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WDM Network Planning and Management
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1 WDM Network Planning and Management Vom Promotionsausschuss der Technischen Universität Hamburg-Harburg zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Doktor der Naturwissenschaften genehmigte Dissertation Von Phuong Nga Tran aus Hanoi, Vietnam 2010
2 Vorsitzender: Prof. Dr. Siegfried M. Rump 1. Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Killat 2. Gutachter: Prof. Dr. Volker Turau Tag der mündlichen Prüfung:
3 Acknowledgement It was a great experience for me to pursue my Ph.D degree at the Institute of Communication Networks, Hamburg University of Technology. My special thanks go to Prof. Killat, who did not only give me the opportunity to work in this topic but also supervised me during my research. His extremely helpful instructions kept me always in the right direction, so that I could finally reach my goal. To all colleagues in the Institute of Communication Networks, I am very grateful for the interesting technical discussions as well as a great working environment. Last but not least, I would like to thank my family, my parents and my brother, and all my friends for encouraging me to pursue this task. Without their constant support, I would not be able to finish this work.
5 Abstract The explosive growth of Internet and bandwidth-intensive networking applications, such as video-on-demand, multimedia conferencing, interactive distance learning, online-games etc. requires extensive new research in high bandwidth transport networks, of which optical networks employing WDM technology is a promising candidate. This thesis aims to solve some problems related to network planning and management for WDM networks. First, WDM networks with wavelength converters were studied. The problems of wavelength converter placement and wavelength assignment for networks with sparse limitedrange wavelength converters were addressed. Afterwards, the problem of designing logical topologies in multi-layer WDM networks was discussed in detail. Because the traffic is subject to change over time, the logical topology needs to be reconfigured to adapt to new traffic. This thesis proposed an algorithm to deal with this problem. The algorithm can be implemented in centralized as well as in distributed manner. The distributed approach can lend itself to a protocol implementation. Finally, a protection mechanism to provide survivability for IP/MPLS over WDM networks under a single-link failure was introduced. Simulation for two network instances was carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed mechanism.
6 ii
7 Contents Contents ii List of Figures vii List of Tables x Abbreviations xiii 1 Introduction Problem definition Contribution Outline State of the Art WDM optical networks Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology Wavelength routed networks Issues in Wavelength Routed Networks Routing and Wavelength Assignment Wavelength Converting Networks Logical topology design
8 iv CONTENTS Logical topology reconfiguration Survivability in two-layer WDM networks Network Planning and Optimization Network planning and management Optimization approach Linear programming Multi-commodity flow problem Meta-heuristic Iterative optimization Algorithm description Illustrative example Conclusion WDM Networks with Wavelength Converters Wavelength converter placement Problem formulation Illustrative numerical examples Wavelength assignment in WDM networks with sparse limited-range wavelength converters Algorithm Performance evaluation Conclusion Logical Topology Design for IP over WDM Networks Problem statement MILP approach
9 CONTENTS v Given parameters Variables Constraints Objective Additional constraints Heuristic approach Outline of heuristic algorithm Optimization formulation for each iteration Performance evaluation Numerical examples for a small network Numerical example for a real-sized network Comparison of heuristic and MILP approaches Conclusion Logical Topology Reconfiguration under Dynamic Traffic Problem definition Network model Design goals Overview of the algorithm Centralized approach Exact mathematical model Approximate mathematical model Distributed approach Lagrangian relaxation Heuristic adjustment
10 vi CONTENTS Summary of the distributed algorithm Performance evaluation Traffic model Performance evaluation of the centralized approach Performance evaluation of distributed approach Conclusion Survivability in two-layer WDM networks Protection mechanism Network model Overview of the proposed protection mechanism ILP formulation for Protection topology design Performance evaluation Blocking probability Analysis of backup paths length Significances of the proposed protection mechanism Conclusion Conclusions Summary Outlook Bibliography 131
11 List of Figures 2.1 Reflection in an optical fiber Optical fiber using WDM technology Increase in bandwidth per optical fiber Two-layer network architecture Wavelength convertible switch architecture Iterative optimization algorithm European optical network with 18 nodes Comparison of the iterative optimization and greedy algorithm Iterative optimization with different sub-problem sizes Network topologies: a) 9-node network, b) NSFNET 14, c) Germany Wavelength converter distribution for 9-node network Wavelength converter distribution for NSFNET 14 network Wavelength converter distribution for Germany 17 network The state of a link-path with 14 nodes and 4 wavelengths. Wavelength converting nodes are shown as a rectangle Visualization of the construction of the Wavelength Tree (WT) NSFNET network - 5 nodes equipped with wavelength converters
12 viii LIST OF FIGURES 4.8 Blocking probability vs. conversion range Blocking probability vs. load (Erlangs) Routing and wavelength assignment example Heuristic algorithm diagram node network topology Minimizing the number of setup lightpaths Minimizing the number of wavelength-links Maximizing the number of remaining lightpaths node NSFNET topology Average number of remaining lightpaths vs. L max Time to solve the problem Diagram of the distributed algorithm Traffic measurement from Geant network Six-node network physical topology Time variation of logical topology, using Gencata model for reconfiguration Time variation of logical topology, using our exact model for reconfiguration Logical topology reconfiguration using approximate model Influence of L on the number of reconfigurations Lagrange multiplier changes during the reconfiguration process Lagrange dual function during the reconfiguration process Logical topology reconfiguration using distributed algorithm Lightpath load distribution for : a) exact model, b) approximate model, c) distributed model node European network
13 LIST OF FIGURES ix 6.13 Logical topology reconfiguration for 18-node network Lightpath utilization distribution Example of pre-created protection topology Investigated networks with protection topology Blocking probability for COST239 network Blocking probability for NSFNET network Blocking probability for COST239 network with varied researved bandwidth for protection Blocking probability for NSFNET network with varied researved bandwidth for protection Comparison in the protection path length COST239 network with different protection topologies Blocking probability of COST239 network with different protection topologies Comparison in protection paths length of three protection schemes
14 x LIST OF FIGURES
15 List of Tables 3.1 Traffic matrix, taken from [Bec01] Comparison of CPLEX and the iterative optimization algorithm Efficiency of different converter placement schemes Traffic matrix for 6-node network Results for traffic matrix 1-6-node network Results for traffic matrix 2-6-node network Results for traffic matrix 3-6-node network Measured traffic matrix of NSFNET backbone network, taken from [MBRM96] Results for traffic matrix - NSFNET network Results for traffic matrix 2 - NSFNET network Results for traffic matrix 3 - NSFNET network Time to get solution Comparison of Gencata s and our centralized approaches Comparison of centralized and distributed approaches Results of the distributed algorithm for 18-node network
16 xii LIST OF TABLES
17 Abbreviations ATM BB BC DHLP EGA FDM FLR FWM HIRA ILP IP ISP LCF LP LS LSP LSR LAN MAN MILP MPLS NP NPM OXC PSO Asynchronous transfer Mode Branch and Bound Branch and Cut Dynamic Heavily Loaded Lightpath Protection Extended Genetic Algorithm Frequency Division Multiplexing First Longest Lambda Run Four-wave Mixing Hop-based Integrated Routing Algorithm Integer Linear Programming Internet Protocol Internet Service Provider Least Converter First Linear Programming Longest Segment Label Switched Path Label Switched Router Local Area Networks Metropolitan Area Networks Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Multi-Protocol Label Switching Non-polynomial Network Planning and Management Optical Cross-Connect Partical Swarm Optimization
18 xiv ABBREVIATIONS QoS RWA SBS SDH SONET SPF SPM SRS SRLG VPN VWP WDM WP WT WXC XPM Quality of Service Routing and Wavelength Assignment Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Synchronous Digital Hierarchy Synchronous Optical Network Shortest Path First Self-phase Modulation Stimulated Raman Scattering Shared Risk Link Group Virtual Private Network Virtual Wavelength Path Wavelength Division Multiplexing Wavelength Path Wavelength Tree Wavelength Cross-connect Cross-phase Modulation
