text:
I am a general practitioner for dogs and cats and have been practicing veterinary medicine since 2010. I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010 and received my Bachelor of Science from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2005. My special interests are dentistry, senior care, and GI disorders.
What I love about veterinary medicine is the challenge of medical cases and forming a bond with both my patients and their owners.
When I’m not practicing as a vet, I’m taking care of two kiddos and my three pets (a golden pup and two kitties).
My hobbies include health and wellness, macrame designs and gardening.


The Cabarrus County Parking Deck is comprised of a cast-in-place, post-tensioned concrete structure including a slab on grade, plus 4 elevated levels, 2 stair towers, 1 elevator tower, and structural steel canopy framing. The structure’s foundation system consists of grade beams supported by deep foundations (auger cast piles).
Kleinfelder incorporated state-of-the-art concrete maturity testing equipment to determine real-time concrete strengths as related to post-tensioned concrete stressing procedures. The equipment transmitted data via web-based software with email alerts to the project team indicating when the next construction activity could occur. The real-time notifications enabled the contractor to maintain an accelerated construction schedule. Kleinfelder utilized field iPads to collect data and photo documentation of construction activities for detailed and accurate project records, which were uploaded daily for the team's reference.


text:
Wright, a popular country singer, tempts backlash over the industry that made her a star by kicking off as a lesbian. Through interviews with Wright, her father, and family we learn about her struggles to come out in a marketplace that prizes itself on traditional ideals. After all, as noted in the doc, this can be an industry that turned it's back round the Dixie Chicks for critizing former Curr. Bush. We see Chely as she prepares to liberate her book Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer and preparing the media gauntlet of morning shows, tabloids, and country music stations set to grill her on her behalf new persona as the first out Thomas Rhett. Rating: 5 of suggestions. This song is of the father Thomas Rhett Concert who had been unsure about being a father, but ends up dedicating his life to his teen. The father originally thinks "there goes my life" and future, even so his daughter later leaves, he thinks the exact same thing. Although this song does not directly mention the daughter getting married, it might a perfect father daughter dance beat. Blue October clearly sings about ending the relationship in this song. Man or woman who he broke program doesn't need to get over him, and the only thing that he wants great her to handle on. More information about Cheap Upcoming Thomas Rhett Concert Tickets June 2018.
Whether you need a good cry or to simply know that someone else proceeded to go through the same thing, music can be a great emotional outlet. Here are some great songs about breaking up with someone. For instance, if your internet site is about New bands Singers and also sell music and lyrics, you'll be writing articles about topics like "Selecting the Perfect Guitar for all your Playing Style", "How compose the Perfect Thomas Rhett song", and "How to Dance the Cotton-Eyed Joe". Everybody who likes Country Music does the two-step, additionally they usually play in the guitar (if not the spoons). You will need to give them enough information to you can keep them interested and carry them to be able to your web site to find out more regarding what you finish. Christmas yet to come are very frightening in a choice of of Thomas Rhett Concert items. My favorite animated version of that particular is Mickey's Christmas Carol. This is less graphic and a lot more humorous rrn comparison to the real life versions. Are generally fine three of my internet explorer bookmarks. They really show how prepared to be stingy and do things some individuals. The idea of Christmas yet to come also gives and indication that hell is waiting around wicked people even though it is not directly said.

domain: artistic


text:
Charles Seymour, 2nd Baron Seymour of Trowbridge
Charles Seymour, 2nd Baron Seymour of Trowbridge (c. 1621 – 25 August 1665) was the son of Francis Seymour, 1st Baron Seymour of Trowbridge, whom he succeeded in the barony in 1664.
He married firstly on 4 August 1632 to Mary, daughter of Thomas Smith of Soley in Chilton Foliat, a village northwest of Hungerford. The couple had one daughter, Frances (bef. 1654–1716), who would marry Sir George Hungerford. The Hungerfords had at least six children together. He married secondly in 1654, to Elizabeth Alington (baptised 1635, died 1691), daughter of William Alington, 1st Baron Alington of Killard (14 March 1610/1611, d. circa October 1648); they had three children. One of his notable descendants, three times great-grandson, was James Smithson. The poet George Keate was another descendant.
Both of Charles's sons, Francis and Charles, ultimately succeeded to the dukedom of Somerset, his own father having been a younger brother of William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset. His daughter, Honora Seymour, married Sir Charles Gerard, 3rd Baronet. Charles Seymour was succeeded in the barony by his elder son, Francis.
- Marquis of Ruvigny and Raineval, The Blood Royal of Britain, Tudor Roll (London: n.p., 1903), p. 36, Table LIX
- Marquis of Ruvigny and Raineval, The Blood Royal of Britain, Tudor Roll (London: n.p., 1903), Page 31, Table L
- via Frances Seymour; Frances Hungerford; John Keate; and Elizabeth Keate (aka Eliz. Macie).
- via Frances Seymour; Frances Hungerford; and George Keate
- John Burke and Sir Bernard Burke wrote a genealogical and heraldic history of the extinct and dormant baronetcies of England, Ireland and Scotland.
- G.E.C. (G.E.Cokayne) & Geoffrey H. White, The Complete Peerage or A history of the House of Lords and all its members from the earliest times, vol. XI, p. 641, St. Catherine Press, 1949.
The Lord Seymour of Trowbridge
|Custos Rotulorum of Wiltshire
|Peerage of England|
|Baron Seymour of Trowbridge
|This biography of a baron or baroness in the Peerage of England is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.|

domain: library


text:
Kiwi vets offer free de-sexing service to Savai'i pet owners
A team of veterinarians from the New Zealand-based charity organisation, South Pacific Animal Welfare (S.P.A.W.), are in Samoa to provide free de-sexing for pet owners in Savai'i.
The team of four vets and five vet nurses, started their work on Monday in Falealupo village de-sexing 42 cats and dogs; a pig was also treated.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries vet and member of the board for the Animal Protection Society (A.P.S.), Renee Orange, said the team looked at 27 animals in Asau village, and work was still ongoing.
“The team is in Samoa for a week and will be available to de-sex cats and dogs, and look at other animals including chicken and cattle,” Ms. Orange said, adding that the A.P.S. hopes to organise similar annual programmes in the future.
“[The] A.P.S. requested the team’s presence and we are also looking for more opportunities like this for more vets to visit both Savai'i and Upolu.”
Ms. Orange is advising pet and animal owners to feed their animals properly as an important way to ensure their health.
“De-sexing is also the most humane thing to do to control the dog population in Samoa.
"So, to the members of the public, do bring your pets and animals."
Ms. Orange and some staff of the Ministry are assisting with the programme, and she thanked the Minister, Lopaoo Natanielu Mua, for his support of the programme.
The team will visit Manase village on Wednesday and Salelologa village on Thursday and Friday before they depart Samoa on Saturday.

domain: pet


text:
[Brees, Samuel Charles] 1810-1865 :The Fort Richmond. Hutt Bridge
Reference Number: B-031-035
Shows Fort Richmond, a group of voluntary militia on a road, and the Hutt River with a canoe
1 image, categorised under Landscapes and Watercolours, related to Captain Compton, Samuel Charles Brees, Great Britain. Army. 58th Regiment of Foot (Rutlandshire), Dunbar Sloane Ltd, Fort Richmond, Lower Hutt City, Soldiers - New Zealand - Wellington Region, Fortification - New Zealand - Wellington Region, Wellington Conflict, 1846, Bridges - New Zealand - Wellington Region and Military uniforms.
[Brees, Samuel Charles] 1810-1865 :The Fort Richmond. Hutt Bridge , Reference Number B-031-035 (1 digitised items)
Extent: 1 watercolour(s)Watercolour & gum arabic 199 x 309 mm. Horizontal imageSingle art work
Historical Notes: As the fort was not constructed (under the direction of Captain Compton of Lower Hutt) until 1845 and Brees left Wellington in 1845, this work must have been painted in that year. The 58th Regiment occupied the fort immediately after it had been completed in April 1845. The soldiers shown are militia, civilian volunteers, identifiable from their mixture of red and blue uniforms.
Conditions governing access to original: Not restricted
Other copies available: File PrintIn Drawings & Prints under Artist/Title (DFP-000185)
Inscriptions: Inscribed - Backing board recto - Opened 1844. The view is taken looking down the stream & shows Fort Richmond, it was constructed under the direction of [blank]. Johnston, 33 Central Tce. [20th century inscriptions in pencil. Backing board now discarded]
Usage: You can search, browse, print and download items from this website for research and personal study. You are welcome to reproduce the above image(s) on your blog or another website, but please maintain the integrity of the image (i.e. don't crop, recolour or overprint it), reproduce the image's caption information and link back to here (http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/detail/?id=12979). If you would like to use the above image(s) in a different way (e.g. in a print publication), or use the transcription or translation, permission must be obtained. More information about copyright and usage can be found on the Copyright and Usage page of the NLNZ web site.

domain: geography


text:
Wyoming State Library updates search features
The Wyoming State Libraries Digital Suite Collections underwent a seven-month process to create an easier way to navigate through collections on Wyoming from federal documents to the places, inventors and business owners that make up Wyoming history.
“As the digital collections approach one million files, updates to the system create an easy and fast way to make information readily available and improve service to the public,” said Travis Pollok, legislative librarian at the Wyoming State Library.
The Wyoming State Library Digital Collections Suite upgraded searching features for more than 960,000 digital records in five of the six collections, according to a press release from the library. These include Wyoming Places, Wyoming State Publications, Wyoming Legislation, Wyoming Inventors and Wyoming Trademarks. In Wyoming Places, information about locations as well as modern and historical information on those places are found. Located in Wyoming State Publications and Wyoming Legislation are the government archives that contain bills, state publications and federal documents that pertain to Wyoming. The last two collections updated are those dealing with businesses through the Wyoming Inventors database and Wyoming Trademarks database.
“With multiple collections the key aspect to the digital collection upgrade is the search engine,” Pollock said.
Per the release, the change to the search engine is that of the small icon transitioning into a corner tab search engine. This transition creates a more visible and faster tool for patrons to use when engaging with their interest in Wyoming history. While the process is made easier, those who have previously used the digital collections will find a similar look and feel to the previous search.

