Words of quantity sometimes behave in a different manner. Words with quantitative meanings can be nouns (multo, kelko etc), adjectives (multa, pluraj etc), adverbs (multe, sufiĉe etc), and adverbial particles (pli, tiom etc).
Kiam mi ien veturas, mi neniam prenas kun mi multon da pakaĵo. - When I travel somewhere I never take a lot of baggage with me.
Tiam grandega multo da vortoj fariĝus en la skribado tute nediferencigeblaj unu de alia. - Then a large number of words would, in writing, become indistinguishable one from the other.
Grammatically nediferencigeblaj relates to multo, but has a J-ending, because in its meaning it correlates strongly with vortoj. In fact the sentence would become quite strange if one were to say nediferencigebla without the J, because the expression following, unu de alia, imposes the idea of several individuals or items. Compare with the following example: Grandega multo da vortoj fariĝas tute senbezona por lernado.
Instead of multo and malmulto we usually prefer the adverbial forms multe and malmulte.
En la kelo troviĝas multe da rubaĵoj. - The the cellar there is a lot of rubbish.
Multe (a lot of) is the subject. One can also say multo da rubaĵoj.
El ŝia buŝo eliris kelke da perloj kaj kelke da diamantoj. - Out of her mouth came a few pearls and a few diamonds.
La riĉulo havas multe da mono. - The rich guy has a lot of money.
Multe is an object, but it can't take the N-ending because it is an adverb.
Mi havas sufiĉe da laboro. - I have enough work.
Similarly you can use adverbial particles of quantity.
Ĉu vi scias, kiom estis da mortigitoj? - Do you know how many fatalities there were?
Kiom is the subject of estis.
Prenu tiom da mono, kiom vi volas. - Take as much money as you want.
Tiom and kiom are objects.
Pri tiom da feliĉo mi eĉ ne sonĝis, kiam mi estis ankoraŭ la malbela anasido! - About that much happiness I never even dreamt, when I was still an ugly duckling!
Restas ankoraŭ iom da problemoj. - Some problems still remain.
Observu pli da ordo! - Keep more order!
When an adverb of quantity is followed by a da-expression, it may often appear that the adverb is not the main word, but that the noun after the da-expression is the main word. For the meaning, the da-expression is more important, but from the grammar angle the adverb is the main word. But when an adverb of quantity + a da-expression has a modifier then usually this description relates to the da-expression although it is not the main word: Multe da akvo estis verŝita sur ĝin. But if a da-expression is not present, you can relate the description only to the adverb, and consequently one must use the E-form: Multe estis farite.
Adjectives of quantity instead of adverbs of quantity.
En la subtegmento troviĝas multaj malnovaj vestaĵoj. ≈ ...multe/multo da malnovaj vestaĵoj. - In the attic many old articles of clothing can be found.≈ ...a lot of old clothes.
La riĉulo havas multan monon. ≈ ...multe/multo da mono. - The rich person has much money. ≈ ...a great deal of money.
There is however a difference of nuance. Multaj and kelkaj can be used with regard to individual, separate things, and also with regard to an indistinguishable mass of something. Multe and kelke can only be used with an indistinguishable mass. So one cannot say: Kelke da homoj sentas sin la plej feliĉaj, kiam ili vidas la suferojn de siaj najbaroj. One must say Kelkaj homoj..., because we're talking about the feelings of each person taken individually.
Degree and quantity are quite distinct, but sometimes they look similar.
tre = "to a high degree, with great intensity"
multe = "in a large amount, of long duration, often repeated"
Ĝi estas tre bona. - It is very good.
Tie troviĝas tre grandaj domoj. - Very big houses are to be found there.
Mi havas multe da mono. - I have a lot of money.
Ŝi multe pensis pri tio. = Ŝi longe pensis pri tio. - She thought a lot about that. = She thought about that for a long time.
Kiu multe parolas, ne multe faras. - Whoever talks a lot, does not do much.
Li tre multe helpis al mi. - He helped me a great deal.
Tre modifies multe. Multe modifies helpis.
Ĝi estis multe pli granda ol antaŭe. - It was a lot bigger than before.
Ĝi fariĝis multe tro nigra. - It became much too black.
Vi estas tiel bela, tiel bona kaj tiel honesta, ke mi devas fari al vi donacon. - You are so beautiful, so good and so honest that I must give you a present.
One can say:tre bela, tre bona and tre honesta.
La nokto estis tiel malluma, ke ni nenion povis vidi eĉ antaŭ nia nazo. - The night was so dark that we could see nothing, even in front of our noses.
Mi volas tiom da terpomoj, kiom mi povas porti. - I want as many potatoes as I can carry.
One can say: volas multe and povas porti multe.
Ŝi tiom laboris, ke ŝi fariĝis ĉefo de la firmao. - She worked so much that she became the boss of the company.
One can say: multe laboris.
Before multe we often prefer tiom, because multe is a word of quantity: Nun li estis ja riĉa, havante tiom multe da mono.Or ... havante tiel multe da mono. Or ...havante tiom da mono.