19 Chapter 1 Introduction The old model of a single computer carrying out all computational needs of an organization has been replaced by a network of many separated but interconnected computers. From the time the ARPANET 1 was considered to be the current-day high-speed network, networking technologies have developed a long way and have tremendous influence on technology development in all fields. Providing good communication medium, sharing available resources, improving reliability of services and cost-effectiveness are main advantages of networking that a single computer cannot provide. The rapid development of computer networks, especially Internet in the last 20 years has raised new challenges for research in this field. The explosive growth of Internet and bandwidth-intensive networking applications, such as video-on-demand, multimedia conferencing, interactive distance learning, online-games etc. requires high bandwidth transport networks of which capacities are much beyond those of the current high speed networks such as ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) or SONET/SDH (Synchronous Optical Network/Synchronous Digital Hierarchy). Thus a demand for reliable networks of high capacities at low cost is continuously rising. This can be achieved with the help of optical networks, in which optical fibers with theoretical capacities up to 50 Tetrabits per second (Tb/s) are used as transportation media. Apart from the huge bandwidth, optical fibers have low cost, low bit error rate, low signal attenuation, low signal distortion and low power requirement. In addition, optical fibers are more secured compared to copper cables from tapping and are also immune to interference and crosstalk [MG02]. 1 The first american network
20 2 Introduction Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), a favourite multiplexing technology in optical communication networks, which combines multiple signals, each at different carrier wavelength to increase capacity, has become popular in the 90s. It supports a cost-effective method to provide multiple transmissions in wavelength domain. With WDM technology, one can expand the transport capacity without laying more fibers. The first WDM system, realized for the first time in the laboratory in 1978, could only combine two signals. But modern WDM systems can handle up to 160 signals and thus can expand a basic 10Gbps fiber to a theoretical total capacity of 1.6Tbps [Gof03]. Because of the huge bandwidth that other technologies cannot offer, optical networks employing WDM technology are considered to be the potential candidate for future wide area backbone networks. To employ WDM networks efficiently, the concept of lightpath was introduced. A lightpath is a wavelength channel connecting source and destination node without requiring any electronic-optical conversion at the intermediate nodes. Traffic is transmitted from source to destination using lightpaths. This is knowns as wavelength routing. Multiple lightpaths can be established at the same time to form a logical topology, which is implemented on top of the WDM physical layer. This forms a two-layer network architecture. This architecture has many advantages, such as enhanced node processing capability and protocol transparency. With the rapid growth of data traffic and the Internet Protocol (IP) playing a dominant role in networking technology, IP over WDM becomes the right choice for future internet networks. In IP over WDM networks, IP packets are groomed and transported via lightpaths, which are routed in the WDM layer. This avoids the middle ATM or SONET/SDH layer, resulting in significant overhead savings [MG02]. However, the drawback of traditional IP networks is slow packet forwarding due to the long packet processing time. Therefore, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) was proposed to speed up IP packet forwarding. This leads to the proposal of IP/MPLS over WDM as a Next Generation Internet core network. The steady change of technology as well as the non-stopping increase of network application requires continuous research to revise and refine existing concepts. This dissertation addresses planning, operation, and management issues in two-layer WDM networks. Specific focuses are planning and reconfiguration of logical topologies, which are implemented on top of WDM physical layer to carry IP traffic, survivability of multi-layer architecture networks as well as sparse wavelength converter placement and wavelength assignment in WDM networks. In this thesis, the main method to address these problems is to formulate them as optimization problems and then apply appropriate algorithms to solve them.
21 1.1. Problem definition Problem definition For the convenience of discussion in the following part of the thesis, we address the problem by posing the following questions: How to formulate the network planning as an optimization problem and solve the problem for large networks? How to place the wavelength converters in WDM networks to reduce the blocking probability? How to assign wavelength to an optical path in WDM networks with sparse limitedrange wavelength converters? How to design an efficient logical topology for two-layer WDM networks? How to reconfigure the logical topology of two-layer WDM networks under dynamic traffic changes? How to guarantee a survivable two-layer WDM network under single link failure? These questions do not cover all problems in two-layer WDM networks but within the scope of this thesis, they are studied and answered thoroughly. 1.2 Contribution The first contribution of this thesis is a novel meta-heuristic algorithm, a so-called iterative optimization algorithm, to solve large optimization problems, the optimal results of which cannot be obtained within a reasonable time. Since optimization softwares can easily get the optimal solution for small problems within a short time, we exploit this advantage to develop our algorithm. The algorithm first divides the large problem into small ones which can be solved exactly by optimization tools. These subproblems are solved sequentially to get their optimal results. The results are then integrated to get the final solution for the original problem. In this thesis, this algorithm is employed to solve network planning problems for WDM networks.
22 4 Introduction A further contribution is the solution for wavelength converter placement problem and a distributed wavelength assignment algorithm for WDM networks with sparse limited-range wavelength converters. Networks with wavelength converters have lower blocking probability than that without wavelength converters, since the wavelength continuity constraint is relaxed at wavelength converting nodes. The fact that one cannot install a wavelength converter at every node due to its high cost has raised the question which nodes in the network should be equipped with wavelength converters. In this thesis, we introduce for the first time an exact mathematical formulation for wavelength converters placement. This work is reported in [TK08a]. Additionally, wavelength assignment problem was intensively studied but mainly for networks without wavelength converters. Very few studies deal with the sparse presence of wavelength converters in the network, especially limited-range converters. Hence, in this thesis, a novel wavelength assignment algorithm is developed, which ensures to find the wavelength path with the lowest number of converters if it exists and more important, it can be implemented in a distributed manner without additional communication overheads. The main contribution of this thesis lies on the planning, management and survivability for multi-layer (or more specific, two layers in this work) optical networks. First, a new approach to design logical topologies for WDM networks is introduced. This approach was developed based on the fact that several logical topologies can be implemented on the same physical topology at a time. Hence a logical topology must be designed in such a way that network resources are saved for future use whereas the traffic is efficiently carried. This approach is particularly useful when network infrastructures are fixed and not easy to be expanded. This work was reported in [TK08b]. Another contribution is the solution for the logical topology reconfiguration problem under dynamic traffic changes. Logical topologies are designed to carry traffic optimally. However, traffic is subject to change over time. Thus, logical topologies need to be changed accordingly. The significance of this work is that creating a new logical topology and migrating from an old topology to a new one are solved at the same time and multiple-lightpath change is allowed. Although this problem has been intensively studied, this is the first time a distributed algorithm for reconfiguring the logical topology is presented. This distributed algorithm can lend itself to a protocol implementation. This work was published in [TK08c, TK09]. The last contribution in this category is a novel protection mechanism for two-layer WDM networks. In optical networks, a single link failure may cause a huge data loss due to the high capacity of an optical link. Hence a good protection and restoration machanism is required. The
23 1.3. Outline 5 challenge of multilayer protection lies on the fact that link-disjoint paths in the upper layer may not be link-disjoint in the lower layer. This work overcame this challenge by exploiting the p-cycle concept to create a protection topology in the logical layer, which can reduce complexity and increase resource efficieny of the protection mechanism. 1.3 Outline This thesis is structured as follows. Chapter 2 gives an introduction of optical networks employing WDM technology. It presents the basic concepts on which this work is based. These are WDM technology, wavelength routed networks and issues in wavelength routed networks including routing wavelength assignment problem, wavelength converting network, logical topology design and reconfiguration, and survivability in two-layer WDM networks. Chapter 3 discusses network optimization in detail and its application to WDM network planning. A novel meta-heuristic algorithm, a so-called iterative optimization, is introduced. An example of WDM network planning using the proposed iterative optimization is then discussed. Chapter 4 studies the wavelength converter placement and wavelength assignment in a network equipped with sparse limited-range wavelength converters. A mathematical formulation is presented to solve the wavelength converter placement problem for a static traffic pattern. By applying this formulation to many different random traffic patterns, one can find the nodes at which wavelength converters should be placed. Furthermore, a distributed wavelength assignment algorithm for a network with sparse limited-range wavelengh converters is proposed. The performance of this algorithm is then compared to the best existing ones. Chapter 5 studies the logical topology design problem for two-layer WDM networks. The problem is formulated as a linear optimization problem and solved for small network examples. The iterative optimization algorithm described in Chapter 3 is used to solve the problem for real-sized networks. Chapter 6 discusses the reconfiguration of the logical topology under dynamic traffic changes. The problem is first solved exactly in a centralized manner, using optimization
