text:
Welcome |
Our Passion: Will you look behind the mask and see into my soul? Will you look behind my smile and see my pain? Will you seek to draw me up out of the darkness that has me blind? Will you help me to discover who I was created to be? Will you see what is lurking in the darkness and warn me of the impending danger? Will you pull me out of the flames that have ensnared my steps? Will you teach me a new way to live free from destruction and prepared for the upcoming battle? Will you look behind the mask and see me? Does this sound familiar? Salt and Fire Apostolic and Prophetic Training Center of Higher Learning was created to train, develop, and mentor leaders who hear the voice of Yah calling them higher into His heart and mind. We are sent to dispel the erroneous teaching that is prevalent in today's society and connect the hearts and minds of believers back to the purposes of heaven. We are called to awaken the ministry that is within the believer and mentor them into their assignments in the earth realm. Training and development is necessary for all five-fold ministry offices to be effective and to gain the proper understanding of Yahweh's requirements. Salt and Fire is a place that will help you unlock and discover the jewels that Yah has placed within you. Salt and Fire Network is released into the earth realm to tear down the altars of Baal though the Apostolic voice under the direction of Apostles Henry and Tonita Patterson. We seek to restore absolute truth into the body of Christ through skilled and prepared vessels. The kingdom of Yah is as a hidden treasure and Salt and Fire has been brought forth to unlock the mysteries of Yahweh's kingdom. |
The beginning of prophetic development can be a lonely and confusing time, especially for those who do not have a support network of brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers in the faith. We all need mentors in our lives. More importantly prophetic people need true prophetic and apostolic mentors. Our Mission as Salt & Fire Apostolic and Prophetic Training Center is to be a training camp, a place of spiritual strengthening and growth in maturity around seasoned mentors that are willing to pour all that they have with in each that join us. We want to help you experience the walk that Elisha and Elijah had in the prophetic as mentor and mentee that will lead this generation into a greater of the former as the Prophet Haggai even mentioned. This can be done as we mentor mature relationships one with another. We know we are not a network for everyone because this connection has to be divine and ordianed by Yah (God) Himself. But for those that are led by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) you will receive a double portion of Yah's anointing because of a revelation of mentorship through divinely appointed relationships. |


text:
November 3, 2010
Replace the Kilogram!
Here's an easy question: What is a kilogram?
A. 1000 grams
B. a standard unit of mass (often ignored in the United States)
C. a platinum-iridium cylinder kept in a vault in Sèvres, France
D. all of the above
The answer is D, of course. And that's a problem for the scientists in charge of the science of measurement. You see, that little cylinder hidden in its French vault keeps changing. When scientists compare the mass of the 130-year-old International Prototype Kilogram (as it is officially known) with that of replicas made from the same material and stored in similar conditions around the world, they don't match up. Those little cylinders are likely undergoing material decay, but since the IPK is officially a kilogram no matter how it compares to its replicas, there's no way to tell what is going on. And no way to know what a kilogram really is.
It's a conundrum scientists need to solve because the kilogram is one of a few base units (like the second and the meter) that are used in the definitions of other, more complex units, such as those used to measure temperature, electricity or density. If the kilogram is off, even a little, critical measurements in science, engineering and commerce get messed up.
The kilogram is the only standard that has this problem; years ago scientists replaced other standards based on physical objects, like the meter, with definitions based on fundamental constants in nature, such as the speed of light. And there have been plenty of potential replacements proposed for the kilogram over the years (Wikipedia has a good list; my favorite is the shiny sphere of pure silicon).
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology is backing a definition based on the Planck Constant, a number from quantum mechanics. It's a more complex definition than a simple cylinder, but it's unlikely to change over the next century.
NIST submitted its definition last month to the International Committee for Weights and Measures, one of the advisory bodies that oversees such things, and it approved the change. The matter will next be taken up in a resolution by the General Conference on Weights and Measures, the international group that has the power to replace the kilogram, at its next meeting, in October 2011. If the resolution passes, the definition could change by the end of the decade.
"This is actually an advance in the science of measurement," NIST spokesman Ben Stein [told CBS News]. "This is the next phase. There have been discoveries in measuring the constants of nature, such as the speed of light, the amount of energy in a quantum of energy….we know them pretty well now. These numbers are not changing, so why not define the units in terms of these constants? They're from the natural world."
(HT: Geeks Are Sexy)
Sign up for our free email newsletter and receive the best stories from Smithsonian.com each week.
6 Comments »
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ron Gilbert, Camilo Nieto, S. Eric Rhoads, Celuloide, Claire Bryce and others. Claire Bryce said: RT @grumpygamer: Apparently the kilogram is not really a kilogram anymore, a fact I plan on bring up at the deli today: http://bit.ly/9DMiqN [...]
[...] Link | Image: Clipart [...]
Why isn't the International Prototype Kilogram the same as the mass of one liter of water?
The reason why a litre of water is no longer used as the standard for the kilogram is because it's highly inaccurate by today's standards (though it was initially huge step forward in the time of regional inches, feet, and pounds). The drift between the kilogram artifact masses (~70 micrograms) is a major source of concern regarding the definition of mass. What they're trying to do is to define the kilogram in the terms of something that is far more accurate (perhaps a thousand times more accurate). The main reason for this is that the uncertainty of the kilogram propagates through all the units based on it (quite a few). Using a litre of water as a basis for the kilogram would be a significant step backward in terms of accuracy; there is too much variability in that definition to achieve the accuracy of the prototype kilogram (and even the prototype kilogram's uncertainty is undesirable).
answer is quite simple : 1Kg is 1.000ml of pure water: ( density of water=1) .
1 liter of water is a cube which measures 10x10x10 centimeters = 1 decimeter cube .
. i've lost the definition of the meter ( calculated fraction of the lightspeed), but it can be found easily.
thus , the definition of a Kilogram ( or a gram) is directly relative to the speed of light , wich is supposed to be constant -
[...] noticia original la he leído aquí a través de Tecnoculto. MeneameBitacorasRedditDeliciousGoogle BuzzFacebookTwitter [...]
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Guided tours for smaller and larger groups are conducted at Kristiansten throughout the year. The many competent guides can adapt the tours to suit the target groups. Reservations can be made for schools, kindergartens, and groups, companies and private parties. The tours generally take around one hour (duration can be agreed). To book a guide, please contact us at +47 47 60 19 86
Be your own guide through the area's cultural and natural history. Use our do-it-yourself guide-map to discover Kristiansten Fortress on your own.
Sites and places to visit have been marked on the map. Follow the numbers and get to know the intriguing history of the fortress.
The fortress grounds are open during the day, all days.
Kristiansten Fortress is only a 15-minute walk away from the Trondheim city centre, clearly visible on the hill to the east of the city.
Kristiansten Fortress consists of a central square tower for cannons, which has come to be known as the Donjon (from dungeon). The tower has four floors with gun slits in the walls, and the surrounding ramparts provided cover and munitions rooms. Today, the donjon is open to the public and houses a defence museum which is managed by the Armoury.
The former commandant's residence inside the ramparts has been brought back into service today as a simple coffee house.
Just outside the main gates lies the Haubitz depot which dates back to 1916. It is currently used as a storeroom, and also houses the public conveniences.
The fortress' ramparts, the Donjon, commandant's residence and the casemates were restored for Trondheim's 1000-year jubilee in 1997. One of the casemates has been turned into a chapel.
At the Fortress Inn visitors are welcome to take a nice break in the newly renovated rooms. The menu is extensive; you can choose between a simple snack of coffee and waffles, a hot lunch and excellent dinners. The Inn will also arrange parties for special occasions.
The old commandant's residence dates back to 1770 and was recently restored to its original condition. The Fortress Inn has its premises in this venerable building and opened its doors in the spring 2005.
The fortress has a special children's pass which gives access to an activity trail with lots of exciting challenges.
The activity trail lets children develop their exploratory and investigative nature in the many activities suited to children and teenagers while passing on the history and unique character of the place in large, interactive models.
One of the old casemates in the fortress has been turned into a shop offering a variety of souvenirs. Among the memorabilia you can take home from Kristiansten, you will find objects made of pottery, designer knitware, wrought iron, jewellery, handbags, T-shirts, history books, etc.
This is the place to buy original souvenirs and handmade objects made by local artists, such as wrought iron decorations by Frank Smed, designer knitwear from Duoduo and Randi and Jorid's knits, jewellery by Sisters and ceramic goods from Bella Design.
The merchandise also includes typical souvenirs such as mugs, jumpers, fleece jackets, pins and history books and publications.
Opening timesThe shop is open daily from 10:00 – 18:00.
The fortress's cannon tower is known as the Donjon, and houses a defence museum which is open to the public.
In April 1681, Trondheim was devastated by fire and as a result, King Christian V instructed major general Jean Caspar de Cicignon and his chief of staff, quartermaster general Anthony Coucheron, to draw up a new plan for the city and fortifications. The subsequent plans gave the city an entirely new street grid, fortifications surrounding the city centre, as well as the fortress of Kristiansten. The fortress was built to protect the strategically important hill on the eastern side of town from being taken by the enemy.
Kristiansten was completed in 1684 and never saw active battle, although during general Armfeldt's siege of Trondheim in 1718 the mere existence of the fortress was sufficient to keep the Swedes from attacking.
Whereas most of the bastions surrounding the city centre are no longer there today, Kristiansten with its outer defences has survived the passage of time and is currently the best preserved tower fortress in Norway – despite the order given by King Carl Johan in 1816 to the effect that the fortress was to be abandoned and left to the "ravishes of time".
Best prices guaranteed by BookNorway.
View all listings for Trondheim (201)
Copy and paste this code into your blog/website
Kristiansten Fortress towers above Trondheim city centre, and is one of the most popular recreational areas in town.
Kristiansten Fortress
Source: Visitnorway
Loading seems to take longer than expected.
Please try again later. If the problem persists, please contact email@example.com
Search, compare and book accommodation in Norway.
Wide selection of hotels, flights, ferry, cruise and rental cars for your trip to and within Norway.
Compare rates from leading car rental companies nationwide.
Best price guaranteed - Ferries to and from Norway.
Best price guaranteed - Cruises in Norway.


