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Facts: Three senators and eight representatives had been proclaimed by a majority vote of the Commission on Elections as having been elected senators and representatives in the elections held on 23 April 1946. The three senators were suspended by the Senate shortly after the opening of the first session of Congress following the elections, on account of alleged irregularities in their election. The eight representatives since their election had not been allowed to sit in the lower House, except to take part in the election of the Speaker, for the same reason, although they had not been formally suspended. A resolution for their suspension had been introduced in the House of Representatives, but that resolution had not been acted upon definitely by the House when the petition for prohibition was filed. As a consequence these three senators and eight representatives did not take part in the passage of the congressional resolution, designated "Resolution of both houses proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Philippines to be appended as an ordinance thereto," nor was their membership reckoned within the computation of the necessary three-fourths vote which is required in proposing an amendment to the Constitution. If these members of Congress had been counted, the affirmative votes in favor of the proposed amendment would have been short of the necessary three-fourths vote in either branch of Congress. The petition for prohibition sought to prevent the enforcement of said congressional resolution, as it is allegedly contrary to the Constitution. The members of the Commission on Elections, the Treasurer of the Philippines, the Auditor General, and the Director of the Bureau of Printing are made defendants. Issue: Whether the Court may inquire upon the irregularities in the approval of the resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. Held: It is a doctrine too well established to need citation of authorities, that political questions are not within the province of the judiciary, except to the extent that power to deal with such questions has been conferred upon the courts by express constitutional or statutory provision. This doctrine is predicated on the principle of the separation of powers, a principle also too well known to require elucidation or citation of authorities. The difficulty lies in determining what matters fall within the meaning of political question. The term is not susceptible of exact definition, and precedents and authorities are not always in full harmony as to the scope of the restrictions, on this ground, on the courts to meddle with the actions of the political departments of the government. If a political question conclusively binds the judges out of respect to the political departments, a duly certified law or resolution also binds the judges under the "enrolled bill rule" born of that respect. If ratification of an amendment is a political question, a proposal which leads to ratification has to be a political question. The two steps complement each other in a scheme intended to achieve a single objective. It is to be noted that the amendatory process as provided in section I of Article XV of the Philippine Constitution "consists of (only) two distinct parts: proposal and ratification." There is no logic in attaching political character to one and withholding that character from the other. Proposal to amend the Constitution is a highly political function performed by the Congress in its sovereign legislative capacity and committed to its charge by the Constitution itself. The exercise of this power is even in dependent of any intervention by the Chief Executive. If on grounds of expediency scrupulous attention of the judiciary be needed to safeguard public interest, there is less reason for judicial inquiry into the validity of a proposal then into that of ratification.
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0.999996 |
Is a focus on curriculum the missing piece in the preparation of teachers?
That's the argument made by in a new paper released by Education First, a global education consulting group. It's part of a project, partly funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, bringing together teacher-preparation experts from Finland, Brazil, Australia, and the United States.
One of the paper's main insights is that countries like Singapore and Finland tend to base all of their preparation around vetted, high-quality curriculum in a way that the United States and other countries, like Australia, do not.
In those countries, "curriculum explicitly connects teacher preparation to the classroom, and it helps new teachers to learn by providing them with concrete examples of how to teach content and assess student learning against student achievement standards," the report notes. "... Beginning teachers are rarely expected to develop lessons from scratch, but by the time they enter a classroom, they are well versed in how to evaluate, adapt, and use curriculum materials because they have studied and worked with quality curricular materials throughout their education."
But in the United States, it notes, teacher preparation tends to be curriculum-agnostic and more abstract.
To the uninitiated, it may seem like plain ol' common sense to base teacher preparation around high-quality teaching materials. But the nature of the United States' highly decentralized education system means that teacher-preparation programs prepare teachers who will go on to work in potentially dozens if not hundreds of different school districts.
As a result, they've tended to avoid teaching students with a specific curriculum, instead favoring general principles or teaching strategies. So budding teachers typically become familiar with specific curricula only when they're in student teaching, typically the very last part of their preparation.
The report recommends that those who prepare teachers consider whether their states and districts offer curriculum guides that they can adopt for use in their teaching programs; how they can better help teachers select and recognize good materials from within the extremely diverse marketplace; and explore whether it's possible to use high-quality sample materials themselves to underpin their training.
For another, as I've remarked before, there appears to be a newfound appreciation in the U.S. for curriculum given research showing that high quality curriculum can make a difference for student achievement.
And finally, a snarky aside: How, in all these years of people making entire careers of out promoting the "Finland miracle," has no one mentioned the fact that the country's teacher preparation systems don't require teachers to sort through so much junk when they're first getting into the classroom?
There are, of course, still challenges to taking this approach in the U.S., not the least of which is the curriculum marketplace in the U.S. is much more vast, and getting larger, and there is so much diversity in what states and districts use.
But there are some bright spots, the report's authors say: Louisiana and New York both put a focus on curriculum when they were implementing the Common Core State Standards. Due to that, certain curricula in both states have become very popular among teachers, so there it might be possible for a teaching program to select some exemplars. Other states, like Massachusetts, have detailed curriculum guides, which might be a good place to start.
Learning First's paper is one in a series on teacher prep.
Meanwhile, if you're in teacher preparation yourself, do tell us about your thoughts on this really interesting argument. And if you're yourself thinking about the place of good curriculum in teacher preparation, let me know—I'd like to follow up.
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0.995578 |
Southern residents are being urged to tie down anything that came loose at the weekend, as another round of even stronger gales is set to hit the region.
Wind reached a mean speed of 78kmh and gusted up to 104kmh in exposed parts of Dunedin on Sunday, but MetService meteorologist April Clark has warned worse is to come for other parts of Otago and Southland.
Another active front moved on to the far south overnight and a tight low is expected to move eastwards just south of the South Island today.
The ``strong, disturbed west-to-northwest flow'' was expected to bring rain which may reach warning levels in Fiordland today, tomorrow and Friday.
There is also moderate confidence of west-to-northwest gales becoming severe today in exposed parts of Central Otago, the Otago Lakes, Clutha, Southland and Fiordland.
This is also the case on Thursday and Friday, as westerlies strengthen across the Southern Ocean.
The winds on Sunday were northeasterlies, but Ms Clark said the winds during the next couple of days would be northwesterlies bringing potentially stronger mean speeds and gusts.
``When you get a northwesterly, those winds have to come right across the Southern Alps, so they do come in a lot more gusty, more intermittent.
She said mean speeds could reach 90kmh and gust to well over 100kmh.
The good news was, because it was a northwesterly, it was less likely to affect Dunedin, she said.
She recommended inland residents tie down anything that was loosened by the weekend's strong winds, as well as larger objects like trampolines.
``Those inland areas, just be ready.
She recommended residents be wary of flying objects and debris on roads for the next few days.
Botanic Garden team leader Alan Matchett said garden staff were busy cleaning up debris from Sunday's strong winds.
Two large trees would be cut down over the coming days, including a large elm tree which was threatening to fall on a children's playground.
``One of the buttress roots which support the tree has split away from the main trunk of the tree.
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0.979739 |
Contract Summary - FPGA.contract is a mining company utilizing only FPGA technology. All revenue will be distributed as dividends. Weekly dividends. Growth will only be accomplished through issuing more share, which will be shareholder approved. Each share entitles a shareholder to one vote. Motions can be raised by 25% of shareholders, and will pass with a 2/3rd vote. In the event of liquidation, all revenue will be paid to shareholders. Operator reserved two (2) irrevocable rights - To raise a motion at any time - To end operation and liquidate assets at any time.
Company Activity Level - Owner is reasonably active, and responds to inquiries within 24 hours in most cases.
Company Growth Plan - Growth will only occur through the approval of motions to issue additional shares.
Does the company charge a maintenance fee - No, company owner(s) profit through dividends to shares they own.
How are Utilities Paid For - Utilities are completely paid for from the dividends of 500 shares held by the company.
This company has extremely reliable dividends. Dividends are also, on average, increasing; which is a positive sign given that the profitability of mining has risen during the life of this company.
The owner of this company has good plans in place to ensure the company continues to perform.
The company has very low operating costs, with all utility and maintenance paid for by the dividend of 500 shares held by the company. This equates to 1/12th of income going to operating costs.
While dividends have grown, the yearly estimated ROI is somewhat lower compared to other companies, but not by a significant margin.
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0.99972 |
What States Allow Flying Squirrels As Pets?
People have kept flying squirrels as pets for hundreds of years, as they can make for a unique companion. However, their exotic status means it may be illegal to have one. It is important to know the legality of a pet before purchasing one. Some states have outlawed keeping "exotic" animals as pets, but many counties and municipalities have rules governing pets as well, so before purchasing a flying squirrel it is important to be sure owning one is legal. To determine the legality of owning a flying squirrel, do your research.
If you are renting a house or apartment, there may be a clause in the lease agreement concerning pets. Consult the lease or rental agreement and if it is unclear, contact the landlord or building owner. Many homeowners live in areas that have homeowners associations that could also have rules regarding pets. A property owner will be able to say if they allow flying squirrels but may not be aware of local or state laws regarding pet ownership. Just because they give consent does not mean it is legal.
Cities and towns can also have laws restricting pets such as flying squirrels. Calling city hall or municipal offices can provide an answer at the local level, and if the town has no law banning flying squirrels or are unclear on the state laws, they may still be able to give contact information for the office or person responsible for pet-related regulations.
Information on state laws regarding flying squirrels as pets may also be available online, but be sure to get the information from a trusted source such as a state or city's official website. Laws and regulations are subject to change, so published articles may be out of date. It is best to get the information from a source that would have access to all current legislation.
Whether a flying squirrel is legal in a particular place or not is not always black or white. While some states or cities may have an outright ban on flying squirrels and exotic animals as pets, many others simply require that the pet owner purchase a license for the animal or register it before adopting. This can often be done through the pet store or breeder where the flying squirrel is being purchased.
States where flying squirrels are legal to keep as pets are: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Washington.
The states where a permit or license is required to own a flying squirrel are: Arizona, Delaware, Indiana, Florida, Maine, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah (Northern Flying Squirrels only), West Virginia and Wyoming.
The following states do not allow residents to keep flying squirrels as pets: Alabama, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, Utah (Southern Flying Squirrels are banned), Vermont and Virginia.
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0.944713 |
Who do you know that can mentor you and guide you along your path to success? Where do you see yourself at the end of your story? For many enterprises, expanding the role of success stories in their marketing and sales strategy can provide the missing piece to the puzzle.
This will force you to write the best story you possibly can. Involving the customer in this early stage will greatly simplify the approval process later. Instead of writing an autobiography, you want to write a story about your dreams and aspirations and how you accomplished them in your future.
You can hire a copy editor for USD per hour to fix your text or even to convert your bullet points into fluid language. She writes five or six days per week, handling publishing and marketing chores in the mornings before turning to her works in progress: Use a copy-editor to produce professional language if you feel clumsy with language or if you are a non-English native like myself.
Spend some time reflecting on your present reality and where you want to be one year, five years, or even 10 years from now. Success stories are credible. Success Story Sections Usually, a success stories usually consist of the following section, and roughly in the following order: Otherwise all success stories would be similar.
Before embarking on this exercise of writing your own success story in your journal, reflect on who you are, what goals you want to achieve, and what setbacks you might have to overcome. Finally, describe how the customer benefited from the solution.
Incorporate Quotations Social proof is a powerful tool for swaying company perception; consumers trust family and friends above any form of paid media. Try to quantify benefits No single element in a success story is more compelling than the ability to tie quantitative benefits to the solution.
A talented writer can make the difference between an effective success story and one that falls flat. Be Transparent Your prospects and customers are highly jaded to biased marketing messages, and nothing will raise suspicions faster than a report that seems exaggerated, or inaccurate.
Start laying out the success story with a list of bullet points.
Seven Points to Consider The following are the top reasons that success stories are such a crucial part of the marketing process, especially when complex business issues and solutions are involved: Example of themes in past ]po[ success stories: Make Your Customers Relatable Even if your product or services are relevant to a wide market, target your case studies towards your ideal customer by making the companies or people profile highly relatable.
Many prospects need verification that a vendor's solution can successfully address the types of business challenges they face in their industry.
Example of themes in past ]po[ success stories: How do you see yourself now? A return on investment that can be documented can help form a compelling case for the adoption of the solution.
Properly written success stories enable the reader to empathize with the problem or challenge that the customer in the success story faced—in many cases, because they face a similar problem. Start collecting quotes, sound bites and general ideas for the success story during the rollout.
Use Visual Content Charts and graphs are a valuable component of customer success stories.Oct 19, · Edit Article How to Write a Good Story.
In this Article: Article Summary Getting Inspired Improving Your Story Writing Skills Developing Your Story Revising Your Story Sample Excerpts Community Q&A Humans are and can be storytellers. But when it comes to writing a good story, you may feel stumped, even if you have a vivid imagination and a million great ideas%().
The success story writer weaves a tale that can help readers take the first step toward solving a complex, and potentially expensive, business challenge. Success stories address a specific audience. Your potential customers want to feel that their specific needs are being addressed.
Tip 1: Write for your reader, not yourself Your reader is interested in his or her cause, not your program or project! •Your success story must appeal to •Decision makers •Tax payers •Reporters. 25 Tips for Writing Customer Success Stories. You can adjust the titles of your sections, or provide more-granular sub headers, but the typical format of a customer success story is: Challenge; Solution; To write a case study that converts prospects into customers, address your client’s thoughts and emotions during the buyer readiness.
Write, Market, Repeat: An Indie Success Story Author Susan Wittig Albert has some straightforward advice for aspiring writers: “Write. Write a book. A version of this article appeared in. Previously we discussed the reasons for writing success stories and today we will learn how to write a success story that makes people believe.
There are a lot of ways to write an interesting and persuasive story and you can easily google them.
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0.946427 |
Trying to quit smoking may almost seem like you are walking into a burning fire. It certainly is not simple, and with the attitudes that many people have, you are looking at a lot of complicated issues trying to ensure that you get started on the right foot to quit successfully. To help avoid many of the complicated side effects that you could experience you have the option of looking into nicotine replacement treatments. These typically come in two different forms and the type that is best for you is something that you will need to decide. It is a good idea to consider both options though, because they both have their benefits and ultimately you just want to quit smoking for good.
The first is the traditional nicotine gum. This comes in a variety of flavors as well as dosage amounts. This is almost always suited for those smokers who find it extremely comforting to do something with their mouth whenever they have the urge to smoke. By actively chewing the gum, you are getting a small dosage of nicotine whenever you have an urge, plus you are able to keep your mouth occupied. This can also be used in connection with cutting back your smoking without causing any bad complications.
It is important to realize that you can control how often you need to use the gum. If you are typically a one pack a day smoker, and are trying to cut out half of the cigarettes each day you may only need to use the gum 5 times one day and 7 times the next. You have this flexibility because you can use it only as you actually need it. This type of flexibility is great for those who are trying to go slowly in their quest to quit, as well as those who like to keep their mouth occupied as the urge to smoke comes. In addition, the range of flavors makes it easy to find something that almost anyone will enjoy.
The second option to consider is the traditional nicotine patch. These are typically distributed in dosages and are applied in the mornings and worn all day. By doing this, you are able to absorb small amounts of nicotine all day long. This is great for those who are attempting to quit cold turkey; however, you cannot smoke or use nicotine gum anytime you have a severe urge to smoke. This limitation forces smokers to look for alternative ways to help curb any additional urges that appear. Additionally, because the patch is applied every morning, and removed at night, it can severely limit the flexibility to slowly decrease nicotine consumption.
The patch is available in a range of dosages though, which can allow you to slowly step down, but in general you have more flexibility to adjust the range of nicotine in your body with the gum since each piece contains only a small amount of nicotine. If you would rather do just a single thing to help you curb nicotine addiction you may find that the patch is your best friend. Smokers who have extremely busy lifestyles often find them quite effective. It is extremely important to ensure you start with the appropriate patch to start with though. Many smokers make the mistake of selecting the wrong dosage, which can actually heighten the addiction to nicotine, rather than helping to decrease it.
This site is a common sense guide to Are You A Smoker. In practical advice websites, like anything else in life, there are no guarantees of income made. Readers are cautioned to reply on their own judgment about their individual circumstances to act accordingly.
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0.82894 |
To understand why the presence of so much water on Earth is so unlikely, we need to go back more than 4.6 billion years. The young sun is shining, and encircling it is a maelstrom of gas and dust that will clump into the planets. Any water exists as ice in interstellar space.
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0.944719 |
Astrological origins of Christmas-are you Sirius?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs around December 21st, when the Sun is at its greatest distance below the celestial equator. The Vernal Equinox occurs around March 21st when the sun crosses the celestial equator and days have the same duration as nights ("equinox" comes from a Latin word meaning "time of equal days and nights"). The Vernal Equinox marks the beginning of Spring. The constellation (Zodiac sign) visible at dawn on the day of the Vernal Equinox has been regarded as of special significance (currently changing from Pisces to Aquarius due to the 26,000 year precession of the Earth -- the advent of "the Age of Aquarius").
The chief holiday for the ancient Hebrews was celebrated at the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox. Although this holiday was originally a celebration of Spring, it was later celebrated in remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt and was called Passover. The holiday entered Christian celebration by the fact that Christ was reputedly arrested and crucified at Passover. Because Christians insisted that Easter should be celebrated on a Sunday, the Council of Nicea decreed that Easter be the first Sunday after the fourteenth day of the moon (which is approximately the full moon) following the date of the Vernal Equinox (which is assumed to be March 21st). In the first centuries of Christianity Easter was by far the most significant Christian holiday and Christmas was not a holiday at all.
The word for "Easter" in most of the Romance Languages is a variant of the Hebrew "Passover", but the English word is unrelated to these forms. Possibly, the English word "Easter" is derived from the name of an Anglo-Saxon goddess of Spring, "Eostre". Or it may have come from "Ishtar/Astarte" the Babylonian/Chaldean Venus who was the consort of the sun-god. Sunrise service, painted eggs and rabbits have all symbolized rebirth and fertility in Spring celebrations from ancient times. Celebration of motherhood (mother's day) is also most often in the Spring, another possible association with fertility.
Osiris then dwelled in the underworld as the king & judge of the dead. Isis nonetheless gave birth to the divine child "Horus the younger" (presumably a virgin birth). In fourth-century Alexandria, "Madonna" could have been a reference to the mother goddess Isis or Saint Mary. The last Egyptian Temple of Isis was converted to a Christian Church in the sixth century AD.
Stars had signalled the birth of Krishna, Lao-Tze, Moses and Abraham. Several attempts have been made to give explanations for the Star of Bethlehem. In the 14th century Albert Magnus (teacher of Thomas Aquinas) noted that the constellation Virgo rose above the horizon at midnight on December 24th at the reputed time of Christ's birth.
In 270 AD a professional army officer named Aurelian rose to be emperor and was able to reunite the Roman Empire through military might. In 274 AD he attempted to unit the religions of the empire under the state cult of Sol invictus ("unconquerable Sun"). Aurelian's new temple enshrined the Sun gods of Babylonia (Baal, Bel or Marduk). Although Mithras was not formally acknowledged, Natalis solis invicti ("birth of the unconquered sun") was, nonetheless, on December 25th.
The Japanese celebrate oseibo, a gift-giving season that is coincidentally in December.
In the 1960s an activist California professor of Black Studies created the holiday of Kwanzaa in reaction against Christmas as an institution of commericialism & exploitation not relevant to African-Americans. The word "Kwanzaa" comes from a phrase meaning "first fruits" in Swahili, the most widely spoken African language. In the seven days from December 26th to January 1st the seven communitarian African values are strengthened & celebrated: Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.
Sirius is the name of the principal star in the constellation Canis Major. It's also the brightest star in the heavens and is only 8.6 light years from earth, making it one of the closest stars in our stellar neighborhood. It is visible in the Northern Hemisphere from December to March, and visible in the Southern Hemisphere between November and April. If you want to see Sirius for yourself, look up at the night sky towards the south. If you know the constellation "Orion the Hunter," locate his belt. Follow along his belt line off towards the left and you'll see a very bright star, that's Sirius. We named ourselves after the star because we believe that Sirius Technology Group is the "brightest star" when it comes to providing quality software for the automotive industry.
The celestial imagery, therefore, is that on the 25th December, right after sunset, the three stars of Orion's belt were seen rising in the east as if to 'herald' the coming of the birth-star Sirius, which followed about one hour after. It would be very unlikely that such a powerful celestial sign which was known to denote the 'birth of the divine child' in Egypt since time immemorial would not have been unnoticed by the writer of the 'Matthew' Gospel. It seems evident that the introduction of a new divine child (Jesus) born from the Madonna (Mary) in Egypt and the Graeco-Roman world would benefit greatly by absorbing the older and very powerful mythology of Isis and her star, Sirius.
Thus Isis and the child Horus were metamorphosed into the Madonna and child Jesus, and the star Sirius became the 'Star of the East' which the wise men saw and heralded the birth of Jesus. Much later, three wise men became known as the 'three kings' in Western tradition and, in keeping with stellar symbolism, they also became identified to the three stars of Orion's belt.
The most crucial determination made by the Nicene council was that the Spring Equinox fell on the date of March the 21st, thereby setting Easter from this date.
Out of all of the places on the Eastern horizon for the sun to rise on December 25th, it rises directly below the star Sirius (a.k.a. - The Star of Bethlehem).
December 21st of each year the Sun reaches its lowest point of declination at the Tropic of Capricorn. It then remains, seemingly motionless (Sol, the Sun, "stands still" Sol-stice) the 22nd, 23rd and 24th, and then on the 25th of December (Christmas) it has noticeably started its return North toward the Equator and therefore is "born again".
Thank you Teo for this wonderful post. It will take me eons to absorb all this. I love the images.
Wishing you a happy and peace filled holiday season.
When I finish reading this it will be Christmas 2005.
I suppose there is some debate about the star of Bethlehem. The "Dog Star" does work as an annually recurring symbol.
Most astronomers speculate that the "Star in the East" was not a star at all but a mars Jupiter conjunction that was so close as to be visible in the daytime as well as night as one point of light. That this occurred only once at a date that we would put as 6 BC and not December 25th either shouldn't render it unlikely.
Do we not also portray Jesus in the image of our own time?
It only requires an accounting of six lost years in the recording of two thousand years of history.
In fact if Christ was born in the year Zero he would have been born after the death of King Herod who was the one who said that all would be taxed who remained in the Holy Land. This was the reason for the flight of Joseph and the pregnant Mary to Egypt. It isn't possible for this to have occured after Herod's death, so the 6 BC date makes sense since Herod would have been near death but still living, and so does the star in the east make sense as in fact being a planetary conjunction.
The planets were known then as "wandering stars" It is only after Galileo and the development of the telescope that planets were identified as being generically different from stars.
I see no contradiction here. Orion's belt as the three wise men - and Sirius symbolically as the "Star in the East" sits well with me whether or not it would literally have been the star in question.
So does the unique event witnessed by the actual three kings ring true though most probably that other astrological event was the phenomenon.
But we have observed the sky for eons and perhaps with more appreciation before the electric light. And we tend to use the sky to project our myths and symbols. More remarkable than the number of stars has been our ability to name them.
In Egyptian astrology the Dog Star is a symbol of faithfulness. The Constellation Canis Major rules the middle decanate of Gemini and "loyalty" is the keyword.
Cygnus is not only the Swan but the same constellation is the Northern Cross. It rules the first decanate of Capricorn and would be the sign that rules Capricorn from December 21st through December 31st. It's keyword is "organization."
It's a perfect time for retailers to sell off last year's stock and to get ready for the January Sale and new stock being set out after Chinese New Year. Happy Year of the Rooster everybody.
There was a beautiful sunset here a few minutes later than a day before. You can almost feel the days getting longer.
In the words of Tiny Tim, God Bless us all!
PS: Another good constellation is one that looks like the one immediately above in Vicky's post, Triangulum (a triangle with wings) which rules the first decanate (10˚ segment) of Aries which in Astrological Calendar is the beginning of the new Cycle and Year.
Isn't it great that our "father's house" has many mansions, and that there is more than one window from which to view the varied and nonetheless connected universal universe under one God where All is One.
Here's a link that seems to be the most scientific and the least speculative on the Planetary Conjunction dates and the abberations of the Roman Calendar.
I found a few other pages of speculations, some making statements such as "the conjunction was not close enough to make a Jupiter mars saturn conjunction look like a star." But there were two close conjunctions in the specified time period, the other being a Jupiter Venus conjunction within a degree.
One page (by someone who claimed to have a "copyright" to his speculations suggest that one degree is more than enough distance to see the conjunction as two objects. I would tend to disagree and would cite Neil Michelson who wrote the mathematical formulae that both astronomers and astrologers use to speculate on planetary positions past present an future. He states that there will always be some uncertainty about the actual positions. If by his calculations there was a single conjunction in the early days of Caesar Augustus that was especially close and within a degree, isn't it possible that it was in fact closer to a point at which the Morning Star and the brightest object would appear so bright as to be seen in the day?
Most astronomers prefer this explanation to all others. Sirius was not visible in the day, and with the exception of a small number of documented supernovae and comets there is probably no better explanation than that the actual star in the east was one of those two conjunctions.
I'm rather fonder of "Faith" as a stance to take in life over "Belief." The word "Belief" according to some word etymologists (not all of them) means to "be-lie" as fact that of which one is uncertain. I'm sure this is a fact but then, I tend to like Buddhism a rather atheistic view of the universe. The Buddhists may favor awareness of what actually is to a belief of what one would would like to think was so. We still a sense of the miracle of life and the "divine." Surely the miracle of Christ was to recognize that to "love one another" is the path to the Divine.
My intent wouldn't be to offend anyone with this observation, but to re-emphasize the validity of the many paths that we all tread that are really one path as part of one life in which we are all interdependent and interconnected.
To proceed with love and awareness would be my way. What I believe or what you believe is not so important.
Small typo: "We (buddhists) still have a sense of the miracle of life. . ."
Thank you yogionefromobie for your very informative reply to Teo's wonderful post.
We are all like beads on a string , threaded by the consciousness of God.
Dear Teo and dear NB, this was a very fascinating read ... thank you both.
To look through a potent telescope is one of the greatest emotions we can experience, in my opinion.
I like to think of the star of Betlehem as I did as a child ... there was this magical light in the sky when divine light took form on our Earth ... scientific research on this behalf is nonetheless very interesting.
Thank you again Teo for this seasonal post.
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0.999096 |
It is hard enough to live in the condition my body is in: constant pain, weak, fatigued, exhausted, unable to consume solid food and unable to do normal daily activities and live my life. When I go on social media I see accomplishments of my friends my age, which only makes me feel worse. It’s not their fault; I’m sure they don’t realize how much it hurts. Social media is full of posts about getting new jobs, new houses, and expecting children. Hearing and seeing pictures of all these things reminds me that if I was working and living a normal life, like everyone else in their mid-20s, I could be doing those things too. Celebrating milestones, getting married, shopping for houses and thinking about having kids are all things I would love to be doing at my age, but instead I spend my life going to doctor’s appointments, arguing with insurance companies over coverage, getting blood drawn and going through countless procedures.
When people post on social media about things they have accomplished in a single day, I think if I made a list of my accomplishments for the day it would read: I got out of bed today, I did the dishes, I cooked so that there are leftovers for the next few day and I folded a basket of laundry. That’s all the energy I could come up with today.
It is especially hard during the summer months when I see pictures of everyone on vacation and on the beach. I love being outside and I love the beach. But in my condition it isn’t the least bit enjoyable. Going anywhere or traveling is so much work. I am beyond exhausted to begin with from the fatigue. Going anywhere away from home involves preparing and taking all my own food with me, having to ensure I have chances to rest throughout the day and ensuring I’m never very far from a bathroom. Traveling also carries a high level of anxiety in terms of becoming sick. My immune system is so much weaker than the average healthy adult’s and I am extremely susceptible to catching a virus. It takes my body three to four weeks to fight off a cold, and that is in the best case scenario, if it doesn’t turn into an infection. So the majority of the time it’s just better to stay home.
Social media is a reminder to me of all the things I would love to have the ability to do at this point in my life. It makes me recognize all I am unable to do because of my illness. It is hard for me to see others my age doing the things I would love to be doing, so I avoid social media and communicate with my friends in other ways.
|
0.991049 |
firewalld a cependant l'avantage d'offrir une interface D-Bus, permettant l'interaction avec d'autres applications – par exemple NetworkManager – ainsi qu'une vraie interface en ligne de commande.
En outre, il est utilisé – du moins disponible – sur d'autres distributions GNU/Linux, notamment Fedora, alors que SuSEfirewall2 n'était utilisé, à ma connaissance, qu'au sein de la famille SUSE.
Si vous êtes sur Leap 42.3, je vous conseille d'attendre que Leap 15 arrive, rien ne presse. Vous verrez à ce moment là. Après vous faites ce que vous voulez.
Si vous êtes sur Tumbleweed, vous pouvez y penser dès maintenant. Surtout que le module pare-feu de YaST a été supprimé et ne fait plus que pointer vers l'outil de configuration graphique de firewalld, ce qui rend plus difficile la configuration de SuSEfirewall2.
… mis à part que l'accès par SSH est autorisé dans cette zone, ce qui à mon avis n'est pas pas un bon choix par défaut.
Cela dit, ça prend trois clics à changer via l'interface graphique : il suffit de décocher ssh dans la liste et de sauvegarder la configuration via Options → Exécution sur Permanent. Donc ça va.
Pro-tip : les fichiers de configuration par défaut sont dans /usr/lib/firewalld tandis que votre propre configuration se retrouvera dans /etc/firewalld.
Si vous aviez des règles personnalisées dans SFW2, vous pouvez les importer dans firewalld via le script susefirewall2-to-firewalld.
INFO: Ensuring all firewall services are in a well-known state.
INFO: to cause network disruption.
INFO: If you do not wish for this to happen, please stop the script now!
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="4[source-quench]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="4[source-quench]" to zone="int"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="8[echo-request]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="8[echo-request]" to zone="int"
INFO: DIRECT: Adding direct rule="ipv6 -t filter -A INPUT -p udp -m udp --dport 546 -j ACCEPT"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="133[router-solicitation]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="133[router-solicitation]" to zone="int"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="134[router-advertisement]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="134[router-advertisement]" to zone="int"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="135[neighbour-solicitation]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="135[neighbour-solicitation]" to zone="int"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="136[neighbour-advertisement]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="136[neighbour-advertisement]" to zone="int"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="137[redirect]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="137[redirect]" to zone="int"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="130[multicast-listener-query]" to zone="ext"
INFO: ICMP: Adding icmp type="130[multicast-listener-query]" to zone="int"
INFO: -> Removing service: "ssh"
INFO: -> Removing service: "mdns"
INFO: -> Removing service: "samba-client"
INFO: -> Removing service: "dhcpv6-client"
INFO: -> Removing interface: "wlp9s0"
INFO: FirewallD has been reset!
INFO: Setting default zone to "external"
INFO: Adding interface="p1p1" to zone="external"
INFO: Adding interface="virbr0" to zone="external"
INFO: Adding interface="virbr0-nic" to zone="external"
INFO: Adding interface="wlp9s0" to zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="address-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="bad-header" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="beyond-scope" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="communication-prohibited" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="destination-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="echo-reply" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="failed-policy" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="fragmentation-needed" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-precedence-violation" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-prohibited" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-redirect" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-unknown" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ip-header-bad" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-prohibited" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-redirect" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-unknown" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="no-route" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="packet-too-big" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="parameter-problem" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="port-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="precedence-cutoff" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="protocol-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="reject-route" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="required-option-missing" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="source-route-failed" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="time-exceeded" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="timestamp-reply" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="timestamp-request" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-host-redirect" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-host-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-network-redirect" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-network-unreachable" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ttl-zero-during-reassembly" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ttl-zero-during-transit" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="unknown-header-type" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="unknown-option" for zone="internal"
INFO: Blocking icmp="address-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="bad-header" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="beyond-scope" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="communication-prohibited" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="destination-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="echo-reply" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="echo-request" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="failed-policy" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="fragmentation-needed" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-precedence-violation" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-prohibited" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-redirect" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-unknown" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ip-header-bad" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="neighbour-advertisement" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="neighbour-solicitation" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-prohibited" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-redirect" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-unknown" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="no-route" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="packet-too-big" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="parameter-problem" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="port-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="precedence-cutoff" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="protocol-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="redirect" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="reject-route" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="required-option-missing" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="router-advertisement" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="router-solicitation" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="source-quench" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="source-route-failed" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="time-exceeded" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="timestamp-reply" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="timestamp-request" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-host-redirect" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-host-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-network-redirect" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-network-unreachable" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ttl-zero-during-reassembly" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ttl-zero-during-transit" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="unknown-header-type" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="unknown-option" for zone="dmz"
INFO: Blocking icmp="address-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="bad-header" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="beyond-scope" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="communication-prohibited" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="destination-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="echo-reply" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="failed-policy" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="fragmentation-needed" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-precedence-violation" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-prohibited" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-redirect" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-unknown" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="host-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ip-header-bad" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-prohibited" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-redirect" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-unknown" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="network-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="no-route" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="packet-too-big" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="parameter-problem" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="port-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="precedence-cutoff" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="protocol-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="reject-route" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="required-option-missing" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="source-route-failed" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="time-exceeded" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="timestamp-reply" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="timestamp-request" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-host-redirect" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-host-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-network-redirect" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="tos-network-unreachable" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ttl-zero-during-reassembly" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="ttl-zero-during-transit" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="unknown-header-type" for zone="external"
INFO: Blocking icmp="unknown-option" for zone="external"
INFO: that everything looks good.
Si cette configuration vous paraît bonne, vous pouvez l'appliquer en rappelant le script avec l'option -c (commit).
INFO: Your SuSEfirewall2 rules have been migrated to FirewallD. A celebration is in *****!
INFO: Please note that the firewalld rules haven't been made permanent yet.
INFO: configuration and then use 'firewall-cmd --runtime-to-permanent' to make it permanent.
INFO: - And the firewalld manpages of course!
Merci pour ce billet Antoine.
Si je comprend bien, la migration sur la version 15, feras que l'on passeras automatiquement sous firewalld?
Non à ma connaissance il n'y a aucun passage automatique à firewalld de prévu pour le moment sur migration Leap 42.3 → 15.
Des indications seront peut-être ajoutées aux notes de version de Leap 15 au moment de sa sortie.
Dans tous les cas rien ne presse sur Leap : le module pare-feu de YaST est encore opérationnel sur la 42.3 donc il n'y a pas grand intérêt à passer à firewalld maintenant.
Merci pour ce tutoriel détaillé.
Pour "susefirewall2-to-firewalld", il a fallu l'installer.
Après un moulinage de quelques minutes inquiétantes, j'ai vu que le script réactivait SFWD comme dans ton message. Alors direction Yast Système Gestionnaire de services pour vérifier que FWD est bien réglé, et mis hors service les deux "SFD" pour l'éternité, ou presque.
Cela a été l'occasion de visiter le pare-feu, pour la première fois.
|
0.687814 |
How do I conceal in changing rooms if they lock them?
There might be cameras. It varies by state.
Some states might allow cameras at the fitting room area, but the store still might not have them in case they get privacy complaints from customers. You should be scoping out the store anyway.
|
0.935023 |
Cyclo(Phe-Pro) (cFP) is a secondary metabolite produced by certain bacteria and fungi. Although recent studies highlight the role of cFP in cell-to-cell communication by bacteria, its role in the context of the host immune response is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of cFP produced by the human pathogen Vibrio vulnificus in the modulation of innate immune responses toward the pathogen. cFP suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocyte/macrophage cell line and in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Specifically, cFP inhibited inhibitory κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) translocation to the cell nucleus, indicating that cFP affects the NF-κB pathway. We searched for genes that are responsible for cFP production in V. vulnificus and identified VVMO6_03017 as a causative gene. A deletion of VVMO6_03017 diminished cFP production and decreased virulence in subcutaneously inoculated mice. In summary, cFP produced by V. vulnificus actively suppresses the innate immune responses of the host, thereby facilitating its survival and propagation in the host environment.
Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen that can cause septicemia through ingestion of raw contaminated seafood or through exposure of open wounds to salt water. The mortality rates for septicemia are >50%, and death can occur within 24 h after infection with the bacteria. V. vulnificus causes cellular damage by triggering the secretion of hemolysin and cytolysin and inhibits phagocytosis with a capsular polysaccharide to increase its survival in the host environment (1–3). Several virulence factors have been identified in this pathogen (1–3), and it appears that complex interactions among numerous factors, including many not yet identified, are required for its pathogenicity.
A diketopiperazine molecule, cyclo(l-phenylalanyl–l-proline) (cFP) (Fig. 1A), is a secondary metabolite produced by numerous fungi and bacteria that controls the expression of genes involved in pathogenicity (4). cFP was identified in Pseudomonas strains as a member of a new class of autoinducers by using lux-based acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) biosensors (5, 6). We have previously shown that cFP production by V. vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae peaks when cell growth reaches the stationary phase and that cFP affects the expression of the ToxR-dependent gene ompU, which is important for the pathogenicity of Vibrio species (7). In addition, cFP has numerous effects on multiple hosts. On animal cells, it has antifungal (8) and antitumor (9–11) effects and also reverses irradiation damage (12). It also modulates auxin signaling in plants (13). Those reports suggest that cFP may have an important function in pathogenicity as well as in host-pathogen interactions. However, the effects of diketopiperazines, including cFP, on host immune responses have not yet been studied.
Macrophages play a central role in first-line host defense (14). They express proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and antimicrobial agents such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) when they recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) through pattern recognition receptors such as the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (15). When TLR4 recognizes bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), it initiates a signaling cascade through the recruitment of proteins such as MyD88, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family members, and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6). Ubiquitination of TRAF6 results in the sequential activation of transforming growth factor β-associated kinase 1 (TAK1) and the inhibitory κB (IκB) kinase (IKK) complex or the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway through phosphorylation, which triggers downstream signaling and activates the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) (16, 17). NF-κB activation requires the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB, which is regulated by the IKK complex or by the MAPK pathway. IκB degradation allows NF-κB to translocate into the nucleus, where it binds target gene promoters and induces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial agents involved in pathogen clearance (17).
In this study, we examined the role of cFP produced by the human pathogen V. vulnificus in the modulation of mammalian innate immune responses. Here we report that this small molecule suppresses innate immune responses by affecting the NF-κB pathway in macrophages, providing the bacteria with a survival advantage in the host environment. These results suggest an important role for cFP in the pathogenesis of bacteria.
Mice and experimental reagents.Four- to five-week-old ICR mice were purchased from Samkaco (South Korea). Experiments with live mice were approved by the Sogang University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. cFP (Bachem Inc., Switzerland) was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at a concentration of 1 M (stock solution).
Bacterial strains, plasmids, and culture conditions.The bacterial strains and plasmids used in this study are listed in Table S1 in the supplemental material. Escherichia coli strains were cultured at 37°C in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth supplemented with the appropriate antibiotics. V. vulnificus strains were cultured in LB broth or thiosulfate-citrate-bile salt-sucrose (TCBS) agar at 30°C. Antibiotics were used at the following concentrations: 50 μg/ml ampicillin, 10 μg/ml tetracycline, and 25 μg/ml chloramphenicol for E. coli and 2 μg/ml tetracycline and 2 μg/ml chloramphenicol for V. vulnificus. All media used in this study were purchased from Difco/BD (Franklin Lakes, NJ). All reagents and antibiotics were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St. Louis, MO) and used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Cell culture.The J774A.1 cell line (mouse monocytes/macrophages) and the L929 cell line (NCTC 929; mouse connective tissue cells) were purchased from the Korean Cell Line Bank and maintained in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin.
Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were prepared as described previously (18). L929 cell-conditioned medium was collected from the culture supernatant of L929 cells. Mouse bone marrow cells were obtained from mouse tibias and femurs by using a syringe filled with BMDM growth medium (RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, and 30% L929 cell-conditioned medium). The collected cells were differentiated for 6 days in BMDM growth medium.
Cell viability assay.Cell viability was determined by using the CellTiter 96 Aqueous Nonradioactive Cell Proliferation Assay kit (Promega, Madison, WI) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The assay kit contains of two solutions, MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] and PMS (phenazine methosulfate). MTS is soluble in tissue culture medium and is bioreduced by live cells into a formazan product that can be measured at 490 nm directly from 96-well plates. J774A.1 cells (1 × 104 cells/100 μl) were plated onto 96-well plates. After culture overnight, the cells were treated with various concentrations of cFP for 48 h. A combined MTS-PMS solution (20 μl) was added to each well of the 96-well plates, and the plates were further incubated for 3 h at 37°C in a humidified 5% CO2 atmosphere. The absorbance at 490 nm (A490) was measured by using a microplate reader (model 680; Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA). A standard curve was used to convert the absorbance to cell numbers.
Cytokine measurement.For measurement of the expression of innate cytokines, cells were plated onto a 24-well culture plate and treated with 100 ng/ml LPS (catalog number S2325; Sigma-Aldrich) in the presence or absence of various concentrations of cFP for the indicated times. The amount of cytokine in the cell culture supernatant was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Each well of a 96-well Maxisorp plate (Nunc/Thermo-Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) was coated with 100 μl of a purified anticytokine antibody (for TNF-α [catalog number 4-7325-85; eBioscience, San Diego, CA], IL-6 [catalog number 554400; BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA], and IL-1β [catalog number 14-7012-85; eBioscience]) and incubated overnight at 4°C. The plate was washed with wash buffer (0.05% Triton X-100 in phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]), and nonspecific binding was blocked by incubation with 100 μl/well of ELISA blocking buffer (10% bovine serum in PBS) for 1 h at room temperature. Standards and samples were added (25 μl/well), and the plates were incubated overnight at 4°C. The plate was washed with wash buffer and then incubated with 100 μl/well of a biotinylated anticytokine antibody (for TNF-α [catalog number 4-7326-85; eBioscience], IL-6 [catalog number 554402; BD Biosciences], and IL-1β [catalog number 13-7112-85; eBioscience]) for 1 h at room temperature. The plate was washed with wash buffer, 100 μl of a horseradish peroxidase solution (catalog number 554058; BD Biosciences) was added to each well, and the plate was incubated for 30 min at room temperature. The plate was washed, and the color was developed with 150 μl of a TMB (3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine) peroxidase solution. The reaction was stopped by the addition of 50 μl of TMB stop solution. The absorbance was recorded at 490 nm by using a microplate reader (model 680; Bio-Rad).
Measurement of nitric oxide production.Cells were stimulated with 100 ng/ml LPS in the presence or absence of various concentrations of cFP. The culture supernatants were collected, and the concentration of nitrite was measured by using the Griess reagent system (Promega) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Measurement of total cellular peroxides.Intracellular oxidative stress was assayed by the oxidation of dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). J774A.1 cells (1 × 106) were incubated with 100 ng/ml LPS in the presence or absence of 1 or 4 mM cFP at 37°C. Cells were then washed with PBS and incubated with 10 μM DCFH-DA for 30 min at 37°C. The cells were detached by scraping and washed with PBS. Cellular fluorescence was determined by using a FACSCalibur instrument.
Measurement of macrophage phagocytic activity.Phagocytic activity was measured with a pHrodo Green E. coli BioParticles conjugate (catalog number P35366; Life Technologies). The particles are conjugated to pHrodo dye, the fluorescence of which increases in an acidic environment such as that of the phagosome. For measurement of phagocytic activity, 5 × 105 J774A.1 cells in 200 μl of culture medium were plated onto 24-well culture plates for 24 h, and the culture medium was then replaced with 200 μl of pHrodo Green E. coli BioParticles conjugate solution in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP for the indicated times. Cells were detached by scraping and washed with PBS. Phagocytic activity was determined based on the fluorescence intensity of the cells by using a FACSCalibur instrument (BD Biosciences).
Nuclear protein extraction and Western blot analysis.J774A.1 cells (2 × 106) were harvested by scraping and washed with 1× PBS. For whole-cell lysate extraction, the cells were mixed with 0.5 ml of radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) lysis buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl [pH 8.0], 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM Na2EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, 1% Nonidet P-40 [NP-40], 1% sodium deoxycholate, and 0.1% SDS) and pipetted 20 times to form a homogeneous lysate. The mixture was allowed to stand for 5 min at 4°C and centrifuged at 12,000 × g for 10 min at 4°C, and the supernatants were used for Western blotting.
For the preparation of nuclear extracts, cells were resuspended in buffer A (10 mM HEPES [pH 7.9], 10 mM KCl, 0.1 mM dithiothreitol [DTT], and 0.5 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride [PMSF]), mixed by vortexing, and incubated on ice for 15 min. NP-40 was then added to a final concentration of 10%, and the extracts were vortexed for 10 s. Pellets were obtained by centrifugation at 15,000 × g for 1 min at 4°C. The pellets were resuspended by vortexing in buffer B (20 mM HEPES [pH 7.9], 0.4 M NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM DTT, 1 mM PMSF, and 10% NP-40) for 10 min. The mixture was then centrifuged at 15,000 × g for 10 min at 4°C, and the supernatants were used for Western blot analysis.
The whole-cell lysates or nuclear lysates were electrophoresed on an SDS-polyacrylamide gel and transferred onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane for 1 h. The membranes were blocked for 1 h in Tris-buffered saline with 0.05% Tween 20 (TBST) and 5% skim milk. Anti-phospho-IKK (catalog number 2078; Cell Signaling Technology, Manassas, VA), anti-IκBα (catalog number 9242; Cell Signaling Technology), anti-p65 (catalog number sc-8008; Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA), anti-β-actin (catalog number sc-47778; Santa Cruz Biotechnology), and anti-lamin B (catalog number ab16048; Abcam, Cambridge, MA) antibodies were diluted 1:1,000 in TBST and incubated with the membrane overnight at 4°C. Blots were washed with TBST three times for 10 min each and incubated with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG (catalog number A90-116P; Bethyl, Montgomery, TX) or chicken anti-goat IgG (catalog number A50-110P; Bethyl) for 1 h at room temperature. Protein bands were detected by incubation with enhanced chemiluminescence reagent and by exposure to an X-ray film. Densitometric analyses were performed by using ImageJ software (NCBI freeware).
NF-κB activity assay.The pNF-κB luciferase vector (containing the NF-κB binding sites) and a Renilla luciferase reporter plasmid were transfected into HEK293T cells. A total of 2 ×105 cells were used for each transfection. Transfected cells were allowed to recover in complete medium for 24 h and then incubated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP for 0, 1, 3, or 6 h. Cells were then harvested and washed with PBS. The luciferase assay was performed by using the Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay system (Promega) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Transfection efficiency was normalized by dividing firefly luciferase activity by Renilla luciferase activity.
RNA isolation and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis.J774A.1 cells or BMDMs (5 × 105 cells) in 200 μl of culture medium were plated onto 24-well plates. After culture overnight, the cells were treated with 0.1 μg/ml LPS in the presence or absence of cFP for the indicated times. The cells were resuspended in 1 ml of TRIzol reagent (Life Technologies) and 200 μl of chloroform and centrifuged at 15,000 × g for 15 min at 4°C. The aqueous phase (supernatant) was transferred into a new microtube, mixed with 500 μl of isopropanol, and incubated at room temperature for 10 min. Total RNA was precipitated by centrifugation at 15,000 × g for 10 min at 4°C, and the RNA pellet was washed with 70% ethanol by centrifugation at 7,500 × g for 5 min at 4°C. cDNA was synthesized by using the TOPscript reverse transcriptase kit (catalog number RT0025; Enzynomics, Japan) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, total RNA was mixed with 100 μM oligo(dT)18 and heated for 5 min at 70°C. Reverse transcription was performed at final concentrations of 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5), 3 mM MgCl2, 10 mM DTT, 75 mM KCl, 2 mM each deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP), 20 units RNase inhibitor, and 200 units Topscript reverse transcriptase at 50°C for 60 min. The reaction was terminated at 95°C for 5 min.
