text:
Experimental evidence for evolution
Discussion of everything related to the Theory of Evolution.
Moderator: BioTeam
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
I am not rapeseed although I guess you could probably get quite some oil if you were to press me... More seriously:
You are right, I only provided hypothesis to explain how apparent order could emerge from randomness. And I did not elaborate because I do not ave either the space or even the competences to do that here. However there are quite a few patterns by better than me that have demonstrated that simple conditions and randomness can lead to apparent order.
I could refer you to all the chaos theory, or more appropriately to Conway's game of life.
So taking randomness in generation as a null hypothesis is far from being unreasonable. You are of course free to refute that, but in that case you have to at least offer an underlying explanation to the non-randomness. "It converges, so it cannot be random" is not enough. See that ties very nicely with the second part of the argument:
Non-randomness might explain the data quite easily, but it is not enough. If you want to argue non-randomness you have to provide an explanation or a source or something that direct this order. That would falsify the theory that mutation are randomly generated.
On the other hand, there are quite a lot of models that use random events to generate apparent order by using plausible and/or simple laws. So the simplicity of the model might be very relative, but you have to compare that to the implicit pre-requisites of non randomness and then use the razor adequately.
Science has proof without any certainty. Creationists have certainty without
any proof. (Ashley Montague)
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
My sincere apologies, thank you for being so light hearted about it. I promise I will try not to press too hard.
This is where a lot of confusion enters. May I explain
Chaos theory deals with the spontaneously forming of forms and order. All we have to do to observe spontaneous self-ordering is to pull the plug out of our bathtub drain (the flow of water as you have illustrated). Water molecules quickly self-order into a swirl (a vortex) from purely albeit complex physico-dynamic causes. This is mistakenly called self-organization. The vortex is not organized. It is only self-ordered. Now what is the difference?
No decision nodes are required for a bathtub swirl, or a candle flame to self-order out of a seemingly random Brownian movement. Proficient programming choices are not required for the heat agitation of water molecules to self-order into a vortex. No configurable switches have to be purposefully set, each in a certain way, to achieve self-ordering. No pursuit of a goal is involved. No algorithmic optimization is required.
This is totally different to the utility in functional Genetic Algorithms that contain all the above features. Cellular behavior cannot be accounted for in simply physical/chemical processes.
Sadly, for those of us who have not studied chaos or complexity theory in any depth, are fed with some rather sloppy definitions by those who should know better. Clear definitions in any scientific endeavor are an essential pre requisite to good communication.
All too often these or equivalent expressions "self ordering and self organization" are used synonymously, with all the resulting confusion.
I fully endorse that randomness, as a null hypothesis, is a perfectly reasonable and scientific position to take.
Darwin certainly put this whole subject on to a solid scientific footing and of course it was the null hypothesis for his day. Science has often progressed through the formulation of null hypotheses. Falsification though allows for the elimination of plausible hypotheses.
It is here where I disagree with your comment
First just to be clear, I am not and have not stated that mutations are not randomly generated.
Mutations are randomly generated from different sources both internal and external.
What I am arguing is that these random mutations do not account for, or indeed are, the source of the functional utility that is observed in cellular processes and I have provided evidence to that effect.
I know of nothing in the scientific method that requires a theory can only be falsified if another was put in place, or that the source of any function must be known or explained in order for a theory to be validated, which if I understand correctly, you are suggesting.
You appear to be trying to shift the goalposts in this regard. However I would caution against that, because if what you say, is to be regarded as a criteria for a theory to be scientifically acceptable then you had better start re-evaluating, for instance, the theory of gravity.
Here is a theory of a force, who source we do not know, it violates the most fundamental law in physics, the law of conservation of energy, there is no explanation except that there is a manifestation that can be measured, and yet it is accepted, quite rightly, as a scientific theory.
(trust me I do know what I am talking about here, and would be happy to explain, but perhaps on another thread)
Alan Guth's inflation theory, a fundamental part of the so called Big Bang theory, has no identifiable source or even explanation and yet it is regarded as a valid scientific theory and in many quarters as a fact.
So methinks it would be safer to put the goalposts back.
What I am trying to say is this non-randomness cannot be addressed by any law that we are aware of, or if it is even possible to have such a biological law.
Of course I could say that it is the Flying Spaghetti Monster wot did it.
The creationists would regard me as some manifestation from hell.
The Idists would not even touch me with a bargepole and you would probably pat me on the head, give me a lump of sugar and let me dribble away in a corner, while sending for the men in white coats.
There is though a serious point behind this little piece of nonsense.
If the evidence repeatedly shows any theory to be wrong, then still sticking to it would only echo the words of what Darwins brother Erasmus is reported to have said just before Darwin released his publication Origin of species.
"In fact the a priori reasoning is so entirely satisfactory to me that if the facts won't fit in, why so much the worse for the facts."