text:
I wish I was in a better mood, but the results of the Charter Review Commission have soured my eternal optimism.
The original purpose of the meeting was to bring a minimum standard to the Fire-Rescue Service in Broward County, which would have ensured that every resident of Broward County receives the same level of service regardless of where they happen to be at any given moment. For example, 40 percent of the children in Broward County go to a school in a different city than they live in. Shouldn't they have the same level of service afforded to them? In addition, this will force smaller cities to stop relying on mutual aid for practically every call. I can say that because my district does.


text:
"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams." — Ashley Smith
Source: Vogue Japan
Model: Magdalena Frackowiak
Photographer: Sharif Hamza
Heels: Louis Vuitton
Share with your girlfriends!


text:
, ,
Blue python skin bag from Zagliani featuring a gold-tone chain and material top handle, a front flap closure, a gold-tone fastening, and an internal zip fastening bag. Please note this item cannot be shipped outside of the E.U. Item ID:10234001
Outer Composition: Python Skin 100% Brand Style ID : ZDI12309PWEV51
Need help? Click here to contact our Customer Services team.


text:
Mohrbacher: The Gathering
While living in San Francisco, I've had the pleasure of meeting Peter Mohrbacher: an amazingly hard working illustrator who has some beautiful images in his portfolio. If you've played Magic: The Gathering in recent years, or if you're a fan of the Spectrum books, you may be familiar with some of the work he's done. If not, you should definitely become familiar with his work.
Nice Home Gaming Set-Up
I'm personally kind of excited for the world of VR. I remember trying out a hang glider simulator back around 1995 at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, and thought it was pretty cool at the time. And of course, growing up watching Star Trek, the holodeck seems pretty amazing.
Just In Case You Were Planning On Upgrading
The next wave of consoles is out. The PS4 came out a couple weeks ago, and now this past Friday we see the release of the next big thing… the XBone. I'm tellin' ya now folks… don't let these slick corporate types fool you. Each generation since the Nintendo Entertainment System has just been one giant ploy to make you pay for things that you don't need. People market things to make you spend more money.
Pushing the Limits Using Constraints
Dan Behrens aka Danimal Cannon is a musician that I've been familiar with for a rather long time due to his frequent participation in the Dwelling of Duel contests (something I never worked up the courage to participate in myself). I was catching up on recent gaming news today, and came across a recent talk that he did for for TedX where he discusses the benefits that working with new and limited tools has had on his development as an artist.
Game Glitches Are The Best
Like the writer over at Kotaku, I don't even have anything more to say on the matter. Gamefront has some amazing video up on their YouTube Channel of glitches from WWE 2K14. As an aside, am I the only one slightly disturbed that people like WWF wrestler André (The Giant) Roussimoff appear in WWE games a two full decades after their death?
Packages of Files and Pieces of String
Hey paisanos, I'm back out of the depths of my nerd cave to give a long overdue update on some game stuffs!
Jump Puzzles
I've been playing a lot of Guild Wars 2 lately. For those of you who haven't played it, it's an MMO. It's actually the first MMO I've played. See, I'm a cheap one, and I have never been able to justify paying a monthly subscription fee to play a game. GW2 doesn't have one of those though, so it's A-O-K by me.
Play Games To Make You Smrtr
What'd ya'll get up to for Halloween? Me? I went to the California Academy of Sciences where I learned my blood type, and got to see a human brain being dissected. Nothing says spooky like learnin'. Then I spent most of the weekend getting smarter. At least according to this study.
Musical Revision
Having opened up the sound of Super Hematoma last week by incorporating the MMC5 sound module for the Rain City theme, I decided to revisit the other two themes to see if they could use some extra depth as well.


text:
Split avi vlc software: AVI split tool, VLC DVD Ripper is a powerful video converter, A powerful AVI video splitter splits AVI and more.
VLC DVD Ripper 1.2.0
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: visit | ||
Type: Freeware | Releases: Jun 16, 2011 | ||||
Cost: $0.00US | Developer: VLC DVD Ripper | ||||
VLC DVD Ripper is a most efficient ripping tool able to convert your DVD collection to digital content in the format of your choice. It comes equipped with both video and audio-editing options prior to ripping and offers compatibility for AVI, WMV, MPEG, FLV, PSP, MP4, 3GP formats. VLC DVD Ripper includes a video player that lets you preview any material before converting it. |
file size: 8550k | Keywords: converter, WMV converter, dvd ripper, convert DVD, dvd copy |
More on split avi vlc
Torrent AVI Video Splitter 1.95
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.torrentrockyou.com | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: Jun 07, 2010 | ||||
Cost: $24.95US | Developer: TorrentRockYou | ||||
Torrent AVI Video Splitter is a powerful AVI video splitting software. Using an unique technique- no re-encode process, Torrent AVI Video Splitter split AVI file with faster speed and maintaining the good quality of the AVI source file. It is one unusual AVI splitter among similar products.Torrent AVI Video Splitter is a handy splitter with an user-friendly interface. Preview is supported before split AVI file. |
file size: 9206k | Keywords: AVI, split AVI file, avi to mpeg, edit AVI, avi to zune |
VLC Media Player 1.1.11
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.videolan.org/ | ||
Type: Freeware | Releases: Oct 17, 2011 | ||||
Cost: $0.00US | Developer: Videolan | ||||
VLC media player is a multimedia player supporting most audio and video formats (H.264, Ogg, DivX, MKV, TS, MPEG-2, mp3, MPEG-4, aac, ...) from files, physical media (DVDs, VCD, Audio-CD), TV capture cards and many network streaming protocols. |
file size: 20580k | Keywords: Download, mp3, media, mp3 |
AVI Splitter 1.21
2/5 (2 votes)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.media4pc.com | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: Feb 25, 2003 | ||||
Cost: $19.95US | Developer: Media4PC | ||||
AVI Splitter is an easy-to-use tool to split AVI files. AVI Splitter allows you to split a large AVI file into smaller AVI files, or to extract manually selected segments of an AVI file to new AVI files. The program can quickly split larger AVI files without recompression or use any installed VFW codec including MPEG-4 or DivX to compress or decompress video streams. |
file size: 552k | Keywords: Cut, cut, movie, avi, dvd |
Torrent Video Splitter 1.96
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.torrentrockyou.com | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: Jun 28, 2010 | ||||
Cost: $34.95US | Developer: TorrentRockYou | ||||
Torrent Video Splitter is a powerful video splitter splits AVI, MPEG, VOB, WMV, ASF, RM, RMVB, 3GP video file without re-encode process. Split video faster than normal video splitter. Also a user-friendly video splitter and support preview before split video file. Output video quality is as good as the source video. File format is retained after video splitting process. |
file size: 8647k | Keywords: AVI splitter, MPEG, VOB splitter, avi, MP4 splitter |
AVI Splitter & MPEG Splitter 1.01
1/5 (1 votes)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.boilsoft.com/ | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: Mar 11, 2003 | ||||
Cost: $19.95US | Developer: Boilsoft | ||||
AVI & MPEG Splitter is a tool to split, cut or trim a large AVI or MPEG file into smaller video clips. Using the included video player, you can easily cut AVI or MPEG file by time or the selection as needed. Features: 1. Support split AVI, Divx, MPEG file. 2. Support large video file, even large then 2GB. 3. Very fast and without any quality loss. 4. Very User-friendly interface |
file size: 663k | Keywords: AVI Splitter, MPEG, AVI Split, avi |
PST Split 2.2
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://splitpst.vcardmagic.com/ | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: Jan 16, 2013 | ||||
Cost: $49.00US | Developer: PST Split | ||||
Large PST file easily hamper your MS Outlook arena, in this case split PST tool is only solution to split PST file into multiple chunks. This software helps you to split PST by date, size and year. Try free demo version which is free to split 50 Outlook PST items at a time. |
file size: 2426k | Keywords: pst repair, split pst by year, split pst, split pst by size, split pst tool |
AVI Repair Software 18.104.22.168
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.avirepairsoftware.com/ | ||
Type: Demo | Releases: Apr 15, 2013 | ||||
Cost: $69.00US | Developer: AVI Repair Software | ||||
AVI Repair Software used to repair corrupted or damaged video files from Windows XP, vista, 2007 and Windows 8 etc from different storage devices like external hard drive, memory card, USB flash drive and iPods etc. It has a strong inbuilt algorithm, which checks and rejoins the corrupted/damaged tracks of video files. |
file size: 14848k | Keywords: Avi repair software, bkf file repair, vlc avi file repair, WMV to AVI, windows avi video repair utility |
Up PST Split 4.0
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.splitpst.org/ | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: May 14, 2012 | ||||
Cost: $49.00US | Developer: Up PST Split | ||||
Up PST Split Software to split up PST files according you're need in just few clicks and Split PST software never loss your original Outlook PST data. Split Up Large PST file which can fulfill your requirements regarding up PST split. More Details: http://www.splitpst.org |
file size: 4925k | Keywords: pst split, up pst split software, pst splitter, split up large pst file, pst split |
Fast AVI MPEG Splitter 1.1.2
(not rated)
Platforms: | Homepage: http://www.alloksoft.com | ||
Type: Shareware | Releases: Jan 26, 2007 | ||||
Cost: $25.00US | Developer: Allok Soft .Inc | ||||
Fast AVI MPEG Splitter is an easy-to-use tool for splitting a large AVI or MPEG file into smaller clips. The program does not recompress the source video, so the new clips are always created with the same quality as the original video file; and the splitting speed is extremely fast, you can split a large video file in several minutes, even seconds. The program does not require any technical experience and is very easy to use. |
file size: 3012k | Keywords: MPEG, MPG Splitter, split, split mpeg, avi |
For searches similar to split avi vlc see "Related searches" under the category listing.


