Bitcoin has become the 21st century unicorn. The rage behind bitcoins continues to increase and has no end to it. Bitcoin is the oldest crypto currency. Bitcoin is a digitalized and unsecured modern currency. That means there is no regulatory body monitoring the flow and transaction of bitcoins. Purchasing or selling bitcoin is all based on trust as there is no regulatory body over it. Bitcoin mining is about producing bitcoin and earning bitcoin as a form of payment for creating bitcoin. Bitcoins can be mined using mining equipment installed in your computer. You can buy ASIC miner to generate bitcoin. Application specific integrated circuit is build for miming bitcoins only. Depending upon your budget, you can also purchase high quality and powerful ASIC miner to create your own hub of mining crypto currency. The miners help in breaking the complexity of the algorithmic blocks. Information of every bitcoin is recorded in virtual ledger.
Bitcoins in the coming generation
With the increasing usage, bitcoins and other crypto currencies have become a little stable instead of highly volatile. There’s a high chance that it can be a new norm of currency in coming generation. The crypto currency has a wide appeal from technology savvy persons. The number of transactions happening through bitcoin and other crypto currency are increasing day by day. The only drawback of bitcoin is anonymity of transaction and no regulatory authority over it. Once these two drawbacks are overcome, bitcoin will become the widely accepted modern form of currency. The value of bit coins depends upon demand and supply of money.


عنوان مقاله [English]
Water and soil salinity are considered as one of the major problems for agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions of the world which restrict cultivation and as a result, crops yield decrease. There are some solutions for reducing its damages. Among them, using bio-fertilizers and environmentally friendly in the production process can be mentioned. In this regard, a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications in 2014. The first factor was salinity in 0, 30 and 60 mM rates, and the second factor was amino acid including arginine, tryptophan and proline. The interactive effects of salinity and amino acids on the number of pancakes, proline content, electrolyte leakage percentage, total chlorophyll content, and their simple effects on stem length, the number of leaves and nodes were significant. With an increase in salinity level, stem length, the number of leaves and nodes decreased. Amino acid consumption increased the number of leaves, but proline showed a more positive effect in the number of nodes and stem length. The negative role of proline salinity and positive role of proline in the number of pancakes and total chlorophyll content and the positive role of salinity in increasing the amount of proline and the percentage of leaf electrolyte leakage were significant. Therefore, under the conditions of salt stress in the fields as well as increased soil salts and irrigation water in the greenhouse, the growth conditions in tomato can be improved by using biofertilizers.
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Passive temperature-controlled packages can be broken down into two basic categories of components: insulation and refrigerants. The package needs to counteract the heat flow into or out of the package wall in such a way that it maintains the product temperature within the required range.
The gel pack acts as a refrigerant which absorbs or releases heat while maintaining a constant temperature. This occurs when the gel pack melts or freezes. When melting, the gel pack absorbs heat and keeps the package from warming. Conversely, when freezing, it releases heat and keeps the package from cooling. The role of the insulation is to slow down the flow of heat, decreasing the amount of heat that the gel packs need to absorb or release over a given time period.
That amount of heat is also dependent on the external temperatures the pack is exposed to. While the heat flow is slowed by the insulation, it also increases by the difference between the external temperature and the product temperature. In other words, the warmer it is outside, the more gel packs are needed to maintain the product temperature. Adding more gel packs increases the time it takes them to melt because the additional mass adds more ability to absorb or release heat.
If you keep the insulation the same and vary the number of refrigerant packs, you will see a similar variance in the performance. The difficult part is choosing the appropriate combination of refrigerant and insulation to provide the most optimal package from a cost and weight perspective, considering environmental temperatures.


You’ve probably heard the term “glass ceiling” thrown around a lot during this presidential election, especially by supporters of Hillary Clinton, and you may have some idea of what it means.
But the phrase is important — especially to women — and may be shattered in the political spectrum if Clinton is elected president. Here’s what you need to know about the glass ceiling, and why it should matter to you.
What is the glass ceiling?
According to the definition from Merriam-Webster, the glass ceiling is “an intangible barrier within a hierarchy that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions.” The glass ceiling is different from the gender pay gap, i.e. the fact that women on average make 80% of what men do for the same work, per the Institute for Women’s Policy Research.
Rather, this is an “invisible — but impenetrable — barrier between women and the executive suite, preventing them from reaching the highest levels of the business world regardless of their accomplishments and merits,” says the Department of Labor in a 257-page report on the topic.
Who is impacted the most?
Women and minorities are the ones who suffer the consequences of the glass ceiling. According to the Department of Labor, 97% of the senior managers of Fortune 1000 industrial and Fortune 500 companies are white, and 95 to 97% of them are male. In Fortune 2000 industrial and service companies, just 5% of senior managers are women — and virtually all of them are white.
Why does the glass ceiling exist?
Before World War I, many women stayed home to raise the children while men went to work to provide for their families financially. Men also typically managed the household finances. But that changed with the war, when women were encouraged to go to work to fill jobs left vacant by men who were in combat, according to the National Women’s History Museum. When the men returned, many women left or were forced out of the workplace, but some continued to work. The cycle repeated with World War II. Things really started to change in the 1960s and 1970s, when more and more women pursued careers and the concept of equal pay for equal work. Second-wave feminism, a period of feminism that first began in the early 1960s and lasted through the early 1980s, also took off during this time, with women championing the idea that they should have equal rights in the workplace, along with reproductive rights and relationship equality.
Of course, not every woman was married or had a husband who served as their household's main source of income. Both single and married women who were family breadwinners were often invisible in society. During the Great Depression, these women were often scorned for trying to find work and accused of taking jobs away from "more deserving" men, The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History reports. African-American and non-white women were hit the hardest. According to the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, nine out of 10 African-American women worked in agriculture or domestic service during the Great Depression, and both areas were hit hard by economic hardships. Mexican-American women were also threatened with deportation due to fears of job competition.
According to the Pew Research Center, 29% of moms now stay at home, down from nearly 50% in the late ‘60s. But historically in the idealized nuclear family, women stayed home and men went to work — and that’s an expectation that some older generations haven’t been able to move beyond. Some may (unfairly) assume that a woman will take a job, get pregnant, and quit, or will pass her over for a promotion because they assume she’ll have children and make them her sole focus, making work an afterthought. This has set the stage for a scenario we witness today: Compared with white men, fewer women and minorities are in jobs that are most likely to lead them to top-ranking positions, the Department of Labor notes, which makes it even less likely that they’ll become an executive one day. “The critical career path for senior management positions requires taking on responsibilities most directly related to the corporate bottom line,” the Department of Labor says. “But the relatively few women and minorities found at the highest levels tend to be in staff positions, such as human resources, or research, or administration, rather than line positions, such as marketing, or sales, or production.”


Coaches can have a big impact on the way players deal with the fears that can arise from sporting competitions. Every competition has an outcome. But, focusing on an outcome before the competition is over means that players are not focused on the immediate challenges of game play. Coaches can improve team performance and increase the chances of a win by keeping their players focused. However, there are five easy ways to help players lose this focus and start focusing on the fear of failure. These include:
- Make a Game's Outcome Do or Die - Every game is going to have a winner and a loser. If players are thinking about the end of the game, they are not thinking about playing the game.
- Sharply Punish Failures - When players know that their mistakes will bring about a harsh penalty, their performances will often be motivated by images of failure rather than by images of success. Unfortunately, outcomes often follow these images.
- Don't Acknowledge Player Concerns - Players know when they are playing in a big game. If coaches don't help shape the way that players think about these games, then players will shape their own thoughts and often with an excessive fear of failure.
- Overemphasize Opponents - All teams are capable of being beaten. But, some are much more difficult than others. Elevating the stature of opponents can give players additional fears of embarrassment and humiliation beyond the normal fear of defeat.
- Give Players a Larger Purpose - When audiences for games include more than just family members, it is easy to remind players that they are playing for their school, their organization or for some more significant purpose than the game itself. This takes a player's attention outside the boundaries of the game and into the stands.
Though most coaches have often played in big games, it is easy to forget that most youth players have not. When coaches help keep players focused on the game, they are giving them the best chances of success and the best tools for minimizing fear.


EPSG/WKID number 4326 relates to WGS84 Geographic, with units in degrees. The ellipsoid is extremely similar to GRS80, with only a slight difference in one of the axes. This is the code and system that the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is based on (also known as GPS, for the American constellation of satellites). GNSS/GPS satellites are positioned based off of this ellipsoid.
Note that for height values in GNSS or WGS84 data, height is represented as being above or below the reference ellipsoid. In many instances, data provided will reference a GEOID, which incorporates gravitational and terrestrial information and applies a change to the ellipsoid at any given grid position. But EPSG refers simply to the horizontal coordinates, in degree units for WGS84, as the system relates to map projection and coordinate information. Height or elevation values are typically treated separately, even though for data such as GNSS/GPS positioning they're all provided together, and reference the same ellipsoid.
In some instances (I have not encountered such a case), if you need an EPSG that specifically references the vertical dimension above or below the ellipsoid, you can use EPSG 4979 (WKT here). This references the same ellipsoid, but if a Set RSID call needs this dimension, it is included.