Science is the victim when scientists ignore evidence in favour of some philosophical bias
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
My understanding of the driver behind evolution is change in the environment. This could be changes in predators of a species, prey or the species itself, and of course the habitat, weather conditions etc. In fact I could be here as long as the Lensky experiment listing all the possible drivers for evolutionary change.
As I understand it Darwin believed this too.
Does that make Darwin a gradualist or a punctured wotsitface?
In my book it makes him neither as well as both. He certainly believed in single step mutation which can redily explain the terms which were hijacked by a few scientists who wanted some publicity. Forgive my apparent insincerity above but it is wearisome reading people trying to stir up a controversy that doesn't really exist.
Could those of you who say "Darwin was a Gradualist not a Punctualist" explain what he meant when he said this:
"the periods during which species have undergone modification, though long as measured in years, have probably been short in comparison with the periods during which they retain the same form".
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
I read a lot of what you say, and have even followed some of the links you posted but I have to say I don't agree with many of your claims (such as the "Darwin was a gradualist not a punctuated equilibriumist...")
So can you AS CONCISELY AS POSSIBLE point out where you have provided evidence to support your claim above. If you think you have lots of sources, please just provide what you believe to be your most convincing ONE and we can discuss it's merits.
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
Absolutely, so how do you explain ignoring the approx 3.5 million single step genetic mutations that lead to benefitial improvements in the Lenski experiment up to the 20,000th generation.
Also how do you explain ignoring the fact that the Lenski experiment showed the historic contingency could not be reproduced before the 20,000th generation.
Seems to me you have a philisophical bias of your own that you're trying to convince yourself of.
Can you say in ONE sentence, WHAT is your point? Because you're writing such long posts, I'm all tired about reading that (and apparently I'm not the only one) and it actually seems, that you agree with canalon...
Cis or trans? That's what matters.
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
Darwin saw change not in terms of years but in terms of small modifications that gradually changed species. That is what your quote means.
There is no controversy that Darwin believed that evolution was driven by random mutations that gradually accumulated producing species change.
Just about every biologist I am aware of understands that, including ones on this forum. eg
by canalon » Fri Jun 25, 2010 3:43 pm (post no 20 I believe) 2nd page
…. I do not think that Darwin was anything but gradualist.
So there is no reason for you to become wearisome.
Perhaps before I respond to your other comments, this little bit of confusion can be cleared up.
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
My point in this regard is simply this.
Random mutations do not cause one species to change into another.
I don't know what canalon believes so I don't know if we are in agreement.
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
It seems you missunderstood so I'll quote Darwin again and this time add some emphasis for you:
If you read the bits underlined as if one sentence, and ignore the "though long as measure in years", you will realise that Darwin was saying that species go through short periods of modification and long periods of stability.
The point is that gradualist is not mutually exclusive to punctuated equilibrium, in fact punctuated equilibrium embodies gradualism. However some advocates of punctuated equilibrium can also allow for other methods that drive change such as saltation, which is mutually exclusive to gradualist.
Also I'll quote Stephen J Gould for you
Read those two quotes by Gould and Darwin again and compare how similar they are.
Oh yes I know that one, wikipedia can be such an easy reference sometimes:
Seems I'm getting closer to where your coming from now.
How about we rephrase your quote above and substitute "evolutionary scientists" for "Scientific creationists"?
But hold on.. the quotes from Gould and Darwin above.. and the other one from origin of species, you know, that famous one about the molluscs.
So how is it you think that Darwin's Gradualism is mutually exclusive with Gould's Punctuated Equilibrium.
See there's what you did, you confused Darwin's Gradualism with Phyletic Gradualism. Don't worry it happens all the time.
Canlon is indeed correct, Darwin was a gradualist, but as you can see from Darwins own words above, he was also a punctured equilibriumist, however he did not believe in Saltationism or Phyletic Gradualism.
Darwin believed this too.
Who are these opponents of Gould who say this? I know of many evolutionary scientists who believe natural selection drives out "bad" mutations and that a mutation that has no immediate benefit will likely disappear, but not always disappear, such scientists aren't opponents of Gould. In fact most evolutionary scientists understand that many benefitial mutations will likely disappear too, just not as likely as a neutral mutation.
Lets hope so, I can't wait to move on to this bit:
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
Origin of species – Chapter 6 Difficulties on Theory
http://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/pdf/O ... pecies.pdf
Darwin argues some of the difficulties experienced by his hypothesis. In this case the lack of transition fossils.
"These difficulties and objections may be classed under the following heads:-Firstly, why, if species have descended from other species by insensibly fine gradations, do we not everywhere see innumerable transitional forms? Why is not all nature in confusion instead of the species being, as we see them, well defined?…"
"Insensibly fine gradations" Does that sound like punctuated equilibrium or gradualism?