text: (Decatur, IL) -- State Representative Sue Scherer is inviting the public to come see her new full-time constituent office in Decatur. She's holding an open house today from 5 to 7 p.m. at the new office at 1301 East Mound Road. Scherer and her staff are encouraging folks to come out and meet everyone representing her office. They'll have plenty of chances to talk about their concerns and will also have a chance to learn about programs and services that are currently being offered by the state.


text:
Do your hands get sweaty, your knees go weak, and your mind go blank around a certain someone as the week starts out? Yup, could be love! Spend some time getting to know someone new during the middle of the week. Common points of interest are a great place to start. From there you can work your way into a conversation about more meaningful things. Use humor as an icebreaker over the weekend.
Don't know your sign? Enter your birthday:
Do you want to delete your birth date?
Partner Offers
Psychic Reading
Looking for Answers?MoreNEW - 2014 Love Tarot
Will 2014 be hot or not?MoreFortune Teller
Ask the Crystal BallMore


text:
- December 6, 2012
- 6:43 p.m.
- Suggest removal
- Reply to this post
ProudVolFifty writes:
It would be great too rehire Coach Fulmer, even if only as a stop gap for now. If he kept the offense coaches and hired a good team of ex Vols as coaches for the D, this would help the team almost immediately. Maybe someone in that group could perform like Coach Fulmer did as an assistant and take over after a few years.
Want to participate in the conversation? Become a subscriber today. Subscribers can read and comment on any story, anytime. Non-subscribers will only be able to view comments on select stories.


text:
Annabella is a ghost, Annie a remarkable cat, Snell a mad scientist . . . Meet them and others on this varied palette of tales.
"Annabella." A playwright visits his little theater, long dark, where an explosion killed several performers. Beautiful Annabella, among them, was to become his love that fatal night. The actors materialize on the dim stage and play his play. Annabella reminds him that they have a date . . ."Jani and the Pigeon Man." Jani, orphaned in Kosovo, finds shelter with an American couple in Nice. His parents' death left him remote and mute. Then a carrier pigeon, storm weary, rests on the couple's terrace, and its uniformed owner comes for it. Holding the bird gently, he tells Jani something that changes everything . . ."Jekyll Generic." Miles Dawson, chemist, visits historic London houses to humor Paula, his fiancee. Finding himself in Henry Jekyll's lab, he locates the formula for the transforming potion. He prepares some for limited trials. Paula first, then a friend accidentally drink it . . . These and forty other stories, including several prize winners, are entered here as chapters. Read them in order or at random. See also Bill's now-featured novel CALL HOME THE CHILD. Please comment.
to rate this book please Register or Login
cats, circus, coming of age, crime, dark comedy, erotica, evolution, fable, family saga, ghost stories, heart surgery, history, horror, human interest...
on 5 bookshelves
on 13 watchlists
36 comments
How We Came to See Clearly
Both Near and Far
Piqued by the current polemic over Darwinian evolution versus "intelligent design," I consulted texts on ophthalmology to refine my understanding of the visual mechanism of accommodation. Its evolution, I thought, might seem more complex than nature alone could explain. Was it divine guidance? Surely there cannot be a convincing natural scenario.
My inquiry led to no such conclusion. I believe it can be shown how accommodation may have evolved in plausible steps, given billions of years and genetic changes―mutations, induced by reproductive errors and random radiation.
The human eye in repose is focused on the horizon. For close vision, the lens is adjusted by certain structures and functions. In other words, the eye accommodates to closer distance by self-focusing. How did this remarkable mechanism come about?
In the beginning, mutations at a nerve-ending on the head of a sightless aquatic creature, say a "sea worm," engendered a light-sensitive area. This contained cells equipped to initiate a signal that enabled the brain to see blurred shapes. The creature could avoid obstacles but could hardly tell prey from foe. Still, it was fitter than its unchanged kin.
The next "uphill" mutations (most are "downhill," useless and eventually lost) resulted in a gelatinous lens with a pocket behind it. These allowed a clear image to fall on the light-sensitive cells. After many eons, an eyeball formed; and the light-sensitive cells became embedded in a membrane, a retina, lining the back of the eyeball and connected to the brain by an optic nerve. As to the order of other additions―muscles to move the eye, a protective cornea, an iris to control the admission of light―embryology may offer clues. "Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny."
Since our primeval creature lived in the murky sea, distance focus would have been amiss. The lens, to elucidate the visible, had to be more convex (more magnifying) than distance vision would later require.
In time the aquatic creature gained lungs and legs and took to the land. Ability to see far objects would now be advantageous. There was need for a way to change the power of the lens. Further mutations yielded a lens-enclosing capsule and surrounding muscles to stretch it. The lens could now be flattened, making distant as well as near vision possible.
A more efficient mechanism, however, would at length win over. Our terrestrial's eye, to see distant objects (now the greater need), had to be in tension. Subsequent mutations corrected this. A muscular ring, the ciliary muscle, formed around the entire lens structure. This could override the capsule-flattening muscles, which in time became mere fibers (zonules). Contraction of the ciliary releases tension on these fibers, letting an elastic lens thicken for near vision; whereas relaxation of the ciliary draws on the fibers and flattens the lens for distance. This change, which survives in humans today, allowed mammals to watch the terrain constantly without eye fatigue.
One is tempted to point out that intelligent foresight might have resulted in a simpler mechanism. Suppose the lens itself mutated, assuming a shape suited to distance vision. A ciliary muscle would need only squeeze to enhance near vision, making other structures (capsule, fibers) superfluous. Either such a mutation never occurred or somehow proved inefficient. Perhaps evolution simply missed an opportunity.
A flaw in the present mechanism shows up in most humans at about age forty, when accommodation fails and glasses are needed. Elastic lens implants may soon be available to correct this. Or evolution may solve the problem within a few million years.
Speculation on evolution, far from idle, aids scientists today. Witness the discovery of endorphins: analgesic hormones secreted by the brain. Scientists asked why evolution would produce brain receptors for opiates? Answer: it wouldn't. So there must be natural substances that go to those receptors when pain threatens survival. The search for such substances disclosed a new group of hormones and may lead to new drugs.
"Intelligent design" is religion's latest assault on science. The appeal to divinity in explaining natural phenomena recalls the state of alchemy, where superstition muddled research for centuries. The accelerating progress of science in modern times has been a major force in raising the human condition. To undermine science teaching by interjecting religion could only blunt this force and augment the confusion and mischief of "creationists."
To leave comments on this or any book please Register or Login
Just a great collection of stories that gripped me from the start. Very well written and crafted. You deserve to get these in print. Best of luckSusanna
Bill - these short stories are beautifully written and you certainly have a way of capturing the reader like a spider does a fly. The plots are perfectly laid out and the characters so life-like. You are certainly talented and your book made for a very enjoyable read. Backed with pleasure - congratulations on a great book - Paula - How mean is my Valley?
Very professionally done. Polished as well as anything on this site. I've read Annabella so far (it reminded me of Hemingway's early shorts) and plan to read more. I love short stories because the reader doesn't have to sit through hours and hours of reading in order to get to the end. In this day of short attention spans, you'd think that short stories would become popular again. Sadly, however, the short is almost a dead art. Aside from you, me, and a couple of others, nobody on this site seems to do short stories. I enjoy yours immensely and endorse them with pleasure. Nicely done.
A highly crafted piece of writing and the very definition of writing that is polished, sculpted and ready for publication.BACKED
I very much enjoyed Windmill Hill. The imagination of Tommy and his customers. How he ties in his life with what is going on in the war. You leave that feeling of wanting to know more about those people and the hope that Tommy's brother survives.I also found Tommy's searching his soul if he really could kill a man very touching and realistic.Christine
Bill,When I pick a book to read, it's never short stories. But you have just changed my mind. I've read the three stories listed in the long pitch and enjoyed them very much. Very well-written. Highly starred.Best wishes,Aneta
Bill,You recommended I read chapters 15 or 18. I read both as well as 13. I liked 15 the best, and would have liked it even better if the old man had left a trap for the young man, so that he'd be killed when he looked for his greedy money. Your writing is so clean. They say you can't self edit, but you seem to disprove that notion. I was about to take down Robots Running Wild, but you backed it so I'll leave it up for a while longer. Meanwhile, I'll take a look at more of your short stories.Andrew
Bill, I have read many of your short stories, One through seven, twenty one and twenty seven. What is so interesting is that they are all very different. This book will keep me entertained for a long time.I still think we have met in Orlando at an Art show.Christine
Hi Bill,I read your first two short stories. The first a work of art, the second delightful.will return.ChristineI added a sixth story if you are interested.
Bill, Spot on. Not my genre and not what I would read at all. With that said, I loved it. You have a fantastic hypnotic narrative voice here that dragged me right into this book from the word go and smacked me all over the book before spitting me out when I had to put it down before I lost my job! So well done for this. Magic pace, flow, descriptive voice, stick to this genre at all costs. Loved it and big score.Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a read or watch list wont you? Many thanks. Sean
Beautifully written, very elegant, mature writing, stories that hold the attention; what more can the reader ask.Thoroughly enjoyable and no criticisms at all.AndreaThe de Amerley AffairI'd appreciate a return read if you have time
Great stuff- just the right lengthMark
Hello Bill,Actually Annabella reminded me of Capote, the style is entirely right for the genre and the pace measured- a well crafted piece. Only one niggle 'the foreboding alley' doesn't quite work for me but that is probably down to the language that separates us. Nice writing.onto the next one....regardsMark
Dear Bill:A very charming story about Annabelle. I think Annabelle and you could sustain a novel or novella. I was enchanted by your descriptions of the theater and acting and the the beautiful actress. I am starring and I will try to shelve if the system will let me. Good Writing! Good Luck!Simone Marie My Rhapsody
Hi Bill, re backing this delightful work.blessings!jim
Hi Bill, The stories I've read so far, Annabella and Born Again, are fantastic. The atmosphere is so well established in both and then the unexpected happens, putting another dimension on that atmosphere. I recommend Born Again, number 5, to anyone else who doesn't know what it's about - the conflict, debate, and revenge between a scientist who drowns rats in experiments and an animal activist. It's really well-written from the scientific point, I think, and an excellent read. I'm shelving because I'd like to read more of these, a few at a time. Katherine (The House in Windward Leaves, The Swan Bonnet)
i would have to say the same as some of the other comments; beautifully written, well crafted, polished. going on my bookshelf! if you have time would appreciate any input on my book that you could give.
I'm taking notes as I read 32. I'll post them once I'm done so you can see my reaction to the story.The no feet makes a great hook for this story.The tension is great. I'm on the delivering of the baby to his wife--and the unanswered question about the feet holds suspense.I hang on every word of this story.When we get to the mother's possible ancestry--the opening suddenly clicks--her reluctance.I loved the Colt 45.Fine ending. Good story about decent people who mess their own lives up like every decent person does. The weight of it, its implications for the mother. The empathy. Really solid piece.A couple more notes in your messages.
Bill -Annabella and Other Stories - Oh you are right, this collection of yours was neglegted. I loved Doctor of Summitville, one of the first books I read here. But with these short stories you do something different. They are jewels, brilliantly deep. Tonight I enjoyed no 35, Salesmanship, a random choice. I was in fits ... I thought of panties but decided not to press my luck ... subtle, erotic, ironic, and the twist at the end, such skill. Your wit is delightful. This goes on my WL - to be sitting soon on my shelf, for some time, because I now have an appetite to read the whole collection of stories ... Pia ;)
Wow. Some marvellous short stories. Where do you get your great ideas from? Annie is certainly a remarkable cat! Your on my shelf as I read more of the stories.PAPERBAT
Hello Bill,I think that I have been to your page now three different times, to read three different books. We seem to travel the same routes here on authonomy...often I see your name when I'm visiting a book I like and of course, thrice now I have been circuited back here. And I always find good books on your shelf.This is another example of expert prose. I wanted to applaud out loud your use of -- in the first paragraph. Time and again I caution against its use (perhaps a personal bias but I just can't see justification for it in most cases). Here, a perfect usage. Your tone here is so different from what I remember from your other work (Dr of Summitville?); more wistful, almost elegaic ("as I had done before Hell opened, when she promised to be mine"). And of course, poetic at times, perfectly matching the theme of theater in stanzas and perhaps lost love... Wonderful, humbling writing.---MaryThe Qualities of Wood
I read Ch.17 as you suggested. Very warm story, beautifully told. The story of home coming pidgeon reflected the destiny of the poor child. Strong writing voice plus a great story, the winning combination. Backed with very best wishes, M - Weekend Chimney Sweep- Sarajevo Walls of Fate
Bill this sounds right up my alley! Backing and putting on my book shelf. Reminds me of the not-scary-but-spooky-yet-lovely ghost stories of old, like Priestley's story of Jenny Villiers.
Read Annabella and Annie. Will, if I get time, which is unbelievably scare now that I've found authonomy, I will return to read more. Enjoyed both stories. A very nice read. Best of luck with the book.
i love short stories and these do not disapoint. the first two i read are nicely compact and read well...omn my watchlist...su dan...[read SEASONS]
Wonderfully compelling and imaginative stories that show a masterful grasp of the short story genre. Well written in a unique voice. Backed.
Dear Bill, Well, I backed your other 2 books, but can't find where I backed this one. It is very excellently written, just like your other 2. I love that you use rhyme, dialogue, & short paragraphs for an easy read. Could you please take a moment to BACK my unedited version, "Tell Me True Love Stories." Thanks, Susie :)
Let's see, I read #34, "Rube's Revenge", and #19, "Lenz's Way". Both very different, both well-written, with #19 something of a surprise, with seemingly in-depth knowledge of the state of "atomic" research in the 1950's. Pleasant surprise, displaying the type of versatility of subject that most authors only dream about. Backed.
Checked the other two stories you suggested, Bill.21 Losing it: 'To spare her from a lifetime of hardship without him' I snorted with laughter there ... such irony. In fact, you manage to make the whole messy business funny given how useless McHenry is. The humour vanishes when O'Rourke appears. This is a man not to be messed with. But even he is tempted by wealth and beauty. Fate deals well with both men. (Some formatting problems, but that's authonomy for you.)27 Pillar of Truth: This one just had me totally enthralled from the get-go. Clever plotting with another satisfying ending, though not without some cost to the MC. You describe the underworld and corruption exceedingly well.Popping Annabella and Other Stories on my shelf for a while.
I am impressed with the three stories I read. The first, Annabella, is eerie. (I noticed the name of the narrator isn't until mid-story. Did you want it that way?) The Good Times's Robert is, in my opinion, not likeable but definitely interesting, and the witty dialogue kept the story moving. Rovers had two sympathetic characters and even though it takes place in the Great Depression, I think it say a lot about our times today. Excellent work. Backed.
Really smashing - I was enthralled and a little puzzled which is I am sure is the absolute reaction that you would look for with a ghost story. Very well written which makes it very easy to read. I congratulate you and pop you on my shelf. good luck with this - Diane (3 things that might have happened) Could I be a little forward and suggest that if you have time to look at my work you look at two or three - I think that they may appeal to you more than one and I have had a lot of very helpful feedback already for James. Thank you .
Hi Bill,I read Annabella and Salesmanship. They were superb - shelved.I can't help you with either as I thought they were brilliant.John
Short stories are so difficult to pull off, yet you do so beautifully. All have a life of their own... well, the three i read anyway. You bring characters to life and carry us along at a good pace.BACKED
I read Salesmanship, Puppy Love and A Place For Discord. I agree with Andrew, the characterisation in these stories is superb, as is the dialogue. In Puppy Love, Terra is a puppy - you make me believe. The guy in Salesmanship was a bit sleazy but I still felt kind of sorry for him. In A Place For Discord you capture so many levels, from their developing relationship to the disagreements in wider society about the war. Discord has its place, indeed, as do these stories: on my shelf.Nitpick: Discord (28) has some formatting issues, some of the text is grey.
Annabella and Other StoriesHi Bill,These are very different from each other, I have read three now and what impresses me is the characterisation. The dialogue is well handled, these people speak in a way that is not only natural but adds a dimensionality to their personality as much by what is not said as what is. Your also have a gentle and considered way of putting us in this place, nothing showy or pretentious, but lines like the fireflies couldn't quite wait for sunset conveys much about the air temperature, the light levels and the scene generally. Accomplished and enjoyable writing, Stephen King once described a short story as a quick kiss in the dark from a stranger, I think that's what you've given us here, a surprising and pleasant experience that leaves us thinking about it long after it is over. Best wishes and good luck with these.Andrew W(Sanctuary's Loss)


text:
The HRT iStreamer is a high performance audio interface that allows an Apple iPad, iPhone or iPod and a home entertainment system to become perfect partners. With an iStreamer connected, you can enjoy true CD quality sound with the convenience of having all your music on one device.
Simply plug your iPad, iPhone or iPod into the iStreamer, plug the iStreamer into it's included power supply and your home entertainment system. From the iPod 'App' on iPad or iPhone or directly on iPod simply push play and enjoy unmatched sound quality and convenience.
With it's ultra high performance circuitry and host mode operation (eliminating interference jitter), the iStreamer renders the CD player and CD library obsolete. For the first time, you can enjoy a level of sound quality never before possible from a portable device.
The iStreamer provides full support for applications designed to run on an iPad, iPhone or iPod.
The iStreamer allows you to connect to a home entertainment, television or stereo system to listen to high quality internet radio and streaming music and movies from providers such as Rhapsody, Napster, Pandora, Netflix and other online services. (Access to these services is limited in Australia)
- iStreamer's host mode eliminates jitter
- Line-Level analog output
- 16 Bit operation
- Supports 32k, 44.1k & 48k sample rates
- Endplate LED lights identify sample rate
- External 2.1 Amp power supply included
- Custom sync cable included
- Designed and manufactured in Southern California
NOTE: If used with the Apple supplied USB A to Lightning cable, all Lightning equipped iDevices, including the iPad mini are compatible with the iStreamer.


text:
Diets & Dieting: an introduction to slimming
Daily Calories: eat fewer calories than you consume
Eat a Healthy Balanced Diet: eat about 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fat
Eat 'Good Carbs': swap white rice and bread for wholegrain and wholemeal
Eat 'Healthy Fats': use only 'healthy fats' in your diet
Eat Six Smaller Meals Per Day: eating regularly helps you lose weight
Drink Plenty of Water: drinking lots of water can increase weight loss
Exercise: exercising burns calories and keeps you healthy
Discussion Forum: share dieting tips or seek advice on losing weight
Nutritional Facts Per 100g
The secret to slimming and weight loss is really very straight forward; eat fewer calories than your body burns off during the day. It sounds so simple, and for many of us who battle the bulge daily, it probably sounds rather trite. However corny it sounds, the truth is it's the only way to lose weight, barring surgery!
What's harder about losing weight isn't the basic principle, but finding an effective diet that suits your lifestyle and one that you can stick to. There are so many diets to choose from, there's the GI Diet, the South Beach Diet, the Atkins Diet, the Mediterranean Diet, low-fat diets, high-fibre diets, to name just a few!
I have personally tried various diets and slimming tablets over the years, with varying degrees of success. The one thing all the diets have had in common, it was very easy to slip back into bad habits and the weight soon came back on again. A friend who I hadn't seen for several years introduced me to this diet. He had lost one third of his body weight since I last saw him, and was barely recognisable! What appealed to me about the diet was it all seemed so sensible. There was no 'silver bullet', it wasn't a fad nor did it involve extremes like the Atkins diet.
The diet is basically a commonsense approach to dieting, involving a healthy balanced diet combined with a moderate amount of exercise. It's actually more of a healthy lifestyle change than a diet, and once you see and feel the benefits, it's actual quite addictive, which means the weight not only comes off, it stays off! The diet does require some calorie counting and you do need to spend a few minutes a day planning meals, but if you buy our dieting software, Diet Planner Pro, it makes this part of the diet very easy, and even fun!
The amount of energy in food is expressed in Calories. Calories (with a capital 'C' is the same as kilocalories (kcal) and is also known as kilogram calories or large calories. They shouldn't be confused with calories (with a small 'c'), which are also known as gram calories. There are 1,000 small calories in a large Calorie. Many articles about nutrition don't distinguish between the two but the international standard for food labelling is to use kilocalories.
Men: 66.4730 + (13.7516 x W) +(5.0033 x H) − (6.7550 x A)
Women: 655.0955 + (9.5634 * W) + (1.8496 x H) − (4.6756 x A)
where W = weight in kilograms, H = height in centimetres, and A = age in years.
Your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) is the number of calories consumed per day while the body is at rest. A person's RMR depends on their age, sex, height and weight. Once you know how many calories you need per day to do nothing, you can then calculate your energy input (food) and your energy consumption (exercise). The weight you lose or gain is simply the difference between the calories burnt off (RMR + exercise) and the calories eaten during the day.
The aim of the diet is to eat less calories than you burn. The beauty of this diet is that there are very few rules about how you achieve this. Being flexible, it's easy to adapt the diet to most lifestyles, even to the extent of controlling how quickly you want to lose the weight. You can also juggle the amount you exercise with the amount of food you eat to achieve your weight lose goals. More exercise means you will either lose weight faster or gain more flexibility in what you can eat.
If you purchase Diet Planner Pro, you can actually play around with different meal plans and exercise regimes. Being able to see how much weight you'll gain by having an extra portion of your favourite dessert or how much more exercise you need to do to burn off that last glass of wine, really brings it home to you how your choices effect your weight loss goals. However, as you are in control of the diet, being able to see the consequences of your choices empowers you to make sensible decisions.
The rules are very simple. Eat a healthy balanced diet and avoid eating too much fat. You should eat a variety of foods to get all the nutrients you need; eat plenty of fibre; avoid too much sodium (salt) and sugar; and drink plenty of water, but alcohol in moderation, if at all. Also, eat regularly, ideally 3 main meals and 3 snacks per day; eat smaller portions and don't skip meals, especially not breakfast.
The basic food nutrients in your diet should be divided as follows:
40% Proteins (meat, poultry, fish, eggs whites, soy, whey, etc.)
40% Carbohydrates (grains, rice, pasta, fruit, vegetables, bread, etc.)
20% Fat (oils, lard, butter, animal fat, etc)
You should aim to have some protein in each meal and the carbohydrates you eat should be 'good' carbohydrates, i.e. whole grain rice, wholemeal bread, wholemeal flour and even wholemeal pasta.
40 percent of your diet should be made up of protein. Proteins are important for building body tissue and muscle. Sources of protein include foods like milk, egg whites, meat, fish, beans, and nuts. You should try and eat protein with every meal; the body takes longer to digest protein, so it stays in the body longer, helping you avoid feeling hungry between meals.
40 percent of your diet should come from carbohydrates (carbs). Carbohydrates provide the principle sauce of energy for the body. The two types of carbs are starches and simple sugars. Starches are made of long chains of sugar molecules and are mainly found in potatoes, rice and cereals. Simple sugars are made of short chains of sugar molecules and are found in fruit, snack foods, confectionary, soft drinks and many other manufactured and processed foods.
Carbohydrates are also referred to as being complex or simple based on their structure. Complex carbohydrates have come to be known as 'good' carbs because they take longer to digest and have more fibre, vitamins and minerals. Simple carbohydrates are called 'bad' carbs or empty calories because they contain the same calorific value as good carbs but none of the nutrients.
Examples of good carbs include wholemeal of whole grain products like brown rice and brown bread. As the grain is unrefined, the bran and germ hasn't been removed by milling and so it contains loads of fibre and other important nutrients such as selenium, potassium and magnesium.
Bad carbs include refined products like white bread and the many derivatives of simple sugar that the food industry adds to manufactured and processed foods, largely in a bid to reduce their fat content. Bad cabs in many processed foods have been blamed for the increase in obesity and diabetes in many countries throughout the world.
The reason why bad carbs can cause weight problems and diabetes is because of the effect they have on the bodies blood sugar level. The body converts all carbohydrates into sugar, but because part of the process has been done in the factory, the body converts bad carbs into sugar much more quickly than good carbs. This sudden spike in blood sugar levels causes the body to release insulin, triggering it to store the sugar as fat. Good carbs on the other hand, take longer to digest; the blood sugar level remains more stable and the body burns off the energy naturally over time.
The way the body reacts to different carbohydrates is measured by their glycemic index (GI). Good carbohydrates have a low GI and produce only small fluctuations in our blood sugar and insulin levels, while the opposite is true bad carbohydrates.
The remaining 20 percent of your diet should come from fats. Because fats produce more than twice as much energy as proteins and carbohydrates for the same weight, the body stores fat for later use when carbohydrates are in short supply. Besides being a compact and efficient energy source, the body needs small amounts of fat to function properly.
Kiwi Fruit
Fat is a nutrient used in the production of cell membranes and compounds that help regulate blood pressure, heart rate, blood vessel constriction, blood clotting and the nervous system. Fat is also important for the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as β-carotene. Fat also helps maintain healthy hair and skin, protects vital organs, keeps your body insulated (overly so in many cases), and provides a sense of fullness after meals (satiety).
Much of the flavour in foods is contained in its fat content. In an attempt to find healthier alternatives, the food industry turned to sugar derivatives as a substitute for fat. This has caused as many problems as it has solved, with obesity and diabetes becoming endemic in many countries. While there are some interesting products in the pipeline, finding a healthy cost effective and tasty substitute for fat and sugar continues to be a challenge for scientists in the 21st century.
As with carbohydrates, there are good and bad or healthy and harmful fats. Healthy fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats can lower your risk of heart disease by reducing the cholesterol levels in your blood. High levels of cholesterol can cause the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries, reducing blood flow through your vessels, and increasing your risk of heart disease or a stroke.
Foods high in monounsaturated fat include olive, peanut and canola oils, avocados and most nuts. Foods high in polyunsaturated fats include vegetable oils, such as safflower, corn, sunflower, soy and cottonseed oils. One type of polyunsaturated fat, called Omega-3 fatty acids, is particularly good for your heart and brain. Good sources of omega-3 include fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring. Also flaxseeds, flax oil and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Garden Peas
Harmful fats are saturated fat and trans fats. These can increase your risk of heart disease by increasing your levels of cholesterol. Saturated fat is found in animal products such as red meat, poultry, butter, whole milk and coconut, palm and other tropical oils. Trans fats are vegetable oils that have had hydrogen added as part of the manufacturing process of many commercial foods. Trans fat is also found in fried foods like doughnuts and potato chips.
It's important to eat at least three meals a day at regular intervals. It's also advisable to eat snacks between meals so you are eating smaller meals every 2 to 3 hours. Ideally you should be eating breakfast, a mid morning snack, lunch, a mid afternoon snack, dinner and an evening snack. The key to losing weight is to consume less calories than you burn by invoking a mild calorie deficit in your diet without letting you body go hungry.
If you go to extremes by skipping meals or depriving the body of too many calories, the effect will actual be detrimental to your weight loss goals by slowing or even reversing weight loss. You shouldn't lose more than 1 kilo (2.2 pounds) per week. Losing weight too rapidly can lead to muscle loss; and as muscle burns calories, this will actual make it harder to lose weight!
Eating small portions more regularly has the following advantages:
You don't feel hungry, which reduces the changes of binge eating or overeating at the next meal;
It physiologically helps you control your portion size because you know you will be eating again soon;
It keeps your blood sugar levels stable and helps your body burn rather than store fat;
It can help the body establish a rhythm for energy consumption;
Eating breakfast jump-starts the metabolism getting it into the burn mode early in the day;
Eating late at night can lead to weight gain as the body stores fat more efficiently during the night;
It stops the body going into starvation mode. This is a vicious cycle caused when the body slows the metabolism to preserve energy. In doing so, it produces a powerful catabolic stress hormone called cortisol, which breaks down muscle tissue to provide energy. The loss of muscle slows the metabolism even further, causing the release of more cortisol, creating the downward spiral. What's more, the body increases the production of fat-storing enzymes, so when you do eat the food gets stored as fat.
Many people simply think dieting means cutting out a meal or two per day. This couldn't be further from the truth and is actually counterproductive; eating smaller portions more often is the key to slimming. The objective is not to feel full after a meal, just satisfied. Equally you shouldn't feel hungry between meals.
You should drink about two litres (approx. 4 pints) of water per day. 65 percent of the human body is made up of water, while over 70 percent of our bodily functions take place in water. So it's hardly surprising that its important to drink plenty of it.
Water has the following effects on the body:
Drinking insufficient water causes your bodily functions to slow down, causing unnecessary stress;
Water speeds up the metabolism and helps the body burn more calories;
Water flushes out the system and helps eliminate toxins;
To use water effectively, the body needs to heat it up. Drinking lots of cold water can burn an extra 50 to 100 calories a day, that's the equivalent to around 2 to 4 kilos (4 to 9 pounds) of fat per year!
In the same way the body stores food when it's in short supply, it does the same with water. Insufficient water causes the body to retain what it has, making you feel bloated. Increasing your water intake actually reduces water retention, so you feel less bloated and lose weight in the process (albeit weight caused by water retention).
As with most things, you shouldn't overdo it - you can actually drink too much water, a condition called water intoxication and hyponatremia. However, water intoxication is very rare and has more to do with how quickly you drink water, more than how much water you drink.
Exercise not only burns calories but also helps keep your body healthy and improves your general well-being and should form part of any weight loss or slimming programme. The benefits of introducing just a moderate amount of exercise into your daily regime range from preventing chronic health conditions to boosting your confidence and self-esteem, reducing stress, sleeping better and even living longer.
There are two basic types of exercise, aerobic and anaerobic. A combination of both types of exercise will be most beneficial for all-round fitness, general health and weight loss.
Aerobic exercise is also called cardiovascular exercise because it mainly involves getting the heart pumping, the blood flowing and increasing the body's oxygen intake. Exercises like swimming, walking, running, bicycling, and cross country skiing, are all examples of aerobic exercise. You should aim to do some form of aerobic exercise for 30 to 60 minutes, 3 to 5 times per week.
Anaerobic exercise involves short bursts of energy during strength-based activities like weight lifting, sprinting or jumping. Anaerobic exercise builds muscle tissue that performs well in short duration, high intensity activities. Weight training is particularly effective for losing weight as increasing muscle tissue is one of the best ways to increase your metabolic rate and burn calories. Ideally, you should do anaerobic exercise three times per week for sessions of 30 to 45 minutes.
During weight lifting workouts you should exercise all the main muscle groups, i.e. chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, and abs, repeating each set of exercises 3 times. Each exercise should have between 8 to 12 repetitions (reps). Lift and lower the weights slowly and breath out during the lift. You should use enough weight so it's a struggle to finish the last rep but without losing control. Rest for 1 minute between each set of exercises and a day between each workout.
An example of a weight training session:
Exercise Set 1 - repeat 3 times, resting 1 minute between each set
Abs - sit ups x 10
Chest - push ups x 10
Back - back extensions x 10
Exercise Set 2 - repeat 3 times, resting 1 minute between each set
Biceps - bicep curls x 10
Triceps - triceps extensions x 10
Quadriceps - squats x 10
Continue the exercise sets until you have exercised all the main muscle groups.
Join our discussion group and share your own tips and advice on dieting and losing weight; seek advice from other members or simply discuss your own dieting experience, recipes, favourite diets or tips on nutrition and exercise regimes. Click here to read the latest postings or to add your own.
For more information about diets, nutrition, slimming, exercise workouts and weight training visit our Dieting Links or Dieting Books pages, where you'll find loads more useful information on losing weight through dieting and exercising your way to a healthier lifestyle. Alternatively a personal trainer can give you invaluable advice on achieving your weight loss goals, tailoring a diet and exercise programme to your specific needs, and provide the moral support you need to stick with it.
Copyright © Markitsoft.com. All rights reserved.
Diet Planner Pro and Markitsoft.com are trading names of marketQuest Ltd. Registered in England No. 05837366


text:
Related Sections: | Sterling | Loudoun County |
Sterling Park Golf Club
333 S Sterling BlvdSterling, VA 20164
Phone: (703)430-1400Fax: (703)430-0780
This par 3 course requires accurate shotmaking abilities because a fence (considered as an out-of-bounds barrier) lines four holes. In addition, water hazards come into play on three other holes. The fairways are large, and the greens are fast.
Holes: 18 | Greens: Bent Grass | Fairways: Bermuda Grass |
Greens Fees: | $20 or Less |
Course Type: | private |
Dress Code: | Shirt and shoes required |
Season: | Open all year |
Guest Policy: | Reciprocal |
* Update this Course: Update/modify the details for this golf course's listing.
Course reviews for Sterling Park Golf Club
Average Golfer Review (2.5 Stars):
Number of Reviews: 4
Review this course and share your experience with other golfers.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful: |
I joined for a little more than a year., Aug 27, 2010 |
reviewer: Cathy
from Ashburn, VA |
Great course to improve the short game. I dropped 5 strokes from my average in the first year. I found the members to be really nice and engaging. I can't say the same about the management. with the right management, this jewel could really shine. |
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful: |
Going downhill fast, Mar 21, 2006 |
reviewer: Herndon
from Herndon |
Agree with Tiger's comment. Used to be a nice course. Loss of members and money and completely incompetent management have taken its toll. |
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful: |
no good, May 21, 2004 |
reviewer: tiger woods
from sterling ,va |
good golf course, but management has run it down hill. |
8 of 12 people found the following review helpful: |
Great par 3 course, Mar 09, 2004 |
reviewer: Sandy
from Herndon, VA |
I am a member of the course and love the fact that I can go out after work and play 18 holes. It takes a little over 2 hours to play. It is a great course for people with limited time and for beginners. If you want a long challenging course, this is not the right one for you. |


text:
And you can thank me for the inclusion of this paragraph:
When I heard that Beau Breedlove, the former intern who at the age of 17 began an affair with Portland's mayor, Sam Adams, was signing copies of Unzipped magazine, in which he appears 98 percent naked, I hurried to Fantasy, an adult store, dutifully bought the latest issue ($8.99; no sales tax in Oregon!) and stood in line for my autograph — a piece of history.
Spending time with Gross was pretty difficult because as far as I can tell he's about the same age as I am, yet has the best job in journalism—traveling extensively and getting expensed for everything! What makes it worse is that he's also an extremely nice guy, so it's impossible to be all "well, of course, you know what it took him to get that gig...he's like the male Anna Wintour, you know." Still, I'm glad to have at least been involved in the latest piece of the NYT's coverage of the Rose City. Next time of course, it'll be my byline in there. I know the world wants to hear about Randy Leonard's spat with Amanda Fritz last week, for example. That's a solid national pitch, if ever there was one.
There's a food carts video on the site worth checking out, too...


text:
News in Brief
Published: June 23, 2011
Dates set for high school principal interviews
The four finalists for the job of Martha's Vineyard Regional High School (MVRHS) principal are scheduled to visit the school and participate in interviews with the school committee on Feb. 15 and 19. Superintendent of public schools James Weiss invites the public to attend the interviews, which will be held in the school library.
The search for a new principal was launched last fall, after Martha's Vineyard Regional High School principal Margaret (Peg) Regan submitted her letter of resignation, effective at the end of the school year in June. Last week a high school principal search committee recommended Arthur C. Arpin, C. Stephen Collins, Eileen M. Coppola, and Stephen Nixon to Mr. Weiss, following interviews with them at the end of January.
After consultation with school committee members at a meeting Monday night, Mr. Weiss arranged the schedule for the four candidates' visits and interviews.
On Feb. 15, Mr. Nixon will be interviewed at 4 pm, followed by Mr. Collins at 5:30 pm. Mr. Nixon, the local candidate among the group, has served as the regional high school's assistant principal since 2004 and on the faculty since 1998. Mr. Collins is the former principal of Quaboag Regional Middle/High School in Warren, Mass.
On Feb. 19, Ms. Coppola's interview is scheduled at 4 pm, followed by Mr. Arpin's interview at 5:30 pm. Ms. Coppola works as the Associate Director for Research at the Center for Education at Rice University in Houston, Tex. Mr. Arpin serves as principal of the Connecticut Baccalaureate Academy in East Hartford, Conn.
For those who cannot attend the interviews, MVTV plans to videotape them for showing at a later date on Channel 15.
Dr. Samuels chairs regional dental meeting
David S. Samuels, the Edgartown periodontist who is vice-president of the Massachusetts Dental Society, served as the general chairman of Yankee Dental Congress (YDC) 33.
The fifth largest dental meeting in the country, YDC 33 is sponsored by the Massachusetts Dental Society, in cooperation with the Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont dental associations, according to a press release.
The conference was held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Jan. 30-Feb. 3. An estimated 30,000 dental professionals were expected to attend.
Dr. Samuels is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He practices periodontics in Edgartown.
High School science fair is Saturday
The Martha's Vineyard Regional High School will hold its 9th annual science fair Saturday in the school cafeteria. Approximately 200 students will present projects.
A panel that includes visiting scientists from the Island and off-Island communities will judge the projects between 9 to 11 am. The fair is open to the public from 11 am to noon at which time school officials will announce the awards.
Vineyard Haven Library hires new director
The Vineyard Haven Library's board of trustees announced this week that Amy Ryan will join the staff as the new library director on March 3. Ms. Ryan currently serves as a librarian and co-interim director at the New York Times Library, where she has worked since August 2006.
Former library director Marjorie Convery announced last fall that she planned to retire on Nov. 2 after 17 years of service. A seven-member committee appointed by the library's board of trustees conducted the search for a new director, narrowing a field of 31 candidates down to three finalists to recommend to the board.
"We are so excited about our choice - we had so many great candidates, all with incredible credentials," said Marilyn Wortman, a search committee member and vice chairman of the library's board of trustees. "Ms. Ryan has a lot of business experience and is a good match with our great staff." Ms. Ryan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Dallas and a master of library science degree from the Pratt Institute.
Although she has lived in Hoboken, N.Y., Ms. Ryan has Island ties, Ms. Wortman added.
Cape Wind hosts information meeting on wind farm
Cape Wind Associates, the developers of a proposed wind farm in Nantucket Sound, and Clean Power Now, a group supporting the project, will hold a public informational meeting Monday at the Katharine Cornell Theatre in Tisbury to talk about the controversial project.
Cape Wind wants to place 130 wind-powered turbines on Horseshoe Shoal, a relatively shallow area in federal waters nine miles east of Oak Bluffs. On a day of average power consumption, and average production, the wind farm is projected to supply approximately three-quarters of the electricity needed to power Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket.
After a two-year review, the Federal Minerals Management Service released a draft environmental impact statement on the project. Federal officials cited no major environmental impacts of the project in the 2,000-page report.
The draft environmental impact study is the most recent step in the 182.6-megawatt renewable energy project that was first proposed by Cape Wind Associates in 2001.
According to a press release, there will be an update on the Minerals Management report and a brief movie will be shown about coastal communities in Denmark that are home to existing offshore wind farms.
The presentations will be followed by a question and answer period.
The presentation begins at 6:30 pm in the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Spring Street in Vineyard Haven.
Tisbury firefighters battle fire on Lantern Lane
Tisbury firefighters responded to a call about a fire in a home at 33 Lantern Lane at 5:56 pm last Friday, reported by Tom Buchert, a neighbor, who spotted flames coming from a kitchen window. Homeowner Winifred Brown was off-Island at the time.
Tisbury fire chief John Schilling said about two dozen firefighters battled the very hot and intense fire for about two hours and were able to contain the damage to the kitchen, which was totaled, and an adjoining bathroom. Assistant fire chief James Rogers, who is a trained fire investigator, determined that the source of the fire was a throw rug that was pushed up against a toe heater at the base of the kitchen sink.
Edgartown assessors want to inform taxpayers
The process of assessing property for tax purposes often leaves taxpayers perplexed. The Edgartown board of assessors will hold a meeting for taxpayers Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7 pm in the second-floor meeting room of Edgartown town hall to explain the process.
Steve Ferreira, district manager of Vision Appraisal Technology, will talk about the mass appraisal process and market changes that have occurred in the last few years in the town of Edgartown, according to a press release.
For more information, call the assessors office at 508-627-6140.
West Tisbury will talk about assessments
A recent town-wide revaluation resulted in dramatically higher valuations and tax bills and some very unhappy West Tisbury property owners.
Property owners near Tisbury Great Pond were particularly hard hit. Recent property sales in the area resulted in a substantial increase in valuations because the state-mandated formula used for valuations is based heavily on comparable sales.
On Tuesday, the West Tisbury assessors will hold an informational meeting to describe the revaluation process. Representatives from Vision Appraisal Technology, the company that conducted the revaluation, will be available to answer questions.
A previous informational meeting held before tax bills were sent out was poorly attended. As a result of questions from the public, the assessors decided to hold another meeting, at 5 pm in the Howes House adjacent to the West Tisbury Library. For more information, call the Assessors Office at 508-696-0101.
Suspected thief caught on his way to Ireland
Falmouth police nabbed a suspect in a computer theft on the Vineyard just as he left a Steamship Authority ferry last Thursday, and minutes before he would have been on his way out of the country.
Police say 33-year old Gerald McSteen, also known as Jerrod McSteen, faces four felony charges in connection with the theft of a computer and $600 in cash.
According to police, Mr. McSteen, an Irish national who has been living on the Vineyard, is accused of stealing from an Island resident who hired him as a painter.
Police developed information about the thefts at 11:45 am Thursday morning and learned that Mr. McSteen planned to depart on the 12 noon ferry from Vineyard Haven. Lieutenant Tim Williamson contacted Falmouth Police and faxed them a picture of the suspect he had gotten from the Dukes County Jail. Mr. McSteen had open cases in both Edgartown District Court and Somerville District Court.
Falmouth police officers recognized Mr. McSteen from the picture and took him into custody as he walked off the ferry in Woods Hole. Oak Bluffs detective Nick Curelli and officer Dan Cassidy, who traveled over on the next boat, transported Mr. McSteen back to the Island, where he was questioned about the crimes.
Police say they learned Mr. McSteen intended to travel by bus to Boston, where he was scheduled on a 7 pm flight to Ireland.
A not guilty plea was entered at his arraignment in Edgartown District Court on Monday. He was released on $2,500 cash bail, and is due back in court on March 6.
Land Bank expands Sepiessa Point protection
The Martha's Vineyard Land Bank this week announced that it had purchased a conservation restriction over an 18.9-acre property that sits within its 164-acre Sepiessa Point Reservation in West Tisbury.
The seller was Elizabeth Brown Bayer and the price was $654,500.
The Bayer property includes a house and frontage on Tiah's Cove. Visitors to Sepiessa Point currently use Clam Point Road and must cross the easterly portion of the Bayer property in order to reach a parking area and boat slide.
The restriction will limit development to a single building envelope around the existing dwelling and protect wildlife habitat and pond water quality, said James Lengyel, executive director of the Land Bank.
Oak Bluffs sewage is in the news
Apparently aficionados of sewering are mighty impressed with the Oak Bluffs and Edgartown wastewater systems and the technology used to connect the Martha's Vineyard Hospital to the Oak Bluffs system.
The January/February issue of "Government Engineering Magazine, The journal for public infrastructure," includes a feature story (www.govengr.com/ArticlesJan08/matha.pdf) about the system and the connection.
"Pump Technology Conquers Tough Flows, New generation pump provides the right connection for Martha's Vineyard hospital," describes the challenges inherent on the Vineyard. "Nearly every wastewater utility confronts its own unique considerations. However, few rival those on Martha's Vineyard, the premier vacation Island off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass.," says the unidentified story author.
Tisbury man charged with sexual assault
Tisbury police officers arrested Walas Rodrigues of Vineyard Haven on charges of forcible rape and indecent assault and battery on Jan. 28. He was arraigned in the Edgartown District Court on Monday and charged with two counts of forcible rape, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years of age or older, and one count of assault and battery.
Tisbury police chief John Cashin said Officer Michael Gately responded to a call at 5:11 am on Jan. 26 from the emergency department at Martha's Vineyard Hospital about a woman seeking treatment who said she had been sexually assaulted.
"Our officer contacted a young woman there who stated she had been sexually assaulted by a Brazilian male in a house at 5 Daggett Avenue," Chief Cashin said. The woman told Officer Gately that she met Mr. Rodrigues, age 25, at a party, and alleged that he assaulted her at his house after she gave him a ride home.
Chief Cashin said further investigation by Detective Mark Santon led to Mr. Rodrigues's arrest last week. At a pretrial hearing on Feb. 4, Mr. Rodrigues was assigned public counsel and another pretrial hearing was set for March 3. Bail was set at $30,000 cash with a surety of $3,000. Mr. Rodrigues currently is being held at the Dukes County Jail.
Sharky's to expand in Edgartown
Owners of Sharky's Cantina, the Oak Bluffs restaurant and bar, say they have permits in place to open a second establishment in Edgartown. The Edgartown selectmen approved a seasonal liquor permit, after a hearing on Jan. 24. The new restaurant is scheduled to open in early May.
"Same menu, same prices, same atmosphere, same drinks," said J.B. Blau, co-owner of the popular Mexican establishment.
The new restaurant will be at 266 Upper Main Street, which was once the location of the well-known Lawry's Seafood restaurant.
The facility has 135 seats, including an outdoor deck dining area.
Senator O'Leary will hold office hours Friday
Cape and Islands state Senator Robert O'Leary will hold office hours tomorrow in the Katherine Cornell Theatre on Spring Street in Vineyard Haven, from 1 to 4 pm. Island residents are invited to stop by and speak with the senator.
Tisbury reminds residents to shovel walks
Many Tisbury residents with sidewalks in front of their homes slacked off on shoveling duties after the last snowstorm, according to a press release from town administrator John Bugbee this week.
Sidewalks that are not shoveled present a safety issue for pedestrians, who risk injury when they are forced to walk in the street, Mr. Bugbee said.
Given that a Tisbury bylaw requires homeowners to keep their sidewalks clear, Mr. Bugbee included a "friendly reminder" that failure to comply with the regulation may result in a $20 fine. For anyone who has questions, comments or needs assistance in keeping sidewalks clear, call Mr. Bugbee at 508-696-4203.
Youth task force hires new coordinator
The Dukes County Health Council Youth Task Force (YTF) announced this week it has hired Theresa Manning of Aquinnah to fill the newly created position of Youth Task Force Coordinator.
The YTF recently received a one-year $90,000 grant from the Massachusetts Attorneys General's Office. The money will be used to fund the position and develop a long-term substance abuse prevention program aimed at 7th- and 8th- grade middle school students and parents.
The coordinator's responsibilities include identifying and evaluating existing policies within the community that address youth access to alcohol and other drugs and coordinating surveys, parent education, and other activities. YTF is seeking a federal grant to extend its efforts.
Ms. Manning is the former program director of Big Brothers Big Sisters and most recently was the social service coordinator for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah).
According to a press release, the mission of the YTF is to reduce substance abuse and other risky behaviors among Island youth "by promoting community-wide health and wellness for youth and families through a cooperative, integrated network of youth, parents, health practitioners, health-care and social service organizations, public officials, educators, law enforcement officers, and other community members."
The YTF office is located in the Dukes County administration building at the airport.
A news item in the February issue of 55 Plus Times, a monthly newsletter prepared by the Island Councils on Aging inserted in the Jan. 31 issue of The Times, incorrectly stated that broadcasters would convert from analog to digital format in 2008, a move that would make older model TVs obsolete. The correct year is 2009.
A chart included in a story published in the Jan. 31 issue of The Times, "Island primary turnout expected to be high as competition stiffens," dropped the last digits of three numbers. The number of Chilmark Republicans is 80, not 8; Chilmark unenrolled is 390, not 39; and West Tisbury unenrolled is 1,140, not 1,14.


text:
New on DVD/Blu-ray: Albatross, Contraband, In the Land of Blood and Honey, Let the Bullets Fly, Titanic: Miniseries
DVD/Blu-ray releases for April 24, 2012.
Shy and naïve Beth (Like Crazy's Felicity Jones) befriends Emilia (Downton Abbey's Jessica Brown Findlay), the new girl in town. However, the friendship between these two teenage Brits is jeopardized when Emilia starts an affair with Beth's father.
A reformed criminal (Mark Wahlberg) heads to Panama to smuggle millions in counterfeit bills in order to protect his brother-in-law from a drug lord. This crime drama also stars The Rum Diary's Giovanni Ribisi and Kate Beckinsale.
In the Land of Blood and Honey
In writer-director Angelina Jolie's first stint behind the camera, a romance develops between a soldier fighting for the Serbs and a woman held captive in the camp he oversees during the Bosnian War. As the war progresses and their trust for one another wavers, their relationship is placed in peril.
Let the Bullets Fly
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's Chow Yun-fat stars in The Sun Also Rises director Jiang Wen's action-comedy about a bandit who arrives in a small Chinese town during the 1920s posing as its mayor.
Titanic: Miniseries
To mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic comes this four-part miniseries retelling the events on the doomed ship's only voyage


text:
Mitt Romney and Religion in America's Public Life
Produced by:
Mitt Romney said today no Mormon authority will influence what he does
if he's elected President of the United States. With a religious test
prohibited by the Constitution, should any candidate have to defend his
or her religion? Does Mormonism raise special questions? Has Romney
provided the answers some voters think they have a right to ask? Also, the President's plan to assist sub-prime mortgage holders, and a dispute over fortune telling in Southern California provides a rare glimpse into the lives of Gypsies.
Mitt Romney (2nd L) stands with his wife Anne, former President George Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush at the George Bush Presidential Library, December 6, 2007 in College Station, Texas. The Republican President hopeful talked about the role of religion in government and his Mormon faith.
Photo: Ben Sklar/Getty Images
Making News
Bush Gets Lenders to Freeze Sub-Prime Mortgage Rates ()
With anxiety rising about the economy, President Bush today announced a plan to help homeowners with sub-prime mortgages. It would freeze the so-called "starter" interest rate for certain borrowers to prevent increases that could otherwise force them into foreclosure. Michael Mandel, chief economist for BusinessWeek magazine, is the author of Rational Exuberance.
- Michael Mandel: Chief Economist, BusinessWeek
Main Topic
Mitt Romney and Religion in America's Public Life ()
Massachusetts Senator John Kennedy became America's first Catholic president after a speech in which he said no Catholic prelate would tell him what to do in the White House. In Texas today, less than 100 miles from where Kennedy made his address, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney said he does not define his presidential candidacy by his Mormon religion. He promised that if he's elected "no authorities of [his] church… will ever exert influence on presidential decisions." With a Constitutional ban on religious tests for public office, is it political bigotry to question any candidate's faith, or does Mormonism raise specific questions some voters have the right to ask? Did Romney tell them what they wanted to know?
- Neil Swidley: Reporter, Boston Globe
- Damon Linker: former Professor of Political Philosophy, Brigham Young University
- Richard Bushman: Professor Emeritus of History, Columbia University
- Janice Shaw Crouse: Spokesperson, Concerned Women for America, @CWforA
- Barry Lynn: Executive Director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Reporter's Notebook
Gypsy Feud over Fortune-telling Business in Southern California ()
In affluent Newport Beach in California's Orange County, two Gypsy clans have gone into court in a turf war over fortune-telling. It's a rare public airing of customs and practices that normally are kept secret from the rest of the world. The Merino clan claims that the Stevens clan broke into an office, stole a credit card machine and threatened to kill a Merino couple if they didn't shut down a fortune-telling operation. The case has revealed a system of intermarriage and social customs going back generations. Anne Sutherland, a professor of anthropology at the University of California in Riverside, is author of Gypsies: The Hidden Americans.
- Anne Sutherland: Professor of Anthropology, University of California-Riverside
Engage & Discuss
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage.
For information and guidelines click: Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Please note, comments are moderated. KCRW reserves the right to edit and or remove posts deemed off-topic, abusive or not in accordance with KCRW's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.


text:
A collection of news and information related to Garbanzo Beans published by this site and its partners.
Top Garbanzo Beans Articles
Displaying items 12-22
June 14: Lunchbreak - Beer Can Chicken with Chickpea Salad
Recetas para celebrar Ramadan
Tacos de verdolaga y hongo
Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Recipes
Story | Jul 24, 2012 | 11:03 AMQuinoa Salad with Black Beans and Grilled Zucchini and Summer Squash Makes 12 cups (12 servings of 1 cup each) 2 ½ cups water 1 ¼ cups quinoa ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 2 zucchini, cut into ½-inch diagonal slices 2 yellow summer... -
The abstract burger
For Purim, honor Queen Esther by going vegan
Spain elevates the garbanzo bean
Latest recipes from the L.A. Times Test Kitchen
Story | Mar 3, 2011 | 4:33 PMAll recipes that appear in the L.A. Times' weekly Food section are tested and perfected in our Test Kitchen before they're deemed fit to print. (That means you don't have to worry about a trial run before serving one of...... -
Yummy Garbanzo Bean Stew!
Story | Mar 2, 2010 | 8:23 AMIngredients 3 15-ounce cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained 1 pound red-skin potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 3/4 cup chopped red sweet pepper (1 medium) 1/2 cup chopped onion (1 medium) 3 cloves garlic,... -
House of Kabob recipes
Story | May 18, 2010 | 9:25 AMRecipes from the House of Kabob. Hummus bit-Tahini (Garbanzo Bean Dip) 2 cups garbanzo beans 3 T. Tahini ¼ - ½ c. Lemon juice 1 clove garlic 1/8 t. cumin ½ t. salt water Finely chopped parsley and / or pomegranate seeds for garnish. Simmaq, optional... -
Recipe: Norma's 'garbanzos fritos'


text:
When 3 is Greater Than 5
A while back, I was privileged to write a guest post for Vovici's online research blog after an invitation from industry wizard Jeffrey Henning (he has since joined Affinnova).
While collaborating on a project, Jeffrey and I struck up a conversation on scales, and I mentioned that our company has had tremendous success replacing traditional 5-point scales with 3-point scales.
You can read the original article here, but the main arguments I make in advocating the 3-point scale are:
1. They are visually more appealing to respondents, and thus create more buy-in
2. They generate more variance than 1-5 scales (where ~90% of all respondents say 4 or 5)
3. They decrease response set
All three are important, but from a client's viewpoint, the main advantage is that a 3-point scale allows us to distinguish between people who are perfectly satisfied with your product/service/brand from people who are REALLY enthusiastic about your product/service/brand.
And that's crucial.
Interview respondents after they use a 5-point scale and you'll hear some disconcerting comments that make you really question validity.
People who are extremely enthusiastic about your product/service/brand might only score it as a 4 and argue, "It's terrific, but things can always be better than they are."
Other people might assign a rating of 5; and when pressed for their reasoning, they'll argue, "Well, things are fine; I have no complaints." Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
In these two examples, you'd like the first person to have assigned a 5, and the second person to have assigned a 3.
I argue that the 3-point scale helps us improve our validity (though certainly not perfect it) by more accurately capturing respondents' sentiments.
We'll offer respondents options such as:
- Truly outstanding
- Perfectly acceptable
- Can use some improvement
A few things to note.
First, when using a 5-point scale, respondents with mild quibbles or complaints often feel like a score of 1, 2, or 3 is too harsh. So they will still assign a 4, or a 3 at worst. Thus, with the 3-point scale above, we have made the "negative" category sound less severe to encourage more people to choose it.
Clearly, the people with strong negative opinions (the few who DO use the 1 or 2 on a 5-point scale) will still use our "Can use some improvement" category. But that category now includes many more respondents who aren't irate or dissatisfied at all, but who do have constructive criticism or minor concerns to share.
Further, we've made it more acceptable to answer with the middle category. Whereas respondents using a 1-5 scale feel like a score of 3 is harsh, our middle item is still framed positively.
Thus, we are encouraging more people to use the middle option, which will reduce the number of respondents who use our "best" category even when they really aren't that enthusiastic.
This should leave us with only our most enthusiastic respondents in the most positive category, all of our "things are fine" respondents in the middle category, and anyone with a complaint in our bottom category, which is exactly what we want.
Is it perfect? Hah. But I think it gets us a little closer to perfection, and that's a lot in research.
* * * * *
I recently observed Carbonite using a 3-point scale, which is a perfect choice for them.
They have a pretty simple business model. They back up your data. Either you think they're doing it or you don't. No need for 5-point scales here.
So their survey does a few smart things. First, it's short and clearly formatted, and very unintimidating.
Next, the categories for the closed-ended questions are Satisfied/Neutral/Dissatisfied.
It's a great choice. Some customers might have actively recovered data using their services and are happy. Others probably have never needed to retrieve files, and they're neutral, while everyone else probably had an issue and is dissatisfied. Three types of customers, three categories of response.
If you're a research geek, it's gratifying to see conceptualization so perfectly match operationalization.


text:
BAY CITY -- Bay City Police are investigating an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven store on N. Euclid Ave.
The incident happened around 3:46 a.m. Monday.
Police report a person was robbed in the parking lot by a suspect armed with a hand gun.
The suspect is described as a white male, small build, with a thin beard. He's between 5'4" and 5" 6" and is in his early 20's.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.