An entrepreneur would most likely be interested in the personal or contributive impact of an idea, seeking ideas that have social, communitarian, or environmental impact. Surviving long enough to make a startup successful is also a crucial aspect.
Entrepreneurs are driven by passion and determination, fueling their vision and embracing cutting-edge technologies to identify untapped markets. They are interested in business growth, financial management, and business model development, as well as job security, financial gain, and personal fulfillment.
In addition, hobbies such as reading, yoga, endurance competitions, and traveling can contribute to an entrepreneur’s success by nurturing their mental and physical well-being and providing inspiration. Constantly seeking new opportunities and overcoming challenges are key traits of successful entrepreneurs.
Section 1: Pursuing An Impactful Idea
The Role Of Social, Communitarian, And Environmental Impact
An entrepreneur’s pursuit of an impactful idea goes beyond just financial gain. The majority of founders are driven by the desire to make a difference in the world, whether it’s through social, communitarian, or environmental impact. They understand that a successful startup not only brings financial success but also contributes to society in a meaningful way.
Surviving Long Enough: A Key To Startup Success
Surviving long enough is a crucial factor in the success of any startup. Many entrepreneurs face numerous challenges along the way and often have to navigate through tough times to keep their business afloat. This perseverance is essential because it takes time for a startup to gain traction and establish itself in the market.
When it comes to pursuing an impactful idea, entrepreneurs need to stay focused and determined, even when faced with obstacles. They understand the importance of long-term sustainability and are willing to weather the storm to achieve their goals.
Moreover, surviving long enough allows entrepreneurs to refine their ideas, improve their products or services, and adapt to market demands. It gives them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes, pivot if necessary, and ultimately position their startup for long-term success.
In conclusion, the role of social, communitarian, and environmental impact plays a significant role in what drives entrepreneurs. They are not solely motivated by financial gain but also by the desire to bring about positive change. Additionally, surviving long enough is crucial for a startup’s success, as it allows entrepreneurs to refine their ideas and overcome challenges along the way. Pursuing an impactful idea requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
Section 2: Motivations And Goals
A. Job Security
An entrepreneur embarks on a journey of uncertainty and risk, leaving behind the comfort of a stable job. However, job security remains an important consideration for most entrepreneurs.
While they may be willing to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship, it doesn’t mean they don’t desire some level of security. Whether it is to provide financial stability for their family or to have control over their own destiny, the desire for job security motivates many entrepreneurs to build successful businesses.
B. Financial Gain
Financial gain is a key motivation for entrepreneurs. Starting a business offers the potential for significant financial rewards, whether it’s through a successful exit or ongoing profitability.
Entrepreneurs are driven by the opportunity to create wealth and financial independence. They understand that the risks they take in launching a business can lead to substantial financial gain.
By building a successful enterprise, entrepreneurs can enjoy the fruits of their labor, not only by generating income for themselves but also by creating jobs and driving economic growth.
C. Personal Fulfillment
For many entrepreneurs, personal fulfillment is a driving force behind their entrepreneurial journey. They are motivated by the desire to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.
Starting a business allows entrepreneurs to align their work with their values and create a life that reflects their true passions. They have the freedom to create something meaningful and leave a lasting legacy.
Entrepreneurs often find personal fulfillment in the challenges they face, the skills they develop, and the impact they make. They thrive on the satisfaction of turning their vision into reality and making a difference in the lives of others.
Section 3: Embracing Opportunities And Technologies
As an entrepreneur, staying ahead of the curve and embracing new opportunities and technologies is crucial for success in today’s fast-paced business world. In this section, we will explore two key areas that an entrepreneur would most likely be interested in: Cutting-Edge Technologies for Entrepreneurial Success and Identifying and Tapping into Untapped Markets.
Cutting-edge Technologies For Entrepreneurial Success
Technology is constantly evolving, and as an entrepreneur, it is important to keep a close eye on the latest innovations and trends that can give your business a competitive edge. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, you can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and deliver a superior customer experience.
Some of the cutting-edge technologies that entrepreneurs are utilizing include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered solutions can automate tasks, make smarter business decisions, and provide personalized customer experiences.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices can connect and exchange data, providing entrepreneurs with real-time insights and enabling them to optimize operations.
- Blockchain: This technology offers enhanced security, transparency, and trust in various sectors such as finance, supply chain, and healthcare.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): VR/AR can revolutionize product demonstrations, training, and customer experiences, fostering innovation and growth.
Identifying And Tapping Into Untapped Markets
To achieve sustainable growth, entrepreneurs need to identify and tap into untapped markets. These markets represent new opportunities for expansion and can lead to greater profits and market share.
Here are some strategies to help entrepreneurs identify and tap into untapped markets:
- Market Research: Conduct extensive market research to uncover underserved niches or emerging trends that can be leveraged for business growth.
- Customer Segmentation: Analyze your existing customer base to identify unique needs and preferences that are not being met by your competitors.
- Partnerships and Alliances: Collaborate with complementary businesses or industry influencers to access new customer segments and expand your reach.
- Localization: Adapt your products or services to cater to specific geographic regions or cultural preferences, opening doors to untapped markets.
Section 4: The Journey Of An Entrepreneur
Passion And Determination As Driving Factors
When it comes to the journey of an entrepreneur, passion and determination reign supreme. These driving factors are what separate successful entrepreneurs from the rest. The desire to turn an innovative idea into a thriving business is what fuels their motivation. Entrepreneurs are not just driven by financial gain, but also by a deep sense of purpose and the desire to make a difference. They have an unwavering belief in their vision and are willing to overcome any obstacles that come their way. It is their passion and determination that propels them forward on their entrepreneurial journey, even in the face of adversity.
Visionaries: The Entrepreneurs Of Today
Visionaries, the entrepreneurs of today, are the ones who shape the future. They have a unique ability to see opportunities where others see challenges. These individuals are driven by a vision that goes beyond personal gain. They strive to create innovative solutions that have a positive impact on the world. Visionaries are not afraid to take risks and are willing to challenge the status quo. They are constantly thinking ahead, anticipating market trends, and adapting their strategies to stay ahead of the competition. It is their vision that inspires their team, attracts investors, and ultimately leads to the success of their ventures.
An entrepreneur would most likely be interested in the personal or contributive impact of an idea. The social, communitarian, or environmental impact is a significant factor for the majority of founders. Additionally, job security, financial gain, and personal fulfillment are key interests for entrepreneurs.
They are driven individuals who constantly seek new opportunities and overcome challenges to achieve their goals and make their dreams a reality. Through their vision and determination, they strive to build successful companies and leave a lasting impact on society.
I am a Tech content writer since 2018, specializing in creating insightful and engaging blog content. My expertise spans across diverse topics, including Marketing, Business, AI Tools, and Technology. With a passion for simplifying complex concepts, I craft articles that resonate with both tech enthusiasts and business professionals. Through my writing, I aim to demystify the ever-evolving world of technology and empower readers with valuable insights. Join me on this journey as we explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital landscape.


