US 6935747 B2
An improved real image projection system comprises, in the primary configuration, a tilted mirror to eliminate ghost reflections, and a unique arrangement allowing the introduction of a second background image without a 50%/50% beamsplitter, while providing system transmission of approximately 50%. A secondary configuration incorporates an elliptical or aspheric curved mirror designed to simulate the surface of a spherical curve when light strikes the elliptical surface at an angle equal to the elliptical angle of the curved mirror. In a third configuration, a single curved mirror has two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin lens, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis.
1. A real image projection system, comprising:
a) a curved mirror, mounted with an optical axis of said curved mirror at a tilted angle, relative to an imagine axis of said image projection system;
b) a target object positioned below said curved mirror, facing toward a front of said image projection system, wherein said target object is selected from the group consisting of a real object, a monitor, a graphic image, a video image, and any object that reflects, transmits, or emits light;
c) a flat fold mirror or reflector positioned below a viewing window of said image projection system, wherein a reflective surface of said flat fold mirror or reflector faces toward said curved mirror and toward said target object, said flat fold mirror or reflector being positioned at an angle such that a target beampath is reflected at a complimentary angle from said target object to said fold mirror to said curved mirror, striking a center or vertex of said curved mirror at an angle equal to twice the angle of tilt of said curved mirror relative to said imaging axis; and
d) a neutral density window or circular polarizer window positioned along said imaging axis of said system, wherein said neutral density filter comprises a neutral density material or a neutral density coating, and wherein light transmitting through said filter is partially absorbed in near equal amounts across the visible light spectrum;
further comprising a primary target beampath or target axis, which represents an imaginary line between a target object to the center of said flat fold mirror or reflector, reflecting off of said fold mirror or reflector at a complimentary angle to an optical center or vertex of a reflective surface of said curved mirror.
2. The real image projection system of
3. The real image projection system of
4. The real image projection system of
a) a curved mirror having a spherical surface of revolution; or
b) a curved mirror having an elliptical surface of evolution, of a configuration whereby said ellipse represents a circle viewed at an angle of incidence equal to said tilt of said curved mirror, thereby reducing distortions at edges of said curved mirror, or
c) a curved mirror having an aspheric surface of revolution for reducing optical aberrations of said system.
5. The real image projection system of
6. The real image projection system of
7. The real image projection system of
8. The real image projection system of
9. The real image projection system of
10. The real image projection system of
11. The real image projection system of
12. The real image projection system of
13. The real image projection system of
14. A real image projection system, comprising:
a) a curved mirror of elliptical or aspheric surface of revolution, mounted with an optical axis of said mirror at a tilted angle of between 12 and 18 degrees, relative to a target axis of said imaging system from between a target object and a center of said curved mirror, positioned overhead with a front edge of said curved mirror nearest a window aperture positioned lower than a rear edge of said curved mirror;
b) a beamsplitter positioned at a 45 degree angle to an axis of said curved mirror and at an angle equal to 45 degrees plus said tilt angle of said curved mirror relative to said target axis of said imaging system, mounted with a top of said beamsplitter positioned nearest a rear edge of said curved mirror, and a bottom edge of said beamsplitter positioned directly beneath said window viewing aperture;
c) a target object positioned at a point along an optical target axis of said imaging system or along an axis offset by said angle of tilt of said curved minor, with said target axis vertical from said target to a center of said curved mirror, wherein said target object is selected from the group consisting of a real object, a monitor, a graphic image, a video image, and any object that reflects, transmits, or emits light;
d) a window positioned between said beamsplitter and a real image formed by said system, wherein said window is selected from the group consisting of a neutral density substrate, a circular polarizer, or tinted glass; and
e) a real image formed outside said system along said imaging axis.
15. The real image projection system of
f) a fold mirror or flat reflector positioned along a beampath axis between said target object and said curved mirror, which redirects the beampath, allowing said target object to be repositioned at a point other than along said target axis.
16. The real image projection system of
17. The real image projection system of
18. The real image projection system of
19. The real image projection system of
20. The real image projection system of
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This is a continuation-in-part patent application of application Ser. No. 09/946,183, filed Sep. 5, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,976, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGE ENHANCEMENT AND ABERRATION CORRECTIONS IN A SMALL REAL IMAGE PROJECTION SYSTEM, USING AN OFF-AXIS REFLECTOR, NEUTRAL DENSITY WINDOW, AND AN ASPHERIC CORRECTED SURFACE OF REVOLUTION,” and application Ser. No. 10/350,762, filed Jan. 24, 2003, entitled “REAL IMAGING SYSTEM WITH REDUCED GHOST IMAGING,” which is a continuation-in-part patent application of application Ser. No. 09/557,859, filed Apr. 26, 2000, entitled “REAL OR VIRTUAL IMAGING SYSTEM WITH REDUCED GHOST IMAGING,” now abandoned, which claims an invention that was disclosed in Provisional Application No. 60/131,320, filed Apr. 27, 1999, entitled “NO GHOST FILTER.” The benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of the United States provisional application is hereby claimed, and the four aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention pertains to the field of small optical display systems. More particularly, the invention pertains to apparatus and methods for enhancement of a real image projection system through the use of several combinations of methods of aberration reduction and system brightness enhancement. The primary enhancement is reduced ghosting and reduction of astigmatism, common with small real image systems wherein the viewing distance is relatively close.
2. Description of Related Art
The present invention pertains to a real image projection system, and in particular, to a system in which an image of a real object is formed in space, giving the illusion that a real object exists at that point in space, when in reality it does not. Real image projection systems normally incorporate spherical or parabolic mirrors for imaging. In large systems, where the viewer is located at a significant distance from the image being viewed, optical aberrations, such as, for example, spherical aberrations, and astigmatism in particular, are not as much of a problem as in smaller systems, where the viewer is located close to the image. Astigmatism causes eye strain when viewing the image for long periods of time, and this has been one of the primary reasons that small real image projection systems have not been widely incorporated in gaming applications, as well as in workstation applications.
Another reason for the lack of wide-spread acceptance of small real imaging systems is that ghost images in the systems are much more noticeable, when viewing the display from a close distance. Many approaches have been used to reduce ghosting, including tinted beamsplitters and polarizers, none of which are extremely effective. Even with the use of a circular polarizing window, the ghost images are visible because of elliptical polarizing effects of the 45 degree beamsplitter, although they can be significantly reduced. The circular polarizing windows typically have a maximum transmission of 42%, and this significantly reduces image brightness. Thus, in an arcade or other public area that is brightly lit, the real image usually is difficult to see.
Other optical aberrations present problems for real image projection systems. For example, field curvature distortion is a significant problem for smaller systems, because of the shorter focal lengths typically associated with small systems. For example, a rectangular shape displayed on a CRT screen projects as a “fish-eyed” real image of the target object. The sides of the rectangular image appear to bow outward and the center of the rectangular image appears magnified, as compared to the edges. This is a natural phenomenon of spherical mirrors, and cannot normally be corrected without a significant number of additional lenses in the beam-path, which makes the display system significantly larger in physical size, as well as making the cost of manufacturing such displays prohibitive.
Tilting of the curved mirror has been attempted in other prior art real imaging systems, but this has primarily been accomplished with a beamsplitter to divert the converging imaging beampath at a 90 degree angle, in relation to the diverging target beampath. This method has not been widely accepted because of the additional focal length distance required to form the image at the viewing position, which significantly reduces the field of view. For example, in a non-tilted system having a 48″ radius mirror, tilting of the curved optic at a 15 degree angle to eliminate ghosting and form the image at the same point in space would require a 54″ radius mirror, thus reducing the field of view by a substantial amount. In textbooks, a spherical mirror is used to display a real image of a flower vase in a system similar to the tilted mirror system of the present invention, however, the described prior art system would not allow the use of a beamsplitter for providing a secondary virtual background image. The present invention utilizes a unique configuration that overcomes this problem of the prior art, with minimal loss of system brightness transmission, and without reducing fields of view.
The biggest problem with a tilted system utilizing a beamsplitter is that system transmission is only approximately 15%. This is a result of the imaging beam both transmitting then reflecting from the beamsplitter, which reduces transmission by 50%.
Tilting of the optic also causes serious aberrations to the image, because the beampath strikes the tilted (i.e., 15 degree tilt) curved mirror at 15 degrees to the mirror axis. The beampath strikes the spherical mirror at 15 degrees, which is actually an elliptical curve at the plane of intersection. The spherical surface of revolution becomes more elliptical as the angle approaches the outer top edge of the spherical mirror.
Optics have been designed to compensate for some of these aberrations, such as, for example, spherical aberrations, through use of the Mangin mirror. This is a mirror that has a reflective convex spherical surface of longer spherical radius, and a transmissive concave spherical surface of shorter radius. However, this approach is not practical for a real image projection system, because the image source or target is not a point at the focal point or center of curvature of the mirror, as in a single point imaging system. In a real image projection system, the target usually is a rectangle, such as a monitor screen, where only the center of the screen is on the axis or at the focal point of the mirror. The Mangin dual curve corrective mirror could be significantly improved by replacing the concave spherical surface with an aspheric surface of revolution, which will reduce the astigmatism for points offset from the axis of the mirror. Thus, a Mangin mirror incorporating two spherical curves is extremely effective for points along the axis of an on-axis system, but the problem of astigmatism becomes progressively worse as the target point deviates from the axis of the mirror curvature. An aspheric curve on the concave surface would optimize the correction and reduce the astigmatism for a larger area around the axis or focal point.
One other reason that small systems have not become mainstream is because of the difficulty in producing the curved optics in reasonable volume. The problem is compounded when corrective optical curvatures are incorporated.
Briefly stated, an improved real image projection system comprises, in the primary configuration, a tilted mirror to eliminate ghost reflections, and a unique arrangement allowing the introduction of a second background image without a 50%/50% beamsplitter, while providing system transmission of approximately 50%. A secondary configuration incorporates an elliptical or aspheric curved mirror designed to simulate the surface of a spherical curve when light strikes the elliptical surface at an angle equal to the elliptical angle of the curved mirror. In a third configuration, a single curved mirror has two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin lens, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis.
FIG. 13 and
The real image projection system of the present invention uses several combined methods of producing small displays having improved imagery and reduced ghosting over prior art systems.
There are two problems in manufacturing mirrors with minimal aberrations and astigmatism. The quality of the surface of revolution must be very precise. This typically involves precision polishing of the surfaces, thus limiting the volume of such mirrors that can be produced in a given time, and creating a cost that is outside of what generally is acceptable for a commercial real image display system. Also, aspheres and ellipses are extremely difficult to produce and must be hand polished to precise curves. Thus, the complexity of the elliptical and aspheric optical surfaces of revolution prevents the mirror from being produced in large volume, therefore the preferred methods of manufacture are injection molding and vacuum forming.
In all the configurations of the present invention, field curvature aberration is a significant problem. Field curvature distortion cannot be removed optically without incorporating several corrective lenses in the optical path. Field curvature distortion causes a target object to be projected with the appearance of a “fish-eye” lens. The center of the image appears magnified and the edges tend to bow outward. The present invention uses a unique approach to correcting for this distortion. The target image on the face of the CRT is “Pin-Cushioned” or compensated for the fish-eye distortion. This is accomplished electronically in a CRT, or by software in the case of a LCD panel input.
The primary problem with small real imaging systems is the production of unwanted ghost images, which are typical of on-axis projection systems. When a viewer looks into the aperture of a real image projection system, the viewer sees a reflection of himself upside-down, floating inside the display unit. Any source of light or reflection outside the system, which enters the window view-aperture, forms an image inside the system, which is visible to the observer. The device of the present invention uses a combination of methods to eliminate ghosting. The curved mirror is tilted off-axis to the input beam-path, preferably at an angle between 12 and 18 degrees. The optimum tilt is 15 degrees, since this totally eliminates ghosting, while keeping field curvature distortion at a minimum that can be corrected using the “pin-cushioned” input source and an elliptical surface of revolution as the primary curved mirror.
The preferred configuration of the present invention is a single mirror system tilted at between 12 and 18 degrees off of the viewing axis. The design is similar to the prior art system depicted in White and Jenkins' textbook, except it uses a clear glass substrate as a beamsplitter to project a virtual background image behind the real image, while the prior art system of Jenkins and White would not allow the use of a beamsplitter configured as depicted herein. All prior art systems using a beamsplitter require that the beamsplitter intersect both the target beampath and the imaging beampath, in order to redirect the image through the viewing aperture. The resulting effect was that system transmission was reduced by approximately 50%. The preferred configuration of the present invention overcomes these problems and limitations, through a unique arrangement of optical elements that both reduces ghosting and maximizes system transmission, without sacrificing field of view.
The preferred embodiment comprises a target object or monitor with the beampath emanating forward toward the front of the projection system at a 30 degree upward angle. At the front of the system is a fold mirror or flat mirror positioned vertically with the reflective surface facing the rear of the system, and where the projected beampath strikes the center of the fold mirror at a 30 degree angle to the surface. The diverging beampath is then reflected at a complimentary (e.g., 15 degrees in this example) angle upwards toward the rear of the projection system, where it strikes a curved mirror, located directly over the target source, with the curved reflective surface facing the front of the system. The curved mirror is tilted with the top of the mirror forward, preferably at a 15 degree angle, and positioned so that the axis of the reflected beampath from the fold mirror strikes the center of the curved mirror. The converging beampath then is projected toward the viewing aperture on a horizontal viewing plane. The system uses a clear glass substrate (preferably with one side coated with an anti-reflective coating) as a beamsplitter to allow the background image to be incorporated. The glass substrate is positioned so that the top of the glass is located near the top of the curved tilted mirror and the bottom of the glass plate is positioned just under the viewing aperture and just above the fold mirror. Since the glass substrate does not intersect the target beampath, the beamsplitter does not require a high reflectivity and the 4% normal reflectivity of clear glass is sufficient to produce an acceptable background image. Thus, the system transmission of the imaging beampath from the curved mirror is reduced by only 4%, as compared to 50% for a typical beamsplitter system of the prior art. The resulting system transmission is 96%×86%×96% (i.e., approximately 78%) as it passes through the clear glass substrate. The lightbeam then passes through a window and forms the image in viewer space. The window optionally is constructed using either a neutral density filter material or a circular polarizer material, as described in Applicant's prior patent application Ser. No. 09/557,859, filed Apr. 27, 2000, now abandoned, and application Ser. No. 10/350,762, filed Jan. 24, 2003, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The preferred embodiment uses 15 degree tilt as an example, but the invention is not limited to that angle. This embodiment requires one curved mirror, of either elliptical, parabolic, aspheric or spherical surface of revolution.
In a second embodiment, the system of the present invention comprises a curved mirror with an aspheric surface of revolution approximating and elliptical curve, or an elliptical surface of revolution equal to the tilted angle of the curved mirror, a target object or real object, a beamsplitter positioned in the beam-path between the target object, and a curved elliptical mirror, with the mirror being positioned off-axis to the normal beam-path axis. In this configuration, the imaging beampath both reflects off of and transmits through the beamsplitter. For purposes of explanation, the curved elliptical mirror is tilted at 15 degrees. When referring to a 15 degree ellipse, this is the effective curve, when a circle is viewed at 15 degrees offset from normal angle of incidence. The beamsplitter is positioned substantially at, but not limited to, a 45-degree angle relative to the optical axis of the curved mirror. Light from the target object is directed in diverging rays, reflecting off a fold mirror, transmitting through the beamsplitter to the curved elliptical mirror. The primary beam-path axis, from the beamsplitter to the curved mirror, is at a 15 degree angle non-coincident with the optical axis of the curved mirror. The beampath strikes the elliptical curved mirror at a 15 degree angle and, because the ellipse is of a surface of revolution equal to a circle tilted at 15 degrees, the plane of the beampath sees the tilted elliptical surface as a spherical curve. The light is reflected from the curved mirror in a convergent beam at a complementary angle to the primary beam-path angle, relative to the optical axis of the curved mirror. The converging beam-path then reflects off the beamsplitter and intersects, or comes to focus, at a point on the view axis, and forms a real image in space in front of the optical structure. Light entering the window aperture of the system is directed down and blocked from exiting through the viewing aperture, therefore, no ghost image is visible to the viewer. The image has minimal elliptical distortion, because the off-axis ellipse causes the beampath to be reflected to a near common focal point much the same as that of an on-axis sphere.
In a typical 15 degree off-axis tilted spherical system, the lower edge of the mirror is viewed as a true sphere at the beampath plane, while the center of the mirror is viewed as a 15 degree ellipse, and the top edge of the mirror is viewed as a 30 degree ellipse. In a visual system, an elliptical surface of revolution of over 20 degrees causes significant image distortion and eyestrain, making the system impractical for visual displays. In the tilted 15 degree elliptical configuration of the present invention, the lower edge of the mirror is viewed by the beampath as a 15 degree ellipse, the center of the mirror is viewed by the beampath plane as a true sphere, and the upper edge of the tilted elliptical mirror is viewed by the beampath as a 15 degree ellipse. This reduces the maximum elliptical angle of the system by 15 degrees, from 30 degrees to 15 degrees, and therefore significantly reduces aberrations and eyestrain. The elliptical effect can be further improved by use of an aspheric surface of revolution, further reducing the aberrations of the system.
Tilting of the curved mirror also eliminates secondary ghosting or formation of an image from a light source outside the system, by reflecting the ghost image to an area below the window aperture and not allowing it to be seen by the viewer. The surface below the window aperture, inside of the system, preferably is a flat black surface. This surface is imaged at the window aperture, creating a very dark window opening, and providing extremely high contrast, when viewing the real image.
In a small real image display system, there is more chance for the viewer to move outside of the recommended view area or the “eye-box”. As one looks at the system from below, at an angle looking upwards, there will be some ghosting visible. Such ghosting is reduced by using a neutral density window. A neutral density material is one that transmits or reflects an equal amount of light for all wavelengths across the visible light spectrum. The optimum neutral density absorption is approximately 30%, although other absorption rates work as well, depending upon how the system is used and the required image brightness. Imaging light from the target is reduced by, for example, 30%, while light from a source outside the system passes through the neutral density window, reducing intensity by 30%, and is reflected by the curved mirror and reduced by an additional 30% as it exits through the neutral density window, thus forming a ghost image of greatly reduced intensity. Alternatively, another optional embodiment includes the use of a neutral density beam-splitter, which performs the same function as the neutral density window.
A third embodiment of the present invention uses a single curved mirror, tilted at an angle of between 12 and 18 degrees, having two different optical surfaces of revolution, one on the convex surface and one on the concave surface. In one embodiment, the convex surface is a conical curve of spherical, elliptical or parabolic surface of revolution, optionally coated with a reflective optical coating. The concave surface is much like that of a Mangin mirror, but it has an aspheric surface of revolution, optimized to reduce spherical aberrations over a larger area offset from the optical axis. The system optionally employs a single aspheric surface of revolution on the concave surface for reduction of aberrations, although the Mangin mirror approach, using an aspheric concave surface of revolution, is the preferred embodiment of this configuration.
Thus, the three main imaging system configurations disclosed herein are summarized as follows:
(1) the preferred configuration includes a curved mirror of either spherical, elliptical, parabolic, or aspheric surface of revolution, tilted at an angle of between 12 and 18 degrees, in which the target beampath from the target source to the curved mirror does not intersect a beamsplitter, and wherein the imaging beampath from the curved mirror to the real image position transmits through a clear substrate, thus forming a virtual image of a background image reflected off the uncoated glass surface;
(2) an alternative configuration includes a curved mirror with an elliptical surface of revolution, with the elliptical angle equal to the tilt of the curved mirror. This configuration utilizes a beamsplitter that both transmits and reflects the optical beampaths, resulting in improved imagery and reduced aberrations, and both with nearly total elimination of secondary ghosting;
(3) a third configuration includes a combination of a precision, dual-curve, aspheric mirror (made possible through diamond-turning and injection molding), a tilted off-axis configuration, and a neutral density window, and provides a superior small real image projection system having a brighter image, significant ghost reduction, and significantly reduced optical aberrations and distortions, which otherwise are common to small displays. When an optional pin-cushioned CRT input is incorporated, the system performance is improved even more. The incorporation of any or all of the present improvements significantly improves the performance of small real image projection systems.
Light (10) emitted from the monitor (6) strikes the fold mirror (3) at an angle of 60 degrees (D) and is reflected (11) at a complimentary angle (C), striking the Curved Mirror (5) with the primary axis of the beampath (11) striking the vertex (14) or center of the curved mirror (5). The uniqueness of the design is that the input or target beampath (10,11) does not transmit through or reflect from the beamsplitter (4), and therefore the transmission is not reduced by the normal 50% as in a conventional system. The imaging beampath (13) reflects off of the curved mirror (5) at a complimentary angle (B) to the target beampath (110) angle (B), as related to the curved mirror axis (12). The beampath (13) then transmits through the clear glass substrate (4) with a loss of approximately 4% in transmission, then passes through the system window (8), forming a real image (2) in viewer space. The background monitor (7) is positioned so that the center of the monitor (7) is at a complimentary angle (E) to the horizontal viewing axis (13) as relative to the angle (F) of the clear glass surface (4). The background monitor emits light (9), which strikes the surface of the clear glass substrate (4) and reflects along the viewing axis (13). A virtual image (15) of the background monitor (7) is visible behind the clear glass substrate (4). This allows a background image (15) to be incorporated without the normal double pass, when using a conventional beamsplitter.
Since a small real image projection system normally is viewed up close, astigmatism is a significant problem. One method of correcting for astigmatism is to incorporate a corrective lens in the optical path to redirect the reflected rays to a common focus point. The present invention uses a variation of the Mangin mirror concept to correct for the aberrations and astigmatism. Just as the Mangin mirror in
Creating a condition called “pin-cushion” on the CRT screen can compensate for the effects of the field curvature distortion. This can be done electronically, or by distorting the image using software. In a spherical mirror system, the distortion is reasonably symmetrical and round, because of the spherical surface of revolution. The CRT can be adjusted to create a “pin-cushion” image, as shown in FIG. 13. The resulting image, shown in
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.


text:
B.C. wine sales extended to grocery store shelves
New rules will allow some stores to put wine on shelves, but only 100% B.C. products
Some grocery stores will be able to stock wine on their shelves next year, but only if it's 100 per cent B.C. product, under new rules announced this morning.
The announcement is the second-phase of the government's move to allow liquor sales in grocery stores which are larger than 10,000 sq. ft and sell a minimum of 75 per cent food products and services.
Earlier this year the province announced that existing liquor store licence holders would be able to relocate and set up stores inside eligible grocery stores, but only if they were not within one kilometre of an existing liquor store.
The new rules announced Friday will allow existing VQA and independent wine stores to transfer their licences to an eligible grocery store, without the one-kilometre restriction.
The stores will then be able to stock B.C. wines on their shelves starting April 1, without setting up a separate liquor store inside the grocery store.
"A limited number of new licences will also be made available specifically for the 100% B.C. wine-on-shelves model. Details on these licences will be available in the new year," said a statement released by the government.
Justice Minister Suzanne Anton said they won't be able to sell B.C. beer because it is not a 100 per cent B.C. product yet.
“This model focuses on common sense changes that will give the people of British Columbia the convenience of being able to grab a bottle of wine off the shelf with their groceries while at the same time supporting the burgeoning B.C. wine industry," said Anton.
Sales transactions will need to be done at designated registers by staff with Serving It Right certificates, who are 19 years of age or older.
The hours of liquor sales for grocery stores will be limited to same as other liquor retailers: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m PT.

domain: food


text:
The ACR Quality of Care statement  recommends annual cardiovascular disease risk assessment; some researchers suggest that the cardiovascular risk for SLE is similar to that for diabetes mellitus. The 10-year coronary event rate is 13-15% in patients with active SLE, which is comparable to the 10-year event rate of 18.8% in patients with known coronary artery disease.  African American patients with SLE may be particularly vulnerable to premature cardiovascular disease and related death.
The 19th century's research into lupus continued with the work of Sir William Osler who, in 1895, published the first of his three papers about the internal complications of erythema exudativum multiforme. Not all the patient cases in his paper had SLE but Osler's work expanded the knowledge of systemic diseases and documented extensive and critical visceral complications for several diseases including lupus. Noting that many people with lupus had a disease that not only affected the skin but many other organs in the body as well, Osler added the word "systemic" to the term lupus erythematosus to distinguish this type of disease from discoid lupus erythematosus. Osler's second paper noted that reoccurrence is a special feature of the disease and that attacks can be sustained for months or even years. Further study of the disease led to a third paper, published in 1903, documenting afflictions such as arthritis, pneumonia, the inability to form coherent ideas, delirium, and central nervous system damage as all affecting patients diagnosed with SLE.
However, three placebo-controlled studies, including the Exploratory Phase II/III SLE Evaluation of Rituximab [EXPLORER] trial and the Lupus Nephritis Assessment with Rituximab [LUNAR] trial, [124, 125] failed to show an overall significant response. Despite the negative results in these trials, rituximab continues to be used to treat patients with severe SLE disease that is refractory to standard therapy.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disease, represents a significant challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. Patients with SLE in Latin America face special problems that should be considered when therapeutic guidelines are developed. The objective of the study is to develop clinical practice guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus. Two independent teams (rheumatologists with experience in lupus management and methodologists) had an initial meeting in Panama City, Panama, in April 2016. They selected a list of questions for the clinical problems most commonly seen in Latin American patients with SLE. These were addressed with the best available evidence and summarised in a standardised format following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. All preliminary findings were discussed in a second face-to-face meeting in Washington, DC, in November 2016. As a result, nine organ/system sections are presented with the main findings; an ‘overarching’ treatment approach was added. Special emphasis was made on regional implementation issues. Best pharmacologic options were examined for musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous, kidney, cardiac, pulmonary, neuropsychiatric, haematological manifestations and the antiphospholipid syndrome. The roles of main therapeutic options (ie, glucocorticoids, antimalarials, immunosuppressant agents, therapeutic plasma exchange, belimumab, rituximab, abatacept, low-dose aspirin and anticoagulants) were summarised in each section. In all cases, benefits and harms, certainty of the evidence, values and preferences, feasibility, acceptability and equity issues were considered to produce a recommendation with special focus on ethnic and socioeconomic aspects. Guidelines for Latin American patients with lupus have been developed and could be used in similar settings.
Madeline Gilkes focused her research project for her Master's of Healthcare Leadership on Health Coaching for Long-Term Weight Loss in Obese Adults. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Adult & Vocational Education, Graduate Certificate in Aged Care, Bachelor of Nursing, Certificate IV Weight Management and Certificate IV Frontline Management. Madeline is an academic and registered nurse. Her vision is to prevent lifestyle diseases, obesogenic environments, dementia and metabolic syndrome. She has spent the past years in the role of Clinical Facilitator and Clinical Nurse Specialist (Gerontology and Education).
While there is no specific lupus diet, scientists have found that low-dose diet supplementation with omega-3 fish oils could help patients with lupus by decreasing inflammation and disease activity and possibly decreasing heart-disease risk. It is generally recommended that patients with lupus eat a balanced diet that includes plant-based foods and lean sources of protein.
Autoantibodies directed against various nuclear antigens including DAutoantibodies directed against various nuclear antigens including DNA, RNA, histones, acidic nuclear proteins, or complexes of these molecular elements. Antinuclear antibodies are found in systemic autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease. Autoantibodies directed against various nuclear antigens including DNA, RNA, histones, acidic nuclear proteins, or complexes of these molecular elements. Antinuclear antibodies are found in systemic autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease.
With variants known as discoid lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus is one of several disorders of the immune system considered “autoimmune” in nature. These diseases occur when the immune system malfunctions and turns its infection-defense capabilities against the body, producing antibodies against healthy cells and tissues. These antibodies promote chronic inflammation and can damage organs and tissues. In lupus, these antibodies are known as antinuclear antibodies (ANA) because they target parts of the cell’s nucleus. Experts don’t yet fully understand all of the factors and triggers that cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus, and research is ongoing.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach bleeding, kidney problems and an increased risk of heart problems.
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Please Note: The material on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your physician before beginning any diet or exercise program.
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domain: biology


The US is ready to put forward its own plan to effectively fight terrorism in Syria and it is not going to cooperate with Russia on the issue, the Pentagon said in a statement.
"US military officials believe there is a more effective way to do counterterrorism operations than major conventional operations in Idlib. The chairman said the United States was not talking about cooperating, but about using US capabilities to spot the terrorists — even in an urban environment — and take them out with a minimum of civilian casualties," the US Department of Defense said, citing Gen. Joseph Dunford.
The Pentagon spokesman has also reported that, according to estimates, about 20-30 thousand terrorists have entered Idlib to "hide among hundreds of thousands of people" who have fled violence in other areas of Syria.
The province of Idlib is the last remaining stronghold of insurgency in the country and is also one of Syria's de-escalation zones.
Syrian President Bashar Assad has earlier stressed that the liberation of the province was among the priorities for the Syrian military's operations.


Celebrities pay tribute to comedic legend Carl Reiner
On June 29, comedic legend Carl Reiner passed away at the age of 98.
The Bronx-born son of Jewish immigrants, Reiner served in the military during WWII and embarked on a long and storied comic career in the postwar era. With fellow jokester Mel Brooks, he formed one half of a hit comedy duo; he also created “The Dick van Dyke Show,” winning five Emmys for his work. In his later years, Reiner wrote novels and cultivated an outspoken political voice: in recent weeks he expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement, and in some of his last tweets he mourned the election of President Trump. He also emerged as an avuncular and generally menschy figure, known for sharing dinner with Brooks every night during their old age.
It’s no surprise that social media is filled with tributes to Reiner’s artistic legacy, sharp wit and kind heart. Here’s how fellow comedians, entertainers and admirers are remembering him.
Comedian Sarah Silverman said Reiner “embodies the word mensch.”
So sad to hear about @carlreiner Not only did he make my favorite TV& movies (see:Where’s Poppa) but his humanity was beyond compare. His heart was so full of love. Never left his house empty handed- book, space pen, Swiss Army knife. RIP to a man that embodies the word mensch pic.twitter.com/mazBmwznkX
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) June 30, 2020
CNN host Jake Tapper posted a picture of Reiner in uniform, presumably dating from his military service during WWII.
RIP to one of the greats, Carl Reiner. https://t.co/EM1RvuZwuW pic.twitter.com/kjIya6qpAY
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 30, 2020
Writer and producer David Simon said he was honored to have once been the butt of a Carl Reiner joke.
Already, I am upset to be living in a world without Carl Reiner and I only know the man his public work and essence. But I have one small remembrance of a random encounter that makes me laugh and I’m gonna share: Long time ago I was a newspaper reporter and I had the chance…
— David Simon (@AoDespair) June 30, 2020
Actor Josh Gad said the news made an already difficult year even worse.
As if 2020 weren’t cruel enough. Goodbye to one of the greatest comedic minds of all time. Thank you for always making us laugh and for always giving us joy. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Reiner family. RIP #CarlReiner pic.twitter.com/IeJ3RkG2vS
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) June 30, 2020
Journalist Dan Rather, one of Reiner’s contemporaries, described the comedian’s life as “a roadmap through American culture.”
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of show business legend Carl Reiner. An innovator, entertainer and beloved icon, his nearly century of life was like a roadmap through American culture. His wit and courage never left him. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) June 30, 2020
TV personality Ben Mankiewicz shared one of Reiner’s last tweets, written just hours before he died, a criticism of President Trump.
Carl Reiner’s last tweet – sent the day he died – is a reflection of his spirit and the indefatigable patriotism of a World War II veteran. https://t.co/WMrbbHsBOp
— Ben Mankiewicz (@BenMank77) June 30, 2020
Actor Max Brooks, the son of Reiner’s longtime partner-in-comedy Mel Brooks, said the news was “a loss for me, a loss for my family, a loss for all of us.”
I’ve known Carl Reiner my whole life and I can’t imagine a world without him. A loss for me, a loss for my family, a loss for all of us.
— Max Brooks (@maxbrooksauthor) June 30, 2020
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer paid tribute to the comedian, who was one of his constituents.
Honoring the hilarious life of Carl Reiner, Bronx born and raised, he played the Broadway stage and helped make New Rochelle famous as the home of Rob and Laura Petrie. He was one of the true legends of American comedy.https://t.co/eJbz71dDmI
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 30, 2020
Jason Alexander, aka “Seinfeld’s” George Costanza, said Reiner’s contributions to comedy are “eternal.”
Carl Reiner was comedy genius. Often that genius made other funny people even funnier. But give him a stage and he could spin laughter out of any moment. I watched him do it time and again. His contributions to comedy are eternal. And a lovely man, as well. #ripCarlReiner
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) June 30, 2020
TV host Joy Reid shared a photo of Reiner taking a knee.
Carl Reiner was a truly great man. Brilliant and inspired as a creative, which thankfully we all got to enjoy, and clearly also just a good person. Deepest condolences to one of the gifts he gave us: @robreiner, his wonderful wife Michele and their entire family. https://t.co/XRZYC2TXFY
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) June 30, 2020
Natasha Lyonne shared this memory.
An incredible man. Love you, #CarlReiner. ♥♥♥ pic.twitter.com/9DRVi7AqDn
— natasha lyonne (@nlyonne) June 30, 2020
Bette Midler fondly remembered her days working with Reiner.
The great #CarlReiner has gone to that Show of Shows in the sky. I worked with him, loved him, and consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world to have once attended lunch with his hilarious, guarrulous gang…
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) June 30, 2020
Political analyst Bill Kristol shared a vote-by-mail advertisement in which Reiner participated just weeks before his death.
I’m so sorry to hear of Carl Reiner’s death. What a life!
I want to say how proud we are that he was featured, just six weeks ago, in our vote by mail ad. Carl won’t be there to vote safely in November, as he wished—but he’ll be with us in spirit.
May his memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/xRjw3WqpI4
— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) June 30, 2020
Comedian Steve Martin called Reiner “my greatest mentor.”
Goodbye to my greatest mentor in movies and in life. Thank you, dear Carl. https://t.co/H7A4ZwIqfc
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) June 30, 2020
Actress Jane Lynch was simply in disbelief.
I really thought this would never happen. #ripCarlReiner https://t.co/jPSwapVbbX
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) June 30, 2020
Irene Katz Connelly is an editorial fellow at the Forward. You can contact her at [email protected]


New job Law Clerk in Colorado
Company : Colorado Judicial Branch
Salary : $4,132 - $5,719 a month
Location : Colorado
Judicial Branch Overview
General Statement of Duties
Minimum Education and Experience
Law clerk positions are one year temporary assignments with district court judges. This position is responsible for legal research, writing, assistance in the courtroom, and other related work while serving as a law clerk to judicial officers presiding over district court criminal matters. Work involves legal research, writing and other related work. Work is supervised by a district court judge and is reviewed through conference and written reports. Preference is given to applicants with an interest in Colorado criminal law. In order to be considered for this position, you must complete the online application AND submit a printed application, resume, cover letter, writing sample, transcript and references to the 19th Judicial District, PO Box 2038, Greeley, Colorado 80632and received no later than April 30, 2021.


text:
A Surgical Approach to the Treatment of Fetal Hydrocephalus
Clewell, William H.,
New England Journal of Medicine 1982 June 3; 306(22): 1320- 1325
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
Hecht, Frederick (1982-11-04)
Hecht, Frederick, (1982-11-04)
Kaufman, Caroline L.; Williams, Paul R. (1985-03)

domain: literature


text:
Pack your Imagination and Register Today for our FREE VIRTUAL EVENT
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The webinar will be hosted by George Balogh from Blue Skies Travel and Kim Smith from Celebrity Cruises, who will review cruising the Alaska coast on one of Celebrity’s three amazing vessels and review the most popular Alaska Cruise tours, as well as some exclusive benefits of planning with a Virtuoso Member Agency like Blue Skies Travel.
Each of the tours highlighted include stays in authentic lodges and travel on remote roads in a deluxe motorcoach, and the opportunity to experience the rails in a luxurious train. A Cruise Tour can take you to cultured Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali—a visit to these inland areas truly gives you a feel for the 49th State. Experience the acclaimed Alaska cruises and take your sense of wonder to new heights with the guides showing you their passion for their home.
This FREE VIRTUAL EVENT will give you the chance to learn from the experts while giving you the options you need to determine what type of tour is right for you. You will have the ability to ask questions and be given the opportunity to sign up for your Alaskan adventure and receive a special show promotion.
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As a child, I was introduced to travel while visiting the beautiful town on Lake Balaton called Tihany, in Hungary, where my parents immigrated from in 1956. While earning my college degree in International Business, I quickly realized my passion for travel, and immediately after graduation I started Blue Skies Travel in 1993 with my sister Suzanne. The passion for my personal travel turned into a passion for creating Amazing Vacation Experiences for friends and clients and using my contacts and relationships in the industry to add the finishing touches to unique experiences.
District Sales Manager, Celebrity Cruises
32 years in the Travel Industry, currently celebrating 14 years with Celebrity Cruises. My professional journey started as a receptionist for a Travel Agency while going to college. I fell in love with travel and worked my way up the ranks in various positions in sales and marketing. Ultimately landed at the Walt Disney Travel Company representing Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Disney cruise line where I worked for 9 years before moving my current role at Celebrity Cruises

domain: geography


text:
6IX for Smart Agriculture
SMS offers a platform to maintain and manage your irrigation needs. Our machine learning platform helps to develop an effective irrigation schedule, optimize water and fertilizer distribution, predict production, and create alerts. Using sensors, we can monitor yield health as well as best predict irrigation needs. Our Smart Agriculture Solution has enabled farmers to automate their irrigation systems and monitor asset health and field conditions in near real-time from any location.
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Create and update yield forecast to meet production needs.
Plant Health Monitoring
Monitor soil moisture, temperate, water uptake, and growth using sensor data.
Soil Moisture Monitoring
We install multi-level wireless soil sensors to measure moisture levels.

domain: agronomy


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Hybrid eVTOL developer Horizon Aircraft has entered into a Letter of Intent (LoI) with JetSetGo, a regional air operator in India.
Under the LoI, JetSetGo will purchase 50 Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft at $5 million per aircraft for a total of $250 million, with an option to acquire an additional 50 aircraft for a total of $500 million.
Brandon Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of Horizon, said; “We are truly honored by this commitment from JetSetGo, a leading private aviation operator with a shared vision of a more sustainable and efficient on-demand regional travel. We are confident that our Cavorite X7 eVTOL will operate sustainably and profitably across India as well as many other global locations. As a hybrid electric aircraft, there is no need to install expensive charging support equipment across the travel network; it is a machine designed for challenging, real-world operations.”
Kanika Tekriwal, JetSetGo’s CEO and co-founder, added; “Our decision to enter into this Agreement with Horizon Aircraft was not taken lightly. We ultimately decided to partner with a company with a deep operational and aerospace technology background that will deliver a product that will help usher in a new era of sustainable air travel while also providing significant value for our customers. This partnership will help JetSetGo profitably enter new markets by leveraging the versatility of the Cavorite platform to bring about the vision of Advanced Air Mobility in India.”

domain: news


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The Steel Market Update (SMU) Price Momentum Indicator has been “stuck” in Neutral for a number of weeks as steel buyers and steel mills wrestle with the direction of flat rolled steel prices going forward. Steel buyers are beginning to say the next move in flat rolled steel prices may well be lower, rather than higher.
A reading of Neutral means there is no clear direction for flat rolled spot pricing out of the domestic steel mills. We moved to a Neutral position on Aug. 5, 2017. Since then, the domestic steel mills announced a $30 per ton increase in mid-August. AK Steel announced a new price increase of $30 per ton on Sept. 6. To date, none of the other mills have followed the AK Steel lead. It is normal procedure for Steel Market Update to take our Price Momentum Indicator to Neutral when announcements are made. However, in the current situation, we actually moved our index from Higher to Neutral prior to the first steel mill round of increases and it has remained at Neutral for five weeks.
SMU has been canvassing steel buyers during the course of the day today (Tuesday). We and have found a consensus of opinion that AK Steel’s announcement was an overreach and is not being supported by the other mills. “I do not think the market is strong enough as is to justify higher prices,” said one OEM steel buyer this morning. “At $630/ton for HRC, I think we are at the top end for now and don’t anticipate any further increases from sticking. Without some further governmental action (i.e. Section 232) I don’t believe current demand is enough to justify further price increases. Especially now that we are headed towards the end of the year. Most companies are going to begin their 2018 negotiations with the mills. Even more reason to keep inventory low and buy only as needed.”
A service center told us, “[The steel mills have] definitely gotten ahead of themselves. Scrap did not support up here in the Chicago market, which I believe they were banking on. No mills we work with are supporting the increase. Several mills have “holes” in various products and are definitely willing to deal (mill and product dependent). I quite honestly expect pricing to retreat a little in the short term, especially in CRC and HDG.”
A number of buyers pointed to the sideways move in the ferrous scrap markets taking the mills by surprise and removing the need for the EAF mills to increase pricing. One large service center, speaking about scrap, said, “I think the mills saw the momentum slip away from scrap and postponed a formal increase.”
Looking at the results of last week’s SMU flat rolled steel market trends analysis, we found average lead times as being flat over the past couple of months. We also found domestic steel mills willing to negotiate spot base prices on hot rolled (70%), cold rolled (66%), galvanized (63%) and Galvalume (82%) steels.
We are going to leave the SMU Price Momentum Indicator at Neutral for the moment. However, based on our market trends analysis of last week and comments gathered today, we believe the next move may well be for lower prices, not higher.
Written by: John Packard, email@example.com
John PackardRead more from John Packard
Latest in SMU Data and Models
Steelmaking raw material prices mixed in April
Prices of steelmaking raw materials have moved in different directions over the last 30 days, according to Steel Market Update’s latest analysis.
March service center shipments and inventories report
Flat Rolled = 58.3 shipping days of supply Plate = 60.6 shipping days of supply Flat Rolled US service center flat-rolled steel inventories edged up in March as shipments remained low. At the end of March, service centers carried 58.3 shipping days of supply on an adjusted basis, up from 56.6 shipping days in February. […]
SMU survey: Buyers’ sentiment increases
SMU’s Steel Buyers’ Sentiment Indices both rose this week.
SMU market survey results now available
The latest SMU market survey results are now available on our website to all premium members. After logging in at steelmarketupdate.com, visit the pricing and analysis tab and look under the “survey results” section for “latest survey results.” Historical survey results are also available under that selection. If you need help accessing the survey results, or if […]
SMU survey: Sheet lead times contract, plate pushes out
The market appears to be taking a pause after the heavy buying that occurred in March.


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- HarperCollins 2013; US$ 7.99
On June 9, 2008, the butchered body of Travis Alexander was found in his Mesa, Arizona home. The grisly nature of his death made instant headlines: with twenty-nine knife wounds, his throat slit, and a gunshot to the head, Travis was left to die. The prime suspect in the case was Alexander?s ex-girlfriend, the attractive and soft-spoken Jodi Arias.... more...
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ? Foreword by Hillary Rodham Clinton Fourteen years before Kirsten Gillibrand succeeded Hillary Rodham Clinton as senator from New York, she heard her future mentor say these life-changing words: ?Decisions are being made every day in Washington, and if you are not part of those decisions, you might not like what they... more...
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The New York Times bestselling story from the author of The Good Lord Bird , winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction. Who is Ruth McBride Jordan? A self-declared "light-skinned" woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her twelve black children. James McBride, journalist, musician, and son, explores his mother's... more...
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?YOU HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE? is a common refrain in the emails Walter Lewin receives daily from fans who have been enthralled by his world-famous video lectures about the wonders of physics. ?I walk with a new spring in my step and I look at life through physics-colored eyes,? wrote one such fan. When Lewin?s lectures were made available online, he became... more...
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One of the earliest known autobiographies by a woman, this is the extraordinary tale of Catalina de Erauso, who in 1599 escaped from a Basque convent dressed as a man and went on to live one of the most wildly fantastic lives of any woman in history. A soldier in the Spanish army, she traveled to Peru and Chile, became a gambler, and even mistakenly... more...
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Anyone can see the place where the children died. You take the Princes Highway past Geelong, and keep going west in the direction of Colac. Late in August 2006, soon after I had watched a magistrate commit Robert Farquharson to stand trial before a jury on three charges of murder, I headed out that way on a Sunday morning, across the great volcanic... more...

domain: library


text:
Vientiane Times, 12 Dec 2014
Laos plans to produce about 5 million tonnes of rice by 2020 to ensure food security in the country. Throughout the past 39 years, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has spent a lot of its budget investing in the generation of food produce as a means of creating food security in the country.
The government has focused on rice as the priority food of the nation, encouraging farmers to grow different types of cash crops, livestock development and fish breeding according to ministry reports.
|Local farmers planting rice for personal consumption and sale.|
This effort has improved the living conditions for many rural people, especially the farmers, and has helped many families to escape from poverty.
At the present time rice growing in the country produces about four million tonnes per annum, equivalent to about 500kg per person, which leaves a surplus of 200kg per person for sale to earn income.
Meat, fish and egg production has also increased to 50-60kg per person per year, which is sufficient for the domestic market. The number of livestock and fish breeders that have grown from being a small family business to now operating as a full farming system has greatly increased and they are now enjoying good incomes from selling their produce. Agricultural production in targeted villages under the three builds policy has also benefited substantially, the ministry confirmed. The ministry still requires cooperation from the relevant sectors, however, and support from international organisations because agricultural production by local farmers is largely done by traditional but inefficient methods which cannot provide a guarantee of food security yet. The ministry has also not yet completed its allocation of land for designated agricultural purposes. Some land areas allocated to farming are not yet being managed well and thousands of hectares of land formerly used for growing rice have been reallocated for industrial and residential use. Many growing areas with good irrigation sources have been taken up for other things such as the Thangone irrigation project in Xaythany district of Vientiane which has been cut back from 1,800 hectares to only 200 hectares because of the amount of construction there. One major concern is that Laos has no national stockpile of rice. It is the only Asean country without one. Rice production is still a relatively capital-intensive business as little has been done to introduce different rice varieties which can produce better yields and farmers also face high costs for fertilizer, improved farming equipment, import taxes and electricity which they use for pumping water into their irrigation system.
To ensure food security in the country and additional stocks are available for export, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has plans to encourage farmers to produce 4.7 to 5 million tonnes of rice by 2020 and 5 to 5.5 million tonnes by 2025, of which 70 percent would be sticky rice and 30 percent white rice. Next year the ministry plans to encourage farmers to increase meat and fish production to reach 379,000 tonnes, an average of 53 kg per person, 487,500 tonnes by 2020, an average of 60 kg per person and 581,000 tonnes by 2025 or 70 kg a person. To reach these targets the ministry will have to develop livestock rearing from being small family-run businesses to full scale farming to double output from the current 90,000 tonnes per year to 180,000 tonnes. To reach these ambitious future targets, the ministry in cooperation with other relevant government organisations needs to allocate specific areas for rice growing and livestock rearing and ensure good management is available. They must also stop the reallocation of agricultural land for other purposes.
The high cost of electricity needs to be lowered for domestic processing industries such as rice mills and for suppliers of agricultural machinery and the ministry needs to ensure all farmers have access to low interest loans. The ministry will increase its programme of animal health inspections, improving the animal health service at both local and central levels, upgrade the quality of animal feed products, supply sufficient animal stocks and reform the land to better facilitate livestock rearing to increase production quantity and quality.
Laos remains a largely agricultural nation with some 80 percent of the population reliant on agricultural production for their livelihoods. The agriculture and forestry sector expands on average 3.3 percent a year and contributes 24.6 percent of GDP according to the ministry. This year, the sector grew by 2.9 percent and contributed into GDP about 24.4 percent.


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Nearly seven out of 10 Americans feel sympathetic toward undocumented immigrants in the United States, according to a June 2018 poll conducted by Gallup. However, when November comes, Oregonians will paint a clearer picture with a vote on Measure 105.
Measure 105 — formerly Initiative Petition 22 — seeks to repeal a state law forbidding state and local law enforcement from using state resources or personnel to detain anyone who has violated federal immigration law. Opposition to the anti-immigrant measure is already taking shape.
IP-22 grew into Measure 105 in July 2018, when “immigration reform” organizations submitted 110,445 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. One of those organizations supporting the new measure is Oregon For Immigration Reform (OFIR), which says it will end Oregon as a “sanctuary state.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has categorized OFIR as an anti-immigrant hate group with ties to white supremacists. However, the organization wouldn’t comment to EW on the label, saying SPLC is “disruptive and has no dog in the fight.”
According to the office of the Secretary of State, two donors are the primary supporters of the campaign: OFIR and Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Currently, FAIR, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit that aims to reduce “illegal immigration,” has contributed $179,175 in-kind services. OFIR has donated $39,500 in cash and $95,361 in-kind.
The ballot measure has stirred opposition from many groups in Oregon. Oregonians United Against Profiling, a coalition of businesses, nonprofits and unions, gathered across the state to canvass local businesses on July 28.
Manuel Mejia-Gonzalez, a local community activist, led canvassing efforts in Eugene. He says the supporters of the measure have been thriving on misinformation out there.
“I don’t know any of my friends who would support this,” Mejia-Gonzalez says. “This is a clear off-the-Trump agenda. We know [the measure] is supported by Republicans. We know this is an attack. We feel it. It’s not just the Latinx community; we know there are people hurt and scared.”
Mejia-Gonzalez says he’s concerned that it would enable police to not only work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) but would also open a pathway for more local policy aimed at tougher restrictions on immigrants.
The Latinx community already has a strained relationship with law enforcement, so if the measure passes, leading to increased racial profiling, it would be tougher for people of color to work with police, he adds.
Jim Ludwick, OFIR’s communications director, says the measure is meant to fix a law that isn’t working.
“Rather than go to the Legislature to pass the bill, we have to do an initiative to overturn,” he says. “We shouldn’t have to do this. The state wants to pass laws that reward illegal aliens rather than citizens.”
Ludwick says he understands the measure’s language to mean that if a jail has a “criminal alien,” the facility should be proactive in notifying ICE. He adds that Oregon’s prisons have too many undocumented immigrants who wouldn’t be there they had been deported immediately after their first crime.
If this interpretation indeed were the intention of the measure, it would be unnecessary. Jails in Lane County already share data with ICE. Both Captain Clint Riley of Lane County Jail and Springfield Police Chief Rick Lewis have told Eugene Weekly in the past that it’s a federal regulation.
Ludwick says immigration should be managed better, and that the number of immigrants allowed in the state should be based on the national birth rate. His argument for immigration is rooted in population control masked as environmentalism: If too many immigrants enter the country, Ludwick says, it could result in increased demand for energy, degradation of nature and even deterioration of the U.S. culture.
Measure 105 has already made its way to the governor’s race. Gov. Kate Brown’s campaign tells EW that she opposes the measure. Her challenger, Republican State Rep. Knute Buehler, threw in his support.
Buehler has a track record of voting against undocumented immigrants, such as denying financial aid for undocumented students and allowing them to disclose immigration status.
“I see it as way to remove barriers between local and state law enforcement communicating, and cooperating with federal officials to keep Oregonians safe,” Buehler said in a statement to EW. “If the measure passes, as governor, I will support legislation that ensures that the immigrant community can feel safe in communicating with law enforcement about criminal activities.”
Oregon is one of seven states in the U.S. that has a law deemed to provide sanctuary status. Gov. Neil Goldschmidt signed the bill in 1987, and it passed with nearly unanimous support from legislators. ■

domain: sociology


text: We had another gorgeous and sunny day here today. That's always a good time to hike up into the high elevations, as one does not want to get caught in a lightning storm above the tree line. These photos were taken at about 12,000' in elevation. The trailhead started at 10,000'. Enjoy!


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Tennessee Republicans are “fed up with the perversion” of the University of Tennessee’s annual Sex Week.
Women outnumber men for the first time in intro to computer science class at UC Berkeley.
Why mainstream critics fail writers of color.
Good news: A California initiative to repeal the law protecting trans students’ equal access in schools has failed to qualify for the ballot.
More good news: SCOTUS agrees that Arizona really does not have the right to bar Planned Parenthood from the state’s Medicaid program.
Funding to help low-income families afford child care last year fell to the lowest level since 2002.


text:
If you’re in for conservative looks but want some of the best backlighting you’ll find on a keyboard, consider the G810. You’ll either love or hate its relatively soft, lightweight, shallow-travel Romer-G switches.
Romer-G switches are quieter than Cherry
Dedicated media buttons and volume roller
Extra ping noise when typing
Keys caps show too much finger-grease shine
Romer-G stems not Cherry compatible
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware
Features, Specifications & Switches
The exterior of the Logitech G810 Orion is identical to the G610 Brown and G610 Red, in fact, with the lighting disabled, there's no way to tell the difference.
The Romer-G Switches
Logitech went to great lengths to develop its own switches, and from everything we’ve seen (and touched), they are the real deal. In terms of specifications, they’re probably most similar to Cherry MX Browns, in that both types of switches are tactile and require 45gf. However, Romer-G switches actuate at 1.5mm instead of 2mm, and the total switch travel is 3mm instead of 4mm.
Objectively, then, there are some small but notable differences between the standard Cherry MX switch (and it clones) and Romer-Gs. Subjectively, Romer-G switches feel softer, and they’re much quieter, too.
Therefore, they’re rather ideal for conservative-looking keyboards like the G810 - it’s like your dad’s gaming keyboard. That’s not an insult, these keyboards are by no means out of place in an office setting, so the quieter clicking is less likely to disturb coworkers (or roomates, or significant others, for that matter).
|Header Cell - Column 0
|Cherry MX Brown
|Cherry MX Speed Silver
|70 million clicks
|50 million clicks
|50 million clicks
At the same time, speed-addicted gamers may find them preferable, because, as noted in the table above, Romer-G switches have similar short actuation and shallow travel to the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch.
Another significant difference between Romer-G and Cherry switches is the stem. Instead of the familiar Cherry cross-stem design, Romer-G switches have a through-stem LED design. There’s a hole in the middle of the stem that lets light shine right up into the middle of the key cap.
Keyboard modders, then, will be disappointed to learn that the Romer-G switches are not Cherry-compatible. On the other hand, users who are more keen on better lighting, by contrast, may be falling in love with the G810.
As a purely subjective note, I’ve found Romer-G switches to be my favorite to type on. Some users may be turned off by their softer feel and shallower travel, but I find these features to be quite comfortable. I tend to struggle a bit when typing on, for example, Speed Silver switches, which have similarly short actuation and travel, but the tactile bump in the Romer-G’s travel seems to make up for it.
When gaming, some might find that the slightly softer feel of the Romer-G switches is not ideal (it doesn’t bother me at all), but any real or imagined performance hit may be offset by the shorter actuation and travel (for some, “short and soft” may be the least desirable characteristic of a gaming keyboard switch).
Regardless, I spend far more time typing than I do gaming (eh, adulthood, what can you do), so if I’m going to compromise a bit, it will be on the gaming front.
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logitech user here.. I got G510s.. this one been discontinued.. amazon still has a few I thinks.. this is my second logitech board.. yes I'm a believer.. you gotta love the volume wheel, a real must.. my board is superior to these new ones.. has a little view screen.. has this one mode you can watch your cpu and ram.. and how much is being used at this very moment.. cpu 21% ram 23% .. great to watch while gaming.. its a gas..Reply
And yes, I can type on a keyboard with the letters wrong, but why would I want to? You clearly charge over $90.00 for the fancy lighting, can you move the keys around and get the specialized ones that move? It's a trivial thing for you to do, but you've made it impossible to use the decals to move the letters, so what is your alternative? You realize that the FIPS requires that if you are going to sell to the Government... You do realize it is illegal to sell a keyboard that doesn't meet FIPS? Don't you? Or is that such an old standard that you think you can ignore it?
I've got a G810 and like it. For reference, I also have a Ducky Shine 6, WASD Code and an old buckling spring Model M, as well as a couple old random Cherry branded keyboards.Reply
Things I like about this keyboard: It is quieter than its Cherry switch stable-mates, despite having added O-rings to one of them. I like the layout. The lighting is truly worth of awe - especially after seeing the competition. It doesn't look like a gaming keyboard for the other 90% of the time.
Things I don't like: (Big One!)The lighting returns to default color wave as soon as you lock your PC, etc. Unless the logitech software is running and has access to the board, the keyboard lights up in crazy mode. You can turn the lights off all together, but that kind of defeats the purpose. Also, the key travel is not as smooth as name brand switches if you hit a key off center - I hope this improves with time. This ended up in my office since it is quieter than my other boards, having to turn off the lights so the color wave isn't running when I'm away from my desk is silly. I wish I could make it default to any solid color, or off.
Other thoughts: The keycaps could be shaped a little better, and be less prone to shine. Overall, this is a decent keyboard, at its current sell price, it may be preferable to the more expensive boards.
I've had this keyboard for ` 6 months now and I really like it. I took me about a half hour to get used to the Romer-Gs. They're light and fast. There is a little bit of a ping, but much better than other KBs I've bought in my quest to not bug my better half with my high speed typing and nocturnal habits. For reference, I have a Corsair Strafe RGB with Silent MX switches, an Apex MX800, a Logitech G710+, and a Das Keyboard with Cherry MX Blues. I seem to have an emotional attachment to the Das Keyboard, sadly my wife does not. Back to the G810; it's not for everyone, but if you like it, you'll like it a lot.Reply

domain: hobby


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Amanda + Brian | Wedding
What a fun shoot \\ Romantic, unposed, & natural... My goal as a photographer is to catch the moments most might miss & Amanda & Brian wanted their wedding shoot to show the true essence of who they are as a couple & to be a glimpse into their love story through my lens. With Mint Springs Farm as the backdrop, there wasn't a spot that didn't deliver a great shot. Whether I was shooting through the trees or in an open field--> the lighting & the scenery was simply perfect.
There truly is no other place like this little piece of heaven. From the lush trees, rolling hills & open fields, to the way the sun sets over the dock, it couldn't have been a more picture perfect place to shoot their wedding photos. Mint Springs Farm is a magical + romantic venue for any style bride... and that's just what we were looking for. What an incredible place that now holds such precious memories for these two //
// Venue: Mint Springs Farm // MU: Styled.By.Sav // Floral: XO Supply Co.

domain: artistic


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Photo: Carbon dioxide
Carbon-dioxide levels in the atmosphere have reached a level not seen in the Earth’s recent history, according to a reading reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a U.S. federal agency.
“That increase is not a surprise to scientists,” Pieter Tans, a senior researcher with the Global Monitoring Division of NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, was quoted as saying in a NOAA news release.
“The evidence is conclusive that the strong growth of global CO2 emissions from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is driving the acceleration.”
The reading was made at the world’s oldest continuous carbon-dioxide observatory, which is located atop Hawaii’s massive Mauna Loa volcano and has been in operation since 1958.
NOAA found that on Thursday the daily mean concentration of carbon dioxide at Mauna Loa was 400.03 parts per million.
“There’s no stopping CO2 from reaching 400 (parts per million),” Ralph Keeling, a geochemist at the University of California at San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, was quoted as saying in Friday’s release.
“That’s now a done deal. But what happens from here on still matters to climate, and it’s still under our control. It mainly comes down to how much we continue to rely on fossil fuels for energy.”
NOAA said that, “once emitted, CO2 added to the atmosphere and oceans remains for thousands of years. Thus, climate changes forced by CO2 depend primarily on cumulative emissions, making it progressively more and more difficult to avoid further substantial climate change.”
Scientists have determined that prior to the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, average global carbon-dioxide levels stood at 280 parts per million.
The rate of increase in carbon-dioxide levels has accelerated since continuous analysis at Mauna Loa began: from 0.7 parts per million annually in the late 1950s to 2.1 ppm per year over the past decade.
“Today’s rate of increase is more than 100 times faster than the increase that occurred when the last ice age ended” around 12,000 years ago, the news release said.


Congress Passes Funding Deal, Tripling the Funding of TIGER Program
Congress passed an omnibus package last week that triples the funding of the TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program.
Fiscal year 2018 will now has $1.5 billion dollars to spend on multi-modal and hard-to-fund projects. This is excellent news, especially since the most recent round of TIGER grants were recently announced during the National Bike Summit.
The grant awards announced this year included a critical trail for Native Alaskans that will increase year-round access for villagers on Nelson Island to services, including the local hospital. TIGER also funded a trail project in Philadelphia which fills a key gap in the Schuylkill River Trail network.
The biggest story of the TIGER grant round awarded this year was the large number of complete streets projects that added or improved bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian sidewalks in numerous cities around the country. These types of projects create or fix bicycling and walking on-street networks, and many were coupled with separately-funded economic development projects in town centers. The joint efforts for improvement projects is important because the TIGER grant application goes through a benefit-cost analysis and the U.S. Department of Transportation determined these projects are an economic benefit.
The next TIGER grant cycle should begin soon. The funding levels just signed into law runs from October 1, 2017, through September 30, 2018. Given that we are halfway through the fiscal year we should expect to see the call for proposals sometime this summer.
For more information on the omnibus implications for biking, check bikeleague.org!


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I can’t stop listening to all the original Beatles songs remastered. Absolutely fricking brilliant. These boxed sets (they come in either Stereo or Mono) are THE BEST!! I can’t imagine a more universally well received Christmas present… I’d get my order in on Amazon or buy in stores before they’re gone. I heard the Mac Store in Santa Barbara was sold out of the cool new mouses (mice??) After Slim Paley’s post, of course. 🙂
This little projector seems like a cool gift to me for teen-aged kids. The Cinemen Swivel portable projector
When The Fat Duck Cookbook, the wonderfully inventive cooking tome by the infamous Heston Blementhal first hit the shelves with a THUD and a groan at $250, I thought hmmm…maybe I’ll just wait…knowing I’d most likely never attempt any of the recipes any way, but now…
the publishers have just released a smaller version boasting exactly the same content (but without the pretty protective sleeve and fewer bicycle tassles) for $31.50 on Amazon.
The photography is exceptional; it won the 2009 James Beard Award for food photography.
So Get Your Duck on and put it in your “Rocket”! ( which centrifuges liquid in a vacuum-but you knew that)
.Check out Lumas Art Editons. Large scale art photography (some full wall size) at affordable prices. Great store in the East Village, Manhattan and the full collection is online.
Annet Van der Voort 43″ x 30″ $660
And I realize if you’ve read previous posts you might suspect I’m heavily laying the “Leica camera for Christmas” bone out there for my own selfish reasons (no way Stieglitz) But…
The Leica X1 High Premium Compact Digital Camera with APS-C Sensor


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The Court of Tirana passed a verdict today in the case of the energy company OShEE (former CEZ) against former CEO of the company DIA, Kastriot Ismailaj.
The court ordered Ismailaj to pay €9 million to the OShEE for the damage caused by his fraud with contracts to collect debts from OShEE clients, as well as legal costs incurred by the OShEE during the arbitration process in Vienna.
In 2015, DIA had sued the OShEE at the International Court of Arbitration. DIA had sought a compensation of €135 million for the illegal cancellation of its contract with the OShEE for collecting debts from OShEE clients. The International Court of Arbitration rejected the case.

domain: finance


After the Wizard
This is the first time I’ve written for Best For Film. I can only assume they’re inundated with writers and don’t want the hassle of getting rid of me, so have got this film to do their dirty work. That, or it’s some sort of initiation process to get given a God-awful film in the hope that I’ll sit gasping at the bottom of this review, gazing upwards at the seeming impossibility of finding 500-words’ worth of ways to say: don’t watch this. So, instead: DO watch this. It’s not often you gawp in disbelief at how many marks can simultaneously get missed.
We start with a schoolgirl called Elizabeth (Van Vranken), who really really believes that she’s Dorothy. Her headmistress (Helen Richman) – who has the slightly off-focus gaze of an elderly woman standing in her living room trying to remember what she came in to get – thinks it’s all in her head. The filmmakers could have chosen to create a little suspense here – Oz is in trouble, the Tin Woodman (Richman) and Scarecrow (Nakia) set out to find Dorothy, but will they? Do they exist on too separate a plane ever to meet again? – but no, they stumble into the school library in the opening minutes of the film, so we’re forced to watch the unfolding of a search to which we already know the outcome.
Alright chaps, we missed a trick there, but how about we make the unfolding funny and eventful? Let’s throw these two citizens of Oz into the craziness of the modern world. Let’s make them use PUBLIC TRANSPORT. Let’s confuse them with MONEY. Let’s create a little hilarity because EVERYONE RECOGNISES THEM but they NEVER GET THE JOKE. I know, let’s illustrate the grittiness of the New York subway system with a shot of a middle-aged couple arguing about going to her mother’s! YEAH!!
And so it goes on. Meanwhile, back at the school, Elizorothy is sitting in a classroom/library/headmistress’s office under gaudy lighting, protesting her clear-mindedness in dialogue not unlike the few minutes of stilted, over-exaggerated ‘acting’ you get before everyone starts taking their clothes off in a porno. This child-actress is capable of at least one facial expression, so I’m sure her parents are proud, although that’s nothing compared to the relief felt by the parents of all the kids that didn’t get the part. I won’t tell you how it ends (dog, tornado, change of heart) because I’m not sure I’m allowed, and I wouldn’t want to spoil it. Plus there’s so little build-up that, if you don’t keep an eye on the time, you start to worry that it’ll never end, and I don’t want to curtail the UTTER RELIEF you will feel when the credits roll by telling you which scene is the last.
In places this film does that thing that makes you think they MUST be having a laugh, like a lingering shot of a bus pulling up to a roadside, or YET ANOTHER delivery of “my name is DOROTHY!” from the gormless Elizabeth, so perhaps I just don’t get it. On the other hand, I have really low standards, and even I thought it was shit. I think it’s probably the latter.