domain: news


text:
Though there is a reliable, good-value long-distance bus service, public transport in Cuba is generally slow, complicated and subject to frequent cancellations and delays. Improvements are creeping in but some services still work on a two-tier basis, with one service for convertible-peso-paying travellers and another, cheaper one for those paying in national pesos (foreign visitors are usually still obliged to pay in CUCs). Getting around the country efficiently means using buses or planes and, within cities, taxis in their various forms.
Given the relatively low percentage of car owners, Cuba’s buses – known as guaguas, or omnibuses when referring to long-distance services – are at the heart of everyday Cuban life and by far the most commonly used form of transport, both within the cities and for interprovincial journeys.
There are three separate services for interprovincial routes, Víazul and Conectando Cuba for foreign passport holders and CUC-paying Cubans, and Astro, a national-peso service reserved exclusively for Cubans.
The long-established Víazul (t7 881 1413 & 5652, wviazul.com) is the more comprehensive of the CUC-charging bus networks, connecting most of the mainland provincial capitals. Though it also runs from smaller, touristy cities like Trinidad and Baracoa to the rest of the country, it doesn’t serve a number of the most high-profile beach resorts, including Cayo Santa María and the northern cays in Villa Clara and Cayo Coco in Ciego de Avila. Nevertheless, it’s still the quickest, most reliable and most hassle-free way to get about the country independently. Tickets, which are usually one-way, can be booked in advance at the offices of one of the three major Cuban travel agents Cubanacán, Cubatur and Havanatur (found in most provincial capital cities), and in some branches of Infotur, the national tourist information provider. As each office is allocated only a limited percentage of the total seats available, it’s worth booking as far in advance as possible, particularly in the provinces outside Havana. You can also buy tickets at the bus stations themselves, but these often don’t go on sale until an hour before the departure time; turning up more than an hour in advance will therefore usually give you no advantage, though your name may be taken down on a waiting list. If you’re starting your journey somewhere other than a route terminus (such as Matanzas, between the termini of Havana and Varadero), you’ll have to wait until the bus actually arrives before they’ll sell you a ticket as they will have to wait to see if there are spaces. To avoid this scenario, book at least a day in advance. Ticket prices range from $6CUC for the 80km trip between Trinidad and Cienfuegos, to $51CUC for the fifteen-hour journey between Havana and Santiago. Children under 5 travel free, while those under 12 travel half price. You can also book tickets through the Víazul website before arriving in Cuba, though this must be done at least six days before the day of your bus journey.
The Conectando Cuba service, also known as Cubanacán-Transtur after the two companies that administer the service, differs from Víazul in that it picks you up and drops you off at hotels in the cities and towns that it serves, which are far fewer than the number covered by Víazul. While this means you avoid the hassle and expense of getting to and from the bus stations, it also means journey times can be much longer, as buses make more stops picking up passengers, especially in Havana where there could be stops at up to a dozen hotels. You can buy tickets at Cubanacán or Infotur no later than noon on the day before travel (no tickets are available on the day of travel), and you can specify the hotel from which you want to be picked up – note that it needn’t be a hotel you’re actually staying in. Fares are more or less the same as for Víazul services.
Both of Víazul and Connectado-Cuba buses are equipped with air conditioning, toilets and, in some cases, TV sets. They can get very cold, so remember to take a sweater with you; it’s also worth bringing your own toilet paper.
Local bus services
While large numbers of foreign travellers use long-distance buses, very few use local buses as a means of getting around the country’s towns and cities. The almost complete lack of information at bus stops, absence of timetables and the overcrowding are more than enough to persuade most visitors to stay well away. However, as most journeys cost less than half a national peso, you may be tempted to try your luck.
The only written information you will find at a bus stop is the numbers of the buses that stop there (and sometimes not even that). The front of the bus will tell you its final destination, but for any more detail you’ll have to ask. Once you know which bus you want, you need to mark your place in the queue, which may not even appear to exist. The unwritten rule is to ask aloud who the last person is; so, for example, to queue for bus #232 you should shout “¿Ultima persona para la 232?” When the bus finally pulls up, make sure you have, within a peso, the right change – there’s a flat fee of $0.40CUP.
Taxis are one of the most popular expressions of private enterprise in Cuba. There are all kinds of different taxis, often outwardly indistinguishable from one another, and it sometimes seems that merely owning a car qualifies a Cuban as a taxi driver.
Though by no means exclusively for tourists, the official metered state taxis that charge in CUC are usually referred to as tourist taxis (or turistaxis), and are often modern Japanese and European cars as opposed to old American or Russian ones. Though most state taxis have a meter, many taxi drivers do not use them, not always for legitimate reasons. Fares range from $0.55CUC/km to $1CUC/km, with higher rates in Varadero and the other beach resorts than in the big cities. There are several other kinds of state-run taxis, many of them Ladas and charging in ordinary national pesos, but they are rarely used by foreign visitors and less likely still to stop for you if you’re obviously not Cuban.
Huge numbers of privately owned cars, including a very high proportion of the American classics on the island, are run as taxis in Cuba. The local slang for these is máquinas or almendrones, though the latter is more usually used to describe communal taxis, but in standard Spanish they are all called taxis particulares, literally private taxis.
Private taxis are licensed to charge either in national pesos or convertible pesos but there are no visible characteristics to distinguish between the two; none of them have meters. It is assumed that as a foreigner you will be paying in convertible pesos, whether or not the driver has the correct licence. Private taxis are not necessarily cheaper than state taxis and if you don’t haggle the chances are you’ll end up paying over the odds. The essential thing is that you establish a price before you start your journey.
Some drivers work interprovincial routes and wait at bus stations and some other fixed pick-up points, touting for business. Again, prices are always negotiable, but as a rough guide drivers carrying foreign passengers tend to charge around the same price per passenger as the equivalent Víazul bus fare.
Communal taxis, or taxis colectivos (more regularly referred to as almendrones), are more like bus services than regular taxis. They are usually privately owned vehicles, though there are some state-run colectivos, and generally they run along specific routes, both within and between towns and cities. There is no official mark or sign used to distinguish a taxi colectivo from the other kinds of taxi, or the route which it is operating along. However, drivers tend to wait with their car at the start of their route and shout out their final destination – if you see an old American car packed with passengers, it’s most likely a colectivo. In most towns and cities there is usually a specific location, usually next door to a bus station, where almendrones waiting for long-distance passengers congregate, while in some cities, such as Santa Clara, there are long-distance taxi stations. Again, most long-distance almendrones operate along fixed routes, usually within a province (though there are interprovincial routes too). You may find it hard to flag down a colectivo as they are almost all registered to charge only in national pesos and sometimes don’t expect non-Cubans to understand the system. There are fixed fares for most routes, usually $10CUP within a city, and around $20CUP for longer distances.
Bicitaxis and cocotaxis
Bicitaxis (also known as ciclotaxis) are three-wheeled bicycles with enough room for two passengers, sometimes three at a squeeze. In use all over the island, there are legions of these in Havana, where you won’t have to wait long before one crosses your path. Fares are not all that different from tourist taxis, but again, negotiation is part of the deal. Around $1CUC/km should usually be more than enough.
Less common cocotaxis, sometimes called mototaxis, are aimed strictly at the tourist market and offer the novel experience of a ride around town semi-encased in a giant yellow bowling ball, dragged along by a small scooter. Fares in Havana have become standardized at $0.50CUC/km, but there will always be drivers looking to charge unsuspecting tourists a higher rate.
At present, Cuba is the only country in the Caribbean with a functioning rail system, and although trains are slow (average top speed is 40km/hr) and subject to long delays and cancellations, they nevertheless provide a sociable form of travelling and a great way of getting a feel for the landscape as you journey around. You’ll need your passport to buy a ticket, which, depending on which town you’re in, you should do between an hour and five days before your date of departure, direct from the train station. (If you show up less than an hour beforehand, the ticket office will almost certainly refuse to sell you a ticket.) You cannot buy tickets online or by phone, only in person as stations. Strictly speaking, all foreign travellers must pay for tickets in convertible pesos, but on some of the less-travelled routes you may get away with a national-peso ticket.
The main line, which links Havana with Santiago de Cuba via Santa Clara and Camagüey, is generally reliable and quite comfortable, though it will prove less appealing if you fail to bring your own toilet paper. Most of Cuba’s major cities are served by this route, and while there are branch lines to other towns and cities and a few completely separate lines, any service not running directly between Havana and Santiago will be subject to frequent delays and cancellations, and even slower trains. The state tacitly discourages tourists from using some lesser-used branch lines, from cities such as Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus, as standards are so much lower than on the mainline, and instead nudges travellers toward the more profitable bus services.
The quickest of the two main line services, from Havana to Santiago, is known as the Especial. Sometimes referred to as the Tren Francés, it uses air-conditioned coaches imported from France, and offers two classes of seats. It leaves Havana once every three days and calls only at Santa Clara, Camagüey and Cacocum in Holguín province on the fifteen-hour journey to Santiago. An alternative service, the Regular, with no air conditioning and just one class of seating, leaves more frequently, usually four or five times a week. The two most notable routes beside the main line and its branch lines are the Havana–Pinar del Río line, one of the slowest in the country, and the Hershey line, an electric train service running between Havana and Matanzas.
Fares from Havana to Santiago on the Especial are $62CUC for first-class seats and $30CUC for second-class; all tickets on the Regular service cost $30CUC. Examples of other fares are $6CUC for Havana to Pinar del Río and $32CUC for Havana to Guantánamo.
Given the infrequency of buses on many routes and the fact that some significant destinations are completely out of reach of the bus and train networks, it makes sense to consider renting a car if you intend to do a lot of travelling around. Though it’s relatively expensive to hire a car (cheapest rates are around $40CUC per day), traffic jams are almost unheard of and, away from the cities, many roads – including the motorways – are almost empty, meaning you can get around quite quickly. That said, driving on Cuban roads can be a bit of an anarchic experience.
Renting a car
Most car rental firms in Cuba are state run, making the competition between them somewhat artificial: the two principal firms, Cubacar and Havanautos, now operate more or less as the same company from the same offices. Internationally recognized companies like Avis and Hertz do not exist in Cuba, but there are now one or two much smaller, privately run operations nudging into the market. The most significant of these is CarRental Cuba, whose vehicles come with or without chauffeurs; prices start at $55CUC a day. Prices from state-run companies start at $45–55CUC per day in high season (Dec 1–15, Jan–Apr, July & Aug).
Havanautos and Cubacar have the largest number of rental points throughout the island, though the other major rental company, REX, generally has flashier cars. It’s well worth reserving a car at least a week in advance if you can – especially if you want one of the cheaper models, which tend to run out fast. You make a reservation with any of the state agencies through wtransturcarrental.com.
All agencies require you to have held a driving licence from your home country (or an international driving licence) for at least a year and that you be 21 or older. You will usually be required to provide a deposit of between $200CUC and $250CUC.
On the whole, classic American cars can only be rented with a chauffeur, effectively as taxis, from a state firm called Gran Car, based in Havana and Varadero. The easiest way to do this is to go direct to their well-established taxi ranks. Since liberalization of private enterprise laws, however, individual car owners can rent out their pride and joy as a legitimate business. It’s a little tricky tracking them down, though, as any advertising or presence on the web is rare – your best bet is to ask drivers at taxi ranks.
Car rental agencies
Driving in Cuba
Driving in Cuba is hazardous and patience-testing. Road markings and street lighting are rare and usually nonexistent on side roads, neighbourhood streets and even motorways, while the majority of roads, including the Autopista Nacional, have no cat’s eyes either. Potholes are common, particularly on small country roads and city backstreets. Take extreme care on mountain roads, many of which have killer bends and few crash barriers. Driving at night anywhere outside the cities is dangerous, and to mountain resorts like Viñales or Topes de Collantes it’s positively suicidal. Bear in mind also that push-bikes are very common on most roads in Cuba and rarely have any lights of their own. Most Cuban drivers use their car horn very liberally, particularly when overtaking and approaching crossroads.
To add to the confusion, away from the most touristy areas there is a marked lack of road signs which, coupled with the absence of detailed road maps, makes getting lost a probability. On journeys around provincial roads you will almost certainly have to stop and ask for directions, but even on the motorways the junctions and exits are completely unmarked. Be particularly vigilant for railroad crossings, common throughout the country, with a few actually sited on motorways. They are marked by a large X at the side of the road but otherwise you will be given no warning since there are no barriers before any crossings in Cuba. The accepted practice is to slow down, listen for train horns and whistles and look both ways down the tracks before driving across. Other things to look out for are permanently flashing yellow traffic lights at junctions, which mean you have right of way; a flashing red light at a junction means you must give way.
Petrol stations are few and far between (you can drive for up to 150km on the Autopista Nacional without passing one), and with no emergency roadside telephones it’s a good idea to keep a canister of petrol in the boot, or at the very least make sure you have a full tank before any long journeys. Officially, tourist cars can only fill up at convertible-peso petrol stations, identifiable by the names Cupet-Cimex and Oro Negro, the two chains responsible for running them. They are manned by pump attendants and tipping is common practice. The cost of petrol at the time of writing was $1.73CUC per litre.
Cuba’s principal motorway, the Autopista Nacional, is split into two sections: the shorter one runs between Havana and the provincial capital of Pinar del Río and is marked on maps as the A4; the longer section between Havana and the eastern edge of Sancti Spíritus province is shown on maps as the A1. However, both are referred to simply as el autopista, literally “the motorway”. The speed limit on the Autopista Nacional is 100km/hr.
The main alternative route for most long-distance journeys is the two-lane Carretera Central, marked on maps as CC – an older, more congested road running the entire length of the island, with an 80km/hr speed limit. This tends to be a more scenic option, which is just as well, as you can spend hours stuck behind slow-moving tractors, trucks and horse-drawn carriages. It is also the only major road linking up the eastern half of the island, and on a drive from Havana to Santiago de Cuba it becomes the nearest thing to a motorway from the eastern side of Sancti Spíritus province onwards.
There are more options for alternative routes in the western half of Cuba, where there are two other principal roads: the Circuito Norte (CN), the quickest route between some of the towns along the northern coast, and the Circuito Sur (CS), linking up parts of the southern coast. The Circuito Norte runs between Havana and Morón in Ciego de Avila and is the best road link between the capital and Varadero, a stretch better known as the Vía Blanca.
Hitching a lift is as common in Cuba as catching a bus, and is the main form of transport for some Cubans. The petrol shortages that followed the collapse of trade with the former Soviet Union in the early 1990s meant every available vehicle had to be utilized by the state, effectively as public transport. Thus a system was adopted whereby any private vehicle, from a car to a tractor, was obliged to pick up anyone hitching a lift. The yellow-suited workers employed by the government to hail down vehicles at bus stops and junctions on main roads and motorways can still be seen today, though their numbers have decreased significantly. Nevertheless, the culture of hitching, or coger botella as it is known in Cuba, remains, though drivers often ask for a few pesos these days. Crowds of people still wait by bridges and junctions along the major roads for trucks or anything else to stop. Tourists, though they are likely to attract a few puzzled stares, are welcome to join in.
Tip to tip, Cuba is 1200km (745miles) in length and given the relatively slow road and rail routes, domestic flights offer a temptingly quick way of getting around. Of the three state-owned domestic airlines, Aerocaribbean operates the most routes. Almost all internal flights take off or land in Havana and there are very few cities or resorts that connect directly to anywhere other than the capital, though you can fly direct from Varadero to Cayo Largo. Outside Havana the main regional airports are in Varadero, Santa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín and Santiago de Cuba, while Cayo Largo, Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Coco all have their own airports handling flights specifically for the tourist industry.
Prices between the airlines are very similar, with return flights from Havana to Santiago de Cuba, one of the most expensive routes, costing around $260CUC, and to Nueva Gerona, one of the least expensive, around $90CUC. The best website for booking flights is wcubajet.com.
Cuban airlines have had a poor safety record over the last couple of decades. Many domestic routes use planes built in the 1970s and 1980s, some old Russian Antonov aircraft with a capacity of about fifty passengers.
Cycling tours are very popular in Cuba. However, though basic Chinese bikes are a common sight in all towns and cities, cycling for recreation or sport is not particularly popular among Cubans themselves. There are no proper cycling shops or bike rental agencies, and surprisingly few places renting or selling bikes and spare parts, though a few hotels do rent out bicycles. On the other hand, there are makeshift bicycle repair workshops all over the place and you’ll rarely have to travel far within the cities before coming across what is known in Cuba as a ponchera, a makeshift puncture-repair workshop where the owner will usually offer basic bicycle repairs too.
The most straightforward long-distance cycling opportunities for visitors are prepackaged cycling tours. Several of the national tour operators offer cicloturismo packages, but you’re generally better off booking with a foreign company. British firm Go Cycling Cuba (wgocyclingcuba.com) is very professional, while McQueen’s Island Tours (wmacqueens.com), a subsidiary of WoWCuba, is another experienced operator, and are also the best equipped agency when it comes to renting bikes in Cuba for independent touring – though as with touring packages, you’ll need to book your bike in advance. McQueen’s has an office in the Kohly district of Havana and rents out mountain bikes and hybrids for between $22CUC and $32CUC per day for between six and eleven days.
If you do intend to cycle in Cuba it’s worth bringing your own padlock, as they are rarely supplied with rental bikes and are difficult to find for sale. Most Cubans leave their bikes in the commonplace parqueos de ciclos, located inside houses, ruined buildings or sometimes in outdoor spaces, where the owner will look after your bike for a national peso or two until you get back. Also worth packing if cycling around Cuba independently is a copy of Bicycling Cuba.

domain: travel


text:
top of page
Throughout years of scientific research and development our team has created the highest quality supplements for animals and livestock. We take pride in our research and product development so that our supplements have consistent results. Discover MB Feeds and you will discover the benefits behind our research.
bottom of page

domain: agronomy


Deep Learning Technology Predicts Road Accidents
According to studies, by combining historic accident data, road maps, satellite images, and GPS with a machine-learning model, we could be closer than ever to safer roads. Over the years, technology has evolved a great deal. GPS systems have eliminated the need for memorizing streets, cameras and sensors that alert us to objects near our vehicle, and even autonomous electric vehicles. The precautions that we take while driving have largely remained unchanged. Most of the time, we rely on road signs, trust and hope to reach our destination.
Researchers at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, in collaboration with the Qatari Center for Artificial Intelligence, have developed a deep-learning model to predict high resolution maps of accident risk. The model predicts the number accidents for a future time period using data from past accidents, road maps and GPS traces. The map can identify high-risk areas and future accidents.
According to reports by homelandsecuritynewswire.com, maps of this type have been captured so far at much lower resolutions, resulting in a loss of vital information. The previous attempts relied mainly on historical crash data. However, the research team has collected a large base of information and identified high-risk zones by analyzing GPS signal data that includes data on traffic density. speed, direction, as well as satellite imagery which provides data on road structure. The researchers found that highways were more dangerous than residential roads nearby, and that intersections and exits from highways were even more dangerous.


text:
Tester statement on Montana’s Walter Breuning
At 112, Breuning is believed to be the world’s oldest living man
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today released the following statement in honor of Walter Breuning of Great Falls. Mr. Breuning, 112, is now believed to be the world’s oldest living man after the Saturday passing of 113-year-old Henry Allingham of England.
“Born just seven years after Montana became a state, Walter Breuning has watched the history of our state unfold. Mr. Breuning lives every day to the fullest, as he has for more than a century. That’s a value that always keeps you young at heart.”
Walter Breuning lives at the Rainbow Retirement Center in Great Falls. He was born on September 21, 1896.


text:
Effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for family caregivers of people with dementia. Systematic review of randomised clinical trials
Grandi, F., Burgueño, L. y Irurtia, M.J. (2019)
Family caregivers of people with dementia usually have high levels of anxiety, depression, and overload symptoms, and are reasons for being considered a clinically vulnerable population. The objective of the present review is to examine the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) applied to this population. A search was made in the electronic databases for randomised trials with pre-post measurement in the last 15 years. The methodological quality was obtained using the Jadad scale. Finally, 5 articles were included, obtaining a sample of 309 participants. The score on the Jadad scale was 3.4 out of 5. In general, the MBSR program reduces anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as overload levels in the post-measurement. However, some studies showed a significant reduction in the psychological effects of the program during follow-up. More empirical studies are needed that can establish a more homogeneous protocol that reduces the ambiguity of some results.

domain: medical


text:
An arrest warrant has been issued for a Brooklyn, New York, man accused of aggravated assault before a fatal shooting in a parking lot outside a hospital in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, police said.
The man, identified by Vermont State Police as 35-year-old Jerry Ramirez, is in custody in New York after a vehicle pursuit, will be extradited to Vermont to face charges, authorities said.
He is accused of shooting a woman in the head inside a vehicle parked in a lot outside the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital on Tuesday morning, police said.
The investigation into the shooting death of Vincent Keithan is ongoing, police said. No charges have been filed.
Get New England news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NECN newsletters.
Copyright AP - Associated Press


text:
An oral denture can be used to either temporarily or permanently replace your missing teeth. If you have suffered adult tooth loss, you are not alone. Around seventy percent of the U.S. population will lose at least one of their adult teeth. This impacts virtually everyone and the question then becomes how do you want to replace your tooth?
Missing tooth solutions
We offer more permanent solutions like a dental bridge that we secure to the other natural teeth. This is an excellent way to restore the appearance and function of a smile, but it is not for everyone. If the remaining teeth are not healthy or strong enough to support the bridge, this solution will not work. We also offer dental implants as a permanent way to replace missing teeth.
Implants give one a new tooth that is as sturdy and durable as the natural teeth. The only challenge is that this is a surgical procedure and is priced accordingly. Additionally, the jawbone needs to be dense enough to support it.
What you need to know
In many cases, the health of our patients precludes them from getting either a dental bridge or a dental implant, at least initially. In this case, we can provide an oral denture as a way to restore a patient’s smile. Dentures are not what they used to be. They are more natural looking and comfortable than the models of years past. In fact, if a patient is wearing an older set of dentures, we invite the patient to visit our office for a new one.
With a secure fit, the dentures we create for the patient will remain in place throughout the day so that he or she can be confident in the ability to speak freely, eat lunch, and spend time socializing without worrying about the teeth. If this is a solution you are interested in, we can have a beautiful set of dentures created for you in no time.
We also use an oral denture to help patients that are in the process of a more extensive procedure. For example, after an accident, it is not always feasible to place a bridge or implants immediately. The gums may need time to heal or they may be undergoing other procedures and not have time for immediate dental care. When this is the case, we can provide a temporary denture to wear until the patient is ready to undergo dental implant surgery or to place the bridges.
Even if a patient does elect to use one of these other options immediately, it takes several appointments to complete and in the case of dental implants, this can take months. Wearing a temporary denture during the process will help the patient to feel confident when speaking and smiling.
Regardless of why you need an oral denture, Calcutt Family Dentistry will ensure that the denture we give you is comfortable and natural looking. It will serve to restore both the function and form of your smile so that you can enjoy life instead of focusing on your missing teeth.
Looking for information on flexible partial dentures because you are missing multiple teeth? When you are missing multiple teeth, it not only negatively affects your overall oral health, it also negatively affects your ability to …
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can occur due to many reasons. Common causes are an abnormal bite, missing or crooked teeth and stress.Often people have no idea they are grinding their teeth since it commonly happens …
According to one family dentist, just because someone loses a tooth does not mean there is no way to save it. In fact, if you lose one, you have several options. Whether knocked out in …
A dentist in Fountain Inn can help you get back on track with keeping your teeth healthy! Daily tooth care is just as important as caring for any other part of your body, but most …


text:
From consumers through processors, distributors and fishing fleets, actors and agents spanning the entire seafood industry value chain have a long-term vested interest in making sustainable use of the ocean's bounty. Taking up that challenge and responsibility, sustainable seafood initiatives are on the rise, and they are beginning to show positive results.
The number of seafood products that earned Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification rose five-fold in four years and increased by 21 percent through September 2013, according to data MSC presented at its Global Commercial Network meeting during the Seafood Expo Global 2014 in Brussels.
MSC membership is broadening and deepening. The 221 certified fisheries in the MSC program and another 106 that are under assessment represent 10.5 percent of the worldwide total, according to the sustainable seafood certification pioneer. Furthermore, the MSC program is extending into new seafood markets and segments, such as sustainably sourced fish oil supplements.
The annual net wholesale value of MSC-certified seafood products reached $4.5 billion through September of last year, with a retail value an additional 40 percent higher. Commenting on the success, Nicolas Guichoux, MSC's global commercial director, stated:
"This growth would not be possible without the participation of our partners throughout the value chain who deliver environmental choice to the consumer. MSC certified fisheries are now part of a global elite of sustainable and well-managed fisheries."
MSC-Certified Seafood: Key Figures
MSC enumerated and elaborated on the economic and environmental benefits its sustainable seafood certification program is having at its latest annual Global Commercial Network meeting.
For example, environmental gains in South Africa's hake fishery – in which some 8,300 people are employed – include quota reductions, ring-fencing of fishing grounds, by-catch management and a 90-percent reduction in seabird mortality -- the result of deploying streamer lines. Sixty-percent of South Africa's hake catch is exported, bringing in “$180 million in annual revenue and indirectly supporting a network of logistics companies, secondary processors and exporters,” MSC notes.
Overall, more than 450 fisheries' improvements have been recorded to date, details of which are due to be published this year in a second MSC Global impacts report.
"We will record more evidence of improvements for the next 10 years -- it won't be the last time you'll hear the MSC talking about the environmental impact that our partners make,” Guichoux added.
Moving forward, MSC is finalizing a quintennial Fisheries Standard Review. It has also launched a review of its Chain of Custody, whereby MSC-certified seafood is traced from fishery to market.
Looking to simplify, streamline and reduce the costs of MSC certification, the organization is also undertaking “a speed and cost review.” As MSC Chief Executive Rupert Howes stated:
"The improvements that we're looking to put to the board could potentially reduce the costs of engagement by fishery clients by up to 50 percent. There are costs, but there are also benefits and they have to be looked at together."
MSC's inclusive, science-driven approach to certification, and its ability to communicate that effectively to gain credibility and trust among participants across the seafood industry value chain, have been keys to MSC's success to date, Howes highlighted.
"MSC 's standard for environmentally responsible and sustainable fishing is science-based. Part of the success of the program and the momentum behind it is that people have confidence in that standard - it has to be a high bar to underpin the sustainability."
Added Jari Latvanen, chief executive officer of Findus Nordic: "The food business is all about building trust with consumers and consumer awareness of sustainability is increasing. It's all about making more sustainable choices. From that perspective, MSC is a great tool to make the choice when buying or shopping for fish. "But we have to put more effort into the brand. Yes, we need the MSC's third-party verification that we are sourcing sustainably, but then the brand needs to do the talking and build the relationship with the consumers. In order to get the message across we need to be really single-minded."
With consumer awareness and preference for sustainable seafood high in Europe and North America, the MSC program is beginning to gain traction in Asia, where MSC sees its greatest growth potential.
"In Japan, there's already engagement, and an increasing demand for MSC labelled products," Howes said. "We're even seeing the start of that in China -- it's very early stages, but the prevailing view is that in most major markets in the world, people are demanding sustainably sourced product. It has grown so fast in the past five years and we'll see it accelerate in Asia in the next few years.
When it comes to the most popular and widely caught wild fish in the world, tuna is No. 1. That makes tuna a marked species for fishing fleets the world over.
Growing concerns about over-exploitation of tuna fisheries, particularly in the Western Pacific, has been high up on the minds of those involved in negotiating international fisheries agreements. Hans Brus, managing director at Pacifical, sees great potential for MSC-certifed tuna to help forge a resolution.
However, when it comes to tuna, “you don’t see big numbers of MSC certification,” Bruns stated.
“It’s worrisome. The MSC certification that I’m working with in PNA countries have fisheries worth more than 400,000 metric tons of MSC-eligible fish, which comes down to more or less 5 percent of the volume of MSC-eligible catches in the world.”
Spanning a vast area of the western Pacific Ocean, the eight PNA island nations account for 25 percent of the global tuna catch. As Bruns continued:
"There is a massive demand in the world for this sustainable tuna. But none of that is coming to the market. We’ve been certified with a 'Chain of Custody' certification for almost one and a half years and we’ve only been able to reach 0.2 percent of the volume. Retailers in the US and Europe are asking for this tuna to come to the market and not even 0.5 percent reaches the market.”
3p has been covering trends and developments in sustainable seafood extensively of late. For more, check out our Sustainable Seafood sponsored series.
Image credit: Pexels
An experienced, independent journalist, editor and researcher, Andrew has crisscrossed the globe while reporting on sustainability, corporate social responsibility, social and environmental entrepreneurship, renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean technology. He studied geology at CU, Boulder, has an MBA in finance from Pace University, and completed a certificate program in international governance for biodiversity at UN University in Japan.


Parks and Trails
Georgetown Parks and Recreation maintains 40 parks, over 16 miles of hike and bike trails, and three disc golf courses. If you have questions about the parks, or would like to rent a park pavilion, please contact us at (512) 930-3595. View our interactive Parks and Trails Map or print a PDF
The City of Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department and the volunteer Park Rangers hope you have an enjoyable time in the parks and along the hike and bike trails. Our goal is to maintain a clean and safe environment for all visitors to our parks and would like to inform
The Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department maintains three disc golf courses. The Pinnacle Disc Golf Course and the San Gabriel Park Disc Golf Course are 9-hole courses. There is an 18-hole Disc Golf Course in the Rivery Park. For more information regarding the Disc Golf Courses, please call (512) 930-3595.
ATXfloods provides up-to-date status of low water crossing in Central Texas. Maintained by the City of Austin Flood Early Warning System (FEWS) team, ATXfloods monitors weather and road conditions 24-7 and on an on-call basis. Please visit atxfloods.com to locate any known flood prone roads and trails in your area.
Events held in San Gabriel Park, Booty’s Park Pavilion, Rivery Park Pavilion, San Jose Park Pavilion and Chautauqua Park Pavilion may require a Parks Event Permit. Some gatherings and organized activities may place unique demands on public resources or pose a potential danger to public health, safety and welfare. In order to
The City of Georgetown operates two cemeteries, the Citizen’s Memorial Garden Cemetery and the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery. Cemetery inquiries regarding records, sales or other information may be made by calling the Parks and Recreation Administration office at (512) 930-3595 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday


text:
Author: Elisabet der Nederlanden
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
From Icebox Pinwheel Cookies to Red-and-White Meringue Kisses to Apple Cider Caramels, find new inspiration for the best of seasonal baking with Holiday Cookies.
This instant holiday classic is packed with 50 recipes, each gorgeously photographed and meticulously tested, along with dozens of decorating and packaging ideas. Filled with reimagined favorites like Giant Molasses Spice Cookies and Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies; confections like Peppermint Bark, Smoked Almond and Cacao Nib Brittle, and Dark Chocolate-Hazelnut Fudge; and detailed instructions for gorgeous gingerbread houses, cookie place cards, and edible ornaments, this is a cookie book like no other. Because the recipes are easy to scale up or down, Holiday Cookies is perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, and just enjoying throughout the season. From a veteran baker and recipe developer, each cookie in this collection is guaranteed to be a stand-out, and destined to become your new Christmas classic.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Holiday Cookies by Elisabet der Nederlanden
Holiday Cookies by Elisabet der Nederlanden is actually more than a comprehensive little book of holiday cookies. This book contains recipes for cookies that can become favourites all year round. Chock full of tips for how to ensure the best experiences working with any cookie recipe, and how to package them for gift-giving makes this my new go-to book for the holidays. Continue reading

domain: food


text:
The other day, emptying change from my pocket, one penny remained in my hand; it felt heavy. “This could be an old penny,” I thought, and then weirdly, “It feels like a wheat penny.” How exactly a wheat penny feels, I couldn’t say, exactly, but some part of me knew. I don’t know where those thoughts came from or why I paid any attention to that coin, but when I looked down the back of the penny was facing up and there were the two tassels of wheat. A 1952 penny.
Sometimes I doubt the mysterious. Sometimes I doubt the ways of knowing that aren’t logic based. I hate that! I’d like to trust implicitly that which my intuition and softest ways of knowing tell me. The fall and winter, with their increase of darkness, increase of cold, tunnel us inward, if we’re willing to go, and the dead and the more subtle ways we know what’s true may approach.
My father has now been gone eight months. Over these past few days he’s felt particularly close. He walks with me. Last evening I thought about the time of his dying as compared to that of my mother and how art making came into both those experiences.
In 1987 when my mother was in intensive care and after her death I wrote poem after poem. Many of them became part of my first poetry book, Territory of Wind. In February I made art with my father at the very end of his life, a fabric collage, and then I kept making collages, ostensibly because I had a show to prepare for. Emotionally and spiritually both art forms fit the dying parent—my mother introduced me to poetry and my father to the visual arts.
On this early Dia de Los Muertos/All Saints’ Day morning, I wish you faith in your deepest knowing. Nothing less.

domain: literature


text:
Free Slot Games Online
You can play free online slot games bizzo casino free spins no deposit to test new games before spending any real money. There is no risk, and you can learn the basics of the trade without losing any money. These games are also a great way to experiment with different strategies and themes, and you can try the games without having to worry about losing money. Playing free online slot games is a great way to win big and you don’t need to spend a dime.
Online Gambling is the best place to play slots for no cost. Online Gambling has over 7000 games and expert reviews of slot machines. These slots are free and let you play without registration. You can also learn more about the game’s mechanics. There are a variety of software providers you can select from, including Microgaming, IGT, Play N Go, and NetEnt. These companies have a large number of licensed games.
If you’re new to the world of gambling it’s beneficial to try out some free slots. They don’t require registration or download. If you’re new to the game or have never played it before, a no-cost slot game is a great way to test the waters without risking any money. You can try hundreds of slot machines for free without spending any money.
You can also play lincoln casino no deposit code no-cost slots in practice mode. You can play various games, and then choose to play them in free play mode or in real money. You’ll notice that the majority of free slots come with an extra game or two. These bonus games are free to try and you don’t have to risk any money. There are no time restrictions. A free slot is a great way to get acquainted with the game before betting real cash on it.
You can play for free without downloading any software if are new to the game. There’s no need to download any software, sign upfor an account, or even create a nickname to play. You can play as long as you like and don’t be concerned about losing money. Playing online slot games for free is the best way to learn to play on slot machines. You can play for free online for fun or real money.
There are many features to free slots. Free spins are the most popular bonus game. It can award you with bonus rounds, free spins or other bonuses. It can also be played on various devices. The Fortune Wheel is the most popular bonus round. You can win more coins by spinning the numbers on a Fortune Wheel. These games aren’t just good for big wins, but also very innovative. You can download them without any hassle.
You can play online for free slot games before earning any real money. You can play for real money or downloads for free. You don’t need an account or create a password. You can play from any country you want, and even for free! If you’re looking for a way to begin on the right foot, consider playing some of the different types of slot games for free.
Another important thing to consider when playing free slot games is the length of time you intend to play for. You might consider playing for a longer period to make a substantial profit. Be aware that playing for longer periods of time can take away your credit and lead to boredom. This can impact your play way of playing, so make sure to read the terms and conditions prior to making a decision to play. If you are playing free slot games, it is possible to select the games that are the most suitable for your needs.
Slots games that are free are not required to register, unlike real money slots. You can play for no cost and learn about the bonus features and rules. This is vital to winning. These games are great for learning about casinos on the internet. You can find free sites across the world for those who are new to free slots. You can play a variety of slot games for free online for fun.

domain: game


text:
Description : A digressive/progressive beat
Description : Breezy, soulful, instrumental, film soundtrack
looking for a collaboration lyrics vocals and remix
Description : Tempo: 160 BPM
Time signature: 3/4
Key: A minor
A little soul sample I made.
Feel free to use it as a sample and leave a link so I can give it a listen :)
Description : Naruto Vibe Type Beat
Description : Soul R&B Hip Hop
Description : Raw recording in the midst of fighting a darkness within, armed with not much but a broken mic. Music is my medicine and I hope it serves you well
** Acapella available at
** thank you RASPUTIN for sharing your piano loop!
••• NEW NAME, WHO DIS
Previously recorded as 3v3sound, but you may call me Ava Suzanne
••• COME SAY HI
Let's connect on IG: instagram.com/ava.suzanne
Description : I heard Patricia singing and immediately had the music in my head.
Description : Your Smile
Description : Here is something I'm working on.
Description : cmon now lets let the good times last
Description : A Duet of 2 lost soulmates
Description : Relaxing feel good.
Description : A wander vocal by Patricia and groove produce by boogieskippo simple.
Description : A progressive, episodic, and soulful song
Description : 11/16/20 Updated mix by Danke.
I was very inspired by Danke's track called "SOMETIMES". It spoke to my inner soul gal. :-) I really love the roughness in my voice, although it didn't really give me what I thought I needed being I had just woke up, but I guess it worked out here. Enjoy.
Description : JUST A SNIPPET OF SOMETHING I HAD IN MY HEAD. THOUGHT IT COULD BE USED AS MARCH MUSIC DURING GIVING PLATE TIME. LOL.
Description : My version of the 60s classic Motown hit! recorded at a studio in Castleford many moons ago! The recording session was a gift from my mother in law! Something different from the usual fare on here, hope it's allowed and that you like it Loopers! Stay safe you beautiful buggers!
Description : Produced by Soul Bife.
Description : funky instrumental made with Audacity I used a drun track added my bass line and used vocals and Rhode from Rasputing right here on Looperman, as he allowed me to use it. Great to get support from Looperman members
Description : Single in the works
Description : STILL AT THE TOP OF THE HI RISE....ROCKIN'
Description : Chilled out funky soul
Description : Any vocal for something like this
Description : Music Dmitry Milovanov
Description : This is my little 16-bar sketch of a Soul-style track... my purpose in making this was to experiment with Melda's MDynamicEQ, which allows you to remove resonances, and to apply EQ's from one track to another. I even EQ'd this thing to sound like a 70's jam.


text:
Librarians Feel Sticker Shock as Price for Random House Ebooks Rises as Much as 300 Percent – The Digital Shift ALA Issues Statement Asking Random House to Reconsider eBook Increase – INFODocket ALA calls on Random House to reconsider major ebook price increase – ALA Random House Not So Random with Library Ebook Price Increases – Agnostic [...]
Entries Tagged as 'Big Six'
March 5th, 2012 · Comments Off
February 9th, 2012 · 2 Comments
It’s been coming for months. Today Penguin announced it has ended its relationship with OverDrive. Starting tomorrow, it will no longer sell e-books and audiobooks to OverDrive for library lending. Interestingly, ALA and Big Six publishers met last week to discuss library e-book lending. In an article in paidcontent.org, Laura Hazard Owen points out ALA’s [...]
February 9th, 2012 · Comments Off
Yesterday, ALA released a press release summarizing the meetings between ALA President Molly Raphael, an ALA delegation and representatives from publishers Penguin, Macmillan, Random House, Simon & Schuster and Perseus. It’s a great summary of the meeting. The discussions show promise! Here is the text, copied in full from the ALA press release: American Library [...]


March 2012 might appear to be a long way from now (half a year) but Sony Ericsson is apparently going to be launching a new smartphone then codenamed Nozomi, a handset that will be the flagship device for the company for the rest of the year.
A source close to Sony Ericsson told XperiaBlog (opens in new tab) that the phone will come with a 1.5GHz dual core SoC (probably a Qualcomm model), 1GB RAM, 32GB internal storage and a 4.3-inch display with an HD ready resolution (1280x720 pixels).
This would give the Nozomi an even higher pixel density than the iPhone 4 (342ppi vs 326ppi); the phone will also be the first from Sony Ericsson to come with a microSIM like the Nokia N9 and the iPhone 4. It will also sport a 1750mAh battery and NFC capabilities but will lack any memory card option which, we suspect, means that we might see a Windows-based Nozomi version as well.
Expect the phone to be launched at the annual Sony Ericsson party at the Mobile World Congress 2012 in Barcelona, and to replace the Sony Ericsson ARC S at the top of SE's portfolio.
It is likely that the follow-up to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo, the Xperia Pro and the Xperia Play - the one we're most eager to see - will also be presented.


text:
We have our own recipe of Kahk, butter based in the dough. It is irresistible cookie. Kahk can be stuffed with Turkish delight (Malban), sticky sweet date paste (Agwa), honey & sesame seeds (agameya walnuts) plain nuts like walnuts and pistachios or simply served plain.
Kahk is an important part of Egyptian culture, Kahk, or Ka'ak al-Eid, is a small circular biscuit eaten across the Arab world to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Easter. It is covered with powdered sugar.
Place your order at least one day before for delivery or pick up
PRODUCT WAS SUCCESSFULLY ADDED TO YOUR CART


text:
How Great Were the Robins - Rewind
The voice and temperament of a proud individualist, with an omniscient eye and the heart of a poet.
This post was originally published in December 2018.
An ethereal and nuanced acoustic groove serves as the perfect backdrop for the whispered vocal delivery. it’s a spacious and delicately layered soundscape, with a rambling melody and a sense of pastel-covered warmth.
Lyrically, we have the voice and temperament of a proud individualist, with an omniscient eye and the heart of a poet. Here is the discovery of a deeper truth:
“So then why should I stick around
The curse, on my end
is in the promises that I’ve been told”— How Great Were the Robins
Coming to terms with the imperfection of our own life is the goal; here is an example of one human’s attempt to do just that.
How Great Were the Robins is a sound project from Rome. This song is featured on our Rainy Day playlist.


text:
ROSEVILLE, Calif., Jan. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As a top skin rejuvenation specialist in the greater Sacramento area, Dr. Luis Lee offers patients only the best of the best skin rejuvenation treatments. Supporting his reputation for offering area patients superior anti-aging therapies, the Aesthetics, by Dr. Lee medical spa recently introduced the highly effective Sofwave treatment. Sofwave is an FDA-cleared, ultrasound energy-based medical device featuring the newest technology to improve facial lines and wrinkles on the face and neck with no downtime.
"Starting in our mid-20s, collagen and elastin starts to break down causing our skin to wrinkle," stated Dr. Lee. "Sofwave is a new, clinically-proven, non-invasive approach to safely rebuilding collagen, thereby improving facial lines and wrinkles."
Sofwave uses proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB™), in which energy precisely passes through the skin's surface, heating the mid-dermal tissue at just the right depth and temperature to rejuvenate collagen fibers and improve the overall appearance of aging skin. As ultrasound energy is delivered patients may feel warmness on their skin, but the treatment is safe. "I apply a topical anesthetic cream just prior to the treatment, and the Sofwave device maintains efficient contact cooling during the procedure," explained Dr. Lee.
Another reason why Dr. Lee is offering Sofwave to his patients: Some wrinkle reduction treatments come with noticeable downtime and can be more painful for patients, "But Sofwave is a superior treatment with zero downtime and zero side effects," said Dr. Lee.
About Aesthetics, by Dr. Lee
Aesthetics By Dr. Lee specializes in Botox, Juvéderm and other dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, PRP injections, microneedling, and various anti-aging procedures in its Roseville, CA, clinic. Dr. Luis Lee received his Bachelor of Science at the University of Notre Dame, and then moved to Puerto Rico and obtained his Medical Degree at the Ponce School of Medicine in 2008, followed by General Surgery training at various hospitals, such as the University of Florida, Jacksonville and the University of Colorado in Denver. In addition to his work as an aesthetic physician, Dr. Lee has become well-known in Northern California as a wound care specialist in local and regional nursing homes.
About Sofwave Medical Ltd.
Sofwave Medical Ltd. implements a novel approach to wrinkle reduction using proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB™). Sofwave Medical's breakthrough technology brings a new option to non-invasive aesthetic treatments, providing physicians with smart yet simple, effective and safe aesthetic solutions for their patients.


text: We were in Rome for my birthday and I love good food! We had researched all the best restaurants including Mario Battalis favorites. We tried to get a reservation here for dinner, but lunch was all we could get. We made the long walk to Trastavere and the Island and were so thrilled with our meal. Best meal in Rome. Not to be missed if you love good food. Drink their house wine and don't miss cacao pepe! Hope to eat here again. We panicked bc they did not show our reservation, but they seated us anyway. Our waiter was fabulous so friendly even put a candle on my our gelato!


text:
The City of Parksville has sent out an update about COVID-19 that said the Parksville Qualicum Beach area should assume there are cases in the region.
It read: “The medical health officer for Central Vancouver Island advised we should assume COVID-19 is now present in our region and knowing with some certainty that infections do exist in our community, we continue to be concerned for the well-being of our residents. We are constantly monitoring changing conditions, responding quickly to raise the level of safety and keep our residents informed as best we can. Although we have restricted access to our offices by the public, we continue to provide the services you rely on day-to-day and our website will continue to inform about services and options available for residents.”
The release also thanked residents for helping to slow the spread of the virus and asked them to refrain from hoarding supplies.
It also reminded sick residents to stay home.
”The BC Centre for Disease Control website provides a self-assessment tool; medical information is available by calling all 8-1-1 and non-medical information may be obtained from 1 888 COVID19 (1 888-268-4319). By acting appropriately, practicing the best possible personal hygiene and limiting your contact with others, you will help to limit the spread COVID-19 in order to avoid overloading our healthcare system.”
— NEWS staff


text:
North Korea May Be Training Dolphins for Military Use, New Evidence Suggests
According to the USNI, the program is likely part of the widespread modernization of the navy that has taken place under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Evidence is emerging that the North Korean regime is training dolphins for military purposes, according to new satellite imagery, the non-profit United States Naval Institute (USNI) reported.
Based on image intelligence, North Korea’s program dates back to October 2015, when they first appeared at the site of a major naval display in Nampo, a naval base and port city on the west coast. According to the USNI the program is likely part of the widespread modernization of the navy that has taken place under North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The images show animal pens floating in murky waters, between a shipyard and a coal loading dock, with warships based nearby, Fox News reported.
Another base further up the river on the edge of town seems to be where the dolphins are being bred, the report said.
The U.S. Navy pioneered the use of marine mammals, including dolphins and sea lions, for military purposes — such as spotting mines and locating enemy swimmers, the release said.
To date, only the Russian Navy, with bases in the Arctic and the Black Sea, had followed suit.
It’s possible the marine mammal pens spotted in North Korea are some type of fish farm, many of which are run by the country’s armed forces. The enclosures seen in the satellite images, however, aren’t consistent with other fish farms in North Korea, the USNI reported.
Comparisons to the marine mammal pens used by the U.S. Navy and Russian Navy indicates that the North Korean pens are sized for dolphins, the report said.
North Korea also trains porpoises for a dolphinarium in the capital, Pyongyang, and, because of the overlap between the country’s military and civilian apparatus, it’s possible its navy also benefits from that program.
Trending on Inside Edition
Cadaver Dogs Brought in During Search for Brian Laundrie in Florida Swamp as Reward Reaches $200KCrime
Woman Discovers More Than 90 Snakes Were Living Underneath Her California HomeAnimals
Alex Murdaugh Is a Person of Interest in Wife and Son’s Murder, His Lawyer SaysCrime
Banksy’s Famous 'Love is in the Bin' Shredded Painting Sells for an Astounding $25.4 Million at AuctionOffbeat
Specialists Treat Tiny Birds Rescued From Recent Southern California Oil SpillAnimals


text:
Learn About Occupational Therapy for Kids, and Find Out if it’s the Right FitJan 23, 2024
Pediatric occupational therapy has been trending in recent years thanks to increased awareness. This form of treatment has proven itself to be a helpful way to teach and support children with many different difficulties and diagnoses to complete age-appropriate tasks.
What is Occupational Therapy?
When you hear “occupation,” your first thought may go to your job. You then may wonder what occupational therapy even is and how it can be beneficial to kids who don’t work 9-5.
“Occupation” can also refer to everyday activities. For children, this includes play, self-care tasks like bathing and dressing, and schoolwork. Occupational therapy for kids, then, is a form of treatment to help children perform these tasks and activities.
Various factors can inhibit children’s performance in these areas. In pediatric occupational therapy (OT), the occupational therapist works with kids to either develop, recover, or maintain the skills they need to successfully do their everyday tasks.
Occupational therapy can benefit children in these areas:
Gross motor skills and coordination
Most physical activities require us to move large parts of our body, like our arms and legs, in a coordinated manner. This requires strength and balance. All of these things tie back into gross motor skill development.
Fine motor skills
The opposite of gross motor skills, fine motor skills are those small, controlled movements done by our hands, feet, mouths, and more. Without developing these skills, tasks such as writing, tying shoelaces, and even eating can be difficult or impossible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set developmental milestones and recently revised them with the assistance of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Developmental milestones identify the behaviors that 75% or more of children can be expected to exhibit at a certain age based on data, developmental resources and clinician experience.” These milestones act as guidelines to help parents, caregivers, and pediatricians know whether a child is developmentally healthy. If a child isn’t meeting these milestones or is behind in skills development, OT can help them catch up.
Social interaction skills
The ability to bond with others and build relationships requires social interaction skills. When a child struggles with language, conversation, and adapting to social situations, they will likely also have difficulties in their interactions and relationships.
Sensitivity (or lack thereof) to smells, sights, tastes, sounds, and touch can make it difficult for children to process this sensory information. Strong reactions to sensory input can lead to dysregulation and emotional outbursts.
Much of self-care is tied up in gross and fine motor skills and censoring processing issues. Developing skills such as zipping up jackets and learning to manage sensory input through OT can help children gain independence.
How to Know if Your Child Needs Occupational Therapy
Not sure if your child might qualify for OT? The first step is to take an audit of any challenges or developmental delays they are experiencing. As you begin your evaluation, here’s a checklist of some signs and cues adapted from the University of Utah Health you can look out for in your infant to elementary-aged child to help you determine whether OT is the right path. (For infants and toddlers, be sure to refer to the CDC’s developmental milestones, as some of these signs could be age-appropriate.)
- Do they struggle to understand the concept of right and left?
- Do they have poor balance?
- Do they struggle to coordinate movement on both sides of their body?
- Do they struggle to manipulate toys and puzzles?
- Do they have trouble holding a pencil? Do they have poor handwriting?
- Is using scissors difficult for them?
- Are they unable to button and zip their clothes and tie their shoelaces?
- Are the letters they write unevenly spaced and of various sizes?
- Do they struggle to recognize letters?
- Are they unable to copy shapes and letters easily? Can they copy from the board at school?
Oral motor/oral sensory
- Does your child drool excessively?
- Does your infant have lengthy breast- or bottle-feedings?
- Is your child a picky eater, limited to certain foods or food textures?
- Did your child mouth toys or objects longer than what is considered age-appropriate?
- Is your child overly sensitive or reactive to certain sounds, touch, or movements?
- Is your child constantly on the move?
- Does your child constantly crash or bump into things?
- Is your child emotionally reactive?
- Does your child struggle to cope with transitions and other changes?
- Does your child have trouble calming him/herself down when upset?
- Is your child’s language skills delayed compared to same-age peers?
- Does your child struggle to adapt to new environments compared to same-age peers?
- Does your child struggle in the school setting compared to same-age peers?
- Does your child have difficulty interacting socially compared to same-age peers?
Learning or play challenges
- Is your child unable to concentrate at school?
- Does your child have difficulty following instructions?
- Does your child struggle to control their impulses?
- Does your child quickly move from one activity to another?
- Does your child have difficulty with imitative play?
- Does your child not understand the concepts of sharing or taking turns?
If you observed many of these signs or cues in your child, keep thorough notes to share with your child’s pediatrician, school diagnostician, or a potential pediatric occupational therapist.
Why Has Public Awareness of Occupational Therapy for Kids Increased?
Over the past 50 years, occupational therapy for kids has undergone significant evolution. Early practices focused primarily on addressing physical disabilities. Today’s approach encompasses a more holistic perspective that considers cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. There's been a shift towards family-centered care, recognizing the crucial role parents play in a child's development.
This evolution and wider application have created more awareness around occupational therapy, and recent challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have brought it into the mainstream.
During the pandemic, many infants and young children were kept out of daycare facilities. Without structured care, teaching, and peer interaction, children’s motor, social, and emotional regulation skills have declined. The regression of emotional regulation skills is correlated with childhood trauma and the loss of peer experiences during the pandemic.
Additionally, children who demonstrated certain skills pre-pandemic experienced a pause in their development during the pandemic; though they were getting older, they were not demonstrating age-appropriate progression. Now as many of these children are beginning kindergarten or experiencing early elementary grades in-person after starting virtually, their pause in skill development is really coming to light. We predict there will be much interest and research into this, which we look forward to reading and sharing with you.
Given the effects the pandemic has had on children and occupational therapy’s evolution, it has become an even more needed and valuable support for families. One application that has grown in importance is social-emotional learning. Occupational therapy for kids increasingly integrates sensory processing support to help with emotional regulation so they become more self-aware and able to address their needs.
What Parents Need to Know About Occupational Therapy for Kids
Before your child begins occupational therapy, there are things you as the parent or caregiver need to understand.
Firstly, the purpose of occupational therapy is to teach your child a skill. As with any other new skill, your child must practice what they learn in OT. The Parent Coaches at The Foster Lane can help you understand the skill your child is learning and guide you in supporting your child at home with additional practice.
Secondly, if your child is given a “sensory diet,” it needs to be adhered to at home, and not just in the clinical or classroom setting. Just as someone with special dietary needs has to incorporate some foods and avoid others to feel their best, so too do children with sensory needs have to incorporate or inhibit sensory inputs to regulate their emotions.
As they do with other skills, occupational therapists tailor sensory diets to their patients. Why? The inputs a child may need more or less of will vary because each person is unique. The sensory diet also helps parents, caregivers, and even teachers know what types of activities or sensory inputs will work best to up-regulate the child’s nervous system when they’re feeling sluggish or downregulate it when they’re feeling overly activated.
For children who need it, a consistent sensory diet is a critical component of their care plan. When you, the parent or caregiver, know your child’s sensory and emotional regulation needs, you can take steps to add or avoid inputs. If you also work with a Children’s Long-Term Support Program, share your child’s sensory diet with those providers; they may purchase input tools recommended by the OT so your child can continue their diet.
If you’re interested in assessing your child’s sensory needs and the inputs that could improve their sensory diet, there are online resources that can help. For younger children, here’s an assessment you as the parent or caregiver can use. For older children, here’s a self-assessment they can work through themselves.
How Can The Foster Lane Help?
If you feel like pediatric occupational therapy could help your child, we outline the steps you should take to find, assess, and engage an occupational therapist in this blog. When seeking out an OT, remember that they too have specializations as other doctors do; look for an occupational therapist who specializes in working with children. Remember that you don’t have to stick with the first pediatric OT you find. It’s important to understand their therapeutic approach and ensure it aligns with you and your child’s needs.
It's possible for your child to receive occupational therapy services through their public school. As you work with your child’s school to have them evaluated for Special Education or 504 services, we recommend that you have an advocate to guide you through the process. Just as you wouldn’t go into a legal proceeding without a lawyer, don’t go into an IEP or 504 planning session without an advocate. We suggest you refer to SEA Group as subject-matter experts in advocating for accommodations in school.
Get support implementing OT learning at home: https://www.thefosterlane.com/site/contact.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.

domain: health


text:
I recently heard a spot on KQED, San Francisco’s NPR affiliate radio station, that caught my attention. “Support for KQED comes from the Almond Board of California. The water needs of almond trees are not unique among trees, and almond growers are committed to innovation and water efficiency. More at almondsustainability.org,” read a radio host.
The defensive tone might be due to the unwanted press almonds have been getting, from Mother Jones and others, about how much water almonds use in drought-ridden California. The state accounts for 80 percent of the world’s almond production, and each almond takes about a gallon of water to grow. All told, growing the crop takes as much water in a year as Los Angeles homes and businesses use in three years. Over half of the almonds produced in California are exported abroad.
Now, it appears that the Almond Board of California, the trade group representing growers of the $6.5 billion crop, has gone on the offense, sponsoring messages through National Public Media, NPR’s sponsorship branch, on five NPR affiliates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. In San Francisco, the ads appear to be running during peak driving hours, during Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
When asked in an email about the reason for the ads, the Almond Board’s Stacey Humble said, “The radio spots were developed more recently to serve our California communities’ need for more recent, accurate research and information reflecting the almond industry’s innovation and commitment to sustainable growing practices.”
The ads coincide with other Almond Board PR pushes over the past month. In late June, the Board announced that it would spend $2.5 million on research devoted to sustainable farming practices, including projects targeting water management and honeybee health. It also launched an oddly elaborate Shark Week campaign in the beginning of July, featuring the adventures of a shark who’s stopped being preying on people after he discovered the wonders of the crunchy snack.
On the website publicized in the radio ad, entitled “Get the Facts about Almonds and Water,” the Board argues that acre for acre, almonds use about the same amount of water as other fruits and veggies, and almond growers have cut water use per pound of product by 33 percent in the past two decades.
Despite their water use, almonds are more popular than ever, with Americans eating two times the amount of almonds per year as they did just seven years ago. But the continued drought has leaders in the industry worried—particularly as crop production is declining slightly despite increased acreage.
“The biggest concern for almond users continues to be the impact of ongoing drought on California almond production and how long it could be before sufficient water is available to reverse the downward yield trend,” read a recent Blue Diamond report. Increased demand and shorter supply is causing almond prices to soar. “Almonds a year ago were priced at about $3.30, and we thought that was an exorbitant price,” said Stephen Smith, the CFO of Hain Celestial, a food company that sells almond butter and almond milk. “And here we are looking at prices in the mid-$4 range.”


text:
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
How a healthy sex life can earn you more money
More frequent sex has been linked with higher income rates, according to a 2013 study.
- A 2013 study associated more frequent sex with higher income rates. The initial hypothesis suggested that medical, psychological and physical positive effects of sexual activity could influence wage factors in working adults.
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs all tie in with a healthy sex life, according to several studies listed below.
- Scoring high on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is directly linked to securing and maintaining high-wage income and making smarter financial decisions.
A 2013 paper written by Nick Drydakis, professor at the School of Economics, Finance, and Law at Anglia Ruskin University (UK), suggested a link between more frequent sex and higher income rates. The initial hypothesis of this study was that the medical, psychological, and physical positive effects of sexual activity (good health, endurance, mental well-being, etc.) could influence wage factors in working adults.
The hypothesis was proven to be correct - according to the results of this study, employees who are having sex more than four times per week reported receiving statistically significantly higher wages than those who reported having less sex.
Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs
When our basic needs are being met, we are more motivated to excel in our careers, earning (and saving) more money in the process.
Image by Shutter_M on Shutterstock
The study referenced Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which outlines the basic human needs that need to be met before other motivations for better-living occur. This has been deemed as a "theory for human motivation," as American psychologist Abraham Maslow stated that when these needs are met, the individual can lead a happier, more fulfilled life.
The five basic needs are:
The link between Maslow's Needs and your sex life
While there are many ways to fulfill Maslow's Needs, a healthy sex life (or happy relationship) checks a lot of the boxes.
Physiological needs such as the need for sleep, food, and oxygen don't require a mate, however the physiological need for reproduction does.
Safety and belongingness are qualities often associated with relationships, either romantic or platonic. Whether it's a lifelong friendship or a close intimate one, that human connection satisfies the second level of Maslow's hierarchy.
Esteem for Maslow refers to the need for respect, self-esteem, and confidence. Confidence and high self-esteem have been directly linked to active sex lives and vice versa, according to Harvard Medical School.
Self-actualization represents the highest motivations that we have as human beings. These are things that drive us to realize our full potential and help us become our most ideal self. According to this 1995 study published in Psychological Reports, self-actualization and empathy are key predictors of high marital satisfaction.
The link between a healthy sex life and a satisfying high-income career
The reasoning behind Maslow's Needs is that if these basic human needs aren't being met, the human will not be able to function or thrive in society. People who have these needs met are happier, more fulfilled individuals, and are more successful in work and relationships. The more successful you are in your career, the better chance you have for higher-income jobs or salary bumps.
A healthy, active and happy intimate/sexual relationship is key to accomplishing Maslow's 5 Needs, which in turn is critical to helping you land a high-income job that you care about.
Couples in successful relationships have mastered the skill of “financial harmony”
"Of all the intimacies you share, the sharing of money sparks the most arguments and creates the most resentment and confusion."
Photo by fizkes on Shuttestock
A recent FFCI (Forum for Family and Consumer Issues) study which took place over a period of two years and included a total of 161 participants showed a direct link between what is described as "financial harmony," or agreeance over financial roles and ideas, and happiness of the overall relationship. The study was completely voluntary and confidential.
Money can be a major cause of conflict and stress in relationships and because of this, there is a significant link between good finances and happy relationships. More than 60% of participants in this survey stated that financial problems increased the amount of stress in their romantic lives.
Citing an article by Felton-Collins and S.B. Brown, the authors of the FFCI study wrote that "Of all the intimacies you share, the sharing of money sparks the most arguments and creates the most resentment and confusion."
Marriage therapist Barton Goldsmith is quoted saying that "couples may find it harder to talk about money than about sex." This idea that sex is a delicate and controversial topic even in the most intimate relationships furthers the notion that being in "financial harmony" with your significant other is a key to a successful long-term relationship.
The impact of sex on your finances, and vice versa, according to a marriage therapist
If given a choice between answering two questions (your favorite sex position or how much money was in your savings account right now), most people would choose to describe intimate details of their sex lives rather than list a number in a bank account. Why? Because sex is easier to talk about than money.
Sex is fun, interesting, and feels good - money is known to cause stress. Add to that each person's individual history and view on finances, and you can understand how talking about finances in any kind of romantic relationship can feel extremely difficult.
However, according to marriage and family therapist Lisa Bahar, not only does financial stress impact intimacy, but the lack of financial stress can improve intimacy (and vice versa).
"Couples who are experiencing financial strain have a higher likelihood of experiencing disruptions or difficulties in the bedroom", she explains in a 2015 interview. "I see more and more with the strain that the economy/financial impact has on couples that there is a decrease in interest and a feeling of disconnection, which plays out sometimes by withholding or shutting down among partners."
- 10 documentaries that will make you a lot smarter about money ›
- 5 realistic ways to save money - Big Think ›
- How to save money, according to a financial psychologist - Big Think ›
The team caught a glimpse of a process that takes 18,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years.
- In Italy, a team of scientists is using a highly sophisticated detector to hunt for dark matter.
- The team observed an ultra-rare particle interaction that reveals the half-life of a xenon-124 atom to be 18 sextillion years.
- The half-life of a process is how long it takes for half of the radioactive nuclei present in a sample to decay.
A study looks at the ingredients of a good scare.
Catching fear in a bottle
Credit: Photo Boards/Unsplash
Previous studies have tracked physiological signs of fear arousal, but none have established a one-to-one correlation between that arousal and specific, actual fear events.

Andersen says that much of the research has been conducted in lab settings with weak fear stimuli, observing subjects as they experience things like scary videos. Scares in these situations tend to be weak and difficult to measure. Even harder to track in these situations is the link between enjoyment and fear.

Eyes everywhere
Andersen and his colleagues conducted their experiments at Dystopia Haunted House, a commercial attraction in Vejle, Denmark constructed in an old, run-down factory. The Recreational Fear Lab has a long-standing partnership with the spook shack.

They outfitted 100 volunteers with heart monitors and sent them on their terrifying way through the 50-room horror mansion. The facility incorporates a number of fright mechanisms including frequent jump scares in which a sudden threat takes a visitor by surprise.

Researchers surreptitiously observed their participants on closed-circuit video as they made their way through the attraction. They tracked each individual's scares, scoring them for intensity according to their visible reactions. After exiting the attraction, individuals self-reported their experiences in the haunted house.

Combining these self-reports with observer notes and each participant's heart-rate data gave the researchers subjective, behavioral, and physiological insights into the ways in which fear is experienced, and when it's a good thing or not.

A pair of inverted U-shapes
In analyzing their data, the researchers saw two separate inverted u-shape curves. One depicted participants' enjoyment based on their self-reports and observed behavior. A similar u-curve was detected in their heart rates showing that just the right amount of heartbeat acceleration is associated with fun, but too much is too much. It's the terror Goldilocks zone.

Says Andersen, "If people are not very scared, they do not enjoy the attraction as much, and the same happens if they are too scared. Instead, it seems to be the case that a 'just-right' amount of fear is central for maximizing enjoyment."

The research suggests that being scared is enjoyable when it represents just a quick minor physiological deviation from one's normal state. When it goes on too long, however, or triggers too severe a physiological change, it becomes disturbing. Game over.

Andersen notes that this is not dissimilar to the factors known to make interpersonal play enjoyable: just the right amount of uncertainty and surprise. These are, maybe not coincidentally, also the ingredients of a successful joke.

A meteorite that smashed into a frozen lake in Michigan may explain the origins of life on Earth, finds study.
- A new paper reveals a meteorite that crashed in Michigan in 2018 contained organic matter.
- The findings support the panspermia theory and could explain the origins of life on Earth.
- The organic compounds on the meteorite were well-preserved.
Meteor streaks through Michigan sky
The meteorite that smashed into Strawberry Lake carried pristine extraterrestrial organic compounds.
Credit: Field Museum

domain: psychology


126-mph gust hits Colorado mountains; trucks toppled
The Associated Press
Aspen, CO Colorado
DENVER – High winds buffeted Colorado for a second day Saturday, with a 126-mph blast reported in the mountains and gusts near 70 mph reported on the plains.
At least three semis were toppled by the wind in the Denver area, and ski areas delayed the opening of some lifts until the winds subsided in the afternoon.
Wind-related power failures were reported in the ski town of Breckenridge and elsewhere in the state.
The 126-mph gust was recorded at 5 a.m. by an automated National Weather Service station at a remote site in Summit County 12,000 feet above sea level.
It was not a record for the state. National Park Service rangers have said winds in excess of 200 mph have been measured atop the 14,259-foot Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.
A gust of 69 mph was reported in Wray, about 140 miles east of Denver near the Nebraska border.
A semi that was parked on the shoulder of E-470 in the southeast Denver metro area was blown over, and two semis were toppled on U.S. 85 north of Denver, Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Mike Baker said.
All three drivers reported minor injuries, Baker said.
Accidents, high winds and debris on roadways closed some highways intermittently throughout the day. High-profile vehicles were barred from a 180-mile stretch of Interstate 76 between Denver and the northeast corner of the state Saturday morning, but the restriction was lifted later.
Aspen, Breckenridge and Winter Park ski areas delayed the openings of some lifts and gondolas because of the wind.
A high-wind warning was issued for a wide swath of the high plains from the southern borders of Colorado and Kansas to the Canadian border. The warning encompassed all of eastern Colorado.
The Summit Daily News reported that about 5,000 customers lost electric power in Breckenridge on Saturday morning. The Denver Post reported that 19,000 homes lost electricity at scattered locations statewide.
Officials of Xcel Energy didn’t immediately return a call.
Gusts of up to 102 mph were reported in Colorado Friday.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.