|• Mayor||Sami Aydın (AKP)|
|• District||2,768.18 km2 (1,068.80 sq mi)|
|Elevation||1,285 m (4,216 ft)|
|• District density||130/km2 (320/sq mi)|
Sivas (Latin and Greek: Sebastia, Sebastea, Sebasteia, Sebaste, Σεβάστεια; Armenian: Սեբաստիա) is a city in central Turkey and the seat of Sivas Province. According to a 2011 estimate, its urban population is 425,297.
The city, which lies at an elevation of 4,193 feet (1,278 m) in the broad valley of the Kızılırmak river, is a moderately-sized trade center and industrial city, although the economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Rail repair shops and a thriving manufacturing industry of rugs, bricks, cement, and cotton and woolen textiles form the mainstays of the city's economy. The surrounding region is a cereal-producing area with large deposits of iron ore which are worked at Divriği.
Sivas is also a communications hub for the north-south and east-west trade routes to Iraq and Iran, respectively. With the development of railways, the city gained new economic importance as junction of important rail lines linking the cities of Ankara, Kayseri, Samsun, and Erzurum. The city is linked by air to Istanbul. The popular name Sebastian derives from the Latin Sebastianus and Greek Sebastianòs, Σεβαστιανός, meaning someone from the city.
Ancient and medieval
Excavations at a mound known as Topraktepe indicate Hittite settlement in the area as early as 2600 BC, though little is known of Sivas' history prior to its emergence in the Roman period. In 64 BC as part of his reorganization of Asia Minor after the Third Mithridatic War, Pompey the Great founded a city on the site called "Megalopolis". Numismatic evidence suggests that Megalopolis changed its name in the last years of the 1st century BC to "Sebaste", which is the feminine form of the Greek name corresponding to Augustus. The name "Sivas" is the Turkish version deriving from the name Sebasteia, as the city was known during the late Roman (Byzantine) empire. Sebasteia became the capital of the province of Armenia Minor under the emperor Diocletian, was a town of some importance in the early history of the Christian Church; in the 4th century it was the home of Saint Blaise and Saint Peter of Sebaste, bishops of the town, and of Eustathius, one of the early founders of monasticism in Asia Minor. It was also the place of martyrdom of the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, also 4th century. Justinian I had a fortified wall around it rebuilt in the 6th century.
Sebasteia was the first important city to be plundered by Turkish tribes in 1059. In the August of that year the troops of various emirs gathered before the unwalled city. Initially they hesitated to sack it, mistaking that the domes of the several Christian churches were tends of military camps. As soon as they realized that the city was defenceless they burned it for eight days, slaughtered large part of its population and took many prisoners. The city came under the domain of Turkmen Danishmend dynasty (1071–1174) after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. After the death of Danişmend Gazi, Sivas passed to Nizamettin Yağıbasan who won it after a struggle with Danişmend Gazi's successors. In 1174, the city was captured by Seljuk ruler Kilij Arslan II and periodically served as capital of the Seljuk empire along with Konya. Under Seljuk rule, Sivas was an important center of trade along the silk road and site of a citadel, along with mosques and madrasahs (Islamic educational institutions), four of which survive today and one of which houses the Sivas Museum. Then it passed to the Ilkhanids, Eretna and Kadı Burhanettin.
The city was acquired by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I (1389–1402). In 1398, Tamerlane swept into the area and his forces destroyed the city in 1400, after which it was recaptured by the Ottomans in 1408. Under the Ottomans, Sivas served as the administrative center of the province of Rum until about the late 19th century. The Armenian Apostolic Church maintained six Armenian churches in Sivas, being the Meryemana, Surp Sarkis, Surp Minas, Surp Prgitsh, Surp Hagop, Surp Kevork, four monasteries Surp Nschan, Surp Hreshdagabed, Surp Anabad, Surp Hntragadar, an Armenian Apostolic orphanage and several schools. The Armenian Catholic Church and the Latins also had one church and a metropolitan of Sebastea. Two Protestant churches and eight, mostly German- and American-staffed, schools. During the genocide against Armenians as well as against Greek Christians from July 5, 1915 onwards, the Christian community of Sivas was exterminated by deportations and mass executions.
The Sivas Congress (Heyet-i Temiliye) was held in this city 4–11 September 1919. With the arrival of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881–1938), the founder of the Turkish Republic, from Amasya, the Congress of Sivas is considered a turning point in the formation of the Turkish Republic. It was at this congress that Atatürk's position as chair of the executive committee of the national resistance was confirmed (see Turkish War of Independence). Sivas was depicted on the reverse of the Turkish 500 lira banknote of 1927-1939.
Sivas has a dry-summer continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dsb), with warm and dry summers and cold and snowy winters. The driest months are July and August and the wettest are April and May.
|Climate data for Sivas|
|Record high °C (°F)||14.6
|Average high °C (°F)||0.8
|Daily mean °C (°F)||−3.3
|Average low °C (°F)||−7.1
|Record low °C (°F)||−34.6
|Average precipitation mm (inches)||40.1
|Average rainy days||12.3||11.9||13.3||14.7||14.3||8.7||3.2||3.0||4.7||8.3||9.7||12.3||116.4|
|Average snowy days||9||9||7||1||0||0||0||0||0||0||3||7||36|
|Average relative humidity (%)||77||77||72||64||61||57||53||52||54||62||72||76||64.8|
|Mean monthly sunshine hours||77.5||95.2||151.9||186||257.3||318||372||359.6||291||198.4||120||71.3||2,498.2|
|Source #1: Devlet Meteoroloji İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü |
|Source #2: Climate and Temperature |
Historically, Sivas was known for producing cereal. As of 1913, Sivas produced 79,000 tons of cereal, making it a major, and successful, industry. Sivas also had orchards, exporting produce to Constantinople. Alfalfa and copper was also produced in the area. Sericulture was seen in Sivas before 1914.
A cultural hub as well as an industrial one, Sivas contains many examples of 13th-century Seljuk architecture. The Mavi Medrese from 1271, the Şifaiye Medresesi from 1218 and the Çifte Minare Medresesi from 1271, with its intricately carved façade and minarets, are among the most noteworthy monuments. The oldest surviving mosque is the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) completed in 1196 is famous for its simplicity. The city is also famous for its Medreses (Islamic seminaries). Gök Medresesi (the Celestial Madrasa; depicted on the obverse of the Turkish 500 lira banknote of 1927-1939) and Mavi Medrese, Sifaiye Medresesi, on the other hand, was completed earlier, on the eve of the second wave of Turkic immigration to Anatolia, in 1218 and with its intricately carved façade and minarets are among the most noteworthy edifices carries on the traditional Seljuk Medrese plan.
The city also contains some fine examples of the Ottoman architectural style. Kurşunlu Hamamı (Leaden Bath) which was completed in 1576, is the largest Turkish bath in the city and it contains many details from the classical Ottoman bath building. Behrampaşa Hanı (Caravansaray), was completed in 1573 and it is famous for the lion motifs around its windows.
Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum (Atatürk Kongre ve Etnografya Müzesi) is a museum with two sections. One is a dedicated to the Ottoman heritage of Sivas. The other is to the Sivas Congress, one of the pivotal moments in the Turkish national movement.
The modern heart of the city is Hükümet Square (Hükümet Meydanı, also called Konak Meydanı) located just next to the Governor's mansion. This area is also home to many of the city's high end hotels and restaurants. The city's shoppers usually head to Atatürk Avenue.
Sivas is also famous for its thermal springs which have a respectable percentage in the city's income. People believe that the water of these thermal springs can cure many illnesses. The most famous thermal areas are, Sıcak Çermik, Soğuk Çermik and Kangal Balıklı Kaplıca.
Football is the most popular sport: in the older districts above the city center children often kick balls around in the evenings in the smallest streets. The city's football club is Sivasspor, which plays its games at the Sivas 4 Eylül Stadium. The club played in Süper Lig between 2005 and 2016.
- Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum
- Sivas Arkeology Museum
- Buruciye Madrasah
- Çifte Minareli Madrasah (Double Minaret Madrasah)
- Gök Madrasah (Blue Madrasah)
- Şifaiye Madrasah
Specialties of Sivas are Tarhana (a soup made using sour yogurt), Kelecos (a sour potato soup made with yoghurt) and Katmer, a kind of flatbread. One distinct feature of Sivas cooking is the use of Madimak which is a local herb similar to Spinach. Sivas kebabı is a variety of Kebab originating from Sivas.
Twin towns and sister cities
- "Area of regions (including lakes), km²". Regional Statistics Database. Turkish Statistical Institute. 2002. Retrieved 2013-03-05.
- "Population of province/district centers and towns/villages by districts - 2012". Address Based Population Registration System (ABPRS) Database. Turkish Statistical Institute. Retrieved 2013-02-27.
- Julia Cresswell (5 November 2007). Naming Your Baby: The Definitive Dictionary of First Names. A&C Black. p. 209. ISBN 978-0-7136-8313-4.
- Davis, J. Madison (1995). The Shakespeare Name and Place Dictionary. Routledge. p. 444. ISBN 978-1-884964-17-6.
- A.H.M. Jones, The Cities of the Eastern Roman Provinces, 2nd ed. (Oxford University Press, 1971), 159.
- Rosser, John H. Historical dictionary of Byzantium (2nd ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 425. ISBN 9780810875678.
- Speros Vryonis, The Decline of Medieval Hellenism in Asia Minor and the Process of Islamization from the Eleventh through the Fifteenth Century (University of California Press, 1971), p. 155
- Henry Hoyle Howorth: History of the Mongols from the 9th to the 19th Century, 2008, p. 166
- Pars Tuğlacı: Tarih boyunca Batı Ermenileri tarihi. Cilt 3. (1891 – 1922), Pars Yayın ve Tic., Istanbul und Ankara 2004 ISBN 975-7423-06-8, p. 43
- Raymond Kévorkian: Le Génocide des Arméniens; Odile Jacob, Paris 2006, p. 542
- Halil Gülbeyaz: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Vom Staatsgründer zum Mythos, Parthas, Berlin 2003, p. 87
- Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Archived 2009-06-03 at WebCite. Banknote Museum: 1. Emission Group - Five Hundred Turkish Lira - I. Series. – Retrieved on 20 April 2009.
- İl ve İlçelerimize Ait İstatistiki Veriler- Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğü
- Weather Averages for Sivas, Turkey Climate
- September Climate History for Sivas | Local | Turkey
- Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 60.
- Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 62.
- Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 63.
- Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 74.
- Prothero, W.G. (1920). Armenia and Kurdistan. London: H.M. Stationery Office. p. 64.
- Uzaklar Yakinlaşti - Sivas Twin Towns(Turkish)
- "National Commission for Decentralised cooperation". Délégation pour l'Action Extérieure des Collectivités Territoriales (Ministère des Affaires étrangères) (in French). Retrieved 2013-12-26.
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sivas.|


by Nasser Kandil
The use of the term “battle between two wars” goes back to the crisis which arose between Washington and Moscow over Cuba in the 1960’s known as the Bay of Pigs crisis, when Washington intended to invade the Cuban Peninsula, and Moscow intended to install nuclear missiles there. The clash between their opposing plans almost led to an explosion.
Opponents of escalation in Washington warned of a Third World War. Its proponents responded that a confrontation will not be a World War but rather a “battle between two wars.” What was implied was that the confrontation will be a battle and not just a simple fire exchange, but will not develop into a war. It will be a battle between a war which already took place, namely World War II, and one which has not, namely World War III. They posited that such a battle will draw a new balance of power, and that any use of nuclear weapons will be tactical and localized, and will prevent a Third World War from occurring.
In the end, the fears of slipping into a war won over the promotion for a battle, and the crisis was resolved through a balanced retreat on both sides. Washington gave up its plan to invade Cuba and committed to refrain from any future undertaking. Similarly, Moscow gave up its plan to install nuclear missiles in Cuba and committed to refrain from any future undertaking.
Occupation war theorists resurrected the theory of a battle between two wars as a description of the operations its army was conducting in Syria for purposes or aggrandizement and to make believe that its army has strategic capabilities which, in reality, it does not possess. They used a great deal of exaggeration in their description of their air raids as part of a battle between wars, the 2006 War and a future war, when in fact there is yet to be a battle, and what is occurring are scattered air strikes aimed at avoiding both a battle and a war.
The pre-condition for a battle between wars is absent in the Occupation army’s operations. Such precondition requires that readiness of both sides for war and their determination to engage in it. The success of the power of deterrence on each side to exercise controls and ceilings would then convert the confrontation into a battle between two wars capable of drawing new balances and building new equations of strength.
The operations of the Occupation’s army in Syria range between tactical aimed at hindering the Mukawama’s readiness by building up its power of deterrence, particularly in the area of precision missiles, while acknowledging that it is incapable of stopping such build up because it fears both a battle and a war, and political messages related to rules of engagement and plans for their modification by the confronting sides in both ascending and descending directions. Doubtlessly, such operations are less than a battle or a war, and undeserving of having their status elevated to the designation of a battle between wars. The function they serve is either as propaganda directed at the Occupation’s interior or to bolster the morale of Syrian Opposition groups when exposed to attacks (by the Syrian army). The question at present is whether pre-conditions for a battle between wars exist.
Indicators leading to such a supposition start with the high level of political tension in the relationship in all dossiers of conflict between the two opposing axes, one led by Washington and the other by Tehran. Added to that, is the sensitive timing associated with the scope of the economic strain in Washington due to stagnation and economic closures, and in Tehran due to the embargo and sanctions. These economic concerns, along with the fight against COVID-19, have set aside political concerns as a priority. Added to such pressures is the timing associated with the close approach of the U.S. Presidential election. While American pressures on the Lebanese and Syrian fronts constitute an attempt for indirect negotiations about U.S. withdrawal upon guarantees for the Occupation’s security and its interests, and the withdrawal of Iran and the Mukawama forces from Syria, the ongoing sparring gains a strategic weight, the meaning and course of which cannot be taken lightly.
The Occupation is in a difficult position which renders it incapable of engaging in a war, while at the same time incapable of tolerating a blow. The axis of al Mukawama is incapable of initiating a war, and at the same time is incapable of accepting any modification to the rules of engagement which will permit it to sustain a blow and not respond. The escalation of threats by the Occupation’s Prime Minister to respond to any response undertaken by Al Mukawama reveal the Israel’s incapacity to tolerate a blow. It opens the possibility of the transformation of any response by Al Mukawama to the air strike on the vicinity of Damascus Airport which resulted in the martyrdom of a Mukawama fighter, into a gateway for escalation into battle between wars which does not evolve into an open and all-encompassing confrontation, but allows for testing the opponent’s capabilities in the hope of drawing new equations and balances.


A new twist on extreme weight loss is catching on in some parts of the United States. It’s called the "keto diet."
People promoting the diet say it uses the body’s own fat burning system to help people lose significant weight in as little as 10 days.
It has also been known to help moderate the symptoms of children with epilepsy, although experts are not quite sure why it works.
Proponents say the diet can produce quick weight loss and provide a person with more energy.
However, critics say the diet is an unhealthy way to lose weight and in some instances it can be downright dangerous.
What Is Ketosis?
The “keto” diet is any extremely low- or no-carbohydrate diet that forces the body into a state of ketosis.
Ketosis occurs when people eat a low- or no-carb diet and molecules called ketones build up in their bloodstream.
Low carbohydrate levels cause blood sugar levels to drop and the body begins breaking down fat to use as energy.
Ketosis is actually a mild form of ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis mostly affects people with type 1 diabetes. In fact, it is the leading cause of death of people with diabetes who are under 24 years of age.
However, many experts say ketosis itself is not necessarily harmful.
Some studies, in fact, suggest that a ketogenic diet is safe for significantly overweight or obese people.
However, other clinical reviews point out that patients on low-carbohydrate diets regain some of their lost weight within a year.
Where It’s Helpful
The keto diet was created by Dr. Gianfranco Cappello, an associate professor of surgery at the Sapienza University in Rome, Italy.
He claims great success among thousands of users. In his study, more than 19,000 dieters experienced significant, rapid weight loss, few side effects, and most kept the weight off after a year.
According to the reported results, patients lost an average of 10.2 kilograms, or about 22 pounds, after 2.5 cycles of the keto diet. Cappello concluded that the diet was a successful way for overweight and obese people to lose weight, and the few side effects, such as fatigue, are easily managed.
Bette Klein, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, has used the keto diet for years to help ease the symptoms of children with epilepsy.
She told Healthline it is particularly effective with children with refractory epilepsy who have not responded well to at least two different drug treatments.
Klein said about half of these children who go on the diet see a reduction in the number of seizures they have.
The dietitian said, however, that medical professionals are not sure why the diet works in these cases.
“There is not a clear definition of what is happening,” she said.
Rudy Mawer, a sports nutritionist, has also found some success with the keto type of diet.
He said he uses this low-carb approach with some people who have trouble losing weight. He also has high performing athletes on the plan.
Mawer told Healthline there are a number of benefits to the program.
One benefit is its quick results. People can lose some initial weight rapidly and that, in turn, helps encourage them.
“You can get motivated by this weight loss,” he said.
He added the keto diet is simple in concept. It eliminates a food group, making it easier for people to follow.
He said the diet also makes people feel full despite having fewer calories and it gives them more energy. That’s because, he said, people are giving up their sluggish diet of processed foods. He added the keto diet keeps blood sugar levels stable, which produces a more stable flow of energy.
Mawer notes there are some drawbacks.
He said the diet would not necessarily improve athletic performance, a fact that may discourage some athletes.
He added people need to adhere closely to the program or it will not work.
“It is a very strict diet,” said Mawer. “You have to do everything right.”
Every individual, he notes, is different and will react differently to such a program.
“What’s great for one person can be horrible for another person,” he said.
When It’s Unhealthy
Critics say the keto-type diets usually work only in the short term and can be unhealthy.
For starters, most of the lost weight is water weight, according to Lisa Cimperman, R.D.N., a clinical dietitian at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
“Once your body enters ketosis, you also begin to lose muscle, become extremely fatigued, and eventually enter starvation mode. Then it actually becomes even harder to lose weight,” Cimperman told Healthline.
Mawer said he doesn’t believe the keto diet causes muscle loss. He did caution it’s not optimal for someone trying to gain muscle.
Other experts interviewed by Healthline had stronger words of caution.
“Keto diets should only be used under clinical supervision and only for brief periods,” Francine Blinten, R.D., a certified clinical nutritionist and public health consultant in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, told Healthline. “They have worked successfully on some cancer patients in conjunction with chemotherapy to shrink tumors and to reduce seizures among people suffering from epilepsy.”
In the general population, Blinten said a keto diet should only be considered in extreme cases.
“It can do more harm than good. It can damage the heart, which is also a muscle,” she explained.
Anyone with type 2 diabetes can benefit from weight loss and a reduced-carb diet because it will improve insulin sensitivity, Cimperman explained.
“But there are many other ways to do it besides a fad diet that won’t keep weight off long-term,” she said.
Blinten, who has used a keto diet for some cancer patients in specific circumstances, cautioned, “people will do anything to get the weight off.” However, a keto diet will do more harm than good for the majority of patients, especially if they have any underlying kidney or liver issues.
“People are using this for cosmetic reasons, but it’s so extreme that it’s dangerous,” she said.
The Feeding Tube Approach
Some have taken the keto diet a step further, using a feeding tube inserted into the esophagus through the nose.
Dieters adhere to a strict 800-calorie high-protein, no-carb diet administered through the tube by a slow-drip pump mechanism. Only black coffee, tea, or water is allowed in addition to the liquid diet.
A Florida doctor, Oliver Di Pietro, has been offering this tube diet to anyone who can pay the $1,500 cost. According to a 2012 local news report, Di Pietro learned of the diet while on a trip to Italy. He insists the keto diet is safe and effective, even for those wanting to shed just a few pounds.
“This is a ridiculous approach to weight loss,” said Cimperman.
With an 800-calorie-a-day diet, “you’re essentially starving yourself,” Cimperman said. “Of course you will drop weight.”
Anything under a 1,200-calorie daily diet is considered a starvation diet and is not meant for long-term weight loss.
Tube feeding is a legitimate tool in a hospital setting, she explained.
“Someone who is on a ventilator, or can’t swallow because of a stroke or cancer, might have to eat this way. But it’s usually used as a last resort,” she said.
“In an otherwise healthy individual it can create serious complications, including infections if the tube gets contaminated, increased sodium levels, and it can cause dehydration and constipation,” Cimperman added. “What would even possess people to want to walk around with a tube up their nose?”
Melinda Hemmelgarn, a registered dietitian in Columbia, Missouri, and host of the Food Sleuth radio show, told Healthline, “It’s crazy to consider sticking a tube down your nose to lose weight. It sounds to me like somebody is making a lot of money on someone else’s vulnerabilities. Just say no to this idea.”
Don’t Become Weight Obsessed
Hemmelgarn advised anyone thinking of going on a fad diet to “keep food in perspective. It’s a gift. It’s how we nourish ourselves and stay well.”
Marketing this diet to brides just plays into our weight-obsessed society, according to Hemmelgarn.
Instead, anyone preparing for marriage should nourish herself well, engage in plenty of physical activity like walking, jogging, or bike riding, and be good to herself by eating fresh, whole, minimally processed organic foods.
There is no magic bullet for long-term weight loss, said Blinten. For long-term weight control, a Mediterranean style diet focused on fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, fish, and olive oil, is one that can be healthy for life.
“We fall prey to wacko diets, but the truth is there’s no quick fix,” Blinten said. “Cutting refined carbs and replacing them with fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, cutting processed foods, and avoiding too many additives will keep you healthy in the long term.”
Cimperman said the healthiest approach to weight loss is to set realistic goals and ask yourself if your diet plan is:
- good for the long term
- includes exercise
- meets your long-term health goals.
If the answers are no, then that is a red flag, she cautioned.
Blinten advised dieters not to skip meals because your body goes into overdrive the next time you eat. That can actually cause you to eat more, not less. She suggested eating your largest meal at midday, then having a healthy afternoon snack.
“It keeps your metabolism and insulin levels more regular,” she explained.
Exercise, of course, is also vitally important. Every pound of muscle equals 50 calories burned, so a plan that includes a muscle enhancing regimen will help you reach your goal faster.
Hemmelgarn added, “Stay away from fashion magazines. They make us feel inadequate. If you are even considering this insane approach to weight loss, go for a walk … right now! It’ll clear your head.”


This modern tapestry "The First Kiss" is inspired by William Bouguereau's "Cupid and Psyche" depicted as Children (1890), and portrays these characters in a style inspired by Gustav Klimt (1862-1918). The original is a painting by Bouguereau of these two mythological characters kissing. The story is that Venus was envious of the beauty of a mortal girl Psyche, and so she asks her son Cupid to go down to earth so that when she awoken from her sleep she would fall in love with a vile creature. However Cupid scratches himself with his arrow and falls in love with Psyche. In this work we see the style of Klimt with his love of patterns and color to portray this work in new style. This modern art tapestry "The First Kiss" is backed with lining and tunnel for easy hanging. Note: tapestry rod and tassels, where pictured, are not included.


Read this article in: Spanish
An estimated 25% of North American babies receive infant formula made from processed soybeans. Parents use soy formula in the belief that is it healthier than formula based on cows’ milk. Soy promotional material claims that soy provides complete protein that is less allergenic than cows’ milk protein. When soy infant formula first became commercially available, manufacturers even promised that soy formula was “better than breast milk.”
Parents have a right to know how these extravagant claims compare to scientific findings related to soy infant formula.
While soybeans are relatively high in protein compared to other legumes, scientists have long recognized them as a poor source of protein because other proteins found in soybeans act as potent enzyme inhibitors. These “antinutrients” block the action of trypsin and other enzymes needed for protein digestion. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors depress growth and cause enlargement and pathological conditions of the pancreas, including cancer.
The soy industry recognizes that trypsin inhibitors are a problem in infant formula and have spent millions of dollars to determine the best way to remove them. Trypsin inhibitors are large, tightly folded proteins that are only deactivated after a considerable period of heat treatment. This process removes most—but not all—of the trypsin inhibitors, but has the unfortunate side effect of over-denaturing the other proteins in soy, particularly lysine, rendering them difficult to digest and possibly toxic. Even in low amounts, trypsin inhibitors prevented normal growth in rats.
The main ingredient in soy infant formula is soy protein isolate, a powder extracted from soybeans through a process that involves not only high temperatures but also caustic chemicals. The alkaline soaking solution produces a carcinogen, lysinealine, and reduces the cystine content, which is already low in the soybean. Other carcinogens called nitrosamines are formed during high temperature spray drying.
Soybeans also contain high levels of phytic acid or phytates. This is an organic acid, present in the outer portion of all seeds, which blocks the uptake of essential minerals-calcium, magnesium, iron and especially zinc-in the intestinal tract. Soybeans have very high levels of a form of phytic acid that is particularly difficult to neutralize. As early as 1967, researchers testing soy formula found that it caused negative zinc balance in every infant to whom it was given. Scientists have found a strong correlation between phytate content in formula and poor growth, even when the diets were additionally supplemented with zinc. High amounts of phytic acid in soy foods and grains have caused retarded growth in children on macrobiotic diets. A reduced rate of growth is especially serious in the infant as it causes a delay in the accumulation of lipids in the myelin, and hence jeopardizes the development of the brain and nervous system.
Soy formula can also cause vitamin deficiencies. Soy increases the body’s requirements for vitamin B12, a nutrient that is absolutely vital for good health. Early studies with soy formula indicated that soy blocks the uptake of fats. This may explain why soy seems to increase the body’s requirements for fat-soluble vitamin D.
Aluminum content of soy formula is 10 times greater than milk based formula, and 100 times greater than unprocessed milk. Aluminum has a toxic effect on the kidneys of infants, and has been implicated as causing Alzheimer’s in adults. Soy formulas lack cholesterol, another nutrient that is absolutely essential for the development of the brain and nervous system; they also lack lactose and galactose, which play an equally important role in the development of the nervous system. A number of other substances, which are unnecessary and of questionable safety, are added to soy formulas including carrageenan, guar gum, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium citrate monohydrate, tricalcium phosphate, dibasic magnesium phosphate trihydrate, BHA and BHT.
What about the claim that soy formula is less allergenic than cows milk formula? Studies indicate that allergies to soy are almost as common as those to milk. Use of soy formula to treat infant diarrhea has had mixed results, some studies showing improvement with soy formula while others show none at all.
The most serious problem with soy formula is the presence of phytoestrogens or isoflavones. While many claims have been made about the health benefits of these estrogen-like compounds, animal studies indicate that they are powerful endocrine disrupters that alter growth patterns and cause sterility. Toxicologists estimate that an infant exclusively fed soy formula receives the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. By contrast, almost no phytoestrogens have been detected in dairy-based infant formula or in human milk, even when the mother consumes soy products. A recent study found that babies fed soy-based formula had 13,000 to 22,0000 times more isoflavones in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. Scientists have known for years that isoflavones in soy products can depress thyroid function, causing autoimmune thyroid disease and even cancer of the thyroid. But what are the effects of soy products on the hormonal development of the infant, both male and female?
Male infants undergo a “testosterone surge” during the first few months of life, when testosterone levels may be as high as those of an adult male. During this period, the infant is programed to express male characteristics after puberty, not only in the development of his sexual organs and other masculine physical traits, but also in setting patterns in the brain characteristic of male behavior. In monkeys, deficiency of male hormones impairs learning and the ability to perform visual discrimination tasks-such as would be required for reading-and retards the development of spatial perception, which is normally more acute in men than in women.
It goes without saying that future patterns of sexual orientation may also be influenced by the early hormonal environment. Pediatricians are noticing greater numbers of boys whose physical maturation is delayed, or does not occur at all, including lack of development of the sexual organs. Learning disabilities, especially in male children, have reached epidemic proportions. Soy infant feeding-which floods the bloodstream with female hormones that could inhibit the effects of male hormones-cannot be ignored as a possible cause for these tragic developments.
As for girls, an alarming number are entering puberty much earlier than normal, according to a recent study reported in the journal Pediatrics. Investigators found that one percent of all girls now show signs of puberty, such as breast development or pubic hair, before the age of three; by age eight, 14.7 percent of white girls and a whopping 48.3 percent of African-American girls had one or both of these characteristics. New data indicate that environmental estrogens such as PCBs and DDE (a breakdown product of DDT) may cause early sexual development in girls and a study in Puerto Rico implicated soy feeding as a cause of early menarche. The use of soy formula in the WIC program, which supplies free formula to welfare mothers, may explain the astronomical rates of early menarche in African American girls.
The consequences are tragic. Young girls with mature bodies must cope with feelings and urges that most children are not well-equipped to handle. And early maturation in girls is frequently a harbinger for problems with the reproductive system later in life including failure to menstruate, infertility and breast cancer.
Other problems that have been anecdotally associated with children of both sexes who were fed soy-based formula include extreme emotional behavior, asthma, immune system problems, pituitary insufficiency, thyroid disorders and irritable bowel syndrome.
Concerns about the dangers of soy have prompted consumer groups in New Zealand and Canada to call for a ban on the sale of soy infant formula. Milk-based formula contains a better protein profile and does not flood the infant with antinutrients and female hormones. Breast feeding is best IF the mother has consumed a healthy diet, one that is rich in animal proteins and fats, throughout her pregnancy and continues to do so while nursing her infant. Mothers who cannot breast feed, for whatever reason, should prepare homemade formula based on whole milk for their babies. The rare child allergic to whole milk formula should be given a whole foods meat-based formula, not one made of soy protein isolate. Parents who invest time in preparing homemade formula will be well rewarded with the joys of conferring robust good health on their children.
For references and further information on soy foods and soy formula, see www.soyonlineservice.co.nz or send $12 US to Soy Alert!, PMB #106-380, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20007.
Recipes for homemade infant formula are on our website and also given in Nourishing Traditions, The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats by Sally Fallon with Mary Enig, PhD. Available for $25 plus shipping and handling from NewTrends Publishing, Inc. (877) 707-1776, or www.newtrendspublishing.com.
Copyright: ©1999 Sally Fallon. All Rights Reserved.


BERTRAND RUSSELL was a profoundly influential figure in 20th-century philosophy - and one of the most visible spokesmen for radical causes from women's suffrage to nuclear disarmament.
He was, moreover, an extraordinarily fecund correspondent. The letters chosen by editor Nicholas Griffin in "The Selected Letters of Bertrand Russell" represent only a fraction of the material in the Russell archives, but well-represent Russell's brilliant, erratic personality.
A grandson of Lord John Russell, the champion of parliamentary reform who served twice as Queen Victoria's prime minister, Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) continued in his family tradition of working for political progress while reinventing the foundations of philosophy.
Although his groundbreaking work in analytical philosophy is comprehensible to only a small number of people, Russell was known among his peers and students as a brilliant, pithy, lucid, and witty prose stylist, who made these all-but-incomprehensible concepts as comprehensible as humanly possible. Russell is one of the few philosophers ever to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, which he won in 1950.
In addition to such seminal works as "Principia Mathematica" (in which Russell, along with his collaborator Alfred North Whitehead, laid out the logical and philosophical foundations of mathematics through the use of symbolic logic), Russell wrote numerous popular books and essays on philosophy, politics, and education that eloquently addressed a more general audience.
Russell was often in the thick of political controversy throughout his 97 years. Free trade, social reform, women's rights, birth control, nuclear-arms control, and sex education were among his many causes. He was a courageously outspoken critic of British jingoism in World War I. In 1940, he was fired from a teaching post at City College of New York on the charge that his free-thinking views were a threat to student morals.
Ironically, in view of his lifelong devotion as a philosopher to establishing solid, incontrovertible groundworks for any system of thought, Russell was a man of many contradictions. In the period covered by these letters, we can discern his keen gift for analysis, his emotional volatility, and a pattern of abrupt changes in the way he perceived himself and the world in which he lived.
Young Russell initially supported his government in the Boer War on the grounds that the British Empire was a force for peace: A "war of defence," he calls it in a letter to French philosopher Louis Couturat in 1900. But as the war dragged on, Russell - as he later confided in a letter to Lady Ottiline Morrell - had "a sudden `conversion,' a change of heart, which brought with it a love of humanity and a horror of force, and incidentally made me a pro-Boer."
Sudden conversions were a hallmark in the emotional life of this supremely rationalistic philosopher. He fell in love with his first wife, Alys Pearsall Smith, at first sight, only to discover himself out of love with her seven years into their marriage. Nearly a decade later, Russell (still married to Alys) fell wildly in love with Lady Morrell, who would later gain fame as a political-literary hostess and arts patron.
Russell's adolescence, his long courtship of Alys, his attempts at formulating a "logical" foundation for mathematics, his intimate friendships with sympathetic, intellectual women, his increasingly troubled marriage, and his passionate love affair with Morrell are among the main events covered in these letters, aptly entitled "The Private Years."
Griffin, himself a professor of philosophy, has limited his selections (with the single exception of Russell's first letter to the German mathematician Gottlob Frege) to those that have not previously been published in full. Letters dealing with the more technical aspects of philosophy have also been omitted, leaving an astonishing collection of intensely revealing, self-scrutinizing, profoundly personal letters, which, coupled with Griffin's fine notes and lively commentary, unfold a life story with all
the psychological drama and detail of a Russian novel.
Those who are puzzled by the fact that wise and brilliant people often make foolish choices will find a great deal of food for thought in these letters, not the least of which is this observation by Russell himself: "I believe that it is impossible to apply theoretical ethics to politics, or even to private life, for the circumstances are so complicated that one would not know how to do the necessary reasoning. It is necessary, therefore, to appeal directly to common sense for middle axioms." But as Russ ell's letters eloquently illustrate, the search for common-sense solutions can sometimes be as arduous as the conquest of symbolic logic.


Weather forecasting is a typical combination of science and technology to foresee the atmospheric and environmental condition of a particular region. Weather forecasting is about collecting quantitative data of atmosphere of a particular location and processing this data through various scientific techniques to predict the atmospheric change. There are several weather forecasting systems available in the market comprised of various components including sensors, communication devices, computing systems, and software. These systems are typically used for collecting, processing, and interpreting the atmospheric data and transmitting this information to various channel across the globe.
Weather warnings play a significant role to protect life and property. From the end user's perspective, agriculture and defense sectors hold maximum potential for weather forecasting system market.
Equipment and Component Used in Weather Forecasting
Increasing safety and security concerns from any undesired climatic change is fueling the growth of weather forecasting systems market. A reliable prediction of weather in stipulated time can lead to significant cost savings or even enhance the fight against pollution, natural disasters, and ecological catastrophes. Additionally, weather forecasting system has witnessed traction in the market due to rising demand in military applications such as continuous weather updates and air traffic control. Continuous technological advancements in the computing systems are expected to enhance the capabilities of weather forecasting systems which would enable it to predict and display accurate weather in the near future.
This is the biggest challenge for this industry is the complexity of the systems. Weather forecasting systems are complex in nature and requires trained professional to operate the weather forecasting systems.
Segmentation of weather forecasting system market on the basis of forecast types:
In the short range weather forecast, forecast projection can range from few hours to 3 days for a particular region and areas covering a few million square kilometers. Current forecasting techniques comprise dynamic prediction models based on an application of compressible mechanics to the atmosphere. The normal range forecasting provides information necessary for weather prediction used for applications such as aviation and ship routing.
Medium range forecasting systems are used to predict weather and forecast it for 7 to 10 days. It works on global atmospheric models and follows the synoptic scale weather system phenomena. This forecasting method is essential for various weather sensitive activities such as farming operations, predicting flood, and water resource management.
The range of long or extended forecast is between 10 to 30 days. When predicting the climate, long-range forecast systems are generally on a seasonal timescale or longer. The success of this forecasting method is pretty much dependent on the finite knowledge and insights of ocean and atmosphere.
In North America, the continuous improvements in weather satellites and weather stations are contributing immensely to the weather forecasting system market. In the U.S. itself, 12 commercial weather stations and 18 weather satellites have been deployed by the U.S. government.
The weather forecasting system market in Asia-Pacific region is witnessing modest growth rate due to rapid industrialization and growth of transportation industry in the countries such as China and India. Factors such as increasing the growth of air and sea transport and dependency on rainfall for water for better economic conditions in developing regions are also contributing to the growth of Asia-Pacific weather forecasting market. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa offers potential investment opportunities for leading market players due to which, the weather forecasting systems market is expected to have substantial growth in this region during the forecast period.
Airmar Technology Corporation, Thales Group, Lockheed Martin Corporation, All Weather, Inc., Columbia Weather System Inc., Skye Instruments Ltd, and Morcom International, Inc. are key players of global weather forecasting systems market.
The report covers exhaustive analysis on:
Regional analysis includes


In this lesson, I will focus on how to start and end your French letter: you will find many precise expressions used right at the beginning and at the end of a letter in French.
French people (or rather French business relations) will be more forgiving if you make mistakes in the core of the text, but for example writing “ma chérie” to a friend could send the wrong message. And choosing an unapropriate letter ending like “bisous” for a business partner would be a big faux-pas!
So let’s study some French letter vocabulary.
1- Starting Your French Letter
Before you even start writing your French letter, you need to select the correct title.
- If you don’t know who you are writing to, start your letters by “Messieurs”.
- If you are addressing your letter to “le Responsable des livraisons” but you still don’t know his/her name, start your letter with “Monsieur,” (even if you don’t know whether the person is a man or a woman).
- If you know the name of the person, start your letter by “Monsieur X, or Madame X,”.
- If it is someone you know, you met, or if you are answering to someone who wrote you first, then you can start with “Cher Monsieur X,” or “Chère Madame X,” if you feel like being a bit more friendly, not if you write to complain!
- If it’s a friend, start with “Cher Pierre,” ” Chère Anne,” [adblock]
Never write (Cher) Monsieur Pierre, nor (Cher) Monsieur Pierre X.
Watch out with “chéri(e)” (do say the final “i”), we use it only with very close family and people you are in love with. Never with friends, although we did about 50 years ago. But is has changed.
2- How to End Your French Letter
A typical way to introduce the ending greeting for a business letter is “dans l’attente de vous lire, je vous….”
a – French Business Letters (or Very Formal Letters)
- If it’s VERY formal, write: “Je vous prie d’agréer, repeat the title as you started your letter, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.”
- If it’s VERY formal, but you are the one providing the service or the good, write: “Je vous prie d’agréer, repeat the title as you started your letter, l’expression de mes salutations dévouées.”
- A bit less formal: “Je vous prie d’agréer, repeat the title as you started your letter, l’expression de mes meilleures salutations.”
- Still formal but you know the person – not a friend, but it’s a personal relationship, not business: “Je vous prie d’agréer, repeat the title as you started your letter, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.” For example, you are writing to the oncle of your friend, to thank him for giving you the name of a plumber. And they are a very formal family: “Je vous prie d’agréer, Cher Monsieur Dupont (or even Cher Frank if you are on a first name basis), l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.”
- One step less formal, but still quite business like, good for emails for example (note these end on the comma): “Meilleures salutations,” – “Salutations distinguées,” both kind of “regards”.
- If it’s a not too formal situation, even for a professional relationship, you can write: “Cordialement,” this is kind of like “regards” to “warm regards” or “Bien à vous”, yours truly.
b – French Letters For Acquaintances, Friends or Family
With acquaintances, or friends who are quite formal – or older, you write: “Amicalement,” or “Je vous adresse toute mon amitié,” kind of like “warmest regards”.
With closer friends and family your write:
- More formal : “Affectueusement”, “affectueuses pensées” kind of like “Fondly”, or “Je vous embrasse” which is “hug and kisses” but using the formal “vous”,
- Less formal: “Je t’ embrasse (bien fort),” or “Gros bisous,” , “Grosses bises,” or “Bisous,” , the equivalent of “hugs and kisses”
- Absolutely not formal: “Bizoux”, “bizoudou”… kind of like xoxo
Note that for all these expressions, the “vous” can also be used as a plural, and in this case may, or may not be as formal.
3 – If you are Typing, Watch out for the Punctuation
Some rules of punctuation used when typing out a text are different in French than in English.
- Un point d’exclamation ! Un point d’interrogation ? Space BEFORE and after
- Les deux points : un point virgule ; space BEFORE and after
- Une virgule, a comma – no space before, space after
- Un point. A period – no space before, space after
- Trois petits points (also called les points de suspension)… – no space before, space after
- ” les guillemets ” ouvrez les guillemets – fermez les guillemets – space after/before
- (les parenthèses) no space
4 – Cultural Remark About French Letters
I found that writing thank you notes is less frequent in France than in the US.
We also have a much smaller market for greeting/special occasion cards and don’t send out these too often.
In very posh families, it’s not uncommon to have a special pad made out with your name at the top, and you use that to answer invitations or send thank you notes. But it’s disappearing nowadays.
5 – How To Write the Name on Your French Letter
You’ll write the address in the front of the letter, pretty much the same way you’d do anywhere in the US or Europe.
For the name, you have plenty of options: so let’s take my name for example.
My first name is Camille.
My maiden name is Chevalier.
My married name is Chevalier-Karfis (hyphenated names are not common for French people: most wives would just take their husband’s last name).
My husband’s first name is Olivier.
His last name is Karfis.
So you could write:
- Camille Chevalier-Karfis – straight and to the point – that’s the one I would use for a business kind of letter
- Madame Camille Chevalier-Karfis – pretty common in standard automated business letters
- Madame Chevalier-Karfis – that’s the one I would use if I wrote a personal letter
- Madame Olivier Karfis – very very old-fashioned and a tad snob. Using my husband’s first name and last name to define me… That’s the one my Mom would use.
6 – How to Write the Address on Your French Letter
Then you’d go from the smaller to the bigger entity: start with the name (if it’s the business letter, then maybe the title, department, certainly the name of the company), Apartment number, po box, street number and address, zip code, town (sometimes followed by Cedex + a number in French).
63 rue de Goas Plat
It’s my actual address: feel free to write me a letter, a postcard, send me gifts :-)
7 – Where to Write Your Return Address on Your French Letter
In France, the return address is written in the back of the letter, at the very top, across the width of the letter. However that can be confusing for your home country.
So, as a precaution, when sending a letter internationally, I always write “from” and then cross the return address, just in case (as shown on the picture of the envelope featured above)
This “from” in French would be “de:”, or “de la part de:”, or “expéditeur:”.
Voilà, I hope this article will help you next time you write a letter in French. I post new articles every week, so make sure you subscribe to the French Today newsletter – or follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Check my audio lesson for more French expressions of politeness.
If you liked this article, you may also enjoy my article on “la bonne éducation and la bourgeoisie française”
Good luck with your French studies and I’m looking forward to talking to you on Facebook/FrenchToday.


The image that is produced with Thermal Transfer labels is compatible with a variety of environments. Printers that use ribbons will have a system to hold and control the ribbon during printing to prevent ribbon wrinkling and monitoring ribbon out conditions.
How do printer ribbons work?
There is a spring on the printer head that allows the paper to come into contact with the ink. When heat is applied to the paper and ink, the ink sticks to the paper because it is melted by the heat.
What is printer ribbon made of?
Wax/resin ribbons are popular due to the fact that many labs require durable, yet flexible labels. Resin RIBBONS can be used to print on any type of plastic label.
How long do printer ribbons last?
We recommend keeping supplies for no more than one year, since the shelf life varies by manufacturer. Printer ribbons are more prone to rip or tear as they age.
Does a thermal printer use a ribbon?
A thermal printer uses heat to print. It only uses a special type of heat-sensitive material that blackens when heat is applied.
How long do thermal transfer ribbons last?
The thermal ribbons can be kept for two years before they become useless.
What are Zebra ribbons?
The zebra print ribbon is an awareness ribbon for rare diseases and cancers including but not limited to neuroendocrine tumors, carcinoid cancer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and awareness of other rare diseases.
Can I print on satin ribbon?
This material can be seen in a print. Due to its low price, we have customers who use it, even though it isn’t as bold as some of the other types of ribbon. It is used in floral arrangements and can be used outside.
What is acetate ribbon used for?
It’s a bright and brilliant type of ribbon that’s perfect for gift wrapping, floral arrangements, crafts and do it yourself projects. It can be used at weddings, parties, and other events.
How does a thermal transfer ribbon work?
Thermal transfer technology uses heat-sensitive carbon ribbon, which is melted onto the substrate as it passes over a hot print head. The images and texts are printed onto the label. Depending on the media and printer used, you can choose the right ribbon.


- In 2010, Sam’s Club collected 236,000 gallons of grease, with 611,000 pounds recycled into biofuels (enough to power 18 semi trucks for 1 year) and 1.2 million pounds recycled into animal feed (equivalent to feeding more than 5,000 chickens for one year).
- The grease trap required traditionally held 2,500 gallons. However, according to Sam's Club, because of this program, the trap has been reduced to only 1,500 gallons.
There are about 250,000 people a day who pass through Stockholm Central Station. They in themselves generate a bit of heat. But they also do a lot of activities. They buy food, they buy drinks, they buy newspapers and they buy books. All this energy generates an enormous amount of heat. So why shouldn't we use this heat. It's there. If we don't use it then it will just be ventilated away to no avail. -- Klas Johnasson, one of the system's creators and head of Jernhusen's environmental divisionThe commuters in the train station aren't left out in the cold to warm the office dwellers across the street. What happens is Central Station is heated appropriately, and then heat exchangers in the ventilation system convert excess body heat into hot water, which is then pumped into the office's heating system. This isn't the first instance of body heat harvest, but it is the first to figure out how to transfer energy to a different location. Can you imagine how much clean, renewable energy could be generated by the sofa-slipcover-seeking hoards of the 316 Ikea stores worldwide? Sounds like a match made in Sweden.
The EPA’s regulation only applies to mobile sources, not stationary sources like power plants. Thus—and here is the kicker—until the EPA actually starts regulating all sources of carbon dioxide, the Court said that it can’t really determine whether or not displacement has occurred. This holding is potentially significant, because it can put polluters in a real bind. Their normal strategy is to tie up new regulations in the courts for several years—maybe until they can get a more friendly administration. But now, the Second Circuit has told them that the only way to get rid of the public nuisance lawsuit is to let those regulations go into effect. The judges have told the power companies to choose their poison.The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the appeal in March 2011.
It’s easy to forget that each time we turn on a light, we are contributing to the ecological damage caused by the coal that generates electricity in this country. The Last Mountain gives us plenty of reasons to remember. Contaminated air, soil, and water; coal dust, cancer clusters, and toxic sludge are all by-products of this widespread energy source. Focusing on the devastating effects of mountaintop coal removal in West Virginia’s Coal River Valley, filmmaker Bill Haney illustrates the way residents and activists are standing up to the industry and major employer that is so deeply embedded in the region. With strong support from Bobby Kennedy Jr. and grassroots organizations, awareness is rising in the battle over Appalachian mountaintop mining. Forces are aligning to prevent coal removal on Coal River Mountain and preserve the region’s precious natural resources. Superb storytelling and exquisite photography combine to remind us that this environmental calamity impacts us all.If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDBb1F2tiNs
Marshall Curry’s documentary tells a timely story of political action and environmental beliefs at loggerheads. His reconstruction of the recent history and unraveling of the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is a fascinating exploration of a modern revolutionary movement and its efficacy. Fusing fervent concerns about ecological imbalance and capitalism run amok, ELF members and sleeper cells employed economic sabotage by destroying facilities involved in deforestation to remove the profit potential from companies wreaking environmental destruction. Focusing on Oregon-based activist Daniel McGowan, Curry relates the tale of a mild-mannered, middle-class citizen driven to extremes and brought to trial on charges of terrorism for his participation in ELF-related arson plots. Detailing activists’ past disillusionment with public protest—and the police brutality and inertia that often followed—the film poses difficult questions about the possibility of effecting change from either within or without the system and examines the changed stakes for revolutionaries today in a world fixated on branding all dissenters as terrorists.
Carbonfund.org supports domestic and international renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions. All of their projects meet the highest standards and are third-party validated to ensure every donation is making a positive impact. By playing Trash Tycoon, users are supporting clean technology and reduction projects that drive investment and innovation, and hasten the market transformation to a low carbon future.Carbonfund.org and Guerillapps hope Trash Tycoon can harness the power of Social Networking games to help teach consumers about the environment and resource conservation, and, with the use of in-game campaigns featuring social goods, rally players together to help in the fight against climate change by contributing to carbon offset projects while enjoying game play. Trash Tycoon was created by GUERILLAPPS, a company building online social games that tie in with real-world brands and activities. “With the help of Carbonfund.org, we are able to gamify charity donation, make it fun and give back to the environment,” said Raviv Turner, Co-Founder & CEO of Guerillapps.


There is a potential flaw in Atul Gawande’s BetterBirth Project, which seeks to spread safer childbirth practices through neonatal intervention. In another initiative, in the nineteen-eighties, a group of Western mid worked in remote villages in Nepal to teach local birth attendants how to prevent neonatal tetanus, which was killing large numbers of infants. With immunization clinics, the group was able to achieve measurable improvements in neonatal survival. But the death rate of children under five years remained stubbornly high. Many of those who might have died as were doomed to die as toddlers. The innovations cannot stop with improved neonatal mortality statistics.
Mike Witte, M.D.
Point Reyes Station, Calif.
Gawande begins with an example of an innovation that spread rapidly after 1846: William Morton’s use of gas to render patients insensible to pain. This advance has been pondered elsewhere, however, as a discovery that surgeons were agonizingly slow to adopt. In 1800, the English chemist and inventor Humphry Davy, in his book «Researches» described the anesthetic properties of nitrous oxide, remarking, «As nitrous oxide in its extensive operation appears capable of destroying physical pain, it may probably be used with advantage in surgical operations». This discovery caught the attention of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, to whom Daw’s publisher sent «Researches». Richard Holmes, who tells the story in some detail in his book «The Age of Wonder: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science», relates that Coleridge wrote to Davy, pressing him to pursue the matter with Coleridge’s friend Sir Anthony Carlisle, a leading London surgeon. Yet nearly half a century of excruciating pain for surgical patients was to pass before the date when Gawande takes up the story. Holmes suggests that the best explanation for the failure to adopt anesthesia is that surgeons — who prided themselves on the speed with which they operated and on their psychological mastery of pain — were simply unable to conceive of the idea of painless surgery.
Daniel Mark Fogel Professor of English University of Vermont Burlington, Vt.
Gawande details the positive effects of community mobilization, and sending trained community health workers into the field certainly helps reduce neonatal and maternal mortality. However, if cultural influences are not also dealt with, these deaths will not be significantly reduced. The social mores include the need for women to get permission to seek health services from their husbands, low male-partner involvement, and lack of family planning and contraception counselling. Each country has its own unique context, and holistic strategies should be tailored to each one. Indeed, successful adoption of these «ideas» and their implementation cannot happen without strong political will, good governance, and stewardship.
Harry Strulovici, M.D.
New York City
In order to alter the preëxisting norms of a health-care environment, one must understand that certain protocols may not necessarily have been ignored but were instead «re-prioritized». It is entirely conceivable that the nurse in Gawande’s article who neglected to check a nowborn temperature properly, thus exposing the child to a cascade of risks, may have reevaluated its importance under institutional pressure, some of winch derives from limited personnel. Indeed, the U.S. health system is no stranger to the consequences of understaffing and budget cuts. In this country, health-care institutions have developed an affinity for patient-satisfaction scores that are seen as more potent leverage than basic safety measures like adequate staffing. After all, customer service, and the numbers it generates, correlates with funding. No idea occurs in a vacuum; innovation must compete against a myriad of standards, financial or otherwise, and this competition occurs on a daily basis in our own hospitals and clinics.
Jen Tung New York City
Gawande nicely contrasts medical acceptance of anesthesia, pioneered by William Morton, and medical resistance to prevention of sepsis, advocated by Joseph Lister. The contrast is even stronger with Lister’s predecessor Ignaz Semmelweis, who proposed in 1847 that childbed fever could be reduced if doctors washed their hands before seeing patients. His later publications, in 1858 and 1861, despite evidence of clinical success, were met with attack and ostracism, and Semmelweis died, insane, in 1865, the year that Lister began using carbolic acid as an antiseptic. One likely difference in reception is that Morton gave physicians something new, whereas Semmelweis faulted them for what they were already doing.
E. Bruce Brooks Amherst, Mass.
Gawande’s otherwise excellent piece dodges the hardest issue in health care in the developing world: how to stem explosive population growth. If birth-control teaching is omitted from rural health teams, the very methods Gawande espouses to decrease infant mortality, improve maternal health, and prevent diarrheal deaths will only contribute to the overgrowth of humanity. Yet Gawande does no more than mention in passing the «fifty-per-cent increase in the world’s population in the past three decades». Health efforts uncoupled from population control will exacerbate the ongoing anthropogenic environmental catastrophe.
Glenn Vanstrum, M.D.
San Diego, Calif.