24 6 Introduction formulation. Then an approximation approach is introduced to reduce the complexity of the exact approach. Afterwards, Lagrangian relaxation method is applied to decompose the optimization formulation into subproblems, which can be solved in a distributed manner. The distributed algorithm uses link-state protocol to exchange messages among nodes. The performance of these three approaches is investigated and compared. Chapter 7 studies the protection and restoration problem in multilayer WDM networks. In this chapter, a frame work based on p-cycle to protect IP/MPLS over WDM networks under a single link failure is presented. The performance of the proposed mechanism is then compared with existing protection approaches. Chapter 8 summarises these works and gives some outlooks for further development.
25 Chapter 2 State of the Art This chapter gives an introduction to all related concepts of WDM networks, on which this thesis is based. We first present the general concepts of WDM optical networks including WDM technology and wavelength-routed network architecture. Afterwards, issues in wavelength-routed networks related to this thesis are discussed. This includes routing and wavelength assignment problem, wavelength converting networks and its wavelength converter placement problem, logical topology design and reconfiguration problems in twolayer WDM networks, and protection and restoration for multilayer networks. These issues do not cover all problems in WDM networks but within the scope of this thesis, they are discussed in detail. 2.1 WDM optical networks Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology In optical networks, data is transfered to light pulses and transmitted over optical fibers. Optical fibers consist of a very fine cylinder of glass, which is the core of the fiber, and a concentric layer of glass, the so-called cladding, which is protected by a thin plastic jacket. The core has a lower refractive index than the cladding, so that total internal reflection can occur. When a ray of light from the core approaches the cladding surface with an angle larger than the critical angle 2 the ray is completely reflected, which makes light travel 2 The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs.
26 8 State of the Art internally along the core (see Fig. 2.1). Core (glass) Cladding (glass) Jacket (plastic) Figure 2.1: Reflection in an optical fiber Theoretically, the optical fiber can have an extremely high bandwidth, i.e about 25THz, which is 1000 times the total bandwidth of radio on the Earth [CP99]. However, the rate at which an end user can access networks is limited by electronic speed, which is just a few gigabits per second. Hence, it is difficult to exploit all the huge bandwidth of a single optical fiber. Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology has come as a breakthrough, which allows to send many light beams of different wavelengths simultaneously in the core of an optical fiber. In WDM technology, multiple information signals, each of which corresponds to an end user operating at electronic speed, modulate optical signals at different wavelengths and the resulting signals are then combined and transmitted simultaneously over an optical fiber. This is conceptually similar to Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM). However, a carrier wave of WDM channel is million times higher than that of an FDM channel infrequency (THz versus MHz). Furthermore, unlike FDM systems, which usually include active devices, WDM systems using diffration grating 3 is completely passive and thus is higly reliable. Illustration of an optical fiber using WDM technology is shown in Fig Figure 2.2: Optical fiber using WDM technology 3 A diffraction grating is an optical component with a regular pattern, which splits and diffracts light into several beams travelling in different directions.
27 2.1. WDM optical networks 9 The attraction of WDM is that a huge increase in bandwidth can be obtained without necessary investment to deploy additional fibers. WDM has been used to upgrade the capacity of installed transmission systems, by adding several additional wavelengths. Currently, WDM systems using 16 wavelengths at 2.5Gbps and 32 wavelengths at 10Gbps to provide aggregate capacity up to 40Gbps and 320Gbps, respectively, are available. Potential increase in bandwidth per optical fiber thanks to WDM technology is shown in Fig So a transmission system with bandwidth of Tbps is just arround the corner. Figure 2.3: Increase in bandwidth per optical fiber Beside the above-mentioned advantages, WDM systems may face several non-linear effects that limit the performance. These are stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) 4, stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) 5, self-phase modulation (SPM), cross-phase modulation (XPM) 6 and four-wave mixing (FWM) 7. These nonlinearities can be controlled by choosing carefully channel power and channel spacing Wavelength routed networks There are two typical WDM optical network architectures: broadcast-and-select networks and wavelength-routed networks [Muk00]. A broadcast-and select network consists of a passive star coupler connecting nodes in the network, forming a star network. Different nodes transmit data on different wavelengths. The star coupler combines these data and 4 SRS leads to transfer of power from lower-wavelength channels to higher-wavelength channels. 5 SBS makes the power from the optical signal be scattered back to the transmitter. 6 SPM and XPM cause phase shifts, which get transformed to signal distortion. 7 FWM produces new optical frequencies called sidebands causing interference with the data signal.
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text:
With Liberty and Access for All: 3 Cities Building Universal Wi-Fi Networks
Municipal Wi-Fi is hailed as a way for cities to foster economic development, save on operational costs and bridge the digital divide.
It sometimes comes about when governments join forces with businesses. Just this month, Google announced plans to build a Wi-Fi network in New York City's southwest Chelsea neighborhood:
"Google is proud to provide free Wi-Fi in the neighborhood we have called home for over 6 years. This network will not only be a resource for the 2,000+ residents of the Fulton Houses, it will also serve the 5,000+ student population of Chelsea as well as the hundreds of workers, retail customers and tourists who visit our neighborhood every day," said Ben Fried, Chief Information Officer for Google in a press release.
Read the press release on Engadget.
Philadelphia became the poster child for municipal Wi-Fi in 2005, when then-Mayor John Street announced the city's partnership with EarthLink to launch Wireless Philadelphia. The program made Philadelphia the first city in the nation to provide its residents with universal Wi-Fi. The city struck a deal in 2009 to pay $2 million to take over the Wi-Fi network from the Network Acquisition Company, which bought the assets from Earthlink in 2008.
Although Philadelphia has faced its share of obstacles in deploying universal Wi-Fi, a growing number of cities across the nation are committed to bringing free Wi-Fi to the masses.
Here are three examples of cities that are creating a data democracy by building universal Wi-Fi networks:
Amherst, Mass.
Amherst, Mass., is located in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In early 2013, the town announced the completion of the largest and fastest open municipal Wi-Fi network in Massachusetts. The network is approximately a mile long and features over 30 wireless mesh access points in downtown Amherst. The SSID name for the network is "Town of Amherst Public."
Eagle Mountain City, Utah
Eagle Mountain City, Utah, is a planned community located 40 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Home to more than 22,000 residents, Eagle Mountain City is one of the first cites in Utah to deploy citywide Wi-Fi coverage. In 2012, Internet provider Direct Communications rolled out 20 Wi-Fi access points across the city. The company plans to add 20 more sites to its fiber-optic network this year.
Newton, N.C.
Photo Credit: The City of Newton's Facebook Page
The City of Newton is located in North Carolina's Catawba County, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Newton's IS department launched a low-cost Wi-Fi solution for the city's nearly 13,000 residents in May 2012. The "City of Newton Free" network cost the city $3, 000 to build and features 74 access points. Newton has employed the network to assist with a variety of municipal applications, such as monitoring the city's water supply and electrical grid.
Does your city have universal Wi-Fi? Tell us about it in the Comments section.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Here is our new music playlist for the forthcoming week:
Babyface - We've Got Love
Bellowhead - New York Girls
Bette Midler - (Talk To Me Of) Mendocino
Bryan Adams - You Belong To Me
Carrie Underwood - Heartbeat
Coldplay - Adventure Of A Lifetime
Duran Duran - What Are The Chances?
Elton John - Looking Up
Elvis Presley & Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Burning Love
Fleur East - Sax
Florence + the Machine - Delilah
Grace - You Don't Own Me (feat. G-Eazy)
James Bay - If You Ever Want To Be In Love
James Morrison - Stay Like This
Jeff Lynne's ELO - One Step At A Time
Jess Glynne - Take Me Home
Kylie Minogue - Every Day's Like Christmas
Lemar - Higher Love
Michael Bublé - The More You Give (The More You'll Have)
New Order - Tutti Frutti
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - The Dying Of The Light
Olly Murs - Stevie Knows
Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott - I Don't See Them
Robin Schulz - Sugar (feat. Francesco Yates)
Rod Stewart - Way Back Home
Scouting for Girls - Christmas In The Air (Tonight)
Seal - Every Time I'm With You
Tom Jones - Take My Love (I Want To Give It)
Will Young - Brave Man
Items in BOLD are new additions
This week's featured track is Christmas In The Air (Tonight) by Scouting For Girls:


text:
This week on The Real Housewives of New York (cut to me twirling around in an ill-fitting bandage dress, eating a jar of apple butter with just my fingers), Aviva Drescher's drama with Princess Carole took a back seat. Finally. But the salty Hamptons air proved too bracing for all these broads, for verily and lo, did another conflict rear its ugly head.
Ramona Singer started dishing the dirt about her supposed bestie, Sonja Morgan! Ramona let it slip that Sonja's house was being auctioned and other dirt about her trustee-ship. Et tu, Singer? Or should I say, Stinger? Ha, ha, I've made myself chortle. Please pass me the apple butter. Maybe some apple schnapps, while you're at it. Stinger, ha! I'm a genius. A lonely, lonely genius. This must be what Andy Cohen feels like every day.
LuAnn called out (in her confessional anyway) just how shady and low-class it was of Ramona, who is supposedly Sonja's friend, to air her business all the way from Hamp to Ton. While I agree it was uncouth of Ramona to be telling tales out of school, let's contextualize this a little, shall we? It's not like Sonja's legal and financial problems are locked away in a guarded vault at Gringotts, you know? It's pretty much common knowledge that the old dame's life has hit the skids.
Plus, you've got to remember that -- while it's no excuse -- it's natural Ramona would want to highlight someone else's misfortune at the moment. Let us not forget that that was in the thick of all the drama surrounding her own marital problems. Is it super terrible of her to detract attention away from her own problems by hissing about her friend's woes? Totally. But it happened. Sadly no one ever told Ramona that pissing in someone's face and telling them it's raining isn't just useless, it's also really rude.
I wouldn't blame Sonja for losing it on Ramona for a time when this comes to light. I think these two weirdos are the heart of the show at present. They are like Mrs. Havisham meets Ab Fab and I love it. Exhibit Sonja's reaction to the wine-hurling this week. I know they'll get through this, but Ramona and her crazy eyes have some explaining, apologizing, and pee-from-face cleaning to do to make things right with Sonja.
Would you forgive Ramona if you were Sonja?
Image via Bravo


