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Hollywood is all about gimmicks. Whether its 3D, sound or computer graphics, if Hollywood can put a great slogan together, producers can sell it. During the 1950s, the gimmicks were out in force to keep the audience going to the theaters. This was the time of Cinemascope, Todd-AO, Panavision and something really wild called Cinerama. It was a process that involved three projectors showing three different films that, when put together, would envelop an audience in 146 degrees of wowing scenery. Although invented in the 1950s, it wasn't until the early 1960s that it was decided that it would be used for conventional films.
The process was used to make the Western How The West Was Won in 1963. A three-time Oscar-winner, the film was directed by three veterans of the genre and starred the ultimate cast of Western icons from John Wayne to James Stewart.
How The West Was Won chronicles the journey of the Prescotts from the East to the still developing West during the 19th century. The family starts with Zebulon (Karl Malden), his wife Rebecca (Agnes Moorhead) and their children Eve (Caroll Baker) and Lilith (Debbie Reynolds). Early on in the journey, their parents die and Eve marries Linus Rawlings (Stewart) and settles down. Lilith continues her journey, using her singing talents to get a job and winds up meeting gambler Cleve Van Valen (Gregory Peck), who she winds up with.
But the journey doesn't end there (if it did, we could go home before the intermission). Eve's son, Zeb (George Peppard) fights in the Civil War and later becomes a major figure in the fight to tame the West. During his journeys, he meets Jethro Stewart (Henry Fonda), a friend of his father.
How The West Was Won took three directors to complete. John Ford worked on the painfully short Civil War sequence, while George Marshall helmed the Railroad sequence. The remaining sequences were all directed by Henry Hathaway. Like Ford, Hathaway was a workhorse and had been in films since the silent days. Hathaway had a really eclectic career, probably even more so than Ford. While he did make Westerns, my personal favorite of his is the revolutionary noir Call Northside 777.
With this film though, Hathaway really can't do much. Hathaway, Ford and Marshall had to learn how to use this Cinerama camera – something they all knew they'd only use once – as they were making the movie, so whatever they'd done in the past four decades gets thrown out the window. Close-ups are literally nonexistent and shots with actors talking to each other often have large spaces of nothing in the middle. That's why this film is at its best during the action scenes, particularly the buffalo stampede.
The Cinerama camera not only hinders the directors from doing their best, but it hurts the actors as well. While there is no single lead actor in a traditional sense, each sequence is dominated by one actor and the only one that really seems to love the Cinerama camera is Debbie Reynolds. She proves that this tool would have been great for a musical. Everyone else just seems to go through the motions and filling out roles. The idea that John Wayne – the ultimate Western icon – only gets a few moments on screen as Gen. Sherman feels like an insult. And I'll never believe in Beakfast at Tiffany's star George Peppard as a Western hero who can shoot down Eli Wallach.
If there is one other aspect that rise above the fray is Alfred Newman's lush, beautiful score. Even though this film doesn't count among the nine that won him Oscars, this is one of his best.
In the end, How The West Was Won never seems to rise above an experiment with a technology that would rarely be used again. Vera Cruz writer James R. Webb's story of the Prescott family is too thin to be stretched to 160 minutes and the scenery does overwhelm the story because of that. It's not the Western classic that it could have been, despite all the talent involved.
The film earned Oscars for Best Original Screenplay (not sure how that happened...), Best Sound and Best Film Editing. It was nominated for five more awards, including Best Picture, Color Cinematography and Score.
You can talk about this film and others at the Film Friday Facebook page.


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Saturday, October 10, 2015
More New York Times Critics' Picks »
The following shows have received ratings of at least four stars from Times readers.
Most Highly Rated Shows »
"Jackie," starring Tina Benko, is the writer Elfriede Jelinek's theatrical take on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Full New York Times Review »
See all event listings »

subset: commoncrawl


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Pasta dinners are a go-to for busy families during the week, but quick and easy doesn't have to be limiting. Watch this video with Chef Stuart O'Keeffe from the KD101 test kitchen for a 15-minute angel hair pasta meal that gets kicked up a notch with shrimp, and learn how to make perfectly al dente pasta.
More From Kitchen Daily:
The Secret to Perfectly Stringy Gruyere Grilled Cheese
Soups Hearty Enough for a Main Course
Throw a Crock Pot Party
6 Brunch Recipes Worth Waking Up For


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Charter Schools in Texas: Do We Just Want More Charter Schools, Or Better Ones?
Special interests in Austin want to radically expand the number of
charter schools in Texas.
They want you to believe Texas faces a dramatic shortage of charter
schools so that the Texas Legislature will authorize a rapid expansion of
charter schools run by private operators in Texas.


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Im not so sure if this is in the right category thingy but...
I hate it when people say I can't do something with my horse. Okay story time:)
I was at the barn today. I board my horse at a mostly pleasure horse barn. Given their are a few eventers and hunter/jumpers there. But mostly western and english pleasure riders. Im wanting to get into eventing with my 4 year old paint. He has no formal training in pleasure or anything. I was talking to my friend who is a pleasure rider. She asked me what I wanted to do with my horse. I said start off with dressage lessons then possibly move over and take some jumping lessons and do eventing with him. She looked me dead in the eye asked me of I was being serious. I said yes. Then she laughed in my face. I was like what?? And she told me that I was an idiot for taking a paint to do dressage and jump. I said I didnt want to do anything big. Just go and stop at novice. She then shared my goals with a few other pleasure riders and they laughed, said the same thing to me and told me that he will never be able to do anything better then pleasure because he's a paint!
IM SO MAD/SAD. Like its my supposed friends laughing at me and telling me I could never do something I wanted to try. I can't stand it when people tell me what we can't do. It kinda brings me down. But it also fuels my fire. And it makes me wanna do it worse and prove all of them wrong.
Well good thing im out of there next month and im moving to a barn with an eventing trainer. And ill never have to listen to their downgrading remarks anymore:)
Haha I commend you if you read my novel:P
But please tell me some inspirational stories.(i could use them) or share your frustrations with people:)


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Los Alamos County Council Chair Sharon Stover and councilors Mike Wismer and Vince Chiravalle participated in their final council meeting Tuesday.
The county presented each of them with a photograph by Leslie Bucklin and a commemorative Nambé plate recognizing their service.
Stover acknowledged Wismer first.
"Your integrity, your fortitude, your conviction to proceed … There were some challenging, stressful moments that we served together and I always felt that I knew your integrity was above all."
In recognizing Chiravalle, Stover said, "We didn't always agree on stuff, but your energy and your commitment … when others were going one way, you stood up for what you believe in and I always respected that and appreciated that you served your community well."
"For me, this has been absolutely the finest group of professionals I've worked with on council. It's really been a pleasure to work with everyone," Wismer said and acknowledged each member of the council for their personal contributions.
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Search Health Information
Neuroscience CenterSearch Health Information
Absence Seizures
Absence seizures are seizures that last just a few seconds, and are characterized by a blank or "absent" stare. They're also sometimes called petit mal seizures. Absence seizures are most common in children and typically don't cause any long-term problems.
Absence seizures usually occur when a child is 4 to 12 years old. Your child may have 10, 50, or even 100 absence seizures in a day. Sometimes absence seizures can happen so subtly and so quickly that you never even notice them.
Seizures can occur for many different reasons, and not all seizures are caused by epilepsy. Often, doctors don't know why seizures happen.
Facts about absence seizures
An irregularity in the brain's normal electrical activity causes absence seizures. Most absence seizures are less than 15 seconds long. It's rare for an absence seizure to last longer than 15 minutes. Absence seizures strike suddenly without any warning signs.
It's uncommon for an absence seizure to strike after age 20, but it's possible to have an absence seizure at any age.
Absence seizures may occur along with other types of seizures, which can result in jerking, twitching, and shaking.
Although most children who have typical absence seizures are otherwise normal, absence seizures can hinder learning, so treatment must be prompt.
Because some absence seizures may be accompanied by brief muscle jerking of eyelids and facial muscles, they may be mistaken for another type of seizures, known as complex partial seizures. But unlike complex partial seizures, absence seizures don't begin with an aura. They also don't last as long, end suddenly, and don't have a period of confusion after the seizure. Getting the right diagnosis is essential for effective and appropriate treatment of absence seizures.
Types of absence seizures
There are many different kinds of seizures but only one type of absence seizures.
Signs and symptoms of absence seizures
The easiest way to identify an absence seizure is to look for a vacant stare that lasts for a few seconds. People in the midst of having an absence seizure don't speak, listen, or appear to understand. An absence seizure doesn't typically cause you to fall down. You could be in the middle of making dinner, walking across the room, or typing an e-mail when you freeze, then suddenly snap out of it, and continue as you were before the seizure.
These are other possible symptoms of an absence seizure:
Being very still
Smacking the lips or making a chewing motion with the mouth
Fluttering the eyelids
Stopping activity (suddenly not talking or moving)
Suddenly returning to activity when the seizure ends
If you or your child experience jerking motions, it's a sign of another type of seizure taking place along with the absence seizure.
You may experience absence seizures repeatedly for years before heading to the doctor for a diagnosis. You may think of or call these symptoms your "spells," without thinking of them as a medical problem or a seizure.
An electroencephalograph is a test most often used to diagnose absence seizures. This test records the brain's electrical activity and spots any abnormalities that could indicate an absence seizure.
These tests also can help to diagnose absence seizures:
Blood tests
Tests of the kidneys and liver
Tests of cerebrospinal fluid
CT or MRI scans
Spinal tap
Treating absence seizures
Absence seizures can affect your ability to perform at work or school, so it's a good idea to see your doctor about treatment.
Absence seizures can be treated with a number of different medications:
Valproic acid
Most antiepileptic drugs aren't effective in treating absence seizures. Many people who suffer from absence seizures also have generalized seizures and so would need to take one or more of the medications listed above. At this time, only two drugs have FDA-approval for treating absence seizures: ethosuximide and valproic acid.
Managing absence seizures
Medication can help manage absence seizures. Making lifestyle changes can also help to keep them under control. If you have trouble managing your absence seizures, you may want to work more closely with your doctor to find a better way to treat them.
If you continue to have absence seizures, it may not be safe for you to drive.
Preventing absence seizures
Taking your medications exactly as your doctor prescribed is one of the best ways to manage absence seizures. But you can also make some changes in your life to help prevent absence seizures from happening:
Get plenty of sleep each night.
Find ways to manage your stress.
Eat a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly.
Key points to remember
Absence seizures are easy to miss, but tests and an evaluation of symptoms can diagnose them. Doctors can usually help find the right mix of medications and lifestyle changes to manage absence seizures. Without treatment, your school performance, work, and relationships can suffer.
Online ResourcesEpilepsy Foundation http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/types/types/seizureabsence.cfm
Epilepsy Ontario http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/Absence+Seizures
National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000696.htm
Medline Plus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003200.htm


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Hi-Rez Studios' free-to-play entry in the Tribes series of jetpack-powered shooters will open its doors to all interested parties this week as Tribes: Ascend goes open beta. That broader audience will also get to enjoy some brand-new content as part of Tribes: Ascend's recent patch.
A new game mode (Arena Deathmatch) and four new maps come to all Tribes fans this Friday, February 24. It also means "expanded capacity in North America, Europe, and Australia and added new local servers to support growing communities in Brazil and Asia," according to Hi-Rez.
Here's the meat of what Hi-Rez is adding via a "significant patch":
New gametype, Arena Deathmatch, with two initial maps
New Capture The Flag map, Temple Ruins
New Team Deathmatch map, Inferno
Two new unlockable items for the Soldier class: Proximity Grenade and Utility Pack
New default suits for Doombringer and Brute
Ability to view either Blood Eagle or Diamond Sword skins from Class menu
Service supporting Name Change
Large number of bug-fixes and balance adjustments
So, if you haven't already played some Tribes: Ascend, this Friday is your chance to remedy that. Head over to tribesascend.com sometime after Friday 5pm GMT to sign up.


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10 U.S. Code § 2797 - Repealed.
Section, added Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, § 1074(a),Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2861, related to unauthorized use of Defense Mapping Agency name, initials, or seal.
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 1124 ofPub. L. 104–201, set out as an Effective Date of 1996 Amendment note under section 193 of this title.
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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The jagged Montserrat Mountain in Catalonia is seen from great distances due to its majestic height of 4,055 feet (1,236 m). Formed of pink conglomerate sedimentary rock, Montserrat or "serrated mountain" attracts a million visitors annually. Looking out from the peak, Turo de San Jeronimo, guests have a picturesque view of the Mediterranean Sea, the Great Pyrenees Mountains and the landscape below. The location is a favourite among rock climbing enthusiasts due to its many towers and pinnacles and over 1000 routes have been mapped in climbing guides. However, sport is not what draws the majority of people to this destination.
A Benedictine Abbey is located on one of the mountain's ledges and is the home of Santa Marie de Montserrat, the black Madonna and child. Legend states shepherds saw strange lights and heard singing coming from the mountain. The local priest was also witness to these events and brought the bishop. In this cave on the mountain side they found the wooden statue. Catalans to this day believe the Madonna possesses spiritual powers and that it was carved by Luke in Jerusalem and brought to Spain by Peter. Skeptical experts believe the statue was made somewhere around the 11th or 12th century. It is also believed that the Holy Grail was brought here.
Construction of the Abbey began in the 11th century under Pope Benedict's guidance and construction continued through the 15th century. Wars damaged the site and renovations of the last two centuries have contributed to its appearance today. The massive complex contains a monastery, library, art museum and cathedral. Visitors are welcome to witness frescos, paintings and statues made by the great artists. Works by El Greco, Picasso and Dali are housed in the art museum. The monks and children's choirs provide live performances in the beautiful cathedral and people from all over the world stand in line for a glimpse of the famous statue.


text: Google Maps [ Boy Struck By Car Upgraded By Lance Tormey June 25, 2013 A 13-year-old boy struck by a vehicle last Wednesday near the intersection of South 56th Avenue and Summitview has been upgraded to serious condition after spending days in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle... Read More|Comment Category: News, Yakima News Tags: Boy struck by car, Harborview Medical Center, news, yakima Send to a friend! Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!


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m & t bank corp (MTB:New York)
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Published Sunday, November 04, 2012
By W. WINSTON SKINNER
Moreland officials have had several structures at Pecan Grove Mobile Home Park inspected, and they were not happy with what they learned.
"We need to anything we can legally do," Councilman Allyn Bell told his colleagues during a meeting at the Town Hall in the Moreland Mill. "It's horrible."
Council members reviewed reports from Jack Mapp, who was hired to inspect the structures. Among Mapp's findings:
5 Pecan Grove. The entire rear end of the trailer is gone. There are wasp nests and bird nests inside, as well as debris. Glass is broken from most of the windows, and the door was open. The gas line has been stripped from the mobile home.
8 Pecan Grove. Mapp noted nine broken windows, large holes in the siding and wasp and bird nests and trash. The roof is leaking, and the ceiling is collapsing. The gas line and wiring have been removed.
9 Pecan Grove. Mapp gave a report similar to that from 8 Pecan Grove but also noted interior wall covering is missing, along with guardrails and handrails on the porch.
10 Pecan Grove. In addition to similar defects, this structure also had a right side wall near collapse.
15 Pecan Grove. The report showed a leaking roof and collapsing ceiling, broken windows, rotting deck and wasp/bird nests.
19 Pecan Grove. In addition to broken windows, insect and bird nests and trash, Mapp wrote a third of the ceiling had collapsed.
Town Attorney Mark Mitchell said the issue could be handled under the town's unsafe building ordinance, and that he could look at what procedures are needed in concert with Town Clerk Jimmy Haynes.
"You've got his (Mapp's) report. Let me take that, and I'll work with Jimmy on the next steps," Mitchell said.
Local resident Joyce Evans was critical of the council for inspecting Pecan Grove without a written request, when a request for inspection of a mobile home by Carroll Street residents was not acted upon because there was not a written request. The town council did take action several months ago to require complaints be in writing.
"Y'all acted on a complaint that you didn't have in writing," Joyce Evans stated. She said that on Carroll Street, residents were concerned but "didn't want to give a written a request."
She added, ""If you've got to make a rule for one, you have to make a rule for everyone."
Councilman Dick Ford said the concerns about the mobile home park date back at least two years and began before the council instituted the new policy on complaints.
"We could have Mr. Mapp inspect that same trailer and be consistent," Mayor Josh Evans suggested, referring to the Carroll Street structure. No action was taken on the mayor's suggestion.