Chapter 4 (Natural selection)
"Natural selection will modify the structure of the young in relation to the parent, and of the parent in relation to the young. In social animals it will adapt the structure of each individual for the benefit of the community; if each in consequence profits by the selected change…"
Does this sound like he was advocating punctuated equilibrium?
Chapter 9 On the Imperfection of the Geological Record
"Why then is not every geological formation and every stratum full of such intermediate links? Geology assuredly does not reveal any such finely graduated organic chain; and this, perhaps, is the most obvious and gravest objection which can be urged against my theory. The explanation lies, as I believe, in the extreme imperfection of the geological record."
If Darwin was advocating punctuated equilibrium why would he argue on the "extreme imperfection of the geological record".
Gould and Eldridge argue that it is the geological record that supports their hypothesis.
Oh and by the way I don't use wikipedia so please don't attribute sources to me that I don't use. Now when I use the expression "evolutionary scientists" I mean precisely that. You know ones like Gould,EldridgeShapiro,Dawkins,Coyne,Orr,Fordyke, Collins, Lenski etc. I could of course go on.
What I don't use is the expression "Scientific creationists" so you see you would be no good as a spokesman for me.
Well if you read Lenski's own paper you need go no further than read the first three paragraphs after the Abstract to have your question answered.
Now as far as the evidence I have provided this forum with,may I will refer you to the following.
This particular thread from post 11 Thu Jun 17, 2010 11:32 pm
Also about17587-12.html from post 16 on Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:25 pm
Also about18849.html from post 6 Fri Jul 02, 2010 12:42 pm
Also about19377.html from post 4Mon Aug 30, 2010 6:47 pm
Happy reading
Re: Experimental evidence for evolution
It sounds like what it is, insensibly fine gradations, i.e. small changes from one generation to the next. Which as I have pointed out previously is incorporated into punctuated equilibrium, or do you disagree?
In other words do you believe that punctuated equilibrium is mutually exclusive to gradualism? In fact I don't need to ask this because you have already said as much but I'm asking anyway. So question for you:
Q. Do you believe that Puntured Equilibrium is mutually exclusive to Gradualism?
This paragraph was a set up for the next line which you so skillfully missed out so I've added it, and then if you read all together I'm sure you will agree (actually you probably won't) that Darwin was really emphasizing that species do not adapt for the benefit of other species as was being argued by some people at the time ie the reason bees exist is to benefit flowers.
This then begs a further question:
Q Do you believe that natural selection does not modify the structure of the young in relation to the parent, and of the parent in relation to the young?
Hold on, are you saying that because Darwin observed that the fossil record is extremely imperfect that he is not a punctured equilibriumist? Well there's the next question then:
Q. Do you believe that the fossil record is extremely imperfect?
I wouldn't and I didn't, I was in fact pointing out where I had used wikipedia.
I'm not trying to be your spokesman, just trying to uncover your true philosphophical viewpoint.
I had done and I couldn't find anybody who said
but I could find the following:
I think the translation of Morris and others towards the Lenski experiment is this:
Run the experiment long enough and a new species of bacteria will eventually start using Citrate.
Anyway while were on the subject of Lenski, could we clear up a few more of your errors?
Actually they didn't feed them Citrate, the glucose was there as the sole source of carbon and energy.
No that was not the goal of the experiment at all. You really haven't actually read Lenski have you? What you have been reading is someone elses version of it. Either that or your making your own interpretation up. I hope it's the former.
There you go again, making stuff up. The appearance of the Citrate using bacteria was a complete surprise to Lenski's team. They weren't trying to breed a citrate using bacteria, but once it happened they went back and re-ran the experiments. Here's what they found (you would know this if you actually followed the experiments and understood them);
The neutral mutation has to fix itself within the population, after this the next (random single step mutation) when it happened did so within 750-3700 generations.
What !?! I don't like accusing people of blatantly lying so I'll say this to you Jevg, you have been badly misinformed.
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text:
Best of The Gazette, March 18: Kindness, a geyser and a skiing dog
The Gazette publishes a lot of news in a week. Combine that with all the distractions a weekend brings, and that means there's a good chance you might have missed some important stories. Here's a look at of some of The Gazette's best content from the last week or so:
Paul Ryan stumbles in poverty debate
Rep. Paul Ryan got the national discussion about poverty that he asked for, but it isn't going the way he wanted. The Janesville Republican's comments recently have resulted in accusations of racism and claims that he is unable to understand the lives of poor people.
At Harrison Elementary, the name of the game is kindness
Harrison Elementary staff are trying to encourage respect through their one-of-a-kind Kindness Week project. At least one student believes in the program. "This week teaches people that you shouldn't just be kind at school," said Zoe Williams, a fifth-grader at Harrison. "You should be kind everywhere."
Jason Knott's resignation leaves coaching void at Edgerton
Jason Knott, who has coached at Edgerton High School for 15 years, will take over as principal at J.C. McKenna Middle School in Evansville next year. Though the decision has been a hard one, he said an increased intrusion into the public school system by state legislators left him feeling powerless.
D.S. Pledger: Winter hardships come to light as snow melts
It will soon be time to head north and open up the cabin for the season, sports columnist D.S. Pledger writes. Most years this is a greatly anticipated trip, but this spring he's feeling a bit of trepidation. After a winter of deep snow and intense cold, he's afraid of what he might find.
Our Views: Raising minimum wage would do more harm than good
It's a myth that employees are stuck in minimum-wage jobs and need legislation to earn raises, The Gazette Editorial Board writes. These are starter jobs. Anyone with gumption, ambition and intelligence won't stay at such a wage long.
Editor's Views: Gazette election previews return to their own special section
For about three years, The Gazette tried squeezing stories and information about local elections and candidates into daily editions, but no more. Instead, the paper is going back to publishing a special election preview section, Editor Scott Angus writes. Expect it Wednesday, March 26.
'Tim's Vermeer' documentary has Janesville ties
The Penn and Teller documentary "Tim's Vermeer," which opened Friday, March 14, at Madison's Sundance Cinemas, has a surprisingly local connection: Teresa Nguyen of Janesville. Her cousin is Tim Jenison, the Texas-based inventor whose attempt to solve one of art's greatest mysteries is documented in the film.
Swad adds Indian flavor to Madison area
With an emphasis on curries, the cuisine of northern India is ideal for Wisconsin's cold months. That's why restaurant reviewer Bill Livick recently headed to Swad Indian Restaurant in Monona.
Janice Peterson: Snow critical for protecting perennials
With all of the snow we've had this winter, garden blogger Janice Peterson is feeling very hopeful about her perennials. That's because an insulating layer of snow actually protects these organisms from the hourly temperature fluctuations that create plant cell havoc.
John W. Eyster: Down with political robocalls
A new bill could outlaw the use of automated political calls in Wisconsin. As a person who was inundated with such calls during the last election season, community blogger John W. Eyster is hopeful that the proposal will succeed.
VIDEO: Janesville water main break sends water, debris shooting into air
A water main rupture in Janesville on Sunday afternoon sent debris and water shooting at least 30 feet into the air. A large piece of the street likely fell against the broken main and partially plugged it like a finger over a garden hose, causing the geyser, water department crew foreman Mike Fosmoen said. "Never in 35 years have I seen anything like it. Never."
PHOTOS: Wheelchair with skis provides quality of life for Milton dog
Border collie Kadee Mae is healthy, happy and smart. She just can't walk. So her owner bought her a wheelchair and attached skis to it. Now, Kadee Mae can run and play again.


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text:
Evolution or De-evolution?
Discussion of everything related to the Theory of Evolution.
Moderator: BioTeam
Evolution or De-evolution?
I would like to start by clarifying the terminology for this post so that everyone is on the same page…
1. Molecular evolution – refers to molecular changes over time (ex. Genetic mutations, lateral gene transfer, etc.) that have been proven to be able to affect phenotype changes (ex. Diseases, deformities, trait variations, etc.)
2. Natural selection – refers to survivor of the fittest phenomenon, a negative selection process that eliminates/limits reproduction of the "unfit" individuals.
3. Positive selection - a process of stimulating reproduction of individuals with particular trait over others.
What I would like to discuss is the idea of evolution as it commonly refers to evolution of human kind (along with other species). Evolution as such is used to describe the process of change from simple to more complex organisms. Evolution of all life forms from bacteria as represented by the phylogenic tree of life.
I, however, have a fundamental problem with this idea. This theory at its core has an implied assumption that was (to my knowledge) ever discussed. The assumption is that we (and any other species of today) are MORE advanced than our predecessors. And I don't believe that that is the case.
First fact that points toward the idea of our superiority is that our brain is larger than that of our ancestors. However, we should know by now that it's not quantity but quality that matters. Now that larger than normal brains have been linked to autism, I think it's time to rethink this conclusion. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16151044).
My second problem is the idea of genome duplication. At first the genome duplication was said to be the driving force of evolution by providing the genetic material for mutations leading to additional function development. Now they are saying that idea could not be substantiated and opted to conclude that genome duplication prevented extinction (http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/content/2 ... l.pdf+html). That is actually more consistent with the observed genome deterioration over time (take Y chromosome as an example). But does it mean that new polyploid species are superior when compared to their predecessors PRIOR to genome deterioration over time??? OR was it more like recouping the original vigor???
Lastly, selective breeding and domestication of animals for a single trait via positive selection process can bring about variety of other changes by allowing other recessive traits (traits that natural selection process would have eliminated). Thus, we, humans, are primarily responsible for variation in domestic animals and not nature.(https://johnwade.ca/attachments/article ... mstudy.pdf). This raises the question of how can we eliminate evidence of evolution that results of our efforts from natural changes in plants and animals on this planet?
So, evolution or de-evolution? Are we moving toward perfection or away from it?
What do you think?
Re: Evolution or De-evolution?
I think humans are not unnatural.
Re: Evolution or De-evolution?
Who said that it's the other way?
Cis or trans? That's what matters.
Re: Evolution or De-evolution?
People who use "evolution" of domestic animals to ascribe positive selection to nature (http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/8/20).
I think when we are using positive selection for one trait other traits related to survival start deteriorating quickly. For example, when antibiotic resistant transgenic plants grow in absence of antibiotic, they lose function of antibiotic resistant genes on a few generations (http://www.gmo-safety.eu/database/884.h ... nisms.html). If unneeded, it's discarded. And so are survival related traits of domesticated animals...
Re: Evolution or De-evolution?
..but hasn't ...
Re: Evolution or De-evolution?
It hasn't because we prevented it from doing so. I don't think that many domestic dog or cat breeds would be able to survive long in abscence of humans...
But getting back to my original question:
Re: Evolution or De-evolution?
1/ If it was a hidden recessive ( as seemed to be the implication ) which was exposed through domestication and breeding, then it was there, Nature had not eliminated it - you just didn't ever get to see it.
2/ Black fur in wolves is thought to be a trait from domesticated dog.
1. Based on the evidence available and until proven otherwise, I would say that associated recessive phenotypes are NOT due to variety of genetic changes. You have to remember that there is no "aggression gene". So far, only mutations in the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor genes were implicated in aggressive behavior (http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/content/95/3/185.full). Considering that receptor is part of the cascade signaling mechanism there is good possibility of recessive allele activating/deactivating a totally different subset of downstream genes that would otherwise. If the other recessive phenotypes that emerged (coat color, tail shape, etc.) were due to direct genetic differences, you would expect to see them crop up in the aggressive population as well, but they don't… (http://www.terrierman.com/russianfoxfarmstudy.pdf)
2. Based on this study (above) I would conclude three things:
a) Tame (along with other phenotypes) is recessive
b) Aggressive is incomplete dominant
c) Heterozygous is preferable in nature as the middle ground
3. I wonder if this is actually a nature's way to prevent tame phenotype. Would those tame individuals exhibiting new coat colors, etc. be shunned by their wild type counterparts as ugly ducklings???
1/ My reply
was a reply to what you were saying
which seemed to be indicating that recessive traits are just showing up with domestication as they are not eliminated as would be in nature. So I replied that they actually had not been eliminated, if it was that they were there, only hidden until domestication allowed them to be found by humans.
2/ I disagree with your assessment in the post above, as well. When they selected for tameness , they selected for lower stress hormone levels, when under stress.
Whatever controls development of the animal that translates into lower adrenaline levels when stressed, also translates into developmental shifts so that patterns and many other things are affected. Just some change in timing, is enough to make major changes in appearance or behaviour.
Re: Re:
Actually we have a misunderstanding. You actually agree with my assessment that genes are eliminated overtime NOT created...
When I talk about "traits", I mean "hereditary characteristics" present in the population. For example coat colors in tame animals do not appear in the wild type population, so they are new. However, the GENES responsible for new traits ARE there. If I had to explain this scenario, I would say that those genes (let's call them reserve genes) are being actively suppressed in wild type population by epigenetic mechanism (which is a wild type hereditary characteristic). Hypothetically, the loss of key genes responsible for significant survival characteristic triggers new hereditary characteristic – the loss of suppression of the reserve genes to increase variety of traits to insure survival of the species. If one of those genes was accidently activated out of turn, the individual would probably be selected against by nature (there is no knowing for sure of cause)…
I doesn't really matter what you select for or the exact mechanism of the process. But it stands to reason that there is a large reserve of unused genetic information…
Re: Re:
No, I do not say genes are not created.
NO, it doesn't take all that much to do this kind of major effect. Just a shift in timing during development can do all this.
It may not take much or even any of unused genetic information, to make all those changes.
Please, elaborate. I would like to hear your detailed explanation of the events (as opposed to just few sentences of general ideas). Keep in mind that possibility of "developmental shifts" and "shift in timing" are genetically predetermined.
Also, I would like a possible explanation of the fact that "in 40 years, no offspring of an extraseasonal mating has survived to adulthood" (http://www.terrierman.com/russianfoxfarmstudy.pdf). Could you offer one?
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text:
Health and wellness events go mobile with GoStrive, an app created by local professor to search and register for activities
WHITEWATER�— Parents can register children for local swimming lessons, gymnastics and art classes using a mobile application developed by a UW-Whitewater professor and his nine-person team.
The app, GoStrive, launched in May 2013 and now the GoStrive team has the goal of connecting 1,000 agencies in February and March.
Founder Choton Basu, associate professor of information technology at UW-Whitewater and director of the university's Global Business Resource Center, began working on the app in 2012.
For 10 years, he watched his son participate in Fort Atkinson Parks and Recreation activities. During that time, he pondered how to make it easier for the community to find and partake in local activities.
"It's very much engaged in solutions and engaging the community and getting agencies on board," Basu said.
It's also about promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"We want to make sure with all the obesity issues that this is something that promotes wellness," Basu said.
Slipstream, Basu's company and parent company to GoStrive, is partnering with the National Recreation and Park Association to launch the app that has connected with 100 agencies in 22 states. The majority of the agencies it has connected with are in the Midwest. It is exclusive to Parks and Recreation agencies at this time.
The app allows consumers to be proactive in their search for local activities.
Users create a profile by entering their location and payment information so they can then browse area activities, register and pay all from their fingertips.
Instead of waiting for a catalog in the mail, consumers can pull up the app and search digitally.
It also cuts time spent filling out applications, waiting in lines and being away from work and helps agencies expand their audience, Basu said.
A number of park and recreation facilities and agencies still rely on paper and pen registration, Ellie Humphrey, GoStrive marketing director, said. The app is one way for agencies to jump into expanding technologies.
"It's becoming click, purchase, register, done, and that is a huge step in the right direction for some of these agencies who could have had a better reach in their community but didn't have the tools to get them there. Now we're stepping in as that tool," Humphrey said.
On Tuesday, Madison School and Community Recreation, a Madison Metropolitan School District department, became the latest agency to display its list of activities on the app.
Whitewater Parks and Recreation was the first to sign up and played a large role working out the app's kinks.
The app is free to download.
Organizations with systems compatible with GoStrive pay no fees for event listings. Instead, customers who sign up for those organizations' events pay a $1 fee to GoStrive.
Organizations with systems not compatible with GoStrive pay monthly fees of $29 to $249. Customers who sign up for events listed by those organizations pay no fee.
The company has several hundred clients across the U.S. waiting to become listed agencies. Some include libraries that want to list reading programs, hospitals wanting to list programs or meetings, and governments looking to be transparent by displaying upcoming committee meetings.
The app is a resourceful tool for travelers, too.
Humphrey frequently travels for her job and says it is convenient for finding things to do.
"It's cool to be able to go somewhere and say 'Oh, I don't have anything to do, I wonder if there is something interesting near by,'" and use the app for that, Humphrey said.
The same can be said if you're new to town, Humphrey said.


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Here is what we found on #verao2018 from instagram. 814 557 posts total.
Higher is better. #verao2018 engagement rate represents users engagement and interactions when you post something with this hashtag. User engagement shows you how many users are going to like or comment your post.
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Extending the Transaction Account Guarantee program past its scheduled expiration on Dec. 31 seemed unlikely a few weeks ago, but the measure has a new champion in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who has proposed extending the program for another two years.
Reid's bill, S. 3637, would temporarily extend the TAG program, which provides unlimited Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insurance on no-interest checking accounts used mainly by businesses. The senator introduced the stand-alone bill under Rule 14, which would allow it to bypass committee hearings and go straight to the Senate floor for a vote, indicating that it's very likely to get approved.
The FDIC created the TAG program in the depths of the financial crisis in 2008 to protect against bank runs. Congress extended the program for two additional years in 2010 as part of Dodd-Frank. Without congressional action, FDIC insurance on these accounts will revert back to the original cap of $250,000 per account.
According to the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), companies and municipalities hold about $1.4 trillion of deposits in the accounts. With unlimited FDIC insurance, treasurers have felt comfortable leaving funds in a single account at one bank. Without an extension, they will likely move the money into multiple bank accounts, keeping the total in each account under $250,000, or out of the banking system entirely and into money-market funds.
"TAG is the fiscal cliff for the financial services sector," says Paul G. Merski, the ICBA's chief economist and head of congressional relations. "Without the legislation, $1.4 trillion of deposits will become a risk asset at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31."
Sen. Reid's bill would cover deposits at both commercial banks and credit unions and would require the FDIC and the National Credit Union Administration to assess their members for any losses resulting from the program.
Reid's bill doesn't mean passage is a slam dunk but does indicate it has strong support, Merski says. "Now it has the highest level of support in the United States Senate," he says. "It has a very viable chance of passage in the last three weeks of the session."
James Ballentine, chief lobbyist at the American Bankers Association, pictured at right, is a little more skeptical about passage. "It's still up in the air," he says. "The introduction of a bill doesn't mean the passage of a bill. It's certainly helpful to get someone in a leadership position to support this, but as we know from this Congress, that doesn't necessarily guarantee anything."
He noted that the House would also have to pass legislation. The ABA supports a two-year extension of TAG, but Ballentine said his group is still reviewing the costs associated with it.
Using Rule 14 means the bill could come up for a vote at any time, Merski says. The bill could also become part of another moving piece of legislation, such as bills to resolve the so-called fiscal cliff, which might increase the chances the TAG extension is approved, assuming Congress can resolve that bigger issue.
While the bill does have its opponents, including Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Merski says the measure has a strong likelihood of passage, particularly because it's essentially self-funding.
"Like any piece of legislation, there will be a handful of opponents," Merski said. "In 2010 there was a bipartisan, noncontroversial effort to extend it. I see the same thing playing out in this Congress."
For previous coverage, see Bye Bye, Unlimited FDIC Coverage.


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Participating Teams
The following nine teams have already booked their tickets for the Olympic Basketball Tournament for Men that will take place in Beijing, China, from 10th to 24th August 2008: Angola (African Champion), Argentina (Americas runner-up), Australia (Oceanian Champion), China (host), Iran (Asian Champion), Lithuania (European Bronze medallist), Russia (European Champion), Spain (World Champion) and USA (Champion of the Americas).
The remaining three men's berths for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be decided in this 12-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that will feature the following participants: Cameroon and Cape Verde (Africa), Puerto Rico, Brazil and Canada (Americas), Lebanon and Korea (Asia), Greece, Germany, Croatia, and Slovenia (Europe) and New Zealand (Oceania).
Click here to read more about the system of qualification.
You will find detailed information on the teams and player biographies in this section at a later stage.


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Incandescent bulbs are the most commonly used bulbs today. They are inexpensive and widely available, but they are being replaced by more energy efficient choices.
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Air Traffic Control Controller of the Year Award
- Deadline for submission of Nomination Packet is September 1st of the subsequent year
- All information in the Summary and Support Documents must have occurred between September 1 and August 31 of the year that the nomination is being submitted.
Sponsored by Raytheon, this Award will be presented "to the Army Aviation Air Traffic controller who has performed outstandingly in or contributed commendably to air traffic control during the swards period encompassing September 1 through August 31." A candidate for this AAAA National Award may be military or a civilian nominee and must be actively involved in Army Aviation ATC. Membership in the AAAA is not a requirement for consideration.
One or more of the general areas below may be considered, with no priority implied: 1) outstanding performance in unusually adverse/emergency situations; 2) development, introduction, and acceptance of ATC procedures that have improved safety or efficiency; 3) continuous efficient performance of duty that commands the respect and recognition of others in ATC; 4) outstanding personal performance; 5) outstanding achievement in community relations; 6) authorship of a recognized technical or nontechnical paper on ATC; and 7) dedication to the ATC system beyond the normal requirement of expectation.
Functional Award Nomination Form
Sample Of Completed Nomination Form
Nomination Packet Requirements
Submission Stipulations For Nomination Packets
Historic List Of Award Recipients


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Note: This appeared in the print-only TV Guide of The Marshall Independent.
"The Americans" on FX network may be the series that blows open the secret history of the Cold War – the secret that's been out in the open for some time now, except nobody is looking. If the network suits don't chicken out.
Created by Joe Weisberg, a former CIA officer, "The Americans" is the story of Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings (Mathew Rhys and Keri Russell) an American couple living in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. in the 1980s.
A devoted couple with two children Paige (Holly Taylor) and Henry (Keidrich Sellati) they are living the American Dream.
Except they're not American, they're Russian. They know nothing about each other's real pasts before they were introduced by their KGB superiors and told they were to be husband and wife. They only know their "legends," the false pasts of their cover identities. Their children were born in America and have no idea what their parents really are.
After the end of the Cold War, the declassified Venona Transcripts and the testimony of high-level defectors such as KGB Major Vassili Mitrokhin and Polish Colonel Ryszard Kuklinski, revealed the received wisdom of the Cold War as a lie.
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were guilty, not even their children deny that anymore. Alger Hiss was guilty. The State Department was riddled with traitors in the 1940s and early '50s. Franklin Roosevelt's closest advisor was a Soviet agent. The Communist Party U.S.A. was not a home-grown movement, but a puppet of the Comintern supported by Soviet funds.
The Soviet Union never intended to coexist peacefully with us; their long-range goal was always to conquer us. In the nearer term future they planned to invade and occupy Western Europe using Warsaw Pact forces from Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia driven ahead of the Red Army to remind them which side they were on.
The scheduled date of the invasion was originally the early 1980s, the period "The Americans" is set in. This is not a paranoid fantasy, my children's grandfather was a Polish officer in the Secret Chancellery and knew very well the order was going to come, someday. As did my son's godmother, the widow of a KGB defector.
The story of the Jennings life in America mirrors a stark reality. Deep cover agents were taught everything necessary to function in America and trained to speak perfect unaccented English from an early age. Once in America they were ordered to keep language discipline, never to speak their native language under any circumstances.
This is not a fantasy either. In 1996 I worked with a young Russian in Bulgaria who spoke perfect English with a Midwestern American accent.
"Special schools since I was 10," he explained.
Elizabeth believes in the mission, believes Reagan is a dangerous madman out to destroy the Rodina (Motherland). When a comrade on a mission to kidnap a KGB defector is mortally wounded, Phillip takes the time to drop him off within walking distance of an ER.
"The mission comes first!" Elizabeth says angrily.
Phillip is conflicted. In the very first episode he openly suggests defecting.
"We could be millionaires!" he says. "And the children are American anyway."
Their situation is complex. Phillip wants to release the defector – until Elizabeth reveals he was a training officer in the KGB academy who raped her, with official sanction.
"Sorry," he says. "We were told to do anything we wanted with the cadets."
Phillip kills him.
Elizabeth and Phillip are developing feelings for each other, after 15 years of "marriage" and two children. Complicated by the fact Elizabeth sometimes has to seduce potential sources.
Phillip also seduces a source by posing as a Swedish diplomat. But his source is flighty and threatens to expose him if he doesn't leave his "wife." Phillip may have to kill her.
An FBI agent (Noah Emmerich) moves into their neighborhood. He's quite open about his work, but is this a ruse to rattle them?
Elizabeth shows signs of softening. She forces a maid in Secretary of Defense "Cap" Weinberger's house to install a covert recording device by injecting her son with poison via an umbrella gun. But she gives the boy the antidote even when the mission is only a partial success.
Not a James Bond fantasy either. My first coup as an amateur journalist was interviewing the widow of a Belarusian dissident murdered this way.
The tradecraft portrayed in "The Americans" is utterly convincing. The tension is almost unbearable, though we know how the Cold War ended.
Will the series show how WWIII was avoided? Will the suits have to guts to tell it like it was? Will the Jennings come in from the cold?
When Elizabeth softens towards Phillip, she tells him, "My name was Nadezhda."
In Russian that means, "Hope."


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Good job, everyone: NCAA grants Marine sergeant Steven Rhodes full eligibility
Yesterday we told you the story of Steven Rhodes, a Marine sergeant who was walking on to the Middle Tennessee State football team. Rhodes' eligibility, however, was in doubt due to a convoluted NCAA rule that deemed he had to sit out a year due to his participation in an informal intramural league and the time that passed between his high school graduation and joining the military.
The NCAA, after being battered over the last 30 hours or so in the court of public opinion, has ruled that Rhodes is immediately eligible.
"As a part of its continued review of Steven Rhodes' eligibility, NCAA staff determined he may play immediately," said Kevin Lennon, vice president of academic and membership affairs, in a statement released late Monday afternoon. "Additionally, he will maintain all four years of his eligibility."
"As a part of the ongoing review of NCAA rules, our members will examine the organized competition rules, especially as it impacts those returning from military service," continued Lennon. "We thank Steven for his service to our country and wish him the best as he begins college."
Great news for Rhodes, the Blue Raiders and for common sense. Hopefully in the future - for the sake of their own PR, if nothing else - the NCAA can avoid letting simple fixes like this become public spectacles before doing the right thing.
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Want to join the conversation? Hit us up on Twitter @YahooDrSaturday and be sure to "Like" Dr. Saturday on Facebook for football conversations and stuff you won't see on the blog.


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Monroe woman killed in town of Avon crash
TOWN OF AVON—A crash that killed a Monroe woman Monday night remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators believe Nicole E. Schultz, 27, Monroe, died upon impact in a crash Monday night, Rock County Coroner Jenifer Keach said.
Schultz's body was found Tuesday afternoon inside a 1995 Dodge Ram pickup in a tree line near a cornfield. The sheriff's office received a report at 2:49 p.m. Tuesday of vehicle in a tree line near the 17000 block of Highway 81 in the town of Avon, according to a sheriff's office news release.
The investigation shows that before the crash the pickup was traveling east on Highway 81 at high speed. It appears the driver lost control and over corrected, causing the truck to leave the road, slide sideways through the grass, hit a raised driveway and then fly about 144 feet into a tree, according to the news release.
"Due to the violent impact of the crash and nature of her injuries, my investigator believes that she did die immediately," Keach said.
Schultz was not wearing a seat belt and had to be extricated by Brodhead firefighters. Keach said the impact "pretty much tore the truck in half."
Schultz was last seen at about 10:45 p.m. Monday on her way to Beloit.
Residents in the area of the crash reported hearing a loud noise at about 11:30 p.m. Monday but couldn't see anything because of darkness and because the truck came to rest well off the road, according to the release.
Keach said a Wednesday afternoon autopsy was planned.