text:
Coastline Community College Newport Beach Campus
The new interdisciplinary Newport Beach Campus at Coastline Community College provides approximately 66,800 square feet of programming, as well as hardscape and landscape. The project includes construction of a 260-space, on-site parking lot directly adjacent to the structure. Key sustainable features—such as stormwater management, natural ventilation, green roofs, living walls, maximized daylight and views of the ocean—are highlighted, designed for LEED Gold certification and to surpass Title 24 standards by 33 percent.View all projects
Download PDF
Services Offered
Project Details
- Completed in 2012
- Newport Beach, CA
- 66,800-square-foot facility
- LEED Gold design
- Savings by Design participant
- AIA CAE National Design award winner
- IESNA award winner


text: Copping a 4-0 drubbing should never be this painless! It may not exactly be a humiliation but it should still hurt so why does last night's hammering at West Ham be seen as no more than a glitch? That long unbeaten record enjoyed by Manchester United had to come to an end eventually and when it did, the Carling Cup was always the best competition to lose it. That will be little consolation for manager Sir Alex Ferguson who hates being beaten at anything but fielding what can only be described as a second string line up against a desperately committed West Ham, the defeat should not come as that much of a shock – except for the 0-4 score line and a surprisingly lack of desire from a side managed by Ferguson.


text:
+ shipping outside EU
Length: 26 cm, width: 9 cm, height: 1cm
In stock
Moustache is pressed in stoneware. It is glazed with coloured glaze and fired to 1280 degrees celsius.
For some reason there is a kind of dilemma in working seriously with a humorous theme.
And we find this rather funny ;-)
With collection "This is not a joke" we show objects that entertain, inspired by traditional gags and jokes.
Things that are made to amuse often represent bad taste and bad quality, however they can sometimes affect you in a compelling and releasing way, and make you laugh instinctively.
We explore and add value to the lovely banalities in humorous objects.


text:
Dah Be Alaveh Chahar - (AKA 10 + 4, 2007) - represents a sequel to Abbas Kiarostami's 2002 arthouse hit 10. This outing, however, is directed not by Kiarostami but by his lead actress from the earlier film, Mania Akbari, essaying both her second directorial credit and the lead role in this picture.
As in the first installment, Akbari spends her screen time as an unnamed character, driving a car and conducting long conversations with passengers - including her son, her sister and others. Yet here, she's suffering from a terminal cancer that is slowly worming its way through her body.
When it renders her completely incapacitated as a driver, she moves to the backseat and conducts her conversations from that locale. In fact, the cancer in time becomes so advanced that it begins to direct the woman's movements, actions and filmmaking per se; throughout the picture, the film's point of view never takes its gaze off of the female subject.


text:
Great advice that. It is so incredibly hard some days when you are making your living creatively to keep your eyes on your own work. I think so many of us have had those moments where we are certain that all the good fortune is happening to everyone but us. And the irony is that for every moment I've felt like that, someone else is out there thinking that my own career seems ideal.
The truth is, if you're going to do art, you're in it for the long haul. There will be a few elite souls who hit it big and stay there. But the rest of us, well, we have to keep at it. We have to want it--really want it, all-consuming fire in the belly.
I just heard Diana Nyad interviewed on NPR and essentially what she said about all those attempts to swim from Cuba to Key West was that each time she stood on the shore ready to begin, she thought about many, many things, but what kept her going most of all was not the fear of sharks or jelly fish or getting hurt but the fear of failure. I think she is absolutely right.
If one book-- often for reasons that have little to do with me-- has fewer readers or gets less promotional push or whatever, then I have to use that 'failure' to do the one thing I can control: Write another book and work to make it better than the last one. I can keep myself out there and keep swimming, or in this case, writing. Not to get all "So we beat on, boats against the current" Gatsby on you, but I think it's really true.
There is so much I can't control: I can't control book covers or reviews or where a book is sold or how many are stocked or placed on a shelf. I can't control how it is marketed, except for when I am the one doing the marketing, which often I am. When book 2 of the DREAMING ANASTASIA series was somehow placed in historical fiction (which it is absolutely not) while book 1 remained in paranormal, I couldn't even control that, as much as I tried.
Diana Nyad, on her fifth attempt, swam from Cuba to Key West. She was 64 years old. Yes you read that correctly. Talk about age being just a number!
The least we writers can do, is write a bunch more books, each one better than the last.
We won't even have to avoid the jellyfish.
On April 21, 2015, FINDING PARIS arrives from Balzer and Bray/Harper Collins.
In Spring, 2016, IT WASN'T ALWAYS LIKE THIS arrives from Soho Press.


text:
July 23, 2009
include('/home/oregonr2/blog_urls.php'); ?>
July 23, 2009
Cash-strapped states are attempting to draw businesses with tax incentives to revive local economies. Despite the tax increases placed on small businesses during the 2009 Legislative Session, Oregon is following the trend with its own tax break to Intel.
This year, states across the nation are offering business tax incentives from grants for relocation costs and worker training to broad-based tax cuts. New Jersey lawmakers just passed an economic recovery package with a massive $1.5 billion in corporate tax breaks and other subsidies. Louisiana spent $358 million between 2006 and 2008 on tax credits for films, including $27 million for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
While tax breaks are not new to states, passing out unprecedented incentives while relying on federal stimulus dollars to fund state services and business incentives is a different ballgame. The federal government passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a $787 billion stimulus package, in an attempt to revive the U.S. economy and create jobs across the nation. Using money from the stimulus package, Oregon is able to finance its business incentives. Oregon recently gave Intel $121 million to subsidize new chip plants in the state.
These tax breaks are great for attracting businesses, but are counterproductive to the goals outline in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act because they generally transfer jobs from one state to the next rather than creating new jobs.
Some economists are suggesting the U.S. withhold federal funds until states stop using tax incentives to steal jobs from other states. Until such action occurs, Oregon may become a major player in attracting or expanding businesses and creating new jobs in the state to recover from its budget shortfall.
While it may be true that using ARRA funds to provide tax-breaks to attract businesses defeats the goals of the program, it is high time that federal lawmakers come to grips with what some states have apparently realized: that when businesses can successfully operate, jobs follow.
Problems come when regulations/oversight isn't provided for operating said businesses with integrity.
I can't stop laughing. They try to encourage businesses to come to Oregon with all these wonderful tax breaks, then sock it to them with tax increases. What a bunch of dumbheads
Copyright © 2019, OregonReport. All Rights Reserved. | Terms of Use - Copyright - Legal Policy | Contact Oregon Report--> --> -->


text:
Community concept drawing: Application of a participatory tool for analyzing empowerment across African contexts
TypeWorking Paper
AccessibilityOpen Access
MetadataShow full item record
McOmber C, d'Auria Ryley T, McKune S, Russo S. 2015. Community Concept Drawing: Application of a participatory tool for analyzing empowerment across African contexts. CCAFS Working Paper no. 136. Copenhagen, Denmark: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).
Permanent link to cite or share this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/68681
Women's empowerment is a driving concept in feminist and gender scholarship and is seen as an indicator of a woman's agency in social and economic spheres. Yet, there is much debate over what this term actually means, how it should be operationalized as a concept in development research. This has been especially true among scholars and practitioners who use empowerment as a guideline by which to measure and evaluate social dynamics in communities affected by climate change. Most recently, the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index has joined a growing number of tools aimed at measuring empowerment in developing countries. Such indexes however, are unable to account for culturally specific meaning and nuance that shape local understandings of empowerment. This article introduces qualitative and ethnographic methodological tools that provide a means to understand and engage culturally specific, local definitions of empowerment. We seek to first identify those indicators most salient within the village communities participating in the study. We then seek to understand the implications of these conceptualizations in the broader context of climate information accessibility and utilization. This study was implemented in four rural villages located within Kenya and Senegal, each with varying levels of interaction with CCAFS programs. Cross-examination of site specific data yields an understanding of how cultural norms and values shape local perceptions of empowerment in ways that are critical for development practitioners and scholars who to understand how power operates within communities affected by climate shocks. Such analysis is critical to a more accurate understanding of the locally specific context of gender inequity from which to align development-based programs. This article serves to broaden the definition of women's power to include culturally-relevant variations in the concept and provides one methodology for doing so.
CGIAR Affiliations
AGROVOC Keywords
SubjectsCLIMATE SERVICES AND SAFETY NETS;
RegionsAFRICA; AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA; EAST AFRICA; WEST AFRICA
- Impact in Gender Research [283]
- CCAFS Working Papers [310]