Kiom and tiom are sometimes used with degree instead of kiel and tiel, when one wants to strongly emphasize. This is all right. But some Esperantists use only kiom and tiom instead of kiel and tiel to show degree as if they were always emphasizing, for example: Mi estas tiom forta, kiom vi. Compare this with a sentence from the Fundamento: Mi estas tiel forta, kiel vi. This tendency, this "tiom-kiom-ism" is totally foreign to the Fundamento and to Zamenhof's own usage. Besides that, people who constantly use tiom-kiom lose the ability to use tiom and kiom for emphasis.


Is there a diet for metabolic syndrome? Studies have shown that diet can affect metabolic syndrome, and there are dietary precautions you can take to avoid the syndrome and to help if you have it.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic risk factors in one individual that put them at higher risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. It is currently estimated that over 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome.
Insulin resistance can often lead to all of the above symptoms. It develops gradually over a lifetime as your body no longer is capable of producing a normal insulin response to the foods you eat. It often comes about by intake of foods that tax your body's pancreatic system, including refined grains and sugars. There are a number of other factors that may also cause insulin resistance, such as Vitamin D deficiency, Cushing's syndrome, excess fructose in the diet (usually in the form of high-fructose corn syrup) and inflammation.
Is There a Diet for Metabolic Syndrome?
Since dietary elements such as high fast food intake and diet soda seem to be associated with metabolic syndrome, reducing and/or avoiding intake of these foods can help with prevention and treatment of the syndrome. Additional dietary tips are proffered for management of the diseases and conditions that accompany metabolic syndrome, and are focused around lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol and controlling inflammation and blood sugar.
Eat fewer calories by controlling portion size and selecting foods that are lower in fat and sugar.
Instead of eating full-fat dairy, eat skim dairy.
Don't eat anything with trans-fats in it.
Have at least one meatless dinner each week.
Eat lean protein such as skinless white meat poultry and fish.
Limit your intake of eggs and cheese.
Eat more whole grains such as oatmeal, puffed-grain cereals and whole grain pastas.
Eat more fruit and vegetables - at least five servings per day.
Snack on fruit and veggies instead of traditional snack foods.
Incorporate fish into your diet at least three times per week in order to promote a healthy Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acid balance.
Supplement with a high-quality fish oil.
Make wiser carbohydrate choices that minimize the "white foods" such as white rice, potatoes and corn. Instead, substitute brown or wild rice, sweet potatoes and lentils.
Skip dessert and avoid processed sugars.
Drink water or decaffeinated tea rather than juice, soda and coffee.
Incorporate legumes like kidney beans into your diet.
Make sure you get adequate intake of vitamin D, either through supplementation, enriched dairy products or sun exposure.
Avoid foods containing fructose and high fructose corn syrup (also called HCFS). Read labels to determine all of the hidden sources of this ubiquitous ingredient.
Shop around the edges of the grocery store and avoid the aisles. The edges contain the least processed, healthiest foods such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy.
Caloric intake requirements are highly individual. A good way to calculate your own unique caloric needs is to use a good basal metabolic rate calculator that takes into account your activity levels. For best results, eat an amount of calories that falls between your basal metabolic calculation and your activity calculation each day.
Work with your doctor to see if supplementation can help to reduce the symptoms of metabolic syndrome. There is some evidence that chromium picolinate and vanadium may help individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome. Before self-prescribing any supplements, always check with a qualified health care practitioner.
Metabolic syndrome is manageable with a combination of diet and exercise. Before undertaking any diet, including a diet for metabolic syndrome, always check with your health care practitioner.


How do trends in other industries affect the company's income?
Have there been changes from year to year in key areas of its balance sheet or income statements?
The answers to these questions may point to any number of explanations. For example, a review of the customer activity logs may show a sudden decrease in revenues from a major client. Further investigation may show that several customers have switched their business to a new competitor in the market. It may turn out that one spouse is a partner in the competing business, which was set up for the express purpose of siphoning off key accounts from the existing business to reduce its value in the divorce settlement.
Just as an understanding of the company in question can help a forensic accountant unearth unusual patterns or trends in its business, so can a thorough knowledge of the industry. Trends within the industry as a whole, as well as with the business's competitors in particular, affect the business.
What are common levels of expenses?
If a forensic accountant suspects that a business owner is siphoning off assets from the company by cooking the books, he or she should look at statistics from similar companies. As a rule, two companies with similar levels of business will likely have similar levels of expenditures, but if one is spending twice what the other spends for supplies, there might be a problem.
Unearthing hidden assets can be a painstaking process because the spouse involved in the business may have taken steps to cover his or her tracks in anticipation of the increased level of scrutiny. Careful investigation of the company and the industry (as well as consideration of other factors, such as the individuals involved) can often reveal the trends that will show an investigator how and where assets have been moved.


or Edward syndrome) or birth defect (such as heart problems).
It's important to remember that this is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. If the test shows there might be a problem, another test must be done to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Should I Have a First Trimester Screen?
The screen is considered safe, but it's your decision whether or not to have it. The benefit of screening in the first trimester is more time for parents to prepare for or address any health problems their baby may have.
False-positive results are when women whose results show high risk for a chromosomal abnormality go on to have healthy babies.
False-negative results are when women whose results show low risk have a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about these screenings or your results.
What Happens During a First Trimester Screen?
The blood sample is taken with a finger prick or a regular blood draw. It measures the levels of two proteins. Abnormal levels can mean that the baby has a higher-than-average risk of a chromosomal abnormality.
During the ultrasound, the woman lies on her back while an ultrasound probe glides across her lower belly. Sound waves bounce off the baby's bones and tissues to make an image of the fetus. This can show the thickness of the space in the back of the baby's neck. Extra fluid in the back of the neck may point to a higher risk of a chromosomal disorder.
Women whose results show a high risk for carrying a baby with a chromosomal abnormality are offered diagnostic testing, usually through chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in the first trimester or amniocentesis in the second trimester.
Those who are not shown to be high risk in the first trimester are still offered a second trimester screening. That screening, which consists of more blood tests, checks for chromosomal abnormalities and neural tube defects, and helps to confirm the findings from the first trimester screen.
When Should I Have a First Trimester Screening?
The blood screening is usually done between 9 and 14 weeks. Women who also get an ultrasound have one between 11 and 14 weeks.
Blood screening results usually are ready within a week or two. Ultrasound results can be immediate.
When both the blood test and ultrasound are done, doctors usually calculate the results together. This is called a combined first trimester screening.
Not all doctors calculate a woman's risk this way. Some wait until after a woman has had other screenings in the second trimester. This is called an integrated screening. Other practitioners don't do first trimester ultrasounds, instead determining a woman's risk using the results of her first trimester and second trimester blood screenings. This is called a serum integrated screening.
How your doctor calculates your results depends on your age, health risks, and the services available at the provider's office.


Anne Quatrano is one of the most accomplished chefs in the United States. Along with her husband, award-winning chef Clifford Harrison, she operates four of Atlanta’s most celebrated restaurants—Bacchanalia, Floataway Café, Quinones, and Abattoir as well as a cook’s market, Star Provisions. Named Best Chef of the Southeast by the James Beard Foundation and Best New Chef by Food & Wine, Quatrano has been featured in The New York Times, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, and Bon Appetit.
Summerland: Recipes for Celebrating with Southern Hospitality 3.5 out of 5 based on 0 ratings. 2 reviews.
Beautiful photography and great recipes, especially for the sophisticated southern cook.
My roots are in the South, and I was raised on Southern cooking. I was excited to see a book on Southern cooking, but refined. I was not expecting a book that was so "refined" in most places it in no way resembled any Southern cooking I've ever known! "Kumamoto Oysters with Caviar and Champagne Gelée", "Broccoli Soup with Sabayon and Shaved Perigord Truffle", "Potted Quail Livers", "Caramelized Onions, Olive Soil, and White Anchovies on Dark Bread" (No, that is not a typo, it's actually "olive soil"). Where are these people from? Well, they may have moved to the South, but he's from Hawaii and she's from Connecticut. I think a lot of that shines through in these recipes. There are some good, basic recipes that are very Southern in here that are worth cooking, like "Shirred Farm Eggs", "Summerland Farm Egg Custard", and "Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon" to name a few. There are even a few authentic dishes that I WOULDN'T recommend--can you say "Head Cheese"?!? Seriously, though, if you are looking for true Southern cooking that's just a little healthier or a little more upscale, I don't know if this is for you. If you're looking to impress someone with fancy food which may or may not resemble Southern cooking at all, this is probably the book for you. I received a copy of this book from Rizzoli International Publications through The Lisa Eskus Group for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Every Hanzi (Chinese word) consists of only one syllable, and generates only one sound. A syllable is composed of five main parts: initial(声母 shēng mǔ), conjunction vowel (介母音 jiè mǔ yīn), main vowel (主要母音 zhǔ yào mǔ yīn), ending (尾音 wěi yīn) and tone (声调 shēng diào). Initials are usually referred to the English consonants. There are 21 consonants in Chinese Pinyin system. They can be clustered into several groups of initials, such as Lip Sound Initials: b,p, m, f (双唇音 shuāng chún yīn); Tongue-Tip Initials: d, t, n, l (舌尖音 shé jiān yīn); Tongue-Base Initials: g,k,h (舌根音 shé gēn yīn); Flat-Tongue Initials: j,q,x (平舌音 píng shé yīn); Curled-Tongue Initials: zhi, chi, shi, ri (卷舌音 juǎn shé yīn); and Non-Curled-Tongue Initials: zi, ci, si (非卷舌音 fēi juǎn shé yīn). Generally speaking, a consonant needs a vowel to make a sound.
Conjunction Vowel (介韵母 jiè yùn mǔ), Main Vowe (主要韵母 zhǔ yào yùn mǔ), Ending (尾音wěi yīn) and Tone (声调 shēng diào) compose the so-called "Final" part. Conjunction vowels are also referred to the medial if followed by other main vowels. The three conjunction vowels are i, u, ǚ. Please note that "i, u, ǚ" can also be the main vowels (classified as single vowels when there are no any vowel(s) placed after them.
Vowels (韵母) include Single Vowels: a o, e, ě, i, u, ǚ (单韵母 dān yùn mǔ); Double Vowels or Compound Vowels: ai, ei, ao, ou (双韵母 shuāng yùn mǔ), Nasal Vowels: an, en, ang, eng (鼻韵母 bí yùn mǔ), Curled-Tongue Vowels: er (卷舌韵母 juǎn shé yùn mǔ); I-Prefix Joined Vowels: ia, ie,iai, iao, iu, ian, in, iang, ing (I-中介的韵母 I zhōng jiè de yùn mǔ); U-Prefix Joined Vowels: ua, uo, uai, ui, uan, un, uang, ong (U-中介的韵母 U zhōng jiè de yùn mǔ); and ǚ-Prefix Joined Vowels: ǚe, ǚan, ǚn, iong (ǚ-中介的韵母 ǚ zhōng jiè de yùn mǔ).
In each Chinese syllable, the Initial, Conjunction Vowel or Ending might not exist. However every Chinese syllable always contain a "Vowel" and a 'Tone'.
Now, we take "hǎo"(interpreted as "good" or "fine") as an example. "h" is an initial, "ao" is the main vowels (double vowels). And tone is marked on the top of the first main vowel "ǎ". There are no conjunction and ending in this syllable. We can also examine "China", this two-syllable Chinese term, "Zhōng-Guó”. In "Zhōng", "Zh" is an initial; "o" is the main vowel; and "ng" is the ending. Tone is marked on the top of the main vowel "ō". This "Zhōng" syllable is lack of a conjunction vowel. As for the syllable, "Guó", "G" is an initial, "u" is the conjunction vowel, "o" is the main vowel, and the tone is marked on the top of the main vowel "ó" instead of the conjunction vowel, "u".
There are approximately 400 Chinese syllables generated from the combination of initials and finals. If four tones are added, the numbers of the total syllables will exceed 1200. The following table shows the matrix of the different groups classified from initials and vowels respectively. The blanks on the table indicate no such sound exist from the Chinese pronunciation.


1. Put propeller snugly onto shaft taper WITHOUT key in either keyway (propeller or shaft).
2. Make sure the propeller is snug and there is no side to side movement by gently moving propeller back and forth.
3. Make a line on the shaft with a non-graphite marker at the forward end of the propeller where it butts up against the shaft taper.
5. Put key into keyway on shaft taper with radiused or chamfered corners (down) in shaft keyway (if propeller shaft keyway has radiused corners).
6. Put propeller onto shaft taper.
7. Measure the distance between the back of your propeller hub to the strut bearing. The distance should not be greater than your shaft diameter to avoid possible vibration.
a) Remove propeller from shaft.
b) Place a file on a flat surface area or work bench.
c) Run opposite end of chamfered key back and forth over file (to remove any burrs) with downward pressure on key until side being filed is clean.
d) Install cleaned key in shaft keyway with chamfered corner side down in shaft (the cleaned, filed side up in keyway).
e) Replace the propeller on the shaft and fit snugly on taper. Check to see if it reaches the line made in Step 3. If it does not line up, then repeat these steps again.
(Note: a vise can be used to hold key and then filed, but care must be taken to not tighten too much, causing burrs and irregularities on key).
9. When propeller hub moves to correct position, install propeller nut on shaft and torque to seat the propeller. Install and torque jam nut also, if your shaft is so equipped.
10. Install cotter pin at end of shaft.


Could this become a model for all future song leaks?
AC/DC: "Dah, nah, nah, nah"
Fans attending an AC/DC film shoot in London where among the first to hear new track Rock 'N' Roll Train from the band's upcoming album Black Ice. Rather than risk being caught with recording equipment, one innovative member of the audience memorised the riff and leaked his own sung version onto YouTube.
There's been an eight year wait for new AC/DC material and, as you can imagine, the leak has caused quite a stir. One YouTuber heard the sung version, worked out the chords and posted the guitar parts. Another combined both versions and added his own screaming vocals, claiming it to be "the real song".
Because AC/DC are the kings of riff, this is actually more effective than it might sound. A series of "Dah, nah, nah, nahs" and a high-pitched section supply a surprisingly clear rendition of what we can expect from Rock 'N' Roll Train. Perhaps this will become a model for all future song leaks - Guns N' Roses better look away.
UPDATE: You can now hear the real version of Rock 'N' Roll Train right here.


This article is about the Resistance escape route. For the railroad in a literal sense, see Rail transport.
"We've been helping people escape the city on foot. It's a dangerous route to my father's lab, through the old canals."
The Underground Railroad is a line of covert Resistance stations, hidden around City 17, meant to help refugees escape.
Station 1, the main railroad outpost, shortly after it was raided by Civil Protection.
The Resistance established several safehouses in the Canals of City 17. Called stations and numbered for radio chatter purposes, they ordinarily contain a radio, supplies, and items necessary for a few rebels to live there. Whenever a refugee comes through, the Resistance members provide him or her with help, and direct the fugutive to the next safehouse.
Because of the heavy presence of Civil Protection officers patrolling the Canals, stations are located in secret, underground areas to avoid detection. However, it seems that the Overwatch possessed knowledge regarding these safehouses, as they were able to eliminate many of the stations in a quick, coordinated ambush, after the arrival of Gordon.
Gordon Freeman made his way through the resistance canal network on his way to Black Mesa East, and was the last refugee through. In their attempts to apprehend Freeman, Civil Protection patrols carried out summary executions of Resistance personnel, flooded the Canal system with Manhacks, and bombarded some of the stations with Headcrab Shells. Save for a few survivors, the Railroad was all but wiped out.
The first base encountered by Gordon Freeman during his trek through the sewers, and the main one. It was raided by Civil Protection shortly before Gordon's arrival, and the rebels stationing there were executed.
A base located at the end of the canals, just outside City 17. It housed the Airboat that Gordon Freeman used to travel to Black Mesa East. The station is shelled soon after Gordon's arrival, with all of the rebels stationed there having been killed or turned into Zombies.
A station located at the end of the Wasteland part of the Canals leading out of City 17. Located on a bank of the Canals, Station 7 was used by the Resistance as a refugee aid station before the destruction of City 17.
"This is Station 8! We heard 12 go down and out. Surgical strike units are targeting railway stations. Repeat, Civil Protection is coming down on underground stations. We're already getting refugees from 9 and outlying! Looks like we're--"
Station 8 was heard in a radio transmission at Station 1. In the transmission, a female radio operator from an undetermined Underground Railroad station is trying to communicate with Station 8 to warn them that Civil Protection is filling the Underground with Manhacks. A male radio operator from Station 8 then answers that they heard Station 12 go down and out and confirms the Civil Protection raids. He is however interrupted before the end of his speech, the station likely being also destroyed.
Station 9 was heard in a radio transmission at Station 1. In the transmission, a male radio operator from Station 8 informs an undetermined Underground Railroad station that Civil Protection is raiding the network and that they are already getting refugees from Station 9 and outlying.
Station 12 was heard in a radio transmission at Station 1.
The real-world Underground Railroad was a system of safehouses in the United States, set up to aid slaves escaping from the South before and during the Civil War.


Step 1: Blend the cream cheese and the butter until well blended and smooth.
Step 2: Add the vanilla and mix.
Step 3: Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix on low speed until smooth.


What do radical Muslim Brotherhood cleric Yusuf al-Qaradawi and the United States Treasury Department have in common? Disturbingly, both are pushing Shari'a-compliant finance (SCF) as a remedy to the global credit meltdown.
"The collapse of the capitalist system … is proof that it is in crisis and shows that Islamic economic philosophy is holding up," al-Qaradawi enthused at an October forum attended by prominent terrorists and Jew-haters. Muslims, he added, should "profit from the crisis to bring about the triumph of the [Islamic] nation."
At the same time, the Treasury Department hopes that "Islamic economic philosophy" could help right the listing financial ship without poking even more holes below the waterline. According to Arab News, Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt explained during an October 25 press conference in Saudi Arabia that "the U.S. government is currently studying the salient features of Islamic banking to ascertain how far it could be useful in fighting the ongoing world economic crisis." In addition, last week the Treasury hosted a half-day seminar entitled "Islamic Finance 101." Though billed as an opportunity for regulators to gather objective information, the event was panned by Alex Alexiev as one-sided and "little more than a government-sponsored promotion of the subversive Islamist agenda carried out under the Shari'a finance guise."
SCF is a classic wolf in sheep's clothing. The saccharine view, like the one presented in a recent Washington Post essay, emphasizes that Islamic finance prohibits making money off of money (interest) and avoids investments in "unethical" industries such as gambling, alcohol, or pork. Shari'a-compliant firms must also purify themselves through zakat, the charitable contributions that comprise one of the five pillars of Islam.
Here is the reality: SCF employs the financial equivalent of Rube Goldberg machines to circumvent the ban on interest; it also bestows upon clerics sole authority to determine which investments are Shari'a-compliant and which are not. Worse, the "charitable" donations often end up funding terrorism — some Islamic banks in the Middle East appear to have been set up precisely for this purpose. Frank Gaffney further argues that SCF serves as the "leading edge of the spear for those seeking to insinuate Shari'a into Western societies," pointing to its acceptance in Britain as the start of that nation's slippery slope of accommodating Islamists.
Handed nearly a trillion dollars to distribute as he sees fit, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson now wields unprecedented power to impose his desires upon the financial sector. And with an international economic summit looming on November 15, Gaffney fears that government steps to promote SCF indicate that the Saudis "have secured the Bush administration's acquiescence to the sinister strings attached to any bailout of the West in which they might participate."
Americans recall the frequent and embarrassing spectacles of President Bush pleading with Saudi King Abdullah to increase oil production. Are greater indignities still to come?


I. Fire Extinguisher: this is a fire protection device for immediate use, to extinguish or control small fires in emergency situations.
2. Aim: Lift the hose and aim the extinguisher nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze: Squeeze the handle or lever downward to discharge the agent. Sweep it side to side over the fire until expended.
4. Verify: Put out remaining sparks or embers in materials with water. Monitor to verify that the fuel source is extinguished.
1. Get into a position on the upwind side of the fire.
2. The needle in the pressure gauge should be in the green zone.
3. Identify the class of fire emergency: assess the fuel source to determine whether a fire extinguisher is the appropriate tool. The chemical foam extinguisher should never be used to put out small fires on home appliances.
4. Range of discharge: the general-type extinguishers have a service range of 5 meters. Aim the extinguisher at the source of fire within this range to maximize service.
5. The typical fire extinguisher will contain around 10 seconds of extinguishing power.
6. Hold the handle firmly when using a carbon dioxide-type extinguisher to prevent frostbites.
Breathable air would remain in spaces 30 centimeters to 60 centimeters aboveground. Crouch down low and crawl along the edge of the wall to find an exit. Close it upon escape.
Inhale deeply the residual breathable air in the stairwell and escape quickly.
1. Stay home if the residential structure is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and rain.
2. In the event of a blackout, be sure to keep the candles and other lighting devices from the combustibles.
3. For personal safety, steer clear of seawall areas for the following activities: tide-watching, water sports, rock-picking, and fishing.
4. When spotting fallen electric wires or cables, notify the power company immediately without touching the fallen objects.
5. If you notice an abrupt stop, or lull, in winds, it suggests that the area is centered in the "eye of the tropical cyclone." Refrain from venturing outside.
6. Drive slowly if you are traveling in a vehicle during the storm. Heed traffic safety rules. Do not park the vehicle in low-lying areas, under the bridge, on road shoulders, or under the trees.
7. In the event of strong winds while in the vehicle, park on the side of the road or somewhere safe for shelter. Do not risk any more driving.
8. Phone 119 for assistance in the event of an emergency.
1. Turn off the source of fires and gas next to you.
2. Unless the residential structure is in poor shape, do not venture outside so as to avoid being injured by fallen objects.
3. Seek shelter in places next to sturdy beams, pillars, beds or furniture. Make sure your neck is well-protected. Stay away from the windows and places exposed to fallen objects.
4. Open the doors immediately, in case that they become misshapen or stuck to prevent exit.
5. If you are inside the building when the quake hits, be sure to leave the building when the quake stops. Do not take the elevator. Watch out for fallen objects from above.
6. Do not slam on the brake when the tremor hits, if the earthquake hits while you are driving. Heed the happenings around you, and decelerate.
7. If you happen to be outdoors, stay in an open space, and steer clear of steep cliffs, power poles or areas exposed to fallen objects (such as tiles or shingles of buildings).
1. Escape slings are usually placed next to their frame, and should only be used in an emergency.
2. There are use instructions next to each escape sling. To learn how to use an escape sling, make sure that you set a block of time and read the instructions in the manual.
3. Remember, the primary means of escape in a fire should be stairs, passageways and fire exits. Escape slings should only be used when there is no other way out and should not be regarded as the only means of escape.
1. Hang the hook: Take out the escape sling, open (twist) the hook connector and then hook the escape sling on the fixed frame (the screws on the hook should be screwed tight).
2. Toss down the rope and rotating disc: throw the rope and the rotating disc out of the window.
3. Put on the safety harness: secure the safety harness under your armpits.
4. Pull the clamp: fasten the clamp to your chest.
5. Pull the two ropes under the regulator tight, climb out of the window, face the wall and open your arms. While descending, the left hand should tightly hold the harness on the outside of the clamp while the right hand touches the wall lightly to maintain stability during the descent and avoid obstacles on the wall.
6. When you reach the bottom, pull the ropes down to facilitate use by the next person.
1. Check the rope is not obstructed when the rope and rotating disc are thrown down.
2. When the rope is tossed down, it should be free of knots and tangles.
3. Check the escape slide is being used on the correct floor (rope length).
4. When using the escape slide, do not raise your hands to prevent the safety rope from coming loose and endangering you.
Two-rope suspension bridges were originally widely used by soldiers and are also now often used in mountain, rapids rescue programs, patient evacuation and other situations where transportation is not possible. The equipment is light and mobile. To make training and education more interesting, the Disaster Management Simulation Lab tests the courage of children and their ability to use hands and brain in coordination. The Fire Bureau rescue team training ground provides schoolchildren with a valuable learning experience.
1. Check if the safety rope is firmly attached.
2. Check the safety harness (or rope) is worn properly.
3. Check to see if the carabiner is closed.
4. Avoid scraping your body against the rope.
5. Take suitable face-protection measures to prevent the rope from coming into contact with your face.
The main causes of fires are: electrical wire short circuits, carelessness when cooking, ignition by cigarette butts, children playing with fire, careless ancestral worship practices and use of gas.
1. Electrical appliance plugs should be firmly inserted and sockets should not be overloaded.
2. Check electrical wires regularly for damage.
3. When using electrical appliances, be sure to turn them off when you leave.
4. Fish tank motors can burn if they overheat, so special care should be taken when using them.
2. Don’t throw lit cigarette butts into a rubbish bin, or toss them away haphazardly.
3. Develop the habit of extinguishing cigarette butts.
1. If you need to leave the house when cooking, turn off the gas.
2. Don’t fill up the pot too full when cooking, to prevent the spillage from putting out the flame and causing gas release.
3. Don’t place combustible objects near a stove.
4. Clean the exhaust fan regularly to prevent the stove flame from igniting built-up grease.
1. Keep lighters and matches, etc., out of the reach of children.
2. If a child is seen playing with a lighter or matches, stop them immediately and tell them about the dangers of playing with fire.
3. Tell children that they should hand any lighters or matches they find to an adult for safekeeping.
1. Check the gas switch, rubber pipe etc. regularly for looseness or damage.
3. If a gas leak is discovered, turn the gas off immediately, gently open the windows, avoid lighting any flame or causing a spark. Do not turn on a light, fan or exhaust fan.
1. Discuss with family, draw a map of the house layout.
2. Identify more than two exits and highlight them in red.
1. Jointly decide the fire escape time and route and an outdoor assembly point.
6. Become familiarized with escape methods and host a drill exercise with family every 6 months.
Yellowed old photographs are the windows of memory. When we take a nostalgic look back on the history of firefighting, we'd be moved to see the hardships and challenges faced by earlier firefighters at time when resources were scant. The equipment, training and benefits given to these veteran firefighters of the past do not hold a candle to those available to today’s fire squads. The Disaster Management Simulation Lab has successively received historical materials and relics donated by generous people, and is actively archiving and sorting out these materials. This collection will be posted online when the archiving is completed, and made available to the public for all to view.
Fire-fighting equipment: learn about various pieces of fire equipment so that you won’t panic in a fire, and will be able to report the pending disaster, evacuate, and conduct first-stage fire suppression measures.
*Types of fire safety equipment: divided by use and function.
2. Fire suppression equipment: these are implements or equipment pieces used to extinguish fires by hand, or through use of an extinguishing agent.
3. Escape equipment: these are implements or equipment required to escape in the event of a fire.
4. Necessary equipment for fire rescue: they are the implements and equipment piece needed by firefighters for rescue in the event of a fire.
Based on the principle of the flight simulator, the base is a Stewart platform with 6 hydraulic jacks. In the 3-minute experience, the fire truck model and cabin move along with the film to give users an experience of what it’s like to drive a fire truck when it goes out in an emergency. The ride is like being on a roller coaster, sharply moving up and down as sudden events that can happen when a truck is on the road are simulated; together with light and sound effects, users have a lifelike and thrilling experience that makes young students scream all way through and is guaranteed to leave them with an indelible impression of fire rescue work.
Developed in reference to the model of Tokyo Fire Department Fire Museum, improvements were made after research by the Fire Bureau by adding a house on fire, billowing smoke, human figures crawling to escape while covering their noses, fire trucks, firefighters firing water and other features. A self-made promotional film is shown in coordination with the movements of the model so that visitors are given a deep impression of how the 119 Duty Command Center receives reports and dispatches fire trucks and personnel. The whole experience lasts 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Tempted to give it a try? What are you waiting for?


Is your skin itchy, oozing, or breaking out? Moles, rashes, hives, and eczema are just a few of the more than 3,000 skin disorders that affect people every day. Changes in color or texture can result from inflammation, infection, or allergic reactions anywhere on the body. Some skin conditions can be minor, temporary, and easily treated -- while others can be very serious, and even deadly. Read on to see signs and symptoms of the most common skin disorders and learn how to identify them.
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is caused by the return of a chickenpox infection from latently infected nerve cells in the spinal cord or brain. It begins as a painful sensation which is often mistaken for a musculoskeletal injury or even a heart attack.. It is soon followed within one or two days by a red, blistering unilateral (one-sided) rash distributed to the skin supplied by a sensory nerve (a dermatome). Zoster tends to occur most often in the elderly and can be largely prevented or made less severe with a vaccination. Treatment with antiviral drugs within 48 hours of the onset of the eruption may limit the development of a persistent, severe pain (neuralgia) at the site of the eruption.
Hives, also known as urticaria, is a very common allergic skin condition most often due to antibodies in the bloodstream that recognize foreign substances. This eruption appears suddenly anywhere on the body as elevated blanched bumps surrounded by an intensely itchy red rash. There may be many lesions, but each one only exists for eight to 12 hours. As older ones resolve, newer ones may develop. Most of the time, urticaria resolves spontaneously within eight weeks and is treated with oral antihistamines for symptomatic relief.
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory genetic condition in which patients develop scaling red bumps that coalesce into plaques and typically occur but are not limited to the scalp, elbows, and knees. Psoriasis is not curable; it can come and go by itself. There are a variety of treatments depending on the severity and extent of involvement, which vary from topical creams and ultraviolet light exposure to oral drugs and injectable medications. Patients with psoriasis more commonly develop cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which may be attributable to system-wide inflammation.
Atopic dermatitis (called eczema) is a genetic condition that presents in early childhood with a chronic itchy, weeping, oozing dermatitis. It tends to localize to the arm creases opposite the elbow and on the leg opposite the knee. Many patients also have inhalant allergies such as asthma and hay fever. The condition improves with age. Treatment involves the application of emollients to wet skin and the use of topical steroids.
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition of the face that is characterized by redness, dilated blood vessels, papules, pustules, and occasionally by the overgrowth of nasal connective tissue (rhinophyma). It superficially resembles teenaged acne, but it occurs in adults. Persistent facial flushing is an early sign of the skin's uncontrolled sensitivity to certain naturally produced inflammatory chemicals. Treatment of rosacea involves topical and oral drugs.
Herpes labialis (cold sore) is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores commonly appear on the edge of the lip. This virus exists in a dormant state in the spinal cord nerve cells, and after certain environmental triggers like a sunburn or a cold, the virus is induced to travel along a peripheral nerve to the same skin site over and over again. The eruption is self-limited to about seven to 10 days so that treatment is unnecessary unless the eruption becomes too frequent.
In allergic individuals, the development of a linear blistering eruption occurs within 24-48 hours of exposure to a member of the poison ivy or poison oak family of plants. Since the plant contains highly allergenic chemicals, most people will become allergic after a single priming exposure. The eruption will resolve within three weeks but will occur again the next time the skin comes in contact with the plant.
The repeated application of cool wet compresses to the blisters followed by evaporation of the water can be soothing and speed healing. Treatment with steroids creams or even oral steroids may be required in severe cases. Once a person is allergic, this is permanent; it is important to avoid this plant family assiduously so this very unpleasant allergic reaction will not recur. Many of those allergic to poison ivy or poison oak (Toxicodendron) are also sensitive to mango skin and cashew nut oil.