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Does Avon Ideal Shade Custom Shade Foundation Lotion SPF 15 Have Your Custom Color?
Ahhh the custom blush, foundation, and lipgloss craze is every popular in the cosmetic world. Most aren't actually self adjusting in my experience but I'm always tempted to try, try again to see if someone gets it right down the road.
The new Avon Ideal Shade Custom Shade Foundation Lotion might have my shade correct.
Available in three shades this clever (hopefully!) foundation takes the guesswork out of choosing the right shade of foundation. Choose one of the shades that's closest to your skin tone and leave the rest to Avon. The foundation starts off white and transforms on contact with your skin for sheer, lightweight coverage that has an SPF built right in (SPF 15).
Colors Available:
- Light
- Medium
- Medium Deep
It's available now from Avon for $8.99 at shop.avon.com
What do you think?
Worth a try?
Share it!
5/3/11 16:24 Eli:
These lotions are all the same – they just have some paritcles in them, which release tint, but the same tint every time…
5/4/11 2:07 Eli:
Yeah I know, but I suppose it will be one of those white creams with tiny particles which release tint once you rub them them into your skin – Avon had such a product a while ago, so did Revlon, and they claimed these were 'custom shade' – so nothing new under the sun
5/3/11 19:35 Mango:
sounds more like a tinted moisturizer to me.
5/5/11 15:10 Essi:
I've tried it. It is one of foundations with the particles but it does adjust to my skintone! I've tried it on some of my friends and it never fails. My one problem is that it's sheer coverage and I need full, so I'll probs give it to my mom
3/31/12 6:25 Stella Lee:
someone claimed on youtube that this is a dupe of Origins Vitazing
4/17/13 2:48 She-Ra:
This foundation changes my very pale skin with rosy undertones to a weird yellowish gold like a light tan and makes my face oily after wearing it for a few hours. I feel like I need to wash my face whenever I wear it, and to bleach my hair blonde to match the sun-kissed look.


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(Urticaria & Angioedema)
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD
Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
- Hives facts
- What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema?
- What causes hives and angioedema?
- What are the different kinds of hives?
- What are the symptoms and signs of ordinary urticaria (ordinary hives)?
- What are the causes of ordinary hives?
- What are the causes of chronic hives?
- Are there other conditions that mimic hives?
- What is the treatment for hives?
- What is the prognosis of hives?
- Find a local Dermatologist in your town
Hives facts
- Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, itchy, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes, each one characteristically lasts no longer than six to 12 hours.
- Hives is very common, and most often their cause is elusive.
- Hives can change size rapidly and move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours.
- Ordinary hives flare up suddenly.
- Physical hives are produced by direct physical stimulation by environmental forces.
- Treatment of hives is directed at symptom relief while the condition goes away on its own.
- Antihistamines are the most common treatment for hives.
- Hives typically is not associated with long-term or serious complications.
What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema?
Hives (medically known as urticaria) appear on the skin as wheals that are red, very itchy, smoothly elevated areas of skin often with a blanched center. They appear in varying shapes and sizes, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter anywhere on the body.
It is estimated that 20% of all people will develop urticaria at some point in their lives. Hives is more common in women than in men. One hallmark of hives is its tendency to change size rapidly and to move around, disappearing in one place and reappearing in other places, often in a matter of hours. Hives usually lasts no longer than 24 hours. An outbreak that looks impressive, even alarming, first thing in the morning can be completely gone by noon, only to be back in full force later in the day. Very few, if any other, skin diseases occur and then resolve so rapidly. Therefore, even if you have no evidence of hives to show the doctor when you get to the office for examination, the diagnosis can be established based upon the accurate accounting of your symptoms and signs. Because hives fluctuates so much and so fast, it is helpful to bring along a photograph of what the outbreak looked like at its worst.
Swelling deeper in the skin that may accompany hives is called angioedema. This swelling of the hands and feet, as well as the lips or eyelids, can be as dramatic as it is brief.
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.


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blog. You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off,
I'd love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please blast me an email if interested. Many thanks!
My web-site: social media marketing: https://www.vilofy.com/buy-twitter-followers
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Optimistic Locking in Hibernate and JPA
When writing applications that are going to be accessed by more than one user at a time, you run the risk of the underlying data being corrupted. One solution to this problem is to implement row locks on the data being modified. However, should a process or a user be modifying several rows, this lock can lead to performance degradation as the DB begins to wait for locks to be released. A better solution is to use Optimistic Locking. This is where we monitor the row being modified and allow other users to access it. No lock is being applied here. However, once the row has been saved back to the database, all the rows that are still being viewed become out-of-date, or stale. The simplest method by which the row can be monitored is to employ a "version" column. This is a simple counter that increments every time an update is performed on the row. In JPA annotations this is represented by the @Version annotation.
@Column(name = "version", nullable = false, length = 5)
public int getVersion() { ... }
Now, when this object is saved the version number is automatically incremented. Hibernate will take care of this for us. When a save is attempted on a stale object, Hibernate will throw a StaleObjectStateException (wrapped in a HibernateOptimisticLockingFailureException).


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Physician Scientists: Assessing the Workforce by Howard H. Garrison and Anne M. Deschamps, PhD
FASEB's "Make Your Voice Heard" webinar YouTube video and presentation
Energizing & Investing in the Future of Science: NIH Summer Research Program Immerses High School Students, Undergraduates, and Teachers in Science by Jennifer Hobin and Anne Deschamps
A worthy goal-but still misguided by Mark Lively and Carrie Wolinetz
Stimulating Science Education: NIH Summer Research Program Engages Students and Teachers in Science by Jennifer A. Hobin
Animal-rights terrorism threatens life-saving medical research Salt Lake City Tribune by Robert Palazzo and Carrie Wolinetz
Shared Responsibility, Individual Integrity: Scientists Addressing Conflicts of Interest in Biomedical Research
What's happening to the new investigator? The FASEB Journal by Howard Garrison and Robert Palazzo
Gaining, Training and Retaining Physician Scientists Should Be a National Priority Op Ed by Bruce R. Bistrian
Foreign postdocs: the changing face of biomedical science in the U.S. by Howard Garrison, Andrea Stith and Susan Gerbi
The NIH Budget in the "Postdoubling" Era by David Korn, Robert Rich, Howard Garrison, et al.
Research Equipment and Resource Requirements of NIH-Supported Investigators: An Assessment of Current Conditions and Recommendations for Future Funding and Programs by Tamara Zemlo, Howard Garrison, et al.
In an Era of Scientific Opportunity, Are There Opportunities for Biomedical Scientists? by Howard H. Garrison, Susan Gerbi, and Paul Kincade
Increased Funding for NIH: A Biomedical Science Perspective 1998 by William Brinkley, Jeremy Wood and Howard Garrison
The Physician-Scientist: Career Issues and Challenges at the Year 2000 The FASEB Journal 2000;14:221-230 by Tamara Zemlo, Howard Garrison, Nicola Partridge and Timothy Ley
A Profile of the Members of FASEB Societies: NIH Awards, Degrees, and Institutional Affiliations, 1999 By Howard Garrison, Siddhartha Lahiri and David Stephens
The Report of the FASEB Consensus Conference on Graduate Education
Education and Employment Patterns of U.S. Ph.D.'s in the Biomedical Sciences by Howard Garrison and Susan Gerbi
Science, Technology and the Federal Government: Comments on a Recent NAS Report by Howard Garrison
A Few Basic Economic Facts About Research in the Medical and Related Life Sciences by Samuel Silverstein, Howard Garrison and Stephen Heinig
NIH Awards to Individual Members of FASEB Societies: An initial examination by Howard Garrison and Stephen Heinig
About Us|Join FASEB|Contact Us|Employment Opportunities|Site Map
Interact, Network, Follow:
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Barger's World
Friday, September 12, 2014. 8:00PM. $8 Tickets
Show Description
Barger's world is a children's show that you should never bring your children to. Explore the themes of sex, drugs, and violence, all through the hilariously innocent eyes of the host, Eric Barger. Eric invites some of his favorite guests for this special Festival show.
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August is almost here, and as part of that month's Patch Tuesday release, Microsoft is also expected to introduce a new Windows 8.1 update that would bring additional functionality to an otherwise significantly improved operating system.
Windows 8.1 Update 2, as people call it at this point although there has been no name confirmation from Microsoft until now, is very likely to debut on August 12, the same day when the company is scheduled to release a new batch of Patch Tuesday updates for all computers running its software, regardless of whether we are talking about Windows, Office, or Internet Explorer.
What's more interesting, however, is that Microsoft has adopted a completely different strategy as compared to the previous OS update it brought us, and although Windows 8.1 Update 2 is expected to bring some improvements to the core Windows 8.1 OS version, it appears that it'll be introduced without much fanfare.
As I told you already, Microsoft might actually treat Windows 8.1 Update 2 more like a service pack and actually use it to bring some feature improvements and patches to computers that are already running Windows 8.1 Update. This means that you shouldn't expect new features and options, at least nothing as important as a Start menu for example.
Microsoft announced at the BUILD 2014 developer conference earlier this year that a future Windows 8.1 update would bring new features such as a Start menu and options to run Metro apps in their own dedicated windows right on the desktop, as it's the case with traditional desktop applications.
It turns out, however, that plans have changed in the meantime and Microsoft is no longer willing to implement new features in Windows 8.1 Update 2. Instead, the company is focusing more on Windows 9, the next full Windows release that's expected to debut in early 2015.
People familiar with the matter have told us that the reason is actually very simple. Microsoft wants to get over Windows 8 as soon as possible, so bringing more major improvements in Windows 9 is part of its plan to demonstrate users that it actually listened to their feedback and it's ready to deliver an operating system that actually has everything they would need, with the options they requested.
Windows 8.1 Update 2, on the other hand, would be used to keep computers fully up to date, in the same way that service packs did in the past. No additional features, just a cumulative update that makes your computer run faster and be more reliable by correcting a number of bugs found in the operating system.
As a result, expect Windows 8.1 Update 2 to be launched without its own birthday party, and since it's set to arrive via Patch Tuesday, Microsoft might not release anything else beside a blog post detailing the changes that it makes to the core operating system.
At some point, Microsoft has every reason in the world to do this and it's easy to see why. Windows 8 has more or less failed to excite, and since so many people were disappointed with the amount of features it brought, the new CEO Satya Nadella is trying to address complaints with a completely new Windows version that corrects all issues and makes everything better for both touch and non-touch devices.
Nadella has already hinted that Windows 9 will bring some significant changes to the operating system as we know it, including a possible merger of the app stores in order to better mix the tablet and smartphone platforms.
Windows 9 is going to be a big product, that's for sure, and in order to make everyone aware that a new full Windows version is coming, the company needs to actually lower the consumer appeal of the products that are projected to arrive in the meantime. Including Windows 8.1 Update 2 that is, so the company's plans might actually make sense.
As a result, expect a new Windows 8.1 update to be here in just a few weeks, even though Microsoft has remained completely tight-lipped on it until now. There's a reason for this entire secrecy, but what's probably the most disappointing factor is the fact that no big features are likely to be part of this release.
There's no doubt that many consumers were waiting for Windows 8.1 Update 2 hoping that a Start menu would finally return to the modern operating system, but as things go right now, it appears that everyone hoping to get full desktop functionality will have to wait a little bit longer to see this happening.
The bottom line: keep your computers connected to the Internet on August 12, and although Windows 8.1 Update 2 might not bring anything too exciting, make sure that you install it as soon as possible, especially if you want enhanced stability and reliability of your system.


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Rate Dr. Lawrence H. Winkler
Dr. Lawrence H. Winkler's Ratings
an excellent doctor who I would recommend to anyone needing heart health advice..
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One of the best physicians I have ever seen. The man inspires confidence and his knowledge base is incredible. He just keeps testing until he finds the problem. One of the few doctors I actually enjoy seeing and one that never guesses. Mine is a complicated case and he already has made several very accurate diagnoses.
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i have had dr.winkler as my internest for the last 10 years.he diagnosed me with a very rare syndrome of the heart.i see dr.winkler every 3 months for follow ups.he is very helpful and kind.he explains things to me in human wordes not medical words.since i have gotten my icd implant in victoria i am feeling alot better.it was dr.winkler that said i would benafit from the icd.and he was right about me benafitting from the icd implant.thanks dr.winkler.
Was this rating useful? 0 [[ userState['ratings'][195422].votes_count ]]
He is arrogant .Most doctors are.I hope he is knowledgeable as after 4 months of feeling dreadful I,m still very sick and scared.he says he doesnt guess.he will make the right dignosis.We will see.Seen hime a month ago. Follow up tests to go but I.m so sick and everyone is bewildered....will comment further as as soon as diagnosed
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Dr. Winkler is an abrupt, egotistical and arrogant man. He rushes patients in and out of his rooms, with my last 2 appointments lasting less than 10 minutes each. He dictates his patients notes with his office door open so that anyone waiting in his waiting area can hear what is being said about the patient he has just seen - a clear violation of patient confidentiality. He seemed very proud of himself for making a diagnosis but when I went back to see him 3 years later due to lack of improvement, he finally sent me for tests in Victoria(that should have been done in the first place)that did not confirm the initial diagnosis. He was then very quick to wipe his hands of me - no diagnosis, no further treatment options. Never did take the time to review my entire patient history or list of symtpoms.
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The office scheduled an appointment for a day after after initial phone call by leaving a telephone message but left no phone contact.The only way I could cancel was to drive to the office as the receptionist refused to answer the call during the stated call hours.
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Generally inspires confidence by his manner... thought highly of by others (Dr's & nurses, hospital staff - important & telling!)But... has his limitations. He is an INTERNIST, not a CARDIOLOGIST so he made a (possible) mistake with me... that he then spent considerable time rationalizing when I called him on it. Took extended vacation time off without leaving any substitute contact info or even helpful phone message. (I was told to see him within 2 weeks by referring cardiologist - no way!) Apparently he's among the best in Nanaimo, so I'll use him, but I'll also always get a further referral to the 'next level' if I feel it is at all necessary.
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So very slow to diagnose. Diagnosed right but by the time he got it complications had set in. took 6 months.
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I think Dr Winkler is great. I found him to be very nice, kind of like a big teddy bear. Was a little nervous after readind some of these reviews but he is great. Very thorough and efficient.
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Dr. Winkler initially diagnosed me with GERD. While I accepted this diagnosis as correct, I knew there was still something more going on. I kept persisting, and he did not order any other testing. I went back to see my family doctor, who ordered a few more tests. I was sent back to Winkler with these new test results, and he diagnosed me with POTS (postural orthstatic tachycardia syndrome). This is not a common condition, and Winkler said he has only seen about 12 cases during his years of practice. I feel very lucky to have had Winkler make this diagnosis. Now I am able to follow a treatment plan to keep help me manage this condition. Way to go Winkie! I would highly recommend this efficient and knowledgeable doctor.
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As I've grown older, I am finding that I my television-watching habits have changed quite a bit. I once could recite all the networks' prime-time schedules, whether I watched the shows or not, and probably could name all of the major cast members, along with their character names and bios. Now, I'd be lucky to give you three program titles, let alone know anything more about them.
Which makes the current batch of antiques and collectibles television shows so nice: you can flip through the channels and if you land on one of them, you can watch it for five minutes or the whole episode. There is not plot to follow and more often than not, what they are talking about is usually pretty darned interesting.
If you had been channel surfing through the reality cable channels recently, you might have come across these shows and items:
Cash and Cari
Cari Cucksey, estate liquidator and host of HGTV's "Cash and Cari," is followed by cameras as she digs out hidden treasures while helping people with their estate sales. In a recent episode, Cari was working closer to home—handling her grandparents' estate.
Some of the items she found—which could be in just about everyone's grandmother's house—can be identified by matching them to items in the WorthPoint Worthpedia:
Metlox China Set
Swinging Butter Churn
Cambridge Rose Point Glassware
American Pickers
Meanwhile, on the History Channel's American Pickers, Mike and Frank pull out some gas station sings and a piece that any firefighting memorabilia collector would want. Mike bought two of these signs for $475, and while this helmet is not the exact same model, it is representative of the type.
Shell Gas Sign
Leather Firefighters Helmet
On the other History Channel hit—Pawn Stars—The following items came into the show; their owners hoping to score a big payout.
Cast Iron Uncle Sam Coin Bank
1942 Chicago Bears Autographed Team Photo (The guy on the show had an autographed football by this same team)
Officer's Commission from the Revolutionary War
Authentic Playboy Bunny Uniform
Auction Hunters
On Spike TV's Auction Hunters, is Tom and Allen storage unit buy going to be music to their ears?
Thomas Edison Gramophone
So, what are your watching habits? Do you know which nights these shows are on and make plans to watch, or do you play antiques TV roulette?
Gregory Watkins is the editor of WorthPoint.
WorthPoint—Discover Your Hidden Wealth
Just saw "Uncle Sam" on your site and felt compelled to say that it is "patroitotic reproduction". And newer than earlier. I speak to this only because others might think this is an origional and continue to purchace these products(mechanical and stills all fakes) that come from overseas. There are very, few antique and working, mint condition "Uncle Sams", mechanical banks. I have a large collection, and one "Uncle Sam". He is in very great shape and perfect working condition. You should pull this "treasure" off your site simply due to fact that it is an obvious reproduction. Sorry to be so blunt. If needed, we could compair descrepences at a later date. sincerely Judy Seiler


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Think of running a business like taking a trip. You have a great vision for where you want to take your company (your destination). To get there, you have to navigate through a field of land mines (insert dramatic music).
Here's the thing, millions of people navigated this field of land mines before. Some made it, while others failed. The great news is that many have shared their experience, which helps tremendously to light your way. Your business plan allows you to map out where the huge land mines that claim most victims are and navigate your way around them.
Writing a business plan doubles your chances of getting a loan and can increase your chances of securing investment or growing your business.
However, so many people make the same mistakes in their business plans, which hurt their success chances and frustrate potential investors. You need a good plan, but it doesn't have to be perfect for you to start your business.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while building your business plan:
1. Cover the important stuff & get moving
Don't wait until you have the perfect business plan. It will never be perfect. Cover the most important points that will let you to hit the ground running and overcome the biggest obstacles. You will add to it and evolve later (keep reading).
2. Include all essential parts
A business plan has three essential building blocks. There is the analysis (market, industry, competition), action plan (people, operations, sales & marketing), and projections (traction & financials). You and your investors will want to have a balanced coverage of all these parts to ensure your business does well. Here is a business plan template if you want more details.
3. Do your research and digest it
It's simple… the more you understand your customers, business, and competitors, the better your success chances are. You can learn through research and actual interactions with customers. If you haven't started your business yet, spend some time to learn as much as you can about your customers and how your industry works. It will save you a lot of time and trouble. Analyze and digest your research and keep the conclusion in your plan. Don't expect your reader to figure out what the data means.
4. Learn from experience
After you start your company, the customer behavior and feedback will give you more information to integrate into your analysis and refine your strategy.
5. Laser focus
Make it super clear who your target customers are, what problem you will help them solve, and how you will solve it (what makes your solution great). You can refine, adjust, and/or expand that target after starting your company (see point 1).
6. Learn your industry
You need to know how your industry works (laws, business models, key suppliers, technology being used, etc). It is great if you already worked in the industry before, but you can also read books and do extra research to learn how things work in your industry. Quora is a great Q&A based social network where you can quickly learn about a topic. It's where I start my research.
7. Know who else is serving your customers
Your customers have choices. They will choose to either go to you or others. Know how you stack up against competitors from the eyes of the customer (price, quality, service quality, etc). Don't obsess over "beating the competition". Know enough about them to differentiate yourself (i.e. so your customers pick you), but save your energy to focus on the customer.
8. Be specific in your action plan
Spell out what will be done (operations), who will do it (management and people), how much it will cost (financials), how you will get it to your customer (marketing). Pay special attention to the people part of the plan. It's the most important thing investors look at when deciding to invest (or not) in your company.
Instead of saying "We will provide the best service to delight our customers", say "To provide exceptional service, we will have a 24 hour response time policy to all inquiries and personalized follow-up for every new customer".
9. Highlight your progress
Include any results you have so far (a prototype, subscribers, paying customers, growth). All this shows traction, which will validate your business idea. That will make investors more comfortable knowing there are tangible results.
10. Update the plan as you go
You will learn a lot after starting your business. Take time to reflect on your experience and improve your plan. Your business plan is a living thing that will adapt, and improve as it grows. Many assumptions you will make will be replaced by actual figures (e.g. % of visitors that will convert into customers). This will influence your action plan and projections.
11. Polish it
Once you have the content in your plan and its time to present it to investors and other outsiders, clean it up. Fix the spelling and grammar, remove parts you repeat yourself in, add figures and visuals (product samples/screenshots), add page numbers… you get the idea. If you're not presenting it to anyone, then no need to polish it. Invest that time and energy into your business instead.
12. Breathe some life into it
The plan should reflect your personality. I'm not proposing you add circus lights and unnecessary fluff, but the reader should prefer to read it instead watching paint dry. Make it flow like a conversation and look to reflect whom you are.
13. List your assumptions
You will have plenty of assumptions in your plan (e.g. best marketing vehicles, how many visitors will convert to customers, how quickly you can hire the right people, etc). Think of assumptions as a hierarchy of three types:
a. The hunch you pull out of your head.
b. The educated guess backed by research and past experience.
c. The validated assumptions. These are based on actual experience (we set this price to x and sold this much). These are more solid.
Know what assumptions you're making, list them, and revisit them often.
14. Make smart projections
Whatever you do, don't make top-down projections (there are x number of customers in the world, if we get only 1% of them, we will make so much money). Instead, find out how many potential customers there are that are relevant to you. Find out how comparable businesses to yours are doing. Incorporate build-up into your plan (i.e. add customers in a step process vs. getting them all at once). Launch and adjust your projections based on actual results.
Your turn: What lessons have you learned from creating business plans in the past? Let us know in the comments under this post.
More Doable Than You Might Think: Support Yourself Independently Doing What You Love on The Web
For a limited time, get access to over 100 hours of video training, plus The Web's most active entrepreneurial community, for just $1.
Turning your skills and expertise into a way to support yourself is more doable than you might think.
There's this big misconception about expertise, that you have to be one of the world's top experts before you can earn a living from what you know.
But expertise isn't an absolute. You might only be a 3, on a scale of 1 to 10, but there are plenty of 1's and 2's out there who would pay for your knowledge and experience, right now.
The key is to find a unique corner of your topic, to start building a tribe of people who trust you as their expert, not the expert, and to be resourceful about filling in the gaps by leveraging other experts when necessary.
This is why we built Fizzle, to teach you how to support yourself independently doing what you love on The Web. Fizzle is half training library, half supportive community, and it's full of people like you who are building their thing online.
You'll find big name courses in Fizzle, from well known and successful online business builders. We're talking about courses like Book Yourself Solid (Michael Port), Start a Blog that Matters (Corbett Barr), and Connect With Anyone (Scott Dinsmore). And new courses are added every month.
And right now, you can get access to everything Fizzle offers, including the course library, the community, the live coaching sessions and the behind-the-scenes Founder Stories, all for just $1 for your first month.
Learn more and join Fizzle today for just $1 »
Since applying more and more from Fizzle, I've started making as much (sometimes more/month) from my online business as I do from my full-time job with a fraction of the weekly hours. It's exhilarating. I owe you guys so much.
Preston Lee, graphicdesignblender.com
P.S. — we hope you'll check Fizzle out, but we know it isn't for everyone. We're a little, um, different from your typical "business" training. Watch the video on the home page to see what I'm talking about. If it isn't your style, no hard feelings :)


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Luton Town 2 Mansfield Town 3
Posted: February 23, 2013|
LINDON Meikle came off the bench to fire a last-minute winner for Mansfield Town at Luton this afternoon.
The game looked destined to end 2-2 but then Meikle, three minutes after replacing Louis Briscoe, pounced on the rebound after Chris Clements was denied by Mark Tyler.
And the winger's finish made it 3-2 and ensured a seventh win in eight games for Paul Cox's men.
Matt Green gave them a 31st minute lead at Kenilworth Road from the penalty spot after Colin Daniel was brought down by Steve McNulty.
But six minutes later, Scott Rendell equalised after a lucky ricochet saw Jonathan Smith's shot deflected into his path.
However, Daniel calmly fired Mansfield ahead just before the interval after being picked out by Lee Stevenson.
It was not to last, though, as two minutes after the restart Andre Gray got in behind the Mansfield defence and fired beyond Alan Marriott to make it 2-2.
But then Meikle popped up to fire the dramatic late winner to continue Mansfield's superb run.


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Mohamed Morsi's Presidential Decree Triggers Protest
Palabras clave
An Egyptian protester faces riot Police during clashes at Tahrir... Fotografía de noticiasCara a cara,Conflicto,Confrontación,Crisis,Egipto,El Cairo,Gobierno,Horizontal,Manifestación,Manifestante,Oriente Medio,Policía antidisturbios,Política,Primavera árabe,ViolenciaPhotographer -Collection: AFP 2012 AFPAn Egyptian protester faces riot Police during clashes at Tahrir square on November 25, 2012 in Cairo. Egypt's powerful Muslim Brotherhood called nationwide demonstrations today in support of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in his showdown with the judges over the path to a new constitution. AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)


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|Print Page
I am so glad I have this avenue open for my frustration as I have no one to douse with flour to help bring to light the plight of animals.
Did you know that elephants cry? Mother elephants surround the one giving birth to protect her and her calf. Wolves mate for life. Every animal gives birth, snuggles and grooms their babies, cries, howls, wails, or gets depressed when their mate or offspring die. Humans and animals have more similar traits than different.
The purpose of this letter is to try to access your heart and create empathy for all animals. I was found by a dog in Huntington.The dog and his owner were reunited and the way he had gotten lost made me sick.The owner said he had lost track of him when he set him on a bear he wanted to kill. The bear was chased for two days and then killed. I asked him if he needed the meat and he said no just the hide.
What is in our nature that makes us want to level, demolish, pave and kill everything? Can you imagine what it would feel like to be chased for your life? The fear, exhaustion and then pain? I have nothing against hunting if it's real hunting. Tracking on foot, regular gun, bow and arrow, but being to lazy to get off of your butt and run an animal with a helicoper, four wheeler or dog is sickening.
May I suggest the movie "Powder" and theYou Tube video,"Blind dog rescued from trash pile."?
If these tales don't kick start your heart nothing will. Please,please do what you can to help animals both physically and in nondestruction of habitat. Make your yard animal friendly or of if you are lucky enough to own acreage plant trees, leave underbrush and uncover a little bit of your irrigation ditch for water access.
Every little kind thing helps.
Nadine Morris
|Print Page


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Stanton, David
Wednesday, 6 October 2004
Dáil Eireann Debate
Other Questions - Social Welfare Benefits.
Asked the minister: if he has received reports or observations from the community welfare service concerning the operation of SI 728 of 2003 regarding rent supplement.
Water Services Bill 2003 [Seanad]: Second Stage (Resumed).
I congratulate the Minister, Deputy Roche, on his appointment.
I am sure he is sick of people congratulating him at this stage. I wish him well. I hope Members on this side of the House can debate many issues under the Minister's remit with him in a constructive ...
I thank the Minister for his useful assurance. Water management must be open to scrutiny by citizens, public influence and participation by stakeholders. Will the Minister consider amending the Bill t...
The Minister is very observant. That is why he is a Minister. Well done. At any rate, it appears the infrastructure is not adequate to cater for the high demand. Perhaps the Minister might talk to the...
On page 49 of the Bill it is stated that a water services authority may contribute to the cost of the maintenance or renewal of a connection or part of it by another person to such an extent as it may...
Carers Support Services: Motion (Resumed).
Question put: "That the motion, as amended, be agreed to."
Voted No
Written Answers - National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Asked the minister: if with reference to the national treatment purchase fund, there is a limit to the number of patients that can receive treatment under the fund from individual hospital waiting lists; the number of pe...
|Last Updated: 04/11/2010 11:58:41
|Page of 138


text: On the set of her new movie "America's Sweethearts," Julia Roberts was anything BUT when someone swiped the canvas back of her director's chair! Julia -- who collects every chairback with her name and movie title -- FREAKED! Angry producers refused to let cast and crew leave the set until the thief handed it over -- but backed down when nobody flinched! Julia's got a new chairback -- and it's under security 24/7.


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Search Results
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Integrating Renewables Into the U.S. Electric Grid - a Discussion with Dr. Paul Denholm
Japan rethinks its energy policyRenewables come to the fore as universities take the lead on electricity conservation.
Is the 'problem' with renewables really a lack of R&D?in R&D instead of subsidies": The solution is to innovate the price of renewables downward.
Renewables: Fewer subsidies and more R&D pleaseThere's a good article in Slate which lays out a case for shuttling some of the funds spent on subsidies for renewable energy into R&D instead.
In Texas electrical grid, natural gas and renewables complement each other
EU approves changes to Dutch renewables support schemeEuropean Union competition regulators ruled on Friday that modifications to a Dutch scheme supporting energy production from renewable sources were in line with EU state aid rules.
Renewables fastest growing form of energy in 2014: BPRenewable power was the fastest growing form of energy last year, with a record 6 percent of global power generation, in a year when energy consumption slowed sharply worldwide, BP said in an authoritative review.
Germany's E.ON banks on U.S. in renewables expansionGermany's E.ON plans to expand its solar and wind business in the United States, an executive said, as the utility strives to bolster its renewable energy operations ahead of a planned spin-off of its ailing fossil-fuel power plants.
Low oil price threat and opportunity for renewables: U.N. climate chiefThe current low oil price is both good and bad for the renewable energy sector, United Nations climate chief Christiana Figueres said on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Finland looks to decarbonize with greater share of renewables and nuclear
All Eyes To 2016: Energy and Renewables In The MidtermsDo energy issues matter when it comes to how we vote? It depends. For some Americans, energy is the most significant factor that influences the way a ballot is cast.
Why Can't Companies Get Renewables?If two-thirds of Fortune 100 companies want to buy electricity generated by off-site renewable energy sources this year, why hasn't more capacity been built?
Renewables outpace nuclear in economies making up 45 percent of world population: reportSolar, wind and other forms of renewable energy besides hydro-electric dams now supply more electricity than nuclear in Japan, China, India and five other major economies accounting for about half the world's population, an atomic industry report shows.
China Could Cut Coal (Mostly) by 2050China could get nearly 60 percent of its energy from renewables by 2050 according to a new study
French energy transition law to cut red tape on renewablesof the lower house of parliament adopted a text that skirts the key nuclear issue but includes simplification measures likely to boost renewables.
Costa Rica to lower electricity rates due to renewables riseCosta Rica will lower itselectricity rates an average of 12 percent from April because ithas met demand this year almost entirely with renewable energy,the state utilities regulator said on Thursday.
Renewables to boost French power supply safety margins - RTEFrance's electricity supplyshould be stable between 2015 and 2020 as more wind and solarenergy projects add capacity and even if the country shuts downits ageing Fessenheim nuclear plant, grid operator RTE said inits annual forecast on Friday.
EUROPE POWER-Spot down on rising renewables, lower demand* Power demand to drop in Germany, France by Monday * Wind, solar output up in Germany PARIS, April 17 (Reuters) - European power prices for earlynext week fell on Friday on expectations of higher renewableenergy production in Germany and France and lower consumption inboth countries.
EU set to meet green energy goal but UK, Netherlands trailfrom renewables by 2020, although Britain, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are currently lagging behind, the European Commission said on Tuesday.
Nuclear vs renewables: A tale of disparities.The Times's Eduardo Porter has a short piece on nuclear power vs renewables where he makes


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Amman expat Community for Amman expats
InterNations worldwide » Jordan expats » Amman expats
David Hicks
Living in Amman, from Australia
"I am rather new to InterNations (registered just about three months ago). My first impression is very positive!"
Kristina Serou
Living in Amman, from Sweden
"I joined InterNations two months before my relocation to Jordan and received very good tips about expat life in Amman."
InterNations - a trusted Network & Guide for Expats in Amman
- Build up valuable contacts with like-minded Amman expats
- Find reliable information and trustworthy tips about the expat life in Amman
- Join top-class InterNations events to meet fellow expatriates in town
Welcome to the Expatriates Amman Community!
As-salām 'alaykum and welcome to our community for Amman expats! Our private network helps you to settle in easily when moving to or living abroad in Amman: Get to know like-minded expatriates in Amman in a casual way, find reliable information and tips about expat life in Jordan and meet fellow expats from Amman's international community at our first-class InterNations events.
Curious to explore other communities in Middle East & Central Asia, e.g. our chapter for Expatriates Jeddah? Or you might think of stopping by at our Dubai Expat community on your next weekend trip.
Our Services for Amman Expatriates
Amman Expat Guide
Make the most of your Amman Expat Life
The "City Of Seven Hills" offers an exciting intercultural experience for expats, starting with cultural highlights, like the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls,, the folkloristic festivities on the occasion of Jordan's Eid al-Jolous, up to getting a taste of traditional mansaf. The InterNations community helps you as an Amman expat to enjoy your expat stay in Jordan to the fullest. Our members have already come across many of the questions you'll have when starting your expatriate life in Amman and kindly offer you their assistance, from ʺHow do I plan an excursion to Hammamat Ma'in hot springs?ʺ up to ʺHow can I meet some students or young professionals for an English-Arabic language tandem?ʺ.
Become part of our Expat Amman Community
Our members have their roots in Japan, Russia, Spain, Mexico and almost any other country around the globe, all sharing your situation as an expat in Amman. InterNations makes it easy for you to connect with fellow expats in Amman. Next to our active online community, our members also regularly meet in real life at top-class events or go for weekend activities together, e.g. to visit Jordan's famous landmarks around the short coastline at the Gulf of Aqaba.
Also take a look at our network for Expatriates Riyadh to experience InterNations all over the globe. Or you could take a peek at our community for Expatriates Amsterdam instead!
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Visit Us
Welcome to the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of New Hampshire. Civil Engineers are strong contributors to society. They provide safe structures such as bridges, highways, skyscrapers, tunnels and dams, and by helping to restore and maintain water quality and the environment. It is an exciting profession, filled with opportunities locally, nationally and internationally.
Our Department prides itself in a civil engineering program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and, faculty that are nationally and internationally renowned for excellence in teaching and research. As a faculty, we make sure that our students are well prepared to face the challenges ahead and eventually become registered professional engineers.
To ensure that the experience at UNH is rewarding and fulfilling, we encourage students to take advantage of all available opportunities such as getting involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter, Students/Engineers Without Borders (EWB), the Honors Program and other student organizations. We have study abroad opportunities through our programs in Scotland; opportunities in Spain, Ireland, and Australia; and a dual major program in Civil Engineering: International Affairs. We also have a 5-year BS/MS degree for students who qualify and conventional MS and PhD degrees should you choose to further enhance your formal education. As you will quickly discover, our faculty are here to help all students succeed.
We invite you to visit us so you can see for yourself what our department has to offer.
To arrange a visit, please contact:
Prospective Graduate Students:
contact Graduate Coordinator, Professor Ricardo Medina (firstname.lastname@example.com; 603-862-0276)
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contact our Undergraduate Coordinator, Professor Ray Cook (email@example.com; 603-862-1411)
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(15 minutes or less)
Make a copy of the pattern disk provided as a separate page, here. Cut the pattern out and mount it on a circle of cardboard with glue or tape. Attach the disk at its center to a rotator. Old phonograph players that spin at 45 or 78 rpm are great for this. Adhesive-backed Velcro™ can be used to secure the disk to a variable-speed electric drill. The drill may also be reversed.
(5 minutes or more)
Start the spiral rotating and stare at its center for about 15 seconds.
Look away from the disk and stare at a wall or a nearby person. Notice that the wall or person seems to be expanding or contracting, like he or she is rushing toward you or away from you.
If you can, try rotating the spiral in the opposite direction. Now what happens when you look up from the spinning pattern?
Your visual system is sensitive to inward and outward motion. There are nerve cells in the visual cortex that fire more when objects move outward from the center of your field of view, and others that fire more when objects move inward. When you are looking at something that is standing still, the inward and outward channels are in balance with one another; they send equally strong signals to your brain. When you stare at this moving pattern, however, one detector channel gets tired. Then, when you stare at the wall, the detector that hasn't been working sends a stronger signal to your brain than the tired one.
If, for example, the spiral seemed to be moving away from you, the wall will seem to be moving toward you when you look up. If you rotate the spiral in the other direction, so that it seems to be moving toward you, the wall will then seem to be moving away when you look up.
You can make duplicates of the depth spinner. Make many copies of the pattern disk. Cut out the copies and paste them on small cardboard backings. You can spin your disk on a pencil point or a pin, or attach a disk to a pencil eraser with a pushpin.
Next time you are near a waterfall, try staring at one point of the waterfall for a minute. Then look at a rock or another stationary object to the side of the waterfall. The solid object will seem to flow upward. This apparent motion is due to the fatigue of the channels in your visual system that detect linear upward and downward motion.


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Added October 30, 2012 5:06 PM
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Art Domu has catalogs online for their upcoming auction of Chinese antiques. Amazing antiques at amazing prices. If you are in Japan they will send you a full color set if you go to their site, æ±æ´‹ç¾Žè¡"オークション アート童夢 Japanese link. The link works even though it doesn't display right here. I don't know if they will send copies overseas for free.
The catalog is viewable online at
#1, pdf format, ART DOMU 2011-??
#2, pdf format, ART DOMU 2011-??
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Next week, the CBC will unveil the panelists and the top five books chosen for 2014's version of Canada Reads. If you follow books in this country, chances are you're excited about the announcement. Those three days of debates, after all, are the first big literary event of the year.
Before I say anything else, a disclaimer: I like Canada Reads. I really do. I've attended the debates for the past two years, and I've thoroughly enjoyed myself every time. I think anything that puts books at the front and centre of national conversation is the best kind of excellent. I like how passionate the panelists are. I like the fact that the show offers authors another chance to get their work out there in the world. And I particularly enjoy how the show manages to navigate the tricky ground of reality show schlock and intelligent conversation, and come out with something worthy every time.
My Bare it For Books partner in crime, Allegra Young, said it beautifully a few weeks ago: Think of how people are talking about Canadian literature who probably never do. People who don't care even a half as much as I do are learning about new books, new authors, and, hopefully this year, talking about social change in Canada.
I can't say it better -- there's something about this darling CBC phenomenon that's had a wide-ranging, delicious impact on Canadian literature. We should all be thankful for that. We really should.
Having said all of that, I have some beefs.
First of all: the whole idea behind Canada Reads is inherently preposterous. What's the one book that Canadians should read this year? Seriously? In a country where there are upwards of two-hundred-plus books published every year, ranging from poetry to fiction to non-fiction to graphic novels to everything in between? In a country that's given the world such vastly different writers as Margaret Atwood and Terry Fallis and Sarah Leavitt and Ken Babstock and Alice Munro and Anakana Schofield and Kathleen Winter and Trevor Cole and Saleema Nawaz and Ayelet Tsabari AND AND AND???
Come on now. Picking one book out of all others that Canadians should read in a given year -- or even just styling a program as such -- isn't just preposterous, it's unfair. It does a disservice to the great work that our writers produce, day in and out, to say that one book should be read above others. It really does.
Of course, I do realize that most people don't think this way. In its best form, as Allegra pointed out, Canada Reads inspires people to read a whole bunch. Not just one book. A whole whack of them. The program does an excellent job of gathering input from bloggers, writers, and book lovers across the country, and continues to add a wide variety of books to the conversation even outwith the actual time of the competition. Still, though. I think it's time that we dropped the "one book" idea. I get that it's a competition, and that the nature of competition is to have a winner at the end of the day. But I think there's room for Canada Reads to creatively approach that concept. I have nothing against awards. I do have everything against awards culture, and the kind of uneasy environment that that can foster. I think the show can do better than to play to this dynamic. While I admire the fact that the show looks to do something different every year -- non-fiction one year, a search for books that might represent different regions in another, a focus on books that inspire social change this coming next -- I think it's time that the fabric of the show itself underwent a little change. It's been on for twelve years. It has a dedicated audience.
There's more room to grow, is what I'm saying.
Here's one way that the show could grow: let's have a look at that "celebrity panelist" idea.
(Disclaimer #2: I understand that the celebrity panelists have already been chosen for 2014. I'm sure they'll do a wonderful job. This post is not in any way meant to reflect on them. I am just, you know, lobbing questions out into the air. Please stay with me.)
One of the interesting things about Canada Reads, as I've said, is the way that the show walks the path between reality TV schmaltz and intelligent debate. You have the ridiculous game show music. You have the let's-pause-for-dramatic-effect-and-let-Mr. Velvety-Radio-Voice-announce-the-winner cliffhanger. (I enjoy Jian Ghomeshi a great deal, guys. I really freaking do. I just find the whole suspense thing -- in any reality show -- funny. This isn't life or death, people. Let's get real.) And now, increasingly in these past few years, you have the draw and allure of celebrity panelists: people who add something different--star power, alternative perspectives, a little more glam--to the book debate. I know that there have always been celebrity panelists on the show, but it does seem as though the past few years in particular have had a dedicated focus on this star power, and the oomph that it brings.
My question is this: why are the panels weighted overwhelmingly in favour of people who are not, themselves, authors of books? I understand that everyone engages with the world of books in their own unique way. I also understand -- and champion, make no mistake about it -- the fact that every panelist on the show clearly has loved and fought for the books that they've all chosen. They've all argued well, and I am not here today, in turn, to argue that any of them have failed.
But I think it's telling that other reality shows which feature some type of competition around art have judges who might be celebrities but are also, quite clearly, practitioners in the field.
The Voice: past and current judges include Cee Lo Green (singer), Adam Levine (singer), Shakira (singer and shaker of hips that don't lie!), Blake Shelton (singer), Usher (singer), Christina Aguilera (singer).
So You Think You Can Dance: past and current judges include Nigel Lithgoe (former dancer and choreographer), Mary Murphy (ballroom dance champion, accredited judge), Adam Shankman (dancer, director, choreographer), and Mia Michaels (choreographer).
Hell's Kitchen: Gordon Ramsay. Duh.
American Idol: Past and current judges include: Randy Jackson (musician and singer), Paula Abdul (singer), Simon Cowell (not a singer, obviously, but overseer of enough talent competitions to effectively warrant some clout!)
The point here is that even the schmaltzy stuff that happens elsewhere -- the stuff and shows wherein all of the glorious competition reality TV tropes are born and bred -- recognize, on some level, that it's good to have judges who can offer a unique insight into the art form that's being discussed. The kind of insight and perspective that comes from having spent some of your own time, as it were, in the trenches. The kind of perspective that says yes, I understand what you were trying to do with your technique, and here's where it worked, or didn't work, for me.
I realize that I am in danger of sounding elitist here, but please believe me when I say that that isn't my intention. Again, as above -- I think the panelists that have previously been on Canada Reads have all done an excellent job. They've all responded to the discussed books in exciting (and in some cases, controversial!) ways. They've all done their part to keep the conversation going, which is great. And I'm one hundred percent sure that this will continue.
But I think what we're missing here is the fact that writing is as much a craft as it is an art. Writers apprentice to their work over many long and difficult years, in much the same way as a dancer spends thousands of hours at the barre before making that first trip out onstage. During that apprenticeship, a writer learns a hell of a lot about technique -- about grammar, about sentence structure, about voice and the million ways that you might use it. You learn about flashback. You learn about how point-of-view, and the choices you make around it, might better get across the story that you want to tell. You learn about how cliches will make or break (see what I did there? See?) a story. You learn all of the rules in order that you might find a way to break them, and break them hard.
This discussion of technique, of structure and narrative choice and word choice examination, doesn't seem to have been much a part of the Canada Reads debates in the last few years. And as a writer (yes, I am biased, I'll admit), I find this discouraging. In a weird way, I think it actually enforces the (incorrect) notion of writing as an elite art, because no one is talking about the bricks-and-mortar that go into making a story what it is. We're taking about the emotional result and heft of a story, which is immensely valuable, but we spend comparatively little time looking at what the author has done to get there. We leave the talk of craft to the book reviews that no one bothers to read anymore. And in so doing, we bypass the very real, humble details of what writing actually IS and perpetuate the idea that writing and art is some kind of magical, ethereal thing, created by people who live in ivory towers (subsidized by government dole) and attend lots of ritzy galas.
There are, of course, any number of rebuttals you could make to this claim, chief among them being the idea that the writer puts all of that work into a piece beforehand precisely so that it might seem effortless and magical. If the bricks-and-mortar part of writing is done the way it should be, it fades into the background so that a reader might be swept up into the world of a book. If a book is done well, in other words, the reader will lose themselves in it so totally that focusing on technique is the last thing on their mind. Sure. This is absolutely true.
You could also say, of course, that talk of diction and sentence structure and gerund verbs and all of that jazz is, in fact, not jazzy at all but downright boring. I'm sure plenty of people would agree with this. Isn't that what we all escaped those English classes for?
Well, this is where writers come in. Because writers get impossibly, irrevocably, intoxicatingly excited about this very stuff. And you know what? As word people, they can tell you exactly why it's exciting. Gerund verbs? Let me tell you why they might not work. Let me tell you what might work better. Or, let me tell you why they do work in this particular instance. Let me show you how the use of this technique makes for a brilliant chapter in Book X, or a brilliant ending in Book Y. Let me show you -- and jump up and down to prove it! -- why the sentence structure in Malarky is so very important, so very integral to what this book is about. Let me show you why it couldn't possibly have been written any other way.
It isn't life or death, sure. But for writers, this stuff comes pretty frigging close. There's a reason why Oscar Wilde put a comma in a sentence all those years ago and then spent an entire day agonizing over it, only to take it out in the afternoon and call that a good day's work. These tiny little details -- this is what makes one's work endure. It is extremely important that we continue to look at the larger issues that a book might examine -- the bigger questions, the overall canvas, the kinds of reactions that this elicits from people the world over. But it's the tiny little details -- the struggle over language, the choices that a writer might make, and how this, in turn, helps to lay the basis for those larger questions -- that make a book what it is. Without the technique behind them, these larger questions are just questions. The larger questions, plus technique? That's what makes the story.
Here's one way to look at it. My father is a builder, and over the years, he's built a number of custom houses for our family. They've all been beautiful. I can -- and have, many a time -- walk through these houses and know that they are beautiful, that they're well made, that they're works of art in their own way. This is evident to me just by walking through the house. But when my father finished his last house -- the one that he and my mother live in now -- the building inspector who went through the house on completion proclaimed it one of the finest houses he'd ever seen. And he told my dad exactly how and what he loved about the house, and why. He had a lifetime's worth of insight into why things were working so well. Hearing that, in turn, made me look at the house differently. Because now I understand exactly what it is about the house that makes it so great. I had some inkling of that beforehand -- but now I know for sure, because someone who lives and breathes this kind of stuff took time to point it out.
I would love to see a Canada Reads panel look at books in this way, and I think our writers are exactly the people to do it. And here's my last and final point about this: these writers, folks, are all the celebrity any show like this might ever need.
Jian Ghomeshi said it himself two weeks ago, just before the Giller. "I'm proud to live in a country where authors are rock stars."
Damn straight, sir. This country is teeming with writerly rock stars. I mean, Margaret Atwood is recognized the world over as a literary pioneer! Sure, certain people might not recognize her on the street, but this is a whole other kind of fame, isn't it. The kind that goes beyond paparazzi. (And, you know, crack scandals. But I digress.) If what you want is a celebrity panel, then you can't get much more celebrity-esque than Ms. Atwood herself. COME ON.
Well sure, someone might say. But Margaret Atwood -- and Alice Munro, say -- are exceptions to the rule. No one else in the world of Canadian books approaches that kind of fame.
Friend, I beg to differ. There's a whole world of literary celebrity (and dare I say it, scandal) right here in this country. You don't have to look that far.
You want someone funny on staff, someone who's quick with the banter and can channel the Alan Thicke vibe? Why not ask Trevor Cole? Why not ask Terry Fallis, Mr. Canada Reads Alumni himself? Why not look to someone like Lynn Coady, who is funny as hell and has the Giller chops and the Twitter persona to prove it?
Want someone with super smarts AND a TV presence? How about asking Linden MacIntyre to join the game?
Want a sports enthusiast in there to shake things up a little? Angie Abdou. Stacey May Fowles. Natalie Zina Walschots. Mike Spry. Or ALL FOUR OF THEM, AT ONCE.
Is it controversy you're looking for? Put Jan Zwicky and Michael Lista in that CBC studio together, and let's just see what happens.
Want someone with international notoriety? Let's put David Gilmour in one of those chairs. (For an added dose of extra fun, let's see if Alice Munro would also deign to take a seat. With her Nobel.)
Want a face that we all know and love? A golden boy, or golden girl? Joseph Boyden. Ami McKay.
Culture expert? Zoe Whittall.
Want someone with Hollywood-esque good looks and a mean poet's pen? FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GET STEVEN HEIGHTON ON THAT PANEL. GET HIM ON THERE NOW.
Guys, I could go on and on. Okay, so maybe these aren't faces that we see every day on TV. But these faces ARE in bookstores across the country. Every single Canadian city has a slice of the work that these people have put out into the world. Besides -- these are all people who know their stuff. They've been a part of Canadian literary conversation for years, and it's time that we put them front and centre in these debates. Forgive me, but I don't think populism is enough. You have the chance to do something really great with this show -- it is not just about ratings. It is also not a coincidence that some of the most memorable moments of Canada Reads -- like, say, that time that Lisa Moore accused Dave Bidini of being a lazy reader, or that time that John K. Samson won the show with his debating skillz two years in a row (and yes, I get that this was because the 2nd year was an all-star cast, but still, the guy's got chops!) -- came about as a result of writers getting fired up about what they love.
In his wonderful Walrus essay about Canada Reads, the journalist Jeet Heer said the following: "CanLit is like a decaying, deindustrialized city with half the downtown buildings boarded up or caged." This may be true -- and I'd argue that on some level, publishing in its entirety is something like this -- but the secret here is that it's a decaying city filled with people who have nonetheless managed to find magic in these decrepit buildings. If our literature is a decaying city, then our writers are the ones living in these forgotten homes -- shedding light on what's abandoned, taking details of the empty streets, finding beauty in what everyone assumes to be lost. This is important. You do not save literature by giving up this city and focusing instead on the more comfortable, more accessible suburbs. You go down deep. You spend your time in the city--in the trenches!--and find out what works.
It's all still there. We're riding out the end of a spectacular year in CanLit -- a Nobel Prize for one of our beloved, a Giller gone to someone much deserving, and even a Booker win if you like to stretch the facts a lot (I don't, but that's just me). And every single writer in this country, in some way, shape, or form, has had a part to play in the culture that's seeing Canadian literature so often on the world stage now. People who have had only a surface relationship with Canadian novels and stories and poetry are, thanks to the fruits of this year, suddenly delving back into the words that our writers have been producing. Having five writers on a Canada Reads panel would only serve to enrich the scope of what's available to these readers.
So, dear old Ceeb -- what say you? I'm not saying that I think this should be a full change, no more non-writer celebrities forever and ever AMEN. But why not try a year of it? What have you got to lose? Let's have a writer-only panel in 2015, and see what happens. I promise you that it won't be boring. I promise you that our writers are more than up to the task of showing exactly how our literature is exciting, relevant, and even downright sexy. Our writers are funny. They're engaging. They will all, given the right amount of coaxing, get out of their pyjamas and get prettied up for the camera. And if controversy's what you want to put bums in seats (or ears to the radio, whatever), then I promise: we have controversy in spades.
You've got nothing to lose, Canada Reads. You have everything to gain. I look forward to this year's debates. I'm sure that they'll be loads of fun, and will bring more deserving books to the eyes and ears of the Canadian reading public.
But there's room to grow. And there are plenty of writers across this country who would be game to help you try. Why not ask them? Why not take that chance?