Real-time PCRs were carried out with the HiFast Probe Lo-Rox kit (catalog number Q200220; Genepole, South Korea) by using the primers listed in Table S2 in the supplemental material (400 nM each) on an Applied Biosystems 7500 real-time PCR system. Real-time PCR was performed as follows: a starting reaction at 95°C for 2 min followed by 40 cycles of denaturation at 95°C for 10 s and annealing/extension at 60°C for 34 s.
Flow cytometry analysis.J774A.1 cells (5 × 105) in 200 μl of culture medium were plated onto a 24-well plate for 24 h, and the cells were treated with LPS (0.1 μg/ml) in the presence or absence of various concentrations of cFP for the indicated times. Cells were detached by scraping and washed two times with PBS. The cells were treated with an Fc blocker (catalog number 101302; BioLegend, San Diego, CA) for 20 min on ice. For the measurement of TLR4 internalization, cells were stained with an anti-TLR4-phycoerythrin (PE) antibody (catalog number 145403; BioLegend) for 30 min at 4°C. After washing with PBS, cellular fluorescence was determined by using a FACSCalibur instrument. For intracellular cytokine staining, cells were fixed/permeabilized by using an intracellular cytokine staining kit (BD Biosciences) for 20 min. The fixed cells were sequentially stained with a biotin-conjugated anti-TNF-α antibody (catalog number 13-7326-85; eBioscience) and PE-streptavidin (catalog number 554061; BD Biosciences) for 30 min at 4°C and washed with PBS, and cellular fluorescence was determined on a FACSCalibur instrument.
Isothermal titration calorimetry analysis.To determine the binding affinity of cFP and LPS, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was performed by using an iTC200 isothermal titration calorimeter (Microcal), which enables the direct measurement of the enthalpy change when two molecules interact (19). cFP (1 mM) was titrated into a solution of LPS (12 μM) at 37°C, and the resulting temperature changes were measured by the input of power required to maintain an equal temperature between the sample and reference cells.
Construction of the genomic DNA library of V. vulnificus and transposon mutagenesis.To construct the V. vulnificus MO6-24/O (20) genomic library, chromosomal DNA was extracted and then partially digested with the restriction enzyme Sau3AI. Digested fragments were size fractionated after sucrose gradient centrifugation, and fragments with an average size of 25 kb were isolated. The fragments were cloned into the BamHI site of pCP13/B (21) and transformed into LE392 cells. Transposon insertion mutagenesis was performed using by the transposon mini-Tn5 lacZ1 as described previously (22).
Quantitative analyses of cFP production.For quantitative analyses of cFP production, bioluminescence assays and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were performed as previously described (7). Briefly, cultures of bacterial cells grown overnight in LB broth were inoculated into fresh LB medium. After 6 h of incubation, cell-free culture supernatants were collected by centrifugation, and 200 μl of each supernatant was plated onto a 96-well plate. For quantitative measurement of cFP production in the supernatants, E. coli strain MT102 harboring sensor plasmid pSB403 (23) was used as a bioindicator. Cultures of MT102(pSB403) grown overnight in LB medium were washed and diluted to an A600 value of 0.1 into fresh LB medium, and 200 μl of the diluted MT102(pSB403) cells was added to a 96-well plate. After 4 h of incubation, the cFP level was calculated as luminescence units normalized to the cell density (relative luminescence units [RLU]). For HPLC analysis, 50 ml of the cell-free culture supernatant from V. vulnificus or E. coli cells grown to stationary phase in LB medium was extracted twice with the same volume of ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract was vaporized and dissolved in 50% methanol. Samples were applied to a Mightysil RP-18 GP 250-4.6 column (Kanto Chemical, Japan) that had been washed with 100% methanol and equilibrated with 30% methanol in water. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min, and the cFP peak was detected at 256 nm.
Construction of an llcA deletion mutant and cloning of the llcA gene.To construct the llcA gene deletion mutant, a 777-bp fragment of the upstream region and a 724-bp fragment of the downstream region of the llcA gene of V. vulnificus MO6-24/O were amplified by using primer sets llcKO_F1/llcKO_B1 and llcKO_F2/llcKO_B2, respectively (see Table S3 in the supplemental material). Each fragment was digested with the restriction enzyme StyI and then ligated into the pGEM-T Easy vector (Promega) to generate plasmid pGEM-llcKO. The resulting construct has a 462-bp deletion in the llcA gene. Plasmid pGEM-llcKO was digested with the restriction enzymes SalI and SphI and cloned into the vector pDM4 to generate pDM4-llcKO, which was then introduced into E. coli S17-1λpir (24), from which it was mobilized into V. vulnificus MO6-24/O by conjugation. Exconjugants were grown on TCBS agar containing chloramphenicol (2 μg/ml) to select for a double crossover, as previously described (25). The resulting V. vulnificus MO6-24/O strain with a deletion in the chromosomal copy of llcA was confirmed by DNA sequencing, and the mutant was named the ΔllcA mutant. For the llcA complementary assay, the 830-bp DNA fragment comprising the promoter region and the coding region of llcA was amplified by PCR using primers llcA_comF and llcA_comB (see Table S3 in the supplemental material). The resulting product was cloned into pRK415 (26) to construct pRK-llcA. This plasmid was conjugated into wild-type (WT) V. vulnificus MO6-24/O and the ΔllcA strain.
Bacteria and mouse infection.For the mouse infection experiment, wild-type V. vulnificus (MO6-24/O) and the ΔllcA mutant were cultured in LB medium, harvested, washed with PBS, and resuspended in PBS. The bacteria (5 × 104, 1 × 105, or 1 × 106 CFU in 100 μl of PBS) were subcutaneously injected into 4- to 5-week-old ICR mice.
For the mouse infection experiment with V. vulnificus conjugated with either pRK415 or pRK-llcA, the WT strain harboring pRK415 [WT(pRK415)], the ΔllcA mutant harboring pRK415 [ΔllcA(pRK415) strain], and the ΔllcA(pRK-llcA) strain were cultured in LB medium containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline, harvested, washed with PBS, and resuspended in 100 μl of PBS containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline. The bacteria (2 × 106, 1 × 106, or 1 × 105 CFU) were subcutaneously injected into 4- to 5-week-old ICR mice.
Statistical analysis.Results are expressed as means ± standard deviations (SD). Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by using Student's t test or Pearson's chi-squared test.
cFP is not cytotoxic to J774A.1 cells in the range of 0 to 10 mM.To determine the effect of cFP on the viability of cells, a cytotoxicity assay was performed. J774A.1 mouse monocyte/macrophage cells were treated with cFP in the range of 0 to 20 mM for 48 h, and cytotoxicity was measured by an MTS assay. cFP did not show a significant level of cytotoxicity in the range of 0 to 10 mM. However, cFP was cytotoxic to J774A.1 cells at concentrations of >10 mM; therefore, <5 mM cFP was used in subsequent experiments (Fig. 1B).
cFP suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines from LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells.To investigate whether microbe-released cFP can influence host immune responses, resting J774A.1 cells were treated with cFP at a concentration of 0 to 5 mM for 48 h, and the secretion of innate cytokines was measured by ELISA of culture supernatants. cFP did not induce the production of TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-1β in resting macrophages, based on the negative and positive controls (see Fig. S1 in the supplemental material).
The inhibitory effect of cFP on cytokine production in resting cells could not be determined because the basal expression levels of the cytokines were too low. Therefore, J774A.1 cells were stimulated with LPS, and the effect cFP on the release of proinflammatory cytokines was examined by ELISA. LPS substantially induced the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Interestingly, cFP inhibited LPS-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 2A). Maximal inhibition of cytokine release was observed at a cFP concentration of 4 mM, at which cell viability was not affected (Fig. 1B). The effect of cFP on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines at the transcriptional level was also examined. Without the addition of cFP, LPS-induced mRNA expression of Tnfa and Il6 peaked at 3 h of stimulation and decreased thereafter. Consistent with its effects on cytokine protein production, cFP strongly inhibited the LPS-induced expression of Tnfa and Il6 mRNAs (Fig. 2B).
Structure of cFP and its effect on cell viability. (A) Structure of cyclo(Phe-Pro). (B) Cell viability was measured by an MTS assay after treatment with various concentrations of cFP for 48 h. Data represent means ± SD (n = 4). All data are representative of data from three independent experiments that yielded similar results.
cFP reduces proinflammatory cytokine levels in mouse macrophages stimulated with LPS. (A) J774A.1 cells were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 48 h in the presence of the indicated concentrations of cFP. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. Data represent means ± SD (n = 4). Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001). (B) J774A.1 cells were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for the indicated numbers of hours in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP. Relative mRNA levels of Tnf and Il6 were measured by qRT-PCR and normalized to the Hprt mRNA level. Data represent means ± SD (n = 3). Statistical analyses were performed by using Student's t test (***, P < 0.001).
cFP suppresses the production of antimicrobial agents in a macrophage cell line.The effect of cFP on the production of antimicrobial chemicals generated by mammalian cells, including nitric oxide (NO) and ROS, was next examined. First, the effect of cFP on NO production in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells was quantitatively measured by using a Griess assay. cFP reduced NO production by LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells in a dose-dependent manner (Fig. 3A). cFP also reduced the mRNA expression of the Inos gene, which encodes inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an enzyme that catalyzes the production of NO (Fig. 3B) (27).
Effects of cFP on production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in J774A.1 cells. (A) J774A.1 cells were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 24 h in the presence of the indicated concentrations of cFP, and the concentrations of nitrite were detected by a Griess reagent assay. Data represent means ± SD (n = 4). Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; NS, not significant). (B) The mRNA level of Inos was measured by qRT-PCR after the indicated incubation times and normalized to the Hprt mRNA level. Data represent means ± SD (n = 3). Statistical analyses were performed by using Student's t test (***, P < 0.001). (C) J774A.1 cells were stimulated with 100 ng/ml LPS in the presence or absence of 1 mM or 4 mM cFP for 2 h. ROS generation was detected by DCFH-DA fluorescence.
Next, the effect of cFP on ROS production in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells was examined. To detect intracellular ROS levels, cells were labeled with DCFH-DA, which is a cell-permeable chemical that is rapidly oxidized to a highly fluorescent form by ROS. As shown in Fig. 3C, cFP inhibited ROS production in a dose-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells.
cFP suppresses the production of innate cytokines and nitric oxide in primary macrophages.The above-described experiments were performed by using the J774A.1 cell line, which is a transformed monocyte/macrophage cell line. To confirm that these results can be repeated in more physiologically relevant primary cells, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were used. Bone marrow was isolated from C57BL/6 mice and differentiated into macrophages ex vivo in a medium supplemented with L929 cell-conditioned medium as a source of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). The role of cFP in the production of proinflammatory cytokines and NO and the expression of Inos was examined by using LPS-stimulated BMDMs. Consistent with the J774A.1 cell data, cFP inhibited the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 at both the protein and mRNA levels (Fig. 4A) and also inhibited the production of NO and the expression of Inos mRNA (Fig. 4B) in LPS-stimulated BMDMs. These results suggest that cFP also exerts its inhibitory effects in more physiologically relevant primary macrophages.
cFP suppresses production of innate cytokines and nitric oxide in primary macrophages. (A) BMDMs were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for the indicated times in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP. (Top) The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the culture supernatants were measured by an ELISA. Data represent means ± SD (n = 3). (Bottom) BMDMs were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 3 h in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP. The mRNA levels of Tnf and Il6 were measured by qRT-PCR and normalized to the Hprt mRNA level. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05). (B) BMDMs were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) for the indicated times in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP. The concentrations of nitrite were detected by a Griess reagent assay (left), and the mRNA level of Inos was measured by qRT-PCR (right). Data represent means ± SD (n = 3). Statistical analyses between groups were performed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05).
cFP inhibits TNF-α production in J774A.1 cells at an early time point.Understanding the kinetics of innate cytokine production and its inhibition is important for innate immunity, because the innate immune system provides the first line of defense for the body and prevents invading microbes from proliferating and colonizing. The effect of cFP on TNF-α production by LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells was therefore measured at various time points by intracellular cytokine staining. LPS rapidly induced TNF-α production, starting at 1 h and peaking at 3 h (Fig. 5). cFP at a final concentration of 1 mM did not exert a significant effect on TNF-α production. However, cFP at 4 mM rapidly blocked the production of TNF-α at as early as 1 h (Fig. 5), suggesting that cFP acts at a relatively early time point.
cFP delays TNF-α expression induced by LPS. (A) J774A.1 cells were treated with 100 ng/ml of LPS in the presence or absence of cFP for the indicated times. TNF-α-positive cells were stained by intracellular cytokine staining and analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Each experiment was performed in triplicate and repeated at least three times, which yielded similar results. (B) Graphical representation of the data shown in panel A. Data represent means ± SD (n = 3). Statistical analyses between cFP-treated and untreated groups were performed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01).
In all the experiments in this study, cFP was added to the culture medium together with LPS to examine the effects of cFP on cultured cells. We therefore investigated the possibility that cFP binds directly to LPS. If this occurs, cFP would reduce the effective dose of LPS available for cell activation and thereby limit LPS-induced cytokine and NO production, consistent with our previous results. To test this possibility, the ability of cFP to physically bind to LPS was examined by ITC. We found that cFP did not specifically bind to LPS (see Fig. S2 in the supplemental material), which indicates that the inhibitory effect of cFP was not due to a sequestration of cFP by LPS.
cFP does not affect phagocytic activity or TLR internalization.To explore the effect of cFP on macrophage functions, the effect of cFP on phagocytosis, a major mechanism through which macrophages clear pathogens, was examined. Phagocytosis by J774A.1 cells was measured by using a pHrodo Green E. coli BioParticles conjugate. Treatment with 4 mM cFP did not have a significant effect on the phagocytic activity of J774A.1 cells (see Fig. S3 in the supplemental material).
To study the molecular mechanisms of the cFP-mediated inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial agents, we first examined whether cFP affects TLR4 endocytosis, because LPS triggers the inflammatory signaling pathway by inducing TLR4 endocytosis in macrophages (28). Even after 60 min, cFP did not have a significant effect on TLR4 internalization induced by LPS (see Fig. S4 in the supplemental material). Taken together, these results suggest that cFP has no discernible effect on phagocytosis or TLR4 internalization.
cFP affects the NF-κB signaling pathway.The above-described results led us to examine whether cFP exerts its effect by influencing a downstream signaling pathway associated with TLR4 stimulation. The central downstream pathway of TLR4 is the IKK/NF-κB pathway. Upon stimulation of TLR4, IKK becomes autophosphorylated and subsequently phosphorylates IκB, which, in its unphosphorylated form, binds to NF-κB and inhibits its nuclear translocation. Phosphorylated IκB (p-IκB) is ubiquitinated and degraded by a proteasome. The released NF-κB translocates into the nucleus and induces the expression of its target genes (14, 29). IκB levels recover as the signal wanes since IκB is continuously resynthesized; thus, the degradation of IκB reflects the active transduction of a stimulatory signal (14, 29). The role of cFP in these signaling events was examined by using LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells. LPS led to IKK phosphorylation and a transient degradation of IκBα, as previously reported (30). Interestingly, cFP inhibited IKK phosphorylation and reduced and delayed the degradation of IκBα in whole-cell lysates from LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells (Fig. 6A and B). cFP also reduced the accumulation of NF-κB p65 in the nuclear extract compared to controls without cFP treatment (Fig. 6C and D).
cFP impairs NF-κB signaling in macrophages. (A) Phosphorylation of IκB and IKK. Phosphorylated IKK and IκBα were detected in whole-cell extracts by Western blotting. β-Actin was used as the reference protein. Data are representative of three independent experiments that yielded similar results. (B) Quantitation of phosphorylated IKK, IκBα, and β-actin bands was performed by using ImageJ software (NCBI freeware). (C) Nuclear translocation of p65. J774A.1 cells were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP for various amounts of time. The cells were then lysed, nuclear extracts were prepared, and the p65 protein was detected in the nuclear extracts by Western blotting. Lamin B1 was used as a loading control for nuclear protein. (D) Quantitation of p65 and lamin B bands was performed by using ImageJ software. (E) NF-κB target gene expression. J774A.1 cells were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP for 3 h. The mRNA levels of the indicated genes were measured by qRT-PCR. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05). (F) NF-κB promoter activity. HEK293T cells were transfected with a pNF-κB luciferase vector (containing NF-κB binding sites) and a Renilla luciferase reporter plasmid by using polyethyleneimine. Cells were allowed to rest for 24 h and then stimulated with 100 ng/ml LPS in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP for the indicated times. Luciferase activity in the cell extract was measured. Statistical differences between groups were analyzed by using Student's t test (*, P < 0.05).
To examine whether cFP inhibits NF-κB-mediated gene expression, the expression of NF-κB target genes in LPS-stimulated J774A.1 cells was analyzed. cFP greatly reduced the expression of the NF-κB target genes Rantes, Ip10, and Mcp1 in these cells (Fig. 6C). Taken together, these results suggest that cFP inhibits the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
A transient-reporter assay was used to confirm the effect of cFP on NF-κB-mediated gene expression. HEK293T cells were transfected with a reporter construct containing NF-κB binding sites in its promoter. The cells were then stimulated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of 4 mM cFP for the indicated times, and reporter activity was measured. Stimulation with TNF-α triggered luciferase activity, indicating that TNF-α induced NF-κB binding to its promoter (Fig. 6D). cFP significantly reduced TNF-α-induced luciferase activity, indicating that cFP inhibits NF-κB-mediated gene expression (Fig. 6D). Since TNF-α rather than LPS was used in this experiment, this result further supports the notion that the inhibitory activity of cFP is not limited to LPS stimulation but is applicable to other NF-κB-activating signals.
Isolation of a mutant of MO6-24/O with a defect in cFP production.Since cFP was found to inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial agents, we hypothesized that cFP gives bacteria a survival advantage in the host environment during infection. To test this hypothesis, we first isolated a derivative of V. vulnificus that has a defect in cFP production. For this, we utilized the fact that E. coli strain LE392 does not produce detectable levels of cFP, as assessed by HPLC (data not shown). A genomic library of V. vulnificus MO6-24/O was constructed in LE392 cells, and each clone of the library was examined for the ability to produce cFP by using the bioindicator MT102(pSB403). About 25,000 genomic library clones of V. vulnificus were assessed for the production of cFP by using MT102(pSB403), and two clones (pCP-1151 and pCP-1440) that activated the bioindicator to the level of wild-type V. vulnificus MO6-24/O were isolated (see Fig. S5A in the supplemental material). This suggests that these two clones carry genes that allow cFP production by LE392, which does not naturally produce cFP. cFP production in the two clones, measured by using HPLC, confirmed the result (see Fig. S5B in the supplemental material). LE392 harboring the control vector pCP13/B gave a signal comparable to that in uninoculated LB medium (see Fig. S5B in the supplemental material).
DNA nucleotide sequencing showed that the inserts in pCP-1151 and pCP-1440 contain an identical region of chromosome II of V. vulnificus MO6-24/O, and pCP-1151 was chosen for further analysis. The clone pCP-1151 contains an ∼23-kb genomic DNA fragment of V. vulnificus, from VVMO6_03006 to VVMO6_03031 (see Fig. S6A in the supplemental material). To identify the gene that is responsible for conferring cFP production to the pCP-1151 clone, random transposon insertion mutants were made, and each mutant was tested for the ability to induce the production of cFP in LE392 cells. A transposon insertion in the VVMO6_03017 gene caused a failure to activate the bioindicator, while transposon insertions in other genes in the clone did not affect the activation of the bioindicator (see Fig. S6B in the supplemental material).
The deduced amino acid sequence of VVMO6_03017 suggests that the protein is a membrane protein that does not show homology to any known genes. A deletion of this gene abolished cFP production in V. vulnificus MO6-24/O cells, and the introduction of the clone in trans into the mutant restored cFP production (see Fig. S7 in the supplemental material). Although the biological function of VVMO6_03017 in association with cFP biosynthesis is not known, this result clearly showed that this gene is required for the production of cFP in V. vulnificus MO6-24/O cells, and the gene was therefore named llcA (low level of cFP producer A). The growth rate of the ΔllcA mutant did not differ from that of wild-type strain MO6-24/O (see Fig. S8 in the supplemental material).
cFP enhances bacterial survival in animal hosts.To test the hypothesis that cFP production by bacteria results in a survival advantage during infection, ICR mice were infected with WT (MO6-24/O) or mutant (ΔllcA) V. vulnificus by subcutaneous injection, and the virulence of the bacteria was determined by measuring the survival rate of the infected mice. Mice infected with 5 × 104 CFU of WT V. vulnificus had 0% viability after 72 h of infection. However, mice infected with the ΔllcA mutant had an increased viability of 50% (Fig. 7A). When mice were infected with higher CFU (1 × 105 or 1 × 106) of V. vulnificus, the difference in virulence between the WT and mutant waned (Fig. 7B and C), suggesting that the effect of cFP on virulence is modest. These results support the hypothesis that, at least modestly, cFP is involved in virulence in the host environment during infection.
cFP enhances virulence of V. vulnificus in mice. Four- to five-week-old ICR mice were injected with V. vulnificus strain MO6-24/O (WT strain), the ΔllcA mutant, or PBS (n = 20). Bacteria (5 × 104, 1 × 105, or 1 × 106 CFU) were injected subcutaneously in 100 μl of PBS, and the numbers of surviving mice are shown. Statistical differences between WT- and mutant-infected groups were analyzed by Pearson's chi-squared test (**, P < 0.01; n.s., not significant).
Next, we examined whether the llcA gene complements the virulence of the WT in a mouse infection experiment. For this, the WT or the ΔllcA mutant was introduced with either a control plasmid (pRK415) or plasmid pRK-llcA. ICR mice were then infected with WT(pRK415), ΔllcA(pRK415), and ΔllcA(pRK-llcA) by subcutaneous injection, and the virulence of the bacteria was determined by measuring the survival rate of the infected mice. These experimental conditions are slightly different from those used in the previous mouse experiment. V. vulnificus conjugated with either the control plasmid (pRK415) or plasmid pRK-llcA has to be maintained in the presence of tetracycline in the mouse. Therefore, tetracycline was injected into a mouse together with the bacteria, which selects bacteria that contain the plasmid. Because of the low copy number and the instability of the plasmid, it is expected that the number of live V. vulnificus cells under these conditions is not as high as that in the absence of the antibiotics. In these experimental settings, 1 × 106 or 2 × 106 CFU of the ΔllcA mutant complemented with the llcA gene [ΔllcA(pRK415)] almost completely restored virulence to WT levels (Fig. 8), demonstrating that LlcA is responsible for virulence.
LlcA is responsible for virulence of V. vulnificus in mice. Four- to five-week-old ICR mice were injected with the V. vulnificus WT(pRK415) strain, the ΔllcA(pRK415) mutant, and the ΔllcA(pRK-llcA) complementation strain or PBS (A, n = 5; B, n = 10; C, n = 5). Bacteria (2 × 106, 1 × 106, or 1 × 105 CFU) were injected subcutaneously in 100 μl of PBS containing 2 μg/ml tetracycline, and the numbers of surviving mice are shown. Statistical differences between the ΔllcA(pRK415)- and WT(pRK415)- or ΔllcA(pRK-llcA)-treated groups were analyzed by Pearson's chi-squared test (**, P < 0.01).
In this study, we investigated the effects of cFP produced by the lethal human pathogen V. vulnificus on the mammalian innate immune system using the J774A.1 monocyte/macrophage cell line and BMDMs. cFP suppressed the LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial agents in these cells by interfering with the NF-κB signaling pathway. cFP provided the bacteria with a survival advantage in the host environment.
Since the innate immune system acts immediately upon pathogen invasion, suppression of this system is a well-known strategy that many pathogenic microorganisms employ for their survival and propagation during infection of the host body. In particular, a variety of pathogens inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway to evade the innate immune system of the host (31). Bacteria can inhibit the NF-κB pathway at the level of TLR signaling, the IKK complex, or NF-κB-dependent transcription (31). Although it is yet to be determined which level of the NF-κB signaling pathway is targeted by cFP, our current study provides some clues about the target molecule. For instance, cFP did not affect TLR4 internalization, but it did inhibit IKK phosphorylation and its downstream signaling. These results suggest that the target molecule lies between TLR internalization and IKK phosphorylation in the signaling pathway. The exact molecular target of cFP has yet to be determined.
Our study revealed that cFP acts at an early time point. cFP-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway occurred by as early as 5 min after stimulation, and a reduction of TNF-α and IL-6 expression occurred by as early as 1 to 3 h poststimulation. This early-acting property of cFP may be related to the capacity of V. vulnificus to evade the innate immune system upon initial infection, swiftly inducing symptoms with potentially lethal results in the host (3).
Our luciferase activity analysis showed that cFP has similar NF-κB-suppressive activity in LPS-stimulated macrophages and in TNF-α-stimulated HEK293T cells, suggesting that the inhibition of NF-κB activity is not a cell type-restricted phenomenon. In addition, cFP did not affect either phagocytic activity or TLR4 endocytosis in a monocyte/macrophage cell line. Thus, it seems that cFP does not affect receptor-mediated signaling of host cells, suggesting that the cFP-mediated effect is highly specific to NF-κB signaling rather than influencing the broad activities involved in cellular function.
Quorum-sensing molecules regulate biofilm formation as well as toxin and virulence factor production (32, 33). Recent studies showed that quorum-sensing molecules secreted from bacteria also affect host immune systems (32, 34–36). In particular, N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl)homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C12-HSL), a member of the N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) family that is produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and TNF-α production by LPS-stimulated macrophages (37). In addition, 3-oxo-C12-HSL represses genes encoding inflammatory regulators by impairing the regulation of NF-κB functions (35). Pretreatment with the quorum-sensing small volatile aromatic molecule 2-amino-acetophenon (2-AA) limits the inflammatory response of the host by reducing proinflammatory cytokine production (36). Recently, we showed that 4-hydroxy-2-heptylquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3,4-dihydroxyquinoline (Pseudomonas quinolone signal [PQS]), members of the 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinoline (HAQ) family, also have an inhibitory function in innate immunity (34, 38). cFP acts as a quorum-sensing molecule in V. vulnificus as well as in other pathogenic Vibrio species, including V. cholerae, by affecting the expression of the ToxR-dependent gene ompU, which is important for pathogenicity (7). Our current study is another example of the regulation of the host immune system by quorum-sensing signaling molecules. In addition to cFP, other cyclic dipeptides isolated from various microorganisms also play physiological roles in higher organisms (5, 13, 39–41). Future studies will undoubtedly reveal roles for other cyclic dipeptide molecules in microbe-host interactions.
We performed BLAST searches for the llcA gene. The gene encodes a hypothetical membrane protein found in the genus Vibrio, but the protein does not have any homology with any known protein except for a few proteins annotated as “arginine/ornithine antiporters” (ArcD) in a few Vibrio species, such as V. maritimus, V. ponticus, and V. variabilis. However, these ArcD proteins have different sizes than and no significant homology with the ArcD proteins of V. cholerae and other bacteria. These results suggest that the annotation may not be solid. Therefore, we did not follow this nomenclature in our study. We also performed a protein domain analysis on the protein, but we could not find any known functional domain in the protein. However, based on the fact that it is a membrane protein, we speculate that it might be involved in cFP transport across the cell membrane.
In conclusion, our results provide evidence that cFP has immune-suppressive effects that enhance the pathogen's ability to infect and survive in a host environment. Our study sheds light on the role of cFP in host-pathogen interactions and aids in the development of potential therapeutic strategies for diseases related to V. vulnificus. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact molecular target of cFP in the NF-κB pathway.
This work was supported by National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grants funded by the South Korean government (2014-023419 to G.R.L. and NRF-2011-0018115 to K.-S.K.), Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Planning, Republic of Korea.
Accepted manuscript posted online 5 January 2015.
Supplemental material for this article may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/IAI.02878-14.
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. 1998. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum-sensing signal molecule N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone has immunomodulatory activity. Infect Immun 66:36–42.
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. 2012. Antimicrobial and biofilm inhibiting diketopiperazines. Curr Med Chem 19:3564–3577. doi:10.2174/092986712801323243.
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0.991255 |
the number seven, is it called epta or efta?
layali i was wondering where r u frm ?
7 is pronounced "efta" by most people. "Epta" is also right though.
Same thing for 8: "ohto" and "okto" and for 9: "ennia" and "ennea".
Many people have given answers, but they lack a bit of explanation.
The short answer to your question is that seven is both εφτά and επτά. Both are acceptable and accepted.
While it's accepted, using επτά has a formal, old-fashioned feel to it. Using it in speech sounds very affected.
Using εφτά is a bit more informal, but in speech it's the word you'll hear most often, 95% of the time. So if you want to remember only one form, remember this one.
The story is exactly the same for eight (informal οχτώ vs. formal οκτώ) and nine (informal εννιά vs. formal εννέα). In all cases the informal form is used much more often than the formal one, which is considered old-fashioned, although it's still known and understood.
Note that the situation is the same for the numbers 17 (δεκαεφτά vs. δεκαεπτά), 18 (δεκαοχτώ vs. δεκαοκτώ) and 19 (δεκαεννιά vs. δεκαεννέα), and for the numbers 700 (εφτακόσια vs. επτακόσια) and 800 (οχτακόσια vs. οκτακόσια). The only exception is 900, which has only one form considered correct: εννιακόσια. "Εννεακόσια" can be found, but is frowned upon.
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0.958732 |
whats her favourit singers/bands: Nightwish, Robbie Williams, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Bro'sis, Norah Jones, Ana Johnsson, Destiny's Child, Nu Pagadi, Apocalyptica, Puddle uf mud, Metallica, Papa Roach, Limp Bizkid, Linkin Park, Martina McBridge, Evenesence, Brian Adams, Blue, Justin Timberlake, Sarah Connor, Santana, Andrea Bocelli,... end many more!
-music: I can't life without it!
-go out: go to cinema or eating with friends, yes, i like it to do!
-drogs: It is the worst waht we can do!
-smoke: I think it is rubbish! I don't like it! We don't need it to life!
-friends: That's the best what we can have!
-life: Each of us have it...and everyone have it got deserved!
her motto: Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
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0.999997 |
What are the hazards of crystalline silica?
Silica exposure remains a serious threat to nearly 2 million U.S. workers, including more than 100,000 workers in high risk jobs such as abrasive blasting, foundry work, stonecutting, rock drilling, quarry work and tunneling. The seriousness of the health hazards associated with silica exposure is demonstrated by the fatalities and disabling illnesses that continue to occur in sandblasters and rockdrillers. Crystalline silica has been classified as a human lung carcinogen. Additionally, breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, which in severe cases can be disabling, or even fatal. The respirable silica dust enters the lungs and causes the formation of scar tissue, thus reducing the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen. There is no cure for silicosis. Since silicosis affects lung function, it makes one more susceptible to lung infections like tuberculosis. In addition, smoking causes lung damage and adds to the damage caused by breathing silica dust.
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0.979971 |
I became aware of Quora through Twitter. I was noticing Quora this and Quora that without understanding what it was and eventually I must have clicked on a link and ended up on the Quora site.
Quora is a Q&A tool with a social networking dimension. It's integrated with Twitter. These days, everything needs to be integrated with Twitter it seems. You set up an account and off you go, posting questions and answering other people's questions.
It reminded me of Aardvark, a similar Q&A service that I tried out (never really got into) a few months ago and Wolfram Alpha. Aardvark is more about seeking advice about where to take your next vacation and Wolfram Alpha is more like querying an encyclopedia. I'm simplifying.
Aardvark seemed to be a Q&A in a vacuum, with random people answering your questions whereas Quora collects and displays answers in a semi-organized fashion and allows you to identify topics of interest and people to follow. Wolfram Alpha is a powerful search engine that retrieves verified information. At least that's my impression.
As a public tool, these are interesting experiments but I'm more interested in their potential application within organizations. There is a significant amount of literature on knowledge management systems within organizations specifically focused on Q&A types of "solutions." These are based on a number of assumptions: 1) there is a demand and supply side in the knowledge equation, a market; 2) the correct incentives are in place and all you need is a tool to act as a bridge between knowledge seekers and knowledge owners.
When you set up tools such as Yammer within an organization, you are essentially opening up broader avenues for people to connect, potentially ask questions and get answers. You should not expect everyone to use these new channels for Q&A purposes and you should not expect this to be THE solution. A Q&A system such as Quora, when implemented within an organization, has the advantage of gathering answers into one spot. Answers don't get lost in the traffic, they accumulate, in a not-so-orderly fashion, around questions.
I haven't explored the tool long enough to understand its true potential, but long enough to have a few questions: How much structure should be imposed for the system to remain useful and usable? How much policing and training is necessary to avoid complete chaos? How do you deal with the skeptics who will inevitably say that none of the content is "validated" knowledge, that it could actually be dangerous if people follow the advice posted and it's wrong.
It's not exactly a new idea. I remembered reading a paper by Ackerman & Malone titled "Answer Garden: a tool for growing organizational memory," from 1990 (might as well be a century ago).
Quora is interesting to me in particular because of the more serious tone it takes, as well as the way it's attracted highly credible sources. Allowing people to "vote up" the answers they find most useful isn't new either, but I've been fairly impressed by what they've done, and it's worth studying how they've done it.
Not to say that they've got it right. I've asked two questions on Quora so far, and one still goes unanswered, days later. Yes, it was KM related.
I agree. Definitely worth watching and interacting with.
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0.998832 |
Read eBook WildC.A.T.s: Gang War [MP3 AUDIO] 100% free!
Following in the wake of Wildcats: Homecoming, this collection sees the team reassemble, disillusioned by their experiences on Khera. But the call of battle soon pulls the team together, as they face a mysterious menace on the island called Gamorra, an alien conqueror on the moon, and a rampant crime wave in the streets of New York City. Written by Alan Moore, the Hugo Award-winning author of Watchmen.
Alan Moore is an English writer most famous for his influential work in comics, including the acclaimed graphic novels Watchmen, V for Vendetta and From Hell. He has also written a novel, Voice of the Fire, and performs "workings" (one-off performance art/spoken word pieces) with The Moon and Serpent Grand Egyptian Theatre of Marvels, some of which have been released on CD.
As a comics writer, Moore is notable for being one of the first writers to apply literary and formalist sensibilities to the mainstream of the medium. As well as including challenging subject matter and adult themes, he brings a wide range of influences to his work, from the literary–authors such as William S. Burroughs, Thomas Pynchon, Robert Anton Wilson and Iain Sinclair; New Wave science fiction writers such as Michael Moorcock; horror writers such as Clive Barker; to the cinematic–filmmakers such as Nicolas Roeg. Influences within comics include Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby and Bryan Talbot.
Why do you ask me to drive a phone?
Not when you can say the book is better.
You want to waste your time? This book fits perfectly.
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0.999998 |
We want to continue to improve our services to our community. As our customer, we value your input. Please circle one answer for each statement. Answers are anonymous. We appreciate your comments.
* 1. The public health professional I spoke with was polite and respectful.
* 2. The public health professional answered all of my questions.
* 3. The public health professional shared information in a way that made me feel respected and that I could understand.
* 4. I have a better understanding of health and wellness after my appointment/meeting.
* 5. I am sure that the public health professional will keep my information confidential.
* 6. Do you have suggestions to improve our service?
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0.908628 |
The untrained environmentalist: how an Australian grazier brought his barren property back to life.
Crows Nest: Allen and Unwin, 2010. Octavo, colour and black and white photographs, paperback. Fifty years ago a young farmer named John Fenton took over his family's rundown sheep property in Victoria. Named Lanark, the property was barren, windswept and environmentally all but dead. Fenton set about bringing the property... More about The untrained environmentalist: how an Australian grazier brought his barren property back to life.
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0.997583 |
One aspect of our country’s criminal justice system is a distrust of too much government power. The concern traces itself back to our country’s origin and a desire to escape British rule.
In a Nutshell: The Prosecutor Is Entitled to Direct Access to Police Personnel Records, However Defendant Must File a Pitchess Motion to See Such Records.
Due process became the concept designed to ensure procedural fairness. It was set forth in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and was made applicable to the individual states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
A big concern of those accused of any crime is that police had too much power. After all, police can gather evidence and documents, but then destroy such evidence. Police officers can also grow frustrated and use too much force or pull over people in traffic stops without probable cause. In fact, some officers may be “dirty cops” that really should not be trusted with enforcing our laws. Such police officers may even have a history of being administratively disciplined for being too aggressive, destroying evidence or falsifying police reports.
Those accused of committing a crime will often believe or argue that they are not only innocent, but a victim of a “dirty cop” and the accused wants to prove it. Due process, however, does not allow defendants direct access to police personnel records, both for privacy concerns and for concern that disclosure of such records may be irrelevant. Penal Code § 832.7(a) codifies these concerns by providing that peace officer personnel files are confidential and not subject to disclosure in a criminal or civil matter except by a motion and court order. Such a motion is called a Pitchess motion and it is made under Penal Code § 1043 and 1045. Pete Pitchess was the Los Angeles County Sheriff when the case Pitchess v. Superior Court (1974) 11 Cal.3d 531 was decided.
In 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on a similar issue in Brady v. Maryland at 373 U.S. 83. In Brady, the court stated the prosecution is required to disclose evidence that is a favorable and material to the defense.” Such material has become known as Brady material.
Since 1963, defendants have thus requested Brady material through Pitchess motions in California. When this request is made, the judge must first identify that material within the officer’s personnel record that must be disclosed. This must be performed by the judge and cannot be accomplished by the judge delegating this duty to another person. Once such material is identified, it can be produced for the defendant.
In November, 2012, the San Francisco Police Department were summoned to the home of Daryl Lee Johnson. He was arrested for felony domestic violence (Penal Code § 273.5) and one count of misdemeanor injuring a wireless communication device (Penal Code § 591.5), a cell phone of the victim. Two officers were involved in the arrest.
In most cases, defendant will claim a police officer acted with excessive force, destroyed evidence of coerced a confession (or all three) and will seek the officer’s personnel records to see if a citizen’s complaint for similar conduct was made. In Johnson’s case, however, police came to the prosecutor and advised that the police officers’ records were a big problem in the case.
The prosecutor wanted to look at the records, but believed Penal Code § 832.7(a) required a judge’s order before he or she could look at the records. The police also wanted this procedure to be followed to avoid a lawsuit from the officers for revealing the problems, which could involve a future civil rights action.
The prosecutor therefore filed a motion to get a judge to review the personnel records of the two officers and then determine if any of the records (“Brady material”) were subject to disclosure. The motion was served on Defendant and his counsel then filed a similar motion asking for the court to order the material be produced for him.
In response, the judge directed the San Francisco Police Department to give the prosecution access to the police records so it could produce it for the defendant. The ruling was significant in that it removed the judge from any role in reviewing the files first. Instead, this duty was passed over to the prosecutor.
The prosecutor appealed the order, arguing that under Penal Code § 832.7, the judge must perform a review of the records, not the prosecutor. The First Appellate District, in People v. Superior Court of San Francisco (Johnson) (2014 DJDAR 10683), agreed with the trial court, concluding that 832.7 does not create a barrier between the prosecution and its duties under Brady to provide the defense with officer personnel files.
We think this is a watershed ruling insofar as it removes the usual prosecution foot-dragging that is common when a defendant files a Pitchess motion. Often, the prosecution will apologize that it cannot produce any records until the judge performs his or her review of the files. Now, that delay-creating excuse is gone. It will be very interesting to see if two years from now the courts can document an increase in Pitchess motions.
Was There a Bad Cop on Your Case? What Is a Pitchess Motion?
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0.99999 |
Alectrosaurus was an Asian Theropod dinosaur that is related to Tyrannosaurus rex. It was a carnivore (meat-eater), and lived in what is today the Gobi desert in Mongolia and China, during late Cretaceous period, between about 83 and 74 million years ago.
Alectrosaurus was probably a maximum of about 17 feet (5 meters) long, and probably weighed somewhere between ½ ton and 1 ton. A number of details of the creature are currently unclear, because only partial fossil specimens have so far been found. Additionally, some paleontologists have suggested that Alectrosaurus may actually be a species of Albertosaurus.
The first fossil specimen of Alectrosaurus was discovered by George Olsen in 1923. It was named by Charles W. Gilmore in 1933. Literally translated from the Greek, "Alectrosaurus" means "unmarried lizard" - Gilmore, chose "unmarried" in the sense of "being alone" - at the time Alectrosaurus was discovered, it was thought to be quite unlike other Asian dinosaurs - although part of the reason was this was that a number of fossil bones from an unrelated dinosaur were initially also thought to belong to the animal.
Asian Dinosaurs - Alectrosaurus lived in what is now the Gobi Desert, in Mongolia and China.
Alectrosaurus was a species of dinosaur.
"Alectrosaurus" means "unmarried lizard". Its name was chosen because when first found, it was very different from the carnivorous Asian dinosaurs then known.
Alectrosaurus was a member of the Saurischia ("lizard-hipped") order of dinosaurs. What this means, is that although Alectrosaurus was not closely related to lizards, it did have similarly shaped pelvic bones.
Alectrosaurus was a Theropod - a member of a group of related bipedal dinosaurs that included the ancestors of birds (although Alectrosaurus was not itself an ancestor of birds).
Alectrosaurus lived between about 83 million years ago and 74 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.
Alectrosaurus was a carnivore (meat-eater).
The first fossils of Alectrosaurus were discovered in 1923, and named in 1933. Since then, a number of other partial skeletons have been found.
Alectrosaurus was about 17 feet (5 meters) long.
Alectrosaurus probably weighed somewhere between ½ ton and 1 ton.
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0.999993 |
The inflation rate in Australia between 1977 and today has been 494.98%, which translates into a total increase of $494.98. This means that 100 dolars in 1977 are equivalent to 594.98 dolars in 2019. In other words, the purchasing power of $100 in 1977 equals $594.98 today. The average annual inflation rate has been 4.23%.
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0.952316 |
Can a Muslim and a Christian pray together? This is an important question that one has to deal with in his or her mission of Christian/Muslim relations. In the pluralistic world, one cannot completely avoid any level of participation in the worship of the Other. The immediate danger that many Catholic theologians apprehend in such participation is the danger of syncretism. This question becomes theologically nuanced when it has to deal with Christians and Muslims praying together. This article suggests that it is not only possible that Christians and Muslims can pray to one God together, but also, that the aforesaid praying together is essential and should be encouraged.
Christians and Muslims should recognize that, first of all, they worship but one God. They address their prayers to one God in whom both Christians and Muslims place their faith and commit themselves to bend their own wills to the will of the one and the only God. Pope Paul VI affirmed that Muslims are true adorers of the one one God when he wrote: "Then to adorers of God, according to the conception of monotheism, the Muslim religion, especially, is deserving of our admiration for all that is true and good in its . . . worship of God" (Ecclesiam Suam 106).
Nevertheless, one should not forget the considerable differences between the Christian and Muslim confession of God's unity. The unity of God as a common element between Christians and Muslims needs to be approached carefully for, when Christians talk about God, they talk about one who, "is known and worshiped as Father, Son and Spirit." Muslims do not accept this Trinitarian understanding of God. Accordingly, the fundamental differences in their understanding of the Godhead should be recognized for the recognition of differences is an expression of mutual respect.
If one relativizes differences, then the significance of the concept of difference will be undervalued. However, differences do not do away with the meaning that one can experience in depth in the encountering of one another. Christians should be aware that Muslim prayer is directed towards the living God, and that the Islamic faith has raised, over the centuries, true worshipers of the one God. Christians must also realize that the God of Muslims is not an idol, not a creature, not a lofty idea, but the God in whom Christians also believe.
The faith of Christians and Muslims in one God, and prayer to that one God, allow for an encounter in faith, standing before God in a real way. This standing together helps Christians and Muslims in that it is God who is binding them together, and the encounter between them is God's gift. This encounter helps Christians and Muslims to live their profound differences in mutual respect. When Christians and Muslims seek to live their relationship with God in such a conscientious way, they are together with their differences, and, thus, they become brothers and sisters. Pope John Paul II stresses this in his address to Muslims in the Philippines when he told them: "I deliberately added you as brothers . . . [for] that is certainly what we are, . . . members of the same family, whose efforts, whether people realize it or not, tend toward God and the truth that comes from him. But we are especially brothers in God, who created us and whom we are trying to reach, in our own ways, through faith, prayer and worship, through the keeping of his law and through submission to his designs."
Every authentic prayer binds Christians and Muslims. Such prayer guides them toward living in peace. The spiritual efforts of Muslim brothers and sisters do not leave the hearts of their Christian brothers and sisters unmoved since they stand together before one God. Furthermore, every authentic prayer is under the influence of the Spirit of God who constantly intercedes for humanity (Romans 8:26-27). Christians and Muslims standing together and praying authentically according to their traditions are moving toward living together in peace. One should not hinder a Christian who is exploring with Muslims the togetherness in prayer. And, conversely, one should not impede a Muslim who is exploring this self-same togetherness in prayer with Christians.
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Learn to Draw Anime Japan Love to learn to draw on your phone? Is engaged in a pattern of life? Do you like Japanese anime? Do you want to learn how to draw pretty pictures in chibi anime style and. Anime fans sends love to his fans, and shares behindthescenes photos all in a single day However, the artist did manage to scare fans a bit with his social media sharing Mashima shared a slew. the festival saw anime fans jostling to take pictures with cosplayers, buy collectibles and catch their favourite anime producers, directors and voiceover actors in the flesh Top draws were the I Lo. 21 Characters Rough Sketch After coming up with the initial concept and with", when we say "redesign the characters for Manga" Video games and Anime are pictures which move and can impact peop. While vTiming, you can sit around campfire style with avatars of three of your best mates or complete strangers, and share a conversation I love how vTime has creatively Count me in! images via. BulbaGanda is a nonstop feed of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur and Venusaur facts, fan art, memes, heartwarming images, and general s. The creator, who got into digital art after he studied graphic design at university said he knew he wanted to work for him se. Although Fairy Tail has been over for a while, series creator Hiro Mashima has often treated fans of the series and its characters to lovely sketches and art depicting It was later adapted into an. Love Islands Charlie Brake has who previously dated Sam Thompson on the show, in images obtained by MailOnline The gene. Do you love to draw are designed to teach creating unique pictures fits even for the most diffidence users! Many people think that painting is too tricky to begin studying it Via Drawing Lesso. I felt like mecha anime were increasingly becoming made with CGI At the time, mecha were still mostly handdrawn, but the production companies were worried about how people who could draw mecha. but what happens when the love becomes obsession? A recent article published on Japanese website Golden Times revealed how Miyazaki feels about this new generation of otaku anime artists You see, wh.
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0.999671 |
An astonishingly witless heist movie whose makers call it, with wild over-optimism, "Pulp Fiction meets Monty Python". A more truthful description would be "The Teletubbies perform Reservoir Dogs". How did John Hurt, Barbara Flynn, Claire Skinner and Rhys Ifans get involved with this dreck, apparently written and directed by a 12 year-old who saw the atrocious film of The Avengers, and decided to treat it as a role-model? Writer-director Andy Hurst is to be commended for his chutzpah in getting such an unfunny, ineptly constructed, vapid glorification of violence cast, made and distributed; but it is so painful to watch that many of the most hardened national critics were walking out of it in a state of shock, even before the first hour was up. Those of us who survived until the bitter end emerged either grim-faced or helpless with incredulous laughter.