This eruption occurs in areas of the skin in which hairs have been recently cut or extracted. This is commonly present in the beard area of individuals with very tightly coiled hair. When the hair is cut off or plucked out below the level of the follicular pore, it tends to curl into the side of the follicle and cause an inflammatory bump. Not shaving closely is very important in preventing this skin condition.
Skin tags are small, fleshy, fibrovascular, pedunculated (on a stalk) growths that are often are found on the neck and armpits. They are generally asymptomatic unless they become irritated by frictional forces or their blood supply becomes compromised. They are very common and need not be removed or destroyed unless they become irritated.
Acne vulgaris is a noninfectious eruption of papules and pustules on the face and occasionally on the chest and back. It occurs in all teenagers as they progress through puberty. Comedones (blackheads) and inflammatory papules and pustules are all present simultaneously. This is not a condition of dirty skin but is mediated by hormones that begin to circulate during puberty. The condition generally resolves around the age of 20-30 but may produce scarring if severe and left untreated.
One of the most common causes of athlete's foot is an infection of the dead superficial layer of the skin called the stratum corneum by a fungal mold (tinea pedis) called a dermatophyte. If inflammatory, it may produce a blistering eruption which is quite itchy. Noninflammatory tinea pedis produces a dry scaling appearance and is frequently not very irritating. Tinea pedis is probably frequently contracted by walking barefoot in locker rooms. Topical antifungal creams are available over the counter and can be helpful in treating the infection.
Although the term mole may cover a variety of different sorts of skin growths, most often it refers to a localized accumulation of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These are generally uniform in color and round in shape. Melanocytic nevi (moles) range in color from beige to black, they're <½ inch in diameter, and are often located on sun-exposed skin. Poorly pigmented individuals may have an average of 35 of these growths by the time they are 35 years old. These are benign lesions but can be confused with various pigmented skin cancers. Pigmented lesions that itch, bleed, or grow could be cause for concern.
These flat brown spots typically appear on the face and forearms older individuals. Although they cause no symptoms, patients detest them because of their unsightly appearance. They can be treated in a variety of ways, but treatment is not medically necessary.
This rash usually begins in a young adult as a single scaling bump or patch and then extends to cover much of the torso with many scaling spots that are elliptical in shape. They are associated with modest itching which only occasionally requires treatment. The condition usually lasts about 6-8 weeks in total.
This condition occurs most commonly in women of childbearing age and is often associated with pregnancy or the ingestion of oral contraceptive medication. This flat brownish pigmentation occurs on the forehead, cheeks, and in the mustache area of the upper lip. It often persists after pregnancy or after birth control has ceased. Sunlight will make it darker. Successful treatment is not easy, and strict sun protection is a necessity.
The development of small keratotic tumors of the skin is caused by one of about 200 members of the human papillomavirus group. They often spontaneously go away, but particularly stubborn warts may require medical intervention. The proliferation of various treatments reflects the fact that successful resolution mostly depends upon the patient's immune response. There are a variety of treatments available without a prescription that ought to be tried prior to seeing a physician.
This is the single most common benign bump present on people as they age. Lesions may be present anywhere on the body and generally do not produce symptoms. They appear as black, brown, or yellow bumpy lesions which give the appearance of having been "glued" onto the skin. They are of no medical significance aside from the fact that they are occasionally confused with pigmented skin cancers.
Seborrheic dermatitis is the single most common rash of adults. When it occurs in infancy, it is commonly called cradle cap. The adult disease tends to favor the scalp, skin behind the ears, forehead, brows, nasolabial folds of the face, mid-chest area, and the mid-back, producing an itchy, red scaling dermatitis. The scaling in the scalp can be conspicuous, producing impressive dandruff. The cause of this condition is unclear, but it responds well to topical steroids and to topical antifungal creams. Medicated shampoos containing tar, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione are often effective. This condition commonly improves spontaneously but will ultimately recur. There is no cure so treatment must continue indefinitely.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings: "Chapter 21: Urticaria and angioedema."
American Family Physician: "Common benign skin tumors."
American Family Physician: "Diagnosis and treatment of acne"
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology: "Treatment of cutaneous warts: An evidence-based review."
British Medical Journal: "The diagnosis and management of tinea."
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine: "Understanding and managing atopic dermatitis in adult patients."
Dermatologic Clinics: "Clinical patterns of phytodermatitis."
Dermatologic Therapy: "The medical and surgical therapy of pseudofolliculitis barbae."
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology:: "Melasma: a comprehensive update: part I & II."
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: "Treatment of solar lentigines."
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: "A refresher on herpes zoster, current status on vaccination, and the role of the dermatologist."
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: "Are all seborrheic keratoses benign? Review of the typical lesion and its variants."
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine: "Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection: Overview on relevant clinico-pathological features."
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: "Shingles Information Page."
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: "The morphologic universe of melanocytic nevi."
Skin Therapy Letter: "Therapeutic update on seborrheic dermatitis."
Skin Therapy Letter: "Treatments for pityriasis rosea."
US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: "A review of the diagnosis and treatment of rosacea."
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine: "Toxicodendron dermatitis: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac."