game." He drove development of the Mac, threw early and often, understanding that it was the future of computers scoring lots of points. The great thing that we would all see. He brought in a grown up himself in to run the company. And that grown up forced him the Raiders out of the company that he built Oakland and into the wilderness Los Angeles.
While he wasgone in Los Angeles, he started NeXT computer to get greedy. The RaidersNeXT operating system would form the underpinnings of Apple's OS X, and iOS would even flirt with moving to Irwindale.
He also started the best movie studio of the past 30 years "black and silver" movement. Pixar's filmsThe Raiders' uniforms were innovative, to be sure. It pushed the boundaries of CGI team insignias to such an extent that even today its early films iterations still work. But technology is smirking football pirates are only a tool helmet logo. As with everything else he understood that great technology apparel marketing alone is not enough. ItThe Raiders must be human win consistently to have an impact. Pixar Raider moviesfootball tell storiesgames are an event. They make grown men cry dress in barbaric skeleton costumes on humid autumn Sundays. That was the impact of Steve Jobs Al Davis.
He became a family man obsessed with carrying a towel in public. He reunited with his biological mother, and his sister, the writer Mona Simpson. He married. He had children. He was, by all accounts, a great dad. It was his role as husband and father that helped drive his second act at Apple him be more human.
After his return, to Apple, the companythe Raiders began shipping iconic product head coach after iconic product head coach away. Products Moves that defined a decade. The iMac, OS X, the iPod, iTunes Mike White, Joe Bugel, Jon Gruden (which was very good, before it he was very badshipped to Tampa Bay), the iPhone, the iPad Bill Callahan, Lane Kiffin, Tom Cable, Hue Jackson. All of these were deeply human products head football coaches. They reflected his understanding of how technology was used not only in the workplace, but in the home capricious an owner he could be. In his keynotes later years, product demos press conferences typically showed not executives, but families his terrifying visage snarling and covered in Band-Aids.
He made AppleThe Raiders into the most valuable company in the world a sometimes great football team.
He never met his biological father Tom Cable.
He accomplished so many things, in so many fields professional football that it's tempting to compare Jobs Davis to someone from the past. A Thomas Edison Pete Rozelle or a Ben Franklin George Halas, even a Leonardo Da Vinci Nosferatu. We tend to do that because it helps us understand. But it does him a disservice. He was unique. His own person. Our own person.
He was our emblematic genius team owner. In 100 years, when historians talk about the emergence of the age of intelligent machines terrifying football executives, it is Steve Jobs Al Davis they will hold up as the great exemplar of our era.
They will remember his flaws, too. When Atari Davis hired JobsKiffin and Woz Cable to write coach the code for the iconic Atari game Breakoutorganization, the pair earned a $5000 bonus for completing the work, largely done by Woz were both colossal assholes. But Jobs Davis kept the bonus a secret, and only paid his partner $375 living. When his daughter Lisa a gargoyle was born in 1978, he spent two years denying he was her its father. His denials forced her it and her its mother to support themselves on welfare. In the workplace he's often been described as temperamental and even petulant. He could be arrogant and unforgiving.
He was not a god. He was simply a man.
Yet for all his faults, he changed the world. He made it better.
He once famously asked of a press corps critic "what have you done that's so great?" called ESPN's Chris Mortensen a "professional liar." For Jobs Davis, the answer to that question was very nearly unlimited that was a pretty good day.
Our world will be less interesting, less exciting, and less meaningful without him.
Goodbye, Mr. Jobs Davis. We will miss you so very much.
(Ed. Note: Portions of this obit were borrowed from Gizmodo.) | <urn:uuid:58d4bfdc-4dd5-4bef-911c-e6169a2e9117> | 2 | 1.96875 | 0.09672 | en | 0.982272 | http://deadspin.com/5847996/steve-jobs-al-davis-is-dead-update?tag=Tribute |
Advanced Skin Care: When Is It Necessary?
77Being the largest organ of the body that is mostly associated with beauty and protects other important organs that make up your body, you need to make sure that your skin is well cared for. You need to develop a skin care routine that you can easily follow every day and make sure that your skin is always at its best.
Tips For The perfect Skin
The following are some of the things that you should do to have a beautiful and healthy skin that people will admire.
1. Cleanseshutterstock_592534091
If you want your skin to look great and have a bright complexion, you will need to clean it properly. Generally, you are supposed to wash your skin when you wake up and after every major activity that causes you to sweat. It is recommended to clean up right before you go to bed. The last thing you want is to end your day with a lot of sweat and oil sitting in the pores of your skin.
When we talk about beauty, the part of the body that comes to mind is the face. You need to pay more attention to your facial skin compared to the skin that makes up the rest of the body. Ideally, you should wash your face two times a day. Before you go ahead to wash your face, you are supposed to apply warm water on it in order to open up the pores. When the pores are opened, the face wash will be able to get inside and remove any buildup or oil. Lather up your face for about thirty minutes with the face wash by rubbing slowly and lightly in a circular motion.
Pulling down on the skin when you are washing it is not recommended because it may expedite the natural occurrence of the skin. After washing the skin, you are supposed to rinse it with cool water in order to shrink the pores and prevent oil and dirt from entering. When it comes to drying the face, you are supposed to pat it dry as opposed to rubbing it with a towel. When you rub your face with a towel, you stretch the skin and encourage premature wrinkling.
1. Scrubshutterstock_592840217
It is recommended to exfoliate the facial skin two times every week depending on your skin type. You need to look for the best facial scrub for exfoliating the skin. Do not use very rough exfoliating scrubs that may end up damaging your skin. When you scrub your face, dead skin cells as well as any impurities that are deep down within the pores will be removed. If you have facial hairs, scrubbing your face before shaving is a good idea. It will help loosen up the whiskers and elevate them above the skin for a closer shave.
You should only scrub your face after cleaning it. You need to apply just the right amount of scrub on the face and then gently rub it over the skin. Your focus should be on the areas that are likely to have a buildup of dead skin cells, including the neck, nose and forehead. Do not scrub harshly around the eye because the skin around that area is very delicate. You may encourage formation of wrinkles if you scrub there harshly.
Once you are done scrubbing your face, rinse it with cool water so as to close the pores and prevent oil and impurities from entering. Pat your face dry with a face towel after that.
1. Hydrateshutterstock_57083956
The third thing you will need to do in order to have a beautiful-looking skin is to moisturize it using the best skin moisturizer. The moisturizer will keep skin cells hydrated, something that will give your skin a firm and energized look. It also provides anti-aging benefits and protects the skin from impurities entering into the pores. You are supposed to apply the moisturizer after cleaning or exfoliating it and patting it dry. As you apply it, make sure that you focus on the areas that tend to dry most often.
Just a little bit of moisturizer is required to keep your face hydrated, but this may vary depending on your skin type. If you have dry skin, you will need to re-apply the moisturizer a number of times a day for your skin to continue being hydrated. But if you have oily skin, you will not need to moisturize it often. Just one time in the morning will be enough.
1. Preventionshutterstock_591014243
The final skin care tip for beautiful and healthy skin is to prevent aging. It is every ones dream to have a youthful looking skin. In order to keep your face looking younger, you will need to apply the best face serum. The serum will penetrate the deep tissue of the skin and stimulate production of collagen. It will revive and repair the tissue that is found beneath the skin where the aging process starts.
Before you go to bed at night, you should apply the best anti-aging cream the same way you apply a moisturizer during the day. The anti-aging cream will work with the natural nightly restoring process of the body to plump up skin cells and slow down aging. When you wake up in the morning, you will be looking better than you did when you went to sleep.
Final Thoughts
Apart from following the above tips, you should try as much as possible to reduce your exposure to the sun especially when it is too hot. Only stay in the sun for a few minutes every day either in the morning or evening when it is not too hot outside. By doing so, you will get vitamin D without putting your skin at the risk of being damaged. If circumstances force you to stay in the sun for the better part of the day, make sure that apply the best sunscreen. | <urn:uuid:a922b382-8b45-4c22-90d7-4c9b5f27301d> | 2 | 1.914063 | 0.028565 | en | 0.953079 | http://declarebeauty.com/skincare/advanced-skin-care/ |
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Read Mark 2:13–17
When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" Mark 2:16 NKJV
* * *
Matthew was a tax collector, a Jewish man who worked for the Roman government. The religious leaders saw a traitor but Jesus saw a man who needed a Savior. Jesus could look into a man's heart because He was the Son of God. In fact, Jesus had no problem eating with sinners, because He knew that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…(Romans 3:23)
A few of the religious leaders came to realize who Jesus was, but most did not. This is why the first message He preached was "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15 NKJV) Repentance required admitting their sin, and receiving God’s Son, the promised Messiah.
* * *
Jesus not only saw Matthew's heart, he saw his potential. He later chose Matthew as one of the twelve apostles. Lord, help me to understand the hearts of my children and envision their potential. Even though that is not completely possible, I can trust You to know their hearts and work all things together for their good.
* * *
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Read Luke 5:17–26
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." Luke 5:20 NIV
* * *
In this story, some determined men brought their friend to Jesus to be healed. They removed some tiles from the roof of the house and lowered him right in front of the Lord. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." (5:20)
The Pharisees thought to themselves, "Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (5:21) and because Jesus was God, he knew what they were thinking. So He said, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?"(5:22)
* * *
There is nothing that we can say or think in our hearts of which Jesus is not aware–He knows our every thought. Lord, I want to pray, as David did, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 NKJV)
* * *
Luke 5:22–23 NIV
Sunday, August 16, 2009
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"… Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." Luke 5:8–10 NIV
* * *
Simon Peter had seen Jesus heal his wife's mother. He had watched as demons came out of people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (Luke 4:41) Then one day, Jesus went fishing and they caught so many fish that the two boats began to sink from the weight. This was the miracle which convinced Peter that Jesus was no ordinary man – He was the Son of God. From then on, Peter, James and John left their fishing business and followed Jesus.
* * *
Dear Father, You said, "it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8-9) You knew what Peter needed to bring him to faith, and You knew what I needed. Lord, give me the words to share with others in a way that is meaningful to them. Speak to the hearts of our children to inspire them in a walk of faith throughout their lives. Make us "fishers of men."
* * *
He and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners… So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:9–11 NIV
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1 NIV
* * *
Satan, the enemy of God, is ever the accuser of man. In the book of Job, Satan tried to humiliate God by testing his servant, Job. Now, the Son of God himself has become a man, in order to redeem men back to God and Satan continues His war against God.
As Satan tempts Jesus he repeatedly says, "If you are the Son of God," (4:3, 6) mocking His deity. Then as if Satan were God himself, he boasts, "All this I will give you, if you will bow down and worship me." (4:9)
At this point, Jesus responds, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only." (4:10)
* * *
Lord, You said that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with the powers of darkness. You are the one who is able to put a wall of protection around our immediate family and our church family. We are no match for Satan who is adept at quoting Scripture for his own purpose ─ we must pray as You have instructed, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (6:13)
* * *
Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:11 NIV
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Friend Of The Bridegroom
Read Matthew 4:12–17; John 3:22–36
The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less" John 3:29-30 NIV
* * *
John's ministry was about to come to an end. His message was: "Repent! The kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"The Messiah is here – prepare your hearts! As John was thrown into prison, Jesus' three year ministry began.
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2–3) Jesus sent word that he was indeed the Messiah, proven by the signs of His miracles.
Of John the Baptist Jesus said, I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:11)
* * *
Lord, because of the ministry of faithful men and women, we heard the gospel. I pray that our home will be a lighthouse shining in the darkness, helping others find the Way. Like John said, "He must become greater and I must become less." May we do all things for Your glory.
* * *
When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee… From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 4: 12, 17 NIV | <urn:uuid:dc0d1361-1122-47d8-829d-81e3be194ffc> | 2 | 1.523438 | 0.020778 | en | 0.974454 | http://devotionalprayerjournal.blogspot.com/2009/08/ |
Reflections on Justice Scalia’s Passing
I was sitting and resting in bed yesterday after working at the library when I read on my Facebook feed that Justice Antonin Scalia passed away from a heart attack at a resort ranch in the town of Marfa, Texas, a small town 200 miles east of El Paso. Scalia was not without faults (most notably his adherence to the incorporation doctrine), but he was one of the few justices on the Supreme Court who did not buy the rubbish that the Constitution was a living, breathing document that had to be interpreted with the times.
The Constitution, as envisioned by our Founding Fathers, gave the federal Congress specified powers that were enumerated in Article I, Section 8 of that document. James Madison, in Federalist No. 45, stated the following with regards to the federal Constitution:
It was clear that many of the powers that the new government had would be restricted and that the states would have much to say as to how their own governments were run. This practice was maintained for all of the 19th Century and early into the 20th Century. Even after the convulsion of the War Between the States, the federal government was very small with budgets not even reaching $1 billion a year until our entrance into World War One. In the aftermath of the war, the country took a decidedly different direction where power would be amassed on the Potomac and that the power of the states would gradually decline throughout the century.
The expansion of federal power greatly accelerated with the Coup of 1937, where the Supreme Court abandoned its place in applying strict construction of the Constitution and began to embrace a more progressive understanding of the document. Men like Woodrow Wilson were influenced by the theory that law like men were evolving in Darwinian terms and that the Constitution’s meaning changed over time.
Antonin Scalia rightly saw the danger in the evolving theory and stated:
Obama will now likely replace Scalia with a man that fits his vision of what law should be. Men like Scalia are few and precious in these days and he will be missed.
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Hello folks, my name is Efrem and I am a great purveyor of information. I love to travel, read informative books and have a fascination with all sorts of stuff. I graduated in 2007 from San Jose State University with an MLIS and have done library work for the past several years. Before that I was a legislative assistant in the California Legislature where I got tired of the rat race. I am married to my wonderful wife and have a spunky son who loves to read as well. I hope you enjoy my site.
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Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Muscular and Nerve Disorders Forum
elbow burning
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What would cause a burning sensation in the elbow at night and my hands to go numb,while I sleep?
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replied December 11th, 2011
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This is due to compression of the nerves.
Which part of the hand goes to sleep, will tell you what nerve(s) are being compressed.
The median nerve usually gets compressed at the wrist and the ulnar nerve can get compressed at the wrist and/or elbow. When we sleep we usually bend up our elbows and put our hands under the chin or behind the head. These positions, when held for long periods at time, compresses the nerves and the area that they supply, goes to sleep.
Classically the median nerve supplies the palmar side of the thumb, index, middle, and radial (thumb-side) half of the ring finger. The ulnar nerve supplies the palmar side of the ulnar (small-finger side) of the ring finger, the small finger, and the ulnar dorsal (back) of the hand. The rest of the dorsum of the hand, the part on the thumb side, is supplied by the radial nerve.
With the burning sensation at the elbow, you probably have compression of the ulnar nerve, behind the elbow. The ulnar nerve travels in a covered groove on the back, medial (inside) of the elbow. When it is struck sharply, an electrical shock can sometimes be felt to the small finger. Sometimes called the "funny bone".
But, you could also be compressing the median nerve at the wrist, since you feel the whole hand is asleep.
The compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow is called cubital tunnel syndrome, at the wrist is called Guyon's canal compression. Compression of the median nerve at the wrist is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
There is also a possibility that it could be coming from the spine. But, it would require that you have compression of three cervical nerve roots (C6, C7, CCool, for the whole hand to be involved.
If the symptoms go away in a few moments after waking up, then surgery is usually not needed. Some patients, who a awakened all the time by the numbness and pain, can wear splints at night to keep them from flexing the elbows and wrists. This often takes care of the problems. A small, light weight wrist splint for the median nerve is all that is needed, it does not have to be a huge splint used for broken wrists. As to the elbow, a big, bulky, hard elbow splint usually keeps patients awake. All that is needed is something to keep you from sharply bending the elbows all the way up. This can actually be done by taking old tube socks and cutting the toes out to make a tube. Usually, three or four thicknesses is all that is needed. You can still bend the elbow some for comfort, but the bulkiness will keep you from really bending the elbows all the way up.
If the pain and numbness become persistent, you just can't get the sleep you need, or you are concerned about the problem, you should then see a hand or upper extremity surgeon.
Good luck.
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Tags: sleep, numb
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5 Photography Techniques Everyone Should Know
Adjust the Light
Think about it: What is a photograph? It's a record of light, nothing more or less. Many amateur photographers take light for granted. In fact, judging and adjusting the light is the key to taking good pictures.
Diffuse light is better for picture taking than direct sunlight, which creates shadows and glare that can ruin a photo. Photographers love to shoot in early morning or evening when the sun is low. A cloudy day is better than a sunny one. If you have to shoot at midday, move your subject into the shade.
A flash can help if you use it properly. The pop-up flash on your camera is most valuable as a fill flash [source: Story]. Use it to light your foreground subject when the background is already bright. It will eliminate shadows and give the subject the correct exposure. Be careful when using a flash in low light: It bleaches colors and washes out your subject. And keep in mind that the light from most built-in flashes reaches less than 15 feet (nearly 5 meters) [source: Kodak].
You can shoot indoors without a flash. Just move your subject near a window. A bright, north-facing room is ideal [source: Halford]. Use a piece of white poster board to reflect light onto the subject and improve your picture [source: Bezman Lighting]. | <urn:uuid:6421f434-3461-4b75-b1eb-fd65f75b1424> | 3 | 2.671875 | 0.20124 | en | 0.917752 | http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/cameras-photography/tips/5-photography-techniques-everyone-should-know1.htm |
How Bluetooth Car Stereos Work
Car Gadgets Image Gallery If you hear the name Bluetooth, the first images that come to mind could be of half-concealed headsets. But a growing number of people imagine a whole lot more, including car stereos. See more pictures of car gadgets.
Michael Blackburn/© iStockphoto
Bluetooth is a growing technological trend that many people use to varying extents. Some simply clip a headset on their ear to talk on a cell phone without the need to hold the actual phone. Others maximize Bluetooth's capabilities and have fully synchronized networks in their homes, offices and vehicles. And still some don't know much about Bluetooth at all. Here are the basics.
Bluetooth devices communicate wirelessly with each other through short-range radio waves that have a maximum reach of about 10 meters generally, or 30 feet, although some more high-powered devices have longer ranges. Unlike devices that require a direct line of sight like remote controls, Bluetooth-enabled products just need to be in the same area in order to communicate with each other.
The interactions between devices form a small network, commonly called a piconet or a personal area network (PAN). These mini-networks, typically comprising no more than eight electronic gadgets, communicate in interesting ways -- all the while guided by the Bluetooth connection protocols and standards that unify the exchanges.
The machines, controlled by one master device, detect each others' presence and pass around pertinent data to coordinate and facilitate their activities at the same time they're continually jumping between radio frequencies along a certain band. With this constant hopping and the use of low power signals, Bluetooth gadgets not only cut down on interference from other devices sharing the frequency band, they also help ensure any brief crossovers won't be an issue.
A variety of electronics can be part of a Bluetooth piconet, from cell phones to personal computers and printers to cameras. The growing list also includes home phones, headsets, entertainment systems, GPS navigators, MP3 players and more. Bluetooth technology is touted as being an inexpensive automated system that brings convenience, flexibility and efficiency to electronic network communication -- and the daily lives of its users.
For more detailed information on how Bluetooth technology operates, read the article How Bluetooth Works. On the next page, however, we'll be reading about all the different ways a Bluetooth car stereo can enhance your driving experience. | <urn:uuid:2740f878-d8c9-4b67-8ee6-b5d1d779bc6e> | 3 | 2.578125 | 0.302091 | en | 0.93184 | http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/bluetooth-car-stereo.htm |
China's successful launch of the sixth beidou navigation satellite
Xichang 1 nov this website today 0 26 points, xichang satellite launch center in China with the "long March 3 c rocket, success will be the sixth beidou navigation satellite into space, this is our country this year continuous network satellite launch of the fourth beidou navigation system.
BeiDou satellite navigation system (COMPASS, Chinese transliteration name BeiDou), as China's independent development, independent operation of the global satellite navigation system, is the national important spatial information infrastructure is under construction. Through the development of 19 years, beidou system in surveying and mapping, fishery, transportation, telecommunications, water conservancy, forest fire prevention, disaster reduction and relief, and has been applied many fields, such as national security, produce remarkable economic benefit and social benefit. Especially in the sichuan wenchuan, yushu in qinghai has played a very important role in earthquake relief.
Beidou satellite navigation system is one of the four big suppliers in today's global satellite navigation system. Beidou system construction, promote the global cooperation and development in the field of satellite navigation, promote the technological progress of the global satellite navigation system.
In accordance with the "three-step" development strategy, the beidou satellite navigation system will be 2012 years ago in the capacity of regional services in the asia-pacific region; Around 2020, global coverage ability in service. China's satellite navigation system management office in the launch on the rocket for the first time use the beidou satellite navigation system. Blue circle logo contains the big dipper, SiNa, grid elements such as earth and beidou satellite navigation system in both Chinese and English names, indicate beidou star system, with high precision and high reliable for global positioning, navigation and timing services industry characteristics, to show its open compatible, towards the world, the construction of the global service tenet.
The launch of a satellite and carrier rocket respectively by China aerospace science and technology group corporation, China academy of space technology and China academy of launch vehicle technology development. This is the 133th long march rocket flight.
TypeInfo: Industrial Policy
Keywords for the information: | <urn:uuid:e471f4a4-e38d-4422-8100-f3714e8dc37e> | 2 | 1.71875 | 0.103343 | en | 0.883063 | http://en.hwacreate.com.cn/news_detail/newsId=224.html |
Philippine Peso
From Wikipilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia
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The peso (Filipino: piso) (sign: ; code: PHP) is the currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos (Spanish) or sentimo (Filipino). Before 1967, the language used on the banknotes and coins was English and so "peso" was the name used. The language was then changed to Pilipino (the name of the Filipino language then) and so the currency as written on the banknotes and coins is piso.
The peso is usually denoted by the symbol "PhilippinePeso.png". This symbol was added to the Unicode standard in version 3.2 and is assigned U+20B1 (). Due to the lack of font support, the symbol is often substituted with a simple "P", a P with one horizontal line instead of two (available as the peseta sign, U+20A7 (), in some fonts), as "PHP", or "PhP".
The coins are minted at the Security Plant Complex. Banknotes, passports, seaman's identification record books, land titles, checks, official ballots, official election returns, passbooks, postal money orders, revenue stamps, government bonds and other government documents are printed in the Security Plant Complex or the National Printing Office.
The Philippine peso derived from the Spanish silver coin Real de a Ocho or Spanish dollar, in wide circulation in the Americas and South-East Asia during the 17th and 18th centuries, through its use in the Spanish colonies and even in the US and Canada.
Peso fuerte
Main article: Pilipino Series
Main article: Bagong Lipunan series
The Philippine peso was established on May 1, 1852, when the Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II a (now the Bank of the Philippine Islands) introduced notes denominated in pesos fuertes ("strong pesos", written as "PF"). Until October 17, 1854, when a royal decree confirmed Banco Español-Filipino's by-laws, the notes were in limited circulation and were usually used for bank transactions. The peso replaced the real at a rate of 8 reales = 1 peso. Until 1886, the peso circulated alongside Mexican coins, some of which were still denominated in reales and escudos (worth 2 pesos).
Coin production commenced in 1861 and, in 1864, the Philippines decimalized, dividing the peso into 100 centimos de peso. The peso was equal to 22Template:Frac grains of gold. In 1886, Philippine colonial authorities started the gradual phase-out of all Mexican coins in circulation in the Philippines, citing that Mexican coins were by then of lesser value than the coins minted in Manila.
Revolutionary period
Asserting its independence after the Philippine Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898, the República Filipina (Philippine Republic) under General Emilio Aguinaldo issued its own coins and paper currency backed by the country’s natural resources. The coins were the first to use the name centavo for the subdivision of the peso. After Aguinaldo's capture by American forces in Palanan, Isabela on March 23, 1901, the revolutionary peso ceased to exist.
American Colonial period
After the United States took control of the Philippines, the United States Congress passed the Philippine Coinage Act (March 3, 1903), which fixed the weight and fineness of Philippine coins. The peso was defined as being equal to exactly half the gold content of the U.S. dollar. A similar state of affairs existed in both Japan and Mexico. The 50 cents Peso continued in both Mexico and the Philippines right up until the 1960s.
Shortly after the introduction of the 50 cent (US) Peso, a problem occurred which was paralled in the Straits Settlements. The price of silver rose so high that the Philippine Peso coins, and the new Straits dollar coins became less valuable than their actual silver content. There was a danger in both cases that these coins would be melted down for their silver. In both cases, in 1907, new smaller coins were introduced with their silver values reduced to a safer level.
Second World War
In 1942, the Japanese occupiers introduced notes for use in the Philippines. Emergency circulating notes (also termed "guerrilla pesos") were also issued by banks and local governments, using crude inks and materials, which were redeemable in silver pesos after the end of the war. The Japanese-sponsored Second Philippine Republic under José P. Laurel outlawed possession of guerrilla currency and declared a monopoly on the issuance of money and anyone found to possess guerrilla notes could be arrested. Because of the fiat nature of the currency, the Philippine economy felt the effects of hyperinflation.
U.S. and Philippine forces continued printing Philippine pesos, so that, from October 1944 to September 1945, all earlier issues except for the emergency guerrilla notes were considered illegal and were no longer legal tender.
Republic Act No. 265 created the Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP, now the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) on January 3, 1949, in which was vested the power of administering the banking & credit system of the country. Under the act, all powers in the printing and mintage of Philippine currency was vested in the CBP, taking away the rights of the banks such as Bank of the Philippine Islands and the Philippine National Bank to issue currency.
In 1967, the language used on all coins and banknotes was changed to Pilipino. As a consequence, the wordings of the currency changed from centavo and peso to sentimo and piso.
In a repeat of Japanese wartime monetary policy, the government defaulted on its promises to redeem its banknotes in silver or gold coin while promising to maintain the two-to-one peso to dollar parity. This decision, compounded with the deliberate overprinting of fiat banknotes, resulted in the peso dropping in value by almost 300% against the US dollar within the first three hours of opening day. The government effort to maintain the peg devastated the gold, silver and dollar reserves of the country.
By 1964, the bullion value of the old silver pesos was worth almost twelve times their face value and were being hoarded by Filipinos rather than being surrendered to the government at face value. In desperation, then-President Diosdado Macapagal demonetized the old silver coins and floated the currency. The peso has been a floating currency ever since, which means that the currency is a physical representation of the domestic debt and whose value directly tied to people's perception of the stability of the current regime and its ability to repay the debt.
From the opening of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in 1949, successive governments have continued to devalue the currency in order to lower the accumulated domestic debt in real terms, which in December 2005 reached PHP 4.02 trillion. Many Filipinos perceive the peso's value in relation to the US dollar and tend to blame whatever regime is in power for the worsening exchange rate.
Current economy
Based on the current price of gold, the Philippine peso has now lost 99.9998% of its original 1903-1949 value. As of July 20, 2008, the value of the 1903-1949 Philippine Commonwealth peso, as per definition 12.9 grains of pure gold (or 0.026875 XAU), would now cost ₱1,136.09 on the international commodity markets.
As of October 2005, the Philippine money supply (M1) totaled about 569.2 billion pesos (about US$11.5 billion). As of October 15, 2008, the PHP is traded at 47.650 per US-Dollar.<ref></ref>
In 1861, gold coins were issued for 1, 2 and 4 pesos. These were equal in gold content to the earlier Spanish coins of ½, 1 and 2 escudos. Silver coins were minted from 1864 in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 centimos de peso, with silver 1-peso coins issued in 1897. During the Revolutionary period, coins were issued in copper for 1 and 2 centavos and 2 centimos de peso.
In 1903, a new coinage was introduced. It consisted of bronze ½ and 1 centavo, cupro-nickel 5 centavos and silver 10, 20 and 50 centavos and 1 peso. The silver coins were weight related to the peso which was minted in .900 fineness and contained 374.4 grains of silver. U.S. gold coins and ½ and 1 peso coins were legal tender for any amount, with 10 and 20 centavos coins being legal tender up to 20 pesos and smaller coins up to 2 pesos. The sizes and finenesses of the silver coins were reduced in 1907, with the peso now a 20 gram coin minted in .750 silver. Production of the 1 peso coin ceased in 1912 and that of the 50 centavos in 1921.
The American Government deemed it more economical and convenient to mint silver coins in the Philippines, hence, the re-opening of the Manila Mint in 1920, which produced coins until the Commonwealth period.
In 1937, coin designs were changed to reflect the establishment of the Commonwealth. No coins were minted in the years 1942 and 1943 due to the Japanese occupation, but minting resumed in 1944, including production of 50 centavos coins. Due to the large number of coins issued between 1944 and 1947, coins were not minted again until 1958.
Detail on a 5-piso coin
In 1958, a new, entirely base metal coinage was introduced, consisting of bronze 1 centavo, brass 5 centavos and nickel-brass 10, 25 and 50 centavos. In 1967, the coinage was altered to reflect the use of Filipino names for the currency units. This was the "Ang Bagong Lipunan" series. Aluminium replaced bronze and cupro-nickel replaced nickel-brass that year. 1-piso coins were introduced in 1972, followed by 5-piso coins in 1975. The Flora and Fauna series was introduced in 1983 which included 2-piso coins. The sizes of the coins were reduced in 1991, with production of 50-sentimo and 2-piso coins ceasing in 1994. The current series of coins was introduced in 1995, with 10-piso coins added in 2000.
Coins currently circulating are:
• 5 sentimo
• 10 sentimo
• 25 sentimo
• 1 piso
• 5 piso
• 10 piso
Denominations below 1 piso are still issued but are not in wide use. In December 2008 a Philippine Congress resolution called for the retirement and demonetization of all coins less than one peso. <ref></ref>
In 1852, the Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel 2a issued notes for 10, 25 and 50 pesos fuertes. In 1896, the bank added 5 pesos fuertes notes. The treasury issued notes for 1, 4 and 25 pesos fuertes in 1877.
During the Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars, 1 and 5 pesos notes were issued in the name of the República Filipina.
Between 1903 and 1918, silver certificates were issued, in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 pesos. These were replaced with Treasury Certificates, issued between 1918 and 1941 in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 pesos.
In 1904, the Banco Español-Filipino introduced notes in denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 pesos. In 1912, this bank changed its name to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), continuing to issue notes until 1933. The Philippine National Bank (PNB) issued notes in 1916 in denominations of 2, 5 and 10 pesos, with emergency notes issued in 1917 for 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 5, 10 and 20 pesos. Between 1918 and 1937, the PNB issued notes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos. These notes were in circulation until 1947.
The Japanese issued two series of notes. The first was issued in 1942 in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 50 centavos, 1, 5 and 10 pesos. The second, from 1943, was in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 100, 500 and 1000 pesos.
A 100-peso note from the English Series, which was introduced in 1951 and was replaced by the Pilipino Series in 1969.
In 1944, Treasury Certificates, featuring the word "Victory" printed on the reverse, were issued to replace all the earlier notes. These were in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 pesos.
In 1949, the Central Bank of the Philippines took over paper money issue. Its first notes were overprints on the Victory Treasury Certificates. These were followed in 1951 by regular issues in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 pesos. The centavo notes (except for the 50-centavo note, which would be later known into the half-peso note) were discontinued in 1958 when the English Series coins were first minted.
In 1967, the CBP adopted the Filipino language on its currency, using the name Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and in 1969 introduced the "Pilipino Series" of notes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 piso. The "Ang Bagong Lipunan Series" was introduced in 1973 and included 2-peso notes. A radical change occurred in 1985, when the CBP issued the "New Design Series" with 500-piso notes introduced in 1987, 1000-peso notes (for the first time) in 1991 and 200-piso notes in 2002.
Philippine banknotes are currently issued in the following denominations:
• 5 piso*
• 10 piso*
• 20 piso
• 50 piso
• 100 piso
• 200 piso
• 500 piso
• 1000 piso
(* not printed but still legal tender)
Current Circulating Banknotes
Image Value Main Color Description Year of First Issue
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse
Front side of the 5-peso banknote Reverse side of the 5-peso banknote 5 piso* Green Emilio Aguinaldo Declaration of Philippine Independence 1985
Front side of the 10-peso banknote Reverse side of the 10-peso banknote 10 piso* Brown Apolinario Mabini and Andres Bonifacio Barasoain Church and Blood Compact of the Katipuneros 1985 (first version), 1998 (second version)
Front side of the 20-peso banknote Reverse side of the 20-peso banknote 20 piso Orange Manuel L. Quezon Malacañang Palace 1986
Front side of the 50-peso banknote Reverse side of the 50-peso banknote 50 piso Red Sergio Osmeña National Museum (historically and formerly the Old Congress Building) 1987
Front side of the 100-peso banknote Reverse side of the 100-peso banknote 100 piso Purple Manuel Roxas Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 1987
Front side of the 200-peso banknote Reverse side of the 200-peso banknote 200 piso Green Diosdado Macapagal Philippine EDSA Revolution 2 2002
Front side of the 500-peso banknote Reverse side of the 500-peso banknote 500 piso Yellow Benigno Aquino, Jr. Philippine Unity 1987
Front side of the 1000-peso banknote Reverse side of the 1000-peso banknote 1000 piso Blue Jose Abad Santos, Gen. Vicente Lim, and Josefa Llanes Escoda Banaue Rice Terraces, Manunggul Jar, and Langgal Hut 1991
Template:Standard banknote table notice
(* not printed but still legal tender)
Recent issues
"Arrovo" banknotes
In 2005, several 100-peso notes where President Gloria Arroyo's surname name was misspelled "Arrovo" were in circulation. Days after this was first found out, the BSP ordered an investigation. <ref> Dela Cruz, Lindo. Public Wants Arrovo Bills SunStar Cagayan de Oro. 24 November 2005. [1] </ref>
Fraud problem with the 1-piso coin
By August 2006, it became publicly known that the 1-piso coin has the same size as the 1 United Arab Emirates dirham coin.<ref>Menon, Sunita. "Hey presto! A Peso's as good as a Dirham",, 2006-08-01. Retrieved on 2006-10-04. </ref> However, 1 peso is only worth 7 fils (0.07 dirham), leading to dispensing machine fraud in the U.A.E.
Similarities of the 10-piso coin over the 2 Euro coin
The 10 peso coin is also similar to the 2 Euro coin making it easy to pass for a Euro in some establishments in the EU.
Template:Exchange Rate
See also
<references />
External links
Money] Template:Peso Template:Philippine peso history
¤Currency signs
Former signs
Currency-Symbol Regions of the World circa 2006 cropped.png
Template:Currencies of Asia
Template:Philippines topics | <urn:uuid:28b0a2cd-bb8f-4d74-8552-7be93a19d540> | 3 | 3.359375 | 0.022349 | en | 0.933794 | http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Philippine_peso |
Wednesday, 24 August 2016
Changing culture, not easy but the prize is huge!
Want to Change culture? Then change habits.
I get asked a lot, “how can I change the culture in my organisation?” This is probably because I’m obsessed by change in the workplace (see previous posts) and I studied cultural theory along with other things as part of my MA. In a nutshell I believe If you want to change the culture of an organisation you have to change its habits. That is the habitual behaviour of it’s individual people. I always reply that’s not an easy task.
It’s widely written that organisational culture is all about values, behaviours and actions of its staff. Often expressed as the unique social and psychological environment of the organisation’s members. History, technology, strategy, types of employees, management styles, national culture, vision, values, norms and systems all play a part in the creation of culture. Along with symbols, language, assumptions, beliefs that become habits! Phew!
Ravasi and Schulz (2006) described organisation culture as; “a set of shared assumptions that guide what happens in an organisation by defining appropriate behaviour for various situations”. Wow, that’s deep. What’s more staff teach these assumptions and behaviours to new members as a way of perceiving, thinking and feeling. The sum of this is an employee identity that affects how they identify with the organisation. In other words corporate culture.
That’s really profound, and it is reinforced daily so it’s hard to change, a bit like turning the Titanic. I’ve got an old copy of Charles B Handy’s seminal work Understanding Organisations. The first section chapter 7, deals with defining organisational culture in great detail and is still a fabulous read.
So how might we begin to change it?
First read this brilliant blog by Steve Chapman
I thought I might try and list some questions we could ask staff to simplify the process. And I’ve begun to list the areas that change makers need to address with a specific organisation in mind.
Question is where are we now? And where do we want to be? What are the values in that department at present and how do we want them to change? Why do we want to change? Break that down, what are the shared departmental assumptions? What are they based on? What do people do every day? How can we begin to change it? Where do we want to end? What do we want to start?
Although this article by Steve Chapman focuses on creativity, I believe it contains the essence of how to change culture. Ask difficult questions and prepare for things to break!
Set the scene, take 1
I’m imagining as I think of a specific department in a particular organisation.
I walk into the dept currently in my head. It has an air of formality. Presenteeism matters, what you’re producing doesn’t. It isn’t inviting or interesting to visitors it’s actually intimidating in its blandness. It’s full of perceived stuffy people dressed in the same uniform with their heads down. The hot desks, cleared every evening have zero personality. It doesn’t cross fertilise ideas with anyone outside and the people clearly don’t get out much. This is by design and is reinforced each day by shared habits and behaviours. and a possible shared vision of the rest of the organisation. Possibly world, Gosh, is there a shared ‘world view’ also prevalent here? I’m scared, I’ll run now before my formal meeting, I’m only there for a ten second slot, the rest will be irrelevant to me. Will anyone miss me, last time they were all comatose before my bit. They scoffed at my ideas.
If I sit for a while what behaviour do is see? Men in suits and ties, I was struck in Hamburg recently by the office uniform of middle aged German men, blue shirts beige slacks. What do I see here? Shirts, collars ties, pointy shoes. The women are less formal but not informal and indeed some follow the format. I observe People arrive early, they stay late. They sit in the same locations. the hot desk, open plan vibe encourages no personality of space. It’s quiet, diaries are full of formal back to back meetings with formal agendas. The language is formal and reflects the professional education of the staff members. There is a clear hierarchy. People come and go from meetings. They don’t share information.
Environment & silos of experts
There are so many things here where do I begin? Let’s start with the environment in that office and progress down to the individuals. The organisation shapes the environment of this department. This means it’s open plan and there are no collaborative spaces, you’re not even allowed to stick blue tack on the wall leave alone anything else.
Silo thanks to
People tend to sit within a set group. They can actually sit anywhere they choose but they group naturally. This is ok, and research extols the virtues of silos of experts. They share stuff, have great conversations and can be productive.The open plan hot desk scenario here leads to lack of personalisation. There is evidence that closed work spaces can be more productive. And personal adornment of those areas increases productivity. Essentially as the articles suggest, workspace needs to be flexible. Lets redesign it together to make it more user friendly, suitable for the work to be done and useful for other more collaborative work too.
Bump in and get out more
The other problem with the silo arrangement is that people don’t bump into other silos of experts even those who work in related but different fields. Many books describe the positive effects of bumping into each other. Walter Isaacson’s ‘Innovators’ is a fab book for understanding this. Steve Jobs designed the new HQ of Pixar so that people would bump into each other in the atrium. He designed the environment to make it happen. Knowing that great things would occur and they did.
Co working spaces take this further. (co work hubs in Devon) At the extremes the better ones actively encourage cross fertilisation of ideas. See Impact hubs and their success stories for examples of this. Essentially people should spend 70% of their time outside of their silo. Time to cross that bridge.
Question; how can we redesign the space for quiet silo working with like minded experts. But make this personal space just a safe haven?Question; how can we encourage staff get out seventy percent of their time to a co work space or other professional environment?
In a nutshell go gather pollen from the flowers and bring it back to the hive.
Buckminster Fuller
Whilst we’re at it, take those empty walls, ask who inspires the folks at work there and fill em with pictures. Apparently Ranulph Fiennes was inspired by pictures of explorers on the wall of his family home. Don’t let the images go stale, circulate the images to keep them fresh and put a short description underneath. The department in my head brings pictures of James Lovelock, Heath Robinson, Jony Ive, Mahatma Gandhi, Buckminster Fuller, Petra Kelly and many others to mind. But ask your people and let them bring variety. In a big organisation they could swop occasionally with other departments. On that subject some of their time could be spent in the other department silos. Go forth to shared spaces and communicate. get out more!
Environment done! Getting out more done! What about some personality
So we’ve shaken up the work place and the amount of time spent in it a bit. But we need to bring out the personalities a bit more too. What are we going to do with what we learn from the big outside? Will we discuss it at the end of our rigid formal meeting whilst everyone scoffs? Or will we clear a space in our diaries each day for some informal bumping of ideas?
According to research, 52 minutes is desired as the maximum productive time, but only if we have 17 minutes in between doing something completely off the wall. So let’s use that time for an upload together. Make it a bring and share, bring ideas, learn, read, show videos and put them all to the sword in a public forum. Discuss pros and cons, make it fun. Do this every day. Have expressive space, big whiteboards, pin up spaces etc. People talk about learning and development as though it’s something separate from your work. It should be part of your DNA to learn and take on new ideas and break down old assumptions and do it collectively.
Language and identity
thanks to
This upload forum described above also serves a different special purpose. It begins to attack the assumptions of agreement. It starts to change the dept language. It starts to erode ingrained values and beliefs. It starts to give people personal identities as they emerge from their silos. It can begin to shape how people self-identify. There are swathes of academic writing about identity and I bow to the research of e.g. David Campbell and Ziauddin Sardar. I cannot begin to open this Pandora’s box, but I will say that changing language to suggest activities rather than cultural themes is a good start. Say out loud; I’m an innovator, engineer, creative, environmentalist, maker, writer, photographer. These are positives. Move away from job titles, they’re a bit irrelevant and yesterday. Move away from descriptions like, team leader or manager these are equally unhelpful. Self identity around what you want to do might be nice place to start, e.g. Environmental champion, creative engineer etc. This should become default language, the way you introduce yourself in a speed dating session. A bit like your elevator pitch for yourself. Oh and watch this video it deals with shedding old identities better than I can.
As the language advances and the upload conversations will become more detailed, notions of who do I identify with can come in. Not in a negative way like I’m a facist and all my friends are white supremacists, hell No! More like I’m really into making things, I’m influenced by Michael Reynolds and Geoff ‘Earthship’ Starlington, I like the work of Jony Ive, I follow the philosophy of Buckminster Fuller and Hundertwasser, I listen to Curtis Mayfield and Megadeath. Suddenly each participant in upload develops a personality. Someone recently suggested a bring your personality to work day. Maybe that’s a possible start? Who influences you at work and why? Who influences or inspires you in life and why? What are their values and qualities you admire, have you worked this out? Do you carry this knowledge with you? Do you share it? Go share it now!
So the environment has changed, people are out more and the personalities they bring back begin to emerge now what?
How do we cultivate these changes further?
So identities are not fixed, remind people they can change their nationality, religion, beliefs, gender, sexuality, name, status, geography (urban/rural). All of these cross cutting themes can vary throughout your life! Oh yes they can and do! But try to see people without those labels, it’s really hard and takes practice but it’s worth it. Some organisations manage this, it’s worth taking a long look at them. Ask me for details.
Let’s develop some ideas about culture change a bit more. How are we going to move further together?
Well people can choose their identity and express it and they can choose their actions. They don’t have to conform to organisational assumptions. Move them further, ask them who they identify with? Characters from film or fiction, role models? heroes? Why ask them this? Because I suspect they are a great guide to where people get their ideas and possibly to where they think they’re going, or would like to go. Who influences you? Who do you aspire to be?
How do you want to be seen now, and how do you want to be remembered?
Now we have opened Pandora’s box, we are beginning to change things. People are attempting to express themselves within the new environment and new ideas are forming as a result of the getting out more.
How do we filter those ideas into the work that needs to be done?
Ask questions of each other and ourselves. Why am doing this work? Who else needs to know about it? (Not just the usual suspects our professional partners). Who is working on this stuff as well as me? Originality is very rare, someone is doing your project somewhere else, even fire was discovered in different parts of the world simultaneously. So go find out who you might be able to collaborate, share with, increase value of, learn from. Where shall I go to find out who’s doing this? Can I test it with someone completely different than me? What do I know? Why do I think I know it? What do I want to know? Who’s opinion do I currently value and why? Is that correct?
I’ll say it here and now; it is sharing information that is powerful not keeping it to yourself!
thanks to
Once we work together, we need to create a vision. At present we are here. Where do we want to be? What will it look like? How will we behave? Describe ourselves and the organisation? What will people see, hear, feel when they come to see us? Once you’ve built, collected, asked, advanced, changed the environment you work in. And the way you work, got out more, questioned yourself and others. The culture will begin to change and it will show.
Ponder this scary thought, you’ve changed the culture, collectively and individually. When you finally put your ideas up there, what does it feel like? Ask any artist, writer, film maker, songwriter. Very scary but really exciting. It will be challenging or beautiful but not passive!
So what about habits?
Question: What about habits what have they got to do with it? Habits become what we wear, where we work, how we describe things, what we eat, what we read, the cafe we drink our tea at, the tea we drink (coffee in my case can’t stand tea, was an avid Earl Grey drinker then I stopped and drank coffee instead) our work patterns, how we describe ourselves, how we relate to others. The things that shape the assumptions that lead to the culture of an organisation come down to habits.
Individual habits and they can change. They are the elements of a culture and they are a choice.
Some people say that they are part of our personalities. But if you vary habits and break patterns it can lead to unexpected benefits and adventures and enhanced wellbeing. Imagine the thrill of watching a different soap opera. Get into new characters in a book. Or read different news, possibly with widely varied or opposite views to the ones you habitually follow. Scary but enticing territory. I watched horror films for a while found them challenging and jarring. I went back to my safe zone of crime, but I never quite viewed it in the same way again. I really began to understand why I liked it so much more than horror.
Back to work and culture
Do you wear a suit every day? Or wear one occasionally? If you never do maybe you should. How about you never wear the same twice in two days. Perhaps people will enjoy a guess and wonder what you might wear next. Then go sit in a different place, pick a silo elsewhere. Ask them questions about or related to your work and theirs. People are flattered by questions. Organise a non-traditional meeting, read up on how to do it. Or ask me for help. Yes you can do all of these things in the same day, after all isn’t variety the spice of life?
Change your language, describe your role and yourself differently when asked. Invent a new persona at work, be who you really are. Present your work as you. Ask for critique in a constructive way, or combative if you dare! You’ll never be the same again. Programme your work in a pattern, 50 mins head down, 20 doing something radical. Go work elsewhere, invite others in! Mix your meetings up. Bring in outsiders (shock horror) Let the washing machine engineers meet the fashion designers and together they can design a new car. Read this brilliant article on collaborative culture by Rosie Manning Oh and just read more, its like learning and development only more enjoyable. here’s a great guide to how and why.
Set the scene, take 2
In my mind I walk into the dept, it’s a hive of activity, individuals work here. I know that because no two look alike. They’re in groups or silos huddled together hard at work. Another group are around a display board. They discuss an idea, it’s a challenge to get a word in. When I do I’m accepted, they listen to and record my contribution. The silos break out into a hive of activity. The meeting i attend is brisk, it has objectives and outcomes. People only come in when they’re needed. Not all of the orchestra plays at once! I take actions with deadlines so do others. There’s an acknowledgment we will complete them on time.
A walking meeting passes by deep in conversation. I notice staff have adorned the walls with interesting images. I ponder them whilst I drink my coffee. I go to a different dept and ask what their images are all about. For the next fifty minutes I write my next project overview. I take it out to the display board, colleagues and visitors gather to discuss it, not a suit or tie in sight. The odd pointy shoe here and there and some decent beards but I ignore that and view them as people. I record all of their views and ideas verbatim, they help gel and confirm some of mine. Some are radically different. I make a note to test them against my assumptions.
Borrowed Earthship diagram
I’m off now to work in the DeskLodge Bristol now (or any other co work space you’d like to imagine). I know it’s full of creatives today for a conference. I’m Going to stay for the evening discussions. I will show them my project, I’m scared but excited. Work will never be the same again. I get up excited to cycle in. I’ve got a picture of an Earthship in my bag I’m thinking about building. I want to know what people think, how they would improve it. Tomorrow I’ll work at the science park, see what they think of my latest project. Will it stand up to their scrutiny or will I need to rethink. it feels exciting when I put myself out there. I’m hoping for something innovative. if nothing else it’ll be a challenge, it may be beautiful.
If you want to change your organisation, change the culture. If you want to change the culture change the habits. If you want to make it more diverse, stop trying and change the above two.
NB. I’ve tagged some books and articles I’ve enjoyed, there’s a wealth of research done on this topic too great to mention here. This is simply a blog of my thoughts not an academic paper. Go read more it’s fun! If you want help doing things different ask me.
This blog is also on Medium:
Monday, 1 August 2016
Where are the future creatives? And what are we doing about it?
Only 1% of people on the internet are creators!
Creative tools past
Its an odd paradox that in an age where we have the most powerful creative tools in our hands most of us use them to do passive tasks. At best we might take a selfie, add a filter and post it in the ether. That is the endless stream of social media. yes we might well look back nostalgically at our efforts. But I suggest there are less and less people able and willing to make a living out of creating. Why is this?
First of all I guess the notion of jobs like photographer, artist, poet, writer, musician. Considered the creative roles appear diluted by digital technology and means of distribution. When I was a teenager if you wanted to take a photograph (my obsession back then), you had to and first save up for a decent camera. Mine was a Zenit E, followed by Canon AE and many more. Also the accessories as you gradually learned the trade of using different lenses for different reasons and flash in the dark etc. If you were a fanatic like me, you but a darkroom with a Durst enlarger. Struggled to create a space of total blackout where you could develop and enlarge your masterpieces. I was told that good print could last a 100 years or more. I wonder what digital archives will be around in 100 years?
Ingrained in that crazy slow learning curve was a desire to capture images that endured and pleased others. And master the techniques of presenting them. To exhibit was to bare your soul. The great and good came from far and wide to see, and if you were lucky purchase your efforts. You would number them to make them even more desirable. Oddly I've noticed a resurgence of people using film recently that might one day return to this situation. But I doubt it.
Like music and writing, the art of photography died with the digital camera. Music struggles on but the means of distribution have rendered earning a living as a musician almost impossible. Art is the last bastion. Struggling in its own way to stand out in the crowded space where social sharing and advertising increasingly co-exist. One in 11 jobs or 8.8 per cent of all UK jobs now falls within the creative economy, and one in six of all UK graduate jobs are also creative economy positionsThis is seen as good, but as work opportunities decline and the traditional notion of work disappears with the coming AI revolution. The percentage is going to have to be a lot bigger!
Part of developing and autonomous, think on your feet, adaptable workforce is going to be all about stimulating and encouraging creative skills beyond the odd selfie.
My self with Prisma - 5 mins of effort!
But how?
At the moment our education system and every other facet of society pushes people towards the traditional view of 9-5 treadmill jobs. The new breed of hamsters, apart from a small minority, seem happy to follow. Disruption is happening in many aspects of society, bitcoin, crowdfunding, crowdsourcing, AI, autonomous vehicles. But not in traditional education. According to many commentators it kills creativity. This is something we need to tackle quickly. Or we will hive our future creatives to mindless silos nose to the grind wheel.
The solution is opening things up, yes even schools and colleges. Oh the risks I hear you scream. But as long as we keep closed systems, closed institutions and closed thinking, we will not stimulate the 'autonomy economy' of future creatives.
My vision is that the best things happen when strange worlds meet. Co working hubs around the world are demonstrating this almost daily. what we need is to do this earlier, faster and cheaper to enable worlds to collide more often. Creative hubs, freely available to all are the answer. When I was a kid the library was my education, but they are no where near cool enough anymore. We need spaces that are the epitome of wow. Designed to attract and throw together the cleverest minds of all ages and social strata. No government will support this as this kind of autonomy terrifies them. It is for our generation, those who know how to make stuff, to provide them for the future.
Some light is starting to appear, we have hubs coming out of our ears in Exeter and conferences too. The problem is they are disparate and not in the centre. There is no one centrally placed Loci, I propose a quiet takeover and I have a target place! Watch this space... | <urn:uuid:4cc294b7-07ae-4eb0-b5d7-486743fa291c> | 2 | 1.648438 | 0.028323 | en | 0.951279 | http://feralcharm.blogspot.com/2016/08/ |
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Eating a Healthy Diet
April 4, 2009 8:08 pm
Eating a Healthy Diet
One of the important things you can do for your overall health is to eat a healthy diet. Your diet affects your weight and increases your risks of health diseases. Deciding a healthy diet is easier to say than to do because it is tempting to eat less healthy foods. Different people decide different healthy diet because you might eat this kind of diet while others just cannot stand the food you eat and find its alternative. That's what health experts are here for, to let us know which food are healthier than others. What are the principles of healthy eating? Know What Healthy Food Is and How You Should Eat.
When pursuing a healthy eating plan, you should remember the following:
1. Try and Eat a Variety of Different Colored Food - You should remember that different foods have different nutritional values. Food can be rich in antioxidants or Vitamin C. So, when you go to do your regular weekly shop, try and see what different colored foods you can pick up.
Down the fruit and vegetable aisle you should see greens, yellows, oranges and reds. You should have as much of a color variety in your trolley as you can. For example, when picking out fruit pick up strawberries, oranges, pineapple, apples, blueberries and bananas and you will notice what a large color selection you actually have. The same goes for vegetables. Basically, more color means that it is better and healthier for you.
2. Eat Foods from All Food Groups - The problem with many diets these days is the fact that they tell you to cut certain foods from certain food groups, out of the diet altogether. This means that you lose important nutrition and don't eat as healthy as you could be. So, the answer to a healthy diet is to eat a variety of different foods.
Generally, fruit and vegetables should make up the main portion of your diet but you still need carbohydrates such as potatoes, meat or fish and a little bit of fatty foods like flaxseed oil which many experts recommend as part of a good fat diet. Overall, a diverse mixture of all food groups is needed for a healthy diet!
3. When You Need to Eat Snack, Do It on Healthy Foods – It doesn't mean that just because you want to lose weight, you'll have to skip your snack. In fact, snacking can actually be quite good for you just as long as you are eating the right foods.
Generally, when we want to eat snack, we reach for a biscuit or a packet of crisps. However, if you want to eat a healthy snack, then you will have to swap those for nuts, seeds or fruit and vegetables. That way you will get energy, you will also be full until your next meal time and it will be completely healthy.
Since you know what foods you like and what you don't, you really have to decide for your own healthy eating plan. However, the said tips above can help you to choose the best healthy eating plan for you.
If you are switching to a healthy eating plan, then a Proactol™ can help you. Proactol™ is new clinically proven weight loss product that can help you cut down your fat intake by 28% of your dietary fat intake when taken after food. You don't have to deprive yourself of foods you love to eat healthy. Just eat the food you like in moderation and take Proactol™ to deal with your diet effortlessly.
Practicing a sensible weight loss is not just taking a diet pill - you should live for a long-lasting healthy lifestyle.
Visit proactol to see how you can achieve sensible weight loss. | <urn:uuid:8eb038c2-2075-4518-aa41-b52aaeee4e2b> | 3 | 3.1875 | 0.108725 | en | 0.968584 | http://fitnessdietbox.blogspot.com/2009/04/eating-healthy-diet.html |
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
You and Jasmine
So how many of you really got that lesson? You know, when our FACS teacher read the story about Jasmine. Remember tearing of pieces of our paper hearts every time she lost a piece of herself?
I remember laughing and talking. Saying she was stupid and should of learned her lesson. Joking about taping her legs together. But girls, as you tore that paper heart to shreds, did you stop to think that you might be doing the very same thing to yourself?
You don't have to have sex to loose part of yourself. Remember that kiss, the hug by your locker, or holding hands on the way to class? Each time, you gave him a piece of yourself. Maybe just the tiniest sliver, but your heart just became that much smaller.
Ever wonder why it hurts so much to break up? You gave him yourself, by bits and pieces, thinking that this was love and you'd be together forever. Now you're left with less of himself and more of his baggage.
Have you ever considered the man you will marry? You want his whole heart, his whole self, not a battered and bruise piece of it. What will you have left for him?
So don't be so quick to judge Jasmine, the girl with the shredded heart. You may have more in common with her than you thought.
0 heartfelt responses: | <urn:uuid:8bf97e11-42ce-4e5a-a3f0-fd0a9a3da25b> | 2 | 1.632813 | 0.181948 | en | 0.972464 | http://foreignprincess.blogspot.com/2012/04/you-and-jasmine.html |
Inside a Religious Movement
A new Foreign Policy photoessay takes a look at the secretive, Bangkok-based Dhammakaya movement. The photos, taken over a year by photographer Luke Duggleby, depict a movement characterized by: “millions of followers gathering around a central shrine that looks like a giant UFO in elaborately choreographed Nuremberg-style rallies; missionary outposts in 31 countries from Germany to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; an evangelist vision that seeks to promote a ‘world morality restoration project’; and a V-Star program that encourages hundreds of thousands of children to improve ‘positive moral behavior.'” [%comments]
Eric M. Jones
Almost a weird as Catholics or Mormons, but their foundations are probably more rational and less violent.
I think you should have used "cult" as the linked article did. Calling it a movement gives it legitimacy no pseudoscience deserves.
"world morality restoration project"
Every generation seems convinced it has reached the nadir of morality. Meanwhile wars are probably fewer and less bloody than ever before! To restore morality would be to believe it used to be higher, which I doubt.
What are they secretive about?
Whose morality is being restored? Why does it need restoration?
In the USA politics demands amorality from from its practitioners who also discard ethics and personal integrity. Such notions inhibit the pursuit of wealth and power and disturb those who supply the funds needed to achieve office.
Religion, Cult, what's the difference?
@dan what legitimacy does any religious belief deserve?
show me a religion that is based on provable facts, and i will call it legitimate. otherwise, it's all just tooth fairy nonsense. | <urn:uuid:10bbc037-0cf3-4e04-9c6c-c9520ccd1898> | 2 | 1.921875 | 0.837815 | en | 0.938093 | http://freakonomics.com/2011/01/24/inside-a-religious-movement/ |
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Deciding to become a civic architectural systems theorist and visionary futurist, I recently changed my name to Buckminster Fugger and wrote a book called 'How to Enjoy Eating Alone and Other Dymaxion Visions'. My aim is to continue the great Buckminster Fuller's enterprise of designing and proposing efficient, fulfilling and, most importantly, imaginative new ways of living.
The following are some of the revolutionary concepts that you will find in my book...
A city with no streets and no roads (see image above) where you get around by climbing from building to building through windows and doors or jumping from roof to roof. This will entirely eradicate traffic congestion and pavement litter.
Huge coats you can live in made from water proof mattresses with lots of deep pockets where you store your belongings/children. When exhausted, you can just fall over and fall asleep. Each coat will be its own jurisdiction with laws decided upon by you and applying to you alone.
Balloon cities. Floating municipalities where the populations live off passing seagulls and other avian comestibles that they catch in nets.
Cities of air consisting of houses made out of air. Effectively, your belongings laid out in open spaces. Heating is provided by jumpers. Air conditioning is provided by taking the jumpers off. Protection from rain is achieved when the population takes to the skies on hang gliders and congregates beneath nimbus clouds, thus preventing possessions becoming water damaged.
Houses made out of human hair. We all have hair and we often cut it or it falls out. Why not use it as a construction material? Did you know that discarded human hair covers 98000 square miles of the Earth's surface? That's a lot of houses. Instead of being painted, hair houses will be combed. This will be done with large 'house combs'.
Spherical buildings, like balls, that will be tornado proof as they will just get rolled about the place instead of blown down. Occupants will be kept level when harnessed into interior gravitationally compensatory gyroscopes.
The Double Antwerp Decker. A new Antwerp that is an exact replica of the old Antwerp and placed right on top of it. This will give us twice the Antwerp we are currently accustomed to without taking up more of Belgium's space.
Skyscraper buildings made out of stacked minivans and inhabited solely by dogs that are fed via daily deliveries of chum fired upwards with catapults.
And finally, sky cats. These vicious feral cats will be dropped from the sky to land on top of corralled criminals as a new punitive measure that replaces prison.
That is all. To know more you will have to purchase my book but, in keeping with Bucky Fuller's avant-gardeism, my book is actually not a book at all but a bottled scent that you inhale. However, once you breathe it in you die, thus doing your bit for population reduction and avoiding the impending Malthusian catastrophe going forward.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
In no particular order…
It Must Not Live! It Cannot Die!
From Cygnus to Ceefax
A Quarter to Huh?
Return to Xalberemus
Xalberemus Victorius
Xalberemus Once More
Xalberemus Or Bust
Herbie Goes to Xalberemus
Xalberemus Destroyed
Xalberemus No More
Xalberemus Reborn
Go Fuck Yourself Xalberemus
When Telex Revolts!
Super Bomb in my Mouth!!!
Tyrolean Grey
The Desert Moons of L. Casei Immunitas
The Fartegium Conundrum
Star Farm – Livestock Us!!!
The Beast That Shouted Pardon At The Rear Of The World
The Chronicles of Arseworld
Clongriffin Heights
The Ska Planet
Last Rocket to Skasville
Come See, Come Ska!
Karganorak - Ravisher of Maidens!
Queen with a Thousand Tits
That Robot Has Tits!
Titbot 9000
An Omnibus of the Unthinkable
Unreadable Tales
Unspeakably Shite
I Have No Nose Yet I Must Smell!
I Have No Book Yet I Must Read!
I Cannot Write Yet I Must Sell!
Aldous Huxley's Flimpy the Robot Goose.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
The other night I saw a fox sitting completely still in the middle of the road. Sodium streetlight spilled through tree branches and caused a nervous system to dance across the tarmac. There was a full moon above. A really really full moon. Fuck, that moon was full. Earlier, at dusk, I watched the city from a hilltop as it turned into a web of stars. The wind was just about cold enough to remind you that there is such a thing as cold and to remind you that you are warm.
The next day I woke up and so had the world, ahead of me. Birds were sending beautiful code. Clouds clumped and swirled and sent smoke signals beyond human ken. The burning ball of the sun sometimes showed itself but mainly hid. And the sea too, different to the day before or even the minute before or the second. Ever changing and never the same. It made the soaking sound of a stadium roar. Foamy fractals dissolved on its glistening shore.
And back inland, the flowers are coming. All different colors. All different sizes and shapes and permutations of those sizes and shapes and permutations of those again, an endless variety, endlessly. And if we're miserable it's because our heads are pointed at the wrong place. Not everything is a given but these things are guaranteed. These things are free. So much to see. Seriously, you'd never catch up. How could you ever leave?
Watch where you point your head. Please.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
We drove past the big shut down factory in the forest and my brother started talking. I couldn't hear him over the sound of the engine and with the wind coming through the broken window. As well as all that, I'm a bit deaf. I spend a lot of time faking that I know what's going on. My brother is one of the few people who knows this but he rarely takes it into consideration. I know that if I ask him to speak up I still won't be able to make out what he's saying. I also know that if I tell him I can't hear him he'll just keep talking anyway. So I just leave him keep talking. He seems to be enjoying it. He seems quite into whatever it is he's pretending I can hear. The only thing I think I hear him say is something about a billion euro. I decide that I'll ask him what he was talking about later, when it's quieter. When we've stopped for something to eat.
So, we stop for something to eat and it's quieter and I ask my brother what he was talking about.
'As we drove by the factory.'
'What factory?'
'The factory in the forest. The shut down place.'
My brother looks puzzled and shrugs.
'You said something about a billion euro.'
'I did?'
He still looks puzzled. He shrugs again. He says he can't remember.
'Well, you seemed pretty worked up about whatever it was.'
'Well sure, who wouldn't be?'
'How do you mean who wouldn't be? You don't even remember what you were talking about.'
'Well, you said I was talking about a billion euro, who wouldn't get worked up over that?'
I nod my head. 'I suppose', I say.
We finish eating in silence and then get back in the car. Once the engine is on and the wind is white noising through the broken window, my brother starts talking again. I watch him as he emotes. He's doing a lot of emoting. He's getting whatever it is off his chest. I can't hear a word he's saying but, you know, I'm glad I can be there for him.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
I'll never forget our Sunday adventure. Gazing at each another over macchiatos. Froth on your nose. 'Hey, let's do something.' Gliding through a lens flared afternoon on our fixies. Bon Iver on the soundtrack. 'Yeah, I feel that exact same way too.' The incline of your flannel hat. #CuteOverbite. Meeting Gustav and Francesca at the organic food market. He's getting back into puppeteering and she found this awesome Il Duce tee. We compare apps. We get toffee apples. You tell me about when you lived in Budapest and I tell you about my year in Brooklyn. 'I've been thinking about reading about physics.' We grab a taco and go see the new Spike Jonze. An Instagram sunset. A bench on the bank of the canal.
'I'm not sure I'm looking for something serious right now.'
'Me too, I'm like kind of like really busy and stuff.'
So it's an unremarkable goodbye that I'll write a remarkable song about and I'll perform it at Kabbáge and you say that you'll be there but I know that you won't and neither will I but I'll think about today all day tomorrow while I'm processing gypsies at the death camp. | <urn:uuid:32b6d4fe-1aa8-4d80-b8dc-68b5b588f41f> | 2 | 1.90625 | 0.040746 | en | 0.95876 | http://fugtheworld.blogspot.com/2014/04/ |
I didn't write this, nor did I see it before I wrote my entry, "ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GET LAID."
BUT... I just discovered that in the NY Times 2 days ago was a story entitled: "SHOULD PARENTING REQUIRE A LICENSE?" by Lisa Belkin. READ IT HERE:
Some people think that I'm coming from my ego on this blog, or from some theory or philosophy. But I hate theory and philosophy. That's ego. What I seek to learn about and to talk about is the truth. So when I discover that I'm onto something that others seeking the truth are also onto, I'm not at all surprised because the truth is the Truth and is accessible to anyone who really wants to know it.
Just like I said the other day to Rick, it's not all subjective or a matter of opinion. There is such a thing as Reality with a capital "R," and there is such a thing as Truth with a capital "T."
1 comment:
loff56 said...
Hey Pete,
I've been a long time away, but I've been following this interesting exchange between you and Rick...
Here's my two sense...
Actually I'm going to ignore the main part of the debate about licensing parents.
But I'm interested in your statement about Reality with a capital "R". In your previous entry you used gravity as an example of an unquestionable "R"eality. You also stated that "it (reality) is not all subjective or relative".
I actually strongly disagree with this.
Even with something as simple as saying gravity has only one effect (that of a person falling towards earth) is technically wrong. Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein said that it's just as correct to say that the earth falls up towards you as it is to say that you fall down towards the earth. Gravity is relative. And everything in the universe is relative according to Einstein.
I believe that this applies very importantly on a human level as well. If you and I have two different opinions on a given topic, my opinion doesn't exist only in the framework of your "R"eality and your opinion doesn't exist only in the framework of my "R"eality. We could be saying two completely contradictory things, the sky is blue and the sky is red, but within the contexts of our own realities we are both correct no matter how disparate the facts are. Think about it... If for some reason, I've learned for as long as I can remember that the sky is red, how absurd would your claim be that the sky is blue? It's all relative.
This plays an important role when dealing with other people or groups of people. If a group of people believe that they will be received by 17 virgins when they die, and we simply dismiss that idea as heathen, surprise surprise, they get mad and eventually start throwing bombs at us. But the fact is we don't know anymore than they do about what happens to you (if anything) when you die. Our insistence to constantly ignore the relative nature of reality is what isolates us and causes us harm.
Now I would postulate perhaps that the collective conscious of the world does in fact have a "R"eality, an average reality if you will, but I think if any one person postulates that they are tapped in to that, I'd say that they are... well... living in their own reality.
We all have to accept our humble relative view of reality, and understand that as much as we know individually and as a whole we will never be fully aware of the absolute truth. No matter how sure we are.
600 years ago 100% of all people in the world believed that the sun revolved around the earth. And they were absolutely correct in relation to their relative understanding of their Reality (with a capital R). And not one person would have ever been deemed unenlightened based solely on that belief.
Everything is relative. Period. Ask Einstein.
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The Life & Times of Ulysses S. Grant
War Between the States
Ulysses S. Grant is best known for being the commander of the Union forces in the American Civil War. When war broke out, however, he was not even a member of the armed forces! Soon after the defeat at Fort Sumter, however, Grant was offered a position to train and recruit volunteers by the governor of Illinois, which he accepted. Grant was then appointed a field command after some pressure, and became a colonel of the 21st Illinois Infantry, a regiment notorious for its unruliness. After whipping them into shape, President Lincoln appointed Grant brigadier general of militia volunteers, which the general public would recognize as a one-star general.
After this success, Grant was moved to the important District of Southeast Missouri, close to the Confederate border. His original purpose, stationed in Cairo, Illinois, (close to Southeast Missouri) was to defend and divert Confederate forces; but that did not suit the aggressive Grant. He requested and received permission to go on the offensive. Grant swept into Confederate-controlled land, and took Forts Henry and Donelson, in the first large-scale Union victory of the Civil War. At Fort Donelson, Grant fractured Confederate lines that had repulsed Union attack just the day before; it was here that he demanded "no terms except unconditional and immediate surrender." This, due to his initials, earned him the famous nickname "Unconditional Surrender" Grant.
Capture of Fort Donelson
After Grant's success at Forts Henry and Donelson, Lincoln promoted him to major general (a two-star general). It was after this that Grant became a celebrity, something that would help him win the presidency in later years. In fact, after a picture was published of him smoking a cigar, fans sent him thousands of cigars---something that most likely led to his death of throat cancer at 63. Grant was given control of the Army of the Tennessee after his promotion, and moved his HQ to Savannah, Tennessee in 1862. It was in Tennessee that Grant fought the Battle of Shiloh, a surprise attack by Confederate forces on his army. Grant famously pushed off the Southern forces, but actually lost 3,000 more men than his Confederate counterpart. This heavy casualty list (13,047) shocked American citizens, and produced a large public outcry against Grant. This prompted his commanding officer to remove him from the lead position in the upcoming siege on Corinth, which nearly caused Grant to leave the Army. Luckily, William Tecumseh Sherman, a close friend and fierce general, convinced him to stay; when Grant's C.O. was called to be general-in-chief of the Union army, Grant was able to resume his position.
This left Grant free to stage the famous Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. Grant relentlessly attacked the city, and when he won its surrender in July of 1863, he effectively cut the Confederacy in half on each side of the great river. The great victory at Vicksburg, unlike Shiloh, was accomplished with very minimal losses, and is still considered a brilliant example of military strategy. The long Vicksburg campaign cemented Lincoln's trust in Grant, and in March of 1864 the president gave Grant the rank of lieutenant general (a three-star general). Grant was the first to receive this honor since George Washington, and the post had been revived specifically for him.
Along with this promotion came overall command of all U.S. armies. The General Grant that people think of today was now a reality. He placed General William Tecumseh Sherman in control of the Western theater, and moved himself to Virginia to duel with his famous Confederate counterpart, General Robert E. Lee (pictured below).
Confederate General Robert E. Lee
Grant vs. Lee---Battle of the Century
The main goal of the war effort was now to destroy Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and to cut off the Confederacy's already limited railroad network. Grant and Lincoln devised the Overland Campaign to accomplish these two goals. The main gist of this plan was to have Grant take the main force of the Army against Lee in the east and drive towards Richmond, Virginia, while Sherman made his famous March to the Sea to take Georgia; at the same time, other generals would take key strategic points and railroads to choke off Confederate supplies and men. Grant was one of the first generals to comprehend the now essential art of total war, in which a country devotes all its resources to the war effort (something already practiced in Grant's day), and also realizes that striking against your opponent's economy and infrastructure can be just as important as winning battles (something not as widely used in the mid-1800s).
The Overland Campaign began in the spring of 1864, when Grant's Army of the Potomac marched towards Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, in order to provoke an attack. It worked. Grant fought in many battles, not just a couple major ones; he knew that he had to wear Lee so thin that he wouldn't have any more men to commit to battle. Engagements were fought in Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, and other places, and the Union almost always had higher casualty lists---but they won the battles. Grant kept on going where other generals had decided to retreat because they didn't want to incur the costs. Grant would not let himself be driven away, which was the Confederacy's main goal. They could not defeat the Union Army, but they could fend it off---until they faced Grant.
The Overland Campaign led eventually to Petersburg, Virginia. Lee was trapped in Petersburg, but would not give it up. So began the Siege of Petersburg. Trenches were dug on both sides, and the Union attempted to cut off Confederate supply lines. Sherman's Georgia campaign was doing tremendously well, and all other aspects of the war seemed to come together for the Union.After months of siege, Lee finally abandoned the city, and Richmond soon after. He retreated to Appomattox Court House, where he surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1985 (pictured below).
Surrender at Appomattox
When Lincoln was assassinated five days after Appomattox, Grant was furious. Lincoln was one of the general's best friends, and he believed that the assassination was a Southern conspiracy that needed to be punished. When he discovered that it was not a wide conspiracy, he calmed down a little. Grant had the honor of being a pallbearer at Lincoln's funeral, where he cried openly while standing at attention.
Within a few months of Lincoln's death, Congress created the rank of General of the Army of the United States, which is the equivalent of a modern full four-star general (General of the Army of the United States would eventually become the five-star general, and a four-star general would be known as simply a general). President Johnson appointed Grant to the position the day it was created, and Grant was the overall commander of U.S. ground forces in the ensuing peacetime. His reign in the position would be short, however, as his celebrity status led to a wide demand for him to be president. This was to happen very soon after the war ended. | <urn:uuid:c6b18a8f-cf56-4f22-9894-b398abae3386> | 3 | 3.296875 | 0.077199 | en | 0.979407 | http://generalgrant.weebly.com/us-civil-war.html |
The New York Times is reporting today that the source of the worm (so advanced some thought it was alien weapon) was us. And it wasn't the first.
Let the Games Begin
There are wars that we know about, like the one in Afghanistan. And there are the ones we suspect, like the special forces operations taking part throughout the world. But it turns out there's another war, an invisible one, with programmers wielding code as vigorously as soldiers do their M16s. It's called operation Olympic Games, and it's been waged against Iran for nearly a decade.
Olympic Games began under the Bush administration, in 2006, reports the NYT. That's when a widely reported tour of Iran's Natanz nuclear plant made White House officials anxious enough to consider military action. Stop uranium enrichment at all cost, was the part line. But bombs are messy, and lead to more and bigger bombs; not ideal for a region that's already unstable.
An alternative presented itself:
The goal was to gain access to the Natanz plant's industrial computer controls. That required leaping the electronic moat that cut the Natanz plant off from the Internet - called the air gap, because it physically separates the facility from the outside world. The computer code would invade the specialized computers that command the centrifuges.
A blockade, then, not of supplies but of information. Lines of code infiltrating high command positions. This is how we fight now.
A Human Element
The new weapon took time and resources to develop. US called on help from Israel (see the NYT for the full, fascinating story of the collaboration). It resurrected some old P-1 centrifuges it had confiscated when Qaddafi gave up his nuclear ambitions, testing the delicate Stuxnet worm on its outdated technology to make sure that it worked. And then it headed straight for the real thing.
While Stuxnet may not have been discovered until 2010, but it was first deployed in 2008, when Iran found that its centrifuges began "spinning out of control." But how did it get there in the first place? Good old fashioned spies.
It's long been known that the US has people on the ground, undercover, in Iran; a dozen were sadly captured last year. Armed with thumb drives, they pumped Natanz's belly full of Stuxnet. It would wreak havoc with Iran's nuclear ambition for years.
Blown Cover
Throughout the last several years, the Obama administration has accelerated the attacks, ordering both more frequency and efficacy. As the NYT reports, it could be argued that what gave Stuxnet away is that it was too effective. Like King Kong throwing off its shackles in the theater and rampaging through Manhattan, Stuxnet escaped Natanz and began replicating itself. It seems that someone got a little overzealous:
"We think there was a modification done by the Israelis," one of the briefers told the president, "and we don't know if we were part of that activity."
Mr. Obama, according to officials in the room, asked a series of questions, fearful that the code could do damage outside the plant. The answers came back in hedged terms. Mr. Biden fumed. "It's got to be the Israelis," he said. "They went too far."
And so the plug was pulled.
The Battle Is Not the War
According to the NYT, while Stuxnet may be over, Olympic Games proceeds apace. We've used cyberweapons in other countries, and will continue to do so. Even now, massive spyware called Flame is hitting Iran—although it appears to predate the Bush initiative, and can't be traced back to the US.
It's not a one-sided fight, either. China has been notorious for engaging in cyber warfare with the US and others. And even before this report, it's been widely assumed that Stuxnet was America's baby. Iran will surely attempt to respond in kind. And the barrier to entry is so low—anyone can attack anyone, from anywhere, at any time—that we could well face threats from areas we'd never bothered to consider harmful.
Go read the full story at the NYT. It's a thrilling, in-depth look at our invisible war. And a blueprint, perhaps, for how we'll fight—and be fought—for decades to come. [NYT]
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Thursday, August 4, 2011
Walter Frederick Osborne - Dorothy and Irene Falkiner
signed u.l.: Walter Osborne
oil on canvas
150 by 114cm.; 59 by 45in.
ESTIMATE 500,000-700,000 GBP
Lot Sold: 580,500 GBP
Although better known for his genre paintings, landscapes and late impressionistic garden scenes, Walter Osborne was a superb portraitist, and practised as a portrait painter throughout his life. Amongst his oeuvre are many drawings and paintings, as well as watercolours and pastel studies of members of his family, relatives, children, and friends. He made a series of portraits of fellow artists such as Sarah Purser, Nathaniel Hone and John Hughes, and writers such as Stephen Gwynn and Walter Armstrong.
However, from the mid 1890s onwards much of Osborne's time was taken up by more formal portraits. Partly out of financial necessity, in the pursuit of his own career, and to support his own family, Osborne needed to gain portrait commissions. Even as early as 1892 Osborne made references to the portraits which he was working on. Many of his commissioned portraits of the late 1890s were formal studies of the Establishment and Irish Society: for example of governors, members of the legal profession, academics, the clergy, business people, and of society ladies and their
children. Some of these were purchased directly by the clients, and were never exhibited in public, while others, particularly the portraits of beautiful women and children, were shown at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin, and the Royal Academy in London.
From the mid-1890s to the early twentieth century Osborne painted a series of society ladies and children dressed in their finery. These are amongst the most notable of all of his portraits including Portrait of a lady (Mrs. C. Litton
Falkiner seated at the piano)
Drawings and oil studies are extant of some of these portraits, indicating that Osborne planned and executed them carefully. In some of the portraits the mother and daughter are shown reading together, or there is music involved; while in several the sitter looks directly out at the viewer. In some of the pictures the woman is shown in similar three–quarter seated pose, an elegant dress floating down to her ankles. As the paintings include fine furniture, furnishings and sometimes a piano, it seems possible that Osborne painted the portraits in situ, in the sitters' homes rather than in his studio. Yet despite the potential formality of the occasion, Osborne creates a mood of intimacy. Some of the portraits may have been influenced by the likes of Reynolds, Whilstler and Orchardson, Valasquez and Goya but the closest affinities are with the portraits of Osborne's contemporary Sargent, who often painted mothers with daughters, sisters together, and children, in a brilliant and fluid manner demonstrated in works such as The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit (1882, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston).
The present portrait of Dorothy and Irene Falkiner was obviously commissioned by their parents Mr. and Mrs. C. Litton Falkiner (see fig.2). It was probably painted over the winter of 1899-1900, ready for exhibition in spring. The girls came
from an extremely distinguished Irish family. Their grandfather, Sir Frederick Falkiner (1831-1908), had been born in Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary and was called to the bar in 1852. In 1876, he was appointed Recorder in Dublin, and in 1880, elected to the King's Inns. He was also a leading member of the general synod of the church of Ireland. He was a compassionate man, concerned primarily with pursuing compensation for working men, who had been injured at work, and he became known as the 'poor man's judge' (R.H. Murray and Sinead Agnew, in Oxford Dictionary of
National Biography', Oxford 2004, Vol. 18, p984).
His second son Caesar Litton Falkiner (1863-1908), the girls' father, led a distinguished career as a barrister, politician, historian and writer. He was called to the Bar in Dublin in 1887 and was Assistant Legal Commissioner in the land Commission, 1897-1908. He became a member of the Royal Irish Academy in 1896, and was elected secretary in 1906. Among his publications were Studies in Irish History and Biography, 1901 and Essays relating to Ireland: biographical, historical and topographical, 1909, as well as the letters of Jonathan Swift. In 1982 Falkiner
married Henrietta May Deane, daughter of the brilliant architect Sir Thomas Newemham Deane (1828-1899) and Dorothy and Irene were born in the 1890s.
Osborne's portrait of them belongs firmly to his series of double portraits. It is striking in its depiction of the two sisters, and in the luxurious nature of their costumes. The figures are perfectly placed in the centre of the composition, one
seated on, one standing by, an ornate gilded seat. Osborne observes the pretty features and different expressions of the girls with sensitivity and sympathy. Both children look directly out at the viewer. The older girl, Dorothy, has clear
blue eyes, soft cheeks, rosy lips and flowing golden hair. The gentle face and pink cheeks of the younger girl, Irene, are visible beneath her bonnet. Her face is slightly lowered, her blue eyes looking up at us beneath her golden curls.
According to Hilary O'Kelly (lecturer in the History of Costume, National College of Art and Design, Dublin) the sisters were extremely lavishly dressed, even by the standards of society at the time, indicating their high status in society.
The sumptuous cream coloured material of the costumes, possibly of a Kashmir silk is subtly different in each girl, indicating the older and younger sister. Dorothy wears a frock and a double bow, one black and one white, tied under her chin. With her gorgeous flowing hair and striking black hat, somewhat in the Napoleonic style, O'Kelly believes that she was dressed to be presented to society.
Irene wears a long frock coat, and it is notable that she wears a white bonnet beneath her outer hood. She also seems to wear a black ribbon beneath her cream coloured bow and clutches a doll in her left hand. Both girls wear elegant black gloves, and hold muffs. The trimming around the girls' shoulders, and around the hood of the child, appears so light, that Hilary O'Kelly suggests that it is made of swans' down. There are pleasing echoes of Sargent, for example, the standing pose of the child touchingly recalls the girl in Beatrice Goelet , 1890, while the doll, and the gleaming shoes recall those in Sargent's masterly canvas The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, 1882.
In spite of the opulence of the girls' costumes, the portrait is in no sense flashy or exhibitionistic. What Osborne conveys is a sense of tenderness and intimacy. In this it has kinship with a contemporary, but much more informal double portrait The Goldfish Bowl, which likewise features two girls. Although they are absorbed in watching the goldfish, rather than looking at the viewer, and their costumes are much more plain, the sitters are likewise set against a loosely painted brown interior, and Osborne conveys a similar mood of sympathy for the children.
As well as a portrait of the girls' mother Portrait of a lady (Mrs. C. Litton Falkiner seated at the piano (1902, National Gallery of Ireland, her pose seated at the piano closely recalling that of Sargent's Madam Ramon Subercaseaux, 1880-81), Osborne also painted the girls' grandfather, Sir Frederick Falkiner in 1903. Sir Frederick died at Funchal, Maderia in 1908, coincidentally the same year that his son C. Litton Falkiner died in a climbing accident at Chamonix in the Alps.
Julian Campbell
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Automatic projector calibration
[Johny Lee] sent in his(pdf) awesome projector calibration project. By adding embedding some optical fiber that feed into a set of USB connected light sensors, his groups software can determine the exact pixel position of each sensor. Once the positions are determined, the projected image can be dynamically adjusted to fix the screen. The technique can be used to stitch together multiple projectors, and even calibrate an image to project onto a three dimensional model. I know some home theater nuts that would love to have this system for calibrating their CRT projectors.
This is such an excellent project, that I want to give credit where it’s due – it was developed by [Johnny C. Lee], [Paul H. Dietz], [Dan Maynes-Aminzade], [Ramesh Raskar] and [Scott E. Hudson].
Be sure to check out the video demo after the break!
40 thoughts on “Automatic projector calibration
1. I wonder why nobody thought of this before… but the problem with the car demo is, that it still requires the geometry to be known beforehand in order to wrap the image correctly.
And how do they want to achieve “interactive” framerates? they have to project log2(width) + log2(height) stripes, which would require 500 projections/sec for VGA, if you refresh the geometry at 25Hz. One could use a special projector that projects the stripes in infrared and at the same time the image that’s for the user to see…
But wouldn’t it be easier and more flexible, at the expense of 1:1 pixel precision, to point a camera at the projection surface (from the users point of view). you could then project images that look flat from a certain viewpoint onto complex unknown surfaces… but I think that would solve another problem…
btw, the setup they use looks quite cheap, just hook up some sensors to the IO-ins of your favorite programmable USB-chip…
If I just had a projector :D
2. The only problem I see with this approach is that you loose a huge amount of the available number of pixels from the projector… He is using a screen that is about 6″ on a side in a field of view that is about 30 inches on a side, which is ‘wasting’ about 95% of the available pixels… When he turns the screen on its side it further complicates the problem because the screens footprint becomes more along the lines of 2″ by 6″, reducing the pixel utilisation to a meager 1%
Also, you still have to focus the projector onto the target, and your depth of field is still limited by the lens on your projector…
This could get really big when laser projectors (using moving mirror galvos to steer the beam) become affordable, as you can then adjust the field of view of the projector on the fly, and the images are always in focus.
Aside from that, that is an awesome setup. I envision some code to allow beryl/compiz (sorry windows/mac users) to have several small (or large for that matter) panels that can be mapped to an individual window. So you can drag/rotate/etc each of your windows on say a physical desk.
3. It must be possible to do the calibration in way less time.
Consider the projector has about a million pixels.
To uniquely identify each pixel, they must each be given a code about 20 bits (frames) long. The codes would be arranged so two adjacent pixels are different in only one frame. (basicly gray code with an extra dimension, so X and Y can be calculated simultaniously). That means positions can be calculated with only 20 frames, and with a 60Hz refresh rate it should only take a third of a second to identify a pixel (ie. 3Hz). That means it becomes practical to track moving objects using an IR projector (because you can do motion prediction and also you can presume the area certain pixels are in by their previous location, reducing the number of frames required to deduce a location). For fast-moving items, accuracy is also less important again reducing the number of frames.
I guess it would be possible to then track an item to about 10 Hz, which could have some interesting uses.
It would be possible to further speed up the process by using all 3 colour channels seperately and have detectors for all 3 colours on the ends of the fibers.
Another interesting ofshoot is it might be possible to do sub-pixel positions by measuring intensity.
4. Very impressive. Earlier today, I had an idea conveniently somewhat-relevant to the model car demo, cheap sort-of-invisibility:
Suppose a camera was added close to the projector, and the background was a random, inconsistent image, rather than a solid-gray one.
First, the camera takes a picture of the background and remembers it. Then the camera records the binary pattern, from which the offset relative to the projector can be determined; the background should not be a problem to calibration because a previously-recorded image may be used to filter out the graphical background noise.
Next, the still-flat-gray model car with the optical sensors is placed on the background. The calibration does its thing like in the demo so that the colors can be projected correctly onto it; however, this should also provide enough information to project a piece of the background over the car such that it becomes sort-of-invisible from the point of view of the view of the camera, or if multiple projector-cameras are used, sort-of-invisible from a single arbitrary point of view.
5. Love this post. I can’t help but dig up an older article from Technology Review (late ’04) that focused on one group’s work with hand held projectors, aiming to shrink them enough to replace/augment cellphone/PDA displays. Some of their tricks included adaptive projecting onto uneven surfaces, keeping a steady image despite moving the projector (so you could tilt and point the projector like a mouse/laser-pointer), and automatically unifying several projectors for an even larger image. So that was baseline already pretty cool. But they took it a bit further and got RFID tags involved that each had a photodiode sensor. They then ran a similar scanlines projection (like this project uses) across a scene, and identically they could exactly locate where the sensor was. Their working example was a storage shelf with different cardboard boxes and embedded tags + sensors, and they would project graphical information for each box onto the side of each box.
Now, having recently reformatted my lappy, I’m suddenly lacking the link to the online copy of the article. I’ve found a similar copy, but it lacks the images that went with each number. *grumble* Also, I’m not sure if this is related, but they seem to be doing very similar things: Ditto:
Although the original focused on what you could do with a palm sized (“pencil sized” they hoped) projector, I’d always been rather been intrigued with the RFID part. These days, we’ve got the multitouch demos and cameras tracking markers in realtime, but the light detector + projector combo still seems like a promising combination. Just wanted to share/connect this to some older research. (…and if they’re the same group, I’m going to go find a wall for my forehead.)
6. Neat stuff.
It gets better, a DMD can slam out binary frames at 14,300 Hz and the sequence is short (on the order of 20 frames) so you can get a fix in about 1.4 milliseconds and after you have an absolute fix you can use coding tricks to drop the number of frames to do relative tracking, I’d put it at about 8 frames with a periodic 20 frame burst to cancel out cumulative errors.
The actual reprojection is achieved by mapping the camera space to the projector space and fitting the point positions to identical virtual models. But it can get tricky without overdetermined sampling.
This also burns resolution like nobody’s business. The actual resolutions with a close up are pretty miserable. Lots of anti aliasing going on too.
Also check out this honest to goodness projector hack by the same guys:
7. Some more comments to add to the discussion:
1). For moving targets you don’t have to use the same search scheme as you already know roughly where the corners of the targers are (or were). You just need to be able to search those specific areas within a radius.
2). There is no reason why multiple targets could not be placed in projection view, once calibrated each could have a different image projected onto each of them.
3). The target screen are currently teathered to a compute, again not needed. The electronics could be fully self contained (not that difficult to code) and result sent to projector(s) system wirelessly (Bluetooth for example).
4). In the same manner that they use two projectors onto a wide target with 6 sensor, you could make a modular screen built from square panels where you just assemble the size screen you need and point a barrage of projectors at it to get some really (!!!) high resolutions.
A fantastically simple idea. Good hack!
8. Many CRT projectors have had this feature for many, many years and those of us who have set up CRT projectors more than once know that they are not as good as doing the setup manually.
The CRT projector system consists of about 5 different ways to focus the electron beam and 4 different ways to control optical focus, multiply that by 3 tubes and you have the number of settings that auto-convergence cannot fix.
Convergence (getting the 3 tubes to overlap) is about 10 settings pr. tube.
The tricky part is that several of these settings interoperate so several iterations are needed to get the perfect setup.
9. Embedded optical sensors seems somewhat complex. Wonder why they don’t use reflecting targets attached to the screen? Put a 2-d barcode on the target and pick up the reflected light with a single sensor at the projector to identify which target it is as well as the precise position. (Cube-corner retro-reflecting targets might help.)
10. This type of technology, using optical sensors to warp and blend projectors, is already commercially available from at least two companies. Iridas and 3D Perceptions. I’ve been using them to project on cylinders and spheres. However, they take about 30 seconds to auto-align and they are too expensive for everyday use. The speed of this is very impressive. If its being done with inexpensive hardware, thats equally impressive.
You can’t use reflecting targets because they would be visible to the viewer.
11. When I worked at IBM we had a system that would project onto multiple interactive surfaces using a projector and mirrors. The problem was always calibration. You’d mount the projector, motorized mirror, and position the surfaces to project onto and then calibrate. If anything got touched then you had to do the calibration all over again. This tech would make it so that all you had to do at the start was a very basic alignment and then the system could handle the calibration as needed.
The demo itself was very cool. We had a clothing store of the future set up for a major retailer and the projector could put a screen on the wall, on the floor, and on the jeans display depending on where the customer was. The jeans display was interactive so that you could point with your finger and it would show different options.
12. I think this is amazing but I don’t understand how it works. I have never seen a projector that has this sort of calibration via user-accessible menus. I mean, unless the team also re-wrote the projector code, I am stumped. I understand *how* the system works, I just don’t understand it’s able to tell the project to do anything other than zoom in and out, squeeze sides, or focus.
13. I really like the Hack-A-Day community because there is a high density of very smart people with an imagination that rivals or surpases that of the recognized research community.
The comments here about using high-speed DLP, infrared patterns, reflective markers, multiple surfaces, lost pixels are all completely spot on. Since this is my thesis work, some of these ideas have been addressed in my followup work. You can find that here (with more video!):
14. In the case of this demonstration, the calibration is not bing done in the projector. The video is passing through a computer first. The computer is processing the video and warping it to fit the projection surface. The projector is just being a dumb projector and not doing anything different.
15. impressive indeed – it is worth pointing out that this isn’t new research (UIST 2004) – MERL and CMU have done some pretty neat stuff in the past. as a followup, they had a publish in UIST 2005 where they built on this where they added the capability to move the display in real time and increased touch capabilities …
16. Currently, as far as I know, you can’t buy this software. If you were to check out you can request a copy of their callibration software, and from what I can tell, it is pretty similar to what Johnny was using for his callibration technique (which he worked with a few of the shader lamps people with).
I have tried to contact johnny directly through the e-mail on his website, but no luck so far. I want to try and use this callibration technique in a real-world, entertainment aspect.
Being a VJ, callibration is not really that important, but to be able to transform a stage into something that is immersive both for the audience, and the performers, this would be absolutely vital.
I certainly hope that research continues for this, and it someday, soon hopefully, becomes available to users.
17. i want to stack 2 projectors 3200 lumenes? what is the cheapest solution of software and hardware ? jhonny chun lee has good metods. Please is very imprtant for me can anyone help ? i had read three opcion: vioso wings , scalable displays, chung lee with sensors have anyone the software ? it is not for comercial use please help emergency story!
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Sunday, October 24, 2010
e - commerce
officially for online services provide by maybank for their royal customers. payment can be made 24 hours. cover such as loans , bill payments insurance and e.t.c...
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Home page ( MGT 3553 )
Home Page
- The web page or local file that automatically loads when a web browser starts or when the browser's "home" button is pressed : this is also called a start page. The user can specify the URLof the page to be loaded, or alternatively choose e.g. to re-load the most recent web page browsed.
- The initial or main web page of a web site, sometimes called the front page or landing page.
In the 1990s the term was also used to refer to a whole web site, particularly a personal site (perhaps originally because simple web sites often consisted of just one web page)
Example of home page:
- Yahoo
- Google
- Myspace
- Facebook
- Softonic
Why muscle 6 pack men attract more women???
If you have ever traveled to Europe to places like Rome, you immediately notice the statues. I was in Rome recently and not once did I see a statue of a wimpy or skinny muscle-less man. I supposed with all the warfare of the time, the man without muscular tone was looked down upon as not very useful. It appears like every aspect of the man's body was muscular (if you know what I mean). So muscle building apparently was a requirement for the real man in ancient times.
We, of course, are a by-product of ancient Rome so the ideas of that time are still very prevalent in our day. I don't know many women that go completely ga-ga over a skinny man. Even with the evident man shortage many women are recognizing today, most will still prefer a nicely sculpted set of biceps and triceps any day over flab. Real men have always known the need to protect their women and children so keeping a fit physique was the most capable way of stopping threats to the man or his family. Muscles have no doubt always been a sign of a couple of things. While these signs aren't etched in stone, they do stand to reason why women love muscular men.
1. Strength. When a man has strong, muscular arms, most women can just imagine lying in them. I find a muscular man comforting in that he may be able to tackle some heavy lifting if I need such help. Nothing is more impressive that to see a man lift a heavy weight with the greatest of ease.
2. Sign of good health. Most women know that those muscle didn't come about by chance. The man with muscles obviously care enough about himself to make sure he is physically fit and hopefully will care that much about whoever he is dating to make sure good health is a priority for her too.
3. Sexy. Muscles look good. They make a man very easy on the eyes. It is nice to see the contrast between the female and male physique.
Health : Detox the way to good health
WE are exposed to toxins daily, from food and water to air. They all contain toxins that can affect our health.
The digestive system and liver work together to eliminate these toxins but when toxins accumulate, the organs get overloaded and the system is disrupted. When this happens, toxins will circulate in our bloodstream.
A person who suffers from toxins has fatigue, dark puffy eyes, headaches, indigestion, allergies, skin problems, sinus problems, bad breath, cellulite constipation and weight problems. We should detox twice a year. With regular detoxification, you will enjoy increased energy and vitality. We often associate detoxification with something unpleasant, like colon cleansing or a diet of only fruit and vegetable juices. Of course, there are various types of detox/slimming tea that contains a laxative to stimulate bowel movements. But this will affect your daily lifestyle. The Juvanex 7-Day Program is an easy way to cleanse and rejuvenate. It is formulated with Total-Cleanze, a blend of all-natural ingredients comprising: Fibre: A good mix of soluble and insoluble fibre is essential as they complement each another for an effective detoxification. Soluble fibre absorbs water to form a bulky gel like a “sponge” that expands in the colon to absorb waste. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, works like a “broom” to clean out the waste in the colon. Probiotics: It replenishes “good” bacteria in your digestive tract and inhibits growth of “bad” bacteria. Liver-cleansing herbs: A complete detox programme should include cleansing and protecting your liver. Milk thistle (protects and improves the liver function), dandelion (aids in flushing out wastes) and grape seed (great antioxidant to protect liver from everyday toxins) are effective herbs for this purpose. It is also enriched with antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins to support and nourish your body during detox. Just mix two sachets of lemon-tasting Juvanex with 400ml of water or fresh fruit juice. Take twice daily, after food, for seven days. Do not use warm or hot water. There is no need to change your diet or lifestyle! Apart from detoxification, naturopath Esther Peh offers the following advice:
1. Eat a balanced diet. Have at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit everyday.
2. Exercise. Sweating gets rid of toxic wastes through the skin. Regular exercise also improves metabolism. However, exercise can increase toxic production, so make sure you get enough antioxidants, adequate fluids, and vitamins.
3. Rest: When you rest, your body and mind are in a balanced state. Practicing yoga will help you obtain a more balanced and active aura.
3three most expensive cars
Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000
Ferrari Enzo $1,000,000
Pagani Zonda C12 F $741,000
| <urn:uuid:ee26d344-24cf-4af8-88f6-a898c0ce0894> | 2 | 2.078125 | 0.048891 | en | 0.943674 | http://hafizfizo.blogspot.com/ |
Kate Deaton
When Kate was in her teens she was in car accident that left her with extensive fractures of the left side of her body, pelvis and spine. It was a devastating injury for a teen, but Kate was strong, determined and had already begun to explore mindfulness before the accident. Pinned into traction in a bed and immobile for three months as she healed and rehabilitated, Kate brought her strength, determination and ability to pay mindful attention to learning and working with her own mobility, immobility and safety.
Although she still had significant problems after completing rehabilitation, Kate was told by medical professionals to “be happy” and “satisfied” that she had regained the ability to walk. She was very happy to be standing and walking. And yet Kate believed that recovery would not end with basic movements. So much more might be possible: fluidity of movement; integration of movement, and freedom from pain.
This belief put Kate on a path of discovery. And on that path, Kate learned that the brain and body have remarkable capacities to heal. Whether we experience orthopedic issues, neurological injuries, neurological diseases, developmental issues, pain or the simple process of aging, there is far more that we can do to help ourselves than we may realize.
Having learned to help herself, Kate determined to bring that knowledge to others. Knowing that guidance and the opportunity to practice can be crucial to accessing possibilities, Kate now delights in supporting other people in their own explorations of their potential for health and wellness.
Kate’s training includes a BS in kinesiology , MS in occupational therapy and certifications in coaching, lymphatic therapy, and the neuroplasticity based movement called the “AnatBaniel Method of Neuromovement.”
Kate can be reached at [email protected]. | <urn:uuid:078849a8-61a1-4e72-8684-a37d9acc9685> | 2 | 1.75 | 0.025966 | en | 0.973686 | http://healingintopossibility.com/bio/kate/ |
5 Kasım 2010 Cuma
Unhealthy childhood or failed not because of your teeth
Sağlıksız dişlerinizin sebebi çocukluk hatalarınız değil
Caries as a reason to give up on your teeth as a child to see you consume sugary foods. According to the research of the last stages of their unhealthy habits of their childhood being has nothing to do with teeth.
Suffering from being unhealthy teeth, permanent teeth are usually people who have pain problems as a child pulling teeth to believe that good bakmadıkları. However, recent research in adult teeth, healthy or unhealthy living standards ages shows to be affected. Mehmet Zahid Dentist Wins in recent years, according to a survey made little mistakes and lost their age progresses, inherited properties, in this case in order to have healthy teeth now underlines the real importance of giving your teeth.
Bad habits;
Oral and dental health at the beginning of the bad habits there's no doubt that smoking is affecting. Person smokes, the more, the higher the likelihood of losing teeth. To do this, keep your teeth for dental practitioners will be the most important advice to stop smoking. Non other than you consume sugary foods, acidic beverages such as coffee or tea stains teeth to consume food that is causing the frequency of your mouth and teeth are among the factors that affect health.
The effect of oral health habits of people as a child, he will gain a positive habit. Person years of age if the child later in this edinirse tooth brushing habits, and thus maintain a healthy mouth and teeth will be taken the first step to.
All of them brushing their teeth twice a day outside, I use dental floss and visiting your dentist regularly is also very important, indicating that the teeth and gums dentist Mehmet Zahid wins as a result of the problems yet to be an easy way to intervene early in the treatment edilebildiğinin underlines.
Hiç yorum yok:
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
critical responses to art
Last week in Interpretations class we read an article by two museum educators Danielle Rice and Philip Yenawine. Both are very well know in the field, yet have very different ways they teach art. I was very interested in Yenawine's technique to teach through critical response. Critical thinking is something that most schools are not incorporating into their lessons today because testing has taken over as the all-important aspect of public education (this is the conclusion we came to in class with the help of former and current public school teachers taking the class). That being said I think that art education is such a great way to incorporate critical thinking into academics.
Yenawine works with young children and asks them to say what they think about a work of art, what they see, tell a story, what does it mean. He asks questions and allows them to think critically about a work, but never intervenes. This got me thinking, is it responsible for an educator to allow someone to create their own interpretation of the art even if it is completely incorrect? While I think his ideas of critical thinking in education are amazing, I'm really not sure if that is the only way to do it. How can an educator allow a student to believe something completely incorrect about a work and not at least try to point them in the right direction? Coming from an art history background I believe that aspect is super important. While there may be several interpretations of what is going on in a work, wouldn't it be the responsibility of the educator to tell the student basic factual information in some way? or does this completely discourage critical thought if they find out they are wrong? This is really difficult stuff to think through!
1 comment:
1. i've always believed that an individual viewer's interpretation of a piece at any given moment is as valid as the 'correct' interpretation. for one thing, the experiences, perspectives, and ideas that the viewer brings will totally shape their view of an artwork, and each viewer's experience is totally unique. when you invalidate someone's reponse to an artwork, you push them away from wanting to engage with future works. bring them inot the conversation and let them have their own ideas, and we'll go from there. :) | <urn:uuid:e9a8bc36-07aa-4ed4-ab59-a2ae8f5f3d02> | 3 | 2.734375 | 0.041669 | en | 0.978714 | http://heatherdandrea.blogspot.com/2011/10/critical-responses-to-art.html |
December 22, 2009
Missing Constitutional Rights Found
WASHINGTON, DC -- Janitors at the Library of Congress have discovered text originally intended to be included in the US Bill of Rights, but misplaced in 1789. These documents eerily presage some modern arguments for additional privileges guaranteed by the Constitution.
In faded parchment apparently lost by a courier, several rights beyond the famous ten were envisaged. The rights are continued starting at thirteen because of two failed amendments that were not included in the final Bill of Rights.
• Travelers Rights "Article the Thirteenth... No person undertaking travel shall be unduly inconvenienced or kept within the confines of coach or buggy whilst bills of lading or other administrative duties are executed, lest such persons shall become hungry or peevish."
• Patients Rights "Article the Fourteenth.... No person shall be made to pay more than a reasonable amount for services regarding one's health and welfare, or if indigent to pay nothing at all; no person shall be denied services for any general or acute ailment, regardless of personal liability due to neglect or ill-advised personal habits; no person shall be made to feel embarrassment from any physician as a result of interview or examination."
• Welfare Rights "Article the Fifteenth.... No person shall be lacking in housing, means of communication, entertainment, food, or discretionary funds as long as the general body of citizenry are able to provide means to enable these furnishings; and by so transferring the fruits of labor from one to another shall the further equity of all be recompensed."
• Unemployment Rights "Article the Sixteenth.. If a person desires to work but lacks either initiative or attitude to secure such employment, Congress shall ensure education, transportation and funds be provided to such persons by their neighbors."
• Right to No Offense "Article the Seventeenth..... No person shall be made to hear utterances or statements that they shall find offensive, unless they are intended to demean or dishonor a particular religious establishment."
Historians have long puzzled over correspondence between several of the Founding Fathers which alludes to additional "lost" rights, and this discovery appears to solve the mystery. Other letters which were found in the basement of the Library of Congress indicate that a messenger lost the second sheet sent to a printer to create copies for each state, pending ratification. The embryonic and minimally staffed government was too exhausted to try to recreate the second sheet and decided to only send the rights listed on the first page. Thomas Jefferson's forthright note to the printing house makes this intent clear, "The ten rights enumerated in the first page shall suffice as the populace requires nothing more, nor the government in truths should supply."
1 comment:
1. Hell's Gate & The Light Of Deception.
In retrospect and summary review, the transformations and innovations spoken of, primarily occurred during and shortly after periods of man created emergencies. Historically speaking, it begins with the Lincoln administration, economic emergency, war powers, war prize, booty, and ultimately in subjugation that all played a heavy handed role at that time. Add radical members to the judiciary, such as occurred during the Lincoln and later F.D. Roosevelt administrations, and the magic of hell's gate opens wide to suck up and swallow all within its indiscriminate vacuum like grope.
Although the vacuous vacuum is observable to those with a smidgeon of common sense and a smattering of historical hindsight, the actual sound of that extraordinary power only becomes audible when and after the "switch and ditch" actually occurs. By this is meant that the "switch" to emergency rule, or more properly speaking, "rule of necessity", leads the actors to "ditch" and abandon fundamental principles, long recognized maxims, and reason, the soul of the law. "Pretext" (edict) then leads the actor(s) to expand omnidirectional and omnipotent powers with a secondary view to extending special favors, rights, lefts, ups and downs to special interest groups who also have notions of need that are fueled by the expediency of the moment and the passions of the day.
The extraordinary use of expedient powers and the receipt of beneficial privileges is of course intoxicating, like the lust to make things equal that were not equal before the "rule of necessity" flipped the switch on the vacuous vacuum. That intoxication becomes entrenched and a primary fixation for both the actor(s) and the special beneficiaries who find the light at the end of that tunnel to be attractive and its warmth to be comforting. Unfortunately, they are looking down into an abyss and the light is that of a flame that burns the essential limbs off from those moths and insect that come within its reach. The ashen wings float up with the heat from the flame and the carcasses falls to the bottom of the abyss in lifeless form were the remains decomposes into dirt. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust - THE END. | <urn:uuid:a67844fe-5da6-479d-a8ab-f9c8de70b8d7> | 3 | 3.15625 | 0.069551 | en | 0.945474 | http://hellgazette.blogspot.com/2009/12/missing-constitutional-rights-found.html |
A Lua Implemention of the SHA-1 Hashing Function
With the code provided below, you can easily create a new module that provides a Lua implementation of the common SHA-1 hashing algorithm. To create and access this module, you will have to perform the following steps:
1. In the Translator, create a new module called “sha1”. The new module is added to the shared list:
2. Click on the new module to open its contents in the Editor (the page should be blank).
3. Copy and paste the code from the bottom of this page into the Editor, populating the module.
4. Return to your own script by clicking on main.
5. Add the line require ("sha1") to the top of your script. This loads the new module that you’ve just created, allowing you to access its functions for use in your script.
6. Commit a milestone to save your work.
How Does It Work?
In the most simplest terms, the sha1 module is a Lua implementation of the common SHA-1 hashing algorithm. For example, the following code snippet demonstrates how to produce the hexadecimal representation of the SHA-1 hash for the string “iNTERFACEWARE”.
The module also contains a function for generating the 160-bit binary representation of the hash. Lua itself does not contain a built-in binary value, so these are still represented as strings. You can also generate hash-based message authentication codes (HMACs) using the module by providing a cryptographic key.
Versions of Lua 5.1 and earlier do not contain direct access to common bitwise operators (such as bitwise AND and OR), so the module must generate these on-the-fly. This can be done in two ways: all results needed by the algorithm can be generated at script compile-time, or these can be generated dynamically as the algorithm progresses. The method used is controlled through the cfg_caching variable defined near the top of the sha1 module code. By default, we have set this “caching” to be disabled when the script is being edited in the Translator, as it can cause auto-completion and annotations to become sluggish. However, when the channel is run, this cache will be generated ahead of time, resulting in better overall performance when your script is generating several SHA-1 hashes in a row.
Download the code for this module from our code repository. Notice the extensive comments included in the code, to help you better understand the purpose of its functions.
For Example:
See also:
Leave A Comment? | <urn:uuid:7cc07ec5-d10a-4e07-8abf-56ad906ec97f> | 3 | 2.53125 | 0.155851 | en | 0.865406 | http://help.interfaceware.com/kb/1318 |
Can a Game Help Low-Income Youth Get into College?: An Interview with Colleagology Games (Part One)
Today, the Collegeology Games project, a collaboration of the USC Rossier School of Education's Pullias Center for Higher Education and the USC School of Cinematic Arts' Game Innovation Lab, launched Mission: Admission, a Facebook game designed to help underserved students, often the first in their families to aspire to college, navigate the complicated process of applying for college and financial aid. (Full Disclosure: I am proud to be on the advisory board for the Colleageology Games Project.) The game's release comes as the application season opens for many American colleges and universities, including the University of Southern California.As described in the project's press release: "The game allows students to virtually experience the demands of the college application process and empowers them with the skills and knowledge they need to apply, get into and pay for college. Students guide their avatars through the process of meeting with college advisors, choosing the types of schools to apply to (including four-year, community and technical colleges), scheduling community service and sports activities, applying for scholarships and financial aid and requesting recommendation letters." The game is seen as a crisis intervention: cutbacks in budgets for education mean fewer and fewer high school students have access to college counselors -- the average ratio nation-wide stands at 459 students per conselor, and California's ration is 800 to 1. This shortage most dramatically effects low-income students who are more likely to be the first in their family to attend an institution of higher learning and thus lack the social capital in their immediate surroundings to help them make up for lack of help through their schools. By contrast, middle and upper-class parents are spending more and more money, helping their sons and daughters through SAT prep classes or getting special coaching to increase their chances of getting into the school of their choice.
Colleageology Games knows that games, in and of themselves, can not make up for these gross inequalities of access to information and mentorship, but the group does believe that spending time with the game can expose young players to core vocabulary and processes, help them think through issues of time management, and otherwise, get some of the foundations of the application process. They have found that those students who play the game more than once get a chance to improve on their performance and further rehearse these skills.
In honor of the game's launch, I asked Tracy Fullerton from USC's Game Innovation Lab and Zoe Corwin from the Pullias Center for Higher Education to talk about some of the research which went into this project.
Can you tell us something about the problems confronting low-income Americans as they think about preparing to apply for college? Have those issues grown better or worse in recent years? Why?
ZBC: Apart from an uneven playing field in the caliber of academic instruction afforded to students across schools, perhaps the most glaring problem in public high school education is access to high quality college guidance and support. The private college counseling industry – where parents pay top dollar for professionals to guide their children through the college application process – is a multi-million dollar industry. Students who can afford private college counseling services often attend schools with dedicated college counseling services and teachers who promote college readiness. Students from low-income communities are much more likely to attend schools with exorbitant guidance counselor ratios and limited college counseling resources.
This year, many of the low-income schools we work with in Los Angeles have had to cut college counseling positions due to budget cuts. As a consequence, low-income students with college aspirations are slipping through the cracks because they do not have anyone to assist them in filling out college and financial aid applications.
Bottom line: they don’t apply or they do apply but fail to fill out financial aid documents and housing applications and don’t enroll. College counselors serve as critical on-site champions for encouraging college aspirations and providing college-related support to students AND teacher advocates.
Why do you believe that games might provide an effect channel to help young people develop a deeper understand of the processes surrounding college application and financing?
TF: Games provide a safe space for exploring difficult to navigate systems – and the college application process is certainly a difficult to navigate system, especially the first time around, and given the importance of decisions made during this process it seems clear that giving students a way to gain experience with this system without having the weight of real world consequences on them can help them develop confidence and understanding of the strategies they’ll need to employ when they go through the process for real.
Tell us something about the process you use in developing these games. How have you sought feedback from the young people who will ultimately be most impacted by your project? What did you learn through this process about their understanding of college readiness? Do low income youth see college as a game they have any realistic chance of winning?
TF: In developing all of our games we reach out to players in our target group to help develop the game concepts and make sure they are addressing not only the needs of that group but also the sensibilities. For Application Crunch and Mission: Admission, this group consisted of high school students.
For both games, we created “junior design teams” – groups of about 15 students drawn from local high schools, who fit our target demographic. The students came to the Game Innovation Lab after school to learn about game design, and we learned about their hopes and concerns surrounding the college going process. We asked them to design games about the college application process and from those games, took away the kinds things that they want and need to understand about the process.
Some of the key things we learned from them is that they are concerned about time management – knowing where best to put their efforts in school. Also, they have fears about being able to afford college and a very limited understanding of their financial options.
Just making kids understand how important it is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a key victory. It is one of the opportunities that is in both games, and we find that after playing once, the kids remind each other when they play again: “don’t forget to turn in your FAFSA!”
Your first game, Application Crunch, was a card game. Can you tell us something about the game’s mechanics and what it teaches its players?
TF: The first game was originally intended as a prototype for the digital game. We found that it played very well on its own, and that it served as an excellent intervention in places where computer access might be an issue. So, we developed the card game as a stand-alone product that is now available on Amazon and though our website.
The game is for 3-4 players who each take on the role of a college applicant. These roles are drawn randomly and range from the “Super Jock” to the “Misunderstood Artist.” Each character also has a family financial background that will affect their ability to pay for college.
The game centers on a set of deadlines that advance each round; these deadlines are for various colleges, scholarships and other opportunities. Players need to manage their time (in the form of actions) wisely to make sure their characters have “leveled up” in academics, extracurricular activities, and service to stand out when they apply to these deadlines.
The cards all have a kind of snarky tone to them that we picked up from the student design team. They know that this is serious information, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it.
One of the best features of this version of the game is the social play. Students tend to help each other with their strategies as they play, and even though there is a “winner” in the end, everyone who gets into school and can pay for it feels like they succeeded in the game. That kind of open discussion about how best to focus your time, to develop your character, it is a thinly veiled discussion about real world issues that the players are facing as they look to apply to college themselves.
You’ve found that students learn more when they play the game a second time. Why?
TF: If you think about your own experience in life, you probably look back and wish you’d done things a bit differently when you applied to college. Well, playing Application Crunch a second time is a lot like that. You take your learning from the first play through and apply it to the second.
In a sense, this is the entire point of developing a game like this: so that “playing” the admissions game the first time around in real life isn’t your first experience with it.
We find that the players come to their second game with confidence, a sense of what to expect in the deadlines they will face, the knowledge that things like FAFSA are out there, along with scholarships and other forms of financial aid. They know that they can set high aspirations for their characters—as long as they have safety schools. They understand the value of focusing deeply on one or two activities in school rather than spreading themselves thin, etc. In short, they feel a sense of ownership in their strategies about the application process. That knowledge and confidence raises their sense of efficacy around the real world process as well.
ZBC: When observing students play, I’ve been struck by their concentration when learning the rules the first time they play. They tend to collaborate throughout the whole play session and remain engaged for the duration of game play.
The second time they play I’ve noticed a trend. Usually they haven’t seen the game for a few weeks and when they enter the room, they voice enthusiasm about getting to play again. Then they start with upbeat banter: “I’m going to get into a Liberal Arts college this time!” Almost immediately they deal the cards and set up the game table.
Second time play is faster, more animated and a bit more competitive. After playing, students can articulate how their strategy changed from the first time and what they plan to do differently the next time they play.
As a researcher with the Pullias Center for Higher Education, Dr. Zoe Corwin has conducted research on college preparation programs and access to financial aid for underserved students, college pathways for foster youth, and the role of social media and games on postsecondary access and completion. She is co-editor of Preparing for College: Nine elements of effective outreach with SUNY Press and in addition to academic articles, has published several monographs designed for practitioners outlining effective college preparation strategies. Dr. Corwin is currently involved with the Collegeology Games project, collaborating with game designers to capitalize on game-based strategies and social media to engage students in college preparation, college application and financial aid processes.
Tracy Fullerton, M.F.A., is an experimental game designer, professor and director of the Game Innovation Lab at the USC School of Cinematic Arts where she holds the Electronic Arts Endowed Chair in Interactive Entertainment. The USC Game Innovation Lab is a design research center that has produced several of the most influential projects to be released in the emerging field of independent games, including games like Cloud, flOw, Darfur is Dying, The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom, and The Night Journey -- a collaboration with media artist Bill Viola. Tracy is also the author of “Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games,” a design textbook in use at game programs worldwide. Prior to entering academia, she was a professional game designer and entrepreneur making games for companies including Microsoft, Sony, MTV, among many others. | <urn:uuid:e9e98d9e-bb61-4771-8007-2fd2eb8e7795> | 2 | 2.390625 | 0.02031 | en | 0.970149 | http://henryjenkins.org/2012/10/can-a-game-help-low-income-youth-get-into-college-an-interview-with-colleagology-games-part-one.html |
Health food for children
HKJEBN has introduced a series of instant salmon flake products for the health development and balanced diet of children because salmon contains rich protein and omega-3, unsaturated fatty acids, which have a great help for growing children.
Frozen Seafood
Frozen Dried Saffron Cod
Abundant in Hokkaido, Japan, Saffron Cod is available only in winter, so it is also called "fish under ice. "Living under ice all year round, the fish has little fat and its meat is firm and tastes delicious and sweet.
HKJEBN's frozen dried saffron cod have had been removed the heads and organs, and have been marinated be salt overnight, so they are ready to cook simply and serve.
Most of the Japanese rice grows in one crop every year in a natural environment, and the irrigation water comes from nearby mountain streams or rivers.
Japanese rice products sold by HKJEBN include: Koshihikari rice from Niigata Prefecture, Akitakomachi rice from Akita Prefecture, and Hitomebore rice from Miyagi Prefecture. These are the three most famous types of rice in Japan, all with high stickiness, excellent texture, and delicious taste.
In Japan, apart from entertaining guests or in tea ceremony, people also drink green tea in their daily life. It is believed the reason for the longevity of the Japanese people lies in their frequent consumption of green tea.
The green tea of Shizuoka Prefecture and the Matcha of Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture are the most famous varieties of Japanese tea. The categorization of Japanese tea is quite different from Chinese tea although there are not being as many categories of Japanese tea. Categories of Chinese tea include black tea, green tea, and Oolong tea. But the majority of Japanese tea is all green tea featuring a light smell. Other teas that Japanese frequently drink include Hoji-cha and Matcha Genmaicha. Hoji-cha has a strong taste and, because it is roasted over strong flame, has a deep red color. Despite tasting a bit similar to Pu'er tea, it is actually a green tea. Matcha Genmaicha is made by adding Matcha and Genmaicha to ordinary green tea. It tastes sweet and has the aroma of Genmaicha, making it very unique.
HKJEBN has a wide variety of condiments for selection, included but not limited to soy sauces, Japanese miso, and organic seasonings.
Sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds through roasting process. Based on the temperature of roasting, it can be divided into dark and light flavor. The higher temperature in roasting process, the more condensed of the sesame oil. The condensed (dark) sesame oil tastes slightly bitter.
When sesame seeds are roasted in low temperature, although the smell of sesame is not that strong, it tastes sweet.
The selected ready-to-eat snacks available from HKJEBN include Japanese craker, Hokkaido milk cream cracker, chocolate, seafood snacks, and fruit jelly. They are suitable for family gatherings and parties.
There are three types of Japanese cracker. The first is made of wheat flour and eggs, the second is made of rice and eggs, and the third is made of potato . Each has its distinctive flavor. Mainly from the Kansai region, cracker made of wheat flour is sweet. Cracker made of rice is also called komegashi. It is seasoned with soy sauce or salt and is mainly from the Kanto region. Cracker made of starch can be seasoned with salt or many other seasonings, including curry and wasabi. This type of okonomiyaki is mainly produced in the Aichi region.
Japan has the title of "the country of noodles" because noodles are very popular all over the country. In addition to ramen noodles, which are well known all over the world, HKJEBN also provides many other types of noodles, including udon, soumen, soba, and cold ramen.
Instant Food
In Japan, a bowl of rice topped with sauce is called "Tou". Nowadays, Japanese young people usually work and live alone. In order to save time, they may cook rice for themselves and heat instant Fumi Furikake to place on top of the rice, making a delicious meal in convenient way.
Apart from Fumi Furikake, HKJEBN also provides various kinds of instant Miso Shiru which are delicious and easy to heat.
Canned Food
Ready-to-eat canned products are popular food among Hong Kong people because canned products are convenient to be stored and served. HKJEBN has selected a series of popular Japanese canned seafood products, including canned red queen crab meat, canned sardine and canned tuna.
Concentrated Drinks
Drinking Vinegar contains amino acids, acetate acid, carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients. It can prevent cardiovascular diseases and promote digestion. On hot summer days, a glass of chilled, fruity smelling vinegar drink would be a best recipe for refreshment and summer heat relief.
The vinegar for drinking selected by HKJEBN for you is concentrated and can be diluted with chilled water by 4-6 times according to your preference. A glass of vinegar drink each day will enhance the metabolism and is a good way for slimming. | <urn:uuid:96719384-ceb9-46e6-8272-8585f61062da> | 2 | 2.28125 | 0.033048 | en | 0.957964 | http://hkjebn.com/en/hk/knowledge/japan-knowledge |
Horse Side Vet Guide ®
Equine Health Resource
Control Bleeding on Lower Limb with Pressure Bandage
Being able to calmly, quickly and confidently stop or slow bleeding (hemorrhage), on the equine lower limb is a very important skill in an emergency. With focused pressure, you can usually slow or stop outpouring of blood from a lacerated vessel.
Horses can lose gallons of blood before being in danger of shock. In most cases of severe hemorrhage from the lower limb, a horse’s blood pressure will drop enough that bleeding stops before the horse dies of blood loss. This is especially true of bleeding from the lower limbs where the vessels are smaller.
Your horse is bleeding severely from a specific site on the limb. First, try to determine precisely where the blood is coming from. Test your hunch by pressing your finger or several fingertips directly onto the bleeding area and maintaining pressure there. Are you able to stop or slow the bleeding?
If not, hold gauze with pressure on the site, remove it and try to visualize specifically where the bleeding is coming from. Again, try to put your fingertip on the source. This will give you an idea of what it will take to stop the bleeding.
Once you feel like you know where you need to apply pressure, fold over a 1 inch thick wad of gauze 4x4 squares and place it directly on top of the site. Using Elastikon or Vetrap™, wrap the wound tightly forcing the gauze into it.
If blood seeps through the bandage apply a second layer directly on top, with another 2 inches of gauze. This tight bandage can be safely left on your horse for several hours, until your vet can assess the injury. If that is not possible, try to gently remove it in several hours.
If it starts bleeding again, you will need to replace it. A horse can slowly walk several miles back to a trailer with a properly applied pressure bandage on the lower limb.
Tips for safety & Success
Successful application of this skill is all about focused pressure. Use a headlight to help you visualize the bleeding point. Keep your horse as tranquil as possible. Be calm and move quickly but not frantically.
Move your horse to an area that you think will make them calm, such as their stall. If you are out on the trail or away from the stable, encourage your horse to stand quietly as you work by keeping a buddy horse close by.
Do not attempt to stop bleeding by using a tourniquet (a tight wrap higher up the limb). Focus all the pressure directly on top of the bleeding area.
Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP
| <urn:uuid:b2803d91-dff0-441a-849a-7eac38722c33> | 3 | 2.578125 | 0.160106 | en | 0.90527 | http://horsesidevetguide.com/drv/Skill/61/control-bleeding-on-lower-limb-with-pressure-bandage/ |
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The basic principle of services provided by Infolady is information + service, or information + service + product. The Infolady offers four kinds of services: health care service, agriculture extension service, ICT services, and activation services. For example, an Infolady offers pregnancy care service to a pregnant woman, where she demonstrates multimedia content on pregnancy care using her laptop, makes regular check-ups using a medical kit and sells allied products like folic acid. The data collected during the check-up also determines the risk level of a pregnant mother and then she connects her with a facility. Infolady sells seeds and the transfer technology to women for household agriculture. An Infolady sells the service of other agencies as well. For example, the mobile banking service offered by a bank. An Infolady also facilitates the access to various services not readily available to a marginalized community. An Infolady earns from NGOs for offering this service and the beneficiaries receive the service free of cost.
An Infolady has a smart phone and Internet connection, which allows her to update daily transaction data through an integrated system.
Since the Infoladies have been trained in the areas of health and agriculture, and also carry many offline related content on their laptops, people living in the remote areas are benefited, by, say, a video describing how to resolve an agriculture related problem. Infoladies also make the people aware of various health problems and provide them with services such as measurement of blood glucose levels and blood pressure. | <urn:uuid:971cc0a8-a7ad-4a17-84a0-158c636819af> | 2 | 1.75 | 0.023678 | en | 0.915245 | http://infolady.com.bd/portfolio/services/ |
Friday, April 27, 2012
Innovators aren't cynics
I was talking with a potential client who seemed cynical about innovation. In fact, most of our clients are both equally cynical and hopeful about innovation. They are cynical because innovation has often failed to deliver extravagant promises, and hopeful because innovation is one of the few tools that firms have to grow, to differentiate and to disrupt.
People are cynical about innovation because innovation often hasn't delivered what has been promised. But looking more closely at the reasons why uncovers some basic truths. One, many promises have been overstated, by people with a vested interest in promoting innovation. Yes, even us innovation consultants can get carried away, but often executives turn to innovation and make promises. Even politicians make promises about innovation. Yet those promises neglect some vital aspects. Often when executives or politicians promise great returns from innovation, they fail to support, fund, resource and sustain innovation. Blaming innovation for failing to deliver results when programs aren't adequately funded or resourced is like blaming your car for failing to start when you neglected to fill up.
Two, people are often cynical about innovation because they realize it is occasionally used as a scapegoat or "flavor of the month". Executives rush in, talk about innovation without intent to deploy anything, and then drop innovation to pick up another management credo to pronounce. Everyone realizes that innovation will be hard work, and everyone knows the differences between innovation as a talking point and innovation as a funded initiative supported by executives.
But there's a deeper point to made here about cynicism. We've learned, through books, through movies, through corporate examples, that business people lend a critical eye to everything. We business people are cynics by nature - looking for the challenge or failure in any product or service. Many businesses deliver products that HAVE to work - I want cynical engineers designing my bridges and airplanes. But cynicism is deadly to creative thinking and innovation.
Don't get me wrong - the best innovators, Jobs for example, are a masterful combination of wonder, empathy and cynicism. Wonder and empathy to imagine and create, cynicism to design, build and deliver. Edison, perhaps our first significant innovator, was devastated by the failure of his first invention, an automatic voting machine. He swore he would never again create a product that he didn't know if he could sell. But he obviously balanced his market cynicism with passion for experimentation and discovery. No cynic could attempt hundreds of experiments.
But what about the majority of us in business, in politics, in academia? We are notorious cynics, but we cannot afford to be. How many times have you said "I've seen this before" or "This didn't work the last time we tried it"? How many times have you turned a cynical eye on a new idea, not giving it the consideration it deserves? My favorite is "well, I've seen it all". No, sorry, you haven't. You can't possibly imagine all of the possibilities, and the disruption around the corner in your market will surprise and amaze you. Because someone with less cynicism and more wonder and optimism simply asked the question: why not?
Until you recognize that you haven't seen it all, that you can't even imagine all the opportunities, that cynicism is a set of blinders meant to keep you in line, you are definitely correct: you can't innovate. There is no more self-fulfilling prophecy than a cynic who boldly declares that he or she "can't innovate". They are exactly right, and self-reinforcing to boot. Get rid of your cynicism, approach innovation opportunities with a sense of wonder, enthusiasm, possibility. Yes, that means shedding your green eyeshades and corporate cynicism. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 5:15 AM 1 comments
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Getting Innovation Backwards
So I had lunch today with a friend who described another friend's innovation approach. It boiled down to "lets go generate a lot of ideas". The theory being that once they had a lot of ideas they'd find a valuable one that would be important and relevant. This approach always reminds me of the story of the little girl digging in the horse barn. Her father spots her and asks "why are you digging in that pile of horse manure?" (PG for mixed audiences). Her response? If there is all this manure here, there must be a pony in here too. Corporate innovators are often like the little girl, digging in a manure pile of ideas, convinced there's a pony there somewhere.
Far, far too many organizations, when given the chance to innovate, rush out to generate a bunch of ideas. There are several reasons they do this:
1. They are familiar with idea generation
2. It feels like they've accomplished something - a list of ideas
3. They now have a pile of stuff to wade through
4. They've been told that generating lots of ideas is important (and in context, it is)
5. Management wants to see ideas
What they are doing, basically, is generating ideas, searching for an answer. Which is exactly backwards. What they should do is identify an answer (significant opportunity or challenge) and then generate ideas (solutions).
But this seems counterproductive. Identifying answers - opportunities or challenges means taking time to research existing business challenges, prioritizing needs, understanding customer requirements. This doesn't seem like "innovation" and doesn't deliver quick ideas. So, after a month or two of following this path impatient management, not understanding the approach asks "where are the ideas?". So, far too many firms follow the first approach, since they think they understand the tools and know they need to deliver quickly.
But delivering poor, misaligned ideas quickly is just another way to deliver rapid failure. When your ideas aren't relevant or valuable, no matter how quickly you generate them, or if they fail to attract powerful sponsors or funding, who cares how quickly you generated them.
As with many things in life, received wisdom has it exactly backwards. Identifying the key challenges, understanding the links to strategic goals, deciphering customer needs leads to understanding the potential answer. Only then are you ready to generate ideas that matter. Or, as Einstein said "given an hour to solve a major problem I'd spend 55 minutes defining the problem and 5 minutes working on the solution". Once again, our approach is exactly backwards, which is why so many idea generation activities fail to deliver great solutions.
If you generate a lot of ideas without clear context or in answer to an important strategic question or need, you are simply shoveling the manure, looking for the pony that has already left the barn.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 5:03 AM 0 comments
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Wizard of Innovation
I've been thinking a lot about how the Wizard of Oz reflects so much about innovation. Not the story per se, but the setting and the characters and how they represent attributes or characteristics innovators must possess.
Take, for example, Dorothy's three key companions - the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man. These three each personify a key trait that innovators must possess. The Scarecrow is looking for a brain. From an innovation perspective, we'll translate this as "insight" - the ability know what customer needs are unfolding and the willingness to learn new methods and approaches. The Cowardly Lion is looking for courage. Innovators must be courageous, to stand up to the challenges that they will face when trying to innovate, which bucks the business as usual mentality. The Tin Man was looking for a heart. Innovators need a big heart - a heart full of courage and commitment, but also a heart full of empathy. Anyone can dream up new ideas, but its only when you have empathy for the customer that you discover important needs. All of the characters who journey with Dorothy are capable of doing what they need to do, and discover their abilities in the journey. This is often true with innovators - people who don't think they are "creative" or who don't have the right status are often great innovators if they allow themselves to be.
Or, consider the Wizard, the man behind the curtain. The wizard is never presented until the very end, and is considered a very powerful force. When finally unmasked, he turns out to be much less powerful than he appeared. In the innovator's world, the Wizard correlates to the corporate culture. The culture is a seemingly powerful force, ephemeral but always present. But when a powerful innovator confronts a corporate culture with the right backing and the right ideas, the culture can be tamed.
Dorothy represents another facet of the innovator must possess - determination and focus. No matter what happens, Dorothy seeks to return home. She has a clear goal and pursues it regardless of the obstacles, regardless of the circumstances. She confronts all of these forces aligned against her, including the Wicked Witch, who personifies all of the nay-sayers, the status quoers, the let's leave well enough alone types. These people constantly confront an innovator, seeking to distract, delay and derail an innovation effort because they want to protect their products, their status or the existing status quo. No matter the obstacle, no matter how compelling Oz may seem, Dorothy stays true to her goals and convictions. So too must innovators have a clear goal and stay true to their convictions.
Innovators need bold ideas and clear thinking that come from an engaged brain, and bold actions and confidence, as well as empathy, that come from a big heart. They need courage to confront all that faces them in an existing business as usual culture. They need determination to face the faceless but seemingly powerful corporate culture and the slings and arrows thrown by the people who don't want change or are afraid of change.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 5:48 AM 1 comments
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
How to tell if you are an innovator
In a world of celebrity driven Twitter, "reality" shows and always on news, Andy Warhol was only partially right. We'll all be famous for 15 minutes. Unfortunately some people seem to get their 15 minutes over and over again for all the wrong reasons. Luckily for us, however, most innovators toil away from the spotlight. In fact many people who are innovators don't realize who and what they are.
Innovators are born and made. Innovators are people who have good ideas or sometimes just good insights. Innovators are people who aren't happy with the status quo, and are willing to do something about it. Herewith, seven factors that will tell you whether or not you are an innovator. Take the assessment, but know this: anyone can be an innovator. Read on and I'll tell you how.
1. Think a lot about the future. They wonder not about the next calamity, but what the future will be like and how they can impact the future. They wonder about emerging trends. They wonder what consumers will want next. Safety and security in today's world doesn't interest them. They are eager for what's next.
2. Aren't satisfied with the status quo. They are constantly trying to improve things - even things that don't seem to be broken. They want to know how to improve things, eliminate obstacles. As Shaw said, all progress is due to the unreasonable man, since reasonable people accept shortcomings.
3. Are empathetic. Innovators can get into other people's lives and shoes. They can virtually walk a mile in your moccasins. This doesn't necessarily mean they are "nice", just able to understand issues and challenges better than the average joe.
4. Are playful, in the best sense. By this I mean they are open to new experiences, are willing to test and prototype, and open to discovery.
5. Are stubborn and driven. If innovators don't have a stubborn streak, then their ideas won't progress, because many people will resist even good ideas initially. It's not easy advocating for a new idea. Innovators have to be committed to their ideas.
6. Are open to exchange of insights and ideas. While stubborn and driven, they understand that the best ideas are emergent and based on the kernal of good insights and ideas from a broad range of settings. They are willing to listen, to absorb and to incorporate inputs from a wide variety of sources.
7. Want to solve real problems. The difference between science fiction and innovation is that while innovators joke about jet backpacks, they want to solve real needs and offer real solutions. Some of those may be incremental in nature - the next product release and some may be disruptive - the next jet backpack. But only if the jet backpack solves a real, important, relevant need and is viable and adoptable.
So, how did you do? If the profile I've described feels right, you have all the proclivity to become an excellent innovator. Don't think you aren't creative enough or don't have enough time or energy. If this profile sounds like you, get moving. You are an innovator whether you like it or not.
If this doesn't sound like you, but you do want to innovate, the great news is this: nothing in this list can't be learned. These are a series of behaviors and perspectives that anyone can adopt. Stop telling yourself you aren't innovative. You weren't born with the gene, you build it from your experiences, interests and perspectives. Just exercise your attitude and become more open to the possibilities.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 9:01 AM 2 comments
Monday, April 16, 2012
Book Review: Beyond the Obvious
Over the years I've had a chance to interact with some really insightful innovators. I've been fortunate enough to meet and interact with individuals like Steve Shapiro, Paul Sloane, Paul Hobcraft, Alex Osterwalder and James Gardner. These individuals have all contributed to the pantheon of great innovation insights and writing. As have good friends and mentors like Tim Hurson, Gary Hamel and Peter Schwartz. The amount of material written on innovation is growing exponentially, but the amount of valuable material within that exponential growth is essentially flat.
That's why I was pleased to see Phil McKinney's new book, Beyond the Obvious, and have a chance to read it. McKinney, until recently, was the CTO for Hewlett-Packard and led a significant amount of innovation at H-P, and in roles prior to H-P. McKinney is unusual for a senior corporate executive, in that he has traditionally been very open with his thoughts, publishing a blog and a series of podcasts about innovation. So I looked forward to his book.
Beyond the Obvious, Killer questions that spark game-changing innovation, takes a new and unique approach to the challenges presented by innovation. Rather than present a specific methodology or toolset, McKinney starts at an almost philosophical position by asking questions. You have to like any management book that starts with a quote by Voltaire, rather than Drucker or Porter. Phil states early on that "the first step to freeing yourself to find innovations is to recognize that the knowledge you currently have is insufficient, and that you need to go out and discover new information that will lead you to new products or concepts". This is exceptionally important. Many organizations want to start from a position of certainty. They make statements rather than ask questions. Good innovators are naturally curious and willing to learn more. The best way to do this is to explore and ask questions. Yet asking questions is not in our corporate nature, unless we already know the answer.
Phil talks about challenging assumptions, getting beyond "business as usual". In Relentless Innovation I defined how powerful business as usual is, and what a barrier it can be to innovation activities. Phil describes business as usual as mental "handcuffs" that keep people locked into the way they've always worked. Questions break this cycle.
Phil also talks about "jolts" and weak signals - basically a way of talking about disruptions and spotting them by watching for trends. Jolts are disruptions but also opportunities for innovation.
In the final sections before diving more deeply into the killer questions he addresses the issue of corporate antibodies - those people and beliefs that stifle innovation. He addresses four kinds of corporate antibodies for innovation:
1. Ego
2. Fatigue (tried that before)
3. No risk ("no ROI", "no funds available")
4. Comfort ("don't rock the boat", "we've always done it this way")
These beliefs and innovation responses will be familiar to anyone who has attempted innovation.
In the next section of the book Phil defines his FIRE methodology: Focus, Ideation, Ranking and Execution. Basically a high level innovation methodology.
Focus is about making the right decisions - key questions: who (customer), what (product) and how (function). Phil argues too much emphasis is placed on customer and product, and not enough on function.
Ideation is about generating ideas based on key questions.
Ranking is, as its name suggests, ranking or prioritizing ideas, especially weeding out influence and bias
Execution described a gated funding system to advance good ideas while keeping costs and risks low.
Once the FIRE methodology is introduced, Phil shows how each step of the process is managed and governed by asking good questions. Who is your customer? What criteria do they use to select your product? Who is using it in unanticipated ways? What is your offering? and so forth. A lot of good questions to use to drive the ideation and ranking of your ideas.
Toward the end of the book Phil provides insights into how he runs innovation workshops and then provides a couple of very nice case studies where his Killer Questions approach has been used.
My Take:
Phil hits the nail on the head when he advocates approaching innovation from a discovery and questioning point of view. Far too often many firms attempt to start from certainty and move to certainty, rather than starting from questions and exploration. Phil's Killer Question approach is very helpful, using key questions and changing perspectives and assumptions. This is a methodology that can be used by individuals or by a large group.
Phil incorporates a lot of innovation best practice, including trend spotting and scenario planning, and even incorporates questions that begin to uncover customer needs that may be unclear or hidden. His advice on execution, using a gated funding model to keep costs and risks low, is in line with best practices.
There's much to take away from Killer Questions, especially the questions, but I think Phil's informal style is suitable only for people who are exceptionally skilled or confident in an innovation leadership role. I can easily see an innovation consultant leading a client through this process, or a very senior executive who buys into the questioning approach. There's not enough detail or definition to build an innovation capability or discipline based on what Phil has written. It would be difficult for a firm to adopt this model without strong facilitation, since there's little definition of the process.
Phil's Killer Questions and his questioning approach will definitely be adopted by many firms. I'll be incorporating some of his questions and his approach in our OVO innovation methodology. However, without a strong, confident innovation leader who can encourage people to question their assumptions and work within this approach, it may be difficult for some firms to replicate Phil's success.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 7:38 AM 0 comments
Friday, April 13, 2012
Looking to the past for ideas
Satchel Paige has been quoted as saying "never look back, someone may be gaining on you", but I think it's our natural proclivity to "look back". Looking back to our past is a way of reviewing and learning from our successes and mistakes. Further, history is concrete. We know what happened in the past, while everything that will happen, or could happen, in the future is still a mystery.
For another famous quote, Spinoza (or others, depending on your source) is attributed with "those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it". I think that sentiment is true where human nature is concerned. We humans repeat the same mistakes in politics, in government and in personal affairs, often just in larger settings and with more significant consequences. Just as the Spanish Civil War was clearly a precursor and training ground for World War II, so to the Algerian war was to Viet Nam and eventually even into Afghanistan. And, as any historian can tell you, everyone who went into Afghanistan regretted it and left in less than noble terms. But does careful study of the past tell us about need for innovation in the future?
The question for executives and managers is: should I study the past, which is fixed and relatively unmoving, concrete and known for ideas? Or should I attempt to ascertain the future to find new ideas? Both approaches are full of promise and fraught with uncertainty.
Studying the past provides far greater clarity. We may not always understand the reasons WHY something happened, but we know WHAT happened. In our modern management circles, clarity of purpose often trumps insights about opportunities that are unclear. The problem with studying the past is that while ideas may be prevalent, and some even unexplored, the past is for the most part an open book. All the insights that may be there are available to anyone, so your insights had better be good, and further, you'd better be able to deploy new products or services based on insights gleaned from the past very quickly.
Studying the future is quite the opposite. There is no certainty or clarity once we look beyond a year or two, and, with the pace of change accelerating, attempting to forecast needs and wants five to ten years into the future is highly uncertain. We don't know the WHO or the WHAT or the WHY of future needs. But with careful thinking, aggregating weak signals into trends and excellent synthesis, we can begin to define more definitive patterns and shapes about the future, which can signal new needs and opportunities. These will NOT be definitive, so clarity and certainty won't be served, but those who are willing to risk the investments based on their careful studies will be rewarded.
In business, our first approach is always to look to history. Have we faced this issue before? Have we had a problem or initiative like this before? Can we relate this to something we've done in the past? The goal is to find existing patterns, reduce the problem to something in alignment with known approaches and move ahead. But many times historical patterns or knowledge aren't helpful or aren't in synch with future needs. We often don't have as much comfort looking to the future and finding solutions and alternatives as we do finding corollaries for problems in the past.
The choice, to me, is obvious. Far too often our teams are too comfortable looking to the past for answers, seeking clear and concrete needs in a past that is an open book, rather than looking ahead, harnessing the information that's available and making judgements based on the signals that are available. Not only are we doomed to repeat history, we are doomed to do so lacking knowledge, services and products that would have made life better if only we were willing to understand that most good ideas lie in the future, not the past.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 12:26 PM 0 comments
Monday, April 09, 2012
Innovation attitudes and success
Well, I'm back and feeling chipper after a nice trip to Istanbul to meet a potential partner and a week in Spain on R&R. After some relaxing days and digging out of email, it occurred to me that many of Stephen Covey's principles apply to innovation. Sharpening the saw equates to building skills through training. Important versus urgent defines innovation versus the day to day demands of business. But the one I want to focus on today is: start with the end in mind.
You see, there are three starting "attitudes" that define how companies begin an innovation effort. They are, in no particular order, fear, uncertainty and confidence. Where your team starts, matters. Because you need to start an innovation project with the end in mind.
Let's start with fear, which is where most innovation efforts begin. I'll call it "fear" since at least half of all innovation projects are started based on fear - the fear of falling behind a competitor, and are worked in fear - fear of failure, fear of new tools, fear of disrupting the status quo. In fact fear is probably the most prevalent of all attitudes when innovation is active. If fear is the starting point and fear is the dominant attitude during the effort, what's the likely result? Ideas that closely resemble the existing product portfolio, that don't ruffle feathers or cause any consternation. Fear is a limiting emotion, causing people who encounter fear to play it safe, or, often even worse, to become reckless. If you start from a position of fear, and fear overhangs your effort, innovation simply can't be successful.
Next is "uncertainty". Many firms start from a position or attitude of uncertainty. They are uncertain if innovation is necessary, uncertain about the tools and methods and uncertain about the best outcomes. When nothing is left to chance and everything is certain in business, only innovation is uncertain. Therefore, innovation is the outlier and by definition it is a variance to be eliminated rather than a path to be pursued. When you start in uncertainty and all tools, methods and outcomes are uncertain, your end result will be the same. Or, to quote another saying, when you don't know where you are going, any road can take you there. Uncertainty isn't necessarily limiting, it just creates confusion and aimlessness.
The final attitude is confidence. Firms with strong leadership, cultures that welcome innovation and people who have innovation skills start their innovation efforts confident of success, and are confident in their abilities to accelerate good ideas to market. Confidence is contagious and sweeps more people into its fold. It's almost unfair, actually, that confident innovators are gaining skills and capabilities at an ever increasing pace, while uncertain or fearful innovators are losing share, losing ground and falling further behind, which of course creates more uncertainty and more fear. Fear and uncertainty can create vicious cycles, while confidence creates a virtuous cycle.
What's really interesting is that most people understand this innately, even if they don't communicate it. Companies and teams that start with fear as a basis for innovation, or with uncertainty as the basis will almost always be unhappy with the results, regardless of the approach, regardless of the methodology or tool or software application, while firms that start in confidence will usually succeed regardless of the method, tool or approach. What gets in the way of confidence?
Not enough skills, not enough commitment, not enough simple belief that innovation can make a difference. It's the difference between "I'll believe it when I see it" or "I'll see it when I believe it". There's no magic to innovation. What's necessary is a set of skills, a clear goal, a commitment to working through a process and the ability to commercialize good ideas quickly. If your company has these characteristics and strong leadership to back it up, you can innovate from a position of confidence. Lacking these traits means you'll start from a position of fear or uncertainty, and will struggle to develop ideas that are valuable and meaningful.
Start with the end in mind. If you plan to be successful with an innovation effort, start confident in your goals, confident in your skills and confident that the systems and decision making processes will support you, or work to make them so. Otherwise, innovation is simply too difficult to do from a position of fear or uncertainty that you will struggle to succeed when starting from these attitudes.
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posted by Jeffrey Phillips at 12:46 PM 0 comments | <urn:uuid:d7b4de7d-50eb-4985-97b0-2675ab1a86b8> | 2 | 1.578125 | 0.086615 | en | 0.945053 | http://innovateonpurpose.blogspot.fr/2012_04_01_archive.html |
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