text:
Ligase chain reaction assay of urine was sensitive for detecting chlamydial infection of the genital tract in women
ACP J Club. 1995 July-Aug;123:16. doi:10.7326/ACPJC-1995-123-1-016
Source Citation
Lee HH, Chernesky MA, Schachter J, et al. Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis genitourinary infection in women by ligase chain reaction assay of urine. Lancet. 1995 Jan 28;345:213-6.
To determine the accuracy of ligase chain reaction (LCR) testing of first-void urine samples for the diagnosis of chlamydial infection of the genital tract in women.
Blinded comparison of an LCR-based assay in first-void urine with culture of endocervical swabs, supplemented by blinded direct antibody assay and LCR with probes based on a portion of the Chlamydia trachomatis major outer protein gene.
Obstetric and gynecology clinic in Birmingham, Alabama; sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, California; and an abortion clinic and student health clinic in Hamilton, Ontario.
1937 women attending the clinics where STD symptoms were recorded. Women who had received antibiotics in the previous 2 weeks were excluded.
Description of test and diagnostic standard
The first 15 to 20 mL of first-void urine was collected at any time of the day. An LCR-based assay test was done to detect C. trachomatis plasmid DNA. Endocervical swab specimens were tested by culture according to standard protocols. Discordant results from matched samples were resolved by blinded supplementary testing. For all samples that were culture negative and LCR positive, the Microtrak (Syva) direct fluorescence antibody assay was done on the sediment of the original culture. If that result was negative, the urine samples were tested by LCR with probes based on a portion of the C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein gene. For all samples that were culture positive and LCR negative, the sediment from the culture isolate and the processed urine were tested by LCR with the major outer membrane protein probe set.
Main outcome measures
Likelihood ratios, sensitivity, and specificity.
Main results
104 women were positive for C. trachomatis by endocervical culture, whereas first-void urine samples from 150 women were positive by LCR. The test characteristics for the LCR assay and culture are shown in the Table.
A positive ligase chain reaction assay of first-void urine was virtually diagnostic of chlamydial infection of the genital tract in women, whereas a negative test markedly decreased the probability of infection.
Source of funding: Not stated.
For article reprint: Not available.
Table. Test characteristics for ligase chain reaction (LCR) and culture of endocervical swabs for detecting C Trachomatis*
|Sensitivity (95% CI)
|Specificity (CI)
|94% (89 to 97)
|99.9% (99 to 100)
|65% (58 to 72)
*LRs defined in Glossary; LRs and CI calculated from data in article.
Genital chlamydial infections are the most common bacterial STDs in the world, causing more adverse reproductive outcomes than their more heralded counterpart, gonorrhea (1). Because most chlamydial infections in both men and women are asymptomatic, efforts to control this STD have been based on widespread screening. Currently available chlamydial detection techniques, however, are limited by their relative insensitivity and their requirement for endocervical or urethral specimens. Fortunately, we are now in the era of molecular amplification techniques. In the next 5 years, these tools will increasingly expand our diagnostic repertoire for all STDs, including chlamydia (2).
Why are these advances so important? Quite simply, they answer the 2 main limitations of the available chlamydial detection techniques. First, the test sensitivity is markedly enhanced; the tests have the ability to detect 1 gene copy per specimen. Thus, the underlying reservoir of asymptomatic, currently undetectable genital chlamydial infections can be identified and treated. Second, this increased sensitivity allows more "user-friendly" specimen collection. Urine samples can provide enough DNA to detect chlamydia in both men and women. Thus, it is possible to screen for STDs in high-risk populations, such as adolescents, during routine school physical examinations or in other settings where pelvic examinations are not feasible.
Those interested in STD control will rejoice at having a new molecular tool for wider screening. Several potential problems still remain: 1) The commercial availability of these amplification techniques in North America is uncertain; 2) the performance of the tests in "real-world" clinical laboratories outside of research centers needs to be assessed; 3) the budget-cutting mood of federal and state governments in the United States threatens all STD control programs in that country; and 4) the cost of these amplification techniques compared with other methods for detecting chlamydia awaits the market forces. Perhaps a positive benefit-to-cost ratio of STD control measures will increase the willingness of the increasingly cost-conscious managed care organizations to underwrite STD screening.
Willard Cates Jr, MD, MPH
Family Health InternationalDurham, North Carolina, USA
1. Cates W Jr, Wasserheit JN. Genital chlamydial infections: epidemiology and reproductive sequelae. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1991;164:1771-81.
2. Quinn TC. Recent advances in diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases. Sex Transm Dis. 1994;21:S19-27.


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Come visit our Florida Oceanfront and Beachfront vacation getaway which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Beautifully updated unit in a newly renovated building. New kitchen appliances and accessories make your stay easy and stress free. Or if you don't plan on cooking there are many wonderful places to eat within a short walk.
Our second floor unit is beachfront, oceanfront and an end unit- which means great views from the balcony and side windows! Sit and relax on the private balcony, accessible from both the living area and master bedroom, and enjoy the benefits of the ocean sounds and sights! There is absolutely nothing separating you from the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean and 13.2 miles of white sand beach, named "One of Florida's Best Beaches."
We are only steps from the quaint street of Flagler Avenue, with its local shops and restaurants. Great seafood restaurants and boutiques are within walking distance. There is also nearby golf courses, race tracks, marinas, tennis courts, and the Canaveral National Seashore offers something for everyone! Golfers will enjoy the newly renovated New Smyrna Beach Golf Course. If you're in the mood for a drive, visit Daytona Beach (20 miles) or Cape Canaveral (40 miles) or Disney (70 miles).
On the oceanfront side of our condo, there is 13.2 miles of snow white sand for surfing, shell collecting, dolphin watching, biking, and bird watching. Additionally, there is an oceanfront sundeck and private pool (heated in winter months).
We recently updated our unit with new appliances,granite countertops and new tile and if that's not enough, the view from the private balcony overlooking the pool and ocean will keep you coming back for your yearly vacation.
Conveniently located just 70 miles from Disney properties and Orlando International Airport, our condo is the perfect spot to kick your feet up and relax before or after your visit to all of the wonderful attractions Orlando has to offer!
Keywords: Privately owned Oceanfront 2 bedroom Condominium. Completely furnished and equipped for your comfort and enjoyment.


text: Unforgettable bathroom style and design is actually a key ingredient of any home. Bathrooms are one of several very first components that buyers Appraise when purchasing a completely new home, and will immediately day a whole dwelling if not adequately renovated. Exceptional bathroom design will promptly enhance the Total value of a home along with


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With the highly anticipated sequel 'Think Like A Man Too' set to hit theaters this Friday, June 20th, the movie's soundtrack will be out a few days before on June 17th. Mary J. Blige will deliver 14 new tracks inspired from the hilarious comedy for the soundtrack and after hearing a few sneak peeks including 'A Night To Remember', it's safe to say we're in for a treat.
The video for 'A Night To Remember' features some scenes from 'Think Like A Man Too' and guest appearances from Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, and more can be seen.
Hit the jump to see the full video and grab the 'Think Like A Man Too' soundtrack on June 17th on iTunes.


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Mark Rothko's 1970 suicide was painless compared to his struggles in life. Colorado Springs will get to spend a few evenings contemplating this fact inside TheatreWorks' production of Red, John Logan's 2010 Tony Award-winning play. Directed by Joseph Discher, the semi-biographical, two-man play follows the abstract expressionist artist and his fictional assistant Ken in the studio in 1958 and 1959.
Having been commissioned to paint a series of murals for the Four Seasons, Rothko and Ken begin an intense journey into the heart of the artist's passions and drive. In real life, Rothko struggled for over a year with the job, creating 40 pieces that blazed new trails in his oeuvre, which had already helped define contemporary post-war art in the U.S. In 2012, Rothko's "Orange, Red, Yellow" sold at auction for over $86.9 million.
Portraying Rothko is Joel Leffert, who played the character before at the Public Theatre in Lewiston, Maine. Leffert has appeared on Broadway and at the National Theatre in London in the premiere of Tennessee Williams' Not About Nightingales, reports Lewiston's Sun Journal.
Ken, played by Jordan Coughtry, is his foil and the audience's main translator of Rothko's harsh, yet beautiful, artistic insanity. Coughtry says his character begins with a practical approach to art, and Rothko alters this immensely through his elitist intellectual style.
"There is a vast depth in his art and choice of color," Coughtry says. "He asks me several times, 'What do I see, looking at a painting?' and my answers to that question deepen and extend throughout the play. He shows me the importance of the color choices that he makes."
The art recreated onstage is representative of Rothko's more mature work, characterized by a stark background base color with swatches of complementary colors laid over the top. These hues are never quite unified and blended with the background.
"We are constantly shifting, changing and growing," Coughtry says. "We cannot be simplified. We resist this simplification when we figure it all out. But have we missed the point? This is something Rothko points out to Ken all the time."


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One of the many applications that I have been waiting to come to Android would be a replacement for Words with Friends, which is available on the iPhone and iPad. Wordfeud FREE is a great new Android application that allows you to play a Scrabble like game with either a friend or random opponent. Once you open the application you are asked for your email address, then asked to select a user name, which will allow friends to search for you to start a new game. Once you are all set up you can invite a user by user name or you can search for a random opponent, so even if none of your friends have Android devices, you can still take advantage of this great application.
When the application is launched it will bring you to your games list which shows the progress of all the current games. This will show who was last to act, which word they used, and how many points were scored. You can select any game from the list to view the board, make a move for your turn, or send the user a message if you wish. From within the main options you are able to turn on push notifications, so you will know when it is your turn to go. The game is ad powered currently, so it has a price tag of $0.00 in exchange for a few ads between games. Whether looking to kill some time, have some fun, or try something new Wordfeud is definitely a great way to do so. If you need an opponent to test the application with, add me (user - drm2blv) and let's play some Wordfeud!


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The annual study abroad programme at Lancaster University's Accra-based campus is being co-delivered by Dr Rod Dillon and Dr Jackie Parry from Lancaster University and staff from Boston University.
Day 1
Today was the first full day in Accra. I don't think anyone expected it to be quite this warm, 25 degrees at 7:30am. We had a campus tour and an introductory meeting at the campus; everyone is so friendly and welcoming.
In the afternoon we went for our very first Ghanaian meal, chicken (that was the spiciest thing I have ever eaten, and I didn't even add any extra hot pepper sauce) with yam fries (like very dense potatoes, as if someone has wrapped bread in a potato skin and fried it) with pineapple & ginger juice. It was so tasty, but it is definitely going to take a while for me to get used to the spices here.
Day 2
Another early start for our first day of lectures. We had an introduction to life in Ghana, including information on the culture and religions. Our first actual class was based upon Social Determinants of Health in Ghana. This focussed on the criteria for judgement of health, such as what is health to each of us? What does having a healthy population mean?
In the evening, we all went to Republic Bar & Grill to celebrate Republic Day, the day that Ghana gained its independence.
Day 7
In the afternoon we visited Nyago Medical Centre, one of the leading private hospitals here in Ghana.
I was shocked at the prices of the medical care here. In the UK, just to have a consultation with a specialist consultant you can look to pay upwards of £150. Whereas here, a GP consultation is 75 cedi (around £15) and a consultation with a specialist is 175 cedi (around £35). This is so much cheaper than in the UK but you receive the same standard of care from people with the same qualifications.
Another thing that surprised me was that you didn't need a GP referral to see a consultant. In the UK, this is essential.
Day 9
Tonight we went to SkyBar25 in Accra. It was so so fancy. The view was amazing. We could see over the entire city. We were offered a drinks menu but we were all more interested in the food menu (chocolate brownie and pistachio ice cream I am coming for you). The staff were really nice and attentive. It was nice to have a night out with everyone that we could all get dressed up for
Day 10
At the Shai Hill nature reserve we visited, there was baboons everywhere, LITERALLY EVERYWHERE. One came way too close to me and I ran off and hid behind a tree like the child I am. Angelica made the tragic decision to open a tub of Pringles around the baboons and was immediately surrounded by angry baboons demanding food.
Day 13
We started the day with lectures, which today focussed on the impact of the physical environment and neighbourhood risks on health. We discussed how minority, poor communities often live in bad neighbourhoods with poor quality housing, leading to an increase in health problems like asthma.
In the afternoon, we visited the WHO. When we arrived, we had to provide ID, then sign in at reception, then sign in again in the conference room. It was all very strict and felt very professional. The presentation was given to us by the economic head of the Ghana WHO office. He explained very clearly what they do here, how they are working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
It seemed as though they had a clear plan for how to tackle issues that are important here in Ghana, such as the spread of infectious diseases like malaria and TB.
Day 16
The drive up to the hotel (to Cape Coast) was a beautiful coastal road and you could see straight out to the ocean.
After a quick unpack, we had dinner. During dinner, there were traditional dancers and drummers playing. After dinner, we all sat and had a few drinks.
Day 19
Today we had our first lectures with Dr Jackie Parry and Dr Rod Dillon from Lancaster University. Their lectures focussed on the prevention of malaria via mosquito control. It discussed the life cycle of Aedes and Anopheles mosquitos and the measures taken to control the spread of malaria. They then discussed the means in which malaria control can be communicated to the public, such as through education programmes.
In the afternoon, we visited the National Malaria Control Programme. They discussed the aims of their project; how they are working to distribute long lasting insecticide treated nets to reduce the spread of malaria in children and pregnant women, how they are injecting pregnant women throughout their pregnancy so that their unborn foetus is protected against malaria.
Day 21
This morning we visited Korle-Bu teaching hospital.
We spent a lot of time at the reconstruction, plastic and burns ward, it was clearly a ward they were very proud of. We were given a presentation by the director of this ward on the kind of cases they receive (keloids, burns, ulcers, trauma injuries), the issues they face (lack of man power, health care financing, attitudes and ignorance towards medical care).
I was shocked however, to discover that cases could only be handled by visiting doctors, as they had no in staff surgeons or consultants, and how the ratio of surgeon to patient is 1:3million, despite WHO recommendations of a 1: 100,000 ratio.
During the tour, he showed us some pretty graphic photographs of the kind of cases they see here. Although this was at times disturbing, it was interesting to see the variety of cases that such few doctors have to treat.
He also explained that many patients do not come to the hospital until their conditions are often at the most severe stage, as many of them turn to herbal healers first; such as a case of a woman who found a lump in her breast, visited the hospital and was told to come back for surgery, but instead went to prayer camp for a number of months and only returned to the hospital when the tumour had taken over her entire breast and ribcage.
Day 23
This morning we were back at Noguchi to check on our cultures from the water sampling on Wednesday.
After conducting these tests, we then conducted antibiotic sensitivity testing. This is done as many bacteria are now developing a resistance to antibiotics. We picked colonies from each of the plates that showed clear growth and spread them onto new nutrient agar plates. Antibiotic discs were then placed over the top of these plates and left to incubate at 37 degrees overnight.
After waiting in the heat to be picked up, we got back to the hotel and had lunch. We then went to campus for a guest lecture on public health and infectious diseases, given by Paul, the head of Kasoa Polyclinic. He discussed the impacts of globalisation on public health and how mass migrations can increase the spread of infectious diseases, such as how the increase in Liberian refugees into Kasoa has put great strain on the resources at the polyclinic.
After class we were allowed some freedom so we went to a café near the campus and got brownies and smoothies. They tasted so good.
You can read Rosie's full blog here.
The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.


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For young people especially Parkour is an attractive discipline as there is no right or wrong way to carry out a move. They are free to use their imagination and be as creative as they wish about the way in which they challenge themselves. It is also considered by peers as a cool activity which requires a lot of skill.
People in their late teens and beyond tend to look at Parkour in more of a practical way. The key reason for starting is to have fun, but they are also attracted to it because they are aware of the wider benefits. More often than not they want to have fun, lose weight, keep fit and get stronger.


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The V
It's a shameless post. Seriously, I know this...but my LORD. There's nothing so delicious on the male body as that little notch below the abs that arrows down into a pair of low slung pair of jeans.
Heck, for me...it's even hotter than naked. Because personally, the male bits, not so beautiful. Now, don't get me wrong, they TOTALLY serve a purpose in sooooo many ways. And just ask my friends, I'm as boy crazy as they come. In fact, my friend's daughter actually told me I was more boy crazy than all of her friends put together. They're 16-17 year olds. Seriously.
Sad state of affairs, but beyond true.
That little notch makes my damn teeth itch. And obviously I'm not the only one since men actually go into the gym to MAKE that happen nowadays. And believe me.
I'm eternally grateful.
Anything you like on the male or female of the species that makes your temperature rise?


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Lately, I've been blogging only when I have something to say and show, not just show. Maybe show and tell would have worked better, since that's actually a phrase. Right now, the only thing I can think of to tell is the tragic tale of my first real "booty call," which, while I am way too open about my personal life on this blog, is probably a story best saved for another day. Or never. You know, whichever. Aside from that, the only thing that I've been sort of obsessing over is my Write Four Lines a Night Because Kurt Vonnegut Told You To Challenge. That was long winded. I mentioned it a few posts ago, that I was trying to write four lines of poetry every night, good or bad or really really bad, just to keep myself writing. There have been plenty of sleepy nights where I enter my room and the light's already out, and I'd rather go straight to bed, but instead I work for a few minutes by the glow of the computer screen. I've done it for two weeks now, and have mostly written really weird things, but it still feels so nice to be creating a very little something every night.
In other news, I appear to be channeling a scatter-brained art teacher from the 90's with this outfit. And I need to change my hair again. I tell you, I would chop it all off if I didn't think my face would be 100% nose without some hair to counterbalance it.
Until tomorrow,


text: I dose Mg maybe once every 2-3 months. Mg uptake is very very slow. And it takes a lot of supplement to raise it a little. I just had to raise Mg in the 190 150ppm and it took 2400+ml. 150ppm is not going to affect your corals that much. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


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Who's craving Thin Mints? The wait is almost over.
Local Girl Scouts will be out taking orders and selling their famous cookies starting Saturday.
Count on your favorites, from Caramel deLites and Girl Scout S'mores to Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies and Lemonades.
Jennifer Smith, local Girl Scout membership director, said girls will have a kickoff event on Friday at the Moose Lodge. They will get some training on how to sell cookies and learn some safety tips, she said. They will be reminded not to go out without an adult and will learn about keeping up with their money. During the kickoff, they will also have a chance to sample the cookies they will be selling this year — starting at 9 o'clock Saturday morning.
Smith said she enjoys seeing the girls getting excited each year about setting and reaching their goals. Her own daughter, Emily, was local top seller in 2013 with 1,300 boxes of cookies. "It was really neat to see her push to get to that goal," she said.
Emily said her goal this year is 1,000 boxes.
Emily, 13, started Girl Scouts when she was in kindergarten. Over the years, she has built up her customer base by selling at booths and in her neighborhood. Some customers buy three boxes at a time, and others buy a case or two, she said. There are 12 boxes in each case.
Smith recommends girls offer their cookies to anybody, from people at the restaurant where they are having dinner to their school teachers.
After the cookies are sold and the money counted, troops spend some of their proceeds on a community service project, Smith said, from food drives to projects helping local animals. They often save some money for a troop trip as well, she said.
According to a media release from the Girl Scouts, local councils and troops keep 100 percent of the net revenue raised through the Girl Scout cookie program, which ends this year on March 4.
To find a cookie booth near you, check girlscouts.org/cookies and type in your zip code. Listed Wilson locations for Saturday include Dick's Hot Dog Stand at 1500 W. Nash St. and The Grocery Door at 1907 Nash St. Cookies are $4 per box.
Smith said more booths will be set up the following weekend. Some popular spots for booths here are Lowe's, Walmart, Dunham Sports, Roses, Lynn's Hallmark and Harris Teeter.
This year, the N.C. Coastal Pines Council is once again participating in Operation Cookie Drop. Through the program, cookies are donated to military men and women deployed around the world. In the last 12 years, the council has donated more than 900,000 boxes of cookies to the military. This year's goal is to reach 1 million boxes. Donations are collected at booths, during Walkabout Week and through the council's website, www.nccoastalpines.org.
If you know a girl interested in getting involved in Girl Scouts, visit www.nccoastalpines.org. There are 20 troops in Wilson and 225 Girl Scouts, Smith said.
Girl Scouts N.C. Coastal Pines includes 26,000 girls and 9,000 adult volunteers across 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties.