This product has four brushless motors giving it decent speed, flight time and maneuverability. It is also very stable which makes it suitable for taking aerial photos and videos.
There are complaints about durability issues – it may easily get damaged during crashes. Signal is also a reported issue and there are times that users lose control of the aircraft even if it is flying within the prescribed range. Lacks a homing feature so it could get lost if you don’t mind its battery level during flight.
While it may have its flaws, its flight performance is satisfactory. It is certainly good enough as an entry-level drone.
Whether you’re a professional level flyer or a newbie, a drone needs to excel in particular key areas such as speed, maneuverability, control range and flight time. Unfortunately, getting all these aspects just right in a single craft usually means only one thing – it’s going to be one expensive purchase.
But we believe in the saying “seek and you shall find” so we decided to apply that in our search for GoPro compatible drones. Surprisingly, it worked and we found a flying machine that’s not only cheap at under $100, it is even fun to fly for both newbies and professional flyers – the Mysterystone Bugs 3 RC Quadcopter, our top entry-level choice.
If you’re looking for a very affordable aircraft that delivers an impressive flying performance that even professionals will love, the Mysterystone Bugs 3 RC Quadcopter is a good option to consider. Thanks to its powerful brushless motors, it is able to deliver an impressive flight performance that is on par with some of the higher priced models in the market.
Equipped with four MT1806 1800Kv brushless motors, this unmanned flying machine is said to be 10 times more powerful than other models. For professional flyers, it means that this extra power can propel the aircraft to speeds higher than the competition. On the other hand, videographers and photographers can depend on this extra power to give this aircraft the energy it needs to resist wind, resulting in a more stable flight and stunning videos.
Due to the lower heat and friction generated during its operations, brushless motors are very energy efficient. This means that you’ll get more flight time from your battery. In the case of this machine, you’ll get 15 to 20 minutes of flight time if you don’t attach and mount and camera. Understandably, you’ll get a much shorter flight time of around 10 minutes if you attach a camera due to the extra weight.
To get the most fun out of flying your drone, a good range is also very important. With the Bugs 3, you can effectively control it up to a distance of 500 meters via a two-way remote control that operates at the 2.4GHz frequency. There is even an alarm if it starts to fly too far away from you or if its battery is already low. This will give you time to land the machine.
If you are passionate about taking aerial videos and photos, you’ll definitely love this product even more. It is compatible with GoPros 3, 3+, and 4 as well as SJCAMS SJ4000 and SJ7000. What’s even more surprising is that it even comes with a gimbal mount for additional stability.
Enthusiasts have different set budgets for their toys. And if you’re shopping on a rather tight budget, the good news is that this flying machine is likely within your set limits. It’s one of the most affordable entry-level drones and is offered on Amazon at under $100.00.
Given its very affordable price, you just can’t expect the Mysterystone Bugs 3 RC Quadcopter not to have a few weak areas. One common complaint is that it’s not durable enough and tends to break down easily during crashes. Another common complaint is that the signal is not very good and you might even lose control of the aircraft at times even if it is flying within the prescribed range.
There are also reviews saying that it took them a while to learn to control the craft’s flight. This suggests that this may not be the perfect option for those who don’t really want to spend enough time to learn how to fly it expertly. It also lacks a homing feature which means that users must keep an eye on the battery level to avoid crashes due to low power.


text:
Cosmetic surgery is an important decision, and should not be taken likely. If you are considering any type of cosmetic surgery there are certain things that you need to know. Continue reading this article so that you have all of the necessary information before, you make all the decisions related to getting cosmetic surgery.
Almost all reputable plastic surgeons, and their clinics have a type of computer software that allows people to see themselves as they would look post-op. This is a great tool that should not be overlooked, as it allows you to visualize the changes you are considering. You can make a more informed decision.
Make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the equivalent for the surgeon’s home country. The websites for these agencies can quickly tell you if the surgeon in question is certified. Certification is so important because any physician can legally perform any type of medical procedure; certification ensures they’ve a special training in plastic surgery.
Find out how experienced your surgeon is with the kind of surgery you are getting. The more a doctor has done a surgery, the more advanced his skills become. More surgeries means more patients. If any of those individuals had negative experiences, they probably filed a malpractice suit.
Research the risks of the procedure(s) that you want done. Do not choose something and go into it blindly, as it could mean a great loss to your livelihood or even your life. Just like you would check side-effects with a medication, find out what could happen during surgery and after it.
When considering cosmetic surgery, make sure that you prepare a list of questions before you visit a professional. This is important because not only will they appreciate that you are well prepared, but this is a great way to ensure that any, and all of your questions will be answered.
Find out if the procedure you want, requires anesthesia. The types are either local, general, or semi-conscious sedation. Talk about the risk and safety of each one with your physician prior to getting your procedure. Many procedures allow you to choose, but general sedation tends to be more expensive. Furthermore, be sure to ask how much you will need and what they will do if it’s not enough for you.
Use the Internet to your advantage. There are often discounts, and coupons available for cosmetic procedures. Some centers are even featured on sites like Groupon. Pay attention to the fine print though. Make sure you are eligible to receive the discount. Generally, you can’t get your money back after, you pay for the coupon.
Now that you have read this article, you know how important it is to have the right information before, you decide all the details of your cosmetic surgery. If you want to be sure that you are satisfied with the progress, and results of your cosmetic surgery, be sure to put the tips in this article to good use.

domain: medical


text:
Adolescents react more impulsively to threats than either adults or children — a new finding by Weill Cornell Medical College scientists that has important implications for helping teens understand and overcome potentially dangerous behaviors.
"The responses [to threats] we are seeing in the laboratory are on the order of milliseconds," said Dr. BJ Casey, director of the Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology at Weill Cornell. "Even teaching teens strategies to take a deep breath before acting could have potential implications for their safety."
The research may also help explain why teens have more accidents as well as deaths from suicide than people in other age groups. The collaborative study's results were presented on Nov. 10 at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience by lead author Dr. Kristina Caudle, a former postdoctoral fellow at Weill Cornell who now works at the Veterans Health Administration's National Center for PTSD.
"The broader context for our findings, beyond how they may impact policies on the treatment of juveniles who typically commit crimes in the heat of the moment, is to understand why teens put themselves in harm's way," Dr. Casey said, noting that there is a 200 percent increase in mortality during adolescence that is not due to an increased risk for disease, but rather to preventable causes of accidental injury, homicide and suicide.
In the study, 83 test subjects from ages 6 to 29 were presented with images of neutral or threatening facial expressions while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). They were told to press a button when a neutral face was presented and not to do so when threatening faces were presented.
Teens were less able than either children or adults to refrain from pressing the button when a threatening face was presented.
The investigators — who included tri-institutional MD/PhD students Michael Dreyfus and Andrew Drysdale and PhD student Alexandra Cohen — also found that when teenagers were able to control their responses to threats, they had more activity in an area of the brain known as the ventral prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate responses in emotional situations.
Taken together, the findings suggest that teens' proclivity for danger is the result of changes in the brain that occur specifically at that age.
"It's fascinating because, although the brains of young children are even less mature, children don't exhibit the same attraction to risky or criminal behaviors as do adolescents," Dr. Caudle said. "Our research suggests that biological changes of the ventral prefrontal cortex during adolescence influence emotional processes, such that they react rather than retreat from dangerous activities."

domain: psychology


text:
Back in August, I participated in a “WIPMarathon” put together by some of the other writers I follow on Twitter. Unlike NaNoWriMo, the WIPMarathon allows for personal, flexible goals: If you only want to edit and not write a new WIP, that’s totally fine. Whether you want to write 100 words or 2000 words a day, that’s totally up to you! And everyone’s a winner. 😀
I used the marathon to motivate myself to work harder on a YA fantasy I’d started the month before, and I actually finished the first draft that month! I wrote over 55,000 words in under a month to do so, too.
This time the WIPMarathon is running for two months: December and January. It’s not too late to join!
Learn more about the WIPMarathon and sign up here!
Marathon Goal: Well, I’m going to be honest and say that the first week of the WIPmarathon, I don’t plan to do a thing. Maybe brainstorm a tiny bit. But I desperately need a break from my creative projects after a lackluster NaNoWriMo.
After that, I have a number of things potentially going on, so it’s going to be a bit of a mixed bag of goals:
-Do edits (like a 6th or 7th revision? I can’t remember anymore!) on a YA fantasy
-Continue work on a YA fantasy WIP (currently 9591 words, needs to be a full first draft in a few months)
-Do edits (2nd revision) on a different YA fantasy (the one I finished during the last WIPMarathon)
…Those things are all my top priorities, but they also depend on talking with other people, and that depends on their schedules, so I’m not ready to dive into them quite yet. But I will be soon, I hope! I’ll definitely be working on at least some of them before the WIPMarathon is over.
My not-as-important optional goals to keep me busy when/if the above goals can’t happen are to finish the first draft of either my NA romance from NaNoWriMo (50,250 words at the moment) and/or a YA suspense I wrote last year (53,910 words currently). Both of these sputtered to a halt because I just felt that things were off about them. I’m not even sure I know how to fix them or if I can summon the ideas to at least finish drafts and try to fix them later. I think the YA suspense might even need close to a page-one rewrite. I just don’t know.
Stage of writing: See above. Five projects I’m juggling here! Two in revisions and three in drafting.
What inspired my current project: Reading The Hunger Games a couple of years ago really inspired me to get serious about my writing again. I wrote the first draft of the first YA fantasy mentioned while on a HG high. (Not that there’s much in common, I suppose, but there are some dystopian elements.)
What might slow down my marathon goal: Having five separate projects to work on for starters! Other than that, the holidays and keeping my motivation up. (And trying to fight the desire to give up on those two unfinished drafts.)
Best time of the day for writing: I work from home (as a writer), so my schedule is pretty flexible. I probably write best in the afternoons if I have the time.
12 thoughts on “WIPMarathon Intro”
Wow, and I thought I was being ambitious with my project-juggling! Congrats on winning NaNo, and I hope you get your motivation back! 🙂
I kind of don’t have a choice about some of it, but in a very good way. 😀 Thanks! Maybe working on the projects I love more (the ones that are high priority), I’ll start feeling the writing-love again.
I was inspired by HG too! Like I keep thinking if my current WIP can pull off tension and great pacing the way HG did.
Good luck with your projects! And congrats on winning Nano!
It seems like a lot of writers were! The power of a powerful story. I never feel like I can quite match what she produced, but it made me want to try!
Good luck juggling all those projects–I sure couldn’t do it, and I admire your drive!
Thank you! Well, some of these goals are way more important than others. I wouldn’t be surprised if the “optional” goals get totally ignored. ^^;
Wow! This will be a busy few months. Good job with NaNoWriMo 🙂
Thanks you! 😀
I need a break after NaNo, too. I’ll be working on outlines this week, and that might be it for me.
Wow! Five projects! Good luck with everything you decide to work on!
You know Hunger Games inspired me stop dragging my feet, too! I don’t have dystopian elements, but it reminded me so much of why I love writing so much and why I started in the first place. ^_^
Enjoy your break–we definitely need one after NaNo! XD Thanks, and good luck to you too!
Exactly! I’ve heard this a lot about HG, actually!
Awesome! You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice as to what to work on each day 🙂 I hear you on needing a break… I don’t think I’ll hit my WIPMarathon stride until the second week, but I’m excited to join you guys! Good luck!
I know, right? It’s probably a little TOO much to work on, but I don’t mind if I don’t get around to the optional projects. Good luck to you, too!

domain: literature


Some of the world’s best soccer teams and players will face off in Los Angeles this summer.
The games will be part of the Soccer Champions Tour, which will see six clubs competing across eight different stadiums in six different cities across the U.S. starting July 22. Los Angeles will play host to three games at three of its stadiums.
What teams are playing in the Soccer Champions Tour?
The tour includes six clubs – two each from the Italian, Spanish and English top flight.
Representing the Premier League will be Manchester United and Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid will represent the Spanish La Liga, and AC Milan and Juventus will rep Serie A.


|Publication number||US8187259 B2|
|Application number||US 12/903,507|
|Publication date||May 29, 2012|
|Filing date||Oct 13, 2010|
|Priority date||Mar 15, 2004|
|Also published as||CA2559581A1, CA2559581C, EP1763323A2, EP1763323A4, EP1763323B1, US7836893, US20050203494, US20110028956, WO2005089185A2, WO2005089185A3|
|Publication number||12903507, 903507, US 8187259 B2, US 8187259B2, US-B2-8187259, US8187259 B2, US8187259B2|
|Original Assignee||Amo Manufacturing Usa, Llc.|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (85), Non-Patent Citations (3), Classifications (15), Legal Events (2)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
The present application is a Divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 11/077,173 filed Mar. 9, 2005 (Allowed), which application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/553,580 filed Mar. 15, 2004; the full disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
The present invention relates generally to laser eye surgery methods and systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for stabilizing an amount of laser energy delivered to a target.
Known laser eye procedures generally employ an ultraviolet or infrared laser to remove a microscopic layer of stromal tissue from the cornea of the eye to alter the refractive characteristics of the eye. The laser removes a selected shape of the corneal tissue, often to correct refractive errors of the eye. Ultraviolet laser ablation results in photo-decomposition of the corneal tissue, but generally does not cause significant thermal damage to adjacent and underlying tissues of the eye. The irradiated molecules are broken into smaller volatile fragments photochemically, directly breaking the intermolecular bonds.
Laser ablation procedures can remove the targeted stroma of the cornea to change the cornea's contour for varying purposes, such as for correcting myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and the like. Control over the distribution of ablation energy across the cornea may be provided by a variety of systems and methods, including the use of ablatable masks, fixed and moveable apertures, controlled scanning systems, eye movement tracking mechanisms, and the like. In known systems, the laser beam often comprises a series of discrete pulses of laser light energy, with the total shape and amount of tissue removed being determined by the shape, size, location, and/or number of a pattern of laser energy pulses impinging on the cornea. A variety of algorithms may be used to calculate the pattern of laser pulses used to reshape the cornea so as to correct a refractive error of the eye. Known systems make use of a variety of forms of lasers and/or laser energy to effect the correction, including infrared lasers, ultraviolet lasers, femtosecond lasers, frequency multiplied solid-state lasers, and the like. Known corneal correction treatment methods have generally been successful in correcting standard vision errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and the like. By customizing an ablation pattern based on wavefront measurements, it may be possible to correct minor aberrations to reliably and repeatedly provide visual acuity greater than 20/20.
When laser energy is delivered from a laser energy generating device to a target, as in a laser eye surgery procedure, the energy (typically in the form of a laser beam) passes along a delivery path. The laser beam typically follows a path that proceeds through a series of lenses, mirrors and/or other optical elements to focus and/or direct the beam before it arrives at a patient's eye. As laser energy passes along such a delivery path, it typically causes one or more substances to accumulate. The most prevalent and significant substance that accumulates along a UV laser beam delivery path due to passage of the laser beam is ozone. The laser beam creates ozone when it passes through oxygen along the delivery path. Subsequent pulses of the laser beam are then impeded by the presence of ozone along the path, resulting in a reduced amount of energy arriving at the patient's eye with each subsequent pulse. The same reduction occurs over time with a constant wave laser. As ozone continues to accumulate, the laser energy arriving at the eye continues to decrease.
One objective in laser eye surgery is to deliver approximately the same amount of laser energy to the eye with each pulse of the laser, or if constant wave laser energy is used, to deliver a constant amount of energy to the eye over time. Currently available systems and techniques, however, do not account for accumulation of substances such as ozone along the laser beam delivery path, and thus do not provide a constant or stabilized amount of delivered laser energy to the eye. Stabilized delivered laser energy would enhance laser eye surgery by providing a desired amount of energy to an eye over multiple laser pulses and over time to allow for a more precise and accurate laser eye surgery procedure.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide methods and systems for stabilizing an amount of laser energy delivered to an eye during a laser eye surgery procedure. Ideally, such methods and systems compensate for impedance of a laser beam caused by accumulation of substances, such as ozone, along the laser beam delivery path. Also ideally, such methods and systems could be used to calibrate a laser generating device before performing any laser eye surgery procedures and would not require frequent recalibrations. At least some of these objectives will be met by the present invention.
The present invention generally provides methods and systems for enhancing delivery of laser energy to a target by helping to stabilize the amount of delivered energy. Delivered energy is stabilized by compensating for one or more accumulated substances, typically ozone, that form when a laser beam travels along its path from a laser generating device to a target. Once a reduction in delivered energy due to accumulated ozone and/or other substances is measured, an adjustment to a laser generating device may be calculated to compensate for the reduction in delivered energy. Although methods and systems of the invention are typically described for use in laser eye surgery, various embodiments may be used for stabilizing delivered laser energy for any other purpose, with any other laser device or the like. Thus, the present invention is not limited to use in laser eye surgery procedures or any other specific field.
In the following description, the terms “delivered energy” or “delivered laser energy” are often used. By delivered energy it is meant the energy that is delivered to a target, such as a patient's eye. In other words, delivered energy is the energy that actually arrives at the target. An amount of delivered energy may or may not be different than an amount of “provided laser energy,” “dispatched laser energy,” “sent laser energy,” “energy directed from a laser device” or the like. By provided laser energy it is meant the energy that leaves a laser device or laser energy generating device. As is described above, an amount of energy that is provided by a laser energy generating device is often decreased as it travels along a laser beam delivery path, thus resulting in a decreased amount of delivered energy that arrives at the target. Such is the case, for example, when multiple laser beam pulses are directed along the delivery path. Earlier pulses cause oxygen to be converted to ozone, and the ozone impedes subsequent laser pulses from traveling along the path, thus reducing the amount of laser energy arriving at the target in subsequent pulses. In other words, if the subsequent pulses have the same amount of energy as they leave the laser energy generating device, they do not have the same amount of energy when they arrive at the target, due to interference from ozone and/or other substances accumulated along the delivery path. At any rate, none of the terminology defined above or used in the following descriptions should be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. Any suitable terms may be used to describe an amount of laser energy leaving a device and an amount of energy arriving at (or “delivered to”) a target.
That being said, in one aspect of the invention, a method for stabilizing an amount of laser energy delivered to a target by a laser generating device involves: measuring the amount of delivered laser energy arriving at or near a target from the laser generating device over a period of time; calculating a decrease in the amount of delivered energy over time; and adjusting the laser generating device to compensate for the decrease to stabilize the amount of delivered laser energy arriving at the target. In some embodiments, measuring the amount of delivered laser energy comprises measuring with a laser energy meter positioned at or near the target. For example, the laser energy meter may be positioned on an opposite side of a partially transparent lens or mirror from the target. In some embodiments, the laser energy comprises multiple pulses of laser energy, while in other embodiments the energy is constant wave (CW) laser energy.
As discussed above, in some embodiments calculating the decrease in the amount of delivered energy involves calculating a decrease caused by passage of the laser energy along a delivery path, which causes an accumulation of at least one substance along the delivery path, the substance impeding subsequent passage of the laser energy. For example, the substance that accumulates may comprise ozone, since passage of the laser energy along the delivery path typically causes an amount of oxygen (O2) to be converted to ozone (O3). Alternatively or additionally, the method may calculate a decrease in delivered energy based on accumulation of any other substance(s) along the laser energy delivery path. In some embodiments, calculating the decrease in the amount of delivered energy comprises calculating a decrease in delivered energy of a pulse of laser energy compared to an immediately previously fired pulse of laser energy. For example, calculating the decrease may involve calculating an amount of decrease caused by accumulation of one or more substances in the delivery path of the laser energy and reducing the amount of the decrease caused by the accumulation by a factor of time between pulses of the laser energy, which time allows for dissipation of the substance(s).
Adjusting the laser generating device, in some embodiments, comprises increasing an amount of laser energy provided from the laser generating device over time to compensate for accumulation of at least one substance along a delivery path of the laser energy caused by passage of the laser energy along the path. Again, the substance may be ozone and/or any other substance. In some embodiments, adjusting the laser generating device also involves reducing any increases in the amount of provided laser energy to compensate for time between pulses of laser energy, which time allows for dissipation of the substance(s).
Typically, though not necessarily, the measuring, calculating and adjusting steps of the method are performed during a calibration procedure for the laser generating device. A laser may thus be calibrated before performing a laser eye surgery procedure, and the laser may then be used for multiple procedures without recalibration. In some embodiments, the method also includes directing laser energy, either pulsed or constant wave, from the laser generating device toward the target. Some embodiments may also include performing a laser eye surgery procedure with the laser generating device after the calibration procedure.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a laser eye surgery procedure comprises calibrating a laser generating device and performing the laser eye surgery procedure using the calibrated laser generating device. Calibrating the laser generating device comprises: measuring the amount of delivered laser energy arriving at or near a target from the laser generating device over a period of time; calculating a decrease in the amount of delivered energy over time; and adjusting the laser generating device to compensate for the decrease so that the delivered laser energy arriving at the target remains approximately constant over time.
In another aspect of the invention, a method for performing a laser eye surgery procedure includes directing an amount of laser energy from a laser generating device toward an eye and adjusting the amount of directed laser energy to compensate for accumulation of one or more substances along a delivery path of the laser energy to stabilize the amount of delivered laser energy that arrives at the eye. As mentioned, typically the amount of directed laser energy is adjusted to compensate for accumulation of ozone along the delivery path, although it may alternatively or additionally be adjusted to compensate for accumulation of any other substance(s). In some embodiments, the amount of directed laser energy is increased over time to compensate for accumulation of ozone along the delivery path and is decreased over time to compensate for time between pulses of the laser energy, which time allows the ozone to dissipate.
In another aspect of the present invention, a system for performing a laser eye surgery procedure comprises: a laser energy generating device; a laser energy measuring device disposed at or near a target for measuring delivered energy of the laser energy device; and a processor coupled with the laser energy generating device and the laser energy measuring device. The processor is generally for calculating an adjustment to the laser energy generating device to compensate for accumulation of one or more substances along a laser energy delivery path and for adjusting the laser energy generating device to stabilize an amount of delivered laser energy that arrives at a target of the laser eye surgery procedure.
In various embodiments, the laser energy generating device may provide either pulsed laser energy, constant wave laser energy, or both. In some embodiments, as mentioned above, the processor is calibrated before performing the laser eye surgery procedure. Also in some embodiments, the processor increases an amount of laser energy provided by the laser energy device to compensate for the accumulation of the substance(s) and decreases the provided laser energy to compensate for time between pulses of the laser energy, which time allows for dissipation of the substance(s). Again, the system typically compensates for accumulation of ozone along the delivery path.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system for performing a laser eye surgery procedure includes a laser energy generating device and a processor coupled with the laser energy generating device for calculating an adjustment to the laser energy generating device to compensate for accumulation of one or more substances along a laser energy delivery path and for adjusting the laser energy generating device to stabilize an amount of delivered laser energy that arrives at a target of the laser eye surgery procedure. The processor is calibrated before performing the laser eye surgery procedure.
These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are described in detail below, in reference to the attached drawing figures.
The present invention is particularly useful for enhancing the accuracy and efficacy of laser eye surgical procedures, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and the like. Preferably, the present invention can provide enhanced optical accuracy of refractive procedures by improving a corneal ablation of a refractive treatment program. While systems and methods of the present invention are described primarily in a context of a laser eye surgery system, techniques of the present invention may also be adapted for use in alternative eye treatment procedures and systems such as ablatable intraocular lenses, contact lenses, and the like. Additionally, systems and methods of the invention may be used in contexts outside of laser eye surgery for enhancing any laser device used for any purpose.
The techniques of the present invention can be readily adapted for use with existing laser systems. By helping stabilize an amount of laser energy delivered to a patient's eye, the present invention may facilitate sculpting of the cornea so that treated eyes regularly exceed a normal 20/20 threshold of desired vision.
Referring now to
While an input device 20 is here schematically illustrated as a joystick, a variety of input components may be used. Suitable input components may include trackballs, touch screens, or a wide variety of alternative pointing devices. Still further alternative input components include keypads, data transmission mechanisms such as an Ethernet, intranet, Internet, a modem, or the like.
A laser 12 generally comprises an excimer laser and ideally comprises an argon-fluoride laser producing pulses of laser light having a wavelength of approximately 193 nm. A pulse of laser light typically has a fixed pulse duration having a full width half maximum (FWHM) of about 15 nanoseconds during a treatment. Laser 12 is preferably designed to provide a feedback stabilized fluence at the patient's eye, delivered via delivery optics 16. The present invention may also be useful with alternative sources of electromagnetic radiation, particularly those adapted to controllably ablate a corneal tissue without causing significant damage to adjacent and/or underlying tissues of the eye. The laser system may include, but is not limited to, excimer lasers such as argon-fluoride excimer lasers (producing laser energy with a wavelength of about 193 nm), solid state lasers, including frequency multiplied solid state lasers such as flash-lamp and diode pumped solid state lasers. Exemplary solid state lasers include UV solid state lasers (approximately 193-215 nm) such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,144,630 and 5,742,626. Laser energy may comprise a beam formed as a series of discreet laser pulses. A variety of alternative lasers might also be used. Hence, although an excimer laser is the illustrative source of an ablating beam, other lasers may be used in the present invention.
Laser 12 and delivery optics 16 will generally direct laser beam 14 to an eye of patient P under direction of a processor 22. Processor 22 will often selectively adjust laser beam 14 to expose portions of the cornea to pulses of laser energy so as to effect a predetermined sculpting of a cornea and alter refractive characteristics of an eye. In many embodiments, both laser 14 and a laser delivery optical system 16 will be under computer control of processor 22 to effect a desired laser sculpting process, with processor 22 effecting (and optionally modifying) a pattern of laser pulses. A pattern of pulses may by summarized in a treatment table listing of machine readable data of a tangible media 29. A treatment table may be adjusted according to feedback input into processor 22 from an automated image analysis system (manually input into processor 22 by a system operator) in response to feedback data provided from an ablation monitoring system feedback system. Such feedback might be provided by integrating a wavefront measurement system described below with a laser treatment system 10, and processor 22 may continue and/or terminate a sculpting treatment in response to feedback, and may optionally also modify a planned sculpting based at least in part on feedback.
Laser beam 14 may be adjusted to produce a desired sculpting using a variety of alternative mechanisms. A laser beam 14 may be selectively limited using one or more variable apertures. An exemplary variable aperture system having a variable iris and a variable width slit is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,892, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. A laser beam may also be tailored by varying a size and offset of a laser spot from an axis of an eye, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,379, and as also described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/968,380, filed Nov. 12, 1997; and 09/274,999 filed Mar. 22, 1999, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Still further alternatives are possible, including scanning a laser beam over a surface of an eye and controlling a number of pulses and/or dwell time at each location, as described, for example, by U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,913 (the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) and laser systems by Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, Wavelight and the like; using masks in an optical path of laser beam 14 which ablate to vary a profile of a beam incident on a cornea, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/468,898, filed Jun. 6, 1995 (the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference); hybrid profile-scanning systems in which a variable size beam (typically controlled by a variable width slit and/or variable diameter iris diaphragm) is scanned across the cornea as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,319,247; 6,280,435; and 6,203,539, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference; or the like. The computer programs and control methodology for these laser pattern tailoring techniques are well described in the patent literature.
Additional components and subsystems may be included with laser system 10, as should be understood by those of skill in the art. For example, spatial and/or temporal integrators may be included to control the distribution of energy within the laser beam, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,646,791 and 5,912,779 the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. An ablation effluent evacuator/filter, and other ancillary components of the laser surgery system which are not necessary to an understanding of the invention, which may be optionally employed, need not be described in detail for an understanding of the present invention.
Processor 22 may comprise (or interface with) a conventional PC system including standard user interface devices such as a keyboard, a display monitor, and the like. Processor 22 will typically include an input device such as a magnetic or optical disk drive, an internet connection, or the like. Such input devices will often be used to download a computer executable code from a tangible storage media 29 embodying any methods of the present invention. Tangible storage media 29 may comprise a floppy disk, an optical disk, a data tape, a volatile or non-volatile memory, or the like, and a processor 22 will include memory boards and other standard components of modern computer systems for storing and executing a computer program code. Tangible storage media 29 may optionally embody wavefront sensor data, wavefront gradients, a wavefront elevation map, a treatment map, a corneal topography map, a measurement of a refraction of an eye, an ablation table, and/or instructions to adjust the amount of energy.
Referring now to
In an exemplary embodiment, a variable aperture 34 changes a diameter and/or slit width to profile laser beam 14, ideally including both a variable diameter iris and a variable width slit. A prism 36 separates laser beam 14 into a plurality of beamlets, which may partially overlap on eye 2 to smooth edges of an ablation or “crater” formed from each pulse of a laser beam. An offset module 38 includes motors which vary an angular offset of an offset lens, and which also change a radial orientation of an offset. Hence, offset module 38 can selectively direct laser beam 14 at a desired lateral region of a cornea. A structure and method for using a laser beam delivery system 16 and an offset module 38 are more fully described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,331,177; 6,203,539; 5,912,775; and 5,646,791 the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In some embodiments, laser beam delivery system 16 includes a delivered energy measurement device 33 for measuring the amount of laser beam energy delivered to the eye E. For example, mirror 30 may be a semi-translucent mirror, lens or the like, to allow some amount of laser beam 14 to pass through. In many cases, measurement device 33 is used before laser beam 14 is ever applied to an eye E. For example, a sequence of test pulses of laser beam is often fired at a target positioned in the same location that the eye E will be positioned during a laser eye surgery procedure. When the sequence of test pulses is fired, measurement device 33 measures the amount of energy delivered to the patient with each pulse during the sequence. These measurements may then be used to calculate a decrease in delivered energy of laser pulses caused by accumulation of one or more substances, such as ozone, along the delivery path of laser beam 14. Measurement device 33 may also be used to measure delivered laser energy of a constant wave laser beam, which measurements may be used to calculate a decrease in energy of the beam over time. In some embodiments, measurements of delivered energy are taken, calculations are made, and laser 12 is adjusted or calibrated before a laser eye surgery is performed so as to provide stabilized delivered laser energy to eyes during laser eye surgery procedures.
The “delivery path” of laser beam 14 is depicted in
Referring now to
Embedded computer 58 is in electronic communication with a plurality of sensors 56 and a plurality of motor drivers 60. Motor drivers 60 are coupled to an embedded computer 58 to vary a position and configuration of many of optical components of delivery optics 16 according to treatment table 52. For example, first and second scanning axes 62, 64 control a position of an offset lens to move several laser beamlets over a surface of a cornea. Iris motor 66 controls an overall diameter of a beam, and in some cases, a length of light transmitted through a variable width slit. Similarly a slit width driver 68 controls a width of a variable slit. Slit angle driver 70 controls rotation of a slit about its axis. Beam angle driver 72 controls beam rotation as effected by a temporal integrator as described above. A timer 80 controls a time interval between pulses of a laser treatment. Timer 80 measures a time interval from a previous pulse and generates an interrupt after a predetermined time interval has elapsed. Processor 22 issues a command for laser 12 to generate a pulse of laser beam 14 after various optical elements have been positioned to create a desired crater on eye E and after a measured time interval has elapsed. Treatment table 52 comprises a listing of all desired craters to be combined so as to effect a treatment therapy.
In various embodiments of the present invention, processor 22 may be used to calculate decreases in amounts of delivered laser energy to a target, to calculate adjustments in amounts of dispatched energy to compensate for the decreases in delivered energy, to provide information to laser 12 to compensate for the decreases, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a computer program stored on tangible medium 29 may be used by processor to make calculations and/or compensate for decreases in delivered energy. Methods for calculating delivered energy decreases, calculating compensatory increases, and adjusting a laser generating device are described in greater detail below.
In one aspect of the present invention, a method for stabilizing delivered laser energy involves measuring delivered laser energy over multiple laser pulses (or during a period of time, in the case of a constant wave laser), calculating a decrease in delivered energy caused by accumulation of one or more substances, such as ozone, along the laser delivery path, and adjusting a laser to compensate for the decrease. Various embodiments of such a method may include firing a number of laser pulses, measuring the pulses and using the measurements to calculate decreases in delivered energy, compensatory increases in dispatched energy and/or the like. As mentioned above, such a method may be used to calibrate a laser before performing laser eye surgery procedures. In some embodiments, one calibration of a laser generating device will be sufficient to calibrate the laser device for many laser eye surgery procedures.
Referring now to
To compensate for the gradual build-up of ozone and/or other substances along a laser energy delivery path, the laser energy that is provided by (i.e., that leaves or is “dispatched from”) the laser device is increased by a factor calculated from the predicted reduction in delivered energy. Each fired laser pulse will reduce the energy delivered by subsequent pulses by an amount, P. Counteracting this reduction in delivered energy is an increase in delivered energy caused by dissipation of ozone that occurs between laser pulses. This counteracting increase is described by the equation C×(E0−E)×Δt, where C is a diffusion constant, E0 is the amount of energy delivered in the absence of ozone, E is the amount of delivered energy, and Δt is the time interval between two laser pulses. Values for P and C may be calculated during a calibration procedure, as described above, and those values may then be used in one or more calculations to compensate for decreases in delivered energy of the laser device.
Referring now to
Once information is gathered during a calibration procedure, this information may be used to calibrate a laser. In other words, various methods of the invention provide for adjusting a laser device during a laser eye surgery procedure to stabilize the amount of laser energy delivered to the target—i.e., a patient's eye. Basically, the laser device is adjusted according to information gathered and calculated during the calibration procedure. In some embodiments, for example, the variables P and C are determined during calibration and these variables are then used in an equation during a laser eye surgery procedure to adjust the amount of laser energy provided by the laser device so as to stabilize delivered energy.
Referring now to
E new =E old −P+Ct(E 0 −E old)
to determine the amount of energy at which to target the next laser pulse 161. Enew is the amount of energy at which the next laser pulse will be targeted. Eold is the amount of energy at which the last laser pulse was targeted. P is the amount of energy by which one laser pulse decreases the delivered energy of the next subsequent laser pulse. C is a diffusion constant, and t is the time delay between two laser pulses.
In some embodiments, once Enew is determined, it may be checked against specified limits 164, such as a minimum and maximum value related to E0. In one embodiment, for example, Enew must be greater than 0.85*E0 and less that 1.01*E0 for the laser to fire 168, 172. If Enew does not fall within this threshold 166, then the laser does not fire, and instead a warning is provided to the user 170. Of course, this threshold check is optional, and any other threshold may be used.
In some embodiments, when t is greater than or equal to one second 158, the equation immediately above is not used to calculate the energy of the next laser pulse. Treatment interruptions of 1 second or greater may require an alternative calculation to be performed, predominantly due to the fact that such interruptions allow accumulated substances along the laser beam delivery path, such as ozone, to dissipate, thus rendering the equation explained above inapplicable. For example, in one embodiment, when t is greater than or equal to 1 second 158, then the system looks up the change in the energy of the next pulse from a table. This amount of energy of the next pulse may be referred to as the “target energy,” in that it is the energy that is desired to be achieved from the laser device. Target energy, therefore is synonymous with “dispatched energy” or the other similar terms explained above. In one embodiment, a look-up table used when t is greater than or equal to 1 second uses the formula
E new =E 0(1−e −Ct)+E old e −Ct
to calculate Enew. In one embodiment, for example, the table may consist of 59 values corresponding to delays between 1 second and 60 seconds. Each value will be calculated by putting the time plus 0.5 second into the formula above, i.e. 1.5 seconds, 2.5 seconds, 3.5 seconds and so on, so that, for instance, a pause of between 23.00 and 23.99 seconds will use the value calculated in the table for 23.5 seconds. The calculation will be made by the laser central processing unit immediately after the command is sent by the main computer to fire (i.e. immediately before charging). The time required to perform the calculation should be negligible in comparison to the 5 millisecond delay between the command being received and the laser firing.
While the above provides a complete and accurate description of specific embodiments of the invention, several changes and adaptations of the present invention may be readily made. For example, while specific reference has been made to calibration of laser devices for use in laser eye surgery, any other suitable laser device may be calibrated using methods and systems of the present invention. In fact, since many if not all laser beams will cause an accumulation of ozone along the delivery path of the beam, systems and methods of the invention may enhance the accuracy and utility of any number of different laser devices and systems. Additionally, various embodiments of the invention may alternatively be used to enhance delivery of any beam(s) of electromagnetic radiation, and are thus not limited to use with lasers. Therefore, the above description is provided for exemplary purposes only and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is defined in the following claims.
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|U.S. Classification||606/12, 606/11, 606/10, 606/5|
|International Classification||A61F9/008, A61F9/01, A61B18/20|
|Cooperative Classification||A61F2009/00855, A61F9/00819, A61F2009/00848, A61F2009/00872, A61F9/00804, A61F9/008|
|European Classification||A61F9/008A1, A61F9/008|
|Oct 14, 2010||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: AMO MANUFACTURING USA, LLC, CALIFORNIA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HOLLIDAY, KEITH;REEL/FRAME:025142/0261
Effective date: 20050506
|Oct 27, 2015||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4


Belarus to buy 12 helicopters MI-8MTV5. During the international military technology forum Army-2015 on 16 June 2015, Russian Helicopters (part of State Corporation Rostec) announced that a contract has been signed with the Belarusian Defence Ministry for delivery of 12 Russian-made Mi-8MTV-5 military transport helicopters over 2016-2017.
“The Republic of Belarus is an important partner for Russia in military technical cooperation,” Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev said. “Mi-8MTV-5 helicopters help enhance the Union State’s defences and expands its military capability. The signing of this contract is another step toward strengthening the friendship and business relations between our two countries.”
The contract will be enacted in accordance with the agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus on the development of military technical cooperation dated 10 December 2009, and in particular the helicopters will be delivered on the same terms and in the same configuration as for Russia’s own armed forces.
The Mi-8MTV-5 military transport helicopters are produced at Kazan Helicopters (a Russian Helicopters company). They are designed to carry out a wide range of operations: both military and transport missions. The helicopters are equipped with the latest avionics, radio communications and specialised hardware.
Over their many years of operation, the Mi-8/17 have proved their ability to successfully perform their operational tasks in any climates and are rightly recognised as one of the best in their class.


text:
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Guyana has been ranked as one of the least prepared countries in the western hemisphere to tackle the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
In a document released to the press yesterday, the IMF by way of a diagram showed those countries with medical sectors prepared to tackle the virus. Ranking the highest, and in the green zone, were Canada and the USA. Guyana, Nicaragua in Central America and Haiti and the Caribbean were listed as the countries least prepared to tackle COVID-19. Thus far, the disease has claimed the lives of over 8,000 and with over 200,000 confirmed cases globally.
According to the IMF, South America will face lower export revenues, both from the drop in commodity prices and reduction in export volumes, especially to China, Europe and the United States, which are important trade partners. The sharp decline in oil prices will hit the oil exporters especially.
IMF added too that the tightening of financial conditions will affect negatively the large and financially integrated economies and those with underlying vulnerabilities. Containment measures in several countries will reduce economic activities in service and manufacturing sectors for at least the next quarter, with a rebound once the epidemic is contained.
In Central America and Mexico, the IMF states that a slowdown in the United States will lead to a reduction in trade, foreign direct investment, tourism flows, and remittances. Key agricultural exports (coffee, sugar, and banana) as well as trade flows through the Panama Canal could also be adversely affected by lower global demand. Local outbreaks will strain economic activity in the next quarter and aggravate already uncertain business conditions, especially in Mexico, the IMF outlined.
In the Caribbean, lower tourism demand due to travel restrictions and “the fear factor”—even after the outbreak recedes—will weigh heavily on economic activity, it added. Commodity exporters will also be strongly impacted and a reduction in remittances is likely to add to the economic strain.
The IMF was keen to note too that the resulting increase in borrowing costs will expose financial vulnerabilities that have accumulated over years of low interest rates. While the sharp fall in the oil price is expected to benefit the oil importing countries in the region, it will dampen investment and economic activity in countries that are heavily dependent on oil exports.
In the event of a local outbreak, service sector activity will likely be hit the hardest as a result of containment efforts and social distancing, with sectors such as tourism and hospitality, and transportation particularly affected.
Moreover, countries with weak public health infrastructures and limited fiscal space to ramp up public health services and support affected sectors and households would come under significant pressure, the IMF says.

domain: geography


text:
I love this crowded style, cause there's so much to look at!
Hey I've made a few of these crowded styled drawings, maybe you could check them out? It'd be nice to know what you thought of them. Awesome work! My new goal in life is to just look at this picture, and admire it.

domain: design


Hello Leapers! We’re back with a new episode, talking about Season 4’s premiere, THE LEAP BACK. Sam leaps home! Al leaps into 1945! We finally meet Ziggy and the rest of Project Quantum Leap, and Sam is reunited with his forgotten wife.
We are joined by guest, Karyn Saxon, to discuss the episode. We talk about what we loved, what we didn’t, and Dennis goes on a deep fan wank of how he would have written this episode as a two-parter. Spoiler: Part 1 would have ended with Al and Suzanne dying by being pushed off the cliff at Lover’s Leap.


[UPDATE: THIS CONTEST IS NOW OVER! Check out the winner after the jump!]
You’ve seen us choose Drive as the best movie of the year, and deservedly so, as it’s a fairly tremendously well-made picture. Now, you beautiful weirdos, it’s your turn. You, yes you!, are going to vote on this year’s Reader’s Choice Award! The instructions are simple. Comment below with the film you thought was the best of the year, and that’s it! We’ll tally up the votes on Saturday and announce the winner on Sunday, just in time for the Oscars. But seriously, though, f**k the Oscars. Our awards are better.
Vote! You’ve got until Saturday! Not only will you get to take part in our Kickin’ Sweet awards, you’ll be entered to win the Flixist Awards 2011 Prize Package of Awesome! What’s in that prize pack? Why, it’s only the top three nominees in the Best Movie category, Drive, Hugo, and Midnight in Paris! That’s right! You get three of the best films of the year just for commenting! A note, though: you do NOT need to vote for one of those three movies. You can vote for any of last year’s releases. This contest is available to all our readers, US and International! When you comment, make sure you leave your preference of blu-ray or DVD.
Also, on Saturday, when we tally up the votes make sure to check your email inbox and your PM inbox on the top right corner of the site. We will be contacting our winner directly through email and through PM, and if you haven’t responded by mid-day Sunday, we will give the prize pack to someone else.
And the winner is…
Man, you guys picked a great one. Drive, which was also the staff movie of the year, was soundly ignored by the Academy, receiving only a sound editing nomination and losing that to Hugo. We at Flixist know the Oscars are very far from perfect, and it’s frankly a crime that this movie was ignored as thoroughly as it was, and apparently, you guys do too. Further congratulations to El_Rhino, the winner of our contest!
Drive also won by a pretty clear landslide, garnering five votes, with Source Code, Hugo, and Midnight in Paris tying for second place.
Source Code: 2
Midnight in Paris: 2
Winnie the Pooh: 1
Rise of the Planet of the Apes: 1
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy: 1
Take Shelter: 1
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol: 1
X-Men First Class: 1


text:
All is well at Cambs farm after 200 workers are safeguarded against exploitation
- Credit: Archant
Around 200 Romanian and Bulgarian workers on a Cambridgeshire farm received a check up from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).
All was found to be well at the south-west Peterborough sites after all workers were interviewed as part of enforcement during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The visit, conducted with officers from Cambs Cops’ Rural Crime Action Team, was organised as part of ongoing engagement work by the GLAA with the agricultural sector to support farmers during the crisis and to check that workers are being treated correctly.
GLAA officers delivered presentations informing staff of their rights in the UK. All were happy with their roles and working conditions.
In the last month, the GLAA has written to all agricultural labour sites in the south of England to provide farmers with support during the current crisis.
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The GLAA will finish visiting all the farms contacted over the next few weeks to give further guidance to the industry and to check on the welfare of workers.
Jennifer Baines, GLAA senior investigating officer, said: “We were pleased to hear that the workers were happy with their conditions and had received the appropriate training for their roles.
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“It was also encouraging to see that the farm had fully implemented guidelines around COVID-19 and was taking the threat this virus poses extremely seriously.
“While understandably a lot of focus of our work is on the people and organisations who exploit their workers, it is also important for us to build strong relationships with compliant businesses who understand the need to treat their workers fairly and can have confidence in us to fully enforce the legislation.”
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Quigley said tackling modern slavery can be challenging and one of the force’s main concerns is ensuring people across Cambridgeshire are treated fairly and are not being exploited.
He said: “Therefore we’re pleased to work alongside the GLAA on visits such as this to ensure we’re doing all we can to safeguard workers and tackle exploitation.
“Alongside that, we also want to reach out to people who may be able to help us as a result of their circumstances changing due to COVID-19.
“People can help by trusting their instincts, knowing what the signs of modern slavery are and when someone may be being exploited. Doing so could save a life.
“The signs to look out for, and how to report concerns to us, can be found on the force’s dedicated web page at www.cambs.police.uk/modernslavery.”
Anyone who suspects someone is being exploited for their labour should contact the GLAA’s intelligence team on 0800 4320804 or email email@example.com.
Alternatively, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or report your concerns to police online via www.cambs.police.uk/report or by calling 101.

domain: news


Home > Remote IO Modules > RS485 Modbus
Modbus Mini Remote IO
The MODBUS-Mini range is a cost effective solution when only a small number of IO are required.
Budget Modbus IO Range
A cost effective but reliable range of IO units for budget conscience applications.
Modbus Slim Remote IO
The MODBUS-Slim range are perfect for high-IO count applications.
Modbus Standard Remote IO
The MODBUS-Standard range offers the perfect mix between ease-of-use, IO count and price.
PID Controllers and Thermostats
Temperature and process PID controllers with RS485 modbus communication
Discontinued Remote IO units at discounted prices. Grab yourself a bargain!


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Achieve easy and fast determination of melting and boiling points for professional quality control with the Melting Point system. Melting Point readily fits in your lab to offer highest accuracy and full compliance with all international standards.
Wet Digester B-440
The Wet Digester B-440 is an ecological pre-incineration unit for ash determination in different sample types. Select from a wide temperature range of up to 600 °C for more flexibility. Improve reproducibility with programmable incineration ramps.
With four steps to occupational safety, Scrubber K-415 provides you with maximal protection. The unit neutralizes poisonous fumes and reaction gases and minimizes use of cooling water to safeguard both you and the environment.

domain: chemistry


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"Being the cookbook guru around these parts, I am the proud owner of more cookbooks than I can count. The Italian section of my library is home to many, many cookbooks that are near and dear to my heart. So whittling it down to just one is a daunting undertaking to say the least. I could easily choose Domenica Marchetti's The Glorious Pasta of Italy for its comprehensive understanding of all things pasta related and unique Abruzzese dishes, or Mario Batali's latest, Molto Batali, which teaches you how to cook Italian-style (for a gathering of ten plus.) Or if we're going to get into pizza, Jim Lahey's My Pizza is absolutely a must for making awesome pies at home.
In Venice, the restaurateur behind Polpo, Russell Norman, explores the simplicity and wonder of Venetian home cooking across the seasons, from Grilled Spring Vegetable Pizza to a wintry Slow Roasted Veal Shin. Interspersed between 130 inspiring and accessible recipes for everything from pizza, pasta, risotto, meat dishes and plenty of seafood, as well desserts and authentic cocktails, you'll find notes on Russell's favourite markets, suppliers and places to visit, complete with stunning photography of this beautiful city. This book will give you serious wanderlust.
The quickest way to discover and fall in love with Italy is at the table. Italian cuisine prides itself on simple delicious combinations of the finest, freshest ingredients available. For example, fresh ricotta with tartufo; mozzarella di bufala with basil, tomato and extra virgin olive oil; and San Daniele prosciutto with ripe melon are all extremely simple combinations which are much loved in Italy.
Mario Batali has stated his belief that, for Italians, the best cooking is done at home, not in restaurants. This cookbook is full of recipes that can be prepared at home. It heavily emphasizes pasta, which Mario believes holds the most importance in Italian cooking. Other chapters include meats, fish, and vegetables. The simplicity of the recipes makes this book good for beginners.

domain: food


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Over the summer 2014, Essex Cultural Diversity Project toured Ramayana to four outdoor locations across Essex. The show, which featured four professional stilt walkers from the Foundation of Indian Performing Arts (FIPA), formed part of the programme at local festivals, sea fronts and town shows, attracting audiences of over 5,000 and providing performance opportunities for over 200 children from Years 5 and 6.
The show is the only version of the Ramayana performed on stilts in the world. The story is a Hindi epic, which tells the story of Rama’s journey to rescue his wife Sita from the evil clutches of Ravan, King of Lanka.
Three schools in Epping and Harwich took part in a specially designed workshop programme. In Colchester and Chelmsford, children, young people and their families were invited to take part in the performance. Picked from the audience by compere and Artistic Director of FIPA, Hi Ching, they chose a side to fight on in the epic battle scene – monkeys or demons.
Each performance was accompanied by DEA (the Dhol Enforcement Agency) from Leicester. Together with the stilt walkers, each performance featured a ‘carnival-style’ procession through the town to the outside performance area. The project provided Essex Cultural Diversity Project with a successful way of engaging communities with traditional folk stories from the Indian sub-continent, reaching a large number of children and families in areas that have little or limited access to culturally diverse work and traditions.

domain: sociology


What is the symbolic meaning of a sword?
The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect. The sword is phallic, with the sheath being yonic. It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry.
What word is sword?
sword. / (sɔːd) / noun. a thrusting, striking, or cutting weapon with a long blade having one or two cutting edges, a hilt, and usually a crosspiece or guard.
What is the spiritual meaning of a sword?
The sword symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect. The flaming sword of the Christian ethos seperates man from Eden. …
What does sword mean in Old English?
Etymology. From Middle English sword, swerd, from Old English sweord (“sword”), from Proto-West Germanic *swerd, from Proto-Germanic *swerdą (“sword”), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂w- (“sharp”).
What does Jesus say about the sword?
They show when the passage is taken in context (Luke 22:36-38), Jesus is also aware of fulfilling prophecy and makes a surprising statement that two swords are “enough.” He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
What does a sword represent in the Bible?
The sixth piece of armor that Paul discusses in Ephesians 6 is the sword of the spirit, which represents the Word of God. For a Roman soldier, the sword served as an offensive weapon against enemies.
What is a good sword name?
Swords with Names
|Caladbolg = Hard blade||Curtana = Shorty|
|Hauteclere = High and neat||Hrunting = Thrusting|
|Joyeuse = Joyful||Naegling = Nailer|
|Tizona = Burning stick||Tyrfing = Finger of God|
|Balmung = Impregnator (?)||Notung = Releaser (??) = “Nötiger”, Forcerator, Raptor|
What does a sword tattoo symbolize?
The sword tattoo represents authority, protection, courage, strength and power. These seem to be obvious meanings as the sword was used for striking down enemies. The sword tattoo also symbolizes things of a sexual nature. It is a phallic symbol while sheath of the blade is yonic.
What is sword in Norse?
The Old Norse term for sword is sverð (sverth). Here, I will use this term to refer only to the typical two-edged sword, wielded in one hand. The etymology is via Proto Germanic *swerdan from *swertha-, lit. ” the cutting weapon,” from the Proto-Indo-European root *swer- “to cut.”
How do British pronounce sword?
The Oxford English Dictionary provides phonetic pronunciation guides and sound recordings of native speakers pronouncing words. Pronunciation is often as distinctly different between English and the American dialect as word choice is. However sword is pronounced ‘sohrd’ the world over.
Why does Jesus say buy a sword?
Formerly, when the Disciples had gone out, on mission, they had not lacked anything. Now they would need a purse, a bag and even a sword. The saying is heavily ironical, for Jesus knew that now He would have to face universal opposition and be put to death.
Is the Bible referred to as a sword?
“The Word of God” is pretty clearly defined as Jesus in John 1 and communication with God in Genesis 15:1. The Word is God, not the Bible. The same was true of the “sword” thing. Paul gave a metaphor in Ephesians 6, and said to use the sword of the Spirit.
Which is the best definition of a sword?
Definition of sword 1 : a weapon (such as a cutlass or rapier) with a long blade for cutting or thrusting that is often used as a symbol of honor or authority 3 : coercive power 4 : something that resembles a sword
What does the sword mean in the Tarot?
The symbolic meaning of the sword plays a large role in the language of the Tarot . In this esoteric light, a whole new realm of meaning about swords opens up to us. I have written about the symbolic sword of the Tarot in depth here. I’ve also written more in-depth thoughts on sword symbolism (including cultural perspectives) here. Tagged.
What does the sword mean on what’s your sign?
Support What’s Your Sign by Shopping on Etsy Today! As an alchemical symbol the sword is a symbol of purification. Here we experience the metaphorical sword cleanly piercing the spiritual soul of man. This symbolic action sacrifices physical bondage to release a path to ethereal (enlightened) freedom.
What does the sword mean in Celtic mythology?
As a Celtic symbol, the sword is connected to gain, wealth, honor, and establishment of hierarchy. Often swords we be consider markers of familial ties, and indicate victories won for the purpose of insuring the survival of blood lineage.


hi INDiA Copyright 2020
Death due to pressure from people: Akshay’s family
Patna, Sep 13 (IANS) The death penalty awarded to the four men convicted in New Delhi's Dec 16 gang rape was given "due to heavy pressure from people across the country", said the family of Akshay Thakur, one of the convicts.
Akshay Thakur is among the four men who were sentenced to death Friday for the brutal gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old physiotherapy intern in New Delhi.
"Court's order is on expected line due to heavy pressure from people across the country. We were hoping against hope," Akshay's father Saryu Singh told IANS.
"Even God has left us at the mercy of the court that awarded capital punishment to my son," said Saryu Singh, a marginal farmer in his 60s, over telephone from Lahang Karma village under Nabinagar police station jurisdiction in the Maoist affected Aurangabad district, about 150 km from here.
Akshay's mother Malti Devi, in her mid 50s, and Akshay's wife Punita Devi, are inconsolable after they watched news that four men including Akshay were sentenced to death.
"For all of us, it is a saddest news. My mother and sister-in-law have been crying and have fainted at least thrice after they watched the news," Abhay Singh, one of the two brothers of Akshay Thakur, said.
Abhay said the entire family and some relatives remain glued to TV to catch the news since early Friday.
"We watched TV and were hopeful for some relief. It proved useless as Akshay's fate was decided the day he was convicted by the court. It (The sentence) was merely delivered now," he said.
Dinesh Singh, another brother of Akshay, said dozens of local mediapersons and people from nearby villages gathered outside his thatched house to know the mood of the family after the court's order.
The four men – Mukesh, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur – were convicted Tuesday in the case that shook the nation.
The judge sentenced the four to death for murdering the 23-year-old physiotherapist. The judge Wednesday had found the four guilty on 13 counts, including murder, gang rape and dacoity.
Six people, including a juvenile, brutally gang raped the 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in Delhi. The accused then threw her and her male companion out of the vehicle without clothes.
The woman died of her grave intestinal injuries Dec 29 at a Singapore hospital.


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Updated: November 1, 2020
ARTIS is a popular Pets & Animals channel on YouTube. It has attracted 51.2 thousand subscribers. The channel launched in 2008.
So, you may be asking: What is ARTIS's net worth? And how much does ARTIS earn? Using the advertising data on ARTIS's channel, we can forecast ARTIS's net worth and earnings.
ARTIS's finalized net worth is unclear, but networthspot.com estimates it to be near $100 thousand.
That estimate only uses one advertising source though. ARTIS's net worth may actually be higher than $100 thousand. Considering these additional income sources, ARTIS may
ARTIS fans often ask the same question: How much does ARTIS earn?
When we look at the past 30 days, ARTIS's channel receives 100 thousand views each month and more than 3.33 thousand views each day.
YouTube channels that are monetized earn revenue by playing ads. YouTubers can earn an average of between $3 to $7 per thousand video views. If ARTIS is within this range, Net Worth Spot estimates that ARTIS earns $400 a month, totalling $4.8 thousand a year.
$4.8 thousand a year may be a low estimate though. On the higher end, ARTIS may earn close to $10.8 thousand a year.
However, it's unusual for YouTube stars to rely on a single source of revenue. Successful YouTube also have sponsors, and they could increase revenues by promoting their own products. Plus, they could attend.
Copyright © 2020 Net Worth Spot. All Rights Reserved.
Net Worth Spot is not associated with YouTube.
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domain: economics


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From 2010-09-21 to 2010-09-24
Venue: Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The theme of the Congress is “Toward a complete management of water resources in flatlands”. This Congress endeavors to continue with the development of the main ideas proposed in the Olavarría’s Colloqium Hydrology on Large Flatlands Hydrology (1983) and the International Seminar on Hydrology of Large Flatlands (1989). The main aim of the Congress is to contribute to the development of the knowledge on the hydrology of flatlands, creating opportunities for exchange, dialogue, discussion and outreach of the research done by specialists covering the many facets of this discipline.
Organizers: The Flatlands Hydrology Institute “Dr. Eduardo Jorge Usunoff”, supported by the Central Buenos Aires Province University, the Buenos Aires Province Scientific Research Comission and the Azul´s County Municipality
Contact Name: Instituto de Hidrología de Llanuras


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Skip to comments.Meet America’s first all-Muslim Texas fraternity
Posted on 09/04/2013 5:41:32 AM PDT by markomalley
It may seem like the punchline of a joke, but Alpha Lambda Mua one-of-a-kind, all-Muslim fraternity at the University of Texasis serious about rehabbing the reputations of both fraternities and Islam.
Founded in February by student Ali Mahmoud, Alpha Lambda Mu or Alif Laam Meem in Arabic is a community of Islamic male students living together as brothers at UT-Austin. The goal of the organization is to provide a sense of community to Muslim students, many of whom struggled with reconciling their religious beliefs and campus lifestyles, said Ali.
The primary purpose of a fraternity is to unite these men as brothers under a specific cause, he said in an interview with The Independent. Were taking whats good from the fraternity model and leaving whats bad.
For an American Muslim, most modern fraternities come with plenty thats bad. In recent decades, fraternities and sororities have become associated with reckless drinking, raucous partying and sometimes-dangerous initiation practices.
Drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden under Islam.
Ali understands that many people would view Islam and Greek life as incompatible.
The idea of a Muslim fraternity seemed heretical, he said.
But living together and supporting one another makes it easier to follow Islam while at college, he said.
In addition to changing stereotypes about fraternities, ALM is also attempting to change stereotypes about Islam, which is often criticized for treating women as inferior to men. In April, members of the fraternity attended a rally for womens rights where they held signs bearing such messages as Muslims Say No to Domestic Violence, and Muslims Say Yes to Womens Rights.
We hope that after all is said and done, we will have a strong group of guys who will stand up for social justice, for the needy, and for their societies just as the religion calls them to do, said Ali.
The groups Facebook page mentions four goals of ALM: honoring Allah, forming brotherly bonds, promoting academic success and strengthening character.
Interested Muslim male students at UT-Austin can rush ALM beginning next week. Pledges should expect a sharia-compliant hazing.
University of Texas, it figures.
Hm, I wonder if they know they’ve crossed the line and become apostates - at least to “good” Muslims.
Apostates and heretics all
So, they are all Muzzie Brothers then?
SO they want to promote brotherhood among muslims?
Like a.... Muslim Brotherhood sorta kinda?
What could go wrong?
...so it’s okay if Muslims discriminate?
U of T with it’s very own terrorist cell.
Guess I’ll be putting an extra magazine in my pocket when traveling downtown from now on... and no more Capitol 10Ks!
let’s see the remake of Animal House with Bluto played by ?, including
1. suicide initiations
sorry, not inspired
Now UT can brag about having an anti-American fraternity. A fraternity that embraces buggery and misogyny.
Hook ‘em Horns!
“The groups Facebook page mentions four goals of ALM: honoring Allah, forming brotherly bonds, promoting academic success and strengthening character.”
It’s missing the key component which is fostering a relationship with the university and community..an essential ingredient of my university frat, and any average college frat in the US.
ې ڠڤ ڲ
I figured as much, too-—and UT is within a few miles of my home........
The jokes practically write themselves ;)
Sickening. I often thought of the Dem wish to weaken Texas and turn it blue. One way to do it is to park all the undesirables in our state to overwhelm the state system.
Are there other religious fraternities at UT? I wonder.
Lastly, you promise to do everything in your power to promote Jihad in America and around the world in order to KILL, forceably convert, or enslave as many "Infidels" as you can while practicing "taquia" by lying through your teeth and swearing for all to hear that: "Islam is a religion of PEACE!"
What is it called? Choppa-Choppa-Choppa?..........
Was thinking, haven’t we heard this song before?
‘Peaceful’ muslim groups get infiltrated and overrun by extremists and ‘voila’,,instant fireworks.
Considering how porous the Southern border is with Mexico, Texas makes sense as a destination for the Muslim thugs.


The saving by running vehicles on compressed natural gas (CNG) has dropped to only five percent while others say it is almost zero, said stakeholders.
In 2002, the use of CNG was considered to be environmentally friendly. Consequently, investors started establishing CNG stations all over the country. The demand for the fuel gas increased rapidly as it was saving more than 50 percent cost as compared to the petrol. However now, the incentive of saving the 50 percent cost has come down to an extremely low level.
Ghayas Paracha, the Chairman of All Pakistan CNG Association said, “After the latest hike petrol is selling at Rs 123.30 per liter but CNG still provides a saving of 5 percent. In Punjab and Islamabad, CNG is being sold at an average price of Rs 121 per liter. Despite very low savings commercial transport owners and 20 percent private car owners still rely on CNG. The influx of used imported 660 cc vehicles with EFI engines and high mileage benefit has also given the major blow to the demand for CNG as these vehicles cannot be converted to gas.”
Read more: CNG sector demand withdrawal of 17 percent GST on import
Samir Najmul Hussain, the APCNGA Coordinator for Sind Said that now the fuel-saving of 50 percent after the use of CNG is not possible. He said, “Today, there is no saving. Running the vehicle on CNG and petrol is the same. The CNG sales of 15mmcfd are Sind as compared to pre-Covid sales of 70-90 mmcfd is enough to justify massive switch over to petrol. Saving through CNG was 30 percent when gas was available at Rs 123 per kg but now running a vehicle on gas at a price of Rs.165-180- per kg in Sind does not hold any attraction for the consumer.”
He told that more than 40 CNG stations have closed their operation in Sindh due to low turnover of vehicles as it has become extremely difficult for the investors to sustain huge expenses of electricity bills and staff salaries etc. He informed that the demand for CNG in Panjab is 30 mmcfd at present which was 170 mmcfd in 2014.


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Charleston, South Carolina is a picturesque town with a unique blend of the modern and historic charm. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town to honor King Charles II of England, it is the oldest and largest city in the State of South Carolina. With a rich history, well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants and beautiful coastlines, Charleston is a great vacation destination even if your group has different travel goals and expectations. Here are some things that different types of travelers would enjoy in the city.
For the Thrill Seekers
With its long history and preserved architecture, it’s no surprise that Charleston has its fair share of creepy attractions for the thrill seekers in your group. You can tour the many haunted sights of Charleston for a memorable and hair-raising experience.
Choose from the many creepy but fun-filled tours in the many spooky attractions of the city such as the City Jail, Provost Dungeon and some of the oldest cemeteries in the country. If you want something a little more interactive and upbeat, you can also try joining a murder mystery dinner at the Black Fedora right in the middle of the tourist district.
For First-Time Visitors
First-time travelers to Charleston should not miss the city’s main attractions. Start your trip at the Battery Park cornered by Cooper and Ashley Rivers. See beautiful Southern Mansions and learn more about the American Revolution and the history of the Civil War.
You can then enjoy Charleston’s beautiful beaches, such as Folly’s beach. Walk along the “Edge of America” to get a good view of the Morris Island Lighthouse. If you want to take a break from the sun, try visiting the only tea plantation in the country – the Charleston Tea Plantation, a major attraction in the Wadmalaw Island. You can also visit the tea factory where you can learn about the tea making process.
For Food Lovers
It’s no secret that Charleston somewhat evolved to a culinary paradise in the last few years. Many unique restaurants can be found in the city serving pizza, tacos and seafood. If you are overwhelmed with the countless options, you can join a culinary tour for a multi-course meal that features the South’s rich culinary history. Other options for gourmands include a visit to Charleston’s farmer’s market to sample the region’s seasonal foodstuff and trying out Charleston’s current food craze: all-day breakfast food concepts.
No matter how varied your travel goals are, you can be sure that everyone goes home fulfilled when you go for a holiday in Charleston. Take a look at these recommendations and make everybody excited for the trip.


A New NFS (Need For Speed) title will be releasing this December 2019 as confirmed by the developers at ''EA Games''.
The name of the title is yet not confirmed but there is an official confirmation by EA regarding the release of the game. The first Need For Speed was released in 1994 and from there the series has become one of the most popular racing game franchise.
NFS has already covered 25 years of journey and now they are ready for the 26th anniversary with a new NFS Title.
He said that: NFS is turning 25 years and ready for the start of 26th, while he’ve had some great memories over those twenty-five years. He is thinking of the future and while focusing on the future – especially this year – He thought about what NFS means to us, and he perhaps more importantly hope about moving forward to the release of Next NFS Title this year.Source: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Game-Information/Under-the-Hood-Turning-up-the-Heat/m-p/7901965
Ben Walke also confirmed that there should be "Cars & Customization" that are the important aspect of the NFS games. That's why they stand, and these two play an important role in the popularity of the game.
The exact date of the release of the game is not confirmed yet. But it's expected to release at the end of the year 2019.
All hyped for the new NFS title? Stay tuned to our website for more future updates regarding the NFS & EA Games.
For other Queries and updates, join our discord: https://discord.gg/zYCaGyY


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Celebrating the Transit of Venus
On June 6, 2012, planet Venus will pass in front of the SUN as seen from the Earth. It is one of the most promising celestial events of 2012.
To celebrate the Transit of Venus the Australian High Commission in Delhi will partner with the Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library to showcase a special 3D film Coral-Rekindling Venus created by Australian artist Lynette Wallworth.
The film will be screened from 6 to 18 June at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 5 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Free workshops around the theme will be available to children from 5-14 years of age. The tentative schedule for the workshop programme is given below:
- Art workshop- 7 and 14 June
- Storytelling and creative writing – 9 and 15 June
- Science related workshop – 8 and 12 June
Students need to register with the Australian High Commission for the free workshops. Workshop will be on first come first serve basis.
For details and registration
call on 011-41494369
log on to www.india.highcommission.gov.au

domain: artistic