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For each case, the first line of input is an integer n (n > 0) specifying the number of cases to follow. Each case consists of three lines of input, one for each weighing. Sally has identified each of the coins with the letters A--L. Information on a weighing will be given by two strings of letters and then one of the words ``up'', ``down'', or ``even''. The first string of letters will represent the coins on the left balance; the second string, the coins on the right balance. (Sally will always place the same number of coins on the right balance as on the left balance.) The word in the third position will tell whether the right side of the balance goes up, down, or remains even.
B is the counterfeit coin and it is light.
E is the counterfeit coin and it is heavy.
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0.999993 |
Can you really enhance your beauty with yoga? The simple answer is yes you definitely can. The practice of yoga may greatly aid in helping you look more youthful and more radiant well into your old age proving that the old adage 'age is but a number' is true. Those who regularly practice yoga have a certain glow about them that comes from within and radiates outward.
However, it is vital to note that to enhance your beauty with yoga; you must follow strict guidelines that you should incorporate in your daily life. You have to discipline yourself, eat a healthy diet, practice yoga everyday, and learn to balance your physical and spiritual selves.
Regular yoga practice will not only aid you in achieving true inner beauty, but physical or outer beauty as well. It helps in losing excess weight and unwanted fat, all while improving your flexibility to maintain proper body posture also essential to making you look more youthful. As you know, detoxification is important to keep your body looking and feeling healthy and doing yoga asanas or postures will help in getting rid of toxins that have accumulated in your body. It will likewise aid in improving blood circulation to provide that radiant glow to your skin and hair.
You can also enhance your beauty with yoga because it aids in maximum absorption of nutrients since it is capable of aiding in absorbing nutrients at the cellular level. Because of this, all body organs will function at their best, which in turn will lend a healthier glow not only to your face, but to the whole body. In addition, practicing yoga regularly has been shown to considerably elevate your mood since it can greatly reduce stress levels, most especially when done with proper pranayamas or breathing exercises.
Below are some simple yoga asanas or postures you can incorporate with your pranayama yoga practice to get that youthful appearance.
To attain soft, smooth, radiant, and wrinkle free skin, start by standing straight and placing your feet hip width apart. Continue by using your palms for covering your face and breathing deeply and quickly 10 times. Continue breathing this way for 10 more counts while rubbing your whole face with your fingers, including the eye area. Rub from the chin going upwards to your forehead while continuing deep breathing.
For a fat-free and flatter stomach, begin by standing straight and placing your feet hip width apart. Continue bending slowly forward trying to reach your toes using your fingertips without your knees bending. Some may find this difficult to do at first, so continued practice is a must.
Once you get the hang of this asana, you can then move on and attempt to reach your right toe with your left hand and your left toe with the right hand, all while keeping your knees straight. When you've mastered the second step, you can then try bending deeper forward and touching the ground with both your palms without your knees bending.
To get that a curvier and slimmer waistline, begin by standing straight and placing your feet hip width apart. Next, spread your hands to the sides parallel to the floor and at shoulder level. Continue by turning the upper torso to your left side starting from your waist up and facing behind as much as you can without straining your neck. Do the same on your right side and repeat 10 more times. Next, do the same technique but with a jerk variation and repeat 20 times. After, put your hands on your waist, slowly bend forward down, and try to touch your thighs with your face. Do this 20 times.
Let's not forget about those thighs that seem intent on following the laws of gravity as you age. Begin by standing straight, spreading the hands parallel to the floor, and pointing forward. Next, bend the knees and assume a medium squat position with your spine straight and your thighs parallel to the floor. This yoga asana is like the 'horse trance' pose regularly practiced in martial arts. Do this for eight to ten times and as you gain more experience, try to hold the posture for at least three minutes.
With yoga practice, the saying 'you are what you eat' holds especially true since yoga practitioners believe that what you eat is a reflection of yourself, which will then manifest on your physical appearance. True yoga practice must be accompanied by proper diet to get the maximum benefits. You need to nurture your body with the right types of foods so that your mind and general well-being will be properly nourished as well.
In general, a healthy yoga diet must have the proper amount of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals needed by the body. Preferably, you should follow a vegetarian diet, perform fasting at least once a month for detoxification purposes, and eat everything moderation. Some of the preferred foods include whole wheat breads, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits, pure fruit juice, milk, cheese, butter, legumes, seeds, nuts, sprouts, and herbal teas.
To sum up, you can enhance your beauty with yoga while keeping your physical, mental, and spiritual states in their optimum condition. When you practice yoga regularly and eat healthy, you will see and feel the effects in no time at all.
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Calif. investor buys Church Square, a retail hub used by Clinton to tout public-private urban deals A California investor is the new owner of Church Square after paying more than $18 million for the East Side shopping center that pioneered a wave of retail development in Cleveland neighborhoods. Fields Investments of West Hills, Calif., on Aug. 23 bought the fully leased, 109,000-square-foot shopping center from its developers Beachwood retail real estate brokers Hal Reisenfeld and Steve Wiesenberger. That deal followed by just two weeks Fields' purchase for $5.2 million of Puritas Park Plaza, a shopping center on Cleveland's West Side. Church Square opened in March 1993 after eight years of effort that began with cobbling together 85 parcels along Euclid Avenue near East 79th Street for the shopping center. Crucial to the project was a $3 million federal loan under the now-defunct Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) program. Indeed, President Clinton used Church Square as a backdrop in September 1993 to announce a push for more such public-private partnerships in distressed urban areas. The Church Square sale to Fields occurred just six days before the U.S. Census Bureau for the second time in the last three years ranked Cleveland as the nation's most impoverished big city. However, the price paid for the retail center 'is a price I'd expect to see in a suburban grocery-anchored shopping center,' said Alec Pacella, a Grubb & Ellis Co. vice president who specializes in investment sales. In an interview last week, new Church Square owner Jeffrey Fields was neither fazed nor surprised by the city's tops-in-poverty designation. 'I'm very optimistic about the area,' Mr. Fields said. 'I'm confident the area is going to continue to improve with new housing. The hospitals are growing, and the city is putting a lot of money into the area.' The shopping center abuts the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's Silver Line transit project and the Beacon Place residential development. Fields is buying into Cleveland's neighborhoods just a year before a new generation of shopping center arrives in the city in the form of Steelyard Commons, a big retail center that will be anchored by a Wal-Mart Super Center and a Target. Steelyard Commons is under construction near the Tremont neighborhood next to Interstate 71 and the Jennings Freeway, and is spawning concern about fallout for existing shopping centers. Mr. Fields argues Church Square is a neighborhood-oriented retail center far enough from Steelyard Commons that it will feel little bite from the new development and has a different tenant mix from Steelyard. He's unconcerned about Puritas Plaza for the same reasons.
Mr. Reisenfeld said he and Mr. Wiesenberger didn't have Church Square up for sale when Mr. Fields approached them to buy the property. 'We decided the price was right and it was the right time to sell,' Mr. Reisenfeld said. He said he and his partner will continue leasing the center and will remain in the brokerage business at Reisenfeld & Co. Although developing new urban retail space now is a common cause among neighborhood groups and foundations in Cleveland, Mr. Reisenfeld said he initially faced 'a lot of naysayers' who didn't believe a new shopping center such as Church Square would make it in the city. However, selling Church Square came with some struggles. Mark J. Vogel, a vice president of the Pinnacle Financial Group mortgage brokerage of Independence, said it took him 10 months to engineer the financing for the purchase. Because of the UDAG loan and another city loan, Mr. Vogel said he called on 14 other lenders before finding one CIBC Bank of Canada that was willing to make a $13.45 million loan for the sale. The loan was difficult to land because the city of Cleveland required putting the UDAG in a first-priority position to approve the sale. That requirement ultimately was met. The original developer's sale of the center surprised real estate insiders and Vickie Eaton Johnson, executive director of Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp., which serves the area. She said she looks forward to contacting Mr. Fields about Church Square, which she considers 'a great asset to the community.' Mr. Fields said his company owns about 2 million square feet of retail space throughout the country, half of it in Greater Cleveland. He said he bought in the Cleveland area because his wife's family is here and he already visited regularly.
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0.996399 |
How food brands can work together to improve food safety?
How food brands can work together to improve food safety?
From the foregoing discussion, it is evident that testing for contaminating metals is a very important aspect of maintaining food safety.
The overall F&B scenario in India has evolved dramatically over the past decade. While in the past, there were only a handful of brands to choose from; now the consumers have difficulty in choosing from the multitude of brands on offer!
The F&B industry has also attracted good investments in recent years. So, with the booming of the sector, comes the issue of food safety. In order to ensure that the F&B market keeps flourishing, it is important to focus on the quality of food offered to the consumers.
It is of the utmost importance that the food we eat and the beverages we drink are absolutely safe for human consumption. Therefore, carrying out food safety checks is a mandatory requirement for ensuring food safety.
Today, food products need be tested for a large number of contaminants. Of these, contaminating metals are very important, as these have a deleterious effect on health if the levels are above the specified values. Many metals act as co-factors for enzymes involved in various metabolic pathways. It follows that large quantities of contaminating metals can have an adverse effect on these metabolic pathways, leading to health problems, especially upon continuous, long-term exposure.
The various types of metals, in particular, the heavy metals are widely distributed in our environment, and can enter our food chain though various ways. For example, heavy metals in the streams, rivers and lakes can accumulate in fish, which in turn are consumed by humans, leading to heavy metals entering the human food chain. This is only one example out of a myriad. However, regardless of the mode of entry into the food cycle, they disturb the normal functioning of the body metabolism and can accumulate in the body causing severe toxicity.
A few other metals, namely, sodium, potassium and calcium do not fall within the category of heavy metals, but are nevertheless important for the normal functioning of the body. Calcium is required for muscle contraction and transportation of molecules; while sodium and potassium are required for maintaining electrolyte balance within cells with reference to its extracellular environment. Deficiency of these metal ions can lead to various health problems. For example, calcium deficiency can cause osteomalacia or weak bones, while excess can cause toxicity. Deficiency of sodium and potassium can cause hyponatremia and hypokalemia respectively, while their excesses can lead to toxicity.
To protect the consumers, regulatory bodies across the world have established regulations with stringent limits on the permitted levels of heavy metals in different items of food. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the apex regulatory body on food in India, has recommended safety limits for metal contaminants in food and beverages, which should not be exceeded. These are tabulated below.
How are metals tested in food and beverages?
The presence of heavy metal contaminants in F&B makes it important for the food industry to ensure that their products are free from these toxic elements by regularly testing their ingredients and products for compliance with the regulatory requirements.
· Sampling: The objective of this step is to obtain a small and representative portion from the large sample in such a way that any subsequent test on the sample will give reproducible results.
· Destruction of organic matter: The commonly used methods of destruction of organic matter can be broadly grouped into wet oxidation, dry ashing and microwave digestion.
· Separation and concentration of the metal: Once the organic component is destroyed, the element of interest is concentrated by applying physico-chemical methods.
· Measurement and determination of the metal: The concentrated element is then subjected to analytical methods to determine its actual level in the original sample of food.
Which method does the FSSAI recommend?
The FSSAI has recommended a number of methods for testing contaminating metals in foodstuff, which have been approved and validated internationally by leading agencies like the USFDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of the EU. It is important to note that approval by international agencies in various countries means that the methods have been standardised and harmonised as per global standards. Therefore, when the Indian food products are exported to these countries and retested before distribution, they will pass the quality and safety checks easily. Some of the approved methods for testing heavy metals are briefly tabulated below.
The most advanced method for testing metals, which is considered the “Gold Standard” is a combination of Microwave Digestion for sample preparation, followed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) for sample analysis. The closed sample digestion technique of microwave digestion system allows for preparing the samples in a closed system at high temperature and pressure without losing any of the volatile analyte like mercury and arsenic, which are otherwise easily lost when the sample is digested using open digestion with acids or ashing followed by acid treatment. ICP MS gives the advantage of analysing all the metals at the same time with minimum manual intervention, which is required when analysing samples on an AAS with hydride generation and graphite furnace assembly. It also offers unparalleled low detection limits, in the parts per trillion levels range, allowing for the use of smaller sample quantities which can be properly digested giving better recovery and reproducibility of results.
From the foregoing discussion, it is evident that testing for contaminating metals is a very important aspect of maintaining food safety. These metals, particularly, the heavy metals should not exceed the permissible limits in food and beverages, as recommended by the FSSAI. Nowadays, there are a number of approved and validated methods that are at the disposal of the food analyst for testing metal contaminants in foodstuff. Importantly, more advanced and automated analytical methods like AAS, ICP MS, coupled with microwave digestion for sample preparation have immensely streamlined and simplified the whole process of food testing. This has resulted in generation of more robust data that are reproducible and at par with international standards, which has led to a new era in food testing services in India.
Dharmendra enters food biz, open first ‘Gara..
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0.965849 |
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a training session about IBM’s Big Insights, in November 2013. Below are my notes about this product.
What is Big Insights in a nutshell?
Big Insights is IBM’s Big Data platform. It is comprised of an all-in-one Big Data infrastructure, with IBM’s flavor of Hadoop and its ecosystem, as well as proprietary tools to query the data like JAQL and AQL, and out-of-the-box connectors and interfaces called accelerators. We’ll review these components in details in the below section.
- Adaptive Map Reduce, an enhanced version of MR that attempts to optimize task executions, by way of using automatic job tuning of speculative execution and Task JVM reuses. Map Reduce tasks become aware of the global state of the job they are working in. This helps balance the workload across Map tasks.
Of note is the fact that Big Insights is not bundled with Cloudera’s CDH anymore; IBM has its own version of Hadoop.
Big Insights offers a language called JAQL, a functional language that can interface will of all the Big Insights tools. It provides API's (or modules) for reaching out to external IBM and 3rd party tools, such as relational databases, indexing services, text analytics, machine learning etc. JAQL stands for Json Query Language, because it is represented via Json. Similar to Pig, Jaql is automatically taking care managing the complexities of the MapReduce world to optimally perform the work. However it also manages deep level nested semi-structured data.
Jaql can be executed either from its own shell, or from within Eclipse.
Big Insights provides an environment for developing and executing applications. A business user can launch existing applications from the Web console, supply any input parameters and view results. These applications may be developed using Big Insights’ development tooling which enables programmers to publish completed applications through the Web console.
The BigInsights Eclipse tools include wizards, code generators, context-sensitive help, and a test environment to simplify your development efforts.
Workflow applications are run by Oozie as a workflow job.
Big Insights also comes with a spreadsheet-like interface to interact with Big data in a manner business users would use Excel. To do so, it presents a familiar interface (e.g. Pivot, Union, Intersection functions) that allows users to gather, filter, combine, explore, and visualize data from various sources. Big Sheets has been designed to be used by non-technical professionals to rapidly gather insight (BigSheets executes work on a simulated environment of sample data first) and analysis from huge amounts of data, and to be able to act on those insights in a timely manner. No need to understand database schemas, no need to understand a query language. And Big Sheets conveniently has a built-in visualization module to chart and publish the results.
Also, the nice thing about it is that Big Sheets is integrated natively with the other Big Insights components, so it’s easy to navigate between the different tools that Big Insights provides; e.g. create an ETL job in Jaql and export the results to Big Sheets..
Big Insights bundles in some pre-built components for specific solutions to accelerate development on certain specific use cases. The accelerators generally provide business logic, data processing and visualization. An example of this is the Social Data Analytics accelerator, providing a set of predefined elements as workbooks and dashboards to analyse social data.
The IBM Big Data platform is comprised of Big Sheets, but also other tools like Infosphere Streams for low latency data, and an MPP (Massively Parallel Processing) database. The IBM ecosystem also seems to support Big Data: R is supported in Big Insights, Cognos supports Hive, Netezza integrates with Streams. These systems offer complementary analytical approaches.
IBM offers a free downloadable virtual machine to play with Big Insights.
Overall a good experience, although one can get easily lost by the sea of products IBM offers. On the other hand tools like Big Sheets and the Accelerators seem very valuable.
Hi admin thanks for sharing informative article on hadoop technology. In coming years, hadoop and big data handling is going to be future of computing world. This field offer huge career prospects for talented professionals. Thus, taking Hadoop Training in Chennai will help you to enter big data technology.
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Before George died in 1820 the fabric of English life had been vastly altered from the stable society of 1760. Despite the loss of the American colonies there had been a great expansion of empire and trade, and the ground for further expansion had been laid by the explorations of James Cook . At home, the population almost doubled, improved agricultural methods increased productivity, and advances in technology and transportation marked the onset of the Industrial Revolution . Social reform, although much discussed, made little headway, and all attempts to effect an extension of the suffrage or a redistribution of parliamentary representation failed. The Church of England, fettered by apathy and patronage, failed to move into the new factory towns, but Methodism spread rapidly to fill the gap. Science made great strides with the work of Henry Cavendish , Joseph Priestley , John Dalton , and Sir Humphrey Davy . In English literature 18th-century neoclassicism declined, and the romantic movement had its rise. A revolution in social and economic thinking, assisted by the spread of literacy and learning through a wider distribution of books and periodicals, promoted theories of utilitarianism and laissez-faire . Among important thinkers of the period were Adam Smith , David Ricardo , Thomas Malthus , Jeremy Bentham , and Edmund Burke . Through all these developments George patronized the arts, especially portraiture, and founded the Royal Academy of Arts . He was a friend of Josiah Wedgwood and other industrialists.
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0.969233 |
All of us at one time or another tend to procrastinate or delay doing things that we know have to get done. Here are some suggestions to avoid putting things off.
The first goal in overcoming procrastination is NOT to complete the project, but to GET STARTED working on it. People should reward themselves for this first success. The second victory is to complete the task or project.
1. Leading task. Take the first step. Get a binder or a folder and label it as your Marketing Plan. List what you plan to do and start collecting the information. Once this first step is taken, continuing is much easier.
3. Five-minute plan. Work on an unpleasant task for five minutes and quit. Often you will develop the momentum and find it easier to continue until completion.
4. Worst first. Tackling an unpleasant task first thing in the morning gets it out of the way, and makes you feel great and motivated for the rest of the day. If you delay it, you will waste a lot of time thinking about it and not paying attention to what you are doing.
5. Going public. Tell whoever will listen what you plan to do. This perceived external pressure will encourage you to start and complete a task or project because you told everyone you would do so.
6. Balance sheet. Take a sheet of paper and on one side list all the reasons for procrastinating. On the other side, list the reasons for starting the project. The reasons for starting are often greater than delaying.
I also find it very useful to keep a “To do” list. Be sure to prioritize your tasks and projects and do the most important ones first. Update your list every morning by removing tasks that have been completed, and adding in new ones that have to be done.
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0.999985 |
What impact does the economic upswing in Colombia have on your work?
To answer to this question it is necessary to explain Colombia’s historical context. The internal armed conflict in Colombia is a low-intensity asymmetric warfare that has been developed in Colombia since the 1960s until now. The conflict is rooted in agricultural problems, and its main actors involved were initially the Colombian State and the far-left guerrillas; decades later, extreme right-wing paramilitary groups, drug cartels and criminal gangs. It has gone through several stages of resurgency, especially since the 1980s when some of the actors began to finance drug trafficking. Last year Colombia’s Congress approved a revised peace accord with the country’s largest rebel group. That is a testament to what can be achieved through dialogue and compromise, even in a deeply polarized society. If the deal holds it will set a strong road map for us Colombians to start healing the wounds of a brutal conflict that raged for more than five decades, and also look forward to build a more egalitarian, tolerant society. In this new chapter of our history we are trying to correct those problems in agricultural lands and forests accumulated over many decades. Colombia is a farmer country, and my career in general is inevitably impacted by all of this as well, because increased population, together with the policies of extractivist economic development, means we have to now prioritize the implementation of effective strategies to ensure the protection, mitigation and prevention of threats and a suitable and sustainable use of the country's biologic diversity.
Have you seen any progress yet?
Yes, we are trying to use the opportunity that post-conflict brings to make a transformation into a sustainable use of our biodiversity. We must build conservation mosaics along with agro-industrial systems to prevent the development of future conflicts due to environmental deterioration. This is based on the fact that national and international companies that avoided being in Colombia during the conflict will probably change their minds and want to exploit natural resources in a fully legal framework, which means that new natural areas and their resources will be at risk. And in addition to that, now we moved from illegal crops to illegal exploitation of gold, which is more profitable than cocaine production and it is legal (what is illegal are the ways of doing mining, which represents a difficulty when it comes to legal control, endangering body waters and biodiversity).
Life will never be perfect and even when it seems that the progress involves problems, here is where I want to be, tackling different issues to work for the land that gave me what I have now, a land that I love dearly and care for.
Where do you think is still potential for development?
The potential for development in Colombia is based in essence on a bio economical model, now that we are living times of post-conflict, because it offers us alternatives for local growth, by developing productive projects to go beyond extractivist approaches. And it looks forward to minimizing the ecological footprint of human activities; reducing the consumption of fossil fuels to build a transition towards a different economic model; taking advantage of the ecological function of the territory.
Integral management of biodiversity and its ecosystem services requires reconciling conservation with development. This element is particularly necessary in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country such as Colombia, which still has outstanding tasks in its development model, for example the many regions with unsatisfied basic needs and high rates of illiteracy and child morbidity, among others.
What advantages has your BOKU education given you? How did/do you use your knowledge from your BOKU experience?
With the Master’s I got at BOKU I had the opportunity to work as an advisor for the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia. I gave technical inputs on projects sponsored by international cooperation, in collaboration with the agricultural sector as the third main element of the Amazon Vision Program and the REDD+ (Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) National Strategy.
Studying at BOKU gave me the chance to learn a foreign language. I learnt from a culture opposite from mine, and I believe that the culture of a place is not simply given by its music, clothing or food but by the way of thinking of its population. And interacting with the members of the Austrian culture for a while allowed me to truly understand their customs and thoughts. I came back to my homeland with a different perspective of myself, the world and life in general. Everything in positive terms.
What‘s your philosophy of life?
I’m a Christian. I believe in forgiveness of sins by God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, God in one the creator of the Universe, The Ancient of Days, The Giver of Peace. I’m strongly convinced about loving others as God loved me first. I believe in reconciliation, restoration, second chances, and new opportunities for everyone, every single day. I believe that God has a unique plan for every single human been and we are all important to His sight. In my personal relationship with God I’ve discovered that his gentle and mighty power are still the same today. And I rely on God’s wisdom, joy and guidance to live my life and be the best version of myself for those around me. I enjoy nature, reading and praying, meditating on the Bible, having a cup of coffee with my friends or family to delight myself with their company. Outdoor activities are my favorite and animals are great as well! I’m a friendly person that loves being alive!
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A bag contains 9 black and 12 white balls. One ball is drawn at random. What is the probability that the ball drawn is black?
Total balls 9+12=21 Total black balls =9 ∴probability of drawing a black ball =9/21 =3/7.
total no. of balls is 21. the probability of one ball out of 21 ball is 21c1 now, the probability of black ball is 9c1/21c1 =9/21 =3/7 Thank you.
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[ADVERT]The holidays have started and so has the challenge of keeping kids occupied without breaking the budget. Here is a checklist and a challenge. How many of these can you visit this summer? Print out the list and post below whenever you have visited one of these great places.
1. Walk Across The Harbour Bridge.
3. Book a surfing lesson on Manly Beach or Bondi Beach.
4. Enjoy a quiet swim and picnic at Clontarf Reserve.
5. Go sliding at Manly Water Works.
6. Hire bikes and go bike riding at Bicentennial Park.
7. Feed kangaroos at Koala Park Sanctuary.
8. Spend a few hours wandering through Eden Gardens. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the cafe while kids play at the playground.
9. Head over to North Harbour Reserve for a relaxing day. Bring a ball or badminton set for the kids, and you catch up on reading your favourite books and magazines.
10. Spend a day building sand castles at Avalon Beach. Older kids can venture to the Skate Park located near the beach.
11. Go snorkelling at Balmoral Beach, then enjoy some fish and chips for lunch.
12. Create sand art at Newport Beach from shells, twigs and rocks.
13. Organise a BBQ at Bronte Park, followed by a swim at Bronte Beach.
14. Play table tennis on Dee Why Beach. Bring your own racquets and balls, outdoor table is located on the promenade.
15. Spend a day swimming, sliding and tobogganing at Jamberoo Action Park.
16. Collect shells at Shelly Beach, then create some stunning pictures with them at home.
17. Get up close to animals at The Australian Reptile Park.
18. Let the kids play and splash at Darling Quarter Playground . Make sure you bring change of clothes and a towel.
19. Treat the kids to a day at Luna Park. Entry is free, so if you don't feel like riding, you can relax while the children keep amused for hours.
21. Explore Cockatoo Island , a former imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory and shipyard.
22. Spend the day at Carss Bush Park Playground. Bring a picnic, cook a BBQ or enjoy lunch at the café.
24. Swim, surf, play, skate scooter at Maroubra Beach. This beach has something for everyone.
25. Learn about farm life at Calmsley Hill City Farm, feed animals, watch shows, milk a cow and so much more.
27. On a rainy day, venture out to Hyde Park Barracks Museum and experience what convict life was like.
28. Go celebrity spotting at Madame Tussauds, Darling Harbour's newest attraction.
29. Let the kids scooter or skate at Little Manly Point while their younger siblings play at the playground and you relax overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour.
30. Let the children play all day at Clifton Gardens . Amazing enclosed playground, basketball court, beach with no waves.
School holidays don't need to be boring. Sydney has so much to offer, so start planning today and take your kids on as many adventures as you can fit in. Then come back here and tell us about it.
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Known to family and friends as "Peter", Bridgman was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and grew up in nearby Auburndale, Massachusetts.
Bridgman's parents were both born in New England. His father, Raymond Landon Bridgman, was "profoundly religious and idealistic" and worked as a newspaper reporter assigned to state politics. His mother, Mary Ann Maria Williams, was described as "more conventional, sprightly, and competitive".
Bridgman attended both elementary and high school in Auburndale, where he excelled at competitions in the classroom, on the playground, and while playing chess. Described as both shy and proud, his home life consisted of family music, card games, and domestic and garden chores. The family was deeply religious; reading the Bible each morning and attending a Congregational Church. However, Bridgman later became an atheist.
Bridgman entered Harvard University in 1900, and studied physics through to his Ph.D. From 1910 until his retirement, he taught at Harvard, becoming a full professor in 1919. In 1905, he began investigating the properties of matter under high pressure. A machinery malfunction led him to modify his pressure apparatus; the result was a new device enabling him to create pressures eventually exceeding 100,000 kgf/cm2 (10 GPa; 100,000 atmospheres). This was a huge improvement over previous machinery, which could achieve pressures of only 3,000 kgf/cm2 (0.3 GPa). This new apparatus led to an abundance of new findings, including a study of the compressibility, electric and thermal conductivity, tensile strength and viscosity of more than 100 different compounds. Bridgman is also known for his studies of electrical conduction in metals and properties of crystals. He developed the Bridgman seal and is the eponym for Bridgman's thermodynamic equations.
Bridgman made many improvements to his high-pressure apparatus over the years, and unsuccessfully attempted the synthesis of diamond many times.
His philosophy of science book The Logic of Modern Physics (1927) advocated operationalism and coined the term operational definition. In 1938 he participated in the International Committee composed to organise the International Congresses for the Unity of Science. He was also one of the 11 signatories to the Russell–Einstein Manifesto.
Bridgman married Olive Ware, of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1912. Ware's father, Edmund Asa Ware, was the founder and first president of Atlanta University. The couple had two children and were married for 50 years, living most of that time in Cambridge. The family also had a summer home in Randolph, New Hampshire, where Bridgman was known as a skilled mountain climber.
Bridgman was a "penetrating analytical thinker" with a "fertile mechanical imagination" and exceptional manual dexterity. He was a skilled plumber and carpenter, known to shun the assistance of professionals in these matters. He was also fond of music and played the piano, and took pride in his flower and vegetable gardens.
Bridgman committed suicide by gunshot after suffering from metastatic cancer for some time. His suicide note read in part, "It isn't decent for society to make a man do this thing himself. Probably this is the last day I will be able to do it myself." Bridgman's words have been quoted by many in the assisted suicide debate.
Bridgman received Doctors, honoris causa from Stevens Institute (1934), Harvard (1939), Brooklyn Polytechnic (1941), Princeton (1950), Paris (1950), and Yale (1951). He received the Bingham Medal (1951) from the Society of Rheology, the Rumford Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1919), the Elliott Cresson Medal (1932) from the Franklin Institute, the Gold Medal from Bakhuys Roozeboom Fund (founder Hendrik Willem Bakhuis Roozeboom) (1933) from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Comstock Prize (1933) of the National Academy of Sciences.
Bridgman was a member of the American Physical Society and was its President in 1942. He was also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and the National Academy of Sciences. He was a Foreign Member of the Royal Society and Honorary Fellow of the Physical Society of London.
The Percy W. Bridgman House, in Massachusetts, is a U.S. National Historic Landmark designated in 1975.
In 2014, the Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) approved the name bridgmanite for perovskite-structured (Mg,Fe)SiO3, the Earth's most abundant mineral, in honor of his high-pressure research.
— (1922). Dimensional Analysis. New Haven: Yale University Press. OCLC 840631.
— (1925). A Condensed Collection of Thermodynamics Formulas. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. OCLC 594940689.
— (1927). The Logic of Modern Physics. New York: Macmillan. OCLC 17522325. Online excerpt.
— (1934). The Thermodynamics of Electrical Phenomena in Metals. New York: Macmillan.
— (1936). The Nature of Physical Theory. Dover. OCLC 1298653.
— (1938). The Intelligent Individual and Society. New York: MacMillan. OCLC 1488461.
— (1941). The Nature of Thermodynamics. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780844605128. OCLC 4614803.
— (1949). The Physics of High Pressure. London: G. Bell. OCLC 8122603.
— (1952). Studies in large plastic flow and fracture: with special emphasis on the effects of hydrostatic pressure. New York: McGraw-Hill. OCLC 7435297.
— (1959). The Way Things Are. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674948303. OCLC 40803473.
— (1961) [First published separately in 1925 and 1934]. Thermodynamics of Electrical Phenomena in Metals and a Condensed Collection of Thermodynamic Formulas. New Haven: Macmillan. OCLC 610252150.
— (1962). A Sophisticate's Primer of Relativity. Middletown, Conn: Wesleyan University Press. OCLC 530615.
— (1964). Collected experimental papers. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Pres. OCLC 372237.
^ Newitt, D. M. (1962). "Percy Williams Bridgman 1882–1961". Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society. 8: 26–40. doi:10.1098/rsbm.1962.0003.
^ "Percy W. Bridgman". Physics Today. 14 (10): 78. 1961. doi:10.1063/1.3057180.
^ Bridgman, P. (1914). "A Complete Collection of Thermodynamic Formulas". Physical Review. 3 (4): 273–281. Bibcode:1914PhRv....3..273B. doi:10.1103/PhysRev.3.273.
^ Bridgman, P. W. (1956). "Probability, Logic, and ESP". Science. 123 (3184): 15–17. Bibcode:1956Sci...123...15B. doi:10.1126/science.123.3184.15. PMID 13281470.
^ a b c d e Kemble, Edwin C.; Birch, Francis (1970). Percy Williams Bridgman – 1882—1961 (PDF). National Academy of Sciences. pp. 25, 26, 27.
^ Ray Monk (2013). Robert Oppenheimer: A Life Inside the Center. Random House LLC. ISBN 9780385504133. In many ways they were opposites; Kemble, the theorist, was a devout Christian, while Bridgman, the experimentalist, was a strident atheist.
^ Nuland, Sherwin. How We Die: Reflections on Life's Final Chapter. Vintage Press, 1995. ISBN 0-679-74244-1.
^ Ayn Rand Institute discussion on assisted suicide. Aynrand.org; retrieved 2012-01-28.
^ Euthanasia Research and Guidance Organization. Assistedsuicide.org (2003-06-13); retrieved 2012-01-28.
^ "Bakhuys Roozeboom Fund laureates". Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
^ Page on bridgmanite, mindat.org; retrieved 2014-06-03.
^ Murakami, M.; Sinogeikiin S.V.; Hellwig H.; Bass J.D.; Li J. (2007). "Sound velocity of MgSiO3 perovskite to Mbar pressure" (PDF). Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Elsevier. 256: 47–54. Bibcode:2007E&PSL.256...47M. doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2007.01.011. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
^ Kovarik, A. F. (1929). "Review: The Logic of Modern Physics by P. W. Bridgman" (PDF). Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. 35 (3): 412–413. doi:10.1090/s0002-9904-1929-04767-0.
^ Riepe, D. (1950). "Book Review: Reflections of a Physicist, by P. W. Bridgman". Popular Astronomy. 58: 367–368. Bibcode:1950PA.....58..367R.
The Bingham Medal is an annual award for outstanding contributions to the field of rheology awarded at the Annual Meeting of The Society of Rheology. It was instituted in 1948 by the society to commemorate Eugene C. Bingham (1878-1945).
In thermodynamics, Bridgman's thermodynamic equations are a basic set of thermodynamic equations, derived using a method of generating a large number of thermodynamic identities involving a number of thermodynamic quantities. The equations are named after the American physicist Percy Williams Bridgman. (See also the exact differential article for general differential relationships).
Bridgman's equations are a series of relationships between all of the above quantities.
A cylindrical driving piston is mounted within a cylindrical channel that is closed at its far end. This piston presses against a hard steel ring, followed by a softer steel ring, and then a ring of more viscous or elastic material such as rubber, copper or soap stone, all within the channel. These three intermediate stages provide an inner cylinder, and the third stage bears on a specially shaped final steel piston that applies the force to pressurise material held at the end of the outer, enclosing channel. The final piston consists of a wider portion that fills the main channel, and a narrower cylindrical extension that leads back through the inner channel formed by the three ring-shaped intermediate stages, ending within the hard steel ring without making direct contact with the driving piston. This arrangement ensures that higher pressures create tighter seals that resist any leakage from the material at the end, since the pressure within the last and softest ring is greater than that in the material at the end.This arrangement has much in common with the earlier de Bange breech obturator system used to prevent the escape of gasses from breech loading artillery, whether inspired by that or independently invented, with the important further feature that Bridgman's system does not merely resist the escape of material under pressure while stationary, it applies that pressure by movement within the pressurising equipment.
Bridgman's previous pressurizing arrangement, a screw with a 2-m spanner, allowed him to get pressures of up to 400 MPa; the Bridgman seal allowed pressures up to 40,000 MPa. These are typical pressures expected in the Earth's internal structure. This advance allowed him to make many discoveries, including the high-pressure phases of ice (still known by the Bridgman nomenclature), high-pressure minerals, and novel high-pressure material properties. These discoveries were important in many fields of science and engineering. Bridgman won a Nobel Prize for his work.
The methods involve heating polycrystalline material above its melting point and slowly cooling it from one end of its container, where a seed crystal is located. A single crystal of the same crystallographic orientation as the seed material is grown on the seed and is progressively formed along the length of the container. The process can be carried out in a horizontal or vertical orientation, and usually involves a rotating crucible/ampoule to stir the melt.The Bridgman method is a popular way of producing certain semiconductor crystals such as gallium arsenide, for which the Czochralski process is more difficult. The process can reliably produce single crystal ingots, but does not necessarily result in uniform properties through the crystal.
Ductility is a measure of a material's ability to undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture, which may be expressed as percent elongation or percent area reduction from a tensile test. According to Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design (10th Ed.) significant denotes about 5.0 percent elongation (Section 5.3, p. 233). See also Eq. 2–12, p. 50 for definitions of percent elongation and percent area reduction. Ductility is often characterized by a material's ability to be stretched into a wire.
Edmund Asa Ware (December 22, 1837-September 25, 1885) was an American educator and the first president of Atlanta University, serving from 1869 to 1885.
Ware, son of Asa B. and Catharine (Slocum) Ware, was born December 22, 1837, in North Wrentham, now Norfolk, Mass, and entered College from Norwich, Connecticut, to which place his family had removed about 1852. He graduated from Yale College in 1863. For the two years next after graduation he taught in the Norwich Free Academy, where he had had his early education.
In September, 1865, he went to Nashville, Tennessee to assist in reorganizing the public schools, and thence a year later to Atlanta, Georgia, under the auspices of the American Missionary Association, as Superintendent of the Association's schools in that city and vicinity In December, 1866, he was licensed to preach, and from that time preached more or less frequently. He received August 1, 1867, from General Howard, the appointment of State Superintendent of Education for Georgia; and while thus acting interested himself in the establishment of an institution for the higher education for African-Americans. He thus became the President of the Board of Trustees as well as of the Faculty of the Atlanta University, which was chartered in 1867, and opened in 1869; and the remainder of his life was spent in its service.
He had lately returned from a visit to the mountains, to prepare for the opening of the school, and appeared in usual health; on the afternoon of September 25, 1885, he died suddenly of heart disease, in Atlanta, in the 48th year of his age.
He married November 10, 1869, Sarah J. Twichell of Plantsville, Connecticut, who survived him with three daughters and one son. One of their daughters, Olive, was married in 1912 to Percy Williams Bridgman, recipient of the 1946 Nobel Prize in Physics.
In science and engineering the study of high pressure examines its effects on materials and the design and construction of devices, such as a diamond anvil cell, which can create high pressure. By high pressure is usually meant pressures of thousands (kilobars) or millions (megabars) of times atmospheric pressure (about 1 bar or 100,000 Pa).
This is a list of notable rheologists.
The English surname Percy, first taken by the House of Percy, Norman lords of Northumberland, derives from the village of Percy-en-Auge in Normandy. From there, it came into use as a given name. It is also a short form of the given name Percival, Perseus, etc.
The Percy W. Bridgman House is an historic house located at 10 Buckingham Place in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is a National Historic Landmark, notable for its associations with Dr. Percy Williams Bridgman, a physicist, Nobel Prize winner, and Harvard University professor. It is now part of the Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BBN) Lower School campus.The house is an architecturally undistinguished 21⁄2 story house built about 1920 in a Neo-Rationalist style. At the time of its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1975, the house had not been significantly altered since Dr. Bridgman's death in 1961. It was acquired by the BBN School not long after his death, which has used it for a variety of purposes, including as a faculty residence and lounge. It is used for school offices.
Percy Bridgman (1882–1961) was born in Cambridge, raised in Newton, and educated at Harvard. After receiving his Ph.D. in physics in 1908, he was invited to join the Harvard physics faculty, where he remained for the rest of his life. Bridgman's primary area of research was high pressure physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (the fifth American to be so honored) in 1946 for his development of equipment for advancing research in that field. He also wrote extensively on the epistemology of physics and the sciences, advancing ideas that evolved into the field of operations research during the 1940s. Bridgman moved into this house in 1928, and lived there for the rest of his life.
Scripta Mathematica was a quarterly journal published by Yeshiva University devoted to the philosophy, history, and expository treatment of mathematics. It was said to be, at its time, "the only mathematical magazine in the world edited by specialists for laymen."The journal was established in 1932 under the editorship of Jekuthiel Ginsburg, a professor of mathematics at Yeshiva University, and its first issue appeared in 1933 at a subscription price of three dollars per year. It ceased publication in 1973. Notable papers published in Scripta Mathematica included work by Nobelist Percy Williams Bridgman concerning the implications for physics of set-theoretic paradoxes, and Hermann Weyl's obituary of Emmy Noether.Some sources describe Scripta Mathematica as having been assigned ISSN 0036-9713 but it ceased publication prior to the establishment of the ISSN system.
Theodore Lyman IV (; November 23, 1874 – October 11, 1954) was a U.S. physicist and spectroscopist, born in Boston. He graduated from Harvard in 1897, from which he also received his Ph.D. in 1900.
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The increase of Soviet agricultural production was tremendous, however, the Soviet-Ukrainians still experienced food shortages due to the inefficiencies of a highly centralised economy. During the peak of Soviet-Ukrainian agriculture output in the 1950s and early-to-mid-1960s, human consumption in Ukraine, and in the rest of the Soviet Union, actually experienced short intervals of decrease. There are many reasons for this inefficiency, but its origins can be traced back to the single-purchaser and -producer market system set up by Joseph Stalin. Khrushchev tried to improve the agricultural situation in the Soviet Union by expanding the total crop size - for instance, in the Ukrainian SSR alone "the amount of land planted with corn grew by 600 percent". At the height of this policy, between 1959 and 1963, one-third of Ukrainian arable land grew this crop. This policy decreased the total production of wheat and rye; Khrushchev had anticipated this, and the production of wheat and rye moved to Soviet Central Asia as part of the Virgin Lands Campaign. Khrushchev's agricultural policy failed, and in 1963 the Soviet Union had to import food from abroad. The total level of agricultural productivity in Ukraine decreased sharply during this period, but recovered in the 1970s and 1980s during Leonid Brezhnev's rule.
The State Anthem of the Ukrainian SSR was the national anthem of the Ukrainian SSR when it was one of the republics of the Soviet Union. As of 2016, the public performance of this anthem is prohibited in Ukraine.
Demyan Serhiyovych Korotchenko (Ukrainian: Дем’ян Сергійович Коротченко; 29 November 1894 – 7 April 1969) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician, who twice served as the head of government of Ukrainian SSR (today's equivalent of prime-minister).
The coat of arms of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was adopted on March 14, 1919 by the government of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and subsequently modified on November 7, 1928, January 30, 1937 and November 21, 1949. The coat of arms from 1949 is based on the coat of arms of the Soviet Union and features the hammer and sickle, the red star, a sunrise and stalks of wheat on its outer rims. The rising sun stands for the future of the Soviet Ukrainian nation, the star as well as the hammer and sickle for communism and the "world-wide socialist community of states".The banner bears the Soviet Union state motto ("Workers of the world, unite!") in both the Ukrainian and Russian languages. In Ukrainian, it is "Пролетарі всіх країн, єднайтеся!" (transliterated: Proletari vsikh krayin, yednaytesya!). The name of the Ukrainian SSR is shown only in Ukrainian, and reads "Українська PCP" (Українська Радянська Соціалістична Республіка).
In 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Ukraine became independent, the emblem was changed to the present coat of arms of Ukraine the tryzub (trident) coat of arms, which was affirmed in the new Constitution of Ukraine in 1996, and was first proposed in 1917. The use of this emblem in Ukraine is now banned.
The emblem shares a common background with that of the Russian SFSR.
The first flag of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was adopted on 10 March 1919 to serve as the symbol of state of the Ukrainian SSR. Details of the official flag changed periodically before the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, but all had as their basis the red flag of the October Revolution. According to the decree of the Presidium of Supreme Soviet of Ukrainian SSR on 21 November 1949, the blue in the bottom symbolises the mightiness and beauty of the people, and the blue banner of Bohdan Khmelnytsky.
Ivan Pavlovych Kazanets (Ukrainian: Іван Павлович Казанець; 12 October 1918 – 15 February 2013) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician, who served as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR (equivalent of today's Prime Minister of Ukraine) from 1963 to 1965. He was the minister of ferrous metallurgy of the Soviet Union for almost 20 years.
Kliment Yefremovich Voroshilov (Russian: Климе́нт Ефре́мович Вороши́лов , Kliment Jefremovič Vorošilov; Ukrainian: Климент Охрімович Ворошилов, Klyment Okhrimovyč Vorošylov), popularly known as Klim Voroshilov (Russian: Клим Вороши́лов, Klim Vorošilov) (4 February 1881 – 2 December 1969), was a prominent Soviet military officer and politician during the Stalin era. He was one of the original five Marshals of the Soviet Union (the highest military rank of the Soviet Union), along with Chief of the General Staff of the Red Army Alexander Yegorov, and three senior commanders, Vasily Blyukher, Semyon Budyonny, and Mikhail Tukhachevsky.
Leonid Romanovych Korniyets (Ukrainian: Леонід Романович Корнієць; 21 August 1901 – 29 May 1969) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician, who served as the head of government of Ukrainian SSR (today's equivalent of prime-minister) from 1939 to 1944.
Mykhailo Ulyanovych Bilyi (Ukrainian: Михайло Улянович Білий; 12 November 1922 – 5 August 2001) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician, who served as the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1972 to 1980. Since 1969 he was a Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (then the Academy of Sciences of Ukrainian SSR).
Mykhailo Serhiyovych Hrechukha (Ukrainian: Михайло Сергійович Гречуха; 19 September 1902 - 15 May 1976) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician, who served as the chairman of Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1939 to 1954. He was elected to the 1st through 5th convocations of Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR.
Nykyfor Timofiyovych Kalchenko (Ukrainian: Никифор Тимофійович Кальчекно; 9 February [O.S. 27 January] 1906 – 14 May 1989) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician, who served as the head of government of Ukrainian SSR (today's equivalent of prime-minister).
Oleksandr Yevdokymovych Korniychuk (Russian: Алекса́ндр Евдоки́мович Корнейчу́к, Ukrainian: Олександр Євдокимович Корнійчук, May 25 [12 o.s.], 1905 – May 14, 1972) was a Ukrainian playwright, literary critic and state official (a Soviet Foreign Minister’s first deputy in 1943–1945).His most notable works were plays such as Zahybel eskadry (The Death of the Squadron) (1933), Platon Krechet (1934), Bohdan Khmelnytsky (1938), his pro-collectivization comedy In the Steppes of Ukraine (1940), and The Front (1942). Korniychuk was a five-time Stalin Prize laureate (1941, 1942, 1943, 1949, 1951) and is regarded as a major proponent of Socialist Realism in Soviet drama.
Korniychuk was the member of the Central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party (1952–1972) and the Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (1947–1953, 1959–1972).
Oleksandr Pavlovych Liashko (Ukrainian: Олександр Павлович Ляшко; December 30, 1915 – October 9, 2002) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician. He was the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Ukrainian SSR (today's equivalent of prime-minister) for more than 15 years, making him the longest-serving person in that capacity.
He joined the Communist Party in 1942 and served in the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1961 to 1989. In 1985 Liashko received the honorary award, the Hero of Socialist Labour.
Pavel Romanovich Popovich (Russian: Па́вел Рома́нович Попо́вич, Ukrainian: Павло Романович Попович, Pavlo Romanovych Popovych) (October 5, 1930 – September 29, 2009) was a Soviet cosmonaut.He was the fourth cosmonaut in space, the sixth person in orbit, and the eighth person in space.
Pavlo Tychyna (Ukrainian: Павло Григорович Тичина; 23 January [O.S. 11 January] 1891 – September 16, 1967) was a major Ukrainian poet, interpreter, publicist, public activist, academician, and statesman.
He created lyrics to the Anthem of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Valentyna Semenivna Shevchenko (Ukrainian: Валентина Семенівна Шевченко; born 12 March 1935 in Kryvy Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Soviet Union) was the Chairman of the Presidium of Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR.
Volodymyr Vasylyovych Shcherbytsky (Ukrainian: Володи́мир Васи́льович Щерби́цький IPA: [vɔlɔˈdɪmɪr vɐˈsɪlʲɔvɪt͡ʃ ʃt͡ʃerˈbɪt͡sʲkɪj], Russian: Влади́мир Васи́льевич Щерби́цкий, IPA: [vlɐˈdʲimʲɪr vɐˈsʲilʲɪvʲɪt͡ɕ ɕːɪrˈbʲit͡skʲɪj]; 17 February 1918, Verkhnodniprovsk — 16 February 1990) was a Ukrainian and Soviet politician. He was a leader of the Communist Party of Ukraine from 1972 to 1989.
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Born in Los Angeles, California, on June 4, 1975, Angelina Jolie starred in the HBO biopic Gia before earning an Academy Award for best supporting actress for Girl, Interrupted. Jolie has become one of Hollywood's top marquee names, having starred in movies like Wanted, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Salt and Changeling, earning her first lead actress Oscar nod for the latter. Jolie later had a huge international blockbuster with Disney's Maleficent, in which she both starred and executive produced. She's also directed the films In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and By the Sea, and is married to fellow actor Brad Pitt.
Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie Voight was born on June 4, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, to actor Jon Voight and actress Marcheline Bertrand. She rose to stardom in the 1990s. She began acting at a young age, studying at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute while in her early teens. Jolie later attended New York University.
In the 1990s, Angelina Jolie became a popular actress. She gave a star-making performance in the 1998 television film Gia based on the short, tragic life of model Gia Marie Carangi. Jolie won a best actress Golden Globe for the role.
Another great dramatic role in Girl, Interrupted (1999) brought Jolie her first Academy Award (for best supporting actress). In the new millennium she continued to take on a variety of interesting roles, such as an adventurer in the Lara Croft films (2001 and 2003), a FBI profiler in Taking Lives (2004), an assassin in Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005) and a neglected, troubled socialite wife in The Good Shepherd (2006). Jolie also embraced the word of sci-fi/fantasy with her roles as a squadron commander in Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004) and a vengeful, monstrous mother in Beowulf (2007).
In 2007, Jolie gave a brilliant performance as Mariane Pearl, the pregnant widow of Wall Street Journal reporter Danny Pearl, in A Mighty Heart. The film was based on Mariane's account of her husband's abduction and murder.
A devoted humanitarian, Angelina Jolie was made a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency in 2001. She has made headlines for her work to obtain aid for refugees in Cambodia, Darfur and Jordan, to name just a few.
In 2005, Jolie received the Global Humanitarian Action Award from the United Nations Association of the USA for her activism on behalf of refugee rights. She has continued to draw attention to global issues.
In 2008, after lending her voice to the animated comedy Kung Fu Panda and portraying an assassin in Wanted, Jolie appeared in the Clint Eastwood-directed thriller Changeling. Jolie played Christine Collins, a mother whose son reappears after his kidnapping. Collins is sure the returned boy is not the one to whom she gave birth, and her fight reveals a police conspiracy. In 2009, Jolie received her first Oscar nomination for best actress for her role in the film.
Jolie went on to earn the lead role in the action-packed Salt (2010), about a CIA agent, Evelyn Salt, who is on the run after being accused of being a Russian spy. That same year, she played the mysterious Elise Clifton-Ward in the espionage flick The Tourist alongside Johnny Depp.
In 2014, the actress enjoyed the rewards of shaping a major blockbuster, both starring in and executive producing Disney's Maleficent. Jolie portrayed the sorceress title character, with the film taking on a woman-centered revisionist approach to the main villain from the animated classic Sleeping Beauty (1959). With U.S. critics divided on the Maleficent's merits, the project nonetheless worked box office magic, earning around $240 million domestically and an additional $517 million overseas.
Jolie has also begun to hone her craft as a director. She made her feature-length directorial debut with 2011's In the Land of Blood and Honey, looking at a relationship horribly damaged by the Bosnian War. This was followed by 2014's Unbroken, a biopic that told the story of Olympian Louis Zamperini's survival in a Japanese POW camp. The film was based on the bestselling Laura Hillenbrand book of the same name and earned more than $163 million worldwide. The following year Jolie co-starred with Pitt in the art film By the Sea, a slowly-paced Mediterranean tale set in the 1970s about a married couple and the tensions of their relationship.
Famous for her off-screen romances, Jolie has been married three times. She married Hackers co-star Jonny Lee Miller in 1995. The couple divorced in 1999. The following year, Jolie married Academy Award-winning actor Billy Bob Thornton. That union lasted until 2003. Jolie met her next romantic partner, actor Brad Pitt, during the making of Mr. and Mrs. Smith in 2004.
In 2002, Jolie adopted a son from Cambodia and named him Maddox. Three years later, she adopted a daughter, Zahara. In 2005, Pitt filed paperwork to adopt both of Jolie's children. The couple's first biological daughter, Shiloh, was born in Namibia in 2006. Jolie, Pitt and their children had traveled there to avoid the media frenzy that seemed to follow them wherever they went.
In March 2007, Angelina Jolie added a new member to her family. She adopted a 3-year-old boy from a Vietnamese orphanage and named him Pax Thien. Jolie then gave birth to twins, Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, on July 12, 2008, in a seaside hospital in southern France. The rights for the first images of the twins were sold to People and Hello! magazines for $14 million—making them the most expensive celebrity pictures ever taken.
After the joy of welcoming her third child, Shiloh, into the world came great sadness for Jolie. She experienced a great personal loss in early 2007, when her mother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 56 after fighting the disease for many years. Her grandmother also died from cancer.
In May 2013, 37-year-old Jolie announced in a New York Times op-ed article titled "My Medical Choice" that she underwent a double mastectomy in an effort to prevent breast cancer in the future. The actress said she decided to undergo the surgery after learning that she carries a gene known as BRCA1, which increases the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. "My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in the case of each woman," Jolie stated. "Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much I could." By late April 2013, Jolie added, she had completed several months of medical procedures, including a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, at the Pink Lotus Breast Center in California.
Pitt and Jolie became engaged in 2012. Slipping under the paparazzi radar, they quietly tied the knot in a private ceremony surrounded by their family and friends on August 23, 2014 in France.
The actress said she went public with her decision to help "other women at risk to know about the options."
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This article presents new algorithms for inferring users' activities in a class of flexible and open-ended educational software called exploratory learning environments (ELEs). Such settings provide a rich educational environment for students, but challenge teachers to keep track of students' progress and to assess their performance. This article presents techniques for recognizing students' activities in ELEs and visualizing these activities to students. It describes a new plan-recognition algorithm that takes into account repetition and interleaving of activities. This algorithm was evaluated empirically using two ELEs for teaching chemistry and statistics used by thousands of students in several countries.
In exploratory domains, agents' actions map onto logs of behavior that include switching between activities, extraneous actions, and mistakes. These aspects create a challenging plan recognition problem. This paper presents a new algorithm for inferring students' activities in exploratory domains that is evaluated empirically using a new type of flexible and open-ended educational software for science education. Such software has been shown to provide a rich educational environment for students, but challenge teachers to keep track of students' progress and to assess their performance. The algorithm decomposes students’ complete interaction histories to create hierarchies of interdependent tasks that describe their activities using the software. It matches students' actions to a predefined grammar in a way that reflects that students solve problems in a modular fashion but may still interleave between their activities. The algorithm was empirically evaluated on people’s interaction with two separate software systems for simulating a chemistry laboratory and for statistics education. It was separately compared to the state-of-the-art recognition algorithms for each of the software. The results show that the algorithm was able to correctly infer students' activities significantly more often than the state-of-the-art, and was able to generalize to both of the software systems with no intervention.
Plan recognition is one of the fundamental problems of AI, applicable to many domains, from user interfaces to cyber security. We focus on a class of algorithms that use plan libraries as input to the recognition process. Despite the prevalence of these approaches, they lack a standard representation, and have not been compared to each other on common testbed. This paper directly addresses this gap by providing a standard plan library representation and evaluation criteria to consider. Our representation is comprehensive enough to describe a variety of known plan recognition problems, yet it can be easily applied to existing algorithms, which can be evaluated using our defined criteria. We demonstrate this technique on two known algorithms, SBR and PHATT. We provide meaningful insights both about the differences and abilities of the algorithms. We show that SBR is superior to PHATT both in terms of computation time and space, but at the expense of functionality and compact representation. We also show that depth is the single feature of a plan library that increases the complexity of the recognition, regardless of the algorithm used.
The field of intelligent tutoring systems has successfully delivered techniques and applications to provide personalized coaching and feedback for problem solving in a variety of domains. The core of this personalized instruction is a student model; the ITS component in charge of assessing student traits and states relevant to tailor the tutorial interaction to specific student needs during problem solving. There are however, other educational activities that can help learners acquire the target skills and abilities at different stages of learning including, among others, exploring interactive simulations and playing educational games. This article describes research on creating student models that support personalization for these novel types of interactions, their unique challenges, and how AI and machine learning can help.
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Sediments line the coast of Italy and flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea from rivers including the Tiber, which flows through the city of Rome before entering the sea, and the Ombrone, which flows past the city of Grosseto. The mouth of the Tiber is visible releasing dark brown sediments in the lower right quadrant, while that of the Ombrone releases thick tan sediments near the left edge.
Three large lakes can also be seen (from top to bottom): Lake Trasimeno, which appears light blue near the upper edge, as well as Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano, both darker blue and closer to the center of the image. Appear 20 kilometers northwest of Lake Bolsena, in the southern Tuscany region, is Monte Amiata. It is the largest of the lava domes in the Amiata lava dome complex.
The city of Rome appears as a grey area near the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is located in the Lazio (Latium) region of central Italy on the Tiber River. The city is also crossed by another river, the Aniene, which joins the Tiber north of the historic centre.
Although the city centre is about 24 km (14.9 mi) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city territory extends to the shore, where the south-western district of Ostia is located. The altitude of the central part of Rome ranges from 13 m (43 ft) above sea level (at the base of the Pantheon) to 139 m (456 ft) above sea level (the peak of Monte Mario).
The Commune of Rome covers an overall area of about 1,285 km2 (496 sq mi), including many green areas. Visible near the city in this image are three lakes (from top to bottom): Lake Trasimeno, Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano. The Apennine Mountains, capped with snow on a few peaks, are visible in the upper part of the image as well.
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Encaustic: A paint made from pigment mixed with melted beeswax and resin and after application fixed by heat.
Johns’ early style is perfectly exemplified by the lush reticence of the large monochrome White Flag of 1955 (1998.329). This painting was preceded by a red, white, and blue version, Flag (1954–55; Museum of Modern Art, New York), and followed by numerous drawings and prints of flags in various mediums, including the elegant oil on paper Flag (1957; 1999.425). In 1958, Johns painted Three Flags (Whitney Museum of Art, New York), in which three canvases are superimposed on one another in what appears to be reverse perspective, projecting toward the viewer.
It has been suggested that the American flag in Johns’ work is an autobiographical reference, because a military hero after whom he was named, Sergeant William Jasper, raised the flag in a brave action during the Revolutionary War. Because a flag is a flat object, it may signify flatness or the relative lack of depth in much modernist painting. The flag may of course function as an emblem of the United States and may in turn connote American art, Senator Joseph McCarthy, or the Vietnam War, depending on the date of Johns’ use of the image, the date of the viewer’s experience of it, or the nationality of the viewer. Or the flag may connote none of these things. Used in Johns’ recent work, for example, The Seasons (Summer), an intaglio print of 1987 (1999.407b), it seems inescapably to refer to his own art. In other words, the meaning of the flag in Johns’ art suggests the extent to which the “meaning” of this subject matter may be fluid and open to continual reinterpretation.
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The following visuals highlight and help to better understand the hydropower expansion along the Nile River. The main factors explaining such development in the sector are: 1) Riparian countries lack access to grid electricity although demand is increasing with rising economies and population; 2) High hydropower potential with few existing infrastructure; 3) The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) contributes to hydropower expansion by providing a forum for joint planning and cooperative development; 4) Availability of new funding sources from emerging powers (e.g. China, Turkey or Arab States).
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Discuss a prior crisis or a potential one that can occur within your organization. Imagine you are the leader in charge of the crisis management team (CMT).
• What is the crisis?
• What steps do you take as the leader of the CMT? Use the research to support it.
• Discuss your process and reasoning.
• What is your communication plan?
• What problems do you anticipate?
Assignment-driven criteria: Demonstrates mastery covering all key elements of the assignment in a substantive way.
Scholarly writing: Demonstrates mastery and proficiency in scholarly written communication to an appropriately specialized audience.
Quality of references and organization: Demonstrates mastery using relevant and quality sources and uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to support ideas, convey understanding of the topic, and shape the work.
Citing sources: Demonstrates mastery using in-text citations or sources, and properly uses APA format, including a full reference list.
Critical thinking/application to professional practice: Demonstrates mastery conceptualizing the problem and viewpoints. Assumptions of experts are analyzed, synthesized, and evaluated thoroughly. Conclusions are logically presented and applied to professional practice.
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Philadelphia's history attracts many tourists, with the Liberty Bell receiving over 2 million visitors in Financial activities account designed for the largest sector of the metro economy, and it is one of the largest health education and delve into centers in the United States. The three patrol districts serving Center Capital are the 6th, 9th, and 17th districts. The Swedish and Finnish settlers continued to have their own armed force, religion, and court, and to benefit from substantial autonomy under the Dutch. Bicentenary, was celebrated in with the Bicentenary Expositionthe first official World's Fair all the rage the United States. Immigrants, mostly as of Ireland and Germanysettled in Philadelphia after that the surrounding districts. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States, with a U. Surviving Lenape moved west into the upper Ohio Brook basin. Across the street from Capital Hall is the Masonic Templethe centre of operation of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvaniaa legacy of the Founding Fathers after that signers of the Declaration of Independencemany of whom were Freemasons ; such luminaries include George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
Philadelphia was founded on October 27, as a result of William Penn, who planned a capital along the Delaware River to achieve as a port and place designed for government. During the 19th century, Philadelphia became a major industrial center after that a railroad hub that grew as of an influx of European immigrants. Philadelphia has transitioned from being a built-up powerhouse to an information and service-based economy. Centennial, was celebrated in along with the Centennial Expositionthe first official World's Fair in the United States. A number of philosophical societies were bent, which were centers of the city's intellectual life: The free black area also established many schools for its children, with the help of Quakers.
Inthe Dutch built Fort Beversreede on the west bank of the Delaware, south of the Schuylkill near the contemporary Eastwick neighborhood, to reassert their authority over the area. Inin partial compensation of a debt, Charles II of England granted Penn a charter designed for what would become the Pennsylvania city state. Benjamin Franklina leading citizen, helped advance city services and founded new ones, such as fire protection, a annals, and one of the American colonies' first hospitals.
The Swedish and Finnish settlers continued en route for have their own militia, religion, after that court, and to enjoy substantial independence under the Dutch. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States, with a U. Europeans came en route for the Delaware Valley in the ahead of schedule 17th century, with the first settlements founded by the Dutch, who all the rage built Fort Nassau on the Delaware River opposite the Schuylkill River all the rage what is now Brooklawn, New Jumper. The Comcast Center, which was completed inis now the tallest building all the rage Pennsylvania30 feet taller than One Authority Place. The rise in population of the surrounding districts helped lead en route for the Act of Consolidation ofwhich absolute the city limits from the 2 square miles 5. The Philadelphia Capital Hall in Center City Center Capital is home to most of Philadelphia's tallest buildings, including Philadelphia's City Hallthe second tallest masonry building in the world and until the tallest all the rage Philadelphia, as well as the tallest building in the world for seven years. Surviving Lenape moved west addicted to the upper Ohio River basin. Accepted nicknames for Philadelphia are Philly after that The City of Brotherly Love, the latter of which comes from the literal meaning of the city's appellation in Greek Greek: The Center Capital District, which has special powers of taxation, uses a complicated, erratically shaped boundary that includes much although not all of this area, after that also extends beyond it.
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A Disaster Recovery plan describes how an organization expects to respond to potential disasters. A disaster recovery plan includes precautions that are and will be taken to minimize the effects of a disaster and steps to "either maintain or quickly resume mission-critical functions". Typically, disaster recovery planning involves an analysis of business processes and continuity needs; it may also include a significant focus on disaster prevention.
A disaster recovery plan (DRP) is sometimes referred to as a business continuity plan (BCP).
Appropriate plans vary from one enterprise to another, depending on variables such as the type of business, the processes involved, and the level of security needed.
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In geometry, a heptagon is a seven-sided polygon or 7-gon.. The heptagon is sometimes referred to as the septagon, using "sept-" (an elision of septua-, a Latin-derived numerical prefix, rather than hepta-, a Greek-derived numerical prefix) together with the Greek suffix "-agon" meaning angle.
A heptagon is a seven-sided polygon. It is also sometimes called a septagon, though this usage mixes a Latin prefix sept- (derived from septua-, meaning "seven") with the Greek suffix -gon (from gonia, meaning "angle"), and is therefore not recommended. A heptagon with vertices equally spaced around a circle and with all sides the same length is a regular polygon known as a regular heptagon.
Heptagon definition is - a polygon of seven angles and seven sides.
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I like to win that game.
I would like to have won that game.
What is difference in meaning meaning between them?
The use of the present tense here suggests a habit. Perhaps you play poker and you always like to win.
You: I play poker every Saturday.
Me: Do you mind if you lose?
You: Yes! I like to win that game!
This refers to a specific game that has taken place in the past, and which you lost. You're telling me that you wish you had won. In this context, "game" = a specific competitive interlude. A game of football. A game of tennis. A game of cards.
how many way to use the term "would like"?
Also, you can say "I would like to win that game," speaking about a specific competition in the future.
"Would like" means almost the same thing as "want," but as a conditional, it's more polite.
Customer: I'd like a glass of red wine, please.
Friend: Let's go out to eat tonight. Where would you like to go?
Friend 2: I don't care, but I'd like to see that new Tom Hanks movie.
Poster: Hello, I'm new to these boards, and I would like some help with my English.
You can follow "would like" with a noun you wish to receive, or the infinitive of a verb you wish to do. You can also follow it with "it if..." and then a past-tense clause describing a situation you find desirable.
"I would like it if everyone stopped blaming each other and started fixing the problem."
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Ask a question in English, find the answer in Swahili, and win USD 10,000–20,000. This is the gist of the OpenCLIR (Open Cross Lingual Information Retrieval) Prize Challenge. OpenCLIR is organized by the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), a US government research program under the Director of National Intelligence.
The OpenCLIR challenge has to do with building a system that, when queried in English, can extract relevant information from speech and text documents in low-resource languages. Languages for which there is very little available training data are considered low-resource.
According to IARPA Project Manager Carl Rubino, OpenCLIR was funded by IARPA “as an open evaluation of the MATERIAL program.” Rubino added that the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) runs the evaluation.
According to the OpenCLIR evaluation plan, it is “one of several [capabilities] expected to ultimately support effective triage and analysis of large volumes of data, in a variety of less studied languages.” Successful systems should, therefore, be able to adapt to entirely new languages.
OpenCLIR was launched in July 2018 and began seeking out researchers the world over. Registrations for interested parties closed on November 30, 2018, and OpenCLIR passed its latest milestone on January 21, 2019: the release of data that participants will use to test systems. The deadline for participants to submit their algorithms will close on February 1, 2019, and winners will be announced on May 15, 2019.
The best systems in the speech and text files categories will win USD 20,000 and USD 10,000, respectively.
“We have 37 registrations from around the world, including five from India, four from China, two from Germany, as well as teams from the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Taiwan, Italy, Turkey, Singapore, and Spain,” Rubino told Slator, adding that submitted systems will work with Swahili.
Aside from MATERIAL, the US government runs other programs concerning natural language processing (NLP) and neural machine translation (NMT). These include the USD 14m SCRIPTS (or System for Cross Language Information Processing, Translation, and Summarization) and the more than USD 26m LORELEI (or Low Resource Languages for Emergent Incidents).
Programs such as LORELEI have specific deployment scenarios in mind; think conflict or incident zones. Asked for comment on potential real-world deployments of OpenCLIR or resulting technologies, Rubino basically replied that the possibilities are open-ended.
“These technologies can be potentially deployed in any scenario where an organization needs to quickly develop capabilities to perform domain-specific triage of a large collection of speech and text documents in a language for which this organization does not have a large cadre of speakers of that language,” he said.
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What makes a livable neigborhood?
Compact: Livable neighborhoods conserve land, and are of sufficiently density to support frequent transit service and neighborhood-serving businesses.
Mixed use: Livable neighborhoods provide a mix of housing, workplaces, and neighborhood-serving shops and services.
Diverse: Livable neighborhoods offer housing choices suited to all types of households and household incomes, provide a range of jobs, shops, and services, support diverse local businesses.
Healthy: Livable neighborhoods support the physical and mental health of residents, are clean and safe, and promote social inclusion and sociability.
Green: Livable neighborhoods are well served by parks, playgrounds, plazas, and greenways. Trees and plantings are integrated into street designs. Buildings are designed to provide compact gardens, courtyards, terraces, and green roofs.
Accessible: Livable neighborhoods support car-free living by being well-connected to citywide and regional destinations by sustainable transportation modes (walking, cycling, public transit, paratransit and taxi). Streets and public transit are designed for universal accessibility.
Sustainable: Livable neighborhoods use natural resources and energy sparingly and efficiently, and generate little waste.
Advance priority transportation and public space projects: Work with neighbors and city agencies to get priority transportation and public space improvements in neighborhoods designed, funded and built. Work in neighborhoods across the city, but especially in the Tenderloin, SoMa, Mission, Market & Octavia, Downtown/Chinatown, Southeast, Northeast, and Balboa Park, where we were most involved in creating neighborhood plans.
Neighborhood transportation and streetscape plans: Make sure that the Mission and Eastern Neighborhoods public realm plans are timely and effective, and work on next steps to fund and implement key projects. Get the City to commit to neighborhood transportation and streetscape plans for other neighborhoods, until neighborhood in the city has a plan.
Improve the Planning Code: Support planning code amendments to improve urban design, encourage ‘elegant density’, and reduce parking requirements in transit-rich neighborhoods, through both the Planning Department’s established planning efforts, and by working directly with interested neighbors and supervisors to make desired changes in their neighborhoods.
Retain, improve, and expand affordable housing: promote the legalization and code compliance of accessory housing (a.k.a. in-law housing) in transit-rich neighborhoods. Retain existing housing, and encourage energy efficiency upgrades and code compliance. Foster a diverse mix of market-rate and below-market rate housing in all neighborhoods, including ‘affordable by design’ strategies (like carfree housing).
Car-free development: support neighborhood efforts to encourage more car-free housing, and support well-designed car-free projects. Encourage car-free projects in transit-rich areas through lower fees, simpler planning approval, and other incentives.
The Planning Department adopted the Eastern Neighboroods plans in late 2008.
Eastern Neighborhoods had been slogging along for the better part of a decade. It emerged from efforts to address development pressures on San Francisco’s remaining industrially-zoned land, which houses thousands of jobs in what the Planning Department calls production, distribution, and repair (PDR).
From the outset, the Eastern Neighborhoods plans have grappled with land use, particularly the balance between housing and industry, with little emphasis on such neighborhood needs as transportation, open space, recreation, childcare and schools, and street design.
The Eastern Neighborhoods plans include a lot of the good planning controls that characterize the Planning Department’s recent plans like Market & Octavia , including reduced parking requirements in transit-rich corridors (like Mission and Valencia streets); pedestrian-friendly building design in neighborhood commercial and mixed-use districts (including required storefronts with lots of transparency and pedestrian interest, and requirements to tuck parking away from the street).
Unfortunately, the plan offers no solutions for taming traffic on the Eastern Neighborhoods’ mean streets, especially South of Market’s high-speed, high-volume one-way streets. It also fails to provide any specific proposals for improving public transit, walking, and cycling.
Upper Market Street in the city’s Castro neighborhood could change considerably over the next few years. New developments have been proposed on the sites of several of the street’s automobile-oriented uses, including the S&C Ford site and gas stations at Market & Castro and Market & Sanchez streets. Much of Upper Market Street falls within the Market & Octavia Plan area, although the crucial intersection of Castro & Market, the neighborhood’s focal point and transit hub, falls outside it.
The first workshop, held on September 11 2008, was the first of a series planned for the Upper Market Corridor between Castro and Octavia Streets. Goals of the process will be to devise a plan that attempts to shape development to meet community needs, including housing, retail, and community institutions, community improvements from development, and guidelines for building design.
Harvey Milk Plaza at the intersection of Castro and Market Streets is one of the most important public spaces in the city; it serves as the symbolic heart of the City’s Gay community, the heart of the neighborhood, a transit hub, and a terminus of sorts for Market Street, the city’s pre-eminent walking and cycling route. The adjacent Castro Street commercial district is lively and popular, but suffers from the skinny sidewalks and poor street design that are too common in San Francisco’s commercial districts.
Castro Area Planning + Action (CAPA) has focused for the last several years on realizing the amazing potential of the intersection as a great public space and effective transportation hub. Livable City has been working with CAPA members, Planning Department staff, transportation planner extrordinaire Jeff Tumlin, and plaza design competition winner Heidi Sokolowsky to explore options for funding and planning significant streetscape improvements for Castro Street, and open space and a memorial at Harvey Milk Plaza.
The September 13 CAPA meeting was devoted to a mini charrette which brought all these ideas and more together in both graphic and written formats, as a conceptual design for the improvements. Livable City is assisting in the CAPA-led effort to complete a plan for the memorial, plaza redesign, and streetscape improvements and to seek funding for their implementation.
Adoption of the plan completed a planning effort that has taken over six years, and has resulted in San Francisco’s first 21st-century plan for a more livable, sustainable urban neighborhood oriented to walking, bicyling, and public transit.
Livable City has been attending each public hearing to keep the plan moving forward, and to support the plan’s many fine points. Unfortunately, several important elements of the 2002 draft plan were weakened last year. The Commissioners did adopt a finding which restores the conversion of Hayes Street from one-way to two-way, which was dropped from last year’s plan. Livable City joined the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association and Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association in support of lower parking ratios, which increase housing affordability and decrease traffic.
For more information about the plan, visit our Market & Octavia campaign page.
Bay Area projected to grow by 2 million by 2035.
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) announced their population and job growth projections through 2035 at a symposium on Thursday December 14. According to ABAG, the region will add 2 million new residents, with the cities of San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland adding the most residents. San Francisco is projected to add over 160,000 new residents, growing from nearly 800,000 residents today to over 950,000 in less than 30 years.
In order to grow without worsening the region’s housing shortages and encouraging suburban sprawl, ABAG recommends that the region’s growth be concentrated in walkable communities close to transit lines.
In San Francisco, most of the projected growth in new housing is being planned for the city’s transit-rich downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the city’s eastern neighborhoods and around transit hubs like Balboa Park station.
Livable City has been working to make sure that these neighborhoods are designed as complete neighborhoods that support car-free living, with complete streets, a range of housing choices, and networks ofgreen streets and open spaces.
Planning reform: Livable City is working to reform planning code, planning processes, and inter-agency coordination to improve neighborhood infrastructure, public realm, parking management, health, environmental performance, and public engagement.
Parking reform: We advocate for improving the management of residential and commercial parking in neighborhoods to increase availability without increasing supply, and to provide more revenue to sustainable transportation. The long-awaited SFCTA study and recommendations are due in this year.
Market & Octavia: We support adoption of this progressive neighborhood plan, and implementation of its many public improvements. See our campaign page for more details.
Mission District: We are advocating for livable neighborhoods approach in this plan, and are working with the Planning Department to create a comprehensive transportation and streetscape plan for the neighborhood.
SoMa: We are advocating for a livable neighborhoods approach in the East SoMa and West SoMa planning areas, and to transform SoMa streets from unhealthful, unsafe, and auto-dominated traffic sewers to complete streets.
Visitacion Valley: We support completing the Visitacion Valley redevelopment plan around the former Schlage Lock factory and Leland Avenue, and are working to improve bicycle and pedestrian access and transit connections in Visitacion Valley.
Balboa Park and Glen Park: we are working with MTA and Planning to complete the neighborhood plans and implement public improvements.
Market Street: Livable City is focusing on Market Street transit, bicycle, and pedestrian improvements, creating public life survey, advocating for renewal of Market Street’s public spaces, and advocating for a livable and sustainable Mid-Market.
Public spaces: We are working to secure funding for comprehensive downtown and SoMa transportation and streetscape plan, as well as supporting individual efforts to reclaim downtown streets, alleys, and plazas as vital public spaces.
Streetscape plans: Livable City is working to get the city to implement its Downtown Streetscape Plan, Chinatown Alleyways Master Plan, and Tenderloin Transportation Plan.
Transbay: Support Transbay Terminal and Transbay neighborhood implementation.
Regional rail plan: Livable City is working with regional agencies and advocates to advance a regional strategic plan to improve connectivity and capacity of the region’s rail network, with downtown as the region’s primary hub.
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What are the benefits to a full seat riding breech? To provide fuller protection from rubbing than a knee patch breech, full seat breeches feature an insert that runs from below the waist at the back of the breech, across the seat and down the inside of both legs. Many riders find the added grip factor and contrasting material more comfortable and long-lasting than other forms of riding breeches. There are five main considerations that must go into buying the right full seat breech to meet your needs: Breech fabrics, full seat materials, style, fashion trends and brands.
There is a range of breech fabrics being used for full seat breeches. These choices cover a spectrum of fabrics as well as prices. The fabric used in the manufacturing of the riding breech will be a large factor in determining the final price tag. You will want to consider the comfort, fit and weight of each of the fabrics so that you find the most useful breech for your price range.
The older style nylon breeches are still in favor with some riders- particularly as they hold their color and don't fade, absorb moisture, provide a maximum stretch factor and are easy to wash and wear. However, the 100% nylon breech has fallen out favor in most cases since the advent of the Cotton/Lycra breech. You will find nylon combined with cotton and other fabrics in an effort to combine the benefits of nylon but improve on the "nylon" style that has diminished in popularity. Riding breeches that use the cotton / lycra / spandex combination capitalize on the exceptional elasticity (stretchability) of spandex / lycra. This fabric comes in a variety of weights, the lightest being pull-on tights, to the more substantial thicker looking breech that is less see-through and provides more support for the rider. The popular cotton / lycra riding breeches have become a classic and a staple for most riders. These full seat breeches are comfortable, with minimal shrinkage but with some fading and dulling of color and occasionally a pilling of the fabric. Because these breeches are made primarily of cotton, moisture is absorbed and retained by the fabric. Once it gets damp the cotton / lycra can feel heavy and lose its shape, especially at the knees as it has poor "memory" when damp. The nature of the fabric to absorb and hold onto moisture means that it is not a good insulator against cold. However, the price combined with the style and feel of this fabric has won legions of fans. The combination fabric of cotton / lycra / spandex combines the best of both words with stretchability, wash and wear and comfort. This 2-way or 4-way stretch fabric will keep its shape better under damp conditions and through many wears, however the higher price must be considered.
The advent of microfiber has once again revolutionized the industry, providing new technologies geared towards increasing the comfort of the rider. There are a number of microfiber breeches available, made out of polyester and sometimes mixed with other materials, they are generally a 4-way stretch fabric. These microfibers wick away moisture from the skin, leaving the rider cooler, drier and more comfortable during and after riding. Some full seat breeches now come with an extra layer bonded to the inside of the breech that increased the ability of the material to wick moisture away from the skin. A rider can finish a lengthy ride and be dry and comfortable and in cooler conditions this means that the rider will also be warmer. For those who face winter or inclement conditions the spandex blend fleece might be the best option available. These breeches feature many of the same properties of the microfiber fleece with the added warmth of fleece. Many of these breeches are coated with wind and rain resistant material that allows moisture to wick away from the rider's body but prevents moisture and wind from penetrating through to the rider.
The material used for the full seat of the breech can be of a number of different materials, each giving a different level of protection. Additionally, this material will be the largest factor in determining the price of your riding breech. Self-Fabric seats use the same fabric as the breech itself. This method usually provide extra protection but little in the way of extra grip. This breech is usually the least expensive option. With the look and feel of sueded leather, Clarino or other synthetic suedes, increase the level of protection for the rider. There are many different branded synthetic suedes and all give a good degree of extra protection against rubbing as well as increase the grip of the breech in the saddle. It is important to keep in mind that most synthetic suede full seats have no ability to stretch in any direction. That means that you have a non-stretch fabric built onto a garment that usually has two or even four-way stretch which can lead to a slight difference in fit between a knee patch and a full seat version of the same brand of breech. As for pricing, the Clarino-type full seat is washable and can be dried at low heat in your dryer which will keep these full seat breeches on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Leather full seats have the advantage of providing the best grip and can, with proper care, last for many years. A full seat leather breech will be one of the most expensive, given the quality of materials used, but will age well. Many of these breeches combine the full leather seat and the more expensive breech fabrics favored in Europe. Most leather full seat breeches are washable as long as you follow the manufacturer's care instructions. There are new technologies in fabric emerging all the time. These new fabrics, combined with the leather full seat combine functionality and design.
Riders use full seat breeches for schooling, show or pleasure which means that you can find the style that suits you best. The high-waist riding breech is the most formal style offered. This breech is most often worn in the U.S. in competition situations and most often under a Shadbelly. These high waist styles do come in schooling colors and are popular in Europe for non-competitive riding as well. The regular waist full seat breech is a classic staple of the show ring. This breech, with a front zipper is commonly used for schooling breeches, pleasure riding and where a bit more protection and grip is needed. The recent trend toward a lower rise in breeches has gained popularity across the age groups. These breeches have a lower rise, varying from extremely low to just below the navel to create a modern fit and look. Many of these breeches have a lower front with a higher back to avoid any hint of underwear showing and also to help keep rider's shirts tucked in. In many cases these low rise breeches have become the best selling style for most manufacturers. For schooling and pleasure riding there are also full seat pull-on breeches available. These are an excellent choice for comfort and ease for most riders.
The world of riding clothing continues to become bolder, brighter and much more individual as more and more manufacturers bring out new design lines for riders. The formal style and colors of the traditional full seat breech have been a staple of the dressage and event rider, but the door has opened to a full range of colors, fun patterns and prints. Many of the full seat manufacturers are also expanding their lines to include coordinating socks, tops, belts and even horse gear to suit any occasion and mood. These new fashions have been particularly appealing for the lady riders!
Do you already have a favorite brand for breeches? Most manufacturers will have a line of full seat breeches available, so you might not have to change brands to get the look and fit that you need. There is a wide variety of full seat breeches to choose from for each rider. Some of the brands that might be considered are; Eurofit, Ariat, Ovation, TuffRider, Irideon, Arista, Tropical Rider, Kerrits, Fun in the Saddle, Goode Rider, Isabell Werth, and Royal Highness.
Blair Stephens is a copywriter and proud member of the http://EquestrianCollections.com team. Equestrian Collections offers you the widest and highest quality selection of riding equipment and equestrian apparel online. For more information about everything from breeches to horse supplies see our Buyer's Guide at http://www.equestriancollections.com.
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I love knobs! Yes yes yes!
I sentence you to death by Chuck Norris!
write STOP SPAMMING U PPL GOD DAMMIT!
STOP SPAMMING U PPL GOD DAMMIT!
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has enjoyed great success.
Enzo Ferrari never intended to produce road cars when he formed Scuderia Ferrari (literally "Ferrari Stable", and usually used to mean "Team Ferrari", it is correctly pronounced [skudeˈria] "skoo-deh-REE-ah") in 1928 as a sponsor for amateur drivers headquartered in Modena. Ferrari prepared, and successfully raced, various drivers in Alfa Romeo cars until 1938, when he was hired by Alfa Romeo to head their motor racing department.
166MM Barchetta 212/225The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine; Enzo Ferrari reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund Scuderia Ferrari. While his beautiful and fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers.
Ferrari 312T2 Formula One car driven by Niki LaudaSince the company's beginnings, Ferrari has been involved in motorsport, competing in a range of categories including Formula One and sports car racing through its Scuderia Ferrari sporting division as well as supplying cars and engines to other teams and for one make series.
Scuderia Ferrari has participated in a number of classes of motorsport, though it is currently only involved in Formula One. It is the only team to have competed in the Formula One World Championship continuously since its inception in 1950. José Froilán González gave the team its first F1 victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix.
Scuderia Ferrari won a Formula One driver's title in 2007, with Kimi Räikkönen.Alberto Ascari gave Ferrari its first Drivers Championship a year later. Ferrari is the oldest team in the championship, and the most successful: the team holds nearly every Formula One record. As of 2008[update], the team's records include 15 World Drivers Championship titles (1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977, 1979, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007) 16 World Constructors Championship titles (1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008), 209 Grand Prix victories, 4925.27 points, 622 podium finishes, 203 pole positions, and 218 fastest laps in 776 Grands Prix contested.
Notable Ferrari drivers include José Froilán González, Tazio Nuvolari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Luigi Chinetti, Alberto Ascari, Wolfgang von Trips, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, Giancarlo Baghetti, John Surtees, Lorenzo Bandini, Ludovico Scarfiotti, Jacky Ickx, Mario Andretti, Clay Regazzoni, Niki Lauda, Carlos Reutemann, Jody Scheckter, Gilles Villeneuve, Didier Pironi, Patrick Tambay, René Arnoux, Michele Alboreto, Gerhard Berger, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, Eddie Irvine, Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher, Kimi Räikkönen, Felipe Massa, and Fernando Alonso.
At the end of the 2006 season, the team courted controversy by continuing to allow Marlboro to sponsor them after they, along with the other F1 teams, made a promise to end sponsorship deals with tobacco manufacturers. A five year deal was agreed and although this is not due to end until 2011, in April 2008 Marlboro dropped their on-car branding on Ferrari.
The drivers competing for 2009 were Felipe Massa and defending champion Kimi Räikkönen. As of 2010 Fernando Alonso has started racing for Ferrari after racing for Renault, Minardi and Mclaren, filling Kimi Räikkönen's former seat.
A 312PB (driven by Jacky Ickx) during the team's final year in the World Sportscar Championship.In addition to Formula One, Ferrari also entered cars in sportscar racing, the two programs existing in parallel for many years.
In the 1950s and 60s, Ferrari supplied Formula One cars to a number of private entrants and other teams. One famous example was Tony Vandervell's team, which raced the Thinwall Special modified Ferraris before building their own Vanwall cars. The North American Racing Team's entries in the final three rounds of the 1969 season were the last occasions on which a team other than Scuderia Ferrari entered a World Championship Grand Prix with a Ferrari car.
Ferrari 166 Inter Coupe TouringFerrari's first vehicle was the 125 S sports/racing model. In 1949, the Ferrari 166 Inter, the company's first move into the grand touring market, which continues to make up the bulk of Ferrari sales to the present day.
Enzo FerrariThe company's loftiest efforts have been in the supercar market. The 1962 250 GTO may be considered the first in the line of Ferrari supercars, which extends to the recent Enzo Ferrari and FXX models.
Ferrari P4/5Ferrari has produced a number of concept cars, such as the Ferrari Mythos. While some of these were quite radical (such as the Ferrari Modulo) and never intended for production, others such as the Ferrari Mythos have shown styling elements which were later incorporated into production models.
The Special Projects program is a collaboration by Ferrari with Italian automobile coachbuilders such as Fioravanti, Pininfarina, and Zagato to build custom cars using selected Ferrari models as a structural base. The first car under this program is the SP1, commissioned by a Japanese business executive. The second is the Ferrari P4/5, and the third is the P540 Superfast Aperta, commissioned by an American enthusiast.
Ferrari has considered making hybrids. A F430 Spider that runs on ethanol was displayed at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Ferrari has announced that a hybrid will be in production by 2015. At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled a hybrid version of their flagship 599. Called the "HY-KERS Concept", Ferrari's hybrid system adds more than 100 horsepower on top of the 599 Fiorano's 612 HP.
Flat 12 (boxer) models used the displacement in litres. Therefore, the BB 512 was five litre flat 12 (a Berlinetta Boxer, in this case). However, the original Berlinetta Boxer was the 365 GT4 BB, which was named in a similar manner to the V12 models.
Halo Car F followed by the anniversary in years, such as the F40 and F50. The Enzo skipped this rule, but it will return in the upcoming F70.
Count Francesco BaraccaThe famous symbol of the Ferrari race team is the Cavallino Rampante ("prancing horse") black prancing stallion on a yellow shield, usually with the letters S F (for Scuderia Ferrari), with three stripes of green, white and red (the Italian national colors) at the top. The road cars have a rectangular badge on the hood (see picture above), and, optionally, the shield-shaped race logo on the sides of both front wings, close to the door.
Austrian Fuel StationsThe cavallino rampante is the visual symbol of Ferrari. Cavallino Magazine uses the name, but not the logo. However, other companies use similar logos: Avanti, an Austrian company operating over 100 filling stations, uses a prancing horse logo which is nearly identical to Ferrari's, as does Iron Horse Bicycles. Many pay homage to the Ferrari logo, e.g. the Jamiroquai album Travelling Without Moving.
In 1969, FIAT purchased controlling interests in Ferrari and Lancia and also made a buy back of 29% in Ferrari for $800m in 2006.
Ferrari also runs a museum, the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello, which displays road and race cars and other items from the company's history.
Ferrari have had agreements to supply Formula One engines to a number of other teams over the years, and currently supply Scuderia Toro Rosso and Sauber.
Afrikaans العربية Boarisch Bosanski Български Català Česky Dansk Deutsch Eesti Ελληνικά Español Esperanto فارسی Français 한국어 Հայերեն Hrvatski Bahasa Indonesia Italiano עברית ქართული Lietuvių Lumbaart Magyar മലയാളം Nāhuatl Nederlands 日本語 Norsk (bokmål) Polski Português Română Русский Sicilianu Simple English Slovenčina Slovenščina Српски / Srpski Suomi Svenska ไทย Тоҷикӣ Türkçe Українська اردو Tiếng Việt 中文 This page was last modified on 17 September 2010 at 18:33.
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Generating a 48 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes from reviews collected on Tuesday morning, critics of 'Dumbo' suggest that the remake is uneven, cluttered and lacking in heart.
Reviews are in for Tim Burton's Dumbo, a live-action remake of the 1941 Disney animated classic that adapted Helen Aberson and Harold Pearl's novel and introduced the lovable circus elephant with oversized ears to a mainstream cinema audience.
Heading up the cast are Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green and Alan Arkin, with Thandie Newton's daughter Nico Parker in a featured role. Ehren Kruger (Transformers, Ghost in the Shell) wrote the screenplay.
From reviews that were collected on Tuesday morning, the film currently carries a 48 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney recognizes the risk associated with remaking a well-loved childhood gem, noting that Burton's track record for "summoning genuine emotion is patchy at best." He calls the picture "frustratingly uneven," with a "cluttered screenplay" and "thin characters that fail to exert much of a hold." Rooney writes that up until the end of the film, "the filmmaker's overstuffed visual imagination and appetite for sinister gloom all but trample the enchantment of a tale that, at heart, is simple and whimsical."
With regard to the screenplay, Rooney claims that a misstep was made in revealing the magical element of Dumbo's flight capabilities — his oversized ears that double as wings — too early, allowing for no build-up or surprise. He recognizes that there are many positive elements of the film, from production design to period costumes and gorgeous visuals, though he concludes that ultimately, Dumbo fails to tug at the heartstrings.
For Rolling Stone, Peter Travers highlights the work of character designer Michael Kutsche by noting that the "computerized Dumbo is a marvel of cuteness and technical wizardry who steals every scene he's in." He suggests that the gold standard of this work is undermined by the overcomplicated and predictable script. The critic goes on to praise the cinematography, production design, costumes and musical composition, but decides that the simple, sweet and safe tale fits Burton like a glove — too well.
In the Chicago Tribune, Michael Phillips notes that the film offers "less" of many things that the original had, such as wit, charm and songs. He offers a particular criticism of the writer, saying, "Over and over, the movie strands its central, dewy-eyed, flappy-eared pachyderm in a series of unfortunate narrative events dreamed up by screenwriter Ehren Kruger. The writer has been miscast. He brings the same light touch and airy whimsy he brought to three Transformers pictures." Phillips gives Dumbo 1.5 stars and ends with a hopeful look forward to the upcoming Aladdin and Lion King remakes.
Mashable's Angie Han writes that the elephant is actually a supporting player in a jumble of interrelated storylines — such as a dad disappointing his children and a small business struggling in an industry dominated by big businesses, — but as the critic notes, those plot lines "never really take off." Han argues that none of the characters seem like real people, and that the film doesn't work as a whole, rather as a collection of "odd little moments." She praises Burton's depiction of Dreamland, suggesting that the pic could have used an extra dose of that pleasingly weird element to let it stand out.
Peter Bradshaw writes in The Guardian that the few moments in the movie that are reasonable, like Dumbo taking flight, are canceled out by boredom. He calls the story "pointlessly complicated," grinding along to a "tiresome conclusion." Bradshaw points out that Burton missed an opportunity to indulge in the dramatic tension of Dumbo being taken away from his mother, an important factor that got lost in a "swirl of exotic visuals." He goes on to bring to his readers' attention the many "muddled" scenes that ultimately contribute to the film lacking charm and heartbreak.
For the AV Club, Katie Rife claims that the character of Dumbo isn't "particularly Burton-esque," nor is the rest of the movie. She suggests that the lack of Burton flair is one of the pic's downfalls, though she notes that the director does explore some sinister themes and signature Art Deco elements in the film's Dreamland theme park. The critic finds Dumbo's core theme to be embracing the things that make you different, suggesting that it carries some shred of emotional weight despite the concept being a familiar idea from Burton. Of the supporting characters, Rife labels them a "bland family of protagonists," going on to point out that some are simply there to keep the story moving and "provide awestruck reaction shots as we move from oddly muted spectacle to agreeable callback to the heartwarming happy ending."
In Time, Stephanie Zacharek argues that Dumbo is "cluttered with Burton-esque details — a parade of creepy clowns, a nightmare-themed circus populated by miserable animals — that are supposed to be cool and edgy but really just get in the way." She gives light praise to the pic's cinematographer Ben Davis (who shot Captain Marvel), who used "muted, faded circus-tent colors" as his color palette. Zacharek emphasizes the "misery" of Dumbo, a character who's "forced to wear humiliating clown makeup and leap from soaring heights without a safety net," suggesting that the suffering is difficult for an audience to digest. The critic further implies that the computer-generated aspect doesn't necessarily work in the film's favor.
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The Cuyahoga River ( , or ) is located in Northeast Ohio in the United States . Outside of Ohio , the river is most famous for being "the river that caught fire", helping to spur the environmental movement in the late 1960s. Native Americans called this winding water "Cuyahoga," which means "crooked river" in the Iroquois language.
The Cuyahoga watershed begins its journey in Hambden, Ohio , flowing southwards to the confluence of the East Branch Cuyahoga River and West Branch Cuyahoga River in Burton where the Cuyahoga River officially begins. It continues on its journey flowing Southward to Cuyahoga Falls , where it turns sharply North and flows through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CUVA or CVNP) in Northern Summit County and Southern Cuyahoga County . It then flows through Independence , Valley View , Cuyahoga Heights , Newburg Heights and Cleveland to its northern terminus, emptying into Lake Erie . The Cuyahoga River and its tributaries drain of land in portions of six counties.
The river is a relatively recent geological formation, formed by the advance and retreat of ice sheets during the last ice age. The final glacial retreat, which occurred 10–12,000 years ago, caused changes in the drainage pattern near Akron . This change in pattern caused the originally southward-flowing Cuyahoga to flow to the north. As its newly reversed currents flowed towards Lake Erie, the river carved its way around glacial debris left by the receding ice sheet, resulting in the river's winding U-shape. These meanderings stretched the length of the river (which was only 30 miles (50 km) when travelled directly) into a 100-mile (160 km) trek from its headwaters to its mouth. The depth of the river (except where noted below) ranges from 3 to 6 feet (90-180 cm).
Moses Cleaveland, a surveyor charged with exploring the Connecticut Western Reserve, first arrived at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River in 1796, and subsequently decided to locate a settlement there, which became Cleveland, Ohio .
The river was one of the features along which the "Greenville Treaty Line" ran beginning in 1795, per the Treaty of Greenville , effectively becoming the western boundary of the United States and remaining as such briefly.
From 1,000 feet below Lower Harvard Bridge to Nickel and South Shore Railroad Bridge, the channel becomes wider and deeper and the level is controlled by Lake Erie. Downstream of the railroad bridge to the harbor, the depth is held constant by dredging, and the width is maintained by piling along both banks. The surface is covered with the brown oily film observed upstream as far as the Southerly Plant effluent. In addition, large quantities of black heavy oil floating in slicks, sometimes several inches thick, are observed frequently. Debris and trash are commonly caught up in these slicks forming an unsightly floating mess. Anaerobic action is common as the dissolved oxygen is seldom above a fraction of a part per million. The discharge of cooling water increases the temperature by 10 to 15°F. The velocity is negligible, and sludge accumulates on the bottom. Animal life does not exist. Only the algae Oscillatoria grows along the piers above the water line.
The color changes from gray-brown to rusty brown as the river proceeds downstream. Transparency is less than 0.5 feet in this reach. This entire reach is grossly polluted.
There have reportedly been at least thirteen fires on the Cuyahoga River, the first occurring in 1868. The largest river fire in 1952 caused over $1 million in damage to boats and a riverfront office building. Fires erupted on the river several more times before June 22, 1969, when a river fire captured the attention of Time magazine, which described the Cuyahoga as the river that "oozes rather than flows" and in which a person "does not drown but decays."
The 1969 Cuyahoga River fire helped spur an avalanche of water pollution control activities resulting in the Clean Water Act, Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the creation of the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). As a result, large point sources of pollution on the Cuyahoga have received significant attention from the OEPA in recent decades. These events are referred to in Randy Newman's 1972 song "Burn On", R.E.M.'s 1986 song "Cuyahoga", The Simpsons episode "Lemon of Troy", and Adam Again's 1992 song "River on Fire". Great Lakes Brewing Company of Cleveland, Ohio name their Burning River Pale Ale after the event.
Water quality has improved and, partially in recognition of this improvement, the Cuyahoga River was designated as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers in 1998. Pollution remains, however, including urban runoff, nonpoint source problems, combined sewer overflows, and stagnation due to water impounded by dams. For this reason, the Environmental Protection Agency classified portions of the Cuyahoga River Watershed as one of 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concern. The most polluted portions of the river now generally meet established aquatic life water quality standards except near dam impoundments. The reasons for not meeting standards near the dam pools are habitat and fish passage issues rather than water quality. River reaches that were once devoid of fishes now support 44 species. The most recent survey in 2008 revealed the two most common species in the river were Hogsuckers and Spotfin Shiners, both moderately sensitive to water quality. Habitat issues within the navigation channel still preclude a robust fishery in that reach. Recreation water quality standards (using bacteria as indicators) are generally met during dry weather conditions, but are often exceeded during significant rains due to non-point sources and combined sewer overflows.
The lower Cuyahoga River has been subjected to numerous changes. Originally, the Cuyahoga river met Lake Erie approximately west of its current mouth, forming a shallow marsh. The current mouth is man-made, and it lies just west of present-day downtown Cleveland, which allows shipping traffic to flow freely between the river and the lake. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers periodically dredges the navigation channel of the otherwise shallow river to a depth of , along the river's lower , from its mouth up to the Mittal Steel Cleveland Works steel mills, to accommodate Great Lakes freighter traffic which serves the bulk (asphalt, gravel, petroleum, salt, steel, and other) industries located along the lower Cuyahoga River banks in Cleveland's Flats district . The Corps of Engineers has also straightened river banks and widened turning basins in the Federal Navigation Channel on the lower Cuyahoga River to facilitate maritime operations.
The United States Coast Guard sometimes conducts fall and spring ice-breaking operations along Lake Erie and the lower Cuyahoga River to prolong the Great Lakes shipping season, depending on shipping schedules and weather conditions.
Some attempts (including dams and dredging) have been made to control flooding along the Cuyahoga River basin. People have developed many flat areas which are only a few feet above the normal river levels. Sudden strong rain or snow storms can create severe flooding in these low-lying areas.
While the upper Cuyahoga River, starting at over from its mouth, drops in elevation fairly steeply producing falls and rapids in some places; the lower Cuyahoga River only drops several feet along the last several miles of the lower river to at the mouth on Lake Erie, resulting in relatively slow moving waters which can take a while to drain compared to the upper Cuyahoga River.
Some tributary elevations above are higher than the Cuyahoga River elevation, because of small waterfalls at or near their confluences; and distances are measured in "river miles" along the river's length from its mouth on Lake Erie.
The Brecksville Dam at river mile 20 is the first dam upstream of Lake Erie. It impacts fish populations by restricting fish passage.
The largest dam is the Gorge Metropolitan Park Dam, also known as the FirstEnergy Dam, on the border between Cuyahoga Falls and Akron. This 57-foot dam has for over 90 years flooded the falls for which the City of Cuyahoga Falls was named; more to the point of water quality, it has created a large stagnant pool with low dissolved oxygen.
The FirstEnergy Dam was built by the Northern Ohio Traction & Light Co. in 1912 to serve the dual functions of generating hydropower for its local streetcar system and providing cooling-water storage for a coal-burning power plant; however, the hydropower operation was discontinued in 1958, and the coal-burning plant was decommissioned in 1991. Some environmental groups (including American Rivers and Friends of the Crooked River) and recreational groups (including the Cleveland-based Keel-haulers Canoe Club and American Whitewater) want the dam removed. Others contend that such an effort would be expensive and complicated, for at least two reasons: 1) the formerly hollow dam was filled in with concrete in the early 1990s, and 2) because of the industrial history of Cuyahoga Falls, the sediment upstream of the dam is expected to contain hazardous chemicals, possibly including heavy metals and PCBs. The Ohio EPA estimates that removal of the dam would cost $5–10 million, and removal of the contaminated sediments $60 million. The dam is licensed through 2041.
Advanced Hydro Solutions (AHS), a company based in Fairlawn, Ohio , filed a notice of intent to utilize the dam to generate hydropower. The company contends that hydropower is a cleaner source of power and that the emissions saved by the plant will be the equivalent of taking 10,000 cars off the road. Citing concerns with erosion, dewatering of the scenic river reach below the dam, and use that is inconsistent with the Gorge MetroPark's purpose, opponents to this plan include, in addition to environmental and recreational groups, some governmental agencies, including Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, the U.S. Department of the Interior , and the Ohio EPA. At public meetings held on July 27, 2005, the proposed project, which would only generate enough electricity to power 2000 homes, encountered substantial opposition. On May 25, 2007, AHS suffered a setback in its effort to develop the site. The United States Court of Appeals for the sixth circuit denied its application to conduct tests at the site, refusing to overturn a lower court's ruling that the MetroParks had the right to deny AHS access to conduct the tests. In a letter dated June 14, 2007, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) terminated AHS's application for the Integrated Licensing Permit without prejudice, citing the company's failure to adhere to strict timelines. FERC will allow AHS to re-file if it can conduct the required studies and move forward with the project. The final decision from the FERC on the project is due in July 2009. On June 12, 2009, AHS dropped its permit and terminated the project.
Two other dams, in Kent and in Munroe Falls , though smaller, have had an even greater impact on water quality due to the lower gradient in their respective reaches. For this reason, the Ohio EPA required the communities to mitigate the effects of the dams.
The Munroe Falls Dam was modified in 2005. Work on this project uncovered a natural waterfall. Given this new knowledge about the riverbed, some interested parties, including Summit County, campaigned for complete removal of the dam. The revised plan, initially denied on September 20, 2005, was approved by the Munroe Falls City Council on September 27, 2005. The dam, constructed of sandstone blocks, has been removed, replacing an 11.5-foot dam with a natural ledge which is 4.5 feet high at its maximum drop.
The Kent Dam was bypassed in 2004.
Generally, rivers are larger than creeks, which are larger than brooks, which are larger than runs.Runs may be dry except during or after a rain, at which point they can flash flood and be torrential.
Akron Beacon Journal Editorial (2005). All Wet. Retrieved July 29, 2005.
AP / Cleveland Plain Dealer. Dam removal to return Cuyahoga to natural, free-flowing state. Posted September 29, 2005; retrieved October 6, 2005.
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Where will the most powerful optical telescope on Earth be built?
You probably haven't thought much about having a hard time seeing big things. After all, big things are big, right? That usually makes them easy to see.
For example, the sun is a humongous star that we can easily see every day…despite the fact that it's 93 million miles away. Of course, in space measurements, that's fairly close!
Other parts of our solar system, like the outermost planets, are farther from Earth than the sun. For example, Neptune is about 3 billion miles away from Earth.
Although Neptune is about four times larger than Earth (based on diameter), we can't see Neptune with the naked eye because it's so far away.
Thanks to the curious minds of early scientists, though, a tool was invented long ago that helps us to extend our sight into the great beyond to see some of the biggest things in the universe, even if they're millions of light years away. What was it? The telescope!
Who invented the telescope? Many people believe Galileo Galilei invented the telescope, because his telescope was the first to be used for astronomy in 1609.
However, the earliest working telescopes actually appeared the year before in 1608. They were made by German-Dutch lens maker Hans Lippershey.
Telescopes use glass lenses or mirrors to create images, much like cameras. By combining different types and sizes of lenses, telescopes allow users to view objects that are very far away.
Once telescopes were invented, astronomers were able to see farther than ever before. Over the years, tremendous discoveries were made, from new planets to new galaxies!
Thanks to telescopes, we now have a better understanding of just how big our universe is. For example, the Hubble Space Telescope has revolutionized astronomy.
Since its launch in 1990, this powerful telescope floats in outer space and allows us to see much farther than ever before. It continues to provide never-before-seen views of the farthest reaches of the universe, including entire galaxies that astronomers never knew existed.
Astronomers are excited about the future of telescopes, too. In fact, the most powerful and scientifically advanced optical telescope on Earth is scheduled to be built atop Mauna Kea mountain in Hawaii. It will be called the "Thirty Meter Telescope," because it will have a primary mirror 30 meters in diameter.
A single piece of glass that big (nearly 100 feet across!) would be very difficult to produce. Instead, the primary mirror will consist of 492 smaller individual mirrors shaped like hexagons.
Experts estimate the Thirty Meter Telescope will cost between $970 million and $1.2 billion to produce. This groundbreaking project will be supported by the United States and Canada, as well as other countries, such as Japan, China, and India.
We sure hope you’re hungry. Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day is sure to fill you up!
If you have an empty paper towel tube, you can have fun making your own homemade version of an ancient pirate telescope!
Grab a pad of paper and a pen and find a seat in your backyard. Take a look around you. Start making a list of all the things you see. Try to list at least 20 things that you see. If you can list even more, do it! When you're finished, arrange your list from smallest to largest things that you can see. Share your list with a friend or family member. Do they see any things that you don't? If you're up for a challenge, try this activity again using both a microscope and a telescope. How does your list change?
Ready to take a look at some of the biggest things in the universe? Explore Hubble Discoveries online to view several multimedia features that highlight the scientific leaps that the Hubble Space Telescope has made possible. You can also check out the online Picture Album. It contains amazing photographs taken by the Hubble Space Telescope of distant stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae and more.
I didn't know that they were going to make a telescope I can't wait until the make it.
Some of us wonder if that telescope costs too much money, but we also think that it may also be very useful to see the things we can't see with our own eyes in space or discover brand new space objects. We are wondering what kinds of new things the telescope will allow us to see. Just think of what other types of technology there will be in 2018!
WOW! With a telescope that big, it would get amazing views of stars, planets, galaxies and planets! It might even help with finding out if there are other planets with life! That's amazing!
The wonder was extraordinary! I never knew that they were going to make a new telescope by 2018! That was an interesting video. Which Country (or state) are they building that huge telescope in?
Dear Wonderopolis I think tomorrow's wonder is about bats.
I think the video was coooooooooooooool!!!
My mom likes to take pictures with a digital camera. Today's video reminds me of a big camera. Way cool!
What humongous star sits over 93 million miles away from Earth, yet is easily visible every day?
What tool did scientists invent that allows us to see objects millions of light years away?
What device, launched in 1990, has revolutionized the field of astronomy?
aInternational Space Station Not Quite!
bSpace Shuttle Discovery Not Quite!
cMars Rover Spirit Not Quite!
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Design your own major by choosing a variety of courses and a concentration.
This four-year degree program is perfect for the student that wants to design their own course of study. If you’re undecided and want to earn a degree that encompasses a broad range of disciplines, this program is right for you. You’ll develop a strong base for understanding the landscape for learning, from humanities from mathematics, and develop career-ready skills that can advance your career.
You’ll start by taking a range of courses from different fields that help you make connections between the disciplines, including computers and technology, psychology and sociology, humanities and philosophy, math, science, liberal arts, history, and political science. As you develop your passions and talents, you’ll choose major electives that speak to your academic interests and professional goals.
You’ll take foundation courses in all the disciplines, and develop skills in writing, critical thinking, information technology, communication, and quantitative analysis. As you advance through the program, you’ll work with your faculty advisor to choose major electives that match your interests and goals. You’ll graduate with a guaranteed job and a degree that you can put to work immediately, or that will qualify you for advanced study at the graduate level.
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Yes. I am back. In full swing. How best to explain to you? Think of a bird who suddenly became tired of flying. It once enjoyed flying everywhere with all the other birds in the sky. Maybe the bird was flying way too much or flying in the wrong directions and became exhausted.
As the bird continue to refuse to fly, it realized how it envied all the other birds flying over the sky. It also realized that flying was a part of the bird’s nature. After two months, the bird could not take it any longer and decided to flap its wings once more. The bird was happy to be up in the sky again and to feel alive.
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Location of Mansfield in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.
In 1800, an English settler from Rhode Island named Asa Mann cleared a large amount of forest, and in 1804 laid out the plan for a town on this estate—Mann's field. The borough was incorporated in 1857. In the same year, the Mansfield Classical Seminary was founded, which became a state normal school in 1862 and is today Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.
Mansfield is the place where the first night football game was played under electric lights, on September 28, 1892 sponsored by the Edison Illuminating Company.The 1892 Wyoming Seminary vs. Mansfield State Normal football game is celebrated in an annual festival which celebrates the 1890s.
The number of people living here in 1900 amounted to 1,847, and in 1910, 1,654. The population was 3,411 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the borough had an estimated population of 3,463. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 3,625.
The Mansfield Armory was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
Mansfield is located at 41°48′27″N 77°4′42″W / 41.80750°N 77.07833°W / 41.80750; -77.07833 (41.807383, -77.078409).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough has a total area of 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2), all of it land.
Mansfield is surrounded by Richmond Township.
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,411 people, 957 households, and 467 families residing in the borough. The population density was 1,815.2 people per square mile (700.5/km²). There were 1,012 housing units at an average density of 538.5 per square mile (207.8/km²). The racial makeup of the borough was 93.35% White, 4.16% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.38% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.
There were 957 households out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.6% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.2% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.83.
In the borough the population was spread out with 13.1% under the age of 18, 50.2% from 18 to 24, 15.3% from 25 to 44, 12.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.
The median income for a household in the borough was $27,500, and the median income for a family was $39,420. Males had a median income of $26,858 versus $18,693 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $11,042. About 10.0% of families and 26.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.7% of those under age 18 and 10.7% of those age 65 or over.
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1. To collect or gather. Used tissues heaped up next to my bed while I was sick.
2. To gather or form something into a pile. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "heap" and "up." Heap the dirt up, and I'll come sweep it into the dust pan.
to make something into a pile. He heaped the mashed potatoes up on my plate, because he thought I wanted lots. Heap up the leaves in the corner of the yard.
1. To pile something up: I heaped up the dirty clothes in the corner of my room. The floodwaters heaped debris up onto the beach.
2. To accumulate: Garbage heaped up in the streets.
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I was just wondering if it was possible for someone to never be able to get their abs to show. Every time I look for an answer, everyone just says lower your body fat. But currently, mine is around 14%. I'm 102 pounds, 23 years old (woman). I was around 90 pounds about a year ago, but still had belly fat. I don't want to be grossly skinny, but I want abs. All my fat goes to my stomach. Could it be that it's just impossible for me?
It's definitely not impossible. Here's a couple things to consider.
1. Be sure to get plenty of sleep at night.
Sleep deprivation causes stress on the body. Stress raises Cortisol levels, and Cortisol could partially be responsible for some of your belly fat. Get plenty of sleep, lower mental stress levels, eat healthy, and exercise often.
What appears to be belly fat may in fact just be water retention. Drinking more water can help your body flush retaining water out.
3. Consume less sugar and sodium. Get rid of all refined carbohydrates and replace them with whole unprocessed carbohydrates.
4. Consider adding coconut oil to your diet. It's a healthy fat that can help boost your metabolism along with several other healthy effects.
Give this a try and see what happens. If this doesn't work, we'll try something else.
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Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash is an animated action comedy film based on the Lego and DC Comics brands, which was released on February 9, 2016 on Digital HD and March 1, 2016 on Blu-ray and DVD. It is the fifth LEGO DC Comics film following Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite, Lego DC Comics: Batman Be-Leaguered, Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League and Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League: Attack of the Legion of Doom. Some actors from various DC properties reprised their respective roles, including Nolan North as Superman and Khary Payton as Cyborg.
The cyborg alien Brainiac goes to Earth, intending to shrink it and add it to his collection of miniature planets. However, when he arrives, the Justice League easily drives him away from the planet. Brainiac then formulates a new plan to obtain Earth, which he puts into action shortly thereafter: when the Justice League members Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Superman attempt to stop him again, he sends each of them to a different time period. Batman and the Flash then construct a time machine (The Cosmic Treadmil), allowing the two to travel throughout time and rescue their teammates. After the two leave , Braniac begins attacking the planet; Cyborg then calls in Supergirl to help him defend the city.
Batman and the Flash first travel to the Stone Age, where Wonder Woman has been placed. While the Flash stays behind to power the machine and keep it in the time period that it is in, as the machine is powered by the Flash running on it, Batman goes to rescue Wonder Woman. Shortly afterwards, Batman encounters Vandal Savage and both are captured and taken to a tribe of cave dwellers, which Wonder Woman is revealed to be in charge of. Batman discovers that Wonder Woman lost her memories as a result of her time travel, such that she now believes herself to be the queen of the cave dwellers. Batman then challenges her to fight and in the fight he manages to obtain Wonder Woman's lasso of truth, which he uses to restore her memories. After her memories are restored, she is teleported to the present to stabilize the time stream. Batman then rejoins the Flash and travels to 1741, where Green Lantern has become convinced that he is a deckhand on a pirate ship under control of “Captain Fear”; Batman restores Green Lantern's memories with his power ring, causing Green Lantern to return to the present.
Batman and the Flash travel to the future to rescue Superman, but they are attacked by Superman, who is being mind-controlled by a future Braniac. During the attack, Superman partially destroys the treadmill, sending the Flash back to the present. Batman is then saved by a future superhero group called the Resistance. This group helps him evade Superman and travel to the Batcave,where both of them engage in a fight where Batman doesn’t use Kryptonite but uses concentrated yellow sunlight enough to melt down brainiac and power up Superman, restoring his mind and teleporting him to the present, unfortunately leaving Batman behind.
In the present, the Justice League (minus Batman) battles Braniac's forces until Braniac, who has finished studying the planet, decides to shrink the planet; he successfully shrinks the planet and places it in a bottle. Batman then arrives from the future with a piece of technology that the Resistance gave him. Cyborg reveals that he has built aerial vehicles for the Justice League, which they use to remove the bottle cap from the inside and escape the bottle. While most of the Justice League battles Braniac, Batman sneaks inside of Braniac's head and reconfigures his shrink ray to turn it into a growth ray; Braniac then accidentally enlarges the Earth and the Justice League to their normal sizes. The Justice League then pacifies and imprisons Braniac, after which its members celebrate their victory.
This page was last edited on 21 March 2019, at 12:59 (UTC).
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Increased social unrest following the deposition of Gierek in September 1980 led to the imposition of martial law under General Wojciech Jaruzelski in October 1981 and the subsequent arrest of Solidarity leaders, including Lech Wałȩsa. The country's grave economic problems, including food shortages, remained unresolved. Enthusiasm for the election of Archbishop Karol Wojtyla as pope in 1978 followed by his visits to his native country in 1979 and 1983 also helped to undermine the legitimacy of the secular authorities. Several controversial films were banned—most notoriously Ryszard Bugajski's (b. 1943) Przesĺuchanie ( Interrogation , 1982), which attacked the police-state mentality that seemed to be returning to the country—and screenings of films from the West declined sharply. Meanwhile, television and video, together with overtly commercial films such as Sexmisja ( Sexmission , Juliusz Machulski, 1984), were beginning to drain audiences from serious attempts to understand the country's problems. Nevertheless, Zanussi, Holland, and Kieslowski continued to act as the country's moral conscience in films that examined themes of conformism, corruption, cynicism, and cronyism. Zanussi and Holland, along with Wajda, made important co-productions in France and Germany (Zanussi's Rok Spokojnego Slonca [ The Year of the Quiet Sun , 1984], Holland and Wajda's Danton and Eine Liebe in Deutschland [ A Love in Germany , 1983]). Zanussi also had a brief and unhappy experience working in the United States. Kieślowski emerged as an internationally acclaimed figure with his masterly Dekalog ( Decalogue , 1988), originally made as ten hour-long films for television, though they were subsequently released for cinema screenings as well. Taken together, these emerged as a comprehensive study of contemporary Polish society, examined with acute psychological insight into moral flaws and weaknesses, and also occasional triumphs.
By 1989, the failure of both the Communist experiment and martial law itself had become too obvious to ignore any longer; free elections in 1989 swept Jaruzelski from power, replacing him with a government under the control of Solidarity. The film industry, which had begun its own reorganization in 1987 with a new film law, was now removed from state control completely, forcing filmmakers to receive only minimal state subsidies and to rely increasingly on private financing and commercial success for survival. Previously banned, or "shelved," films such as Bugajski's Interrogation , Jerzy Domaradzki's (b. 1943) Wielki Bieg ( The Big Race , 1981), and Holland's Kobieta Samotna ( A Woman Alone , 1981)—controversial, courageous depictions of the events and conditions prevailing in Communist Poland—were released, and Poland witnessed the formation of many independent studios in place of the old film units. Some of the most important studios at the time were Filip Bajon's Dom, Jerzy Kawalerowicz's Kadr, Tadeusz Chmielewski's Oko, Janusz Morgenstern's Perspektywa, Bohdan Porȩba's Profil, Krzysztof Zanussi's Tor, Janusz Machulski's Zebra, Jerzy Hoffman's Zodiak, and the Karol Irzykowski Film Studio. As in other countries of the former Soviet bloc, however, audiences seemed to have opted for escapism and sensationalism rather than intellectual and political challenges, and the results of these changes have been, at best, mixed.
Andrzej Wajda remains first among equals in a remarkable pantheon of Polish directors working since World War II, contributing more than any other director to Polish national cinema. Director of more than forty-five films and forty theater productions in Poland and worldwide, he received an Oscar ® for lifetime achievement in 2000, characteristically and modestly accepting it as a tribute to all of Polish cinema.
Wajda's early career was deeply affected by his experience of the Polish Holocaust as it affected both Poles and Polish Jews during is youth. He studied painting at Kraków's Academy of Fine Art until 1949 and then joined the L̃ ódź Film School, graduating in 1953. Wajda became assistant to Aleksander Ford on Piątka z Ulicy Barskiej ( Five Boys from Barska Street , 1954), made during the dying phase of Socialist Realism. In 1955, he directed the first part of his famous war trilogy, Pokolenie ( A Generation ), followed by Kanal (1957) and his early masterpiece, Popiól i diament ( Ashes and Diamonds , 1958). Until 1989, Wajda had to negotiate the propagandistic demands of the state censorship and funding system even as his Polish audience looked to him for information about its latest imprisonment, having lost its independence for many of the previous two hundred years. He accomplished this through a stylistic hybridity that at the time was seen by some as eclectic and baroque. For instance, in the film Lotna (1959), aesthetics overshadowed the film's meaning. This honest film about the brutality of the first day of World War II in Poland turned into a stunning portrayal of Polish cavalry attacking German tanks.
His next great period began with Wszystko na sprzedaż ( Everything for Sale ) in 1969, a requiem for his work with iconic actor Zbigniew Cybulski and a reflexive meditation on film. Krajobraz po bitwie ( Landscape After the Battle ) in 1970 continued his career-long attempt to grapple with Holocaust representation. His adaptation of Stanis l aw Wyspianski's Wesele ( The Wedding ) in 1973 continued his engagement with the Polish literary canon. This period concluded with the diptych of Czlowiek z marmuru ( Man of Marble ) in 1977 and Człowiek z żelaza ( Man of Iron ) in 1981. Both films described the corruption of the Socialist system and the rise to power of the political opposition in Poland.
After the revolution of 1989, Wajda became a senator until 1991, confirming his place at the interface of politics and culture in Poland. In 1990, he made Korczak , one of his finest but perhaps most controversial films. Further work includes his elegiac reading of the national epic poem Pan Tadeusz by Adam Mickiewicz (1999) and another adaptation of a Polish classic, Zemsta ( Revenge , 2002), a comedy starring Roman Polański.
Andrzejewski, Jerzy. Three Films: "Ashes and Diamonds"; "Kanal"; "A Generation." London: Lorrimer, 1973.
Falkowska, Janina. The Political Films of Andrzej Wajda: Dialogism in "Man of Marble," "Man of Iron," and "Danton." New York: Berghahn Books, 1996.
Michalek, Boleslaw. The Cinema of Andrzej Wajda . Translated by Edward Rothert. South Brunswick, NJ: A. S. Barnes, 1973.
Orr, John and Elzbieta Ostrowska. The Cinema of Andrzej Wajda . London: Wallflower Press, 2003.
Andrzej Wajda on the set of Danton (1982).
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Theophilus Beckford (1935 – 19 February 2001) was a Jamaican pianist and one of the pioneers of Jamaican popular music during the transition from rhythm 'n' blues to Jamaican ska.
Beckford was born in 1935 in Trench Town, Kingston, Jamaica, the second of three sons. He learned to play piano at the Boys' Town home for indigent boys in west Kingston, initially inspired by Rosco Gordon and Fats Domino, and on leaving bought a piano and began working with producer Stanley Motta, backing local calypsonians. His piano playing helped to define the sound and feel of ska music, as distinct from Jamaican rhythm & blues in the late 1950s. He had a huge hit in 1959 with "Easy Snappin", recorded in 1956 and played at dances by producer Coxsone Dodd before he released it three years later on his Worldisc label. The single was a number one in Jamaica and stayed on the chart for eighteen months, also selling well in the United Kingdom, and the emphasis on the off-beat was widely imitated. The song is considered a forerunner of ska. Although Beckford was credited as the writer, he received no royalties from the song. A second hit followed with "Jack & Jill Shuffle", and a few more singles were recorded for Dodd before Beckford formed his own King Pioneer label in the early 1960s.
The bulk of Beckford's recorded work is as a session musician with bands such as Clue J & His Blues Blasters, and he recorded extensively for both Dodd and Duke Reid in this capacity, as well as for Prince Buster, Leslie Kong, and Clancy Eccles.
In 1975, he played piano on Junior Byles' classic song "Fade Away", and in 1978 he appeared as himself in the film Rockers.
In 1991, Beckford performed as part of the Studio One The Beat Goes On: 35 years in the Business shows at the National Arena in Kingston.
In 1992, "Easy Snappin'" was used in a television commercial for jeans, but again, Beckford received no royalties. Although he performed on hundreds of popular records, the lack of financial reward received by Beckford was a constant complaint, as he said in 2000: "Today as I listen to music on radio and sound system and recognise that I created some of these tunes. I feel strongly that I am not given full recognition for my work".
Beckford died on 19 February 2001 as a result of injuries sustained from a machete wound to the head after an argument with a neighbour in the Washington Gardens area of Kingston. He left nine children.
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While encompassing a wide variety of approaches, postmodernism is generally defined by an attitude of skepticism, irony, or rejection toward the meta-narratives and ideologies of modernism, often calling into question various assumptions of Enlightenment rationality. Consequently, common targets of postmodern critique include universalist notions of objective reality, morality, truth, human nature, reason, language, and social progress. Postmodern thinkers frequently call attention to the contingent or socially-conditioned nature of knowledge claims and value systems, situating them as products of particular political, historical, or cultural discourses and hierarchies. Accordingly, postmodern thought is broadly characterized by tendencies to self-referentiality, epistemological and moral relativism, pluralism, subjectivism, and irreverence.
Postmodern critical approaches gained purchase in the 1980s and 1990s, and have been adopted in a variety of academic and theoretical disciplines, including cultural studies, philosophy of science, economics, linguistics, architecture, feminist theory, and literary criticism, as well as art movements in fields such as literature and music. Postmodernism is often associated with schools of thought such as deconstruction and post-structuralism, as well as philosophers such as Jean-François Lyotard, Jacques Derrida, and Fredric Jameson. Some philosophers have criticized the term.
Structuralism was a philosophical movement developed by French academics in the 1950s, partly in response to French Existentialism. It has been seen variously as an expression of Modernism, High modernism, or postmodernism . "Post-structuralists" were thinkers who moved away from the strict interpretations and applications of structuralist ideas. Many American academics consider post-structuralism to be part of the broader, less well-defined postmodernist movement, even though many post-structuralists insisted it was not. Thinkers who have been called structuralists include the anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, the linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, the Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser, and the semiotician Algirdas Greimas. The early writings of the psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and the literary theorist Roland Barthes have also been called structuralists. Those who began as structuralists but became post-structuralists include Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Jean Baudrillard, Gilles Deleuze. Other post-structuralists include Jacques Derrida, Pierre Bourdieu, Jean-François Lyotard, Julia Kristeva, Hélène Cixous, and Luce Irigaray. The American cultural theorists, critics and intellectuals whom they influenced include Judith Butler, John Fiske, Rosalind Krauss, Avital Ronell, and Hayden White.
Postmodernist ideas in philosophy and the analysis of culture and society expanded the importance of critical theory and has been the point of departure for works of literature, architecture, and design, as well as being visible in marketing/business and the interpretation of history, law and culture, starting in the late 20th century. These developments—re-evaluation of the entire Western value system (love, marriage, popular culture, shift from industrial to service economy) that took place since the 1950s and 1960s, with a peak in the Social Revolution of 1968—are described with the term "postmodernity", as opposed to Postmodernism, a term referring to an opinion or movement. Postmodernism has also been used interchangeably with the term post-structuralism out of which postmodernism grew; a proper understanding of postmodernism or doing justice to the postmodernist concept demands an understanding of the post-structuralist movement and the ideas of its advocates. Post-structuralism resulted similarly to postmodernism by following a time of structuralism. It is characterized by new ways of thinking through structuralism, contrary to the original form. "Postmodernist" describes part of a movement; "Postmodern" places it in the period of time since the 1950s, making it a part of contemporary history.
One of the most well-known postmodernist concerns is "deconstruction," a theory for philosophy, literary criticism, and textual analysis developed by Jacques Derrida. The notion of a "deconstructive" approach implies an analysis that questions the already evident understanding of a text in terms of presuppositions, ideological underpinnings, hierarchical values, and frames of reference. A deconstructive approach further depends on the techniques of close reading without reference to cultural, ideological, moral opinions or information derived from an authority over the text such as the author. At the same time Derrida famously writes: "Il n'y a pas d'hors-texte (there is no such thing as outside-of-the-text)." Derrida implies that the world follows the grammar of a text undergoing its own deconstruction. Derrida's method frequently involves recognizing and spelling out the different, yet similar interpretations of the meaning of a given text and the problematic implications of binary oppositions within the meaning of a text. Derrida's philosophy inspired a postmodern movement called deconstructivism among architects, characterized by the intentional fragmentation, distortion, and dislocation of architectural elements in designing a building. Derrida discontinued his involvement with the movement after the publication of his collaborative project with architect Peter Eisenman in Chora L Works: Jacques Derrida and Peter Eisenman.
More recently metamodernism, post-postmodernism and the "death of postmodernism" have been widely debated: in 2007 Andrew Hoberek noted in his introduction to a special issue of the journal Twentieth Century Literature titled "After Postmodernism" that "declarations of postmodernism's demise have become a critical commonplace". A small group of critics has put forth a range of theories that aim to describe culture or society in the alleged aftermath of postmodernism, most notably Raoul Eshelman (performatism), Gilles Lipovetsky (hypermodernity), Nicolas Bourriaud (altermodern), and Alan Kirby (digimodernism, formerly called pseudo-modernism). None of these new theories and labels have so far gained very widespread acceptance. Sociocultural anthropologist Nina Müller-Schwarze offers neostructuralism as a possible direction. The exhibition Postmodernism – Style and Subversion 1970–1990 at the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, 24 September 2011 – 15 January 2012) was billed as the first show to document postmodernism as a historical movement.
In 1921 and 1925, postmodernism had been used to describe new forms of art and music. In 1942 H. R. Hays described it as a new literary form. However, as a general theory for a historical movement it was first used in 1939 by Arnold J. Toynbee: "Our own Post-Modern Age has been inaugurated by the general war of 1914–1918".
Martin Heidegger rejected the philosophical basis of the concepts of "subjectivity" and "objectivity" and asserted that similar grounding oppositions in logic ultimately refer to one another. Instead of resisting the admission of this paradox in the search for understanding, Heidegger requires that we embrace it through an active process of elucidation he called the "hermeneutic circle". He stressed the historicity and cultural construction of concepts while simultaneously advocating the necessity of an atemporal and immanent apprehension of them. In this vein, he asserted that it was the task of contemporary philosophy to recover the original question of (or "openness to") Dasein (translated as Being or Being-there) present in the Presocratic philosophers but normalized, neutered, and standardized since Plato. This was to be done, in part, by tracing the record of Dasein's sublimation or forgetfulness through the history of philosophy which meant that we were to ask again what constituted the grounding conditions in ourselves and in the World for the affinity between beings and between the many usages of the term "being" in philosophy. To do this, however, a non-historical and, to a degree, self-referential engagement with whatever set of ideas, feelings or practices would permit (both the non-fixed concept and reality of) such a continuity was required—a continuity permitting the possible experience, possible existence indeed not only of beings but of all differences as they appeared and tended to develop.
Jacques Derrida re-examined the fundamentals of writing and its consequences on philosophy in general; sought to undermine the language of "presence" or metaphysics in an analytical technique which, beginning as a point of departure from Heidegger's notion of Destruktion, came to be known as Deconstruction. Derrida used, like Heidegger, references to Greek philosophical notions associated with the Skeptics and the Presocratics, such as Epoché and Aporia to articulate his notion of implicit circularity between premises and conclusions, origins and manifestations, but—in a manner analogous in certain respects to Gilles Deleuze—presented a radical re-reading of canonical philosophical figures such as Plato, Aristotle, and Descartes as themselves being informed by such "destabilizing" notions.
Michel Foucault introduced concepts such as 'discursive regime', or re-invoked those of older philosophers like 'episteme' and 'genealogy' in order to explain the relationship between meaning, power, and social behavior within social orders (see The Order of Things, The Archaeology of Knowledge, Discipline and Punish, and The History of Sexuality). In direct contradiction to what have been typified as modernist perspectives on epistemology, Foucault asserted that rational judgment, social practice, and what he called "biopower" are not only inseparable but co-determinant. While Foucault himself was deeply involved in a number of progressive political causes and maintained close personal ties with members of the far-left, he was also controversial with leftist thinkers of his day, including those associated with various Marxist tendencies, proponents of left-libertarianism (such as Noam Chomsky), and supporters of humanism (like Jürgen Habermas), for his rejection of what he deemed to be Enlightenment concepts of freedom, liberation, self-determination, and human nature. Instead, Foucault focused on the ways in which such constructs can foster cultural hegemony, violence, and exclusion.
Fredric Jameson set forth one of the first expansive theoretical treatments of postmodernism as a historical period, intellectual trend, and social phenomenon in a series of lectures at the Whitney Museum, later expanded as Postmodernism, or The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism (1991). Eclectic in his methodology, Jameson has continued a sustained examination of the role that periodization continues to play as a grounding assumption of critical methodologies in humanities disciplines. He has contributed extensive effort to explicating the importance of concepts of Utopia and Utopianism as driving forces in the cultural and intellectual movements of modernity, and outlining the political and existential uncertainties that may result from the decline or suspension of this trend in the theorized state of postmodernity. Like Susan Sontag, Jameson served to introduce a wide audience of American readers to key figures of the 20th century continental European intellectual left, particularly those associated with the Frankfurt School, structuralism, and post-structuralism. Thus, his importance as a "translator" of their ideas to the common vocabularies of a variety of disciplines in the Anglo-American academic complex is equally as important as his own critical engagement with them.
One of the numerous yet appropriate definitions of postmodernism and the qualm aspect aids this attribute to seem perfectly accurate. In response, Kellner continues to examine the repercussions of understanding the effects of the September 11 attacks. He questions if the attacks are only able to be understood in a limited form of postmodern theory due to the level of irony. In further studies, he enhances the idea of semiotics in alignment with the theory. Similar to the act of September 11 and the symbols that were interpreted through this postmodern ideal, he continues to even describe this as "semiotic systems" that people use to make sense of their lives and the events that occur in them. Kellner's adamancy that signs are necessary to understand one's culture is what he analyzes from the evidence that most cultures have used signs in place of existence. Finally, he recognizes that many theorists of postmodernism are trapped by their own cogitations. He finds strength in theorist Baudrillard and his idea of Marxism. Kellner acknowledges Marxism's end and lack of importance to his theory.
Postmodernism is a rejection of 'totality', of the notion that planning could be 'comprehensive', widely applied regardless of context, and rational. In this sense, Postmodernism is a rejection of its predecessor: Modernism. From the 1920s onwards, the Modern movement sought to design and plan cities which followed the logic of the new model of industrial mass production; reverting to large-scale solutions, aesthetic standardisation and prefabricated design solutions (Goodchild 1990). Postmodernism also brought a break from the notion that planning and architecture could result in social reform, which was an integral dimension of the plans of Modernism (Simonsen 1990). Furthermore, Modernism eroded urban living by its failure to recognise differences and aim towards homogenous landscapes (Simonsen 1990, 57). Within Modernism, urban planning represented a 20th-century move towards establishing something stable, structured, and rationalised within what had become a world of chaos, flux and change (Irving 1993, 475). The role of planners predating Postmodernism was one of the 'qualified professional' who believed they could find and implement one single 'right way' of planning new urban establishments (Irving 1993). In fact, after 1945, urban planning became one of the methods through which capitalism could be managed and the interests of developers and corporations could be administered (Irving 1993, 479).
Considering Modernism inclined urban planning to treat buildings and developments as isolated, unrelated parts of the overall urban ecosystems created fragmented, isolated, and homogeneous urban landscapes (Goodchild, 1990). One of the greater problems with Modernist-style of planning was the disregard of resident or public opinion, which resulted in planning being forced upon the majority by a minority consisting of affluent professionals with little to no knowledge of real 'urban' problems characteristic of post-Second World War urban environments: slums, overcrowding, deteriorated infrastructure, pollution and disease, among others (Irving 1993). These were precisely the 'urban ills' Modernism was meant to 'solve', but more often than not, the types of 'comprehensive', 'one size fits all' approaches to planning made things worse., and residents began to show interest in becoming involved in decisions which had once been solely entrusted to professionals of the built environment. Advocacy planning and participatory models of planning emerged in the 1960s to counter these traditional elitist and technocratic approaches to urban planning (Irving 1993; Hatuka & D'Hooghe 2007). Furthermore, an assessment of the 'ills' of Modernism among planners during the 1960s, fuelled development of a participatory model that aimed to expand the range of participants in urban interventions (Hatuka & D'Hooghe 2007, 21).
Jane Jacobs' 1961 book The Death and Life of Great American Cities was a sustained critique of urban planning as it had developed within Modernism and marked a transition from modernity to postmodernity in thinking about urban planning (Irving 1993, 479). However, the transition from Modernism to Postmodernism is often said to have happened at 3:32pm on 15 July in 1972, when Pruitt Igoe; a housing development for low-income people in St. Louis designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, which had been a prize-winning version of Le Corbusier's 'machine for modern living' was deemed uninhabitable and was torn down (Irving 1993, 480). Since then, Postmodernism has involved theories that embrace and aim to create diversity, and it exalts uncertainty, flexibility and change (Hatuka & D'Hooghe 2007). Postmodern planning aims to accept pluralism and heighten awareness of social differences in order to accept and bring to light the claims of minority and disadvantaged groups (Goodchild 1990). Urban planning discourse within Modernity and Postmodernity has developed in different contexts, even though they both grew within a capitalist culture. Modernity was shaped by a capitalist ethic of Fordist-Keynesian paradigm of mass, standardized production and consumption, while postmodernity was created out of a more flexible form of capital accumulation, labor markets and organisations (Irving 1993, 60). Also, there is a distinction between a postmodernism of 'reaction' and one of 'resistance'. A postmodernism of 'reaction' rejects Modernism and seeks to return to the lost traditions and history in order to create a new cultural synthesis, while Postmodernity of 'resistance' seeks to deconstruct Modernism and is a critique of the origins without necessarily returning to them (Irving 1993, 60). As a result of Postmodernism, planners are much less inclined to lay a firm or steady claim to there being one single 'right way' of engaging in urban planning and are more open to different styles and ideas of 'how to plan' (Irving 474).
Jorge Luis Borges' (1939) short story Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote, is often considered as predicting postmodernism and conceiving the ideal of the ultimate parody. Samuel Beckett is sometimes seen as an important precursor and influence. Novelists who are commonly connected with postmodern literature include Vladimir Nabokov, William Gaddis, Umberto Eco, John Hawkes, William S. Burroughs, Giannina Braschi, Kurt Vonnegut, John Barth, Jean Rhys, Donald Barthelme, E.L. Doctorow, Richard Kalich, Jerzy Kosinski, Don DeLillo, Thomas Pynchon (Pynchon's work has also been described as "high modern"), Ishmael Reed, Kathy Acker, Ana Lydia Vega, Jachym Topol and Paul Auster.
Graphic design in the postmodern age brought forth ideas that challenged the orderly feel of modernism. Graphic designers created works beginning in the 1970s without any set adherence to rational order and formal organization. Designers began experimenting with how shapes, forms and typography could react with one another effectively and interestingly in a less rigid way even if the design was rendered illegible. Some graphic design styles that emerged in the postmodernist era were New Wave Typography, retro and vernacular design, playful design inspired by the Italian Memphis Group, punk rock styles and explorative digital design from the late 1980's. Another characteristic of postmodern graphic design is that "retro, techno, punk, grunge, beach, parody, and pastiche were all conspicuous trends. Each had its own sites and venues, detractors and advocates".
Formal, academic critiques of postmodernism can also be found in works such as Beyond the Hoax and Fashionable Nonsense.
↑ Ruth Reichl, Cook's November 1989; American Heritage Dictionary's definition of "postmodern" Archived 9 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine.
↑ Mura, Andrea (2012). "The Symbolic Function of Transmodernity" (PDF). Language and Psychoanalysis. 1 (1): 68–87. doi:10.7565/landp.2012.0005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 October 2015.
1 2 3 4 Duignan, Brian. "Postmodernism". Britannica. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
↑ Cf. Groys, Boris: The Total Art of Stalinism, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1992.
↑ See Barth, John: “The Literature of Exhaustion.” The Atlantic Monthly, August 1967, pp. 29-34.
↑ Cf., for example, Huyssen, Andreas: After the Great Divide. Modernism, Mass Culture, Postmodernism. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1986, p. 188.
↑ See Hutcheon, Linda: A Poetics of Postmodernism. History, Theory, Fiction. New York: Routledge, 1988, pp. 3-21; McHale, Brian: Postmodern Fiction, London: Methuen, 1987.
↑ See Baudrillard, Jean: “Simulacra and Simulations.” In: Jean Baudrillard. Selected Writings. Stanford: Stanford University Press 1988, pp. 166-184.
↑ Jameson, Fredric: Postmodernism or, The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism. Durham: Duke University Press 1991, pp. 26-27.
↑ Potter, Garry and Lopez, Jose (eds.): After Postmodernism: An Introduction to Critical Realism. London: The Athlone Press 2001, p. 4.
↑ Lévi-Strauss, Claude (1963). Structural Anthropology (I ed.). USA: New York: Basic Books. p. 324. ISBN 046509516X.
↑ Lévi-Strauss, Claude. Anthropologie Structurale. Paris: Éditions Plon, 1958.
↑ "TRANS Nr. 11: Paul Michael Lützeler (St. Louis): From Postmodernism to Postcolonialism". inst.at.
↑ Yilmaz, K (2010). "Postmodernism and its Challenge to the Discipline of History: Implications for History Education". Educational Philosophy & Theory. 42 (7): 779–795. doi:10.1111/j.1469-5812.2009.00525.x.
↑ Derrida (1967), Of Grammatology, Part II, Introduction to the "Age of Rousseau," section 2 "...That Dangerous Supplement...", title, The Exorbitant Question of Method, pp. 158–59, 163.
↑ ""Deconstructing Decontamination", LEONARDO, Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 285–290, 2003" (PDF).
↑ ""PanopDecon: deconstructing, decontaminating, and decontextualizing panopticism in the postcyborg era", Surveillance & Society 1(3), pp375-398, 2003".
↑ Müller Schwarze, Nina 2015 The Blood of Victoriano Lorenzo: An Ethnography of the Cholos of Northern Coclé Province. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland Press.
↑ Hassan, Ihab, The Postmodern Turn, Essays in Postmodern Theory and Culture, Ohio University Press, 1987. p. 12ff.
↑ Arnold J. Toynbee, A study of History, Volume 5, Oxford University Press, 1961 , p. 43.
↑ Drucker, Peter F. (1957). Landmarks of Tomorrow. New York: Harper Brothers. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
↑ Bochner, Mel (2008). Solar System & Rest Rooms: Writings and Interviews 1965--2007. USA: The MIT Press. p. 91. ISBN 9780262026314.
↑ Walter Truett Anderson (1996). The Fontana Postmodernism Reader.
↑ Luke, T. W. (1991). Power and politics in hyperreality: The critical project of Jean Baudrillard. Social Science Journal, 28(3), 347.
↑ Lule, Jack (2001). "The Postmodern Adventure (Book)". Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly. 78 (4): 865–866.
↑ Danto, AC (1990). "The Hyper-Intellectual". New Republic. 203 (11/12): 44–48.
↑ Sullivan, Louis. "The Tall Office Building Artistically Considered," published Lippincott's Magazine (March 1896).
↑ Loos, Adolf. "Ornament and Crime," published 1908.
↑ Tafuri, Manfredo, 'Architecture and Utopia: Design and Capitalist Development', Cambridge: MIT Press, 1976.
↑ Le Corbusier, Towards a New Architecture. Dover Publications, 1985/1921.
↑ Jencks, Charles, "The rise of Post-Modern architecture", Architecture Association Quarterly, No.4, 1975.
↑ Jencks, Charles. "The Language of Post-Modern Architecture", Academy Editions, London 1974.
↑ Goodchild, B 1990, 'Planning and the Modern'Postmodern Debate', in The Town Planning Review, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 119–137.
↑ Irving, A 1993, 'The Modern/Postmodern Divide and Urban Planning', in The University of Toronto Quareterly, vol. 62, no. 4, pp. 474–487.
↑ Simonsen, K 1990, 'Planning on 'Postmodern' Conditions', in Acta Sociologica, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 51–62.
↑ Anderson, The origins of postmodernity, London: Verso, 1998, Ch.2: "Crystallization".
↑ "7 – Pynchon's postmodernism Cambridge Companions Online – Cambridge University Press". Universitypublishingonline.org. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
↑ "Mail, Events, Screenings, News: 32". People.bu.edu. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
↑ McHale, B., Postmodernist Fiction (Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge, 2003).
↑ "What Was Postmodernism?". Electronic Book Review. 2007-12-20. Retrieved 2013-04-04.
↑ Strinati, Dominic (1995). An Introduction to Theories of Popular Culture. London: Routledge. p. 234.
↑ Drucker, Johanna and Emily McVarish (2008). Graphic Design History. Pearson. pp. 305–306. ISBN 978-0132410755.
↑ "Noam Chomsky on Post-Modernism". bactra.org.
↑ Craig, William Lane (July 3, 2008). "God is Not Dead Yet". Christianity Today. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
↑ "Italian Theory". UniNomade. 3 March 2013.
↑ Guattari, Felix (1989). "The three ecologies" (PDF). New formations (8): 134.
↑ Sidky, H. (2018). "The War on Science, Anti-Intellectualism, and 'Alternative Ways of Knowing' in 21st-Century America". Skeptical Inquirer. 42 (2): 38–43. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
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0.999905 |
Instructions 1.You could either put all the ingredients in the pressure cooker in the order listed, or you could follow the steps below.
2. Turn your Instant Pot or pressure cooker on Sauté, and follow the steps in this order.
3. Cut up the bacon and put it in the hot pressure cooker.
4. Start dicing the onion and put it in as you cut it.
5. Stir the bacon and onions and start cutting up the green beans.
6. Add the beans, water, salt and pepper to the pot.
7. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, and release all pressure immediately.
8. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed before serving.
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0.980551 |
Well, it’s difficult to know where to start with this one. I am a fan of the director – I loved ‘Leon’ and ‘The Fifth Element’ and I have managed to avoid his more poorly received offerings (I’m looking at you, ‘Lucy’). I haven’t read the comics that this film is based on, although they certainly sound intriguing. As for the actors involved – well I’ve only seen Cara Delevingne in a small part in Anna Karenina before this, so wasn’t really sure what to expect. I would be interested to see her play a British character in a role, as I don’t think she has yet (in any of her high-profile work). As for Dane DeHaan, well there will be more on him later.
So I think I can sum ‘Valerian’ up by saying; The Visuals = Good Bonkers, The Plot = Bad Bonkers. Believe me, it’s all bonkers. The visuals and effects in this film are insanely rich, detailed and sumptuous – it is an absolute feast for the eyes. It is easy to see where the enormous budget was splurged in this film, but unfortunately, I don’t think there is a hope of it making much of a profit. I could make some comparisons between ‘Valerian’ and the Star Wars prequels, but having rewatched ‘The Phantom Menace’ recently (don’t ask me why), it is clear to see that CGI has moved on in leaps and bounds in the last 15 years or so.
I don’t really know where to begin with the plot to this film. There is an alien world which relies on pearls to be reproduced by feeding one to an aardvark-like creature, who then ‘poops’ out hundreds more – yes, really. Their planet is destroyed and a small group of the aliens manage to make it to ‘The City of a Thousand Planets’ – an enormous expanding space station, in which nearly all known species of the universe are represented. They need to find the one surviving pearl-pooping creature to be able to establish a new world for their people. Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) work for the government of the human population, as special operatives and they become embroiled in the plot to protect this unique alien creature and return it to the ‘right’ hands.
Unfortunately, the dialogue in this film leaves much to be desired. The opening sequence features a fairly excruciating scene in which Valerian and Laureline TELL the audience everything they might need to know about their characters through clunky exposition. However, I can see why – if we didn’t have the characters telling us that Dane DeHaan is a ‘ladykiller’, it may be be difficult to work this out for ourselves. Dane DeHaan appears in two films this year, in which he is the romantic lead – to Cara Delevingne (the supermodel) and to Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander (in ‘Tulip Fever’ – out later this year). And I’m sorry, I just ain’t buying it. Don’t get me wrong, I liked him in ‘Chronicle’. But I do wonder who has decided he has big-budget, mainstream leading man status.
Back to the positives – how this film looks. As well as the CGI, the costumes are also incredible. There is an awesome sequence featuring Rihanna as a nightclub entertainer, who can change her appearance at will. Surprisingly, Ethan Hawke features – in a flamboyant performance – as the nightclub owner. Luckily, this part comes in the second half, when things are starting to flag in this overlong film. As well as Delevingne, there is more British acting talent involved – Clive Owen as the Commander and Sam Spruell as the General of the military outfit Valerian and Laureline work for. I do feel slightly sorry for middle-aged men with British teeth getting close-ups in super high definition these days. I couldn’t take my eyes off a blackhead on Owen’s top lip during his scenes, which may say something about how the mind wanders during films which are at least 30 minutes too long.
Well – ‘Valerian’ is probably going to be looked back on as a giant turkey, which isn’t entirely fair. Of course, it is garishly multi-coloured bobbins on an insanely huge scale. It is, mostly, entertaining and the visual feast is almost worth your time and money. I just wish a more charming leading man (it isn’t often you’re praying for an Efron) could have been found to helm the madness and to give you someone to root for. However, if you’re looking for a 3D spectacular – this is it. Just a shame that it came out on the same weekend as ‘Dunkirk’, a visual feast of a very different type, but still something that has harmed ‘Valerian’, I think. I hope this doesn’t end up being some sort of death-knell for Luc Besson’s career, but at the same time wonder how on earth he managed to raise such a big budget for this level of craziness. Perhaps he should go back to something on the scale of ‘Leon’ next time. THAT I would like to see.
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0.985813 |
Can unity handle advanced 2d effects?
I'm an experienced Flash developer looking into Unity. Its 3D capabilities are great but in my project I'd like to use 2d effects and interfaces. Can unity work with dynamically generated and animated bitmaps? Or maybe there's something like Pixel Benders effects for bitmaps?
What are best practices for working with 2D elements in unity?
There is a commercial product I know of that makes working with 2D textures inside Unity their job. It's called Sprite Manager 2, and can be found here.
You can dynamically create bitmaps using SetPixel(s), however altering bitmaps frequently is not really a good idea since they have to be re-uploaded to the graphics card by using the Apply() function, which is a relatively slow process. Generally you do animation by using UV offsets in texture atlases, or by moving images around in space (or both).
From what I know about Unity I have also heard much praise for the UV offseting. Essentially your 3D Texture becomes the sprite sheet.
Textures can be switched at runtime to facilitate your request for dynamic content.
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0.999944 |
Tell me a little bit about why you started blogging.
The first time I ever read a blog or any concept of a blog was scripting Dave Winer’s site probably like 2000, 2001. I just somehow started seeing links to it, and I said: “Wow this is… this is really cool, this is like a person – it’s a fact, but it’s all opinion” – you know what I mean. I get so much more of an idea of what’s important and what isn’t.
And so I didn’t really know anything about a blog was or anything about it or who Dave Winer was, but I realized that he was an expert and that it was really interesting to me to get some news that way about what was important, rather than like CNET.
So what I did is went to Scripting News probably once a day or two or three times a week, I think I started getting emails pretty early on just to know what’s important, what’s going on.
I was doing other stuff, I was at a tech company, but just to know what was going on for conversation purposes, I found that was better than anything out there – CNET or anything.
I was sort of aware of blogs from that point on. I dabbled in blogging, and I realized I liked it.
Some people like blogging, some people don’t, some people because it’s their pastime or hobby and they just find that if they want to unwind or spend some time, and it happens that they want to write something about it: I’m one of those people.
In 2005 I was at a point where my career was stalled. I had sold a company and was spending the money, living on a beach. It was actually a really good life, but I was running out of money, and I got a call from a former business partner, my friend Keith Teare and Keith had a start-up called RealNames in the ’90s – it was a client of mine when I was a lawyer.
So Keith says, “Hey I want to start-up a start-up with you,” and I realized I was pretty much out of the loop, the Internet for me was new – I had a blog, email and that was it. So I started doing fairly disciplined research on these start-ups and realized two things quickly: one is that Flickr, del.icio.us, and others were being covered by blogs and news sites, but no single site was sort of “the place to go” to get news on start-ups.
And I thought, “Why am I not posting this on the web for other people to see? If I post this on the web, the CEO of Technorati is going to read this, and the next time I run into him at a cocktail party, it might be a conversation starter.” So for networking purposes, it seemed like a really good idea.
No, no, no – at that point I thought, why don’t I post my research on the web? So my first month, I think every post was titled, “Profile – Technorati,” and I think Bloglines and Technorati were my very first posts on June 11th of 05. I think Technorati just re-launched.
It was very formatted – it was very semantic, too structured, but very quickly I started getting followers and links coming in – occasional comments and that’s great feedback: it’s what feeds the blogger, and “Like wow, people are reading this,” and so it just started growing.
Meanwhile, Keith wanted me to move up to Silicon Valley from LA, so I moved up here and got a house to form the business side of it — we were starting at GO — and TechCrunch just keeps growing and growing.
At that point did you have ads on your site?
Nothing at all, not even Google ads. I reached out to him and said that I really, really want to be part of this, and he looked at it, and he’s like we’ll let you in, and that was when we first started getting revenue.
So the business — the decision when you thought it was a business — was actually a fairly quick realization.
Yes, it was. It took six, seven months but I realized I can at least make some revenue from this.
When was the moment that you knew that this could be something pretty big?
I think summer of ’06 — about a year in — I think we had a party at August Capital, we always had our summer parties there. I think the fire code said we could have 600 people, we had about 3000 people trying to get in, it was like a mob, and um, people got wasted.
A very well known blogger got a DUI on the way home. Start-ups were going crazy they were paying us for little demo booths, everybody was happy – it was good, it was really good. And I thought, “Okay, maybe there was something here long term. Maybe there’s business here, perhaps we could do more events, bigger events, maybe the blog can be something that’s a real business in the long run.
So when you brought [TechCrunch CEO] Heather Harde in, that was a clear signal this is a business?
Ross Levenson was Heather’s boss at FOX Interactive. I knew them both because they were always buying companies, so I was constantly calling them. Heather was running M&A. I remember one time I was in FOX’s office; I don’t know why they let me in but I just sort of ran out of a meeting and bee-lined for her office.
So they knew me and were annoyed by me, but when Ross left and it seemed unclear what they were doing, and I went after Heather. It took me six or seven months to get her to say okay, but I knew that she was the person I wanted: she had Harvard MBA and had M&A – I mean she just seemed like perfect executive material for TechCrunch.
One thing I learned early in my business career was that I always thought to be good at business you got to be well rounded. You look at top CEOs and how they’re pretty mellow but not smooth in a bad way, but they’re not an emotional wreck. I found that I’m very emotional, and I think that makes a very good blogger, but that makes me a very poor manager.
Heather is the epitome of steady, and it made a lot of sense to me to bring her in.
Just from the pure blogging side of it, what do you think your keys to success were?
I like writing, and I think I’m not a terrible writer, I wrote a book at the law firm I was at — Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati — and the title was IPOs – Actual Guide for Executives. I wrote it with the idea of like a For Dummies book. For Dummies books are really really good because they focus on not a lot of wasted language and writing a sentence that like… you’re not. Some people write flowery language because they think it impresses the reader but it’s actually much much harder to write a clear sentence that conveys meaning in a very direct way.
And if you want to be vague or humorous do that too, but don’t be vague or humorous because you’re too lazy to write a clear sentence. A big part of my training was writing very clear contracts, and so between the book and the contracts I think I taught myself how to write concise, clear sentences, but I’m not the next great American novelist.
So, I think I have capable writing but what I think what really helps TechCrunch to be successful is that I care about start-ups; I really believe that entrepreneurs, particularly high tech entrepreneurs, are the most interesting people in the world right now.
They might be dirt poor or a Harvard MBA making a great living as an accountant or a lawyer or an investment banker or whatever, but something in them says I don’t just want to have a chill life.
They say, “Something is itching in me to prove that I can make it in the most competitive in the environment imaginable.” And they do. Sometimes they’re 17 year-olds, still in college or high school, and sometimes 60 year-olds and they’re done with their main career, and they want to start swinging it. I find these people infinitely fascinating because they’re not making a rational choice from a risk to return ratio, they just aren’t. They’re taking their life’s savings, they’re taking their good job, and they’re throwing it out the window to build something that has a one-in-50 chance of being funded at all, and even once it’s funded, it has a 1-in-10 or 20 chance of getting even that money back to investors.
It’s just nuts, and I love it like what drives these people, what drives them is this insane notion that they have to do it.
I’ve noticed in my own personal experience with you, and I’ve also heard this from a blogger that knows you very well, that nobody works as hard as you do and the reason I’m raising that is because one of the things that we learned in the 2008 State of the Blogosphere was the highest authority blogs posted the most frequently. The top 100 averaged 12 posts a day.
That goes back to the quality that you started with you: to be a good writer and write quality stuff.
We have a good team here, and I look for them to write three to four posts a day, and three is fine. I try to get them to write one or two posts on the weekend. So we’re talking about less than 25 posts a week, and the average is like 15 to 20 for each writer. And that’s a lot.
Can you talk about tools that you use and things that help your business that help your business either in your creating the content or marketing it?
YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace are all major traffic drivers for us. Digg is as well.
I’m going to kind of get towards wrapping up – but what do you think about being at the very top of the pyramid in the blogging world?
I’m the world’s tallest midget.
What kind of advice do you have for bloggers who aren’t the world’s tallest midgets, whether its building traffic is monetizing, editorial?
I’ll tell you, I’ve started a few four or five companies now and the biggest success is TechCrunch, and I never intended to start a company so I just scratched the niche and I found what I love. I mean this is clearly what I’m supposed to be doing with my life.
Not starting a payments company, which was the first company I founded; not starting a Netflix clone in Canada which was the second business I started, which is doing ok. Not starting a domain name auctioning business, which is also still an awesome business but I hated its dirty business.
If you find something you love like, say, knitting – I mean how many knitting blogs do you guys track? A lot right? Knitting is like a major blogging category, and you know these people just love knitting, I’ll bet there’s a couple of people who are making money from these knitting blogs, right? I have to imagine they’re making a living.
For foreign investors selling knitting supplies!
So if you’re not blogging about what you love I’d say you’re not probably going to be successful no matter what you do. The other thing is, blogging is maturing. If TechCrunch didn’t exist and I was starting it today, I’m not sure it could grab the open space because it’s sort of taken, and not that that means you shouldn’t do it but it’s going to be harder. You know I think a lot of the guys that work for me and have equity in TechCrunch. By the way, could absolutely be out there writing their own blogs, any of our top writers I think could be out there writing their own successful blogs. They decided to team with me instead, and that’s obviously good for me, but they have equity in TechCrunch I think they might end up doing better this way.
Some of them might leave at some point and start their own blog, once they’ve made a name for themselves. I’m actually okay with that as long as we stay on good terms. So I don’t know what the answer is. What I did at the beginning was a link like hell to everything, so if I wrote about Bloglines or Technorati, or Digg or del.icio.us or whatever. I linked to every post to like 30 other blogs, and I made sure that I was trackbacking them properly because in my opinion like you see a trackback and you click on it. You see who’s linking to you, and you read it, and you do that five times, and that’s probably stuck in your head, and hopefully, at some point, they link to you.
Robert Scoble in Dec ’05 said, “Hey there is some good blogging going on over at TechCrunch, I mean that made my life! You just take baby steps, and you can become successful.
Let’s go back to your business model because there’s an ad model but then your event business kind of was born out of the party business.
Totally born out of party business. I think parties are a lot more profitable. But you know let’s take a country and let’s call it Lichtenstein, I don’t know if there’s a single person lives there. I mean how big Lichtenstein is?
How do you know that? Okay, so I’m in Lichtenstein with 17,000 people, and I noticed that there’s a robust start-up scene or dog breeding scene or whatever it was. You take control of that space, and you can blog, but you’re probably not going to get enough page views with the total population of 17,000 to make enough money from Google or whatever to feed yourself, but you know maybe you hold a small event. You get a sponsor and then maybe start getting a name for yourself with that, and I think you can theoretically do it that way. Our business right now is half events, half pure advertising. And I wouldn’t want to give up either one.
I think you need to build a brand.
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0.999366 |
Once you enter the above command, It will ask you for the keyphrase, Keyphrase adds an additional layer of security but if you want to make SSH or SCP through scripts then it is a good idea to leave it blank. Here i’m not using any keyphrase for simplicity.
Run the following command to move your SSH key’s to your server.
root@ubuntu:/home/venkatesh/Desktop/python/parse# ssh-copy-id -i /root/.ssh/id_rsa [email protected] /usr/bin/ssh-copy-id: INFO: attempting to log in with the new key(s), to filter out any that are already installed /usr/bin/ssh-copy-id: INFO: 1 key(s) remain to be installed -- if you are prompted now it is to install the new keys [email protected]'s password: Number of key(s) added: 1 Now try logging into the machine, with: "ssh '[email protected]'" and check to make sure that only the key(s) you wanted were added.
Now try logging into the machine, with: "ssh '[email protected]'"
Now, let’s try to log into the server using SSH.
That’s it your successfully created SSH key’s and uploaded it into server.
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0.968972 |
Select a park, and start your adventure in Idaho with Best Western hotels.
Plan for outdoor adventures when you visit Idaho. Across the state, you'll find a variety of excellent National Parks, each yielding fun-filled days of hikes, guided tours, interpretive programs, and more. There are seven National Parks in Idaho for you to explore. Along with those national parks, you'll find 11 National Natural Landmarks, and 10 National Historic Landmarks.
The seven Idaho National Parks see more than 550,000 visitors each year. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve features an extensive network of preserved lava flow sites, while the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is home to over 200 different species of animal and plant fossils.
Make the most of your next trek through Idaho with visits to the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, the City of Rocks National Reserve, or the Minidoka National Historic Site.
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0.999246 |
Allied to potential retirements of sitting MPs at the election, this could usher in major changes to the make-up of Labour politicians in the Commons. However, there is one important caveat to all this. If an early election is called before 2020, it will be fought on the existing boundaries. I'm a voter - what does this mean for me? Image copyright Reuters Image caption Proposals for Welsh constituencies will also be announced on Tuesday Every constituency in the UK is likely to be affected, with many changing name entirely. By 2020, the aim is that no constituency - except the four "protected"
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0.982753 |
On September 25, 2008 there was a demonstration outside the New York Stock Exchange protesting the massive Wall Street bail out. One of the demonstrators carried a banner saying: "Jump You Fuckers". As far as I know, no one jumped.
The crisis that began on Wall Street only hit us here in Greece hard much later, and it hit hard first in the construction sector. Masses of people who had been earning a living on building sites lost their jobs. One of those was Nikos Kerasiotis, aged 34. He lived in a tiny two-roomed cottage next to the river four or five fields below us.
At about 10.15pm on September 8 2011 Nikos shot himself in the head with a hunting rifle and died instantly.
I don't want Nikos to be treated as just another statistic. He was a friend, and in this dry, Greek valley with only 14 or 15 households, he was the only real friend we had. He was the only person who came round for coffee or sometimes for a meal, not often, but when Flora - my wife - passed him occasionally on the road, she would invite him up and sometimes he would come. He never came empty-handed, even after he lost his job. The bottom drawers in our fridge are still full of all the apples he brought with him the last time he came to see us, and above them the six cans of beer we never got round to drinking.
The really sad thing is that on any measure of what constitutes a good person, he ranked way up at the top, which must sound like the sort of thing anyone would say of their friend at a time like this, but in Nikos's case it is true. In this backwater of rural Greece where there is so much nastiness and back-biting and mutual hostility, Nikos kept himself way above all that. He was a tall, strong man who had had special forces training during his military service (still obligatory here in Greece), but he never seemed to allow himself to become aggressive when he was wronged. And in a society where corruption is rife, he struck me as incorruptible. Certainly in this little valley outside the city of Volos, there was no one who could be called virtuous apart from Nikos. The best among us has now died, so unnaturally, and unnecessarily.
Why did he do it? It is painful to hear people say - as I heard them today - that he was crazy - psychologically ill. There is something shockingly cold and cruel - almost violent - in pigeon-holing Nikos in that way. However disturbed he may have become, that fatal shot was the result of a long history that deserves respect - a history that must surely have become unbearably painful.
Nikos grew up in much the way that his father must have grown up, spending a great deal of his time in the forest helping his family make charcoal (karvouna), managing huge earth-covered piles of smoldering wood - kaminia - that could never be left unattended for months on end lest the fires get out of hand and the whole forest go up in smoke. As soon as was legally possible, his parents wanted him to work full-time at the kaminia, and so he was taken out of school despite the protests of his teachers who insisted that the unusually bright boy ought to be allowed to continue his education.
I first saw the family one summer about 12 years ago. I had ridden up the mountain for the first time on my motorbike, hurriedly looking for a children's camp that I was supposed to start work at. Somewhere near the camp high on the mountain I took a wrong turning, went up a dirt road in the trees and suddenly came upon a soot-covered couple busy outside the rudest of shelters made from branches covered with old plastic sheeting. I could have asked for directions but I am ashamed to admit that the sight was so unlike anything I had seen before that I quickly turned the motorbike round and sped off back to the main road.
As it turned out, Nikos's family had close ties with the children's camp - they were lending the camp a donkey to help ferry supplies - and soon I got to know them.
Nikos must have been about 20 or 21 then. When I sat down to have coffee with him and his parents in the forest he didn't seem at all bitter or frustrated. I imagine the frustration set in years later, when Nikos moved to find work in the city (Volos) following the retirement of his father and his decision not to continue the charcoal business (where conditions, in any case, had already been undermined by the influx of cheap Albanian labour).
Nikos found work, first in a factory and then on the building sites of Volos, and with that came his first taste of economic independence. The city must have been both liberating and tormenting. The torment seems to have been most acute around the issue of women. Back in the sexless forest I imagine Nikos became accustomed to celibacy, and I imagine him feeling he was saving himself for the woman of his dreams. Among all the smoke and the soot, shoveling earth, packing charcoal and watching over the kaminia, I imagine Nikos dreaming of the tall, proud woman who would become his wife.
Nikos never found that proud woman. A few weeks ago he told us of a day he had just spent working picking pears. While he was in the trees there was an attractive woman from a nearby village packing the pears neatly in boxes. When they met in one of the breaks, Nikos - who had a car - asked her if she wanted to go for a ride with him after work. "I wouldn't give you the honour," she said (the word "honour" sounds old-fashioned in English and not the sort of thing a village girl would say, but the Greek equivalent - timi - doesn't sound at all out of place). In retelling the story, Nikos made it sound more like a joke, but I bet those words were a dagger to his heart.
There seemed to be lots of other stories along the same lines. Just this morning one of the local shepherd's sons - with whom Nikos spent more of his free time - told us another. When his village - Pouri - had its annual festival this year, Nikos invited the shepherd's sons to go with him. They walked into the village cafeteria, where there happened to be a large gathering of the local girls. As soon as they saw Nikos they started laughing. I know that he had spoken in the past to at least one of them and asked her out, and had been refused with the excuse that the girl wouldn't go out with a karvouniaris (charcoal maker).
Now I have never spoken to the shepherd's four sons (aged between 17 and mid-30s) about this, but it seems clear that if a man comes down from the hillsides around here to the city, and is a cheerful bloke with money in his wallet and untroubled by high romantic ideals, he can find female companionship sufficient at least to satisfy the needs of the flesh. The shepherd's sons, despite their father being a ruthless blaspheming tyrant, are a very cheerful bunch who are clearly not having to struggle with celibacy. From what he told us, Nikos went out partying with them a number of times, but could never quite join in the fun. He had his romantic dream and I am sure he didn't want to ruin it.
Nikos just might have made his dream come true, despite all the idiotic prejudices in provincial Greece, if he had been more able to communicate with women. Growing up in a forest with a younger sister whose greatest affections were for the family mule can't have helped. Women seemed to remain for Nikos another species whose behaviour was unfathomable. Hence his tendency to rush clumsily at things when he met a woman he found genuinely attractive.
I doubt though that the romantic problems on their own would have pushed Nikos to commit suicide. While he was in work there must have been an apparent chance of making enough money to rise above the ridiculed status of the karvouniaris. But after being made redundant and having to scrape around for a little money picking pears here and a little money digging a cess pit somewhere else, he must have felt trapped in poverty, and lumbered forever with the status he had been ridiculed for.
Because Nikos had somehow picked up a good working knowledge of English (and it was amazing that he managed to do that without any formal lessons and without anyone to speak to in English) we suggested he go abroad and look for work. From what I gather, he did seriously consider the idea, but somehow could never muster the courage to leave. He did go to the capital - Athens - to look for work, but either he didn't find any or things went wrong in the big city, and he returned to his tiny cottage by the river (where, by the way, there is only water on the very wettest days of the year).
Now I am left with an awful sense of guilt at not having seen the signs and not having done anything. On the last couple of occasions that he visited us he did keep mentioning guns and referring back to his experience in the army as an outstanding marksman, but those references always seemed to crop up in the middle of discussions of political corruption and economic collapse here in Greece. It made me worry a bit that I might someday see news of an assassination and then see footage of Nikos in handcuffs. It never crossed my mind that he might be thinking of turning the gun on himself. But it should have crossed my mind. It was obvious that Nikos was being far too hard on himself. No one criticised him more severely than he himself did. Fit and tall with fair hair he was a "fine figure of a man" as they say, but he would always say he was unattractive, and flail his long arms around in the air to emphasize the point. He did occasionally allow himself to speak angrily about how his parents had wasted a large sum of their life savings buying him a car without speaking to him first (and choosing a car that really was useless for someone like Nikos) and also speak angrily about his sister (with whom there were disputes about family property, apparently), but at the end of the conversation the impression was always that he blamed no one more than himself.
Turning against himself I imagine that he had allowed the condescending laughter of the stupid girls of the village to play incessantly in his head like a broken record. Perhaps there was no way out, but someone should have tried to help him find a way out. I don't think anyone did. The last time he visited I suggested going hiking together (something he had never done before). I meant it, but looking back, the suggestion probably didn't sound very serious, and to get him to agree I would have had to really insist and encourage him. I didn't do any of that.
I am also ashamed to admit that I never actually went to his cottage to visit him. He invited us over once when he rebuilt the roof and wanted to show us his handy work (or we suggested going over to see it - I forget which), but after that he didn't invite us again and I never took the initiative to call on him. It did cross my mind, but I always doubted whether he would want me to call, because of my own stupid hang-ups, but also because, despite my fondness and admiration for him and my wish for us to be friends, there was always this feeling that we were worlds apart. I never stopped to think that he might need someone to call, because now that I think about it, I don't think anyone ever called on him.
On Thursday evening I went by on my scooter at about 8.30 pm. After coming over the little stone bridge I was only about 100 yards from his cottage and it would have been easy to make a right turn and call in on him. I did look up at his cottage. There was no light on and I didn't see him. I just carried on on my way up the hill to our house. About two hours later he shot himself.
Sunrise over the valley where Nikos lived.
This is a moving elegy for a decent man, and for this reader, at least, an eye-opener on social attitudes that seem to belong (and should) to another age. I found it profoundly affecting. A great, intelligent piece of writing. Thank you for sharing this.
a profound insight and a post-mortem eulogy to the person that seems now more than ever to capture the hazy old Greece I am so missing. A writing masterpiece that can and should be used in classes for students of various levels. THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart for making me feel the appropriate melancholy of a human as well as a societal loss. God bless his soul.
You are right, Eleni, that as well as being a terrible personal loss, it is also a loss to the community around here. The strange thing was that whenever you met Nikos on the dusty road he was always so cheerful. And if there was anyone here who could have taken a lead in sorting things out in this chaotic valley, it was him.
I am deeply touched by what you have written and I totally agree with the previous comments of the other readers. Nikos deserved this kind of long- overdue 'honour', a concept that was of special significance in his life.
There is something here palpably beyond words - something that makes all the words suddenly seem futile. It is horrifying (and that word itself suddenly seems lame). And yet it is only with words that I feel I can stop the horror from blotting everything out. Everything.
You are shocked and that is understandable and more human than a lot of things we have seen lately. Through you, your readers and I have had the opportunity to experience some of the devastation caring people like you feel. You have also managed to provide us with a lot of food for thought about societal attitudes and prejudice. Simply because of this, I think that you have offered something valuable to the blogging community and to Nikos, especially. All of us think about him today because of your initiative to put your thoughts in writing.
Just want to add, I agree with wholeheartedly with Christina Markoulaki. You have used the power of words in the best possible way.
I am Martha Ann kerasiotis. And was curiously looking up the kerasiotis river and instead found this story. I lived in that area for one year both my grandfather and his vicious daughter became deathly sick. I did all the work you can imagine but I was still considered a whore because it was raging jealously and backstabbing. I was so moved by this story I read it to my 93 year Los mom and we both agreed they are still the same in Greece in the villages. I never went back to visit Greece. I earned to run a farm but I ran for. The social morales of those idiot villagers and never got over it. This pure man was a victim of his birth and lack of communication.
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Formulates an incident response that takes into account the incident potential, incident impacts, and/or resources required for incident management. Facilitates the dispatch of emergency response and service vehicles and coordinates the response with cooperating agencies.
1 The center shall exchange alert information and status with emergency management centers. The information includes notification of a major emergency such as a natural or man-made disaster, civil emergency, or child abduction for distribution to the public. The information may include the alert originator, the nature of the emergency, the geographic area affected by the emergency, the effective time period, and information and instructions necessary for the public to respond to the alert. This may also identify specific information that should not be released to the public.
2 The center shall coordinate planning for incidents with emergency management centers - including pre-planning activities for disaster response, evacuation, and recovery operations.
3 The center shall support requests from emergency management centers to remotely control sensor and surveillance equipment located in the field, provide special routing for emergency vehicles, and to provide responding emergency vehicles with signal preemption.
4 The center shall exchange incident information with emergency management centers, maintenance and construction centers, transit centers, information service providers, and the media including description, location, traffic impact, status, expected duration, and response information.
5 The center shall share resources with allied agency centers to implement special traffic control measures, assist in clean up, verify an incident, etc. This may also involve coordination with maintenance centers.
6 The center shall receive inputs concerning upcoming events that would effect the traffic network from event promoters, traveler information service providers, media, border crossings, and rail operations centers.
7 The center shall provide road network conditions and traffic images to emergency management centers, maintenance and construction centers, and traveler information service providers.
8 The center shall monitor incident response performance and calculate incident response and clearance times.
9 The center shall exchange road network status assessment information with emergency management and maintenance centers including an assessment of damage sustained by the road network including location and extent of the damage, estimate of remaining capacity, required closures, alternate routes, necessary restrictions, and time frame for repair and recovery.
10 The center shall coordinate information and controls with other traffic management centers.
11 The center shall receive inputs from emergency management and transit management centers to develop an overall status of the transportation system including emergency transit schedules in effect and current status and condition of the transportation infrastructure.
12 The center shall support an interface with a map update provider, or other appropriate data sources, through which updates of digitized map data can be obtained and used as a background for traffic incident management.
13 The center shall respond to requests from border agencies to implement special traffic control measures (e.g. lane assignments by vehicle type) on the approaches to a border crossing.
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Why are hair and makeup important?
Whether you are male or female, professional makeup and hair styling is extremely important for photography. Makeup for photography is much different than everyday makeup due to many factors, such as lighting.
Consult with your agent. They will have a specific way they want to market you.
Vary your colors and avoid overly bright tones, rich reds, and graphic tees with large logos (excessive prints and patterns often do not work).
Please bring extra clothing items which can be layered such as sweatshirts, jackets, scarves.
Bring only a few basic pants/skirts such as denim, khaki, and dress pants.
Make sure that you have both casual and dressy items.
It is important that your clothes are wrinkle-free and without stains.
Please only bring minimal accessories.
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You are stopped at an intersection. The traffic light just turned green. Can you go immediately?
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What is the most memorable Prom in history?
Cellist Mstislav Rostropovich took to the Royal Albert Hall stage on 21 August 1968 in what became a truly historic concert. Playing alongside the State Orchestra of the USSR and under the baton of Soviet conductor Evgeny Svetlanov, Russian-born Rostropovich performed Dvořák’s Cello Concerto.
It was the day of the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia, and protests could be heard around the Royal Albert Hall in London after calls to cancel the concert.
Soviet cellist Rostropovich playing a great Czech piece proved to be a great unifier, and as an encore he performed a solo Bach Sarabande in tears, dedicating it to the Czech people.
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Sometimes I just need silence. There are moments when I wish I could close my ears as easily as I close my eyes, shut out the world for a few tiny minutes, bask in the glory of no noise. Or just place my headphones over my ears, turn the volume up, close my eyes and wait for my heart to soar. Just a few minutes, a few minutes to recreate the balance that has become top-heavy. Readjust the scales, put the thousands of noises and smells and visions and feelings that fly into me, clashing together en route, into their proper little boxes in my brain. Those boxes that are covered in colours that blend together to create a wonderfully multicolored life that sometimes, just sometimes, needs a little calm. A waxing and waning hurricane that requires a little rest by the ocean before tearing onwards and upwards towards its next destination.
Little voices need my ears and my arms, day and night; words ping onto my phone screen looking for answers or help or just to make me laugh; music comes from one side of the room and smashes into the sound of the cartoon that is playing on the other side. Peppa Pig and Nick Cave melt together, becoming one in my mind, and while the image itself is quite entertaining, the reality is a little jarring. Twinkle twinkle little star in my red, right hand. Can someone please ask Robert Smith to record a few lullabies?
Remember when as a child you would look towards adulthood and imagine that all of a sudden everything would change, you would suddenly become more responsible, know the answers to questions, even invincible? Then slowly but surely, as the years pass you realize that you are still the same child inside, your shell is a little weathered and your features more defined, but there was no adult awakening. Instead you continue to walk along your path wondering what being an adult actually means. I feel like such a fraud at times, playing at this game of "being an adult", accepting, embracing the role of parent but still protecting that shy, scared but strong willed soul inside of me. She fights back sometimes, urging me to just jump in the deep end with abandon while I weigh the pros and cons, balancing freedom and responsibilities on both palms of my hands. Adult is just a word for being over 21, nothing more than a word. I think we are all still searching for those elusive answers, some of us trembling inside, but determined not to show it. While the fears of earlier years have subsided somewhat others have taken their place, as simple joys have taken the place of the constant search for something more, something better. Nowadays it’s all about the opening of a rose, the scent of freshly laundered clothes in the wind, a long walk down a country lane. Dreams are less of foreign travels and new discoveries and more of good health and happy children, but nonetheless still entwined. Priorities move around the board, hopping over each other to find a more advantageous spot in the game, and some wishes are stranded for a while until their turn comes round again. My main concern nowadays is to slow everything down, embrace all of the moments and let go of those that won’t be coming round anymore. Some things are just better left to others, or, at least, better left in the past. Nostalgia will cover those memories in a soft, pink cloud, and will allow me to write about them later in a different light.
Ah, in the end silence isn’t always necessary. A few moments to myself to pull these words out of my mind and onto paper also help balance those scales again. A little time with The Cure, singing at the top of my voice twirling a baby around the room works too. A long walk around, imagining life in all of the pretty houses surrounding us; hearing my eldest say a new word out of the blue; baking something delicious that makes others happy; and a long, hot shower with the birds chirping in the background through the open window. I don’t need much, but sometimes I have to remember when I do need something to make it known. Silence can be as expansive as it can be harmful.
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The Royal Family Tweeted a picture of the rest of the family, including Prince Phillip, Prince Harry, Prince Charles and Camilla at the service, but didn't mention Her Majesty's absence.
The royal family had a wonderful and festive Christmas celebration over the weekend!
Prince William and Kate Middleton just gave us all a Christmas present in the form of a Prince George and Princess Charlotte sighting.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent Christmas with Kate's family at the Middleton home near Bucklebury instead of joining other members of the Royal family at Sandringham.
They were joined by Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton, while Pippa Middleton attended with fiancé James Matthews as well as brother James Middleton. Meanwhile, Prince William opted for a long, navy jacket for his walk into the church and rocked an appropriately-colored red tie.
The name of the grandmother has been revealed through a police report obtained by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. According to police , the boy was in the back seat of his grandmother's vehicle on the way to J.C.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge holds his son Prince George's hand as they leave following the morning Christmas Day service at St Mark's Church in Englefield, December 25, 2016.
The duke, the Duchess of Cambridge and their children the little Princes George and Charlotte, were welcomed for these feasts in Berkshire. Sunday was the first time she missed the Christmas service in almost 30 years.
The Queen's annual Christmas message this year focused on the themes of "ordinary people doing extraordinary things" and "unsung heroes".
Queen Elizabeth, 90, did not attend the service while recovering from a cold, according to the palace.
The royal tots were photographed Sunday morning leaving a holiday service and, naturally, looking particularly well-dressed for the occasion.
At this point in time, these 28 new cases are not AAFs [adverse analytical findings], like a positive doping test. The 28 samples are now being re-analysed at the Lausanne Anti-Doping Laboratory.
Smith needs surgery and will be out for an extended period of time , according to ESPN . Smith is important to the Cavs' success. Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard J.R.
Coleman calls her family's hostage situation a "Kafkaesque nightmare" in the video, which she says was recorded on December 3rd. The Canadian government has called for unconditional release of the captives.
Here is the scoring summary from the New England Patriots' game against the New York Jets on Christmas Eve on Saturday. The New York Jets will be without head coach Todd Bowles Saturday for their matchup against the New England Patriots.
Congratulations to the Bryant family, and good luck to the WNBA approximately two decades from now. Gianna was born a year after Vanessa suffered a miscarriage due to an ectopic pregnancy.
Turkey is also at odds with western-backed Kurdish factions fighting against ISIL extremists in neighbouring Syria and Iraq. Later on Saturday, a small group of people attacked pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party's (HDP) headquarters in Kayseri .
The First Baptist Church of Vincentown , 39 Main St., Southampton, will host a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. We know you're busy and because of that we've planned a special Christmas Eve experience just for you and your family.
The interview was candid, serious, and a fitting farewell for such a beloved public figure, and you should watch the whole thing. Obama told a New Hampshire crowd in October that Trump's remarks about grabbing women had shaken her "to the core".
Representatives for Platinum Partners and lawyers representing the company did not immediately return messages from CNNMoney. Mark Nordlicht founded the hedge fund in 2003 and bragged of having returns of 17 percent a year.
It was a decent injury and is still, so we need to wait. We can not rush it because there are a few games now. Sadio is away, we need to find soltuions.
The Thornton Police Department found the child inside the vehicle early Saturday morning suffering from frostbite and hypothermia. Officers were called to search for a 2013 green Ford Fusion near the 10000 block of north Washington Street at about 10:40 a.m.
Duterte also said the government is glad that it is now "free from proving anything" to the US. Duterte said that it is the U.S. which colonized the Philippines for 50 years.
Apple Watch Series 1 is powered by the dual-core S1P processor, which makes it substantially faster than the original Apple Watch. Apart from the reduced price, the refurbished Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 use genuine Apple components.
A sevengill shark is recognizable by its seven gill slits, due to the fact that most shark species only have five gill slits. The video of the four killer whales feasting on a shark confirmed these subspecies of orcas are indeed predators of sharks.
The victim said she had been drinking but remembers "a line of people, like they were waiting for their turn". The payout for the game is $5.93 million total for both teams, the Holiday Bowl Media Guide says.
EPA officials on Saturday said there have been four unconfirmed reports of possibly related symptoms from prohibited water use. But an overarching concern is an old water system where more than half of 225 miles of cast-iron pipe needs to be upgraded.
The settlement does not resolve the Competition Bureau's ongoing inquiry into VW vehicles equipped with 3.0 liter diesel engines. In September of 2015 it was revealed that many VW vehicles were equipped with software created to reduce emissions during tests.
Robot is predicted to run at least four or five seasons, creator Sam Esmail is already working on a new project. Universal Cable Productions is purportedly willing to spend $10 million on each episode.
This was an absolute thriller, a contest played with pitched emotion, frenetic movements and elite execution from the opening tip. The leader of the Cavaliers had 19 points, six dimes, five boards and three steals in Friday's 119-99 triumph over Brooklyn.
In freezing weather, the Titans somehow managed to pull off a mind-blowing victory over Kansas City Chiefs, taking it by 19-17. It may have ended in about the most disappointing fashion possible Saturday in Jacksonville, however.
Jones caught passes for 22, 14 and 15 yards on Atlanta's first three plays and had a 75-yard touchdown catch in his memorable day. He's 6-of-17 for 58 yards and an interception at the moment, continuing a second half of the season trend.
It was not clear if there was any connection with Monday's attack on a Berlin Christmas market that killed 12 people. Police were deployed at the shopping mall and a Christmas market close by late Thursday.
Almost a month has gone by since Bobrovsky's last loss - a span of 11 games - making him an automatic roll in fantasy these days. They log the most ice time among all Penguins defensemen, they play in all situations and make those that they play with better.
The foreign and defence ministers of Russia, Iran and Turkey are due to discuss the future of Syria in Moscow on Tuesday. After the shooting, the killer shouted the murder was in revenge for Russian involvement in Aleppo.
In Lake County the unemployment rate in November was stable at 5.4 percent, the same as in October (6.2 percent in November 2015). In Snowflake's sister town, Taylor, the rate fell from 4 percent to 3.1 percent, meaning a labor force increase of 70 workers.
Since Saturday's public break up between Robert Kardashian and Blac Chyna many have weighed in on what caused the split . Meanwhile, Rob painted himself in more of an innocent role in - you guessed it - another deleted Instagram post.
For the next few weeks, the Facebook unit is offering holiday-themed stickers , including a candy cane-colored drawing brush. The new feature doesn't limit the number of stickers that you can add and it brings additional vibration to your photos.
Meanwhile, college football's postseason risks losing luster, with the biggest names sitting out the biggest games. This officially ends McCaffrey's impressive career at Stanford.
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Neo-platonism (or Neoplatonism) is a modern term used to designate the period of Platonic philosophy beginning with the work of Plotinus and ending with the closing of the Platonic Academy by the Emperor Justinian in 529 C.E. This brand of Platonism, which is often described as 'mystical' or religious in nature, developed outside the mainstream of Academic Platonism. The origins of Neoplatonism can be traced back to the era of Hellenistic syncretism which spawned such movements and schools of thought as Gnosticism and the Hermetic tradition. A major factor in this syncretism, and one which had an immense influence on the development of Platonic thought, was the introduction of the Jewish Scriptures into Greek intellectual circles via the translation known as the Septuagint. The encounter between the creation narrative of Genesis and the cosmology of Plato's Timaeus set in motion a long tradition of cosmological theorizing that finally culminated in the grand schema of Plotinus' Enneads. Plotinus' two major successors, Porphyry and Iamblichus, each developed, in their own way, certain isolated aspects of Plotinus' thought, but neither of them developed a rigorous philosophy to match that of their master. It was Proclus who, shortly before the closing of the Academy, bequeathed a systematic Platonic philosophy upon the world that in certain ways approached the sophistication of Plotinus. Finally, in the work of the so-called Pseudo-Dionysius, we find a grand synthesis of Platonic philosophy and Christian theology that was to exercise an immense influence on mediaeval mysticism and Renaissance Humanism.
The term 'Neoplatonism' is a modern construction. Plotinus, who is often considered the 'founder' of Neoplatonism, would not have considered himself a "new" Platonist in any sense, but simply an expositor of the doctrines of Plato. That this required him to formulate an entirely new philosophical system would not have been viewed by him as a problem, for it was, in his eyes, precisely what the Platonic doctrine required. In a sense, this is true, for as early as the Old Academy we find Plato's successors struggling with the proper interpretation of his thought, and arriving at strikingly different conclusions. Also, in the Hellenistic era, certain Platonic ideas were taken up by thinkers of various loyalties -- Jewish, Gnostic, Christian -- and worked up into new forms of expression that varied quite considerably from what Plato actually wrote in his Dialogues. Should this lead us to the conclusion that these thinkers were any less 'loyal' to Plato than were the members of the Academy (in its various forms throughout the centuries preceding Plotinus)? No; for the multiple and often contradictory uses made of Platonic ideas is a testament to the universality of Plato's thought -- that is, its ability to admit of a wide variety of interpretations and applications. In this sense, Neo-Platonism may be said to have begun immediately after Plato's death, when new approaches to his philosophy were being broached. Indeed, we already see a hint, in the doctrines of Xenocrates (the second head of the Old Academy) of a type of salvation theory involving the unification of the two parts of the human soul -- the "Olympian" or heavenly, and the "Titanic" or earthly (Dillon 1977, p. 27). If we accept Frederick Copleston's description of Neoplatonism as "the intellectualist reply to the ... yearning for personal salvation" (Copleston 1962, p. 216) we can already locate the beginning of this reply as far back as the Old Academy, and Neoplatonism would then not have begun with Plotinus. However, it is not clear that Xenocrates' idea of salvation involved the individual; it is quite possible that he was referring to a unified human nature in an abstract sense. In any case, the early Hermetic-Gnostic tradition is certainly to an extent Platonic, and later Gnosticism and Christian Logos theology markedly so. If an intellectual reply to a general yearning for personal salvation is what characterizes Neoplatonism, then the highly intellectual Gnostics and Christians of the Late Hellenistic era must be given the title of Neoplatonists. However, if we are to be rigorous and define Neoplatonism as the synthesis of various more or less 'Platonistic' ideas into a grand expression of Platonic philosophy, then Plotinus must be considered the founder of Neoplatonism. Yet we must not forget that these Platonizing Christian, Gnostic, Jewish, and other 'pagan' thinkers provided the necessary speculative material to make this synthesis possible.
The great third century thinker and 'founder' of Neoplatonism, Plotinus, is responsible for the grand synthesis of progressive Christian and Gnostic ideas with the traditional Platonic philosophy. He answered the challenge of accounting for the emergence of a seemingly inferior and flawed cosmos from the perfect mind of the divinity by declaring outright that all objective existence is but the external self-expression of an inherently contemplative deity known as the One (to hen), or the Good (ta kalon). Plotinus compares the expression of the superior godhead with the self-expression of the individual soul, which proceeds from the perfect conception of a Form (eidos), to the always flawed expression of this Form in the manner of a materially derived 'personality' that risks succumbing to the demands of divisive discursivity, and so becomes something less than divine. This diminution of the divine essence in temporality is but a necessary moment of the complete expression of the One. By elevating the experience of the individual soul to the status of an actualization of a divine Form, Plotinus succeeded, also, in preserving, if not the autonomy, at least the dignity and ontological necessity of personality. The Cosmos, according to Plotinus, is not a created order, planned by a deity on whom we can pass the charge of begetting evil; for the Cosmos is the self-expression of the Soul, which corresponds, roughly, to Philo's logos prophorikos, the logos endiathetos of which is the Intelligence (nous). Rather, the Cosmos, in Plotinian terms, is to be understood as the concrete result or 'product' of the Soul's experience of its own Mind (nous). Ideally, this concrete expression should serve the Soul as a reference-point for its own self-conscious existence; however, the Soul all too easily falls into the error of valuing the expression over the principle (arkhê), which is the contemplation of the divine Forms. This error gives rise to evil, which is the purely subjective relation of the Soul (now divided) to the manifold and concrete forms of its expressive act. When the Soul, in the form of individual existents, becomes thus preoccupied with its experience, Nature comes into being, and the Cosmos takes on concrete form as the locus of personality.
Hearkening back, whether consciously or not, to the doctrine of Speusippus (Plato's successor in the Academy) that the One is utterly transcendent and "beyond being," and that the Dyad is the true first principle (Dillon 1977, p. 12), Plotinus declares that the One is "alone with itself" and ineffable (cf. Enneads VI.9.6 and V.2.1). The One does not act to produce a cosmos or a spiritual order, but simply generates from itself, effortlessly, a power (dunamis) which is at once the Intellect (nous) and the object of contemplation (theôria) of this Intellect. While Plotinus suggests that the One subsists by thinking itself as itself, the Intellect subsists through thinking itself as other, and therefore becomes divided within itself: this act of division within the Intellect is the production of Being, which is the very principle of expression or discursivity (Ennead V.1.7). For this reason, the Intellect stands as Plotinus' sole First Principle. At this point, the thinking or contemplation of the Intellect is divided up and ordered into thoughts, each of them subsisting in and for themselves, as autonomous reflections of the dunamis of the One. These are the Forms (eidê), and out of their inert unity there arises the Soul, whose task it is to think these Forms discursively and creatively, and to thereby produce or create a concrete, living expression of the divine Intellect. This activity of the Soul results in the production of numerous individual souls: living actualizations of the possibilities inherent in the Forms. Whereas the Intellect became divided within itself through contemplation, the Soul becomes divided outside of itself, through action (which is still contemplation, according to Plotinus, albeit the lowest type; cf. Ennead III.8.4), and this division constitutes the Cosmos, which is the expressive or creative act of the Soul, also referred to as Nature. When the individual soul reflects upon Nature as its own act, this soul is capable of attaining insight (gnôsis) into the essence of Intellect; however, when the soul views nature as something objective and external -- that is, as something to be experienced or undergone, while forgetting that the soul itself is the creator of this Nature -- evil and suffering ensue. Let us now examine the manner in which Plotinus explains Nature as the locus of personality.
Contemplation, at the level of the Soul, is for Plotinus a two-way street. The Soul both contemplates, passively, the Intellect, and reflects upon its own contemplative act by producing Nature and the Cosmos. The individual souls that become immersed in Nature, as moments of the Soul's eternal act, will, ideally, gain a complete knowledge of the Soul in its unity, and even of the Intellect, by reflecting upon the concrete results of the Soul's act -- that is, upon the externalized, sensible entities that comprise the physical Cosmos. This reflection, if carried by the individual soul with a memory of its provenance always in the foreground, will lead to a just governing of the physical Cosmos, which will make of it a perfect material image of the Intellectual Cosmos, i.e., the realm of the Forms (cf. Enneads IV.3.7 and IV.8.6). However, things don't always turn out so well, for individual souls often "go lower than is needful ... in order to light the lower regions, but it is not good for them to go so far" (Ennead IV.3.17, tr. O'Brien 1964). For when the soul extends itself ever farther into the indeterminacy of materiality, it gradually loses memory of its divine origin, and comes to identify itself more and more with its surroundings -- that is to say: the soul identifies itself with the results of the Soul's act, and forgets that it is, as part of this Soul, itself an agent of the act. This is tantamount to a relinquishing, by the soul, of its divine nature. When the soul has thus abandoned itself, it begins to accrue many alien encrustations, if you will, that make of it something less than divine. These encrustations are the 'accidents' (in the Aristotelian sense) of personality. And yet the soul is never completely lost, for, as Plotinus insists, the soul need simply "think upon essential being" in order to return to itself, and continue to exist authentically as a governor of the Cosmos (Ennead IV.8.4-6). The memory of the personality that this wandering soul possessed must be forgotten in order for it to return completely to its divine nature; for if it were remembered, we would have to say, contradictorily, that the soul holds a memory of what occurred during its state of forgetfulness! So in a sense, Plotinus holds that individual personalities are not maintained at the level of Soul. However, if we understand personality as more than just a particular attitude attached to a concrete mode of existence, and rather view it as the sum total of experiences reflected upon in intellect, then souls most certainly retain their personalities, even at the highest level, for they persist as thoughts within the divine Mind (cp. Ennead IV.8.5). The personality that one acquires in action (the lowest type of contemplation) is indeed forgotten and dissolved, but the 'personality' or persistence in intellect that one achieves through virtuous acts most definitely endures (Ennead IV.3.32).
Plotinus, like his older contemporary, the Christian philosopher Origen of Alexandria, views the descent of the soul into the material realm as a necessary moment in the unfolding of the divine Intellect, or God. For this reason, the descent itself is not an evil, for it is a reflection of God's essence. Both Origen and Plotinus place the blame for experiencing this descent as an evil squarely upon the individual soul. Of course, these thinkers held, respectively, quite different views as to why and how the soul experiences the descent as an evil; but they held one thing in common: that the rational soul will naturally choose the Good, and that any failure to do so is the result of forgetfulness or acquired ignorance. But whence this failure? Origen gave what, to Plotinus' mind, must have been a quite unsatisfactory answer: that souls pre-existed as spiritual beings, and when they desired to create or 'beget' independently of God, they all fell into error, and languished there until the coming of Logos Incarnate. This view has more than a little Gnostic flavor to it, which would have sat ill with Plotinus, who was a great opponent of Gnosticism. The fall of the soul Plotinus refers, quite simply, to the tension between pure contemplation and divisive action -- a tension that constitutes the natural mode of existence of the soul (cf. Ennead IV.8.6-7). Plotinus tells us that a thought is only completed or fully comprehended after it has been expressed, for only then can the thought be said to have passed from potentiality to actuality (Ennead IV.3.30). The question of whether Plotinus places more value on the potential or the actual is really of no consequence, for in the Plotinian plêrôma every potentiality generates an activity, and every activity becomes itself a potential for new activity (cf. Ennead III.8.8); and since the One, which is the goal or object of desire of all existents, is neither potentiality nor actuality, but "beyond being" (epekeina ousias), it is impossible to say whether the striving of existents, in Plotinus' schema, will result in full and complete actualization, or in a repose of potentiality that will make them like their source. "Likeness to God as far as possible," for Plotinus, is really likeness to oneself -- authentic existence. Plotinus leaves it up to the individual to determine what this means.
In his biography of Plotinus, Porphyry records the last words of his teacher to his students as follows: "Strive to bring back the god in yourselves to the God in the All" (Porphyry, Life of Plotinus 2, my translation). After uttering these words, Plotinus, one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever known, passed away. The simplicity of this final statement seems to be at odds with the intellectual rigors of Plotinus' treatises, which challenge -- and more often than not vanquish -- just about every prominent philosophical view of the era. But this is only if we take this remark in a mystical or ecstatic religious sense. Plotinus demanded the utmost level of intellectual clarity in dealing with the problem of humankind's relation to the highest principle of existence. Striving for or desiring salvation was not, for Plotinus, an excuse for simply abandoning oneself to faith or prayer or unreflective religious rituals; rather, salvation was to be achieved through the practice of philosophical investigation, of dialectic. The fact that Plotinus, at the end of his life, had arrived at this very simple formulation, serves to show that his dialectical quest was successful. In his last treatise, "On the Primal Good" (Ennead I.7), Plotinus is able to assert, in the same breath, that both life and death are good. He says this because life is the moment in which the soul expresses itself and revels in the autonomy of the creative act. However, this life, since it is characterized by action, eventually leads to exhaustion, and the desire, not for autonomous action, but for reposeful contemplation -- of a fulfillment that is purely intellectual and eternal. Death is the relief of this exhaustion, and the return to a state of contemplative repose. Is this return to the Intellect a return to potentiality? It is hard to say. Perhaps it is a synthesis of potentiality and actuality: the moment at which the soul is both one and many, both human and divine. This would constitute Plotinian salvation -- the fulfillment of the exhortation of the dying sage.
In the last analysis, what stands as the most important and impressive accomplishment of Plotinus is the manner in which he synthesized the pure, 'semi-mythical' expression of Plato with the logical rigors of the Peripatetic and Stoic schools, yet without losing sight of philosophy's most important task: of rendering the human experience in intelligible and analyzable terms. That Plotinus' thought had to take the 'detour' through such wildly mystical and speculative paths as Gnosticism and Christian salvation theology is only proof of his clear-sightedness, thoroughness, and admirable humanism. For all of his dialectical difficulties and perambulations, Plotinus' sole concern is with the well-being (eudaimonia) of the human soul. This is, of course, to be understood as an intellectual, as opposed to a merely physical or even emotional well-being, for Plotinus was not concerned with the temporary or the temporal. The striving of the human mind for a mode of existence more suited to its intuited potential than the ephemeral possibilities of this material realm, while admittedly a striving born of temporality, is nonetheless directed toward atemporal and divine perfection. This is a striving or desire rendered all the more poignant and worthy of philosophy precisely because it is born in the depths of existential angst, and not in the primitive ecstasies of unreflective ritual. As the last true representative of the Greek philosophical spirit, Plotinus is Apollonian, not Dionysian. His concern is with the intellectual beautification of the human soul, and for this reason his notion of salvation does not, like Origen's, imply an eternal state of objective contemplation of the divinity -- for Plotinus, the separation between human and god breaks down, so that when the perfected soul contemplates itself, it is also contemplating the Supreme.
Plotinus was faced with the task of defending the true Platonic philosophy, as he understood it, against the inroads being made, in his time, most of all by Gnostics, but also by orthodox Christianity. Instead of launching an all-out attack on these new ideas, Plotinus took what was best from them, in his eyes, and brought these ideas into concert with his own brand of Platonism. For this reason, we are sometimes surprised to see Plotinus, in one treatise, speaking of the cosmos as a realm of forgetfulness and error, while in another, speaking of the cosmos as the most perfect expression of the godhead. Once we realize the extent to which certain Gnostic sects went in order to brand this world as a product of an evil and malignant Demiurge, to whom we owe absolutely no allegiance, it becomes clear that Plotinus was simply trying to temper the extreme form of an idea which he himself shared, though in a less radical sense. The feeling of being thrown into a hostile and alien world is a philosophically valid position from which to begin a critique and investigation of human existence; indeed, modern existentialist philosophers have often started from this same premise. However, Plotinus realized that it is not the nature of the human soul to simply escape from a realm of active engagement with external reality (the cosmos) to a passive receptance of divine form (within the plêrôma). The Soul, as Plotinus understands it, is an essentially creative being, and one which understands existence on its own terms. One of the beauties of Plotinus' system is that everything he says concerning the nature of the Cosmos (spiritual and physical) can equally be held of the Soul. Now while it would be false to charge Plotinus with solipsism (or even narcissism, as one prominent commentator has done; cf. Julia Kristeva in Hadot 1993, p. 11), it would be correct to say that the entire Cosmos is an analogue of the experience of the Soul, which results in the attainment of full self-consciousness. The form of Plotinus' system is the very form by which the Soul naturally comes to know itself in relation to its acts; and the expression of the Soul will always, therefore, be a philosophical expression. When we speak of the Plotinian synthesis, then, what we are speaking of is a natural dialectic of the Soul, which takes its own expressions into account, no matter how faulty or incomplete they may appear in retrospect, and weaves them into a cosmic tapestry of noetic images.
Porphyry of Tyre (ca. 233-305 CE) is the most famous pupil of Plotinus. In addition to writing an introductory summary of his master's theories (the treatise entitled Launching-Points to the Realm of Mind), Porphyry also composed the famous Isagoge, an introduction to the Categories of Aristotle, which came to exercise an immense influence on Mediaeval Scholasticism. The extent of Porphyry's investigative interests exceeded that of his teacher, and his so-called "scientific" works, which survive to this day, include a treatise on music (On Prosody), and two studies of the astronomical and astrological theories of Claudius Ptolemy (ca. 70-140 CE), On the Harmonics, and an Introduction to The Astronomy of Ptolemy. He wrote biographies of Pythagoras and Plotinus, and edited and compiled the latter's essays into six books, each containing nine treatises, giving them the title Enneads. Unlike Plotinus, Porphyry was interested primarily in the practical aspect of salvific striving, and the manner in which the soul could most effectively bring about its transference to ever higher realms of existence. This led Porphyry to develop a doctrine of ascent to the Intellect by way of the exercise of virtue (aretê) in the form of 'good works'. This doctrine may owe its genesis to Porphyry's supposed early adherence to Christianity, as attested by the historian Socrates, and suggested by St. Augustine (cf. Copleston 1962, p. 218). If Porphyry had, at some point, been a Christian, this would account for his belief in the soul's objective relation to the divine Mind -- an idea shared by Origen, whom Porphyry knew as a youth (cf. Eusebius, The History of the Church, p. 195) -- and would explain his quite un-Plotinian belief in a gradual progress toward perfection, as opposed to the 'instant salvation' proposed by Plotinus (cf. Ennead IV.8.4).
Iamblichus of Apamea (d. ca. 330 CE) was a student of Porphyry. He departed from his teacher on more than a few points, most notably in his insistence on demoting Plotinus' One (which Porphyry left unscathed, as it were) to the level of kosmos noêtos, which according to Iamblichus generates the intellectual realm (kosmos noêros). In this regard, Iamblichus can be said to have either severely misunderstood, or neglected to even attempt to understand, Plotinus on the important doctrine of contemplation (see above). This view led Iamblichus to posit a Supreme One even higher than the One of Plotinus, which generates the Intellectual Cosmos, and yet remains beyond all predication and determinacy. Iamblichus also made a tripartite division of Soul, positing a cosmic or All-Soul, and two lesser souls, corresponding to the rational and irrational faculties, respectively. This somewhat gratuitous skewing of the Plotinian noetic realm also led Iamblichus to posit an array of intermediate spiritual beings between the lower souls and the intelligible realm -- daemons, the souls of heroes, and angels of all sorts. By placing so much distance between the earthly soul and the intelligible realm, Iamblichus made it difficult for the would-be philosopher to gain an intuitive knowledge of the higher Soul, although he insisted that everyone possesses such knowledge, coupled with an innate desire for the Good. In place of the vivid dialectic of Plotinus, Iamblichus established the practice of theurgy (theourgia), which he insists does not draw the gods down to man, but rather renders humankind, "who through generation are born subject to passion, pure and unchangeable" (On the Mysteries I.12.42; in Fowden 1986, p. 133). Whereas "likeness to God" had meant, for Plotinus, a recollection and perfection of one's own divine nature (which is, in the last analysis, identical to nous; cf. Ennead III.4), for Iamblichus the relation of humankind to the divine is one of subordinate to superior, and so the pagan religious piety that Plotinus had scorned -- "Let the gods come to me, and not I to them," he had once said (cf. Porphyry, Life of Plotinus 10) -- returns to philosophy with a vengeance. Iamblichus is best known for his lengthy treatise On the Mysteries. Like Porphyry, he also wrote a biography of Pythagoras.
In his introduction to the philosophy of Plotinus, entitled Launching-Points to the Realm of Mind, Porphyry remarks that the inclination of the incorporeal Soul toward corporeality "constitutes a second nature [the irrational soul], which unites with the body" (Launching-Points 18 ). This remark is supposedly a commentary on Ennead IV.2, where Plotinus discusses the relation of the individual soul to the All-Soul. While it is true that Plotinus often speaks of the individual soul as being independent of the highest Soul, he does this for illustrative purposes, in order to show how far into forgetfulness the soul that has become enamored of its act may fall. Yet Plotinus insists time and again that the individual soul and the All-Soul are one (cf. esp. Ennead IV.1), and that Nature is the Soul's expressive act (see above). Irrationality does not constitute, for Plotinus, a "second nature," but is merely a flawed exercise of rationality -- that is, doxa untempered by epistêmê -- on the part of the individual soul. Furthermore, the individual soul, which comes to unite with corporeality, governs and controls the body, making possible discursive knowledge as well as sense-perception. Uncontrolled pathos is what Plotinus calls irrationality; the soul brings aisthêsis (perceptive judgment) to corporeality, and so prevents it from sinking into irrational passivity. So what led Porphyry to make such an interpretative error, if error it was? It is quite possible that Porphyry had arrived at his own conclusions about the Soul, and tried to square his own theory with what Plotinus actually taught. One clue to the reason for the 'misunderstanding' may possibly lie in Porphyry's early involvement with Christianity. While Porphyry himself never tells us that he had been a Christian, Augustine speaks of him as if he were an apostate, and the historian Socrates states outright that Porphyry had once been of the Christian faith, telling us that he left the fold in disgust after being assaulted by a rowdy band of Christians in Caesarea (Copleston 1962, p. 218). In any case, it is certain that he was acquainted with Plotinus' older contemporary, the Christian Origen, and that he had been exposed to Christian doctrine. Indeed, his own spirited attack on Christianity ("Fifteen Arguments Against the Christians," now preserved only in fragments) shows him to have possessed a wide knowledge of Holy Scripture, remarkable for a 'pagan' philosopher of that era. Porphyry's exposure to Christian doctrine, then, would have left him with a view of salvation quite different from that of Plotinus, who seems never to have paid Christianity much mind. The best evidence we have for this explanation is Porphyry's own theory of salvation -- and it is remarkably similar to what we find in Origen! Porphyry's salvation theory is dependent, like Origen's, on a notion of the soul's objective relation to God, and its consequent striving, not to actualize its own divine potentiality, but to attain a level of virtue that makes it capable of partaking fully of the divine essence. This is accomplished through the exercise of virtue, which sets the soul on a gradual course of progress toward the highest Good. Beginning with simple 'practical virtues' (politikai arêtai) the soul gradually rises to higher levels, eventually attaining what Porphyry calls the paradeigmatikai arêtai or 'exemplary virtues' which make of the soul a living expression of the divine Mind (cf. Porphyry, Letter to Marcella 29). Note that Porphyry stops the soul's ascent at nous, and presumably holds that the 'saved' soul will eternally contemplate the infinite power of the One. If Porphyry's concern had been with the preservation of personality, then this explanation makes some sense. However, it is more likely that the true reason for Porphyry's rejection of the radically 'hubristic' theory (at least to pietistic pagans) of the nature of the individual soul held by Plotinus was a result of his intention to restore dignity to the traditional religion of the Greeks (which had come under attack not only by Plotinus, but by Christians as well). Evidence of such a program resides in Porphyry's allegorical interpretations of Homer and traditional cultic practice, as well as his possibly apologetic work on Philosophy from Oracles (now lost). Compared to Plotinus, then, Porphyry was quite the conservative, concerned as he was with maintaining the ancient view of humankind's relatively humble position in the cosmic hierarchy, over against Plotinus' view that the soul is a god, owing little more than a passing nod to its 'noble brethren' in the heavens.
One of the results of Porphyry's conservative position toward traditional religious practice and belief was the 'return' to the doctrine that the stars and planets are capable of affecting and ordering human life. Plotinus argued that since the individual soul is one with the All-Soul, it is in essence a co-creator of the Cosmos, and therefore not really subject to the laws governing the Cosmos -- for the soul is the source and agent of those laws! Therefore, a belief in astrology was, for Plotinus, absurd, since if the soul turned to beings dependent upon its own law -- i.e., the stars and planets -- in order to know itself, then it would only end up knowing aspects of its own act, and would never return to itself in full self-consciousness. Furthermore, as we have seen, Plotinian salvation was instantly available to the soul, if only it would turn its mind to "essential being" (see above); because of this, Plotinus saw no reason to bring the stars and planets into the picture. For Porphyry, however, who believed that the soul must gradually work toward salvation, a knowledge of the operations of the heavenly bodies and their relation to humankind would have been an important tool in gaining ever higher levels of virtue. In fact, Porphyry seems to have held the view that the soul receives certain "powers" from each of the planets -- right judgment from Saturn, proper exercise of the will from Jupiter, impulse from Mars, opinion and imagination from the Sun, and (what else?) sensuous desire from Venus; from the Moon the soul receives the power of physical production (cf. Hegel, p. 430) -- and that these powers enable to the soul to know things both earthly and heavenly. This theoretical knowledge of the powers of the planets, then, would have made the more practical knowledge of astrology quite useful and meaningful for an individual soul seeking to know itself as such. The usefulness of astrology for Porphyry, in this regard, probably resided in its ability to permit an individual, through an analysis of his birth chart, to know which planet -- and therefore which "power" -- exercised the dominant influence on his life. In keeping with the ancient Greek doctrine of the "golden mean," the task of the individual would then be to work to bring to the fore those other "powers" -- each present to a lesser degree in the soul, but still active -- and thereby achieve a balance or sôphrosunê that would render the soul more capable of sharing in the divine Mind. The art of astrology, it must be remembered, was in wide practice in the Hellenistic world, and Plotinus' rejection of it was an exception that was by no means the rule. Plotinus' views on astrology apparently found few adherents, even among Platonists, for we see not only Porphyry, but also (to an extent) Iamblichus and even Proclus declaring its value -- the latter being responsible for a paraphrase of Claudius Ptolemy's astrological compendium known as the Tetrabiblos or sometimes simply as The Astronomy. In addition to penning a commentary on Ptolemy's tome, Porphyry also wrote his own Introduction to Astronomy (by which is apparently meant "Astrology," the modern distinction not holding in Hellenistic times). Unfortunately, this work no longer survives intact.
The philosophy of Plotinus was highly discursive, meaning that it operated on the assumption that the highest meaning, the most profound truth (even a so-called mystical truth) is translatable, necessarily, into language; and furthermore, that any and every experience only attains its full value as meaning when it has reached expression in the form of language. This idea, of course, placed the One always beyond the discursive understanding of the human soul, since the One was proclaimed, by Plotinus, to be not only beyond discursive knowledge, but also the very source and possibility of such knowledge. According to Plotinus, then, any time the individual soul expresses a certain truth in language, this very act is representative of the power of the One. This notion of the simultaneous intimate proximity of the One to the soul, and, paradoxically, its extreme transcendence and ineffability, is possible only within the confines of a purely subjective and introspective philosophy like that of Plotinus; and since such a philosophy, by its very nature, cannot appeal to common, external perceptions, it is destined to remain the sole provenance of the sensitive and enlightened few. Porphyry did not want to admit this, and so he found himself seeking, as St. Augustine tells us, "a universal way (universalem viam) for the liberation of the soul" (City of God 10.32, in Fowden, p. 132), believing, as he did, that no such way had yet been discovered by or within philosophy. This did not imply, for Porphyry, a wholesale rejection of the Plotinian dialectic in favor of a more esoteric process of salvation; but it did lead Porphyry (see above) to look to astrology as a means of orienting the soul toward its place in the cosmos, and thereby allowing it to achieve the desired salvation in the most efficacious manner possible. Iamblichus, on the other hand, rejected even Porphyry's approach, in favor of a path toward the divinity that is more worthy of priests (hieratikoi) than philosophers; for Iamblichus believed that not only the One, but all the gods and demi-gods, exceed and transcend the individual soul, making it necessary for the soul seeking salvation to call upon the superior beings to aid it in its progress. This is accomplished, Iamblichus tells us, by "the perfective operation of unspeakable acts (erga) correctly performed ... acts which are beyond all understanding (huper pasan noêsin)" and which are "intelligible only to the gods" (On the Mysteries II.11.96-7, in Fowden, p. 132). These ritualistic acts, and the 'logic' underlying them, Iamblichus terms "theurgy" (theourgia). These theurgic acts are necessary, for Iamblichus, because he is convinced that philosophy, which is based solely upon thought (ennoia) -- and thought, we must remember, is always an accomplishment of the individual mind, and hence discursive -- is unable to reach that which is beyond thought. The practice of theurgy, then, becomes a way for the soul to experience the presence of the divinity, instead of merely thinking or conceptualizing the godhead. Porphyry took issue with this view, in his Letter to Anebo, which is really a criticism of the ideas of his pupil, Iamblichus, where he stated that, since theurgy is a physical process, it cannot possibly translate into a spiritual effect. Iamblichus' On the Mysteries was written as a reply to Porphyry's criticisms, but the defense of the pupil did not succeed in vanquishing the persistent attacks of the master. While both Porphyry and Iamblichus recognized, to a lesser and greater extent, respectively, the limitations of the Plotinian dialectic, Porphyry held firm to the idea that since the divinity is immaterial it can only be grasped in a noetic fashion -- i.e., discursively (and even astrology, in spite of its mediative capacity, is still an intellectual exercise, open to dialectic and narratization); Iamblichus, adhering roughly to the same view, nevertheless argued that the human soul must not think god on its own terms, but must allow itself to be transformed by the penetrating essence of god, of which the soul partakes through rituals intended to transform the particularized, fragmented soul into a being that is "pure and unchangeable" (cf. On the Mysteries I.12.42; Fowden, p. 133).
According to the schema of Plotinian dialectic, the 'stance' of the individual soul is the sole source of truth certainty, being a judging faculty dependent always upon the higher Soul. From the perspective of one who believes that the soul is immersed in Nature, instead of recognizing, as Plotinus did, the soul's status as an intimate governor of Nature (which is the Soul's own act), dialectic may very well appear as a solipsistic (and therefore faulty) attempt on the part of an individual mind to know its reality by imposing conceptual structures and strictures upon the phenomena that constitute this reality. Iamblichus believed that since every individual soul is immersed in the 'bodily element,' no soul is capable of understanding the divine nature through the pure exercise of human reason -- for reason itself, at the level of the human soul-body composite, is tainted by the changeable nature of matter, and therefore incapable of rising to that perfect knowledge that is beyond all change (cp. Plato, Phaedrus 247e). Dialectic, then, as the soul's attempt to know reality, is seen by Iamblichus as an attempt by an already fallen being to lead itself up out of the very locus of its own forgetfulness. Now Iamblichus does not completely reject dialectical reason; he simply requests that it be tempered by an appeal to intermediate divinities, who will aid the fallen soul in its ascent back towards the Supreme Good. The practice of ritualistic theurgy is the medium by which the fallen soul ascends to a point at which it becomes capable of engaging in a meaningful dialectic with the divinity. This dependence upon higher powers nevertheless negates the soul's own innate ability to think itself as god, and so we may say that Iamblichus' ideas represent a decisive break with the philosophy of Plotinus.
Proclus (410-485 CE) is, next to Plotinus, the most accomplished and rigorous of the Neoplatonists. Born in Constantinople, he studied philosophy in Athens, and through diligent effort rose to the rank of head teacher or 'scholarch' of that great school. In addition to his accomplishments in philosophy, Proclus was also a religious universalist, who had himself initiated into all the mystery religions being practiced during his time. This was doubtless due to the influence of Iamblichus, whom Proclus held in high esteem (cf. Proclus, Theology of Plato III; in Hegel, p. 432). The philosophical expression of Proclus is more precise and logically ordered than that of Plotinus. Indeed, Proclus posits the Intellect (nous) as the culmination of the productive act (paragein) of the One; this is in opposition to Plotinus, who described the Intellect as proceeding directly from the One, thereby placing Mind before Thought, and so making thought the process by which the Intellect becomes alienated from itself, thus requiring the salvific act in order to attain the fulfillment of Being, which is, for Plotinus, the return of Intellect to itself. Proclus understands the movement of existence as a tripartite progression beginning with an abstract unity, passing into a multiplicity that is identified with Life, and returning again to a unity that is no longer merely abstract, but now actualized as an eternal manifestation of the godhead. What constituted, for Plotinus, the salvific drama of human existence is, for Proclus, simply the logical, natural order of things. However, by thus removing the yearning for salvation from human existence, as something to be accomplished, positively, Proclus is ignoring or overly intellectualizing, if you will, an existential aspect of human existence that is as real as it is powerful. Plotinus recognized the importance of the salvific drive for the realization of true philosophy, making philosophy a means to an end; Proclus utilizes philosophy, rather, more in the manner of a useful, descriptive language by which a thinker may describe the essential realities of a merely contingent existence. In this sense, Proclus is more faithful to the 'letter' of Plato's Dialogues; but for this same reason he fails to rise to the 'spirit' of the Platonic philosophy. Proclus' major works include commentaries on Plato's Timaeus, Republic, Parmenides, Alcibiades I, and the Cratylus. He also wrote treatises on the Theology of Plato, On Providence, and On the Subsistence of Evil. His most important work is undoubtedly the Elements of Theology, which contains the clearest exposition of his ideas.
We found, in Plotinus, an explanation and expression of a cosmos that involved a gradual development from all but static unity toward eventual alienation -- a moment at which the active soul must make the profound decision to renounce autonomous existence and re-merge with the source of all Being, or else remain forever in the darkness of forgetfulness and error. Salvation, for Plotinus, was relatively easy to accomplish, but never guaranteed. For Proclus, on the other hand, the arkhê or 'ruling beginning' of all Life is the 'One-in-itself' (to auto hen), or that which is responsible for the ordering of all existents, insofar as existence is, in the last analysis, the sovereign act or expression of this primordial unity or monad. The expression of this One is perfectly balanced, being a trinity containing, as distinct expressions, each moment of self-realization of this One; and each of these moments, according to Proclus, have the structure of yet another trinity. The first trinity corresponds to the limit, which is the guide and reference-point of all further manifestations; the second to the unlimited, which is also Life or the productive power (dunamis); and the third, finally, to the 'mixture' (mikton, diakosmos), which is the self-reflective moment of return during which the soul realizes itself as a thinking -- i.e., living -- entity. Thought is, therefore, the culmination of Life and the fulfillment of Being. Thought is also the reason (logos) that binds these triadic unities together in a grand harmonious plêrôma, if you will. Being, for Proclus, is that divine self-presence, "shut up without development and maintained in strict isolation" (Hegel, p. 446) which is the object of Life's thinking; this 'object' gives rise to that thinking which leads, eventually, to understanding (nous), which is the thought of being, and appears (ekphanôs), always, as 'being's begetter'. When the circle is completed, and reflected upon, logically, we are met with the following onto-cosmological schema: thought (noêtos, also known as 'Being') giving rise to its "negative" which is thinking (Hegel, p. 393) and the thought 'it is' (noêtos kai noêros), produces its own precise reflection -- 'pure thinking' -- and this reflection is the very manifestation (phanerôsis) of the deity within the fluctuating arena of individual souls. Being is eternal and static precisely because it always returns to itself as Being; and 'Becoming'is the conceptual term for this process, which involves the cyclical play between that which is and is not, at any given time. "[T]he thought of every man is identical with the existence of every man, and each is both the thought and the existence" (Proclus, Platonic Theology III., in Hegel, p. 449). The autonomous drive toward dissolution, which is so germane to the soul as such, is wiped away by Proclus, for his dialectic is impeccably clean. However, he does not account for the yearning for the infinite (as does Plotinus) and the consequent existential desire for productive power falls on its face before the supreme god of autonomous creation -- which draws all existents into its primeval web of dissolution.
Very little is known about the life of the so-called Pseudo-Dionysius. For many centuries, the writings of this mystical philosopher were believed to have been from the pen of none other Dionysius, the disciple of St. Paul. Later scholarship has shed considerable doubt on this claim, and most modern scholars believe this author to have been active during the late fifth century CE. Indeed, the earliest reference to the Dionysian Corpus that we possess is from 533 CE. There is no mention of this author's work before this date. Careful study of the Pseudo-Dionysian writings has uncovered many parallels between the theurgical doctrines of Iamblichus, and the triadic metaphysical schema of Proclus. Yet what we witness in these writings is the attempt by a thinker who is at once religiously sensitive and philosophically engaged to bring the highly developed Platonism of his time into line with a Christian theological tradition that was apparently persisting on the fringes of orthodoxy. To this extent, we may refer to the Pseudo-Dionysius as a 'decadent,' for he (or she?) was writing at a time when the heyday of Platonism had attained the status of a palaios logos ('ancient teaching') to be, not merely commented upon, but savored as an aesthetic monument to an era already long past. It is important to note, in this regard, that the writings of Pseudo-Dionysius do not contain any theoretical arguments or dialectical moments, but simply many subtle variations on the apophatic/kataphatic theology for which our writer is renowned. Indeed, he writes as if his readers already know, and are merely in need of clarification. His message is quite simple, and is manifestly distilled from the often cumbersome doctrines of earlier thinkers (especially Iamblichus and Proclus). Pseudo-Dionysius professes a God who is beyond all distinctions, and who even transcends the means utilized by human beings to reach Him. For Pseudo-Dionysius, the Holy Trinity (which is probably analogous to Proclus' highest trinity, see above) serves as a "guide" to the human being who seeks not only to know but to unite with "him who is beyond all being and knowledge" (Pseudo-Dionysius, The Mystical Theology 997A-1000A, tr. C. Luibheid 1987). In the expression of the Pseudo-Dionysius the yearning for the infinite reaches a poetical form that at once fulfills and exceeds philosophy.
After the closing of the Neoplatonic Academy in Athens by the Emperor Justinian in 529 CE, Platonism ceased to be a living philosophy. Due to the efforts of the Christian philosopher Boethius (480-525 CE), who translated Porphyry's Isagoge, and composed numerous original works as well, the Middle Ages received a faint glimmer of the ancient glories of the Platonic philosophy. St. Augustine, also, was responsible for imparting a sense of Neoplatonic doctrine to the Latin West, but this was by way of commentary and critique, and not in any way a systematic exposition of the philosophy. Generally speaking, it is safe to say that the European Middle Ages remained in the grip of Aristotelianism until the early Renaissance, when certain brilliant Italian thinkers began to rediscover, translate, and expound upon the original texts of Platonism. Chief among these thinkers were Marsilio Ficino (1433-1492) and Pico della Mirandola (1463-1494). Ficino produced fine Latin translations of Plato's Dialogues, the Enneads of Plotinus, and numerous works by Porphyry, Iamblichus, Proclus, Pseudo-Dionysius, and many others. In addition to his scholarly ability, Ficino was also a fine commentator and philosopher in his own right. His brilliant essay on Five Questions Concerning The Mind is a concise summary of general Neoplatonic doctrine, based upon Ficino's own view that the lot of the human soul is to inquire into its own nature, and that since this inquiry causes the human soul to experience misery, the soul must do everything it can to transcend the physical body and live a life worthy of the blessed angels (cf. Cassirer, et. al. (ed) 1948, p. 211-212). Giovanni Pico, the Count of Mirandola, was a colorful figure who lived a short life, fraught with strife. He roused the ire of the papacy by composing a voluminous work defending nine-hundred theses drawn from his vast reading of the Ancients; thirteen of these theses were deemed heretical by the papacy, and yet Pico refused to change or withdraw a single one. Like his friend Ficino, Pico was a devotee of ancient wisdom, drawing not only upon the Platonic canon, but also upon the Pre-Socratic literature and the Hermetic Corpus, especially the Poimandres. Pico's most famous work is the Oration on the Dignity of Man, in which he eloquently states his learned view that humankind was created by God "as a creature of indeterminate nature," possessed of the unique ability to ascend or descend on the scale of Being through the autonomous exercise of free will (Oration 3, in Cassirer, et. al. (ed) 1948, p. 224). Pico's view of free will was quite different from that expressed by Plotinus, and indeed most other Neoplatonists, and it came as no surprise when Pico composed a treatise On Being and the One which ended on Aristotelian terms, declaring the One to be coincident with or persisting amidst Being -- a wholly un-Platonic doctrine. With Ficino, then, we may say that Platonism achieved a brief moment of archaic glory, while with Pico, it was plunged once again into the quagmire of self-referential empiricism.
Cassirer, Ernst; Kristeller, Paul Oskar; Randall, John Herman Jr. (editors) The Renaissance Philosophy of Man (University of Chicago Press 1948).
Cooper, John M. (ed.), Plato: Complete Works (Hackett Publishing 1997).
Copleston S.J., Frederick, A History of Philosophy (vol. I, part II): Greece and Rome (Image Books 1962).
Dillon, John (1977), The Middle Platonists (Cornell University Press).
Eusebius (tr. G.A. Williamson 1965), The History of the Church (Penguin Books).
Fowden, Garth, The Egyptian Hermes: A Historical Approach To The Late Pagan Mind (Cambridge University Press 1986).
Hadot, Pierre (tr. M. Chase), Plotinus, or The Simplicity of Vision (University of Chicago Press 1993).
Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich (tr. E.S. Haldane and Frances H. Simson), Lectures on the History of Philosophy (vol. II): Plato And The Platonists (Bison Books 1995).
Jaeger, Werner, Early Christianity and Greek Paideia (Harvard University Press 1961).
Layton, Bentley (1987), The Gnostic Scriptures (Doubleday: The Anchor Bible Reference Library).
O'Brien S.J., Elmer (1964), The Essential Plotinus: Representative Treatises From The Enneads (Hackett Publishing).
Origen of Alexandria, Commentary on John, tr. in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. X. (Eerdmans 1979, reprint).
Origen of Alexandria, On First Principles [De Principiis], tr. in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. IV. (Eerdmans 1979, reprint).
Philo of Alexandria (tr. F.H. Colson and G.H. Whitaker), On the Creation of the World [De Opificio Mundi], in vol. 1 of The Loeb Classical Library edition of Philo (Harvard University Press 1929).
Plotinus (tr. A.H. Armstrong), The Enneads, in seven volumes (Loeb Classical Library: Harvard University Press 1966).
Porphyry (tr. K. Guthrie), Launching-Points to the Realm of Mind [Pros ta noeta aphorismoi] (Phanes Press 1988).
Porphyry (tr. A. Zimmern), Porphyry's Letter to His Wife Marcella Concerning the Life of Philosophy and the Ascent to the Gods (Phanes Press 1986).
Porphyry (tr. A.H. Armstrong), Life of Plotinus [Vita Plotini], in volume one of the Loeb Classical Library edition of Plotinus (Harvard University Press 1966).
Proclus (tr. T. Taylor), Lost Fragments of Proclus (Wizards Bookshelf 1988).
Proclus (tr. T. Taylor), Ten Doubts Concerning Providence, and On the Subsistence of Evil (Ares Publishers 1980).
Pseudo-Dionysius (tr. C. Luibheid 1987), Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete Works (Paulist Press).
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0.999991 |
If I live in a major metropolitan area, is it legal for me to put a salt-based water softener on my household plumbing system?
A water softener reduces the dissolved calcium, magnesium, and to some degree manganese and ferrous iron ion concentration in hard water. These "hardness ions" cause three major kinds of undesired effects. Most visibly, metal ions react with soaps and calcium-sensitive detergents, hindering their ability to lather and forming a precipitate—the familiar "bathtub ring". Presence of "hardness ions" also inhibits the cleaning effect of detergent formulations.
Secondly, calcium and magnesium carbonates tend to adhere to the surfaces of pipes and heat exchanger surfaces. The resulting build-up of scale can restrict water flow in pipes. In boilers, the deposits act as an insulation that impairs the flow of heat into water, reducing the heating efficiency and allowing the metal boiler components to overheat. In a pressurized system, this can lead to failure of the boiler. Thirdly, the presence of ions in an electrolyte, in this case, hard water, can also lead to galvanic corrosion, in which one metal will preferentially corrode when in contact with another type of metal, when both are in contact with an electrolyte.
Finally, it is unlikely you would be able to use a salt-based softener because salt-based water softeners are banned in many cities across the United States and elsewhere. Such units use backwashing and sodium chloride salt as a regenerative agent. In metropolitan areas with central sewer systems these chlorides are transferred to the wastewater treatment plant where they are generally discharged into local streams and rivers. Since excess chloride can have detrimental effects on the ecosystems of streams and rivers, the EPA and various states have established regulatory levels for chloride discharge from municipal and local wastewater treatment plants. The treatment plants can spend significant amounts of money to upgrade their equipment to handle chloride discharge requirements or they can ban salt-based water softeners, which are significant sources of chloride. Most have chosen the latter alternative.
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0.999998 |
Be a leader in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mid-Valley! The Mid-Valley Venture Catalyst will have significant impact and visibility in the region by facilitating the startup and growth of scalable companies in Marion, Polk and Yamhill Counties. This role also fosters a regional network of resources, raising awareness of entrepreneurial initiatives, and working with entrepreneurs to help them connect to necessary expertise and resources.
The position is a multi-year contract that reports to the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) and will serve a three-county region of Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, utilizing work spaces in partner organizations in Salem and McMinnville.
The position will work primarily with entrepreneurs and startups in traded sector industries with products or services that are scalable (having high growth potential) and have the potential to be sold in national or international markets. Initially these sectors include high tech and advanced manufacturing, ag tech, software services and scalable consumer products.
Coaching and Mentoring: Meeting directly with entrepreneurs to assess their needs and connect them to relevant resources. Prep entrepreneurs for key meetings and follow-up with them. Continue to coach and mentor as appropriate.
Network Development: Helping to create a thriving entrepreneurial network through events, meetups, and other efforts that bring entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and advisors together.
Entrepreneurship Showcase and Recognition: Developing or supporting high profile events or promotional activities that showcase entrepreneurs across the region.
Educational Programming: Promoting educational programming and workshops that increase entrepreneurial know-how.
Access to Capital: Understanding the capital resources within and outside of the region and working with local and state partners to help startups become investor-ready.
Ecosystem Building: Being an active participant with regional entrepreneurial partnerships, and helping to develop a shared regional entrepreneurial strategy and funding plan.
Tracking and Measurement: Maintaining an active database of startups and entrepreneurial resources, as well as tracking metrics that measure performance in terms of the number of entrepreneurs served, capacity of entrepreneurial assets, and the resulting revenue, job and investment impact.
Fundraising: Assisting OEN and the Steering Committee in identifying and pursuing funders and program sponsors.
Diversity: Embraces diversity and actively collaborate effectively with a variety of individuals, small business owners and public from a variety of cultural, social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
The Venture Catalyst is expected to help maintain the relationship with partners that fund their position. As such, outreach efforts with key partners will be necessary as well as management of the regional budget.
Strong business acumen, including creating and executing business plans as well as identifying and prioritizing potential issues. Must have an inquisitive nature and drive to learn about innovative businesses and help them succeed.
Experience with the entrepreneurial community either as an entrepreneur of a scalable company or as an investor, and preferably both.
Extensive regional and statewide connections with entrepreneurial resources, investors, and business organizations.
Effective communicator with strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Leadership and visioning skills that can develop results-oriented strategies and measurable work plans.
Program management skills and good follow-up.
The ability to be agile; quickly identify opportunities and deal with multiple and shifting priorities.
The ability and comfort level to raise funds.
Annual contract for this position is approximately $80,000 – $85,000 and assumes full-time commitment.
Please email your resume and a cover letter to [email protected].
Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) drives economic growth statewide by leveraging the power of community to educate, support, and inspire one another to success. We envision a future where Oregon is recognized as the best place in the country for anyone to start and scale a business. Our primary focus is educating entrepreneurs and connecting them to the people, programs and capital they need to succeed. Why? Because a thriving network of entrepreneurs makes Oregon stronger.
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0.999493 |
Where can you find numbers in the 928 area code?
Phone numbers in the 928 area code can be found in 71 cities or locations.
Those phone numbers can be found in the following cities or locations: Alpine, Bagdad, Bullhead City, Camp Verde, Chinle, Chino Valley, Cibola, Clifton, Cornville, Cottonwood, Dateland, Dewey, Dolan Springs, Duncan, Flagstaff, Fort Mohave, Fredonia, Ganado, Gila Bend, Glendale, Globe, Golden Valley, Grand Canyon, Greer, Happy Jack, Heber, Holbrook, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Marble Canyon, Mayer, Meadview, Mesa, Miami, Mohave Valley, Page, Parker, Payson, Peach Springs, Peridot, Phoenix, Pima, Pine, Pinetop, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Rimrock, Roosevelt, Safford, Salome, Scottsdale, Sedona, Show Low, Snowflake, Somerton, Springerville, St Johns, Superior, Teec Nos Pos, Temple Bar Marina, Thatcher, Tonalea, Tonopah, Topock, Tucson, Wellton, Wickenburg, Williams, Winslow, Yuma.
The carriers providing phone numbers in this area code are: AT&T Local, Accipiter Communications Inc, American Messaging Services, Arizona Telephone Co., Aztech Communications, Inc, Bandwidth.com Clec, Broadvox-clec, Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless, Citizens Telecom Co Of Wht Mtns Inc., Citizens Utilities Rural DBA Frontier Ut Rura, Commnet Wireless, Copper Valley Telephone, Cox Arizona Telcom, Electric Lightwave DBA Integra Telecom, Flat West Wireless, Fort Mojave Telecom, Frontier Communications Of The Southwest Inc, Hopi Telecommunications Incorporated, Level 3 Communications, Mercury Voice And Data LLC DBA Suddenlink Com, Midvale Telephone Exchange, Navajo Comm Co Inc - Az DBA Frontier Navajo C, New Cingular Wireless PCS, North County Communications Corp., Onvoy, Pac - West Telecomm, Peerless Network Of Arizona, Qwest Corporation, Rio Virgin Telephone Co., San Carlos Apache Telecommunications Utility, Smith Bagley Inc. DBA Cellular One Of Ne Ariz, South Central Utah Telephone Association, Southwestern Telephone Co., Sprint Communications Company, L.p., Sprint Spectrum L.p., T-mobile Usa, Table Top Telephone Co., Teleport Communications America, Time Warner Cable Info Svcs (arizona), Tw Telecom Of Arizona LLC, Valley Connections, Valley Telephone Cooperative.
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0.983875 |
The term "foreign" refers to a US company that is created any where outside a given state, and which whishes to do business is this state. For example, a company that is formed in the state of Delaware in the US would be viewed as a "foreign" company in other states such as the state of Nevada. Similarly, a company formed in the United Kingdom would be "foreign" if whishes to register to do business in the state of Nevada or other state.
Companies that do business in several states within the US have to "foreign qualify" and must register for a Certificate of Authority in that state and pay the applicable state filing fees.
A foreign corporation is an existing corporation that is registered to do business in a jurisdiction (such as a U.S. State, or a country) other than the one where it was originally incorporated. This article uses the word state to refer to separate jurisdictions, as the typical example of a foreign corporation is one that is incorporated in one state of the United States, then is authorized to do business in additional state(s); however, a corporation could be incorporated in one country and authorized to do business in one or more additional countries, depending on whether corporations are registered at the federal level of a country, or at the sub-federal level, such as at the State or Province level of a country. For the purposes of this article, therefore, the term 'state' may also represent 'country' with respect to different jurisdictions.
The use of foreign corporation registration allows a corporation to operate in multiple jurisdictions as the same organization in all of them. The only alternative would be to register a separate corporation in each jurisdiction, and separate every operation according to the particular jurisdiction to which the operations are taking place. This would mean, for example, a corporation operating in 5 U.S. states would have to have separate domestic corporations in each of the five states, as opposed to having a single corporation registered in one state, and being registered as a foreign corporation in the other four.
create one primary corporation (or parent corporation that owns the stock of all the other corporations, and each of the other corporations is registered as a domestic corporation in each state it operates. The parent corporation (or parent company) is usually referred to as a holding company, while the separate corporations are referred to as subsidiaries. If the parent corporation owns all of their stock, they would be referred to as wholly owned subsidiaries of the parent company.
Operating a corporation as a holding company and separate corporations in each state, or operating as a single corporation with registrations as foreign corporations in all the other states than its home state, is a matter of choice for the corporation's directors and officers depending on how it operates, damage liability and tax consequences. A corporation may find it more advantageous operating as separate companies in each state or jurisdiction, or it may find that operating as a single organization may make more sense.
One reason for operating as a single corporation having foreign corporation status in other states is because of corporate governance rules which dictate that the rules of the state where the corporation is a domestic corporation apply for certain provisions such as voting rights, officer and director protection, and liability for misconduct.
One reason for operating as a holding company with separate domestic corporations is because of potential liability issues such as in operating facilities which have high potential liabilities in the event of accident or failure. Thus only the assets of the particular corporation in the particular state are at risk in the event of a lawsuit, as opposed to the assets of the entire corporate entity. In some cases, because of ownership rules, the laws of a jurisdiction may require separate businesses to be operated by subsidiaries in order to protect the business of the subsidiary from the operations of the parent. This is most prevalent in the case of subsidiaries which are banks or public utilities such as electric power companies.
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0.998912 |
Atomic reactions and molecular reactions are similar in that they result in a perceivable change in the appearance and state of the matter in question. Both may also result in the release and/or transfer of energy, sometimes in dramatic ways.
Nuclear physics defines an atomic or nuclear reaction as a process during which nuclei or nuclear particles collide with each other. This collision results in products that are sometimes radically different from the particles of the initial matter. While atomic reactions can and sometimes do result from the colliding of three particles, this is far less likely to occur than atomic reactions involving two nuclei, given the reduced probability of three or more nuclei to collide with each other at the same time.
Some types of atomic reactions may be spontaneous, as in the case of radioactive decay, or they may result from initiation by a particle. This is what happens in most nuclear reactions. In some cases, the particles may collide and go on their separate ways without change. This process is not referred to as an atomic reaction, but an elastic collision.
Molecular reactions can occur with virtually any type or combination of substances, and they may occur with or without an external force. As with an atomic reaction, a molecular reaction may occur spontaneously, or it may be triggered by an external force.
Atomic reactions come in many different forms, with some being almost commonplace. Among the most familiar types of atomic reactions are fusion reactions, in which two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. This reaction often results in the discarding of additional particles such as protons or neutrons in order to conserve momentum. Fission reactions are also commonplace in science and industry, and they are characterized by a very heavy nucleus splitting into two or three pieces spontaneously, or due to absorption of additional light particles such as neutrons. Finally, spallation occurs when a nucleus comes in contact with a particle with sufficient energy and momentum to fragment it, or cause several smaller fragments to detach.
Molecular reactions may occur from everyday household substances, such as commercial cleaning products. Many of these contain strong chemicals that may interact with other substances–not necessarily chemicals–in unpredictable and sometimes dangerous ways.
During an atomic reaction, kinetic energy is often applied in order for the reaction to take place. In most nuclear reactions, the total energy is conserved, with the "missing" rest mass therefore having to reappear as kinetic energy released as a result of the reaction. The source is most often the nuclear binding energy, and its amount can be determined by Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula, the notorious E = mc².
Molecular reactions can occur with or without the presence of extraneous substances. That being said, they commonly occur in controlled laboratory settings.
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0.999978 |
You are being deported. Let's go!
You shouldn't have tried to leave Estonia.
In 1949 21,000 Estonians were deported to remote parts of the Soviet Union. They were forced to go without trial and only half of the people deported returned to Estonia.
Estonia was behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. People weren't allowed to leave Estonia and escape was illegal. Pop culture and music were able to get through the Iron Curtain and Estonia was sometimes called the "Soviet West".
Under Russia's rule Estonians had to serve in Russia's army and participate in their military campaigns. The Soviet power caused state-wide terror and there were massive human rights violations.
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0.989516 |
We’ve gone through tips for interviews and candidates but how about tips and strategies for recruiters?
1. Use the Internet and social media to find the right candidates.
Yes, it sounds obvious but with society today, all recruiters and recruiting companies definitely should take advantage of the endless opportunities with the Internet and social media. Use your website, use LinkedIn, Facebook, utilize their groups and remember to use search engines. You can use LinkedIn and Facebook to search for and connect with people whose skills, education, and interests match your open positions.
TIP: Use advanced Google search strings such as “site:linkedin.com CPA San Jose, CA” and that will pull up all the profiles on LinkedIn that match your criteria- in this case all CPAs in San Jose, California. This trick can reveal hidden candidates on any social networks.
2. Schedule time with the candidate.
There is so much information you could give the candidate but you should never give it all off the bat in case your candidate is busy. Remember to ask if it’s a good time to talk and find a time that works best with the candidate to have a conversation. Make sure to mention approximately how long the conversation can be so the candidate can prepare to return to your message or call you back accordingly.
3. Don’t jump off the phone or give false hope.
If you realize that the candidate may not be right for the job, you should still engage in the conversation or else you will seem unprofessional. The same can go with the opposite- don’t give false hope for landing the job.
4. Chase down the unrecruitable.
Think about it, some people look for change in their every day life and if you have a good opportunity, those candidates at the top may want to grasp it. They have so much experience and they’ll only gain more experience at another job.
5. Find the best people first and train them after.
If your candidate has the right attitude and proves to have the ability to gain the skills needed then its okay if he has little experience in he field you’re looking for. As long as your gut feeling says that he fits the position and has the right performance. Everyone has to start from somewhere.
6. Don’t judge solely on a resume.
There will be a time where you have a candidate with an amazing resume but there’s a negative association with him in your head. Sometimes you know why, sometimes you don’t, but if there were complications in the past, the chances are that there will be complications again. The same applies vice versa, someone with the best potential might have an ordinary or less than average resume.
Mention any benefits the company offers. You’ll never know how much the information could be of use to your candidate. Maybe your candidate would rather take a bus and the company offers free shuttle/bus services.
If you’ve had a good experience with a candidate, ask if they have a friend that would fit another job position you have open. When someone refers a person, they usually feel a bit of responsibility and wouldn’t refer someone that they feel like wouldn’t fit the position or else they would look bad as well.
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David Hockney, OM, CH, RA (born 9 July 1937) is an English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer and photographer. An important contributor to the pop art movement of the 1960s, he is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th century.
Hockney has a home and studio in Kensington, London and two residences in California, where he has lived on and off for over 30 years: one in Nichols Canyon, Los Angeles, and an office and archives on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, California.
Hockney was born in Bradford, England, to Laura and Kenneth Hockney (a conscientious objector in the Second World War), the fourth of five children. He was educated at Wellington Primary School, Bradford Grammar School, Bradford College of Art (where his teachers included Frank Lisle and his fellow students included Norman Stevens, David Oxtoby and John Loker) and the Royal College of Art in London, where he met R. B. Kitaj. While there, Hockney said he felt at home and took pride in his work. At the Royal College of Art, Hockney featured in the exhibition Young Contemporaries—alongside Peter Blake—that announced the arrival of British Pop art. He was associated with the movement, but his early works display expressionist elements, similar to some works by Francis Bacon. When the RCA said it would not let him graduate in 1962, Hockney drew the sketch The Diploma in protest. He had refused to write an essay required for the final examination, saying he should be assessed solely on his artworks. Recognising his talent and growing reputation, the RCA changed its regulations and awarded the diploma. After leaving the RCA, he taught at Maidstone College of Art for a short time.
A visit to California, where he subsequently lived for many years, inspired him to make a series of paintings of swimming pools in the comparatively new acrylic medium rendered in a highly realistic style using vibrant colours. The artist moved to Los Angeles in 1964, returned to London in 1968, and from 1973 to 1975 lived in Paris. In 1974 he began a decade-long personal relationship with Gregory Evans who moved with him to the US in 1976 and as of 2017 remains a business partner. In 1978 he rented the canyon house in which he lived when he moved to Los Angeles, and later bought and expanded it to include his studio. He also owned a 1,643-square-foot beach house at 21039 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, which he sold in 1999 for around $1.5 million.
Hockney is openly gay, and unlike Andy Warhol, whom he befriended, he openly explored the nature of gay love in his portraiture. Sometimes, as in We Two Boys Together Clinging (1961), named after a poem by Walt Whitman, the works refer to his love for men. Already in 1963, he painted two men together in the painting Domestic Scene, Los Angeles, one showering while the other washes his back. In summer 1966, while teaching at UCLA he met Peter Schlesinger, an art student who posed for paintings and drawings, and with whom he was romantically involved.
On the morning of 18 March 2013, Hockney's 23-year-old assistant, Dominic Elliott, died as a result of drinking drain cleaner at Hockney's Bridlington studio; he had also earlier drunk alcohol and taken cocaine, ecstasy and temazepam. Elliott was a first- and second-team player for Bridlington rugby club. It was reported that Hockney's partner drove Elliott to Scarborough General Hospital where he later died. The inquest returned a verdict of death by misadventure and Hockney was never implicated.
In November 2015 Hockney sold his house in Bridlington, a five-bedroomed former guesthouse, for £625,000, cutting all his remaining ties with the town. He retains a studio in London and a house in Malibu, California. Hockney has smoked cigarettes for over 60 years but has been teetotal since 1990 when he had a heart-attack. He holds a California Medical Marijuana Verification Card, which enables him to buy cannabis for medical purposes. He has used hearing aids since 1979, but realised he was going deaf long before that. He swims for half an hour each day and can stand for six hours at the easel.
Hockney made prints, portraits of friends, and stage designs for the Royal Court Theatre, Glyndebourne, La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Born with synaesthesia, he sees synesthetic colours in response to musical stimuli. This does not show up in his painting or photography artwork, but is a common underlying principle in his designs for stage sets for ballet and opera—where he bases background colours and lighting on the colours he sees while listening to the piece's music.
Hockney painted portraits at different periods in his career. From 1968, and for the next few years he painted friends, lovers, and relatives just under lifesize and in pictures that depicted good likenesses of his subjects. Hockney's own presence is often implied, since the lines of perspective converge to suggest the artist's point of view. Hockney has repeatedly returned to the same subjects – his parents, artist Mo McDermott (Mo McDermott, 1976), various writers he has known, fashion designers Celia Birtwell and Ossie Clark (Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, 1970–71), curator Henry Geldzahler, art dealer Nicholas Wilder, George Lawson and his ballet dancer lover, Wayne Sleep.
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Sarah Ward [née Achurch], actress and theatre manager, was born in 1726 or early 1727, the daughter of the York-based actor Thomas Achurch (1707?–1771). The identity of her mother is unknown.
Sarah Achurch began her theatrical career in the mid-1740s at York. About 1744 she married her fellow actor and a minor playwright Henry Ward (d. 1758). Around 1745 she and her husband transferred to Thomas Este's Taylor's Hall company in Edinburgh. Following internal disputes the company split into two groups, one led by Sarah Ward.
Ward made her London début at Covent Garden on 3 October 1748, as Cordelia to James Quin's Lear. Ward's career continued to combine regular contracts at Drury Lane with provincial appearances, including the summer season of 1750 with Linnett's company at Bath and Bristol. In 1752 she returned to Edinburgh with John Lee, who, having finally escaped his contract with Garrick, had quit London to assume management in Edinburgh. Among Lee's company were James Love, Stampier, Digges, and Ward, and it was around this time that the latter two began their affair. In September 1752 Ward joined Thomas Sheridan's Smock Alley company, and made her Dublin début on 24 November 1752, as Monimia in Thomas Otway's The Orphan. She was a favourite with Dublin audiences and spent three years there. 1755 saw her return to Edinburgh, where she appeared as Mrs Sullen in George Farquhar's The Beaux' Stratagem on 25 November.
In a complicated financial dispute, Lee lost control of the Edinburgh theatre. While James Callender was briefly appointed business manager, ‘artistic policy’ was controlled by Digges, who rejoined the Edinburgh company in September 1756. It was during this season, on 14 December, that Ward appeared as Lady Barnet to Digges's Norval in the première of John Home's Douglas. It was to prove one of her most popular and celebrated roles.
Ward remained in Edinburgh until May 1758, when she left to appear in Newcastle and Liverpool. She travelled on to Dublin, where she and Digges played the 1758–9 season at Smock Alley. During the summer of 1759 her relationship with Digges finally ended. Ward returned to Covent Garden and remained there for the next twelve seasons.
It is uncertain just how many children Ward had: certainly at least three with Henry Ward, of whom at least two became actors. Ward had at least six more children with Digges, although how many survived to maturity is not known.
Ward died on 9 March 1771 at the age of forty-four. In her career she had displayed great tenacity, managing a company at a time when women managers were almost unheard of and then becoming the partner of West Digges in a personal as well as a professional sense. Her independent career shows that she was not overshadowed by Digges, although her strength of character was clearly of a kind that made her a difficult member of companies led by the likes of Garrick and Barry. While she has not been especially celebrated by later eras, Ward was clearly one of the more remarkable performers of her day.
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The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that regulates all aspects of the oceans, preserving the seas as "commons" for all humanity and bringing a stable order to 70% of the world's surface.
The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides, for the first time, a universal legal framework for the rational management of marine resources and their conservation for future generations. Rarely has such radical change been achieved peacefully, by consensus of the world community. It has thus been hailed as the most important international achievement since the approval of the United Nations Charter in 1945.
The treaty defines the territory of countries 200 miles from the coastline as the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and includes provisions concerning: navigational rights, territorial sea limits, economic jurisdiction, protection of the marine environment, a marine research institution, and a binding procedure for settlement of disputes between states. Also included is an important international dispute resolution tool to manage conflicts on the high seas peacefully.
Global climate change and increasing competition for natural resources in and under the seas are increasing the potential for both violent conflict over and permanent damage to the oceans. The oceans serve as a vital source of food and fuel, means of trade and commerce, and regulator of global climates. In order to preserve and restore the oceans, safeguard international trade, and peacefully manage conflicts that may arise, a comprehensive framework for governing humanity's use of the seas is vitally important.
Why should the U.S. ratify the Law of the Sea?
As the Arctic becomes more navigable, the increasing competition for natural resources in and under the seas is a growing potential for both violent conflict over and permanent damage to the oceans. The oceans serve as a vital source of food and fuel, means of trade and commerce, and regulator of global climates.
Disputes about the use of these maritime goods, for example in the South China Sea, will be negotiated within the comprehensive framework of the Law of the Sea, as the main players involved in these disputes ratified the treaty decades ago. U.S. engagement cannot wait until an attack is launched and conflict breaks out in the South China Sea. The United States has commitments to peacefully manage conflicts, preserve and restore the oceans and safeguard international trade. Ratification of the Law of the Sea is necessary now.
Although most of what is included in the Convention is covered by existing customary international law, it is important for the law to be enshrined in treaty form. Customary international law may be changed by the practice of states over time and does not offer the stability that comes with a treaty.
The Navy is a strong proponent for the ratification of the law of the Sea. Six former secretaries of state and 8 former Chief of Naval Operations have expressed support for U.S. ratification of the treaty.
What is the U.S. history of the treaty?
The Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) was opened for signature at the United Nations in 1982 and entered into force on November 16, 1994, one year after it received its 60th ratification accession. To date, 162 countries have signed and ratified the treaty while 21 nations, including the United States, Libya and North Korea, have signed but not ratified it.
Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama have supported the convention and the U.S. abides by all of its provisions, with the exception of deep-sea mining provisions.
Although the Reagan Administration did not sign or ratify the Convention due to Provision XI, all subsequent U.S. Administrations have been in voluntary compliance with the convention - both Republican and Democrat. Successive U.S. administrations have concluded that a comprehensive legal framework governing the use of the world's oceans would help stabilize the geopolitical environment and benefit national as well as global security.
The first conference of the United Nations Council on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) convenes.
The second U.N. Council on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS II) convenes.
The third and final conference concludes. UNCLOS III produces a number of treaty agreements and culminates in the adoption of a comprehensive treaty.
Ronald Reagan directed U.S. agencies to comply with all of the provisions in UNCLOS except for Provision XI, which concerns deep-sea mining and was considered contrary to U.S. interests.
The Clinton Administration actively participated in consultations on outstanding issues hindering universal accession to the treaty of UNCLOS. These consultations led to an agreement which satisfied the concerns of U.S. negotiator.
The United States signed the treaty on October 6, 1994.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reaffirmed U.S. interest in ratifying UNCLOS.
Senate leadership attempted to bring the treaty to a vote, but 34 senators spoke against ratification, making the needed 2/3 majority vote impossible.
The U.S. signed the treaty on October 6, 1994. However, U.S. ratification of the treaty, which requires a two-thirds Senate vote, then stalled.
On February 25, 2004, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved U.S. ratification of the U.N. Law of the Sea Convention by a unanimous vote of 15-0. However, a ratification vote by the full Senate was blocked by a few ardent opponents. In 2007 the Foreign Relations Committee again voted favorably (17-4) sending the treaty forward for a full Senate vote again. Although President Bush urged the Senate to ratify UNCLOS, a vote was not scheduled. In July 2012, 34 senators went on record opposing ratification, making a 2/3 vote for ratification impossible.
What is the Quaker Connection?
FCNL and Quakers have a long history of advocacy for the Law of the Sea Treaty. Sam and Miriam Levering, Friends from North Carolina, labored for more than a decade to help develop and advance negotiations for the Law of the Sea. During the 1970s, Sam and Miriam worked out of FCNL's office as they diligently and patiently advocated to keep the oceans part of "the common heritage of mankind" and negotiated with governments on the treaty's final language.
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How can one build a presentation with an exciting and memorable effect? Presentation and Selling Skills training is an interactive workshop that trains you to become a more convincing and confident communicator in front of any audience.
During the training, you will discover the tools and techniques for structuring your communication to deliver a clear and interesting message and to sell your idea. You will enhance your skills in engaging with the audience: you will learn how to apply influential language to convince your audience, and how to build greater rapport through body language.
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The City of Ithaca has been working on increasing opportunities for bicyclists since as early as 1978, when it installed a signed bike route between the Commons and Stewart Park. In 1993, the first Ithaca Bicycle Plan was completed. This plan was updated and improved in 1997; since then, things began to pick up as the city started installing "Shared Roadway" signs.
In recent years, the city has made substantial progress in improving conditions for bicycle users, reinforcing its commitment to promote alternative means of transportation. In 2007, the city installed its first bike lanes (a short segment on Thurston Avenue); since then, another 3 miles of bike lanes have been created, and 2.5 miles of experimental Shared Lane Markings (popularly called 'Sharrows') were installed along Cayuga Street. Off the streets, the city has installed over 200 hundred new bicycle parking spaces since 2007, and a new Bike Parking Ordinance was adopted in 2010 that sets high standards for bicycle parking at businesses, apartments, schools, offices, etc. In addition, bicycles have been added to the city fleet, since 2005. Most recently, the city is exploring the feasibility of creating a Bicycle Boulevard network; a system of traffic-calmed streets where bicycle traffic is prioritized over motor vehicle traffic.
Ithaca is also strongly dedicated to supporting and promoting pedestrian transportation. Walking, instead of using a vehicle, greatly reduces carbon emissions and air pollution, while simultaneously promoting improved physical health. In addition to these benefits, increased numbers of pedestrians have been shown to improve the downtown economy in various places by increasing "foot traffic" past local shops.
The City of Ithaca has the highest pedestrian commuter percentages in the State of New York, with over 40% of commuters being pedestrians. Numerous pedestrian improvement projects are currently underway, including a sidewalk repair program, new sidewalk construction, intersection safety improvements, traffic signal upgrades, and snow clearing requirements for sidewalks, to name a few.
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative is a partnership between the City of Ithaca and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. The trail aims to provide an active transportation and recreation trail connecting Ithaca's most popular waterfront locations, as well as providing an alternative route through the West End and the Route 13 area. When completed, the trail will span about 6 miles in length. The trail is scheduled to be done in 3 phases, with the 1st and 2nd phases already completed.
The 1st phase was a 2-mile loop created in Cass Park in 2003. The 2nd phase (completed in 2010) connected Stewart Park - including the Ithaca Youth Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce - to the Farmers Market. The final phase, which would span from Inlet Island to the Farmers Market, is anticipated to be completed within the next 2 years. This trail promotes non-motorized forms of transportation and recreation, as well as a healthy active lifestyle in the Ithaca community!
In 2010, the City of Ithaca adopted a Green Fleet Policy, which encourages transportation efficiency, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. These goals are to be met through various strategies, such as the promotion of alternative means of transportation, reduction of vehicle miles traveled, improved fleet maintenance, purchase of high efficiency vehicles and alternative fuels, and educational programs for employees. The recently formed Green Fleet Committee is charged with assuring departments are taking all possible measures to successfully implement the policy.
In compliance with the Green Fleet Policy, the city has purchased and operates 5 hybrid vehicles, an electric maintenance vehicle for the Commons, as well as numerous departmentally owned bicycles.
In August 2010, the city of Ithaca began purchasing B5 biodiesel to use on its diesel fueled vehicles and equipment. In Summer 2011, the city purchased 17,000 gallons of biodiesel, which is estimated to reduce the city's carbon emissions by approximately 1.7 metric ton per year. It is still not certain whether the city will continue to purchase biodiesel in years to come; currently, the largest constraint is the cost. The city will need to decide if it continues to use biofuel in the future or focus its resources on other emissions reduction programs.
In addition to these initiatives, the city also provides free bus passes to city employees in order to encourage and promote public transportation, and a culture of energy-efficient commuting.
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Though The Shape of Water is not traditionally furry (by either the "covered in fur" or the fandom definition), rarely does a movie about the romantic relationship between a human and a humanoid fish monster score 13 Oscar nominations. Writer and director Guillermo del Toro's science fiction fable, inspired by a famous scene in the classic Universal horror picture Creature from the Black Lagoon, is the odds-on favorite to win the Best Picture prize, which will make it the closest thing to a furry movie to claim that prize if it does.
In addition to its Best Picture nomination, it also gained nominations for del Toro in Best Directing and Best Writing (Original Screenplay) (along with screenwriting partner Vanessa Taylor). Del Toro had been previously nominated in the Best Original Screenplay category for Pan's Labyrinth (which was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, which is often credited as a second nomination for del Toro, though technically the nominee there was the country of Mexico due to the odd rules of the category). If del Toro wins for Directing, he will be third of a trio of Mexican directors nicknamed "The Three Amigos" to win the award this decade, after Alfonso Cuarón (winner for 2013 with Gravity) and Alejandro G. Iñárritu (winner for 2014 for Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and 2015 for The Revenant).
Update: March 4, 2018: The Shape of Water has won Best Picture (Guillermo double-checked the envelope), making it the first science fiction movie to win the prize, with additional wins in the categories of Directing, Production Design and Original Score, giving it four total Oscars from its 13 nominations.
Since 2011, the Best Animated Feature category at the Oscars has featured five nominees. This year, that streak could be in jeopardy, as 16 movies have been submitted for consideration by the Academy. 16 is the absolute minimum number of movies that can qualify for the award in a year and still have a full slate of five nominees; if any of the submissions are disqualified, 2015 will only feature four nominees for the first time ever.
However, none of movies are live action/animation hybrids (the type of submission most likely to be disqualified, such as The Smurfs 2 back in 2013), or use controversial, but historically qualified, techniques such as motion capture. The only way one of the submissions might drop out is if they fail to make a qualifying run of a week long screening at a theater in Los Angeles County, California. All feature length movies in all categories are required to have a this qualifying run to be considered for the Oscars.
Hey, it’s the two year anniversary edition of Furry Movie Award Watch!
However, I don’t feel much like celebrating; this wasn’t exactly a banner year for the column. Let’s see; I was late November, February, April and May. [This time, it was the editor's fault.] Oh, and there was the part where I only got one out of three awards I was supposed to guess right. And the movie that beat me was terrible; not even a fun terrible, like Avatar or Prometheus, but a boring terrible. I can’t even find myself really mad at the choice; I mean, it was a nice, safe pick, after all. Nothing interesting at all going on here.
So, anyway, no funny pictures of animals with party hats this year.
I love you, Annies. Never change.
Well, now Generic Rebellious Princess Syndrome: The Movie has beaten me twice. Hey, at least it wasn’t the worst possible nominee this time. Way to represent, Rise of the Guardians! I guess Brave does have its positive qualities; it had really nice hair and … uh … yeah … well, it had really nice hair!
Anyway, read on for my tentative stabs at this year’s Ursa Major nominees, and another trip into an alternate dimension which always had an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Folks, it’s a slow month, so I put together a list of animated movies to be nominated for an Academy Award by cross referencing Jerry Beck’s animated feature list and the Oscar’s site.
First off, not all of these movies feature anthropomorphism or animals, much less anthropomorphic animals, but a vast majority do. Secondly, my definition of what constitutes an animated feature is stricter than Beck’s, so some movies that appear on his list and did gain nominations do not appear on mine. Thirdly, this is going to be a dry and boring read, but I promise it is full of facts. [And links!] I’ll be witty and insightful next month.
Update 3/9/2015: Now updated through 2014.
Well, I must say, I am enraged at the Oscars.
Host Seth MacFarlane promised at one point that the cast of Prometheus, my pick for worst movie of last year, would be up to explain “what the hell was going on there”. I watched the entire telecast, and was disappointed to find out that MacFarlane may have in fact have been joking. I was hoping they would just break down after attempting to explain it and start apologizing. No such luck.
I guess some other stuff happened too. Should probably write about that.
You know how you don’t judge a book by its cover? Well, in the same vein, you don’t judge a movie by its trailer. So, anyway, Rise of the Guardians went from winner to not even showing up on my Oscar guess list, while Wreck-it-Ralph pulled the opposite trick. On one hand, this is a disappointing year; on the other, it’s a fun year to predict, because nothing is certain.
Note: Obviously, this is a bit late and out of date, but I was unable to post this last month due to computer issues, and the opinion part of it is still mostly valid, so I’m submitting it late. If you’re reading this, the editors decided to let it in; if you’re not, well, uh, you’re not.
It has begun. Oscar season is here; yes, it really starts this early. So, let's set the Ursa Majors on the backburner and take a look at 2012’s Best Animated Feature Oscar hopefuls.
On one hand, it’s going to be a full slate all but guaranteed. On the other hand, it’s such a weak year I am saying it’s a weak year. And, on the gripping hand, don’t expect three movies titled after talking animals in the final ballot this year. Maybe one, though.
Go crossie! It’s your birthday! We’re gonna party like it’s your birthday!
Okay, that’s enough of that, then. On to the column.
This month, nothing new is going on in the circuit, so I have devised a thought experiment to try and guess what movies might have been nominated and won Best Animated Feature if it had always existed as an Oscar category.
Alright, my first time at bat as an Ursa Major movie pundit worked out, as Kung Fu Panda 2's win put me at three for three predicting the movie awards I set out to predict. Read on for my reaction to the awards and my first guess at next year’s nominees and winner.
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I can answer the question.
What is one of the best jobs in America?
Actually the "best" jobs in America are what you would expect: Medical and tech jobs.
According to Glassdoor, here is the whole list of Best jobs in America.
Many have to do with money and prestige.
And the No. 1 job, according to Glassdoor, is physician's assistant.
There are an estimated 45,484 openings in the U.S., and the average base salary is $111,376.
Holy crap! $111,000 a year?
Maybe I made a small error in professions. Well, probably not.
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Target-date funds are super simple, but is that all you need to know?
Target-date funds, an all-in-one investment, are pretty good. They’re also not as good as they could be, say some experts.
The simplicity is attractive to many, but higher fees and lower returns should be considered when deciding where to invest your retirement savings.
You're saving for retirement, and the first thing you see is a list of fund names.
Some people freeze and put off choosing. Others look for a simple approach.
If you are in a workplace retirement plan, you may be automatically placed into an investment known as a target-date fund. You can usually recognize these because the fund names all end in a year that's supposed to correspond with your retirement age.
"Target-date funds tend to be very attractive to investors who don't want to consistently manage their investments," said J. Kevin Stophel, a certified financial planner at the advisory firm Kumquat. "But consumers [generally] do too little homework when selecting a particular fund."
Instead of picking a bunch of funds and trying to balance between stocks, bonds, international and domestic, a target-date fund is more like one-stop shopping.
You invest in it fully, without having to think about your asset allocation. They're attractive to investors who don't want to have to pay too much attention to managing their investments.
These funds are created to automatically rebalance to an investment allocation that grows more conservative as one gets closer to retirement or the target date, Stophel says.
The asset allocation generally starts out more aggressive, since the investor has several decades until retirement and can ride out some bumps in the market. The nearer to retirement, the more conservative the mix of investments.
Even though target-date funds are advertised as a hands-off investment for people who don't want to fuss, it's still important to research the investment company and the expense ratios. You'll want to know how much you are paying for convenience. Another thing to look at: How the target-date fund is rebalanced through the years.
As an all-in-one investment, these funds are pretty good, says Nick Holeman, a CFP with Betterment for Business, the robo-advisor. "They're also not as good as they could be," Holeman said.
Holeman dislikes several aspects of target-date funds. There's too much time between fund dates to give a truly customized experience. A 26-year-old might be in a fund set for a 2055, but what if this employee hopes to retire several years earlier or later? They're also biased toward their own funds. If you're in a Fidelity target-date, you're investing only in Fidelity funds.
"They handle the investments, but retirement planning is so much more than just investments," Holeman said. "They won't tell you if you're saving enough or if the risk tolerance is right for you."
"When you're younger, the default of a target-date fund might be all you need to get started," Holeman said.
But more mature investors might be interested in a little more detail, which would allow you to better match your risk tolerance.
These funds assume everyone has the same risk tolerance and life expectancy, says Holeman.
"But the risk tolerance in that fund might not match your own comfort level," Holeman said. "If it seems a little risky for you, you can choose [a different year].
"That shorter time horizon could mean a slightly less aggressive approach," he added.
You might want to do a little homework before accepting a target-date fund based on date alone. "Not every target-date fund is the same," Holeman said. Three funds with the same target date from different companies may look pretty similar, but their risk levels may vary.
Keep in mind that target-date funds can have very different costs. Some funds have sales loads; some don't. "Other fees and expenses can be built into the fund," Stophel said.
To start with, one and sometimes two levels of management fees are embedded in the fund. "Many funds are a combination of other mutual funds packaged together and presented for purchase as a single investment," Stophel said.
If that's the case, each fund within the target-date fund will have a management fee. The manager of the target-date fund will also charge a fee.
Target-date funds may not meet everyone's investment needs. Depending on the glide path and allocation of the fund, you might need an investment that averages 8 percent annually to reach your retirement goal in 10 years.
But "such an investment may only be structured to generate an expected return of 5 percent, which is significantly lower than your target," Stophel said. "You will most likely be sorely disappointed."
Stophel's recommendation is not to let the ease of target-date funds replace common sense about investing. Don't use them without first understanding whether a specific fund has a realistic chance of getting you where you want to go.
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How did the American College of Physicians develop these recommendations?
What does the American College of Physicians recommend that patients and doctors do?
The American College of Physicians developed these recommendations. Members of the College are internists, specialists in the care of adults.
Diabetes mellitus is a common disease that interferes with the body's ability to store energy from food. The pancreas makes a substance called insulin that helps to store energy from food. In type 2 diabetes (also called adult-onset diabetes), the body makes plenty of insulin but is unable to use it normally. The result is high blood sugar levels that, over time, can lead to complications that include blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease (heart attacks and strokes). While good blood sugar control can prevent the development of most of these complications, it does not prevent the development of cardiovascular disease. The control of lipids (cholesterol and other fats in the blood) is very important in preventing the cardiovascular complications of type 2 diabetes.
The authors reviewed studies about lipid-lowering drugs and cardiovascular complications in people with type 2 diabetes. They used these studies to identify the benefits of lipid control in 2 groups of people with diabetes: those who had already developed cardiovascular disease and those who had not. They also collected information about the side effects of lipid-lowering drugs.
The authors found 8 high-quality studies of lipid-lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes and known cardiovascular disease and 6 studies in patients who did not yet have cardiovascular disease. Lipid-lowering drugs decreased the chances of developing future cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, in both groups. Most of the trials had used moderate doses of drugs called statins to lower lipids. The studies did not provide definite answers about the lipid levels at which treatment should start or the levels to aim for with treatment. Generally, they showed that the lower the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol), the better. Severe liver or muscle side effects of the statins were rare.
Men and women with type 2 diabetes should be receiving lipid-lowering treatment regardless of whether they have or do not yet have cardiovascular disease. Since available studies do not provide good information about the best cholesterol levels for people with type 2 diabetes, patients and doctors should consider lipid-lowering drugs regardless of patients' lipid levels. Moderate doses of drugs called statins are the lipid-lowering drugs of choice for patients with type 2 diabetes. Doctors do not need to monitor liver function and muscle enzyme tests for patients taking statins unless patients develop symptoms of liver or muscle disease.
Recommendations may change as new studies become available. Some patients may not be able to tolerate statins because of side effects. For these patients, the risks of statins may outweigh their benefits. Doctors should consider other ways to control lipids in such patients.
Published: Ann Intern Med. 2004;140(8):I-85.
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0.975839 |
(Note: This is more of a collection of random thoughts as I tried to explore how the economy works in D&D 3.5. It is not, by any means, an explanation of how I'd do things in my own game, nor do I get into how historical economics and craftskills worked...there are many, many obvious holes that D&D makes no attempt to cover. I just wanted to see how big those holes were).
Okay...this is more for my own benefit than anyone elses (thus why its here), and I suspect what conclusion I'll come to, but here goes.
Determine how viable the economy is in D&D 3.5, based on the Craft rules and prices for a few select items.
To try and provide a broad range of items, eight items of various types will be chosen as examples. Semi-randomly, those items are: Backpack (2gp), 10 ft of Chain (30 gp), a Water Clock (1000 gp), a Scholar's Outfit (5 gp), a gallon of ale (2 sp), a Galley (30,000gp), Chainmail Armor (150gp) and Masterwork Chainmail Armor (300 gp).
We will assume an average craftsman to be a 5th level Expert with maximum required skill rank of 8, a +1 from the appropriate attribute modifier and a +3 from Skill Focus, for a skill bonus of +12.
According to the PHB, minimum wage for a skilled hireling is 3sp per day.
To secure accurate results, we'll be using the Craft rules by the day (instead of by the week) in all instances.
We also assume a ten-hour workday, where necessary.
Assuming our Craftsman makes a career out of backpacks, he will be able to make approximately 381 backpacks a year (accountin for a 5% chance each Craft roll for failure). The cost to create the Backpacks (materials and wages) would be about 364 gp, 7 sp 7 cp (36,477 cp). Assuming all our backpacks sold, it would bring in 762 gp (76200 cp), for a total yearly profit of 397 gp, 2 sp, 3 cp. Handy.
He will be able to make approximately 150 outfits a year (accounting for a 5% chance each Craft roll for failure). The cost to create the outfits (materials and wages) would be about 36,000 cp (360 gp). Assuming all our outfits sold, it would bring in 750 gp (75000 cp), for a total yearly profit of 390 gp. Huh.
Assuming our Boatwright makes a career out of galleys, he will be able to make approximately 0.03 boats a year. The cost to create the galley (materials and wages) would be about 12,180 cp (121 gp, 8 sp) per year. Assuming our galley sells, it would bring in a yearly average of 96,360 cp (963 gp, 6 sp), for a total yearly profit of 84,180 cp (841 gp, 8sp). Wow.
Assuming our armorsmith makes a career out of masterwork chainmail, he will be able to make approximately 5 suits a year. The cost to create the suits (materials and wages) would be about 684 gp, 5 sp (68450 cp). Assuming all our suits sold, it would bring in 1500 gp (150,000 cp), for a total yearly profit of 815 gp, 5sp. Not bad at all...alright, moving on..
Before getting to the conclusion, let's really try to break things. Let's assume the best craftsman possible, using the best tools. So he's a lvl 20 Expert, with rank 23 in his skill. He has Skill Focus, giving him a +3, Masterwork tools giving him a +2. His appropriate attribute is a 23, giving him a further +6. So his skill comes out to +34. He'll roll an average of 44 on any skill check.
Alright...I'll pick one low and one high-profit item.
As the best clockmaker in the world, he can make about 3.2 clocks a year. The cost to create the clocks would be around 117,615 cp (1176 gp, 1 sp, 5 cp). With a total of 3200 gp coming in if all 3.2 sold, he'd stand to make about 2,023 gp, 8sp 5 cp per year!
But nooooo...our craftsman's father thought ahead! He sent his boy to the smithy's guild to train! And of course, our boy only makes masterwork chain mail! So, with a DC of 15 for the suit, his production value is 660 cp per day and 880 cp for the masterwork part (DC 20). The materials cost is 100 gp flat. It'll take our master armorsmith 22 days, 7 hours to make the mail and an additional 17 days for the masterwork part, for a total of 39 days.
As the best armorsmith in the world, he can make about 9.4 suits a year. The cost to create the suits would be around 115,948 cp (1159 gp, 4 sp, 8 cp). With a total of 2820 gp coming in if all of them sold, he'd stand to make about 1,660 gp 5 sp 2 cp per year!
Arnold of Armorville, making masterwork chainmail: 815 gp, 5sp per year.
Okay...so we've got two basic classes of craftsmen...the Tailors, Clockmakers, Chainwrights and Backpackiers will earn a profit of about 320 to 400 gp per year. The Boatwrights and Armorsmiths will make about twice that. Being at the pinnacle of your field will net you 1500 to 2000 gp a year. Nice.
He actually doesn't do much work, but pays a "skilled craftsman" 3sp a day to work for him. He provides the craftsman with the materials. Before expenses, he brings in about 397 gp 2 sp, 3cp per year. He doesn't eat beyond his means, so a common meal every day (at 3sp a day, that's 109 gp, 5sp a year). He rents a common room, costing him 5 sp a day (182 gp, 5 sp). We'll also assume guild dues, gate taxes, various bridge tolls, etc. cost him about 10% of his income a year (76 g 2 sp). Alright...so he's left over with 29 gp, 3 cp a year. Not shabby...about enough to buy a 10 foot chain from Charley.
On the other hand, let's check out Arnold and his Masterwork Chainmail Shop. He also just provides materials to a craftsman, who is paid 3sp a day. He eats as the same bar as Bob, and rents the room next door. His taxes are about 150 gp. So he rakes in around 373 gp 5 sp a year. Let's really get crazy and assume that's how much he brings in the first year...the second year, he reinvests some of that coin into the business, hiring on 9 new hands. At the end of the second year, he's got a cool 4,108 gp 5sp. That's around 300 mercenary soldiers he can afford to hire to set seige to his hometown and be crowned King Arnold, the Black Sword of Armorville.
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0.999219 |
Republicans are floating multiple options to prevent a partial government shutdown set to begin one week from Saturday.
Sen. Richard Shelby Richard Craig Shelby20 Dems demand no more money for ICE agents, Trump wall Conservatives urge Trump to stick with Moore for Fed Poll: Roy Moore leading Alabama GOP field MORE (R-Ala.), the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said several ideas had been “floated around” ahead of the Dec. 21 deadline.
“There’s a lot of possibilities,” Shelby said.
None have been taken to the White House, he added.
President Trump Donald John TrumpThorny part of obstruction of justice is proving intent, that's a job for Congress Obama condemns attacks in Sri Lanka as 'an attack on humanity' Schiff rips Conway's 'display of alternative facts' on Russian election interference MORE has threatened to force a shutdown if he does not get legislation providing $5 billion in funding for his wall on the Mexican border. Trump said he would accept blame for a shutdown during a heated and public discussion with Democratic congressional leaders this week that was widely seen as undercutting congressional Republicans in their negotiations with Democrats.
Shelby outlined several ideas that would keep the government open for a short time and allow talks on a longer deal to continue.
One idea would be to fund the government through the day after Christmas, which would allow people to go home for the holidays.
“You could move it to the day after Christmas, that way people get to go home. That’s one scenario that’s been floated around,” he said.
Another option, according to Shelby, would be to fund the government through Jan. 3, the last date Republicans will still have control of both the House and Senate.
He also suggested a longer funding bill that would keep the government open through the first two months of the year.
Shelby stressed that none of the potential options had crystallized into concrete plans.
“We’re at an impasse, so something’s going to have to happen or we’re going to have a CR or a shutdown,” Shelby said, referring to a continuing resolution that would keep existing government funding in place.
Prospects of a partial shutdown appeared to increase earlier this week when Trump told Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerHillicon Valley: House Dems subpoena full Mueller report | DOJ pushes back at 'premature' subpoena | Dems reject offer to view report with fewer redactions | Trump camp runs Facebook ads about Mueller report | Uber gets B for self-driving cars Dem legal analyst says media 'overplayed' hand in Mueller coverage Former FBI official praises Barr for 'professional' press conference MORE (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi Nancy Patricia D'Alesandro PelosiSenate Republicans tested on Trump support after Mueller End of Mueller shifts focus to existing probes Democrats renew attacks on Trump attorney general MORE (D-Calif.) he would take the “mantle” on a shutdown and not blame Democrats.
Trump and Republicans want $5 billion for the border while Democrats have signaled $1.3 billion as their cap.
Schumer has doubled down following the meeting, saying that Trump threw a “temper tantrum” and that Republicans need to help walk him back.
Sen. John Cornyn John Cornyn Embattled senators fill coffers ahead of 2020 Trump struggles to reshape Fed Congress opens door to fraught immigration talks MORE (R-Texas), asked if there was a plan to prevent a partial shutdown, threw up his hands to indicate he didn't know, adding, "That's me with my hands up in the air."
"There is no discernible plan. None that's been disclosed," he said. "Everybody is looking to [Trump] about what he wants do. So far, it's not clear."
Asked if any of the options floated by Shelby would be palatable, Cornyn said shutting down the government "does not solve the underlying problem."
"It depends, really, on what the president would be willing to consider. … Maybe something short-term until January," Cornyn said. "But the problem is not going to go away. It's going to be staring us there in the face, so we might as well grapple with it now."
-- Updated at 3:50 p.m.
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0.973802 |
In western astrology a Ptolemaic aspect is one of the five major aspects employed in astrological charts. Specifically, the Ptolematic aspects include the conjunction, sextile, square, trine and opposition.
The Ptolemaic aspects are referred to as such because they are the only five aspects that were recognized in the Tetrabiblos of Claudius Ptolemy, which is one of the oldest surviving and most influential texts on horoscopic astrology in the western astrological tradition.
The Ptolemaic aspects are usually contrasted with what are referred to as the non-Ptolemaic aspects, which are any aspects besides those employed by Ptolemy. This would include the aspects introduced by Johannes Kepler in the 17th century, such as the semi-sextile, semi-square, quintile, biquintile and sesquidrate, as well as any aspects introduced by others in later centuries.
As an alternate convention, sometimes the Ptolemaic aspects are referred to as the “major aspects“, while non-Ptolemaic aspects are referred to as “minor aspects”.
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0.930264 |
What is it about bok choy that I love so much? I'm not quite sure. All I know is that I can't ever seem to get my fill. A couple of years ago when I visited China there were 2 things I made certain to eat each day during my 2 week stay : Xiao Long Baodumplings, or what I call soupy dumplings, and braised bok choy. It soon became a running joke among my traveling companions.
I won't be attempting to make soupy dumplings any time soon. I'll leave that job to those with more skill and experience. Bok choy on the other hand, couldn't be quicker or easier to prepare. It can be made in less than 10 minutes. Look for baby bok choy. It's sweeter and more tender. You just may find yourself wanting to eat it every day!
Heat a wok over high heat until hot.
Add oil and heat until shimmering.
Add garlic and cook 5 seconds.
Add shitake mushrooms and stir fry 30 seconds until softened.
Add bok choy and rice wine.
Mix together with mushrooms and garlic.
Add fish sauce and chicken stock.
Cook until the bok choy is tender, about 1-2 minutes.
If after 2 minutes the bok choy is still crunchy, cover the wok and cook until tender.
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0.998382 |
You’ve likely seen brightly orange-colored marigolds in flower or vegetable gardens many times before, but did you know that certain species of marigold flowers actually have many impressive health benefits as well?
A particular species of marigold flower, Calendula officinalis (commonly just called calendula or “pot marigold”), is used to make healing herbal ointments, teas, tinctures and topical treatments that have been in existence for almost 1,000 years.
Benefits and uses for Calendula officinalis marigolds include treating conditions, such as rashes, allergies, eczema and dermatitis; pain, swelling and redness caused from muscle cramps, muscular injuries or sprains; eye inflammation and itchiness caused by conjunctivitis; and fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, candida, ear infections and ringworm.
Calendula officinalis is in the plant family known as Asteraceae or Compositae. Calendula marigolds are yellow-orange in color and form small florets of petals that are harvested and dried for their numerous medicinal properties. While there are various species of marigold flowers grown around the world, calendula is considered to be the most medicinal. It’s native to Egypt and parts of the Mediterranean but is now grown in every continent, usually blooming during the warmer months of the year (from about May through October in the Northern Hemisphere).
Findings from animal studies show that calendula extract is capable of treating conjunctivitis and other chronic ocular inflammatory conditions.
One well-researched use of marigold/calendula extract is applying it in drop form to the inside of the ear canal to help treat bacterial ear infections and decrease pain. It’s been found that calendula drops can lower inner-ear swelling and inflammation within just a couple short days of use, even without the use of antibiotics in some cases.
Historically, and still today, one of the most popular uses of calendula has been applying it to irritated skin (or to the eyelids and elsewhere) to reduce itchiness, redness, sensitivity, dryness and swelling. It’s been found that calendula has the ability to promote the growth of healthy new tissue, increase blood flow to the affected area, boost collagen production, which firms and strengthens skin, hydrate dry skin, and speed up the process of skin repair following surgery or damage.
Marigold’s ability to help treat wounds is believed to be due to stimulation of epithelial cell production, mostly as a result of the presence of glycoproteins and nucleoproteins. It’s also linked to increased cell turnover and improved collagen metabolism stimulation. In folklore medicine, marigold products were applied to various ulceration (both internal and external) and wounds to prevent infections, and even today calendula is used post-surgery to promote faster incision healing.
Calendula’s antispasmodic actions are beneficial for relieving muscle spasms, “charley horse” pains, stomach cramps and PMS/menstrual cramps. Marigold is able to decrease cramping by improving blood flow to the painful area and lowering inflammatory responses. (10) The florets can be consumed in tea form to help ease digestion internally and improve liver health or applied over the abdomen in ointment/extract form in order to seep into tense muscles through the skin.
Due to their pungent odor, antioxidant content and volatile oils, marigolds can be used to naturally repel mosquitoes, pests and other insects. This is one reason marigold flowers are commonly planted in vegetable gardens and also used in extract form in candles, room or bug sprays, and many skin lotions in order to prevent mosquito bites.
Look for various marigold or calendula products in health food stores and online. Purchasing extract or drops allows you to add a small amount to skin products you already have as well, such as shampoo or moisturizer. For the best results, keep marigold products away from direct light and moisture, and use the products within one to three years of purchasing in order to prevent spoilage.
Some research suggests that for babies with diaper rash, applying a 1.5 percent calendula ointment to sensitive skin for seven to 10 days can help reduce symptoms.
In adults, stronger ointments containing 3 percent to 8 percent concentrated calendula extract can also be used to decrease symptoms like itching and swelling.
Calendula cream might be especially effective at soothing rashes or healing sensitive skin reactions when combined with other anti-inflammatory topical ingredients — such as tea tree, lavender essential oil, coconut oil or aloe vera gel.
You can also try making your own homemade marigold cream (if you don’t have extract) by chopping fresh flowers, drying them and grinding/stirring them into virgin coconut oil. Heat the mixture lightly and allow it to cool to room temperature before applying to the skin.
For treating ear infections, apply a product containing calendula along with mullein, garlic and St. John’s wort for the best results. Drops can be applied to the inside of the ear for three to four days to help curb pain.
You can use calendula oil, extract or drops to make Homemade Bug Spray.
Dried marigold flowers can be used to make tea. Dry the flower petals at a low temperature and then boil water and add a tablespoon of dried flowers to the pot of tea before letting it steep. Drink several cups per day based on your symptom severity.
While it’s much more common to use marigold topically on the skin, concentrated marigold flowers can also be found in certain homeopathic remedies that are taken by mouth. These are used most often for marigold’s anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects.
Because the dose depends on the condition you’re treating and concentration of the product, always read dosage recommendations carefully or speak with a homeopathic practitioner for recommendations.
Records show that calendula marigold flower petals and florets have been used in folklore medicine tinctures, extracts and salves since at least around the 11th or 12th century. Ground marigold petals have a deep color that some compare to saffron — therefore historically it’s also been used as a less expensive coloring agent, addition to soups or digestive tea, and/or as a perfume ingredient in some cases.
Calendula gets its name from the Latin word “calend,” which means every month. According to the Roman calendar, calend signified the start of the new moon cycle, when marigold flowers were said to be in full bloom. Calendula marigolds historically also had religious meaning in Christianity, since their golden color earned them the nickname “Mary’s gold.” For this reason, they were sometimes used in religious ceremonies and to decorate sacred spaces.
Marigolds even have decorative or culinary commercial uses, such as dying food products and adding color to salads (since the petals are edible). Certain types of marigolds have even been added by farmers to chicken or livestock feed in order to make the chickens’ egg yolks a darker yellow or butter a deeper orange. The florets come in brass, copper, orange, yellow and bronze colors and can be dried to make long-lasting flower arrangements that give off a smell for many months, helping purify the air and keep pests away.
Calendula cream is known to be well-tolerated, even for people with sensitive skin. However, you should avoid marigold products if you have a known allergy to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, chamomile, echinacea and other plants in the same family as marigolds. For women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, little is known about the effects of calendula, so it’s best to get your doctor’s advice before taking any internally or using extract on the skin.
Marigold is a medicinal flower that’s dried and concentrated in order to make ointments, teas and drops that are used both internally and externally.
Marigold calendula contains many potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that fight infections, decrease swelling, improve blood flow, reduce muscle spasming, slow down effects of free radical damage/aging and more. These include flavonoids, polysaccharides, linoleic acid, carotenoids and triterpenes.
Look for marigold products in homeopathic sections of natural health stores or online. You can also make homemade marigold extract yourself using dried petals or herbal tea.
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