Career Options for Indian Students

Achillies - Hero Of the Trojan WAR

2008-12-30T16:21:00.001-08:00

Achilles was the son of Peleus and the Nereïd Thetis. Ligyron was the name given to Achilles at birth.While still an infant, Thetis tried to make her son immortal. One account says that she anointed Achilles in ambrosia before laying him in a fire, burning away the mortal parts of his body, making him invulnerable from ordinary weapons. When Peleus discovered she held their son over a fire, he cried out in alarm, leaving Achilles invulnerable except for his heels. Annoyed with her husband's interferences, Thetis left her husband and son, and returned home to the sea.A different account says that Thetis dipped him in Styx, the river of the Underworld, holding him by his feet. His heels were the only vulnerable parts of his body, which was covered by Thetis' hands. This is obviously where the term - Achilles' heel - originated.Achilles was brought up and trained by his father and the wise Centaur, Cheiron. His name was changed from Ligyron to Achilles. He learned how to hunt and fight. He was so swift, that he could run down any wild animal.
When the Greeks began gathering the leaders, to fight in the war in Troy, Thetis knew from a prophecy that her son has two possible destinies. One was a peaceful and long life, but without the fame and glory. The other was the most glorious - he can become one of the greatest Greek heroes, but only to be fated to die young.Thetis tried to prevent her son from going to Troy, by disguising Achilles as a girl and hiding him in the court of Lycomedes at the island of Scyrus. During his stay in Scyrus, one of the king's daughters, Deïdaemeia (Deidaemeia), fell in love with him, bore him a son, named Neoptolemus (Pyrrhus).The Greeks having been told by the seer that Troy would not fall without the aid of Achilles. One of the Greek captains, Odysseus, penetrated his disguise, by placing spear and shield among the gifts to the king's daughters. When the Greeks blew their trumpets as if the island were been attack, Achilles snatched the weapons, thereby revealing his identity. Once discovered however, Achilles willingly joined the Greeks.

In the Trojan War, Achilles was regarded as the handsomest, the swiftest, the strongest and the bravest of the Greeks who fought in the Trojan War. He led the Myrmidons with fifty ships from Phthia, Alus, Alope, and Trachis. Achilles wore immortal armour belonging to his father, a wedding gift from the gods. He was also armed with a spear made by Cheiron, from a tree in Mount Pelion. Peleus also gave his two immortal horses to his son (Xanthus and Batus.Before arriving in Troy, Achilles was warned by his mother, not to kill Tenes, son of Apollo and king of Tenedos. If he were to kill Tenes, the god would surely avenge his son's deathThe most notable were Cycnus, son of Poseidon in the earlier year of war. In the last year of the war, he killed Hector, the Amazon Penthesileia and the Aethiopian prince Memnon, son of Eos and Tithonus. His pride, however, caused him to lose his beloved companion (and lover?), Patroclus. He returned to combat, avenging his friend by killing the Trojan champion, Hector.
Achilles' own death came very quickly after killing Memnon. As he pursued the retreating Trojans back to the city gate, Paris shot an arrow at Achilles; the god Apollo had guided the arrow to one of his heel. Dying, Achilles managed to kill with his spear one last Trojan. Fierce fighting erupted around his body. His cousin Ajax managed to carry his body away while Odysseus held the Trojans at bay.During the funeral games of Achilles, his armour resulted in bitter dispute between two comrades – Ajax and Odysseus – both heroes claiming to be the bravest warrior next to Achilles. The armour was awarded to Odysseus, resulting in Ajax's death

Light On light

2008-12-30T16:20:00.001-08:00

Light is remarkable. It is something we take for granted every day, but it's not something we stop and think about very often or even try and define. Let's take a few minutes and try and understand some things about light.Simply stated, light is nature's way of transferring energy through space. We can complicate it by talking about interacting electric and magnetic fields, quantum mechanics, and all of that, but just remember--light is energy.Light travels very rapidly, but it does have a finite velocity. In vacuum, the speed of light is 186,282 miles per second (or nearly 300,000 kilometers per second), which is really humming along! However, when we start talking about the incredible distances in astronomy, the finite nature of light's velocity becomes readily apparent. It takes about two and a half seconds, for instance, for a radio communication travelling at the speed of light to get to the moon and back.

You might find it interesting to remember, the next time you watch a beautiful sunrise or sunset, that it actually occurred eight minutes earlier--it takes that long for the light to reach the Earth! And, of course, every newspaper article you ever read about astronomy will always include the required statement, "A light year is the distance light travels in one year at the speed of 186,282 miles per second, about 6 trillion miles." We should also highlight right up front that light is more generally referred to as electromagnetic radiation. Okay, we used a big word. It had to happen sooner or later. But too often when we say "light" it is mistaken to mean "optical light," which is roughly the radiation visible to our eyes. Visible light is a tiny portion of a huge smorgasboard of light called the electromagnetic spectrum. For our convenience, we break this smorgasboard up into different courses (appetizer, salad, etc.) and refer to them by name, such as gamma-rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, and radio. However, it is important to remember that they are all just light. There are no "breaks" and no hard boundaries in the electromagnetic spectrum--just a continuous range of energy.
Particles and Waves
Physics experiments over the past hundred years or so have demonstrated that light has a dual nature. In many instances, it is convenient to represent light as a "particle" phenomenon, thinking of light as discrete "packets" of energy that we call photons. Now in this way of thinking, not all photons are created equal, at least in terms of how much energy they contain. Each photon of X-ray light contains a lot of energy in comparison with, say, an optical or radio photon. It is this "energy content per photon" that is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the different ranges of light described above. Even though it is not strictly correct, it is hard not to think of a beam of light as a collection of little "light bullets" all strung together in a row.

The other way of representing light is as a wave phenomenon. This is somewhat more difficult for most people to understand, but perhaps an analogy with sound waves will be useful. When you play a high note and a low note on the piano, they both produce sound, but the main thing that is different between the two notes is the frequency of the vibrating string producing the sound waves--the faster the vibration the higher the pitch of the note. If we now shift our focus to the sound waves themselves instead of the vibrating string, we would find that the higher pitched notes have shorter wavelengths, or distances between each successive wave. Likewise (and restricting ourselves to optical light for the moment), blue light and red light are both just light, but the blue light has a higher frequency of vibration (or a shorter wavelength) than the red light.

Making Of the Telephone

2008-12-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

Probably no means of communication has revolutionized the daily lives of ordinary people more than the telephone. Simply described, it is a system which converts sound, specifically the human voice, to electrical impulses of various frequencies and then back to a tone that sounds like the original voice. In 1831, Englishman Michael Faraday (1791-1867) proved that vibrations of metal could be converted to electrical impulses. This was the technological basis of the telephone, but no one actually used this system to transmit sound until 1861. In that year, Johann Philip Reis (1834-1874) in Germany is said to have built a simple apparatus that changed sound to electricity and back again to sound. A crude device, it was incapable of transmitting most frequencies, and it was never fully developed.
A practical telephone was actually invented independently by two men working in the United States, Elisha Gray and Scottish-born Alexander Graham Bell. Incredibly, both men filed for a patent on their designs at the New York patent office on February 14, 1876, with Bell beating Gray by only two hours! Although Gray had built the first steel diaphragm / electromagnet receiver in 1874, he wasn’t able to master the design of a workable transmitter until after Bell had. Bell had worked tirelessly, experimenting with various types of mechanisms, while Gray had become discouraged.
According to the famous story, the first fully intelligible telephone call occurred on March 6, 1876, when Bell, in one room, called to his assistant in another room. "Come here, Watson, I want you." Watson heard the request through a receiver connected to the transmitter that Bell had designed, and what followed after that is a history of the founding of the Bell Telephone Company (later AT&T), which grew to be the largest telephone company in the world.The first telephone system, known as an exchange, which is a practical means of communicating between many people who have telephones, was installed in Hartford, Connecticut in 1877, and the first exchange linking two major cities was established between New York and Boston in 1883. The first exchange outside the United States was built in London in 1879. The exchange involved a group of operators working at a large switchboard. The operators would answer an incoming telephone call and connect it manually to the party being called. The first automatic telephone exchange was patented by Almon Strowger of Kansas City in 1891 and installed in 1892, but manual switchboards remained in common use until the middle of the twentieth century.
The coin operated pay telephone was patented by William Gray of Hartford in 1889. The first rotary dial telephone was developed in 1923 by Antoine Barnay in France. The mobile telephone was invented by Bell Telephone Company and introduced into New York City police cars in 1924. Although the first commercial mobile telephone service became available in St. Louis, Missouri in 1946, the mobile telephone would not become common for another four decades.The first touch-tone system - which used tones in the voice frequency range rather than pulses generated by rotary dials - was installed in Baltimore, MD, in 1941. Operators in a central switching office pushed the buttons; it was much too expensive for general use. However, the Bell System was intrigued by touch-tone because it increased the speed of dialing.
In 1978, American Telephone and Telegraph’s (AT&T) Bell Laboratories began testing a mobile telephone system based on hexagonal geographical regions called cells. As the caller’s vehicle passed from one cell to another, an automatic switching system would transfer the telephone call to another cell without interruption. The cellular telephone system began nationwide usage in the United States in 1983. The actual history of the telephone is a subject of complex dispute. The controversy began with the success of the invention and continues today. Some of the inventors credited with inventing the telephone include Antonio Meucci, Philip Reis, Elisha Gray and Alexander Graham Bell.

History of the Wristwatch

2008-12-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

The history of the wristwatch is indeed short. Wristwatches did not begin to see widespread use until the 1920s. Men tended to regard the wristwatch as effeminate. So, the vintage Rolex men's watch pictured here (circa. 1910) is a relatively rare timepiece. Watches adapted to the wrist made sporadic appearances as early as the late 1500s. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have been given one. In the early 1800s the wristwatch made more frequent appearances when jewellery and watchmakers began creating gem encrusted timepieces for royalty.
Impact of War:
Toward the end of the 1800s, women began to embrace the wristwatch as an item of adornment. Despite the feminine association, the concept became accepted as indispensable to military campaigns as mechanization in war grew. The ability to read time with a quick glance rather than having to dig through pockets was critical in battle. Officers in the South African Boer war (1899-1902) used wristwatches. By World War I, military organizations began to demand them. They became especially crucial to ledgling aerial combat operations. As demand for wristwatches in warfare grew, rugged timepieces covered with metal grids were introduced. The first chronograph wristwatches were developed, and luminous hands and markers were developed.
The wristwatch between the Wars:
Following the war, automatic (self winding) wristwatches were created, drawing on technology used in pocket watches .. Initially they were unreliable, but were perfected by the late 1930s and early 1940s. In the 1920s, the wristwatch became the dominant means of timekeeping among both men and women. Then, as now, men seemed to prefer more rugged, sportier models, including chronographs. Rolex created the first water resistant watch which was worn unscathed by a woman channel swimmer in 1927. Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart strapped on wristwatches for their celebrated flights.
During the Great Depression, demand for wristwatches withered and many top watch making companies went out of business. Despite reversals, many design innovations were introduced.
With the advent of World War II, watches in most countries were an unattainable luxury and production ceased for all but military needs. Neutral Switzerland continued making wristwatches to fulfil military orders. Watches were developed for fighter pilots and for underwater specialties requiring far greater water resistance. Following World War II, civilian production resumed and many innovations were seen, leading to the 1957 introduction of the first electric battery powered wristwatch made by Hamilton Watch Company in America.

Facts about Fast-Foods

2008-12-30T16:17:00.000-08:00

Fast food is any food that is quick, convenient, and usually inexpensive. You can buy fast food just about anywhere that sells food and snacks. Vending machines and drive-thru restaurants are probably the most common places to find fast food. It's so popular because for under $5.00 you can usually get a meal that's satisfying. But fast food is inexpensive because it is usually made with cheaper ingredients such as high fat meat and foods that contain lots of unhealthy fats (saturated and trans fats) and cholesterol, instead of nutritious foods such as lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables. There is no such thing as a "bad" food. All foods can fit into a healthy meal plan! It's true that fast food is usually high in fat, calories, cholesterol, and sodium, but eating fast food every once in a while is not going to cause you problems. If you eat too much fast food over a long period of time, though, it can lead to health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.

If you are having fast food more than once a week, try to make healthier choices. Here are some tips:
Choose foods that are broiled over fried such as a grilled chicken sandwich instead of fried chicken or chicken nuggets. Choose soups that are not cream based. Have low-fat salad dressings instead of the full-fat kind. Have a salad or soup instead of fries. Use mustard or ketchup instead of mayonnaise. Order smaller entrée portions in general. For example: instead of a large sub, try a small sub with a side salad or piece of fruit. Order smalls instead of "super-sizing." A large fry has 540 calories and 26 grams of fat, but a small fry has about 60% less fat and calories (210 calories and 10 grams of fat). When ordering a sub or sandwich, select leaner meats like turkey or grilled chicken instead of fried items, like a burgers or steak and cheese sandwiches. Choose water, low-fat milk, or diet sodas instead of regular sodas, fruit drinks, and milkshakes. When ordering pizza, add veggies instead of meat.
If fruit and veggies are available, try to add them into your meal. For example, have lettuce and tomato on sandwiches or burgers. You can check out your favorite fast food place or restaurant on the internet. You can find the company web site by doing a google search. Once you have found the web site, look for the "nutrition section". There is usually a link on the home page to the nutrition section where you will find nutrition facts, including fat, cholesterol, sodium, protein, calories, and more. Most companies have a web site which includes useful nutrition information. This will help you make good choices when eating out!
Remember, There are many healthy food choices that are easily available, tasty, and don't cost very much that can be eaten on the go. Try to balance fast food with other nutritious foods throughout the day and make healthier choices whenever possible. Many fast food restaurants have their nutrition information available on-site or on the internet; take a look at it to help you choose healthier options.

Lose weight with eggs

2008-12-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

There are many different foods that have had diets centred around them - cabbage, for example, or lemonade even - but there is one food that seems to keep coming up time and time again, not in its own diet plan, but as a part of other diets. And that is eggs - and there is good reason for this - to lose weight with eggs as a part of your diet can be much easier!Every successful diet has the same basis - take in fewer calories than you burn each day and your body will burn fat to make up the difference, so you lose weight. Nice and simple! But, of course, there are many ways to enhance the weight loss and adding extra protein to your diet is one of the best. This is because your body uses that protein to replace the fat in your muscles - and lean muscle mass will always burn more calories than fat, so your weight loss accelerates the longer you pursue this plan. So how does that tie in to lose weight with eggs? - Simple - eggs are a GREAT natural source of protein!
Not only that, but eggs, especially if you only use the whites, are a very healthy source of protein. If you have cardio-vascular problems, you may well be recommended a diet including egg whites - because of that low risk way of getting protein into your diet. Much healthier than a steak!! So you can lose weight with eggs and strengthen your heart at the same time.Protein is also a great way to keep your hunger under control. Your body takes a lot longer to break down protein than carbohydrates, so a high protein meal will always satisfy your hunger for longer than one without protein. And if you get caught wanting a snack between meals - high protein, low calorie is the answer. When you lose weight with eggs, you have a naturally packaged, easily carried and stored source of protein right there! I did not personally have much success with the Atkins diet, but one of the things that I did gain was to learn the use of eggs as snacks and quick meals. Amazing how you can lose weight with eggs when you just grab a boiled egg instead of a cookie for a snack - AND it helps your hunger for longer!
Having said all that - I heard on the radio this morning a discussion of how eating nine eggs a day would absolutely cause you to lose weight with eggs. Now - I am sure that is true - but there is a downside to all this protein. First off - your body is not actually all that good at absorbing protein, especially if you are not used to a high protein diet. And the results can be a little “gassy”! If you are going to lose weight with eggs or any other high protein method, make sure you supplement your diet with enzymes to help you absorb that protein safely.Secondly, as with all targeted diets, there is another side to the story! Your body does not only need protein! It ALSO needs calories, carbs, vitamins, etc - the danger of an “egg only” diet is that it can totally bias your diet in one direction, which is not a healthy way of losing weight, and as soon as you get off the plan, you may find weight gain incredibly fast.
So - do I think you can lose weight with eggs? Absolutely! But be aware of the balance in your diet, and, if you want the healthiest option, make sure you incorporate some physical activity too! The absolute best way is to get on a program that lays out exactly what you need to do to achieve balanced, long term weight loss - the best around that I have found is Strip That Fat - which absolutely lays out what you need to do to achieve success, so all you have to do is follow the plan. But whatever you do - stay healthy and you will find your weight stays off much better!

Switzerland - Play Grounds Of the Earth

2008-12-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

Switzerland is rather small, but pretty famous country. It is widely known for its picturesque mountains, financial institutions, cheese and chocolate, perfect watches and excellent public traffic.Switzerland is a country that covers a total territory of 41 293 square kilometers. It is 220 kilometers long (from north to south) and 348 kilometers wide (from east to west). The length of the borderline is 1 881 kilometers. Switzerland is bounded by France to the west, Germany to the north, Austria and the principality of Liechtenstein to the east and Italy to the south.The landscape is mostly mountainous, including the Swiss Alps, the hilly Swiss Mittelland and the Swiss Jura – also a line of rugged mountains. The highest peaks in Switzerland are all located in Valais – Dufourspitze (4 634 meters), Dom (4 545 meters), Weisshorn (4 506 meters) and Matterhorn (4 478 meters).Except mountains, there are also glaciers (140 in total) in Switzerland and many gorgeous lakes (1 484).
The largest glacier when it comes to territory is Aletsch in Valais, which covers a territory of 117 sq kilometers and is 24 kilometers long. The list of the largest lakes includes Lake Geneva (582 sq km), Lake Constance (539 sq km), Lake Neuchâtel (218 sq km), Lake Maggiore (212 sq km), Lake Lucerne (114 sq km) and Lake Zurich (88 sq km).The settlement in Switzerland which is located at the highest elevation is Juf in Graubunden – 2 126 meters above sea level. And respectively the lowest one is located at 196 meters elevation – Ascona in Ticino. The capital of Switzerland is Berne and the total population in the country is 7,4 million people with average density of 172 people per square kilometer. The most populated cities in the country are Zurich (336 800 people), Geneva (173 500), Basel (168 700), Berne (122 700) and Lucerne (57 000). Switzerland is a democratic Parliamentary Federal State since 1848. It is divided into 20 full and 6 half cantons – Argovia, Appenzell Outer-Rhodes, Appenzell Inner-Rhodes, Basle-Country, Basle-Town, Berne, Fribourg, Geneva, Glarus, Grisons, Jura, Lucerne, Neuchâtel, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St.Gall, Thurgovia, Ticino, Uri, Valais, Vaud, Zug and Zurich.

The spoken languages are German (spoken by 64% of the people; in North, Central and Eastern Switzerland), French (19% of the people; in Western Switzerland), Italian (8% of the people; in Southern Switzerland) and Romansch – a derivative from Latin (1% of the people; South-Eastern Switzerland). English is also a widely used language.
As far as religion is concerned, around 48% of the people are Catholic and the Protestants are almost as much – 44%. The rest of the people profess other different religions.There are also some non-official regions in Switzerland. The Zurich Region is famous for its diversity of lakes, rivers, hills and woods, all just next to the Alps. The Basel Region is rather different and known for the excellent displays of modern art and architecture. In the Valais Region you will find many ponds, forests and vineyards and in Lake Geneva Region you can admire the perfect Alpine views. If you want gorgeous lush plains, farms and canyons, you should visit the Jura Region, but if you are more of a culture type – the Geneva Region with its cosmopolitan city is the place for you. In Eastern Switzerland and the Graubünden Region you will also find marvelous Alpine slopes and plains. Also famous are Central Switzerland and the Schweizer Mittelland, with its calm rivers and farmhouses. In the Bernese Oberland you can find a diversity of waterfalls, cliffs, glaciers and canyons. And if you want a sense of Italy, the Mediterranean Ticino Region is a perfect place.
Climate
The climate in Switzerland is moderate without extreme heat, cold or humidity. Between July and August the daytime temperature ranges between 18 and 28 °C and between January and February it ranges from -2 to 7 °C. Throughout spring and autumn, the daytime temperature is usually between 8 and 15 °C. But of course with the altitude the temperatures change, so it is advisable to bring a sweater, light coat and sunglasses.

THE MOVIE INDUSTRY

2008-12-30T16:14:00.002-08:00

The Movie Industry is one of most exciting and informative businesses in the world, a business where the revenue of a single feature film (such as Titanic), can approach or exceed $1 billion. In 2001, worldwide gross revenues generated by motion pictures in all territories and media (including music and ancillaries) amounted to over $40 billion. Over 70% of the population rents or goes to movies regularly, thus accounting for over 1.5 billion movie attendances each year in the U.S. Prior to 1985, feature motion pictures had one major source of revenue in the United States and abroad: the movie theater. Today much of the world is undergoing a mass communications revolution; hence, new movie markets (such as home video, cable and pay-per-view) have been growing so rapidly that they are no longer just ancillary markets to the basic theatrical market but have become basic markets in themselves.
Industry statistics reveal that the past ten years have marked an overall increase of at least 30% in many "ancilliary markets" and, over 200%, as in the case of home video. The ability to exploit a movie in many markets diminishes investment risk and increases earning potential. In many instances, low budget movies have lost money theatrically and still earned profits overall from ancillary sales.
With the advent of the new computer-based technologies, "cable" markets and direct digital-delivery of motion pictures via satellite and the Internet are expected to increase dramatically over the next five years, creating an accelerated demand for original and re-run motion pictures. The worldwide market for the sale and exploitation of feature motion pictures is divided into "territories" and "media." The territories are divided into two major regions known as "foreign territories" and "domestic territories." The broad foreign territories are Europe, "AustralAsia," Latin America, Eastern Europe and Others (that include Israel, the Middle East, South Africa and Turkey). The United States and Canada are usually grouped together and referred to as the "domestic territory," from the point of view of the United States.
The current "media" by which feature motion pictures are delivered to the territories includes movie theaters, home video cassettes, cable TV (monthly subscription and pay-per-view), direct broadcast satellite TV, free broadcast TV (Network and Syndication), and ancillaries (such as airlines and libraries). According to a study conducted by Monitor Co., the movie and television industries contributed over $16 billion to the State of California's economy, directly employing 164,000 and indirectly employing another 184,000. The study also found that the vast majority of feature films and television programs are produced by independent producers. Independent production is becomming more prevalent in other areas of the United States, especially Nevada, North Carolina and the Tri-State Area (of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania).

Man On the Moon

2008-12-30T16:14:00.001-08:00

Orbiters, landers and rovers….In 1966, the Moon became the first Solar System body beyond Earth to be orbited by an artificial satellite ( Luna 10), followed by Mars in 1971 ( Mariner 9), Venus in 1975 ( Venera 9), Jupiter in 1995 ( Galileo), the asteroid 433 Eros in 2000 ( NEAR Shoemaker), and Saturn in 2004 (Cassini–Huygens). The MESSENGER probe is currently en route to commence the first orbit of Mercury in 2011, while the Dawn spacecraft is currently set to orbit the asteroid Vesta in 2011 and the dwarf planet Ceres in 2015.
The first probe to land on another Solar System body was the Soviet Luna 2 probe, which impacted the Moon in 1959. Since then, increasingly distant planets have been reached, with probes landing on or impacting the surfaces of Venus in 1966 ( Venera 3), Mars in 1971 ( Mars 3, although a fully successful landing didn't occur until Viking 1 in 1976), the asteroid 433 Eros in 2001 ( NEAR Shoemaker), and Saturn's moon Titan ( Huygens) and the comet Tempel 1 ( Deep Impact) in 2005. The Galileo orbiter also dropped a probe into Jupiter's atmosphere in 1995; since Jupiter has no physical surface, it was destroyed by increasing temperature and pressure as it descended.
To date, only two worlds in the Solar System, the Moon and Mars, have been visited by mobile rovers. The first rover to visit another celestial body was the Soviet Lunokhod 1, which landed on the Moon in 1970. The first to visit another planet was Sojourner, which travelled 500 metres across the surface of Mars in 1997. The only manned rover to visit another world was NASA's Lunar rover, which travelled with Apollos 15, 16 and 17 between 1971 and 1972.
Manned exploration
Manned exploration of the Solar System is currently confined to Earth's immediate environs. The first human being to reach space (defined as an altitude of over 100 km) and to orbit the Earth was Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut who was launched in Vostok 1 on April 12, 1961. The first man to walk on the surface of another Solar System body was Neil Armstrong, who stepped onto the Moon on July 21, 1969 during the Apollo 11 mission; five more Moon landings occurred through 1972. The United States' Space Shuttle, which debuted in 1981, is the only reusable spacecraft to successfully make multiple orbital flights. The five shuttles that have been built have flown a total of 121 missions, with two of the craft destroyed in accidents. The first orbital space station to host more than one crew was NASA's Skylab, which successfully held three crews from 1973 to 1974. The first true human settlement in space was the Soviet space station Mir, which was continuously occupied for close to ten years, from 1989 to 1999. It was decommissioned in 2001, and its successor, the International Space Station, has maintained a continuous human presence in space since then. In 2004, SpaceShipOne became the first privately funded vehicle to reach space on a suborbital flight. That same year, U.S. President George W. Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration, which called for a replacement for the aging Shuttle, a return to the Moon and, ultimately, a manned mission to Mars

Man ‘s Observations by spacecraft

2008-12-30T16:13:00.002-08:00

Since the start of the Space Age, a great deal of exploration has been performed by robotic spacecraft missions that have been organized and executed by various space agencies. All planets in the Solar System have now been visited to varying degrees by spacecraft launched from Earth. Through these unmanned missions, humans have been able to get close-up photographs of all of the planets and, in the case of landers, perform tests of the soils and atmospheres of some. The first manmade object sent into space was the Soviet satellite Sputnik 1, launched in 1957, which successfully orbited the Earth for over a year. The American probe Explorer 6, launched in 1959, was the first satellite to image the Earth from space.
Flybys
The first successful probe to fly by another Solar System body was Luna 1, which sped past the Moon in 1959. Originally meant to impact with the Moon, it instead missed its target and became the first manmade object to orbit the Sun. Mariner 2 was the first probe to fly by another planet, Venus, in 1962. The first successful flyby of Mars was made by Mariner 4 in 1965. Mercury was first encountered by Mariner 10 in 1974. The first probe to explore the outer planets was Pioneer 10, which flew by Jupiter in 1973. Pioneer 11 was the first to visit Saturn, in 1979.
The Voyager probes performed a grand tour of the outer planets following their launch in 1977, with both probes passing Jupiter in 1979 and Saturn in 1980 – 1981. Voyager 2 then went on to make close approaches to Uranus in 1986 and Neptune in 1989. The Voyager probes are now far beyond Neptune's orbit, and are on course to find and study the termination shock, heliosheath, and heliopause. According to NASA, both Voyager probes have encountered the termination shock at a distance of approximately 93 AU from the Sun.
The first flyby of a comet occurred in 1985, when the International Cometary Explorer (ICE) passed by the comet Giacobini-Zinner, while the first flybys of asteroids were conducted by the Galileo space probe, which imaged both 951 Gaspra (in 1991) and 243 Ida (in 1993) on its way to Jupiter. No Kuiper belt object has yet been visited by a spacecraft. Launched on January 19, 2006, the New Horizons probe is currently en route to becoming the first man-made spacecraft to explore this area. This unmanned mission is scheduled to fly by Pluto in July 2015. Should it prove feasible, the mission will then be extended to observe a number of other Kuiper belt objects.

Telescopic observations of Man

2008-12-30T16:13:00.001-08:00

The first exploration of the Solar System was conducted by telescope, when astronomers first began to map those objects too faint to be seen with the naked eye. Galileo Galilei was the first to discover physical details about the individual bodies of the Solar System. He discovered that the Moon was cratered, that the Sun was marked with sunspots, and that Jupiter had four satellites in orbit around it. Christiaan Huygens followed on from Galileo's discoveries by discovering Saturn's moon Titan and the shape of the rings of Saturn. Giovanni Domenico Cassini later discovered four more moons of Saturn, the Cassini division in Saturn's rings, and the Great Red Spot of Jupiter. Edmond Halley realised in 1705 that repeated sightings of a comet were in fact recording the same object, returning regularly once every 75–76 years. This was the first evidence that anything other than the planets orbited the Sun.
Around this time (1704), the term "Solar System" first appeared in English. In 1781, William Herschel was looking for binary stars in the constellation of Taurus when he observed what he thought was a new comet. In fact, its orbit revealed that it was a new planet, Uranus, the first ever discovered. Giuseppe Piazzi discovered Ceres in 1801, a small world between Mars and Jupiter that initially was considered a new planet. However, subsequent discoveries of thousands of other small worlds in the same region led to their eventual reclassification as asteroids. By 1846, discrepancies in the orbit of Uranus led many to suspect a large planet must be tugging at it from farther out. Urbain Le Verrier's calculations eventually led to the discovery of Neptune. The excess perihelion precession of Mercury's orbit led Le Verrier to postulate the intra-Mercurian planet Vulcan in 1859, but that would turn out to be a red herring.
While it is debatable when the Solar System was truly "discovered," three 19th century observations determined its nature and place in the universe beyond reasonable doubt. First, in 1838, Friedrich Bessel successfully measured a stellar parallax, an apparent shift in the position of a star created by the Earth's motion around the Sun. This was not only the first direct, experimental proof of heliocentrism, but also revealed, for the first time, the vast distance between our Solar System and the stars. Then, in 1859, Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff, using the newly invented spectroscope, examined the spectral signature of the Sun and discovered that it was composed of the same elements as existed on Earth, establishing for the first time a physical link between the Earth and the heavens. Then, Father Angelo Secchi compared the spectral signature of the Sun with those of other stars, and found them virtually identical. The realisation that the Sun was a star led to the hypothesis that other stars could have systems of their own, though this was not to be proven for nearly 140 years.
Further apparent discrepancies in the orbits of the outer planets led Percival Lowell to conclude that yet another planet, " Planet X", must lie beyond Neptune. After his death, his Lowell Observatory conducted a search which ultimately led to Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto in 1930. Pluto was, however, found to be too small to have disrupted the orbits of the outer planets, and its discovery was therefore coincidental. Like Ceres, it was initially considered to be a planet, but after the discovery of many other similarly sized objects in its vicinity it was reclassified in 2006 as a dwarf planet by the IAU. In 1992, the first evidence of a planetary system other than our own was discovered, orbiting the pulsar PSR B1257+12. Three years later, 51 Pegasi b, the first extrasolar planet around a Sunlike star, was discovered. As of 2008, 221 extrasolar systems have been found.
Also in 1992, astronomers David C. Jewitt of the University of Hawaii and Jane Luu of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered (15760) 1992 QB1. This object proved to be the first of a new population, which came to be known as the Kuiper belt; an icy analogue to the asteroid belt of which such objects as Pluto and Charon were deemed a part. Mike Brown, Chad Trujillo and David Rabinowitz announced the discovery of Eris in 2005, a scattered disc object larger than Pluto and the largest object discovered in orbit round the Sun since Neptune.

Evolution Of Our Solar system…

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Hubble image of protoplanetary disks in the Orion Nebula, a light-years-wide "stellar nursery" likely very similar to the primordial nebula from which our Sun formed.The Solar System is believed to have formed according to the nebular hypothesis, which holds that it emerged from the gravitational collapse of a giant molecular cloud 4.6 billion years ago. This initial cloud was likely several light-years across and probably birthed several stars. Studies of ancient meteorites reveal traces of elements only formed in the hearts of very large exploding stars, indicating that the Sun formed within a star cluster, and in range of a number of nearby supernovae explosions. The shock wave from these supernovae may have triggered the formation of the Sun by creating regions of overdensity in the surrounding nebula, allowing gravitational forces to overcome internal gas pressures and cause collapse.
The region that would become the Solar System, known as the pre-solar nebula, had a diameter of between 7000 and 20,000 AU and a mass just over that of the Sun (by between 0.1 and 0.001 solar masses). As the nebula collapsed, conservation of angular momentum made it rotate faster. As the material within the nebula condensed, the atoms within it began to collide with increasing frequency. The centre, where most of the mass collected, became increasingly hotter than the surrounding disc. As gravity, gas pressure, magnetic fields, and rotation acted on the contracting nebula, it began to flatten into a spinning protoplanetary disc with a diameter of roughly 200 AU and a hot, dense protostar at the centre. Within 50 million years, the pressure and density of hydrogen in the centre of the collapsing nebula became great enough for the protosun to begin thermonuclear fusion. The temperature, reaction rate, pressure, and density increased until hydrostatic equilibrium was achieved, with the thermal energy countering the force of gravitational contraction. At this point the Sun became a full-fledged main sequence star.
The inner Solar System was too warm for volatile molecules like water and methane to condense, and so the planetesimals which formed there were relatively small (comprising only 0.6% the mass of the disc) and composed largely of compounds with high melting points, such as silicates and metals. These rocky bodies eventually became the terrestrial planets. Farther out, the gravitational effects of Jupiter made it impossible for the protoplanetary objects present to come together, leaving behind the asteroid belt. Farther out still, beyond the frost line, where more volatile icy compounds could remain solid, Jupiter and Saturn became the gas giants. Uranus and Neptune captured much less material and are known as ice giants because their cores are believed to be made mostly of ices (hydrogen compounds).
Once the young Sun began producing energy, the solar wind (see below) blew the gas and dust in the protoplanetary disk into interstellar space and ended the growth of the planets. T Tauri stars have far stronger stellar winds than more stable, older stars. Artist's conception of the future evolution of our Sun. Left: main sequence; middle: red giant; right: white dwarf. The Solar System as we know it today will last until the Sun begins its journey off of the main sequence. As the Sun burns through its supply of hydrogen fuel, it gets hotter in order to be able to burn the remaining fuel, and so burns it even faster. As a result, the Sun is growing brighter at a rate of roughly ten percent every 1.1 billion years.
Around 7.6 billion years from now, the Sun's core will become hot enough to cause hydrogen fusion to occur in its less dense upper layers. This will cause the Sun to expand to roughly up to 260 times its current diameter, and become a red giant. At this point, the sun will have cooled and dulled, because of its vastly increased surface area. Eventually, the Sun's outer layers will fall away, leaving a white dwarf, an extraordinarily dense object, half its original mass but only the size of the Earth.

Solar System

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The Solar System consists of the Sun and those celestial objects bound to it by gravity. These objects are the eight planets and their 166 known moons, four dwarf planets and billions of small bodies, including asteroids, icy Kuiper belt objects, comets, meteoroids, and interplanetary dust. These objects are grouped in a number of distinct regions. Moving outwards from the Sun, the major components are four terrestrial inner planets, an asteroid belt, four gas giant outer planets, the Kuiper belt, the scattered disc, and ultimately the hypothetical Oort cloud. A stream of charged particles from the Sun, called the solar wind, defines the heliosphere which permeates the Solar System out to around the scattered disc.
Mercury
Mercury (0.4 AU) is the closest planet to the Sun and the smallest planet (0.055 Earth masses). Mercury has no natural satellites, and its only known geological features besides impact craters are lobed ridges or rupes, probably produced by a period of contraction early in its history. Mercury's almost negligible atmosphere consists of atoms blasted off its surface by the solar wind. Its relatively large iron core and thin mantle have not yet been adequately explained. Hypotheses include that its outer layers were stripped off by a giant impact, and that it was prevented from fully accreting by the young Sun's energy.
Venus
Venus (0.7 AU) is close in size to Earth, (0.815 Earth masses) and like Earth, has a thick silicate mantle around an iron core, a substantial atmosphere and evidence of internal geological activity. However, it is much drier than Earth and its atmosphere is ninety times as dense. Venus has no natural satellites. It is the hottest planet, with surface temperatures over 400 °C, most likely due to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. No definitive evidence of current geological activity has been detected on Venus, but it has no magnetic field that would prevent depletion of its substantial atmosphere, which suggests that its atmosphere is regularly replenished by volcanic eruptions.
Earth
Earth (1 AU) is the largest and densest of the inner planets, the only one known to have current geological activity, and the only planet known to have life. Its liquid hydrosphere is unique among the terrestrial planets, and it is also the only planet where plate tectonics has been observed. Earth's atmosphere is radically different from those of the other planets, having been altered by the presence of life to contain 21% free oxygen. It has one natural satellite, the Moon, the only large satellite of a terrestrial planet in the Solar System.
Mars
Mars (1.5 AU) is smaller than Earth and Venus (0.107 Earth masses). It possesses a tenuous atmosphere of mostly carbon dioxide. Its surface, peppered with vast volcanoes such as Olympus Mons and rift valleys such as Valles Marineris, shows geological activity that may have persisted until very recently. Its red colour comes from rust in its iron-rich soil. Mars has two tiny natural satellites ( Deimos and Phobos) thought to be captured asteroids.
Jupiter
Jupiter (5.2 AU), at 318 Earth masses, masses 2.5 times all the other planets put together. It is composed largely of hydrogen and helium. Jupiter's strong internal heat creates a number of semi-permanent features in its atmosphere, such as cloud bands and the Great Red Spot. Jupiter has sixty-three known satellites. The four largest, Ganymede, Callisto, Io, and Europa, show similarities to the terrestrial planets, such as volcanism and internal heating. Ganymede, the largest satellite in the Solar System, is larger than Mercury.
Saturn
Saturn (9.5 AU), famous for its extensive ring system, has similarities to Jupiter, such as its atmospheric composition. Saturn is far less massive, being only 95 Earth masses. Saturn has sixty known satellites (and three unconfirmed); two of which, Titan and Enceladus, show signs of geological activity, though they are largely made of ice. Titan is larger than Mercury and the only satellite in the Solar System with a substantial atmosphere.
Uranus
Uranus (19.6 AU), at 14 Earth masses, is the lightest of the outer planets. Uniquely among the planets, it orbits the Sun on its side; its axial tilt is over ninety degrees to the ecliptic. It has a much colder core than the other gas giants, and radiates very little heat into space. Uranus has twenty-seven known satellites, the largest ones being Titania, Oberon, Umbriel, Ariel and Miranda.
Neptune
Neptune (30 AU), though slightly smaller than Uranus, is more massive (equivalent to 17 Earths) and therefore more dense. It radiates more internal heat, but not as much as Jupiter or Saturn. Neptune has thirteen known satellites. The largest, Triton, is geologically active, with geysers of liquid nitrogen. Triton is the only large satellite with a retrograde orbit. Neptune is accompanied in its orbit by a number of minor planets, termed Neptune Trojans, that are in 1:1 resonance with it.

Moon Facts

2008-12-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

The moon, the Earth's only natural satellite, is about 238,900 miles away from Earth. It is the brightest light in the night sky, yet it does not give off its own light, but reflects the sunlight. The moon is about one quarter the size of Earth and it has about one-sixth of the Earth's gravity. It is made up of rock and dust. There is no air or life on the moon that we know of. There is no wind or weather on the moon. The footprints left there by the Apollo astronauts will remain there for many years because of this.It takes about one month for the moon to travel or orbit around the Earth. The moon makes one complete rotation for each trip it takes around the Earth. The same side of the moon faces the Earth the whole time. The Moon is 3475 km in diameter.The surface of the moon has many things on it such as craters, lava plains, mountains, and valleys.
Scientists believe the craters were formed around 3.5 to 4.5 billion years ago by meteors hitting the moon's surface.There are different phases of the moon, but the moon does not really change its shape. The different shapes are from different amounts of light being reflected on the moon. The differences in the light depends on the position of the Earth, moon, and sun.Phases of the moon include a New Moon, which is when the moon looks dark. There is no light reflected so we do no see the moon. Then there is a crescent moon because there is a little bit of light on the moon.Next is the first-quarter moon. It looks like a half-moon then. There are other phases, such as the Full Moon, which happens two weeks into the month.
We can see the whole face of the moon then. There is a Gibbous Moon which happens between the first-quarter and half moon, and also between the full and the last-quarter moon. We always see the same side of the moon. The Moon always keeps the same side pointing towards us so we can never see the 'back' of the Moon from the Earth.As the moon rotates around the earth, it also rotates around its own axis at the same rate. This is why we always see the same side of the moon. The moon causes many of the tides in the Earth's oceans. This is because of the gravity force between the Earth and Moon. At full Moon and new Moon, the Sun, Earth and Moon are lined up, producing the higher than normal tides (called spring tides, for the way they spring up).
When the Moon is at first or last quarter, smaller neap tides form.The new moon rises and sets at approximately the same time as the sun. The first quarter moon rises at mid-morning and sets at midnight. So it's at its height around dusk, not in the middle of the night.The full moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise. The full moon is the only moon that will be overhead in the middle of the night. The last quarter moon rises at midnight and sets at mid-morning. So unless you're a late-owl, you've probably never even seen this moon.The full moon is a lunar phase occurring when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun and all three bodies are aligned in a straight line. It appears as an entire circle in the sky.The only month that can occur without a full moon is February.The world's tidal ranges are at their maximum during the full moon when the sun, earth and moon are in line.

Earth Facts

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The Earth is 4.5 billion years old. Fossil records show that life began on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago.The Earth is the third planet from the sun, at a distance of 149.5 million km (92.9 million miles). Our Sun is one of 200 billion stars banded together by gravity in an enormous spiral galaxy called the Milky Way. The Earth is approximately 3/5 of the way out from the galaxy center. Light takes 100,000 years to traverse our galaxy. The nearest star to our sun is Alpha Centauri which is 40 trillion km (25 trillian miles) away. On a scale model of the universe, with the Earth shown as 1.5 cm from the Sun, Alpha Centauri would appear 5.5 km (3.5 miles) away from the sun. The Earth is one of nine planets orbiting the sun. The capital letters stand for the order of the planets, starting closest to the sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto.
The orbits of the planets are nearly circular (eliptical) paths around the Sun. If Pluto's path were the size of a dinner plate, the orbits of the four inner planets would fit inside a pea sitting at the center of the plate. The equatorial diameter of the Earth is 12,756 km (7,926 mi). The Earth is inclined on it's axis at an angle of 23.45 deg. The Earth orbits the Sun at an average speed of 29.79 km/s (18.51 miles/sec, or 67,000 miles/hour). One year on Earth is 365.26 days long. One day on Earth is 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds long. No one really know how our planet came into being, but one common theory is that the earth developed form a swirling mass of rock and gas. 100 million years ago, the single landmass (called Pangaea) broke into the continents we know today. The temperatures on Earth range from -88 deg to 58 deg Celsius. (-126 deg to 136 deg F.) The earth's temperature fluctuates. 100 million years ago it was 6 to 12 degrees hotter than it is today. Alligators lived in what is now ice-covered Greenland. Today 71% of the Earth is covered with water, 29% by the continents.
The percentage covered by water will increase as the Earth continues to warm and polar ice caps melt. The Pacific Ocean is one of the largest features on the face of the Earth, with an area of more than 181 million square kilometers (approximately 70 million sq mi.) It contains half of the world's water. It takes light 8 min. 20 sec to travel from the sun to the Earth. (Light travels at a speed of 3X10^5 km/sec.) The velocity required to escape Earth's gravity is 11.2 km/sec. Facts and Info about the Planet Earth. Earth is the planet in the Solar System we all are most familiar with. Although we use the Old English name Earth for our planet it has been called several other names by past civilisations, many of which will be familiar to science fiction fans, they include, Tellus the Roman goddess of the Earth and the symbol of fertility, Gaia the ancient Greek earth goddess and of course Terra from the Latin meaning earth. Our Planet is the third closest to the Sun in our Solar System, the average distance being 150 million Km.
The Planet Earth is not very big, it has a diameter of 12,756 km and a mass of 5.972e24 kg.. The Earth has only one moon and it is of course called "The Moon" or in Latin Luna. The Moon is particularly interesting as its the closest planetary body to us, but also the only extraterrestrial body mankind has set foot on. Man's first encounter with the Moon was the Soviet probe Luna probe in 1959, the most important being when Neil Armstrong and then 'Buzz' Aldrin set foot on the moon from surface from the Eagle Lander on the 20th July 1969, It really was 'One small step for man, One giant leap for mankind'. The Moon Earth's only satellite orbits our planet 384,400 km above our heads it has a diameter of 3476 km and a mass of 7.35e22 kg. The Moon has no atmosphere and it's Gravity is only 38% as strong as Earths.

History of the Samurai

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By 200 AD, rice cultivation had been known on the islands east of the Asian continent for 500 years. With agriculture had come ownership of land where previously, boundaries between small nomadic hunting groups had been indistinct. People came to live together in communities, sharing in the work of planting and harvesting, and in defense against others who would take their winter stores. With the possession of land had come war.The growth of farming drew people away from hunting and away from hunting skills. Some were naturally better suited to fighting then others and so honed those skills, becoming specialists at fighting. Those who fought became warriors, and by virtue of their strength, became the leaders of their clans. The wars they fought resulted in larger clans overcoming and absorbing smaller ones. Japanese society of the third century was composed of many clans, capable and willing to wage war for advantage. It would not be very long before they became one society.By 200 AD, the Chinese Han court had received envoys from as many as 30 clans from northern Kyushu through their offices on the Korean peninsula. The ancestors of the Japanese had much more reason to look west than to the northern wilderness since the west held much to attract them in both materials and technology.
Korean iron and weapons were particularly desirable. Shortly after the fall of the Han in 220 AD, Kyushu clans, capable and willing to wage war for advantage, attacked.Warriors of this era fought on foot with bows, stabbing swords, and spears. Armor was worn, but most warriors probably had only shields. Steel and bronze had come to the Japanese islands with rice and so they knew of and used these materials. The more advanced technology and the better materials, however, were still from the continent.By 300 AD the religious, political, and military consolidation of independent clans culminated with the Yamato clan becoming dominant. Included in the consolidation were clans on northern Kyushu and southern Honshu. The Yamato were in power because of the support of many clans rather than the surrender of those clans. The Yamato culturally consolidated early Japanese society; administratively, many local clans remained relatively independent. Archeological excavations show that mound tombs constructed in this time were all very similar and yet widely distributed. They demonstrate the cultural unity of the people, the independence of distributed clans, and the measure of their power over the lower classes. Yamato invasions of the Korean peninsula were frequent, leading even to the establishment a land hold.
The tip of the peninsula, called Mimana, long under the influence of the islanders, was established as their own domain and base for raids in the fourth century. From this presence, the flow of culture and technology was assured. War with the continentals was not always a matched fight, however. Shortly after 400 AD, the enemy demonstrated that they had learned to fight from horseback. Up until that time, horses, though available, had not been ridden in war by the Yamato. Shooting an arrow from horseback required two hands. Until the invention of stirrups in China in the first century, falling off one's horse was a much more likely event than successfully launching a home hitting arrow. With stirrups providing two sided support and a saddle to brace one's knees, a warrior could stand, use his feet to guide the horse, shoot arrows, and swing a sword. With the additional speed offered by a mount, foot soldiers could be easily surprised and devastated by many fewer men. The Yamato participated in politics and culture on the Korean peninsula directly. Alliances were made and war waged. Even marriages were arranged between courts.

Malaria

2008-12-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

Malaria is a long-lasting disease of the blood. It is transmitted to people by mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite. The malaria parasite attacks the blood and causes recurring chills, fever, and sometimes jaundice and anemia. Malaria is very common throughout the world. In the United States, the main risk is to persons traveling to tropical and subtropical countries where malaria is a problem. No vaccine against malaria is available. Travelers can protect themselves by using anti-mosquito measures and by taking drugs to prevent malaria. Malaria is a disease of the blood that is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. Malaria is very common throughout the world. In the United States, the main risk is to persons traveling to tropical and subtropical countries where malaria is a problem. Malaria is caused by any one of four species of one-celled parasites, called Plasmodium.
The parasite is spread to people by the female Anopheles mosquito, which feeds on human blood. Although four species of malaria parasites can infect humans and cause illness, only malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is potentially life-threatening.Malaria transmission occurs in large areas of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. The risk to travelers varies depending on local weather conditions, the number of mosquitoes in the area, and the traveler's itinerary and time and type of travel.A person gets malaria from the bite of an infected female mosquito. The mosquito bite injects young forms of the malaria parasite into the person's blood. The parasites travel through the person's bloodstream to the liver, where they grow to their next stage of development. In 6 to 9 days, the parasites leave the liver and enter the bloodstream again.
They invade the red blood cells, finish growing, and begin to multiply quickly. The parasites attack other red blood cells, and the cycle of infection continues, causing the common signs and symptoms of malaria.When a non-infected mosquito bites an infected person, the mosquito sucks up parasites from the person's blood. The mosquito is then infected with the malaria parasites. The parasites go through several stages of growth in the mosquito. When the mosquito bites someone else, that person will become infected with malaria parasites, and the cycle will begin again.Malaria parasites can also be transmitted by transfusion of blood from an infected person or by the use of needles or syringes contaminated with the blood of an infected person.

People with malaria typically have cycles of chills, fever, and sweating that recur every 1, 2, or 3 days. The attack of the malaria parasites on the person's red blood cells makes the person's temperature rise and the person feel hot. The subsequent bursting of red blood cells makes the person feel cold and have hard, shaking chills. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea often go along with the fever. The destruction of red blood cells can also cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) and anemia.The time between a mosquito bite and the start of illness is usually 7 to 21 days, but some types of malaria parasites take much longer to cause symptoms. When infection occurs by blood transfusion, the time to the start of symptoms depends on the number of parasites in the transfusion. Malaria is diagnosed by a blood test to check for parasites.Anyone who lives in or travels to a country where there are malaria-infected people and mosquitoes is at risk.Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can cause kidney or liver failure, coma, and death.

Unani

2008-12-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Unani system of Medicine (Unanipathy) which originated in Greece is based on the principles propounded by Galen, a Greek practitioner. After him, many Arab and Persian scholars enriched the system. Among them Abu Sina, an Arab philosopher and Physicist who wrote 'Kitab-al-shifa' or 'Avicenna' was noteworthy. This system earlier known as 'Galenic', later became Unani (Arabic name for Greek) system of medicine. This system has a long and impressive record in India. It was introduced in India around 10th century A.D with the spread of Islamic civilization. Now Unanipathy has become a part of Indian system of Medicine and India is one of the leading countries so far as its practice is concerned. It is very much similar to our Ayurveda.
Unani Medicine established that disease was a natural process and that symptoms were the reactions of the body to the disease. It believes in the humoral theory which presupposes the presence of 4 humours -Dam (blood), Balgham (phlegm), Safra( Yellow bile) and Sauda (black bile) in the body. Each humour has its own temperament - blood is hot and moist, phlegm cold and moist, yellow bile hot and dry and black bile cold and dry. According to Unani, if the four main humours and the four primary qualities were all in a state of mutual equilibrium, one is considered healthy.The diagnosis of diseases in Unani system of medicine is through examination of pulse, urine and stool.
This system observes the influence of surroundings and ecological conditions such as air, food, drinks, body movement and repose, psychic movement and repose, sleep and wakefulness and excretion and retention on the state of health. This influence causes a dominance of one of the four humours in every human body. Unani believes that it is this dominance which gives a man his individual habit and complexion i.e his temperament. In short, Unanipathy aims at maintaining proper health by conserving symmetry in the different spheres of a man's life. Unani practitioners not only cures bodily diseases but also acts as an ethical instructor.
Treatment
Regimental Therapy - It includes venesection, cupping, diaphoresis, diuresis, turkish bath, massage, cauterisation, purging, emesis, exercise and leeching.Dietotherapy - It deals with certain ailments by administration of specific diets or by regulating the quantity and quality of food. Pharmacotherapy - It deals with the use of naturally occurring drugs mostly herbal drugs of animal and mineral origin. Single drugs or their combination in raw form are preferred over compound formulations.Unanipathy has shown remarkable results in curing diseases like Arthritis, Leucoderma, Jaundice, Bronchial Asthma, Filariasis and several other acute and chronic diseases where other systems do not give the desired level of positive response. The Unani system is a secular system in character and is popular among the masses.

Siddha

2008-12-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

Siddha is one of the oldest system of medicine practiced in India. This system was developed in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. It is supposed to have been conceived by the Siddhas or evolved souls ( numbering 18) who lived in the past. The word 'Siddha' comes from 'Siddhi' which means an object to be attained or perfection of heavenly bliss.
Siddhas or Siddhars were great doctors of medicine, philosophers, men with deep knowledge of anatomy and chemistry and savants noted for their wide travel, simple living and high thinking. The Siddhas have their own manuscripts or basic works, written in secret code. Some of the treasured treatises on medicine are poems in palm leaf manuscripts which are now preserved in the Saraswathi Mahal Library, Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. They were the pioneers in the use of metals and minerals in the treatment of diseases.
The systems of Siddha and Ayurveda are very much similar. In both systems, the basis of treatment is the three element theory or 'tridosha' (three humours). The three humours are Vatha (air), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (phlegm). It is believed that without these humours an individual cannot exist and imbalance of these may cause diseases. There are number of medicines common to both Siddha and Ayurveda. In both systems medicines are prescribed to set right the imbalance in the three life factors.
In Siddha, diseases are diagnosed mainly with the help of signs and symptoms of diseases. Other factors that help to diagnose diseases are touch, examining the pulse, tongue, colour, speech, eyes, faeces and urine. The main aim of Siddha is to assure a healthy life to man kind.

Naturopathy

2008-12-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

Naturopathy is the system of healing in which diseases are cured by means of all natural and rational remedies such as light, water, air, heat, exercise, diet and other physiological measures. Naturopathy is built upon the dictum of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, who declared "Nature cures; not the physicians". Naturopathy is a combination of different methods of natural healing. It is also a way of life. It is known by different names - Nature Cure, the natural methods, the New science of healing and Healing from within. Fasting to relieve the symptoms of an upset stomach, using water as a healing aid or eating a sensible balanced diet to maintain good health are all examples of Naturopathy.
The origins of the practice can be traced back over two thousand years to the time of Hippocrates. Hippocrates and his colleagues considered disease to be an effect of some imbalance in the elements like air, water and other natural factors such as food.The basis of the modern practice can be traced back to the beginning of the19th century and to people such as Preissnitz a therapist in Germany, who used the beneficial effects of water as a therapy (hydrotherapy). It is an important aspect of Naturopathy. Towards the end of the 19th century in Bavaria, Father Kneipp, a monk, who was obviously a Naturopath treated an American Benedictine by the name of Lust. As a result of his recovery, Lust stayed with Kneipp to study his particular methods of healing and upon returning to the United states he established his own form of natural medicine which he called Naturopathy.
Thus at the beginning of the 19th century, Naturopathy began to be formally recognised. The blend of therapies employed by Lust included nutrition and natural diet, Homeopathy, herbal medicine, Hydrotherapy, Chiropractic and the management of stress. The term 'Naturopathy' was created by Dr.Scheel of New York city.An unhealthy lifestyle can cause many diseases. So it is better to avoid a diet high in fat, salt and refined Carbohydrates, smoking , excess consumption of alcohol and high stress levels. Naturopathy advocates a new life style with corrective habits such as exercise, a good diet and a moderate approach towards all things Naturopathic life style should be viewed as a method of disease prevention.
In Naturopathy, the fundamental healing force is considered to be nature itself, that is the power of the individual to defeat disease. Naturopathy is primarily and fundamentally drugless and blood-less yet in its broader aspects it does admit the use of both natural medicine and surgery when their use is constructive. The techniques employed in nature cure vary with the experience of its practitioner.Naturopathy helps to prevent many common diseases such as headaches, the common cold, hypertension, peptic ulcers and many of the disorders associated with ageing, including diabetes. It aims at educating people about adopting the type of lifestyle which is conducive to good health.

Reiki

2008-12-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

'Reiki' is a Japanese word meaning life energy. It is a complementary therapy and one of the many facets of alternative medicine available today. It is a method of natural healing. This therapy was discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese theologist. In this therapy, hands are used as the instruments of healing. This therapy is performed by either a Reiki master or a Reiki practitioner. Reiki is centered upon universal life energy. Reiki energy is regarded as life energy at its most effective. It has a divine quality and it gives a feeling of detachment from the world so that problems doesn't effect the user. Those who use Reiki regularly, often find they are more joyful, lively and their own inbuilt energy is enhanced. Body organs such as the skin and protective systems such as the immune system are improved. Deep relaxation is the main factor in Reiki therapy and this is very much dependent upon the divine quality attributed to the energy.
When each Reiki therapy session is complete the whole body may be energized via the root Chakra.
Remove Jewellery - Before Reiki, Jewellery must be removed, so as to enable the free flow of life energy.Wash hands- Washing hands makes the hands pleasant to feel, for the recipient of Reiki.Say a prayer- This is in order to concentrate upon and acknowledge your aims.If there is any physical blemishes such as burns, the hands should be held a few inches above the skin at this area. If the person is suffering from any illness, he should seek advice from a doctor as to whether they can undergo Reiki therapy.The extent of each session of Reiki will vary depending upon circumstances and the individual receiving treatment. In the case of a small child or an elderly person, time limit of the therapy should be limited to 15 to 20 minutes.
Reiki can be done on various parts of the body like head, chest and abdomen, back etc. There are various basic positions or arrangements in which hands are placed in different parts of the body. Reiki on the head is useful in case of cold, sinusitis, eye complaints, allergies, fatigue, headaches, asthma and circulatory problems. In the case of Reiki on the head, the hands are placed on either side of the nose, with the palms covering the eyes, the thumbs rest by the bridge of the nose and finger-tips cover the cheeks and reach the upper lip. In the second arrangement for the head, the hands are placed over the ears, with the fingertips extending down the jaw line to the neck, encompassing the ears of course which includes the semicircular canals, responsible for balance.
Reiki on the back is useful in cases of lung and heart diseases, muscular tension, head aches and related condition. There are a number of arrangements which can be adopted on the back and lower back. In one of this arrangement, the hands are placed across the shoulder blades at mid to upper point, to influence the intestines, lung, heart and various muscles in the neck and shoulder region. If the hands are placed lower down the back, around the midriff (on the lower ribs) this position will accommodate the kidneys and adrenal glands.
In addition to these specific positions, there are many other Reiki positions in different parts of the body to deal with multitude of complaints.Long-term whole body Reiki can be adopted not only to counteract a particular symptom, but also to treat the whole body to achieve relaxation. Relaxation is possible with the removal of block ages in energy flow and dispersal of toxins. Reiki also facilitates faster recovery from illness. This therapy can be used advantageously with other therapies like Gem therapy, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Yoga etc.

Osteopathy

2008-12-30T16:00:00.002-08:00

The practice of Osteopathy is a scientific adjustment by mechanical manipulations of the joints, muscles, tissues and viscera to promote the circulation and allow the vital fluids to circulate without interruption. It stipulates that disease is caused by abnormal changes in the tissues of ligaments, muscles and organs as well as in the position and mobility of the bones wherever situated in the body. The practice of Osteopathy is done by a Osteopath and is based upon a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology and hygiene. Osteopathy involves the treatment of vertebral column, joint, bone, muscle and tissue in the whole body. Structural derangement or lesion is considered the most important underlying cause of disease. A lesion may be in bony, muscular, ligamentous, facial, or other tissues.
It results in lack of normal movement in surrounding tissues allowing blood and lymph to stagnate, causing acidosis, irritating nerves which pass that way and through them affecting the functions of various organs including blood vessels. The theory evolved was that if there was a displacement of the spine the Osteopathic lesion would prevent the free flow of blood through the body and the specific organs. If the life-force inside people; the blood, was impeded this would cause an alteration of functioning elsewhere which in turn would cause disease or allow the body to become diseased.Osteopathy states that the body is a vital and physical mechanism, subject to derangement, structural alteration and functional changes. Osteopathy includes preventive, palliative and curative measures.
Treatment
Osteopath first observes the patient and studies the nature of the problem. An Osteopath thoroughly examines the patient and observe how he sits, stands or lies down and also the manner in which the body is bent to the side, back or front. The practitioner will also feel the muscles, soft tissues and ligaments to detect if there is any tension present, so that the Osteopath is able to take note of the extent and ability of the joint to function. X-rays are also checked when needed to determine the extent of any problem. After all these examinations, osteopath will take a decision as to whether the patient will benefit from this therapy or not.
This therapy is done by manipulating the joints which will lessen any tenseness present in the muscles and also improve its ability to work correctly to its maximum extent. In addition to manipulation, other methods such as massage can also be used. Muscles can be freed from tension if the tissue is massaged and this will also stimulate the flow of blood. Techniques of learning to relax, how to stand and sit correctly and additional exercises are suggested by the Osteopath.Another form of therapy, which is known as Cranial Osteopathy is used for patients suffering from pain in the face or head. This is effected by the Osteopath using slight pressure on these areas including the upper part of the neck. If there is any tautness or tenseness present, the position is maintained while the problem improves. It is now common practice for doctors to recommend patients to use Osteopathy.

Chiropractic

2008-12-30T16:00:00.001-08:00

Chiropractic is used to relieve pain by manipulation to correct any problem that are present in the joints and muscles, especially the spine. The word 'Chiropractic' originated from two Greek words 'Kheir' which means 'hands' and 'praktikos' which means 'practical'. A school of Chiropractic was established in about 1895 by a healer called Daniel Palmer(1845-1913). Some times a slight displacement of the opposing articular surfaces may occur in the vertebrae. It is very probable that it will give rise to disease and illness in any part of the body. The most common external causes of vertebral lesion are occupation, habits, injuries, age and exhaustion.Chiropractic treatment heals the abnormality in the spine. The theory evolved is that what when any part of the spine is dislocated, irrespective of the cause of the dislocation, the nerves leading from the backbone are trapped and prevented from transmitting the appropriate healthy signals from the brain to the organ involved and vice versa. As time passes, the trapped nerve causes an irritation, poisons, begin to accumulate and illness is the result.

Subluxation of the vertebrae - spinal lesion may be discovered by palpation of the spinal column and may be corrected by manipulation.The first principle of Chiropractic is that any interference with the nerve supply which has its source in the spinal cord and brain may effect any part of the body through the moving ramification of the nervous system. The interference comes in the form of lesion in the spine.Chiropractic is used in cases of spinal disorders, head aches, neck problem etc. At birth, if the use of forceps is necessary, it may result in neck injury and it may cause headaches and neck problem as he or she grows to maturity. In the case of children, some slight accident that occurred in their early years may result in back pain in the later years. In all these cases Chiropractic is effective.
Treatment
Chiropractor initially observes the patient and study the nature of the problem. X-rays are frequently used by chiropractors since they can show signs of bone disease, fractures or arthritis as well as the spines condition. After all these examination, Chiropractor will make a decision as to whether the patient will benefit from this therapy of not.In this therapy, Chiropractors use their hands in a skilful way to effect the different manipulative techniques. He also uses applications of ice or heat to relieve the injury.
If it is decided that manipulation is necessary to treat a painful lumbar joint, the patient is made to lie on his or her side on a specially designed couch. The upper and lower spine will then be rotated manually but in opposite ways. This manipulation will have the effect of partially locking the joint that is being treated, and the upper leg is usually flexed to aid the procedure. The vertebra that is immediately below or above the joint will then be felt by the Chiropractor, and the combination of how the patient is lying, coupled with gentle pressure applied by the Chiropractor's hand, will move the joint to its furthest extent of normal movement. Then a very quick push applied on the vertebra, results in its movements being extended further than normal ensuring full use of the joint. The muscles that surrounded the joint being suddenly stretched, has the effect of relaxing the muscles of the spine that work up on the joint. This alternation should cause the joint to be able to be used more naturally and should not be a painful procedure.

Hydrotherapy

2008-12-30T15:59:00.001-08:00

Hydrotherapy is the use of water to heal and ease a variety of ailments. Hydrotherapy is the most beneficial system of restoring normal functions in the body. It is employed to help balance metabolism. Scientists have revealed the wonderful palliative and curative virtues of water. No other therapeutic agent possesses so many admirable qualities as does water. Being a universal solvent its use internally in the form of enema or drinking water aids greatly in the elimination of waste products, (auto-intoxication) which readily accumulate in the body under certain conditions causing more or less pronounced injury.Hippocrates the father of medicine had an excellent understanding of the physiological properties of water, both hot and cold which he employed in the treatment of fevers, ulcers, hemorrhage and a variety of maladies both medical and surgical.
Hydrotherapy is perhaps the oldest of all therapeutic methods. Pain and various other symptoms can be mitigated by accurately adopted Hydropathic prescriptions.Hydrotherapy is used as a technique of physiotherapy for people recovering from serious injuries and with problems of muscle wastage. It is also used for people with joint problems and those with severe physical disabilities. There are different ways of treatment in Hydrotherapy. Cold baths, improve blood flow to internal tissues and organs. It help to reduce swelling. This method is not advisable for people with serious conditions or for the elderly or very young.Sitz baths are given as treatment for painful conditions with broken skin, such as piles or anal fissure, and also for ailments affecting the urinary and genital organs.
For this, the person first sits in the warm water, which covers the lower abdomen and hips, with the feet in the cold water compartment. After three minutes, the patient sits in the cold water with the feet in the warm compartment.Steam baths are used to encourage sweating and the opening of skin pores. It has a cleansing and refreshing effect.There are many nerve endings on the skin surface which react to the stimulation given. If water of a different temperature is applied to the skin, it will either conduct heat to it or absorb heat from it. These have an influence on the nervous system and hormonal system. Water that is of the same temperature as the body has a marked relaxing and sedative effect on the nervous system. This is used in states of stress to calm the patient. This is called 'neutral bath'.
For this patient is placed in a tub of water, the temperature of which is maintained between 33.5o C and 35.6o C (92oF to 96oF). Half an hour of immersion in a bath like this will have a sedative, or even soporific, effect.
Hot and Cold Sprays of water may be given for a number of disorders but are not recommended for those with serious illness, elderly people or young children. Flotation involves lying face up in an enclosed, dark tank of warm, heavily salted water. It refreshes and relaxes the patient. A cold pack is really a warm pack-the name comes from the cold nature of the initial application.
A large piece of cotton material, a large piece of flannel or woolen material, a rubber sheet-to protect the bed; a hot water bottle, safety pins are the materials required for a cold pack.First, soak the cotton material in very cold water, wring it out well and place it on the flannel that is spread out on the rubber sheet on the bed. Lay the person who is having the treatment on top of the damp material, fold it round his trunk and cover him up at once with the flannel material. Firmly place it with the help of pins.
Now pull up the top bed covers and provide a hot water bottle. The initial cold application produces a reaction that draws fresh blood to the surface of the body; this warmth, being well insulated, is retained by the damp material. The cold pack turns into a warm pack, which is gradually, over a period of six to eight-hours, bakes itself dry. If a feeling of damp coldness is felt, the wet material may be inadequately wrung out, or the insulation materials too loose.

MOTHER TERESA

2008-12-30T15:57:00.001-08:00

Mother Teresa the 'angel of mercy' dedicated herself to the service of mankind and served god amongst the poorest of the poor, sick and the dying for more than 50 years of her life. Teresa was born as Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhin on 26th August 1910 in Skopje, now the capital of Macedonia to Albanian parents. She was the youngest of three children. Exposed early to prayer and service, she was deeply religious. At the age of 18, she left home for Dublin, Ireland, to join the Loretto abbey and become a nun of the Roman Catholic church. After her training, she was given the name of Sister Teresa. Sisters of Our Lady of Loreto, were very active in India, doing missionary work. She came to India on January 6, 1929 to become a teacher and was moved at the sight of the crippled and helpless people on the pavements. She taught in St. Mary's convent school in Kolkata for 15 years later on became the headmistress. In 1937, she took her final vows as a nun, in Darjeeling.
In 1947, on a journey to Darjeeling later referred by her as the most important journey of her life she had a vision or call to leave the convent, to live among the poor and to take care of the sick and the dying, the hungry, the homeless, to be God's Love in action to the poorest of the poor, which was the beginning of the Missionaries of Charity. At first she did not get the permission to leave the convent but in 1948 she got the permission specifically from Pope Pius XIII to leave the the Loreto community and work among the city's poor. She left the convent, took basic training in nursing and went to live in the nearby slum. She wore an inexpensive and simple white sari with a blue border, which became the most recognised symbol of the Sisters of Charity.
Following one of her former student, others joined her in her mission. In 1948, she opened the first slum school. As the congregation grew she sought approval from the Pope and shifted to 54A Lower Circular Road, which became the Mother House. The Missionaries of charity was officially established as a religious congregation for the Archdiocese of Calcutta in October 1950. The organisation devoted to the working for the destitute, now have thousands of homes and members all over the country and abroad. Calcutta became the center of her humanitarian activities. Her first home was 'Nirmal Hriday' (pure heart) for the sick and the dying, and then ' Shishu Bhavan' for the disabled, orphaned and mentally retarded children, 'Shanti Nagar', a colony for lepers where they were cared for, they could learn a skill, build their own houses and could work on their own fields, AIDS hospices and so on. The first home outside India was founded in 1965 in Venezuela. Others were later opened in Italy, Tanzania, Australia, US, Communist Cuba, former Soviet Union etc.
Mother Teresa became an Indian citizen in 1962. She has received many national and international awards in recognition of her noble work for humanity. The first award being Padmashri for distinguished service (1962), then the Magsaysay Award the same year, Pope John XXIII Peace Prize (1971), Good Samaritan Award (1971), John . F. Kennedy International Award (1971), Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International peace (1972), Nobel Peace Prize (1979), Bharat Ratna (1980), Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award (1993) etc. were some of them.
In 1983, at the age of 72, Mother was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and her health steadily worsened. In 1990, Mother had decided to step down as the head due to her failing health and so called a conclave of sisters to choose a successor. But in a secret ballot, she was re-elected with one dissenting vote, that was her own. In 1991 she underwent heart surgery and in March 1997, Sister Nirmala a former Hindu converted to Roman Catholic was elected to succeed Mother Teresa as leader of Missionaries of Charity. On September 5, 1997 the 87-year old mother died of severe cardiac arrest at the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in Kolkata.
The late mother taught the world the beauty in giving and left behind an enormous organisation with the will to continue her work. Mother was beatified by Pope John Paul II at St. Peters square in Vatican, on October 19th 2003, seven years after her death. Henceforth the mother will be referred to as the The Blessed Teresa of Kolkata.

Taj Mahal

2008-12-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

Taj Mahal, the breathtakingly elegant monument is one of the most beautiful masterpieces of architecture found in the world. Listed as the seventh wonder of the world and a World heritage Monument by the Unesco, this perfectly symmetrical dream in marble is located in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. Taj Mahal is famous as an enduring monument to love. It was built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the final resting place for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal. History says that Arjuman Banu alias Mumtaz, the daughter of Emperor Jahangir's Prime Minister, supposedly captured the heart of Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) the minute he saw her. In 1612, at the age of 21, she married him and became his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz used to accompany Shah Jahan in his military campaigns. She was his comrade, his advisor and she inspired him to acts of charity and benevolence towards the weak and the needy, but even these qualities were diminished by the love that bound her to Shah Jahan.
She bore her husband 14 children. In 1630, in Burhanpur , while accompanying her husband on a military campaign she died giving birth to her fourteenth child, at the age of 39. On her deathbed, it is said that Mumtaz asked the king to build a monument so beautiful to show the world how much they loved each other. When her body was brought to Agra, she was laid to rest in a temporary crypt in a garden along the banks of the Yamuna River. The foundation of her mausoleum was laid in 1631. It is also said that his wife's death left Shah Jahan so heartbroken that he locked himself in his private chambers for a month, and when he finally emerged his hair had turned white. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in the same year and was completed after 22 years in 1653 at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. Twenty thousand workmen and master craftsmen- from Persia, France, Iran, Italy and Turkey worked on the building. Although no one knows who planned the Taj, the name of a Persian architect, Ustad Isa, was involved in the construction of this marble monument.

Materials such as red sandstone, silver and gold, carnelian and jasper, moonstone and jade, lapiz lazuli and coral were brought in from all over India and central Asia. The white Makrana marble from Jodhpur took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport. Precious stones for the inlay came from Baghdad, Punjab, Egypt, Russia, China, Afghanistan, Ceylon and Persia.The unique Mughal style architecture combines elements and styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. The Taj Mahal complex (590x300m) mainly consists of the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or symmetrically planned garden(300x300m), the Masjid or mosque, the Naqqar Khana or rest house, and the Rauza or the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The actual Tomb is situated inside the Taj.
The main entrance is from the west, but there are also two other entrances from the east and from the south. The majestic main gateway completed in 1648, is a large three-floored red sandstone structure, 50ft wide and 100ft high with an octagonal central chamber and a vaulted roof, with smaller rooms on each side. The gateway consists of a lofty central arch with doubles storeyed wings on either side. Above the central portal in the north and south side, there is a series of 11 attached chattiris (umbrellas) with marble cupolas, flanked by pinnacles. The walls are inscribed with verses from the Quran in Arabic and is done in black calligraphy. A fine feature of the gateway is that the lettering appears to be the same size from top to bottom. This was done by heightening the letters as the distance from the eye increased. The small domed pavilions on top are Hindu in style and looks regal. The gate was originally lined with silver, now replaced with copper and decorated with 1,000 nails whose heads were contemporary silver coins.

India Gate

2008-12-30T15:54:00.000-08:00

India Gate, a free standing arch, located at the east end of the Raj Path in New Delhi, is one of the most famous monuments in India and also one of the most visited places in New Delhi. Originally called the All India War Memorial, India Gate is a war memorial in honour of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died during the World War I and the Afghan Wars (1919).It was designed by the famous British architect, Edward Lutyens and the foundation stone was laid down by the Duke of Connaught in February 10 1921. The monument similar in design to the French war memorial, the Arc-de-Triomphe, was completed in 1931, and the same year the then Viceroy Lord Irwin dedicated the structure to the nation.

The arch is a magnificent 42 mt high structure made of red sandstone standing on a low base. Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's house) is situated at the other end of the Rajpath and one can have good view of it by standing at the base of the arch of the India Gate.On top of the India Gate, the line "To the dead of the Indian armies who fell honoured in France and Flanders Mesopotamia and Persia East Africa Gallipoli and elsewhere in the near and the far-east and in sacred memory also of those whose names are recorded and who fell in India or the north-west frontier and during the Third Afghan War" is inscribed in capital letters.

The names of the demised soldiers who died in these wars are also inscribed all along the walls of the arch. There is a shallow domed bowl at the top of the gate. Soon after the 1971 Indo Pak War, a shrine namely Amar Jawan Jyoti(The flame of the immortal warrior) was erected at the base of the India Gate to honour all the soldiers who laid down their lives for protecting the nation. This four faced black marble memorial consists of a rifle placed on its barrel, with a soldier's helmet on top of the bayonet and the words "Amar Jawan" (Immortal Warrior) inscribed in gold on all its faces. It also has four eternally lighted flames to commemorate their brave deeds at the corners of the square base on which cenotaph is placed.

India Gate stands amidst beautiful surroundings of lush green lawns with a famous boat club and a children's park nearby. The
2 1/2km long Rajpath (King's path), a tree-lined avenue flanked by lawns with orderly flowerbeds and clipped hedges, between the India Gate and the Rashtrapathi Bhavan offers an impressive view. India gate is also the centre point of many important roads, which are now closed to public due to terrorist threats. The beautiful surroundings attract a lot of people especially during the evenings when the gate is lit up.

Ajanta caves

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Ajanta caves, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, considered the finest examples of architecture. These historical manmade caves containing paintings on the walls and ceilings primarily depict the life of the Buddha before his enlightenment. The caves are located 100km northeast of Aurangabad, the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India.
The golden age of Buddhism began with the conversion of Emperor Ashoka into the religion in the 3rd century BC. Around 2nd century AD Buddhism split into two sects, Hinayana and Mahayana. The caves at Ajanta which cover both the systems, belong to two distinct phases of Buddhist rock-cut architecture, separated from each other by an interval of about four centuries. They were created out of hard rock with the barest of implements and served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks, scholars, pupils and artists. The caves which were found to be continuously used or lived in from 200 BC to about AD650 were rediscovered in 1819, by a group of British soldiers who stumbled upon these cultural treasures overrun by foliage, many of them clogged with debris.
The 30 rock-cut caves with incomparable beauty, are cut into the steep face of a horseshoe-shaped hillside, silent but for the birdsong from the nearby Waghore River. The caves, some of them unfinished, are of two basic designs called 'Chaitya grihas' and 'Viharas'. Five of the caves (9,10, 26,29) are Chaityas (Buddhist cathedrals) while the other 25 are Viharas (monasteries). Chaitya grihas were halls of worship - large, rectangular chambers separated by rows of pillars into a central nave, surrounded by aisles on three sides, for circumambulation during prayer, with a sanctuary opposite the entrance. The Chaityas are decorated with sculptures and murals depicting the many incarnations of Buddha. Viharas or monasteries are rectangular shaped halls with series of small cells attached on two sides for the dwelling of monks. Among them, the earlier group belong to the Hinayana sect (2nd century B.C) and the latter group, to the Mahayana sect (A.D. 450 to 650).
Many of the caves are dark inside and without a light paintings are hard to see. A lighting ticket has to be purchased on production of which the cave guards turn on the lights for you to see the paintings. Many of the paintings still glow in their original colours. The outer walls are covered with sculptures. The art depicts the elegant timber-built interiors of spacious palaces, halls, peopled by be- jewelled princess and princesses, retinues of attendants, mendicants and market places, celestial musicians and fur capped foreign emissaries on unknown missions. War-horses in colourful trappings, monkeys, peacocks and elephants and host of other images dominate the world of these unknown artists.
Ajanta paintings are more correctly tempera, since they are painted on a dry surface. The paintings were executed after the rock walls were coated with a 1cm thick layer of clay and cow dung mixed with rice husks. A final coat of lime was applied to produce the finished surface on which the artist painted. These beautiful paintings have survived time and still make the atmosphere very vibrant and alive. The contours of the figures leave the visitor spell bound

Problems of the eyes and how to deal with it

2008-12-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

Dark circles, Puffy eyes and Crow's-feet are the three main eye problems that can cloud an otherwise beautiful face.If your eyes are puffy with dark shadows, it shows you are not getting enough sleep. One can get dark circles and puffy eyes if you had a late night out or didn't have a night's sleep or cried your heart out. But, you can make them fade fast.
Preventive methods
For dark circles :
Gently wash the face, then apply a skin tightening moisturizer around the eyes. Grind a raw potato and add almond paste to it. Use the mixture regularly under the eyes to get rid of dark circles and puffiness. Increase your daily intake of water to minimum 8 to10 glasses. Apply fresh fig on the eyes. Place two cucumber slices over the eyes and rest for 15 minutes or apply cucumber juice under the eyes. Getting enough sleep at least 8-10 hours a day, can fade out dark circles
For puffy eyes :
The puffiness of the eyes can be reduced with a glass of ice water and four stainless steel spoons. Chill the spoons in the water and then place one over each eye. When the spoons become warm, switch them with the others chilling in the glass of water. Keep switching until you see improvement.Settle down for two to five minutes with a chilled, steeped chamomile or green tea bag over each eye. The natural properties of these herbal teas helps to bring puffy eyes back down to size. Cucumber contains anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and puffiness of eyes. Slice a large cucumber, reserve two slices to place over eyes. Peel and puree the remaining cucumber. This can be applied as a pack onto your face. Remove after fifteen minutes. Apply moisturiser thickly to seal in water.
Crow's-feet:
Crow's-feet are those wrinkles or tiny lines at the corner of the eyes. Once it appears, it is difficult to make it fade. It can only be faded with the aid of injections or cosmetic surgery. It is better to prevent them from occurring in the first place.Wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more to avoid the ultra violet rays of the sun which cause wrinkles on the skin. Always wear sunglasses when you go out in the sun. Sleeping on your back helps smooth out the wrinkles because gravity works to pull the skin backward. If you cannot sleep on your back, at least try to switch sides frequently. The skin below your eyes is thin and has few oil producing glands. So don't pull, tag or drag it as you apply and remove make up. Any time you apply cream or lotion, dab, don't rub. Regular use of Retin-A cream, an acne product that exfoliates the skin, also improves the appearance of fine crow's-feet.

Types of Skin

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Knowing your skin type is the chief way you can ensure your skin feels and looks its best. Many people, however, get confused when trying to figure out exactly what their skin type is. Skin can be divided into various types according to its texture. It is essential to know what skin type you actually have and using the correct products on your face can really make a difference to those problem areas you may have.Due to our higher levels of collagen, male skin is up to 20% thicker and tougher than female skin. Male skin is also oilier, with larger exposed pores, a richer blood supply, and more of a tendency to break out in a sweat compared with women's skin.
Normal Skin
Normal skin has a fine even texture with a supple and smooth surface. It has a proper balance between oil and moisture contents and is therefore moist and is neither greasy nor dry. The pores of normal skin are small and the overall skin tone is even. It looks clear and does not develop spots and blemishes. The pores of the skin are fine and barely visible. It reflects good health and needs gentle treatment.
Dry skin
Dry skin has a dry parched appearance and has a tendency to flake easily. It is prone to wrinkles and lines. This is due to the inability to retain moisture as well as the insufficient production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Dry skin often has problems in cold weather and ages faster than normal or oily skin. Constant protection is very important. It needs a moisturiser during the day and a good cream at night.
Oily skin
As its name implies, oily skin is slightly to moderately greasy. This type of skin is caused by the over secretion of sebum making the skin surface oily. The excess oil on the surface of the skin attracts dirt and dust from the environment. Oily skin is also prone to black heads, white heads, spots, pimples and such skin will never be clear. This type of skin needs to be cleansed thoroughly.
Combination skin
This type of skin is very common. As the name suggests, it is a combination of both oily and dry skin with certain areas of the face oily and the rest dry. Usually there is a central greasy panel consisting of the forehead, nose and chin and a dry panel consisting of cheeks and the areas around the eyes and mouth. The greasy central panel is referred to as T - Zone. In such cases, each part of the face should be treated accordingly - the dry areas as for dry skin and the central panel as for oily skin and use skin care products made especially for combination skin.
Sensitive skin
This type of skin has a fine texture and is very sensitive to changes in the climate. This skin type show the disadvantages of bleaching, waxing, threading, perfumes, temperature extremes, soap etc and for men sun, perfumes, shaving cream etc. People with this skin type should avoid products with dyes, perfumes, or unnecessary chemical ingredients that may irritate the skin.

Wildlife in The Himalayan Sub-Region

2008-12-30T15:38:00.000-08:00

The species in the high Himalayas show strong affinities with palaeartic region as some of the animals are found both in the oriental region as well as palaeartic region indicating the possibility of their migration from the other side of India. The region has accordingly been divided into three sub zones ,The forested area (Himalayan foot hills) of the Himalayas from Assam to the Eastern part of Kashmir, The higher altitude of the western Himalayas from Kashmir including Ladakh to the hills, The Eastern Himalayan sub-region.
a) The forested Area of Himalayas (Himalayan Foothills)
The area covers, bhabar, tarai and siwalik ranges in the south. The area is covered with tropical forests. The dominant species is sal. The area is characterized by tall grassy meadows with adjoining river-beds and river rain forests of khair and sisoo. This is an area of big mammals. The elephant, sambar, swamp deer, cheetel, hog deer, barking deer, wild boar, tiger, panther, wild dog, black and sloth bear are found in this area. Hyena, and jackal are scavengers. The great Indian one horned rhinoceros, which is considered a rare species is found in Assam. Other large bovid, wild buffalo shares its habitat with rhinoceros. Wild buffalo is also an endangered species . The brow-antlered deer, the dancing deer, which is one of the most threatened deer in the world is found in Manipur. The Gangetic gharial exists in the Himalayan tributaries. Bispid hare and pigmy hog which are on the verge of extinction and golden langur are found in Manas National Park in Assam.
The Kaziranga National Park in Assam (famous for one horned rhinoceros), Sirohi and Keibul Lamjao National Park in Manipur (famous for brow antlered deer), and Corbett, Dadhwa and Rajaji National Parks in Uttar Pradesh are located in this sub region.
b) The high altitude sub-region of Western Himalayas
With increase in altitude in the western part of the Himalayan sub region, the tropical forests merge into the temperate type. The zone forests, oak, rhododendron, dwarf hill bamboo, followed by Alpine pastures up to the snow-line. The desert plateau of Ladakh is in the north-west. When there is severe winter in the Alpine Zone, a number of species migrate to the coniferous forests in the southern part and move up to their homes in the Alpine region with the on set of summer.
The animals found in the high altitude region are, wild ass, wild goats, sheep and yak. The species of wild goat are thar, markhor and ibex. Thar roams in coniferous forests. Markhor which is considered to be the finest goat is found above the tree-line. A very agile goat with rich fur, it climbs the tree to browse its leaves. The Ibex live above the tree-line and below the snowline. The three species of wild sheep found here are nayan, bharal and oriel. These sheep feed on the Alpine meadows and grassy mountain slopes. The antelopes found are chiru and Tibetan gazelle.The National Park in this Zone are Dachigan, Khistwar and Hemis high altitude National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir, Great Himalayan and Pin Valley National Parks in Himachal Pradesh and Gangotri, Nanda Devi, Govind Pashu Vihar and Valley of flowers National Parks in Uttar Pradesh.
c) The Eastern Himalayan Sub Zone
The Eastern Himalayan region differs from the western region. There is high rainfall and less snowfall confined to high altitude. The vegetation in this zone consist of oak, birches, magnolias, pine, fir, yew, rhododendron dwarf, bamboo and moss and fem. The typical species of the zone characterized by Indo-Chinese fauna are red pandas, badgers , porcupines, ferrests etc. The goats found in this area are serow goral and takin.The National Park falling in this zone is Khangchandonga, National Park in Sikkim and Neora Valley and Singlila National Park in West Bengal.

First Train In Kashmir Valley

2008-12-30T15:37:00.000-08:00

In an epoch making event, the Kashmir valley saw for the first time the flagging of a broad gauge train by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, fulfilling partly, the dream project of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpai, who declared the project as National Project in 2001. The Train would run 66 Kms from Rajwansher in Srinagar to Anantnag twice daily and back, taking 1 hour and 35 minutes one way.

Digging into history a bit, Maharaja Pratap Singh of Dogra hierarchy first contemplated a rail link to Srinagar in 1898. Starting with the first steaming of Railways in 1953, India already had more than 30000 miles of railways by the end of 19th Century. Although the plan of the maharaja could not be materialized at those times, the matter was revived after the partition in 1947 when Jammu got de-linked from the rest of the country. A 105Km rail link constructed and started operating between Pathankot-Jammu Tawi in 1970 at the behest of Indira Gandhi, who also kicked off the Jammu- Udhampur line in 1983 with a five-year completion schedule. But after her abrupt death, the 55 Km line could be commissioned only in 2004.

Back again with the main topic, amid tight security with an undeclared curfew in the valley and a ‘counter curfew’ by the separatists, the train was flagged off with 100 school children as first passengers. Dignitaries present were Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, JK Governor N.N.Vora and other officials from rail and state governments, apart from the Prime Minister. The cheer people were significantly absent because of the prevailing situation in the Valley.

Railway minister Lalu Yadav, who has achieved the status of an icon for his success in turning around the Indian Railways from loss making entity to a proverbial hen laying golden eggs, was very happy saying, “It is a historic day for people of Kashmir who can travel now 66km by train.” But a land donor for this line had other things in mind when he expressed doubt about return of the elusive peace in the tormented valley in spite of the new railway era.

Work on this railway line was just a modest beginning, being a small part of the overall project of joining Kashmir valley with rest of India. The most difficult part being the stretch between Katra in Jammu to Quazigund in valley, a distance of about 150Km including an 11 Km long tunnel to cross Pirpanjal Range and is likely to take five years to complete. The stretch Quazigund to Srinagar (about 75Km) and then to Baramula (50Km) is easier to construct, as most of the track would be on flat valley. If every thing goes on as per planning, one can expect to reach Srinagar directly by train from standard railheads in India in about five years time. Once completed, the 345 km Jammu-Srinagar-Baramula rail travel is likely to present the best scenic beauty in the world, along with the Houseboats and Sikaras of Dal Lake.

Driving in Australia

2008-12-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

Speed and distance in Australia are measured in kilometers. Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. Most Australians live on the coast . Roads within and between the cities and towns are generally reliable and in good condition, as are the main highways that join the state and territory capital cities. Although highways between major cities are well-maintained, motorists may travel for hundreds of kilometers between towns or road houses, with no opportunities to re-fuel, purchase refreshments, or use toilets. Road conditions can be difficult in remote areas and the large and less populated areas in the middle of Australia (the "outback"). Not all roads are sealed, and may not be passable in certain seasons or weather conditions. Motorists need to be self-sufficient and prepared when traveling in remote areas. Permits may also be required to travel through certain remote locations.
Drivers in Australia require a valid driver's license. Foreign licenses in English are considered valid for driving in Australia for visitors for three months. If your license is not in English, an International Driving Permit is required, issued in your home country before arrival in Australia. Use of seat belts is compulsory in Australia for drivers and all vehicle passengers, and infants must be secured with approved safety capsules and harnesses. Seatbelt laws are strictly enforced, and the onus is on the driver to ensure all passengers are buckled in. Penalties apply to the driver of the vehicle, and include demerit points which may lead to license suspension. Usually an on-the-spot fine of up to $500 will be imposed.
A blood alcohol limit of 0.05% throughout Australia. Lower limits apply to learner, provisional, and professional drivers. Police conduct random breath tests along major routes and back streets, both in cities and in the country. A driver does not have to be driving suspiciously or have committed any driving offence to be stopped by police for a random breath test. If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol you will have to make a court appearance. For a first offence a fine and a period of suspension would normally be imposed if there are no aggravating circumstances. Refusing a random breath test is also an offence and similar penalties apply as for driving under the influence of alcohol.
In case of an accident involving injury or death to any person, the police and appropriate emergency response authorities must be contacted. Phone the Australian emergency number 000, though 112 also works from mobile phones. Emergency numbers from other countries (such as 911) do not work in Australia. The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident in which a person may be injured or killed is legally required to stop and render assistance. The penalties for fleeing an accident scene can be severe, even if you are not at fault, which can be up to 10 years imprisonment. You must contact appropriate emergency authorities, but you are not required to give first aid if you have no training.

COCKFIGHTING

2008-12-30T15:35:00.002-08:00

Although it is illegal in 49 states, cockfighting is a tradition that dates back several centuries and spans several cultures. Thus it is difficult to stamp out. Like other illegal animal fights, cockfights take place surreptitiously.Cockfighting is an organized fight between two roosters who are placed in a pit to fight each other. The roosters have been trained to severely injure and/or kill one another. These birds, which are raised for the purpose of fighting, are tormented to make them aggressive. They are also given various legal and illegal drugs such as strychnine, caffeine, amphetamines, and epinephrine to make them more aggressive, increase their endurance and clot the blood that will flow during the fight.
The natural spurs of the roosters are sawed off and replaced by razor sharp steel blades or curved implements called gaffs which measure from one to three inches long. During the fight, from which neither rooster can escape, the birds peck and maim one another with their beaks and weapons. The long, sharp gaffs stab deep into the flesh often requiring handlers to physically pull the animals apart. Although they have been bred to fight, the animals often become tired, incapable and suffer severe injuries. The fight only ends when one rooster is dead or is too weak to fight. The loser then gets thrown in the trash, sometimes while still alive. For the winner, there is no guarantee that he will survive his injuries and often ends up with the same fate as the losing bird.
Cockfights are held before an arena of cheering spectators who often wager large sums of money on the outcome of the contest. Children are often present at the fights, leading to concern that they are being desensitized to the suffering of others and they are being encouraged to use violence. Although these birds in a flock will often fight to establish a “pecking order”, these battles rarely result in injury. Wild roosters conduct ritual showdowns that, as with wolves and many other animals, substitute for and deflect from actual physical combat. Only birds that have been bred and provoked to fight will inflict the serious injuries seen in cockfighting. Also, unlike birds in the wild, these animals cannot escape. They are placed in an enclosed pit and forced to fight until one quits, is severely injured, or dies.
While cockfighting may be a tradition in some cultures, not all traditions are good ones that deserve to continue. Cesar Chavez, who condemned the practice of cockfighting, once wrote: “Kindness and compassion toward all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people.” In a statewide survey conducted in Arizona in 1997, 95% of Hispanic voters said they felt that cockfighting was “cruel and inhumane.” While only 34% of Anglo respondents disagreed that “cockfighting is an important part of Hispanic culture,” 70% of Hispanics disagreed with the statement.

Homeopathy Cures where Allopathy Fails

2008-12-30T15:35:00.001-08:00

Areas where Homeopathy is taking over from Allopathy; Bronchitis, Sinusitis, ENT Allergies, Gynaecological Ailments, Urinary Infections, Gastritis, Mental Ailments, Eyes & Vision, Teeth & Gums, Arthritis, Nervous System…and so on . In the modern times, we have been so overtaken by Allopathy that most of us find it difficult to look beyond it. However, there are numerous ailments to which only the alternative systems like Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, or other alternative systems of medicine have the answer.
The book written by an eminent modern medicine surgeon, who to explore the horizons of homeopathy, brings about a comparative study of both the leading medical fields-Homoeopathy and Allopathy. The author has brought to bear his extensive comparative knowledge of allopathy and homeopathy to the best advantage of the patient. Through the proper case sheets, he cites various cases where allopathic medicines have not worked while homeopathy worked wonders to cure the patient. In some cases, he also vouches for allopathy where homeopathy cannot work. The author provides some glimpses:
Case I:
A known friend of mine on an official business to Sudan phoned me that his eyes had been bleeding especially conjunctiva. I knew his physician who had put on aspirin as a prophylactic in angina, which could be the cause. I asked him to stop aspirin and start Arnica, Ruta and Symphytum 30 potency each. He recovered in 72 hours.
Case II:
Out of thousands I give the history of one very senior G.P. suffering from constipation for many years. He had tried everything but to no relief. I cured his obstinate constipation with the prescription of Lycopodium 200 on alternate days: Q5 drops BD after meals. In very resistant cases I had to give Sulphur 200, one dose a week to offer permanent cure.

Invention of the Electrical bulb

2008-12-30T15:34:00.000-08:00

The light bulb is an invention that dates back to the 1870s. The light bulb manufactured in the years between 1890 and 1920 was composed of a glass globe around a carbon filament like that used in the first bulbs.
The invention of the incandescent light bulb is attributed to Joseph W. Swan (1828-1914) and Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931). In 1878, Swann tested a bulb comprised of a carbonized paper filament inside a vacuum bulb. Edison perfected this technique and, in 1879, launched the first practical incandescent bulb, which came with a filament of carbon fibres.

Electricity was first used for lighting. Starting in the 1880s, it began to be used in streets and public buildings, and soon went into the homes of the most well-off. It took quite a bit of time before the poorest city dwellers and country people got electricity.
During the 1880s and 1890s, incandescent bulbs proved something of a disappointment: there was no way of dimming the bulbs, they burned out rapidly and the costs of electrical light exceeded those associated with gas. On the other hand, light bulbs were a practical and safe alternative to the use of candles and kerosene lamps, and cut down on the danger of fire.
In light bulbs, electrical current is used to heat the filament to the point where it glows and gives off light. The bulb itself is a vacuum, and this protects the filament, which would not last long if exposed to air.In Montreal, the first public demonstration of the use of electricity took place on the Champ de Mars in 1879. The port of Montreal obtained electricity a year later. In 1889, 1 000 electric lamps provided light for all the streets in the city.
The first incandescent light bulbs were plagued by fragile carbon filaments. The tungsten filament, which appeared in 1909, proved to be much more durable.Joseph W. Swan (1828-1914), a native of England, was the first to demonstrate the use of the incandescent bulb, a feat he performed in 1878. Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931), who introduced a similar bulb the following year, was an American.

The Art of Hypnotism, Self Hypnosis

2008-12-30T15:33:00.001-08:00

Many years ago I went to a Hypnotist to learn the Art. He taught me how to hypnotize myself and others. It is actually an easy process involving very little study and practice. You must remember.... not everyone can be hypnotized. Some people are so wrapped up in their thoughts of every day worries that they can not simply concentrate. In order to be hypnotized... you must be able to relax and clear your mind just the same as you would during meditation.. I would suggest trying it on yourself before trying it on others. Here are the steps to hypnotizing yourself....
Sit on a couch in the upright position and close your eyes and your arms at your side or in your lap. Do not move around. Just sit there and relax for a minute. Clear your mind of all thoughts. How do you do this?.... simply imagine a big Dumpster or a very large metal box on your mental screen. Then see it open and put all your thoughts and worries in it one by one.... bills... your lovelife.... problems.... your children.... your job... everything you can think of. Then close the lid and lock it! Then push it off your mental screen. Now sit there quietly with no thoughts for a minute. When you are ready to start... do not forget to tell yourself as you go through each part of the body that you are becoming more and more relaxed as you go.
you must tell yourself this! Now... start with your head.... imagine every part of your head relaxing... start with your eyes.... then go to your ears.... the mouth... all your facial muscles. spend time with each part to make sure it is fully relaxed. Now go to your neck and do the same. Now go to your whole chest and stomach region and start with your heart... slow it down and make it at peace. Relax all you chest muscles and then your stomach area. Now relax your arms feeling them going limp. Relax every muscle in your arms one by one including your fingers. Next go to the groin area and relax all the muscle there. Now it is time to do your legs.... start with the thighs and work your way down to the feet relaxing each and every toe.
By this time you should be like a big lump of silly putty... totally relaxed and and at peace. Now here comes the fun part. This is where you will get to hypnotize yourself and see if it really works.....
Sit there with you arms in you lap and or at your side and tell yourself that your right arm is getting very light. It is getting very, very light. Keep telling yourself this and feel how it is getting lighter. Tell yourself that it is getting so light that is is staring to rise up off your lap. Feel it getting light as you keep telling yourself this and feel it raising up off you lap. Once you have achieved this and your arm is up in the air you may tell yourself it is getting heavy again and lower it to your lap. You will now tell yourself that you will awaken fully refreshed with energy and a clear mind. Open your eyes and evaluate what you have done. Write down your experience in your magical journal. If you did not have success... try again later that day and keep trying until you are satisfied. If it never works for you.... you may be one of those who cannot be hypnotized.

Accupunture

2008-12-30T15:32:00.000-08:00

Acupuncture is an ancient healing method and philosophy originating in China perhaps as long as 5000 years ago. It is a useful healing modality which can be used to relieve pain (such as headaches and back pain), speed tissue repair after injury, assist ailments (such as insomnia) and promote general health. The aim of traditional Chinese Acupuncture is to remove obstruction to the flow of blood and body energy or Qi (pronounced "chi") so that balance is restored, and to warm and nourish the tissues. More contemporary explanations talk of; influences on the nervous system via stimulation of nerve fibers resulting in modulation of pain by spinal and brain mechanisms, removal of triggerpoints through direct stimulation, and/or restoration of disordered blood flow.
During an Acupuncture session, very fine needles are inserted into various areas of the body. There are numerous techniques in Acupuncture involving needling in all areas of the body, sometimes quite a distance from the problem area, and the technique used depends on the individual being treated and their particular condition. Insertion of Acupuncture needles is usually almost painless - in fact some people can't even tell that they have a needle in! Once the needle is inserted into the correct spot, sensations of tingling, numbness or swelling may be felt. These sensations are seldom painful, and if you don't like them, they can usually be avoided. Most people become aware of a warming sensation, both in the area being needled and in their hands and feet. After the treatment it is usual to sleep really well, to have an increased range of movement and decreased pain, (although some temporary post-treatment soreness may occur in a percentage of people - similar to what you'd feel after having a deep massage).
For best results with Acupuncture treatment, patients should be warm, relaxed, and not overly hungry at the time of treatment. People who are physically exhausted, fasting, or suffering from bleeding disorders should not undergo treatment. Pregnancy and the use of anticoagulants should be declared prior to treatment. People who dislike needles are often pleasantly surprised by their experience of Acupuncture. Side effects occur in a minority of patients. Some people experience a temporary aggravation of their symptoms, other reactions may include; fainting, euphoria, relaxation or minor bruising. Serious side effects such as organ puncture, hepatitis, or aids transmission are extremely rare when acupuncture is administered by a qualified practitioner (using disposable needles).

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. Pain relief is one of its most successful applications and it can also be used to treat muscle injuries and stress related disorders. As it's fairly new to Western environments, many of the applications of Acupuncture have not been studied in properly designed trials, so over the coming years this will probably be an area of major change. Acupuncturists often report success with conditions such as; wry neck (torticollis) stress related disorders, sinusitis, hay fever, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, vertigo, acute shingles, facial nerve paralysis, gastroenteritis, strained neck, backache, some forms of sciatica, painful periods, drug addiction, morning sickness. As with most other forms of treatment, it is best to seek treatment early in the course of an injury or disease.

Testing New Drugs

2008-12-30T15:31:00.000-08:00

Thousands of chemicals, both synthetic and extracted from "natural" sources, are being examined in the hope of finding new drugs with which to combat human and veterinary diseases.The first step is to use laboratory tests to find if these substances have a significant effect on, for example: cells growing in tissue culture , laboratory animals such as rats and mice.If the drug achieves the desired effect in laboratory animals, without killing them in the process, the drug developer applies to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration for an IND, an investigational new drug application. Granting of an IND allows testing in humans to begin. This occurs in three phases.
Phase I
A small group (20–100) of healthy volunteers is given the drug to see
• if it is safe
• how quickly it is absorbed, metabolized, and excreted from the body
Phase II
A group (up to several hundred) of volunteer patients with the disease are given the drug to see
• how effective it is against the signs and symptoms of the disease
• what doses are best
• what side effects may occur
A control group of similar size is given a dummy drug (placebo). Ideally the trials are "blinded" with neither the subjects (nor the investigator) knowing which pill a subject is receiving.
Phase III
Hundreds to thousands of patients with the disease are given the drug to get more reliable data on its
• effectiveness
• safety
• best dose
• rare side effects
all compared with the drug(s) that are currently used for the disease.
If all goes well, the drug manufacturer applies to the Food and Drug Administration for an NDA, a new drug application. If it is granted, the generic name of the drug is replaced by a brand name chosen by the manufacturer. For example, one of the first drugs used against AIDS was azidodideoxythymidine (AZT). When placed on the market, this name was replaced by the brand name zidovudine.
Phase IV
Even after a drug is available for prescription, its use is carefully monitored and unexpected side effects are reported. Continuing oversight of an approved drug is called postmarketing surveillance or Phase IV trials.

Cholesterol Facts

2008-12-30T15:30:00.000-08:00

Cholesterol is small molecule, one of the steroids. It is essential to life. It has also been responsible for 17 Nobel Prizes, countless pages of reports in scientific journals and the popular press, and mounting anxiety on the part of health-conscious people. The human body contains about 100 g of cholesterol. Most of this is incorporated in the membranes from which cells are constructed and is an indispensable component of them. The insulating layers of myelin wound around neurons are especially rich in cholesterol. In far smaller quantities, but no less important, cholesterol is starting ingredient for the synthesis of the steroid hormones
Cholesterol is also the precursor from which the body synthesizes vitamin D.One of the major uses of cholesterol is the synthesis of bile acids. These are synthesized in the liver from cholesterol and are secreted in the bile. They are essential for the absorption of fat from the contents of the intestine. A clue to the importance of cholesterol is that most of the bile acids are not lost in the feces but are reabsorbed from the lower intestine and recycled to the liver. There is some loss, however, and to compensate for this and to meet other needs, the liver synthesizes some 1500–2000 mg of new cholesterol each day. It synthesizes cholesterol from the products of fat metabolism.
There is also an unceasing transport of cholesterol in the blood between the liver and all the other tissues. Most of this cholesterol travels complexed with fatty acids and protein in the form of low density lipoproteins (LDLs). Cells that need cholesterol trap and ingest LDLs by receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Cholesterol can also create problems. Cholesterol in the bile can crystallize to form gall stones that may block the bile ducts. Cholesterol is also strongly implicated in the development of atherosclerosis: fatty deposits (plaques) that form on the inside of blood vessels and predispose to heart attacks. The major culprit seems to be levels of LDLs that are in excess of the body's needs. The level of cholesterol in the blood is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), which is equivalent to parts per 100,000. The levels range from less than 50 in infants to an average of 215 in adults and to 1,200 or more in individuals suffering from a rare, inherited disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia. For those of us in the normal range, approximately two-thirds of our cholesterol is transported as LDLs. Most of the rest is carried by so-called high density lipoproteins (HDLs).
Because of their relationship to cardiovascular disease, the analysis of serum lipids has become an important health measure.
• Total cholesterol is the sum of
o HDL cholesterol
o LDL cholesterol and
o 20% of the triglyceride value
• Note that
o high LDL values are bad, but
o high HDL values are good (because HDL cholesterol transports cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver where it is secreted in the bile).
• Using the various values, one can calculate a
cardiac risk ratio = total cholesterol divided by HDL cholesterol
• A cardiac risk ratio greater than 7 is considered a warning.

Grasslands And Deserts

2008-12-30T15:29:00.000-08:00

In the plains of North America, the annual rainfall is sufficiently low (~50 cm) that little or no rainfall percolates down to the water table. Calcium and other minerals are not carried below the reach of plant roots and so remain available for use. This keeps the pH and general fertility high. Except to the extent that minerals are lost when crops are removed, the minerals simply recycle from subsoil to topsoil and back to the subsoil. The self-restoring fertility of the soils of the plains states accounts for this region being the "breadbasket" of the nation (and other countries as well).
The figure shows the cycling of minerals in grasslands soil. The grasses in undisturbed prairie are perennial; their extensive root systems help prevent soil erosion, and the return of the season's above-ground growth to the topsoil returns minerals and provides humus to it. These advantages are diminished when annual grasses such as wheat and corn are grown instead and removed in the harvest.
Deserts
The rainfall here is so low (25 cm/year or less) that any water that does not immediately run off remains near the surface and is largely lost by evaporation. The salts it carries are left near the top of the soil. Their accumulation may make the soil so alkaline and so salty that most crops cannot be grown. In the U. S., the situation is especially severed in the Great Basin states (Utah and Nevada) because water flowing down from the mountains - bearing its load of dissolved salts - cannot flow on to the ocean but simply flows out onto the valley floors and evaporates. Large areas of formerly unproductive desert in the United States, Israel, and Egypt have been converted into fertile fields through irrigation.
But irrigation is no panacea. Even the best irrigation water contains dissolved salts. If just enough water is applied to meet the needs of the crop, the salts are never carried deep in the soil. The high rate of evaporation found in these areas hastens the accumulation of salts in the upper layers of the soil. If uncorrected, the condition may become so severe that only salt-tolerant crops, like sugar beets, can be grown. Salts from evaporated irrigation water have accumulated to such a high level in this field in the desert biome of California that they stunt the growth of the cotton plants. (Courtesy of USDA, Soil Conservation Service.)
The situation can be corrected by using enough addition irrigation water to flush the salts deep into the soil. Unfortunately, many desert soils are shallow and underlain by layers that are relatively impervious to water. Irrigation water that does not evaporate accumulates in the soil, and slowly the water table rises to the surface (if not at the point where the irrigation is applied, then farther down the valley). Soon fields become waterlogged with salty water and, unless steps are taken to drain the water away, productivity quickly declines. Salt tolerance can be engineered into crops that normally are intolerant of saline soils. In 2001, scientists at the University of California Davis campus reported that they had created transgenic tomatoes that grew well in saline soils. The transgene was a highly-expressed sodium/proton antiport pump that sequestered excess sodium in the vacuole of leaf cells. There was no sodium buildup in the fruit.

Soil

2008-12-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

Soil is the entry point for most materials into food webs. Through their roots, plants absorb water , minerals (e.g., nitrates, phosphates, potassium, copper, zinc) With these, they convert carbon dioxide (taken in through their leaves) into carbohydrates, proteins ,lipids ,nucleic acids and the ,vitamins, on which all heterotrophs depend. Along with temperature and water, soil is a major determinant of productivity.
Topsoil :
The very top layer consists of partially decayed organic debris like leaves. Beneath this is the topsoil. This horizon is usually dark in color because humus - partially decayed organic matter - which has been incorporated in it from above. Humus gives the soil a loose texture that holds water and allows air to diffuse through it. Oxygen is essential to permit cellular respiration in plant roots, decay organisms, and other inhabitants of the soil. Subsoil :The subsoil is usually lighter in color that topsoil and often contains an accumulation of inorganic nutrients.
This represents the first steps in the chemical breakdown of rock into soil. Often the weathered parent material is underlain by the parent material itself, although in some places it has been carried from another location by wind, water, or glaciers.
The chemical nature of the parent material, whether granite, limestone, or sandstone, for example, has a great influence on the fertility of the soil derived from it.
The Effect of Water on Soil
The Tropical Rain Forest
The lushness of the jungle biome is somewhat illusory. While productivity is high, the soils themselves tend to be of very poor quality. Because of the high rainfall, nutrients are quickly washed out of the topsoil unless they are incorporated in the forest plants. As plant and animal debris falls to the ground, it is quickly decomposed because of the warmth and moisture there. Thus minerals are found mainly in the forest plants, not in the soil. When the plants are removed and cultivation attempted, the soils quickly lose fertility.
The situation is made worse by the lack of humus (the topsoil may be no thicker than 2 in.) and the high iron and aluminum content of most of these soils. Once exposed to the sun, these lateritic soils soon bake into a bricklike material that cannot be cultivated.The most ancient (some might say primitive) way of working these soils is still the best: clearing a small area of jungle, growing crops for only a year or two, and then abandoning the area to jungle once again.
The Temperate Deciduous Forest
These regions receive 75-100 cm or more of precipitation each year. Enough water falls on the soil so that much of it passes down to the water table. As it does so, it carries minerals with it. Such soils tend to be acidic and of low and (if unattended) diminishing fertility. Only by regular fertilization and liming (to restore calcium and raise pH) can productive agriculture be carried out in them. In the U.S., the soils east of the Appalachian Mountains tend to be of this sort.

The Biological Control of Pests

2008-12-30T15:26:00.000-08:00

The biological control of pests involves using natural enemies of the pest to control it — instead of chemical agents like insecticides and herbicides. Not only should this be safer for the environment, but — once established — the natural enemies might be able to sustain their population avoiding the need for future treatments. Most of the species that we consider pests are plants ("weeds") or animals (especially insects) that have invaded a new habitat without being accompanied by the natural enemies that kept them in check in their original home. With increasing international travel and trade, this problem becomes increasingly severe.
The Biological Control of Insects
In 1887, this insect — an import from Australia — was devastating the citrus groves of California. A U.S. entomologist went to Australia to find a natural enemy and came back with the vedalia beetle, a species of lady beetle. Released in California, the beetle quickly brought the scale under control. At least until 1946. In that year the pest made a dramatic comeback. This coincided with the first use of DDT in the groves. DDT not only killed the target pest insects but the vedalia beetle as well. Only by altering spray procedures and reintroducing the beetle was the scale insect again controlled.
The Sterile Male Technique
This technique was first applied against the screwworm fly, a serious pest of cattle. The female flies lay their eggs in sores or other open wounds on the animals. After hatching, the larvae eat the tissues of their host. As they do so, they expose a still larger area to egg laying, often finally killing the host.Prior to its eradication from the southeastern United States, the screwworm was causing huge annual livestock losses. The sterile male technique involves releasing factory-reared and sterilized flies into the natural population. Sterilization is done by exposing the factory flies to just enough gamma radiation to make them sterile but not enough to reduce their general vigor. Starting in early 1958, up to 50 million sterilized flies were released each week from aircraft flying over Florida and parts of the adjoining states. Each time a fertile female in the natural population mated with a sterile male, the female layed sterile eggs. Since the females mate only once, her reproductive career was at an end. By early 1959, the pest was totally eliminated east of the Mississippi River.
Success depended only on the sterile males. In fact, the presence of sterile females was a drawback (because they competed with the intended target), but it was difficult to separate the sexes. The southwestern states presented a harder problem because the fly winters in Mexico and with each new season could move across the border. Even so, by expanding the program to include Mexico as well, the screwworm fly was finally eliminated from both countries by 1991. The sterile male technique has also been used with success against several other insect pests, including the "medfly", a destructive fruit fly (not Drosophila) in California andthe tsetse fly, the vector of African sleeping sickness.
Using Genetic Engineering to Improve the Sterile Male Technique
There are two problems with the sterile male technique The factory produces both males and females in equal numbers. But if you release the females along with the males, many males will mate with them rather than with wild females. For this reason, the sexes are now separated — an expensive operation — and only males released. Irradiation may harm the males in subtle ways — reducing their breeding effectiveness.

Acid Rain

2008-12-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

Is rain more acid than normal. Natural rain and snow is slightly acidic (pH 5.6) because of the carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in it. But over recent decades, rain in North America and Europe downwind of industrial areas has had a pH close to 4.5 and sometimes as low as 2.1 (equivalent to lemon juice).The evidence is very strong that most of this acidity is caused by sulfur dioxide (SO2) released from the smokestacks of coal-burning power plants and other industrial sources. The sulfur dioxide is converted into sulfuric acid (H2SO4). This may be carried to the ground in rain or snow, but often particles containing sulfuric acid settle out of dry air. So the problem of acid rain is really one of acid deposition in dry weather as well as wet. Nitrogen oxides ("NOx"), which are converted into nitric acid, also contribute to acid deposition. Automobile exhaust accounts for 50% or more of the nitrogen oxides in polluted air.
Types of damage
Acid rain has been held responsible for damaging buildings and statues made of limestone ,damaging aquatic life in lakes (true), causing a decline in the vigor of U.S. and European forests (may be partially responsible), and harming human health (doubtful).There is solid evidence that lakes in certain "sensitive" areas of North America and Europe have become more acid in recent decades. Sensitive areas are downwind of major industrial areas and where the underlying rock is granite rather than limestone. In North America, the Adirondacks of New York, the mountains of northern New England as well as large areas of southern Quebec have been particularly hard-hit. Both the plant and animal life in a lake become altered as the pH drops. The productivity of the lakes, and their content of desirable fish, decline.
The role of smokestacks
Coal burning by heavy industry was going on long before the lakes of northeastern North America began to show signs of damage. Their acidification seems to have coincided with the trend to build very tall smokestacks (often more than 500 feet high). This was done to reduce local air pollution, but the result has been simply to transfer the problem further downwind. Acid rain does not respect political boundaries. The lakes of Norway and Sweden suffer from the air pollution generated by the industrial areas to their south and southwest. Canadians are distressed by the damage from the air pollution generated by the industrial heartland of the U.S. The U.S. is not entirely to blame for their problems, however. Sensitive areas in Quebec are also downwind of the smelters in Sudbury, Ontario, which have the dubious distinction of generating more sulfur dioxide pollution than any other place in the entire world.
Current trends
Since the early 1980s, emissions of sulfur dioxide have been reduced in both Europe and North America. Even though nitrogen oxides have not been reduced proportionally, the result has been a reduction in the amount of acid deposition. This seems to have stopped the acidification of lakes but not yet reversed it. The technology exists to generate electricity from coal with greatly reduced emissions and as this technology comes into use, that aspect of the problem should improve.

The Causes and Prevention of Cancer

2008-12-30T15:24:00.000-08:00

Aging is in good part due to the oxidants produced as by-products of normal metabolism. These oxidants, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, are the same mutagens produced by radiation, and cause damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. The DNA in each cell of a normal rat receives on average about 100,000 oxidative lesions per day. DNA repair enzymes constantly remove this damage, but they do not keep up: a young rat has about one million oxidative lesions in the DNA of each cell, which increases to about two million in an old rat. A human cell receives about ten times less damage than a rat cell, in agreement with the higher cancer rate and shorter lifespan of a rat. The degenerative diseases of aging such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and brain dysfunction, are increasingly found to have, in good part, an oxidative origin. It is argued that dietary antioxidants, such as Vitamins C and E and carotenoids, play a major role in minimizing this damage and that most of the world's population is receiving inadequate amounts of them, at a great cost to health.
The main source of dietary antioxidants is fruits and vegetables. Humans should eat 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day, yet only 9% of the U.S. population eats that much. Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of most types of cancer is double among people who eat few fruits and vegetables as compared to those who eat about five portions per day. Considerable evidence indicates that oxidative damage is important in cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and brain and immune system dysfunction, and that adequate dietary antioxidants can minimize their incidence. Men with low Vitamin C intake have low vitamin C in their seminal fluid and much more oxidative damage to the DNA in their sperm. Male smokers are particularly at risk as they have depleted antioxidant pools (cigarette smoke is extremely high in oxidants). A smoker must eat two to three times as much Vitamin C as a non-smoker to maintain an equal plasma level, yet smokers tend to eat worse diets than non-smokers. Indeed, male smokers have a considerably higher risk of having children with birth defects and childhood cancer.
The three main causes of cancer are smoking, dietary imbalances (excess fat and calories; inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and calcium), and chronic infections leading to chronic inflammation (hepatitis B and C viruses, Helicobacter pylori infection, schistosomiasis, etc.). Chronic inflammation is a major cause of cancer in the world because it releases powerful oxidants which both stimulate cell division and are mutagens. Past occupational exposures might cause about 2% of current human cancer, a major part being asbestos exposure in smokers, and industrial or synthetic chemical pollution causes less than 0.1 %, in my view. The age-adjusted cancer death rate in the U.S. for all cancers combined (excluding those attributable to smoking) has been remaining steady since 1950, while life expectancy increases every year. We are the healthiest we have ever been in human history. Two factors are critical in the formation of mutations: lesions in DNA, formed when DNA is damaged, and cell division, which converts DNA lesions to mutations. Agents increasing either lesions or cell division increase mutations and as a consequence increase cancer incidence. Hormones stimulating cell division increase cancer incidence (e.g., levels of estrogen in breast cancer and testosterone in prostate cancer); hormones may be a risk factor in about 20% of human cancer.
Animal cancer tests, which are done at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), are being misinterpreted to mean that low doses of the chemicals tested and found positive are thereby relevant to human cancer. Animal cancer tests are mainly done on synthetic chemicals and industrial pollutants, yet half of all natural chemicals that have been tested at the MTD are rodent carcinogens. It is argued that the explanation for the high frequency of positive results in animal cancer tests is that high dose animal cancer tests are mainly measuring increases in cell division due to cell killing and compensatory cell division; this is a high dose effect that does not occur at low doses. In any case 99.9% or more of the chemicals we eat are natural. For example, 99.99% of the pesticides we eat are natural chemicals that are present in plants to ward off insects and other predators. More than half of those natural pesticides tested in high dose animal tests are rodent carcinogens. There are about 10,000 or so different natural pesticides in our diet, and they are usually present at enormously higher levels than synthetic pesticides. Cooking food also generates thousands of chemicals. There are over 1000 chemicals reported in a cup of coffee. Only 26 have been tested in animal cancer tests and more than half are rodent carcinogens; there are still a thousand chemicals left to test. The amount of potentially carcinogenic pesticide residues consumed in a year is less than the amount known of rodent carcinogens in a cup of coffee.

Video games

2008-12-30T15:23:00.000-08:00

Video games first came on the scene in the 1970s. In the last twenty-six years the games have gone from bouncing a little white ball from side to side on a screen to games of virtual reality in which one is a character in the game itself. Newly emerging on-line games enable a person to play and compete with many others in cyber-space.The majority of the games developed with this evolving technology are entertaining, engaging, and appropriate for children. A segment of the electronic game market, however, features violence as a theme. The violence has evolved with the technology from early shooting games blasting mostly spaceships out of the sky to the most gory violence seen today where characters literally tear each other apart with all the realistic details accompanying the act. Many of these games require the use of violence often in increasing intensity to advance through the various levels, thus using violence as a problem solving technique.
As a consequence, parents have to confront the question of what effect does this kind of violence have on video games' most frequent players: children 8 to 14 years old and younger. Research is only beginning to give us a picture of what these effects might be. Due to the recent arrival of ultra-violent video games on the scene, there are relatively few studies available when compared with the research on television violence. Research on television violence clearly shows that a heavy exposure causes negative effects on children. Since there is not an extensive body of research on the effects of video game violence, some state that there is no harm to children. That was the same argument used to defend television violence for more than three decades. It was only after many years of research had accumulated that that argument was abandoned.
There are also some who make the theoretical argument that video game violence may actually be beneficial for children because it gives them an outlet for aggression. This "catharsis" hypothesis was also advanced in the earliest days of the television violence debate. When the research eventually showed it to be false, it was no longer used. It is interesting to note that it is being advanced again at a time when the research on electronic game violence is in the early stages. This short report does identify some of the early findings from the research of electronic games.
Preference for Violent Games
A 1996 study, surveyed 900 fourth through eighth graders on video game habits. They found that almost 50% of the favorite games chosen were of the fantasy violence or human violence type. Girls more often chose games with fantasy violence; boys preferred games with human violence (Buchman, 1996).A 1998 study, examined thirty-three popular video games and found that almost 80% of games kids preferred had violence or aggression as part of the play. Almost half of this violence was directed toward other characters. Twenty-one percent of the games depicted violence towards women (Dietz, 1998).
Effects of Electronic Game Violence
With regard to the impact of video game violence on children, at the present time there are too few studies to support causal links. However, there are trends that mirror much of the work done in the area of television violence and its impact on children. Especially for young children, there seems to be an imitative effect of playing and observing video game violence. Researchers found, for example, that in a group of 5 to 7 year olds, children imitated during free play what they had been just been exposed to on video games. The children who played active but non-violent games reflected that in their play, while children who played games with violent themes showed more aggression (Schutte, 1988).

Diet For Diabetics

2008-12-30T15:13:00.001-08:00

With a near-vegetarian diet and exercise program, one can maintain their sugar levels with out taking any medications. Ideal diet program for a diabetic is a low fat vegetarian diet, reducing meats, high-fat dairy products, and oils. At the same time increasing grains, legumes, and vegetables. Have your meals at regular timings and limit your overall intake. Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Soluble fibers mainly found in fruits, vegetables and some seeds are good for diabetics. They reduce or slow down the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Diabetes patients should include leafy vegetables, vegetable soups and juices in their diet. Vegetables like tomato, cucumber, bitter gourd, carrot, cooked kidney beans, pumpkin, snake gourd, beans, cabbage, lady finger, brinjal, onion, spinach, inner part of banana stem, drum sticks etc. are good for diabetes. Fruits and fruit juices of apple, guava, lemon etc. are good. Avoid fruits like banana, mango, grapes, papaya, jack fruit etc. and vegetables like potato, tapioca, sweet potato etc. containing lot of carbohydrates. Eat more starches such as bread, cereal, and starchy vegetables. Aim for six servings a day or more. Eat sugars, sweets and fat and fat-fried items in moderation. It is better to avoid cakes, jaggery, honey, ghee, butter, cool drinks, biscuits, dried fruits like badam and excess use of oil while cooking.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies help to regulate the blood sugar level. You can try out some of these remedies which compliment along with the diet for diabetics and regular exercises to lower blood sugar levels and protect from diabetes related damages.
Have
1 litre of cinnamon water daily. Cinnamon contains a chemical to help utilize blood sugar naturally in your body. Add 3 table spoon of cinnamon to 1 litre of boiling water. Simmer for 20 minutes in a low flame, then strain the mixture. resh or dried bitter gourd (bitter melon) or 2 ounces of its juice every day. Bitter melon increases the insulin secreting cells in the pancreas and daily intake of juice reduces the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Wild (Black) cumin boiled in water regularly. Equal quantities of turmeric powder and dried gooseberry powder with honey or drink equal quantities of gooseberry juice and fresh turmeric juice in an empty stomach regularly. Regularly, the juice of crushed 'touch me not' with its roots. First thing in the morning, have the juice of crushed fish-berry (amruth) soaked in water for a day.Make coffee with powdered fried fenugreek and wheat, taken in equal quantities. Garlic every day early in the morning in an empty stomach.Tender curry leaves (fresh) twice a day. Crush guava leaves, a handful and 3 grams of cumin together. Boil with one glass of water and make it half. Drink 8 glass of water in the morning and walk for one hour. The leaves of gymnema sylvestre (Gurmur- a climbing vine), a traditional Ayurvedic medicine for diabetics, significantly reduces the metabolic effects of sugar by preventing the intestines from absorbing the sugar molecules during the process of digestion. Add 3 quarters of gymnema powder to one glass of boiling water, strain and drink it warm twice a day, 1 hour before breakfast and 1 hour before dinner for best results. The leaves can also be ground and had. It has the property of blocking sugary taste and thus curbs the craving for sweet things.

First Aid when Bleeding

2008-12-30T15:12:00.001-08:00

External Bleeding
Make the victim lie down to prevent fainting. Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding by placing a gauge or cleanest cloth available over the wound and press it firmly with the palm of your hand. Elevate the injury. Position the wounded part of the body above the level of the heart (to stop bleeding) if possible while you apply direct pressure. If the bleeding is from the ear, place a clean bandage over the ear, lay the victim on his side, and allow the blood to drain out through the bandage. Application of ice bag ( ice cubes in a thick plastic bag ) directly over the bleeding area is helpful. Know the pressure points. If direct pressure and elevation do not sufficiently slow the blood flow, find a pressure point. Large arteries found close to the skin's surface supply blood to the head and to each arm and leg. The most common pressure points used during first aid are located in the upper arms and in the creases above the upper legs. Apply pressure to the closest pressure point to the wound so that the artery is pressed between your fingers and the bone directly behind the artery.

Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs as a result of a direct blow to the body, a fracture, a sprain, or a bleeding ulcer. During internal bleeding blood vessels rupture and blood leaks into body cavities. If a victim receives an injury to the chest or abdomen, internal bleeding should be suspected. Symptoms of internal bleeding. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the affected area, cold, clammy skin, pale face and lips, weakness or fainting, nausea, thirstiness, rapid, weak or irregular pulse, shortness of breath, dilated pupils and swelling or bruising at the site of injury. Check for an open airway and begin rescue breathing if necessary. Call for medical help as soon as possible and keep the victim comfortable until help arrives. The victim may rinse his mouth with water, but do not give a victim of internal bleeding anything to drink.
Nose Bleeding
Causes of nose bleeding may be nose injury, strenuous activity, high blood pressure, exposure to high altitudes or blowing your nose too hard. Sit down and remain calm. Lean slightly forward to prevent blood from the running in to your throat. Pinch both the nostril closed between the thumb and the fore finger. The pressure should be applied just below the nasal bone and maintain pressure with the fingers for at least 2 minutes. Place cold, wet cloth or wedge of cotton in side the nostril and hold it there and at the same time try to apply the pressure outside the nostril for 5 minutes. Put an ice pack over the bridge of the nose. If heavy bleeding persists or if nosebleeds recur frequently, consult a physician.

CARE FOR DOG HEALTH

2008-12-30T15:11:00.000-08:00

Vaccinations
Get your new puppy or dog checked out with a veterinarian and establish a schedule for his immunizations. Puppies need to be inoculated at the age of one and a half months with a six-in-one vaccine that protects against distemper, parvo, anine, parainfluenza and so on. At two and a half months, they are due for a booster dose. The rabies and Corona vaccines are separate and given at three months. All vaccines need an annual booster.A pedigreed dog will need regular veterinary intervention. Symptoms of sickness to look out for are excessive thirst, loss of appetite, frequent diarrhea, bleeding from the mouth, nose or anus, strain to pass urine, weight loss, shivering, confusion, lameness or difficulty in moving. Make a note of the symptoms and furnish all the details to the vet so that he can make an accurate diagnosis. Some of the common pet diseases are
Ticks and fleas
Ticks are best controlled by manual removal and keeping the surroundings clean and uncluttered. They are usually seen on the head and neck, on and in the ears and between the toes. Wear rubber gloves while removing ticks to avoid contact with blood. Use a chemical dip or a solution of Butox or Asuntol both on the dogs and its environment to kill fleas and ticks. Flea collars are ineffective and contain dangerous chemicals.Ticks and fleas transmit worms and cause skin irritations and allergies. Severe infestation of flees can cause anemia as fleas feed on blood. Dogs pick up tapeworms from fleas. Round worm infested puppies may be very thin, have a pot belly, Diarrhea and a cough. Medication should be given for the particular type of worm infested. Canine Distemper Symptoms of canine distemper include coughing (a puppy can die of pneumonia in the first or second week of distemper), diarrhea, listlessness and fever. Prognosis depends upon severity and early diagnosis and treatment. This disease is highly preventable with vaccine usually taken at one and a half months of age.
Parvovirus : This is a highly contagious viral disease that is dangerous primarily to puppies. Bloody diarrhea is the most important and easily recognised symptom; others include loss of appetite, vomiting, fever and listlessness. Parvovirus can kill an adult dog in two to four days; 8 to 12 wee old puppies can die in a few hours, so early diagnosis is important. A preventive vaccine is 80 to 90 percent effective.
Canine Para influenza
This airborne viral disease more commonly known as 'Kennel cough' is highly contagious, but much less severe than distemper. It is the most common respiratory illness in dogs. The incubation period is 5 to 10 days. Common symptoms include discharge from the nose and a persistent dry cough, which usually disappears by itself within 2 weeks. This disease only becomes serious if left untreated and a secondary bacterial infection sets in leading to pneumonia. This disease is not transmissible to humans, and can be killed with bleach. The best prevention is a standard Vaccination along with para influenza vaccine which is often combined with canine and parvovirus vaccines.
Rabies
Rabies is spread by the bite or through the saliva of an infected animal. Symptoms are sensitivity to light, foaming at the mouth, personality changes, loss of appetite and aversion to water. Prevention is only by a highly effective vaccine which may be given as early as three months for puppies. Once infested rabies is fatal and the extreme danger is transmission to humans.
Canine Coronavirus
This virus is also highly contagious, and spread through the feces. Its incubation period is only 1 to 1.5 days. Symptoms are similar to parvo, but it is a milder disease. It is not transmissible to humans, and can be killed with bleach. Canine Hepatitis This uncommonly seen disease is spread through urine, feces, and saliva. The virus can survive in the environment for weeks and even months. The incubation period is 4 to 9 days. Common symptoms are fever with depression, loss of appetitie, discharge from the eyes and nose, abdominal pain and vomiting. This is highly fatal to puppies. This disease is not transmissible to humans and can be killed with bleach. Leptospirosis This disease is not a virus, rather it is a spirochete, a highly specialized form of bacteria. It is spread through the urine onto the skin. After an incubation period of 5 to 15 days, the most common symptoms are weakness, fever, vomiting, loss of appetite and jaundice. This disease rarely causes death, but can persist as a chronic disease. It is usually spread by urine contaminated water, and is a zoonotic disease. This disease is transmissible to humans.

SET UP YOUR AQUARIUM

2008-12-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

Keeping fish is fun. But there are a few basic things that you will need to know before beginning your new hobby. It is always better to get an aquarium ready before buying fish as the fish needs to have a ready environment to live as soon as we bring them home. Reading all about setting up an aquarium helps a lot in making the right purchase. The aquarium tanks come in different shapes, sizes and styles. The size of the aquarium you decide should fit most suitably in your room. A 10 or 20 gallon aquarium may be ideal for beginners. The tank should not be placed in direct sunlight since this can adversely affect the temperature of the tank. All aquariums should have a cover to prevent evaporation of water and to keep those leaping fish in the tank. Aquariums may be made of glass or acrylic. Look it over carefully for scratches or cracks before purchasing.
A tank needs a filter to keep the water clean, a heater if you are planning to keep tropical fish and then one has to decide on the decorations such as the kind of gravel, the type of plants whether live or artificial and other decorations such as natural rock, driftwood and so on. Decorations enhance the look of your aquarium. When setting up the tank, it is important to read all the instructions that come with the filter, the heater, size, temperature, decorations and so on. A fresh water tank is easier to manage for beginners than a salt water or marine tank. Use clean tap water to fill your aquarium. Let the water stand for several days so that the chemicals in it such as chlorine and ammonia, harmful to the fish get time to evaporate. 10 or 20 gallon of water could support your requirements. Different types of filters are available to help keep the water in the aquarium clean from the waste excreted by the fish. They are 'under gravel' filters, box filters and outside filters. The more filter material a filter has the better filter it will be. Under gravel filters are kept in the bottom of the tank and are covered with gravel, so cannot be seen. They filter water through the gravel.
They work better but are harder to clean as one will need to break the whole tank to clean them. Box filters are smaller in size and are placed inside the aquarium in one corner or is attached to the wall. Although they need frequent cleaning, they are much easier to clean. Outside filters similar to box filters comes in different sizes and are kept outside the tank attached to the outer wall or placed at the back of the tank. They work well and are easy to clean. Decorative gravel is available in different sizes and colors. Wash the gravel thoroughly with water before laying it it about 2 inches thick inside the tank. Instead of gravel, sand, dolomite, crushed coral etc can be used. Dark colored gravel will bring out the colors in tropical fish. Besides being decorative, gravel also holds the plants. Natural rocks or driftwood, plastics and ceramics can be used as decoration. Thoroughly clean and disinfect them before you put them in the tank. Prepared rocks or wood for aquariums are available for purchase. Don't use anything metal because you don't want rust in the tank.
You have to make a choice betweeen live plants or plastic plants to be kept in the aquarium. Live plants look better and help form a natural eco system. They help keep the fish tank clean by absorbing the nutrients from the fish waste. Live plants need proper lighting, a plant growth bulb should be installed in the aquarium. Fluorescent lamps are good as they give off very little heat and so are not harmful for cold water fishes. The only problem with keeping live plants is that some large fishes tend to eat them. Plastic plants look real as well as are easy to care for and comes in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes.

Titanic facts

2008-12-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

In 1898 (14 years prior to the Titanic tragedy), Morgan Robertson wrote a novel called Futility. This fictitious novel was about the largest ship ever built hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic ocean on a cold April night. The fictional ship (named Titan) and the real ship Titanic were similar in design and their circumstances were remarkably alike. Both ships were labeled "unsinkable". RMS stands for Royal Mail Steamer. RMS, in formal terms, means "Royal Merchant Ship". However, the dual meaning was also "Royal Mail Steamer", because the Titanic carried mail under the auspices of His Majesty's postal authorities. At that time, all ships, military and civilian, that were under the British flag carried the distinction of "R.M.S." This, in effect, gave the ship the protection of the British Crown. An attack on an R.M.S. was considered an attack on the crown and an act of war. Two dogs were among the Titanic survivors.. It probably took Titanic about 15 minutes to sink to her final resting place on the ocean floor. That means that Titanic sank at a rate of 10 miles per hour (or 16 km per hour).
The Tower Bridge, located in London England, is approximately the same length and height as the Titanic. Originally, the Titanic's design only included 3 funnels (smokestacks). The aftmost funnel (towards stern) was added to make the Titanic look more impressive-it gave the feeling of "power and grace". It only functioned as an air vent. No one ever claimed that the Titanic was "unsinkable". The quote, "practically unsinkable" was taken out of context. In 1911, Shipbuilder magazine published an article describing the construction of the Titanic. The article stated that when the watertight doors were closed, the ship would be "practically unsinkable". It was customary to break a bottle of champagne on the bow of a boat when launched. The Titanic launching did not include the traditional bottle-breaking. The Titanic sank 2 hours and 40 minutes after hitting the iceberg.
Many of the passengers were not originally suppose to be traveling on the Titanic. Due to a strike, coal was in short supply. This shortage threatened Titanic's maiden voyage and forced the White Star Line to cancel travel on the Oceanic and Adriatic and transfer their passengers and coal stocks to the Titanic. There were 13 couples on board celebrating their Honeymoons. Captain Smith was planning to retire after Titanic's maiden voyage. The Titanic had 4 elevators (3 in First class and 1 in Second class).At the time, Titanic's whistles were the largest ever made. Titanic's whistles could be heard from a distance of 11 miles. The Titanic carried 900 tons of baggage and freight. The Titanic used 14,000 gallons of drinking water every 24 hours. Coal consumption per day: 825 tons. Carried 20 lifeboats and 3560 life jackets. The life jackets were made of canvas and cork. More than 3 million rivets were used to build the Titanic. In a test done to determine stopping distance, the Titanic was accelerated to 20 knots and then the engines were reversed at full power.
The distance required to stop the Titanic was about half a mile. The Titanic's radio call sign was: MGY. The Titanic hit the iceberg on the starboard (right) side of the bow. It has been speculated that the Titanic may have suffered only minor damage and minimal loss of life had it hit the iceberg head-on. It has also been suggested that the Titanic may have completely avoided colliding with the iceberg had the bridge not requested that the engines be reversed ("Full Astern"), prior to steering the ship to the left ("Hard-a-starboard"). This action would have decreased the forward momentum of the Titanic causing it to turn at a slower rate. The Titanic carried a total of 20 lifeboats. 14 of these lifeboats were wooden and each one had a capacity of 65 persons, 2 were wood cutters with a capacity of 40 persons each and 4 were collapsibles (wood bottoms and canvas sides) and each collapsible was capable of carrying 47 persons. The total capacity of all 20 lifeboats was 1,178 people. This was obviously not enough lifeboats to save all the 2201 people on board the Titanic. If every lifeboat left the Titanic filled to maximum capacity, 1,023 persons would have been left behind. Unfortunately, very few lifeboats were filled to maximum capacity when they were lowered from the Titanic into the icy water. This caused the death toll to rise dramatically.

History of Kung Fu

2008-12-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

The term 'Kung Fu' does not relate to any specific form of martial art, but rather translates as 'skill' or 'ability'. Scholars believe that the use of Kung Fu to describe the Chinese martial form originated in Hong Kong and Kwangtung province. There are records of the Jesuit priest, Pere Amiot, writing of the 'peculiar exercises' practised by the Taoist priests of his region which he called 'Cong Fou'.Wu Shu is traditionally the term widely used to describe the traditional Chinese martial arts, though other descriptions such as Kuo-shu, Kuo-chi, Chien-shu and Tao-fa have also been used from time to time. (Wu Shu is the term currently used for Chinese martial arts by the People's Republic of China).
Exactly when Kung Fu first sprouted is unknown, with historians stating that Chinese martial forms most likely predate recorded history. Since the dawn of time there have been battles between man and animal, warring tribes, etc. during which conflicts combative techniques were executed and accumulated and passed down from generation to generation.

What is particular about the Chinese martial forms is that many schools or styles were created by imitating the fighting techniques of animals such as monkeys, lions, tigers, snakes, bears, etc. The adaptation of animal techniques stems from a belief that in order to survive in their harsh natural environment, all animals (even birds and insects) were naturally endowed with skills for fighting. Hence techniques were born from the tiger's pounce, the eagle's sharp claws and the elusiveness and unpredictability of the monkey. Still, it is difficult to attach a precise date to the true birth of Kung Fu. Some traditional historians date it as far back as the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC). Others place it in the period of the Contending States (475 - 221 BC) and the Yellow Emperor, Huang Ti. Indeed, it would appear that modern Kung Fu has adapted and evolved from the warring experiences of China's past, with distinct traces of Mongolian, Tibetan, Indian and other cultural ideologies exhibited in many styles. If there is one common reference point in tracing Kung Fu's history, it is the Shaolin Temple and the journey of Buddhism from India to China.

Buddhism reached China during the period of the Eastern Han Ming Emperor (58 - 76 AD) and soon flourished. It is estimated that by 500 AD there were more than 10,000 Buddhist temples in China and many emperors became devout Buddhists. In 495 AD the Shaolin Temple was constructed by the order of Emperor Wei Xiao Wen (471 - 500 AD). The Temple was built to house the teachings of a Buddhist monk named Batuo, who came to China for Buddhist teaching in 464 AD. As such Batuo can be considered the first Shaolin Temple monk, though there is no record of how or what (471 - 500 AD). The Temple was built to house the teachings of a Buddhist monk named Batuo, who came to China for Buddhist teaching in 464 AD. Qigong practice, just as there is no record of how or when he died.The most influential person in the study of Kung Fu's history through the Shaolin Temple is an Indian monk named Da Mo (or Ta Mo). Da Mo, also known as Bodhidarma, had been a small prince of a Southern Indian tribe. The legends of Da Mo in Chinese mythology are elaborate, to say the least. One legend has Da Mo sitting in a cave where he stared at the wall for nine years in meditation. After accidentally falling asleep, he became so angered with himself that he tore off his eyelids and threw them on the ground. Tea shrubs grew from the ground beneath the discarded eyelids and monks have used tea ever since to deter sleep.

Dao Mo was invited to China by the Emperor Liang Wu. He arrived in Canton in 527 AD but when the emperor disliked his preaching. Da Mo withdrew to the Shaolin Temple. Upon arriving at the Temple, Da Mo found many of the monks to be sick and weak. The classics taught the priests how to build their Qi to an abundant level and use to it improve their health and change their physicality to one of super strength. When this training was combined with martial forms, the priests found a marked improvement in the strength and power of their martial techniques.It is believed that Da Mo may have authored the series of 18 exercises contained in a manuscript, the I-Chin-Ching, outlining the Shaolin method of Chinese boxing. Shaolin strove the increase speed, strength and elasticity. It was vigorous and calisthenic and became the basis from which Karate in Okinawa and the Korean martial arts were derived. The Xi Sui Jin was hard to learn and as such was passed down secretly only to a few disciples in every generation. Sadly Da Mo passed away in the Shaolin Temple in 536 AD but what he had started would live on for centuries.

Dental Problems

2008-12-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Did you know drinking alcohol can be hard on the teeth? Alcohol can cause dental erosion. Dental erosion is defined as irreversible loss of dental hard tissue by a chemical process other than bacteria. The minerals that make up the tooth structure dissolve when they come into contact with acids in the mouth from internal sources (e.g., things like gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting) or external sources (e.g., acidic beverages, citrus fruits). This form of tooth surface loss is part of a larger picture of tooth wear.
Alcohol causes dental erosion problems two ways. Heavy drinking can lead to frequent vomiting and the vomit is extremely acidic. But also many alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer are acidic, and the beverages (pops, juices) used in mixed drinks are also generally very acidic. High levels of consumption may also indicate chronic alcohol use problem, which increases the risk of frequent vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Sometimes enlargement of the parotid salivary glands (glands that secrete saliva in the mouth) may be a sign of a chronic alcohol use problem.
Oral Cancer
In education module on oral health in older adults prepared for Columbia University, dentist- instructor Janet Yellowitz notes although oral cancer is only one-fifth as common as colon, lung or breast cancers, it is more than twice as common as cervical cancer. Its better that every individual have the knowledge of the causes and symptoms of oral cancer so as to take preventive measures.
Oral cancer occurs more frequently in the older men than older women, and both alcohol and tobacco consumption have been identified as high risk behaviors. Citing Blot (1998) she goes on to point out the effects of alcohol and tobacco when combined explode the risk, and account for 75% of all oral cancers in the United States. For oral cancer, incidence rates steadily increase from middle adulthood until the seventh decade of life for both men and women.

Lawyers

2008-12-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

All over the world, It is one of the most adventurous as well as exciting career. Lawyers are held in high esteem in our society, and there remains the faith that when all else fails, one can still take recourse to the legal system. In our daily life in one way or other we may come across situations where legal advice is required. In such situation we need the advice of a legal professionals who analyse and interpret law properly.
Lawyers counsel clients about their legal rights and suggest course of action in a particular matter. They also advise clients and draw up legal documents, such as wills and contracts and conduct negotiations on legal matters, and may represent clients in court and tribunal proceedings.
Academic excellence is not the main thing behind the success in this profession. Professional competence acquired through experience and practice with efficient lawyers is the main yardstick of success.There are various areas of specialisation in this field which one can choose from like corporation law, civil law, criminal law, international law, labour law, patent law, tax law and so on.
There are number of institutions and universities conducting courses in law. The most premier among law universities in India is National Law School Of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore. Admission to NLSIU is through an All India Admission Test held usually on first Sunday in May. University College Bangalore, Government College Mumbai, ILS law college and Symbiosis college and Faculty of Law of Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University etc are some of the other leading legal Institutions in India.
Minimum qualification to go for a course in law (LLB) is 10+2. Course duration is of 5 years and is sponsored by the Bar Council Of India One who wishes to become an advocate and practice law as a profession in India, should enroll with the local State Central Bar council. Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location of their employer.

Freedom of speech

2008-12-30T14:47:00.000-08:00

The whole of the Internet fosters freedom of speech and of the press by providing a worldwide network for instantaneous communication and publication, and the linking function itself serves the interest of the free exchange of information, enabling users of the World Wide Web to navigate its diverse and dynamic marketplace of ideas. The reasons for the First Amendment's protection of free expression are largely based on the ideas that free and open debate will generate truth, and that only an informed electorate can create an effective democracy. Thomas Jefferson wrote repeatedly on this topic:
In every country where man is free to think and to speak, differences of opinion will arise from difference of perception, and the imperfection of reason; but these differences when permitted, as in this happy country, to purify themselves by free discussion, are but as passing clouds overspreading our land transiently and leaving our horizon more bright and serene. Jefferson also stated that: "Nothing but good can result from an exchange of information and opinions between those whose circumstances and morals admit no doubt of the integrity of their views Other noted political philosophers have thrown their weight behind the "marketplace of ideas" concept as well, including John Stuart Mill. He conceived of the marketplace as a necessary means of testing the validity of ideas: "[N]o one's opinions deserve the name of knowledge, except so far as he has either had forced upon him by others, or gone through of himself, the same mental process which would have been required of him in carrying on an active controversy with opponents
The broad range of topics addressed by the far-flung and unfiltered publishers on the World Wide Web doubtless include many topics Jefferson and Mill never imagined, and the value of which being highly questionable in the context of public policy decision-making. Nevertheless, as government has reached out to regulate more types of conduct, the types of discussion that are relevant to inform the electorate as to the activities and makeup of their government have also expanded greatly. For example, by criminalizing the importation and interstate transportation of "obscene" and "indecent" materials

Congress creates a valid argument for the value of the discussion of the definitions of "obscene" and "indecent." In his article, Free Speech is an Absolute, Alexander Meikle john argues that, "Self-government can exist only insofar as the voters acquire the intelligence, integrity, sensitivity, and generous devotion to the general welfare that, in theory, casting a ballot is assumed to express, He goes on to argue that many forms of expression lead to the type of "knowledge, intelligence, [and] sensitivity to human values" voters need to inform their decisions. Among these forms of expression, Meikle john lists education, philosophy and the sciences, literature and the arts, and public discussion of public issues.

Effects of Milk Protein Polymorphisms on Milk

2008-12-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

A Total of 2005 first lactation Holstein-Friesian cows with known 305-d lactation yield for milk, fat, and protein were available. For each cow, genotypes for s1-casein, ß-casein, -casein, and ß-lactoglobulin were known. It appears that the milk protein variants s1-casein, ß-casein, and -casein may not be segregating independently. Effects of genetic variants of milk proteins on estimated individual Parmesan cheese yields were investigated. The relationships of the genetic variants of milk proteins to total lactation milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage were also investigated. Least squares analysis of the data indicated that s1-casein genotype
significantly influenced milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield with the highest yields obtained for the genotype BB. Cheese yield on a fixed amount of milk and fat percentage were significantly related to ß-lactoglobulin genotype with the highest estimates obtained for BB. Protein percentage was influenced by s1-casein and -casein, with the genotypes BC and BB, respectively, having the highest percentages. Significantly higher lactation
cheese yields were estimated with s1-casein genotype BB. Using the prediction equation to estimate cheese yield (on data from another study), it was found that differences in Parmesan cheese yield from milk of either -casein genotype AA or BB were greater than expected based on composition. Differences in salted curd yield from another study using milk of either ß-lactoglobulin genotype AA or BB were also greater than expected.

Tuberculosis

2008-12-30T14:45:00.002-08:00

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease mainly caused by Mycobacterium
Tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs, but can attack almost any part of the body (in brain it makes Tubeculomas, that is a major cause of Epilepsy).
It is spread from person to person through the air.
Someone who is infected with TB has the TB germs, or bacteria, in their body. The body’s defenses are protecting them from the germs and they remain a-symptomatic for a long time till the body’s defense (vital forces) remains strong. Such persons will not infect the other persons.

Clinical Picture
A person with TB infection will have no symptoms. A person with TB disease may have any, all or none of the following symptoms: cough off and on for a long period, feeling tired all the time, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever (mild to moderate), coughing up blood, night sweats and chest pain for nearly one month. These symptoms can also occur with other types of lung disease so it is important to investigate the case properly. There are three group of symptoms usually finds in TB cases.Those due to the systemic effect of the disease which include lassitude and malaise, impairment of appetite, loss of weight, anaemia, sweating especially during sleep, pyrexia and tachycardia.

Absence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that the disease is inactive. It is known as a dormant stage of the disease.Those caused by the local effects of tubercular lesions. Depending on the site of lesion symptoms varies from patient to patient: cough is more when there is an involvement of the air passage. Those caused by the nature of the disease: inflammatory lesions produce acute conditions means more febrile symptoms.

Treatment for TB depends on whether a person has TB disease or only TB infection. A person who has become infected with TB, but does not have TB disease, may be given preventive therapy. Preventive therapy aims to kill germs that are not doing any damage right now, but could break out later.

If a doctor decides a person should have preventive therapy, the usual prescription is a daily dose of isoniazid (also called "INH"), an inexpensive TB medicine. The person takes INH for six months (up to a year for some patients), with periodic checkups to make sure the medicine is being taken as prescribed.
What if the person has TB disease? Then treatment is needed. The patient usually gets a combination of several drugs (most frequently INH plus two to three others), usually for six to nine months. The patient will probably begin to
feel better only a few weeks after starting to take the drugs.

It is very important, however, that the patient continue to take the medicine
correctly for the full length of treatment. If the medicine is taken incorrectly or stopped the patient may become sick again and will be able to infect others with TB. If the medicine is taken incorrectly and the patient becomes sick with TB a second time, the TB may be harder to treat because it has become drug resistant. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB is very dangerous, so patients should be sure that they take all of their medicine correctly. It is resistant to available ATT only not to homeopathy.

Risk Factors for Clinical Mastitis in Herds

2008-12-30T14:45:00.001-08:00

The incidence rate of clinical mastitis in 125 herds with a low annual bulk milk SCC (<150,000 cells/ml) was modeled using a Poisson regression model. The rate of clinical mastitis was significantly associated with some variables that increased the exposure to environmental microorganisms: poor cubicle cleanliness increased the mastitis rate; rubber mats in cubicles were associated with a higher incidence; and drinking water from sources other than public water also increased the rate of mastitis. Other variables may be associated with host resistance: an increasing percentage of cows leaking milk increased the rate of mastitis; postmilking teat disinfection was associated with a higher incidence of clinical mastitis; and a high frequency of cubicle disinfection was also associated with more mastitis. Three other variables were associated with the rate of mastitis: breed (Holstein-Friesian had a lower incidence than the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel breed); use of sugar beet pulp in the ration increased the mastitis rate; and in herds with high milk production a higher incidence of mastitis was observed. These items are discussed in respect to their causal relation to clinical mastitis.
In no event shall American Dairy Science Association, or Stanford University be liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the use of the articles or other material derived from the journals, whether or not advised of the possibility of damage, and on any theory of liability.
This publication is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. Descriptions of, or references to, products or publications does not imply endorsement of that product or publication.
JDS Online is under development and changes may be made in these publications and programs at any time. There is no guarantee that the information contained in the online version of the journal is identical to the print version of the journal and neither the American Dairy Science Association or Stanford has any duty to update the information contained on the online version to correct errors or otherwise.

Neurology

2008-12-30T14:44:00.000-08:00

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.Physicians specializing in the field of neurology are called neurologists and are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with neurological disorders.Most neurologists are trained to treat and diagnose adults.
Pediatric neurologists, nearly always a subspecialty of pediatrics, treat neurological disease in children. Neurologists are also involved in clinical research, clinical trials, as well as basic research and translational research. Neurological disorders are disorders that affect the central nervous system (brain, brainstem and cerebellum), the peripheral nervous system (peripheral nerves - cranial nerves included), or the autonomic nervous system (parts of which are located in both central and peripheral nervous system).
Neurologists also diagnose and treat some conditions in the musculoskeletal system..For more information about the topic Neurology, see the following related articles:
Multi-infarct dementia — Multi-infarct dementia, also known as vascular dementia, is a form of dementia resulting from brain damage caused by stroke or transient ischemic.
Peripheral vision — Peripheral vision is a part of vision that occurs outside the very center of gaze. There is in actuality a very broad set of non-central points in
Brain damage — Brain damage or brain injury is the destruction or degeneration of brain cells. Brain damage may occur due to a wide range of conditions, illnesses.
Dementia with Lewy bodies — Dementia with Lewy bodies is the second most frequent cause of hospitalization for dementia, after Alzheimer's disease.

Modulation of the Immune System by Human Milk

2008-12-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

To determine whether human milk and nucleotides added to infant formula at levels present in human milk enhance development of the immune system during infancy.
Methods. A 12-month, controlled, randomized and blinded, multisite feeding trial was conducted on two infant formulas: iron-fortified, milk-based control formula (Control) or the same formula fortified with nucleotides (Nucleotide). The level (72 mg/L) and ratio of individual nucleotides selected were patterned after those available in human milk. A third group fed human milk exclusively for 2 months and then human milk or Similac with iron until 12 months of age also was studied. Response to immunizations was chosen to assess development of the immune system. Infants followed the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 1991.
Outcome Variables. Antibody responses were determined at 6, 7, and 12 months of age to Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide (Hib), to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and to oral polio virus (OPV) immunizations.
Results. Of 370 full-term, healthy infants enrolled, 311 completed the study (107 Control, 101 Nucleotide, 103 human milk/Similac with iron). Intake, tolerance, and growth of infants were similar in all three groups. Compared with the Control group 1 month after the third immunization (7 months of age), the Nucleotide group had a significantly higher Hib antibody concentration (geometric mean concentrations of 7.24 vs 4.05 µg/mL, respectively), and a significantly higher diphtheria antibody concentration (geometric mean of 1.77 vs 1.38 U/mL). The significantly higher Hib antibody response in the Nucleotide group persisted at 12 months. The antibody responses to tetanus and OPV were not enhanced by nucleotide fortification. There also was an effect of breastfeeding on immune response. Infants who breastfed had significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers to polio virus than either formula-fed group (1:346 vs 1:169 and 1:192 in the Control and Nucleotide groups, respectively) at 6 months of age.
Conclusion. Infant formula fortified with nucleotides enhanced H influenzae type b and diphtheria humoral antibody responses. Feeding human milk enhanced antibody response to OPV. Dietary factors play a role in the antibody response of infants to immunization.

Jyotish

2008-12-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

Jyotish has been presented as something very difficult, very mysterious -- an unattainable goal by individuals with personal agenda. This is deplorable. Most of the sciences have many more rules and complex structure and are relatively easily handled by students all over the globe. Surely, any of these individuals, if they are interested can learn jyotish. It is true that all of those who study would not become accomplished jyotishis, but then not every engineer becomes an electronics expert, nor every doctor ends up becoming a neurosurgeon -- but the basics can be learned by most. A big deal is made about mathematical expertise and how in the pre-computer era (40s 50s 60s!) astrologers used to master the math behind horoscope casting. This is a myth because most individuals used ephemeris and used interpolation math or proportional logarithm which are essentially very simple math operations and somewhat imprecise and crude compared to the output generated by modern software which actually calculates the terms and quantities from scratch and derives planetary longitudes using fairly sophisticated algorithm that have benefitted over years by data produced by the NASA jet propulsion laboratory observations. Besides, once a software has been tested and debugged, it would give consistent results, whereas, if you are calculating by hand, there is the probability of your making mistakes each time and in different places during the calculations. Software is on the whole superior provided it has been properly designed, tested and debugged.

When a child is born or a question is formulated or a new venture begun, the moment is believed to hold valuable information regarding the 'fate' and characteristics of that child, question or venture, like the seed holds all that is required to make a tree. This is the simple premise of astrology. In jyotish, the moment or epoch is associated primarily with ten indicators. These are the seven visible bodies, sun, moon, mercury, venus, mars, jupiter and saturn, the two lunar nodes, rahu and ketu, and the point on the zodiac or ecliptic belt that intersects with the local horizon. For ease of understanding, think of the zodiac as the rainbow. The point where the 'rainbow' -- that is the zodiac of constellations and signs --meets the horizon gives the rising degree. This rising degree forms the mid-point of the first house. For practical purposes, the entire sign is taken to represent the first house and the next sign (to rise) then becomes the second house and so it continues till we come to the sign that has risen completely above the horizon and this forms the 12th house.

The tenth house, is the sign that is right above our head or at the zenith. There is no logical reason behind the signs or why they are each 30 degrees long. There is a parallelism between the planetary rulership and the order of the signs, though. The sign rulerships that are clustered around the signs (assumed or axiomatically known to be) ruled by sun and moon are based on the orbits of the planets arranged around the sun, so we have gemini and virgo ruled by mercury, taurus and libra ruled by venus, aries and scorpio ruled by mars, pisces and sagittarius ruled by jupiter and aquarius and capricorn ruled by saturn. When viewing and measuring the signs, we come across some signs that are of long ascension and rise over a longer period of time in the northern hemisphere (the opposite is true for the signs in the southern hemisphere, what is long in north is short in southern hemisphere). This is caused by the obliquity of the ecliptic (in reference to the earth's plane) and leads to the observation of phenomena such as interception of the signs with some of the signs not rising at all at certain times during the year. In the higher latitudes, therefore, some recommend the use of house systems, something that is not very clearly or strongly indicated in jyotish texts.
Some argue that this is because jyotish developed in regions of earth near the equator and interception of signs is not observed there. The jury is still out on this one. One can think of the signs as being the product of the orbit of the earth around the sun and the houses as being the product of the rotation of earth around its axis. The daily and monthly/annual motion of earth in the sky lead to the creation of sign and houses. The perspective of astrology is, therefore, geocentric or perhaps more precisely, geotopocentric, as some might like to emphasize.

Insurance cover

2008-12-30T14:41:00.004-08:00

You must have seen, heard and read about companies which provide insurance cover to policy holders in case of any eventuality like accidents, hospitalization, household hazards, thefts or death and still others who look after investment schemes, employee benefits, retirement benefits and pension schemes. The policy holders are required to pay a fixed amount as installments at regular intervals and they get this money back in the event of any untoward incident or upon the maturity of the policy. Have you ever wondered who decides as to what amount of money a policy holder should pay as premium or what sum should be given as pension amount or returns by the company?.

Well, this exactly is what an actuary does. They calculate insurance risks and premiums. Technically speaking the job of an actuary is to assess the financial impact of an uncertain future event. Roughly speaking they look at the financial aspect of disasters, sarcastically speaking they are financial astrologers.
An actuary has to combine the skills of a statistician, economist and financier and employ techniques of probability, compound interest, law, marketing, management etc to predict the outcome of future contingencies and design solutions to lessen the financial severity of such events.

Actuarial profession was formally established in 1848, with the formation of Institute of Actuaries, London. In India, traditionally actuaries were found only in the life-insurance sector but now with the opening up of the economy they are wanted by non-life insurance companies, banks, stock exchanges, private and government agencies and this is one field where demand exceeds supply.

The Actuarial Society of India (ASI), the only professional body of Actuaries in India was formed in 1944 and was admitted as a member of the International Actuarial Association (IAA), an umbrella organization to all actuarial bodies across the world, in 1979. It was registered in 1982 under registration of Literacy, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act XIII of 1960. Its objectives include the advancement of Actuarial profession in India, providing opportunities for interaction among members of the profession, facilitating research, arranging lectures on relevant subjects and providing facilities and Guidance to those studying for the professional Actuarial Examination.

The Institute of Actuaries Of India (IAI or formally ASI) was initially started as a non-examining body when Actuaries used to get qualified from Institute of Actuaries or Faculty of Actuaries of UK. The Institute of Actuaries of India started conducting Entrance Examinations in India for students of Institute of Actuaries, UK, in 1975. In 1989, it started conducting examinations for its Indian qualification up to Associate ship level, and in 1992, it started conducting Fellowship level exams. The IAI has been following the UK pattern of examinations since November 2000 with an eye to be a part of global standards set by the International Actuarial Association (IAA).
To become an actuary one must be a Fellow of a recognised professional examining body like the Actuarial Society of India (ASI), Mumbai or the Institute of Actuaries, London. The work of an actuary involves a lot of number crunching and the nature of work is quite tedious, nevertheless it offers rewards in terms of intellectual challenge, status, job satisfaction and earnings. As their judgment is the basis of decision making for many business activities, their career paths often lead to upper management and executive positions.

Ancient civilization

2008-12-30T14:40:00.002-08:00

Each and every ancient civilization had their own history which were not recorded in those days. With the passage of time, evidences has been uncovered now and again through archeological studies. Archeology is the main method available for learning about the history of such civilizations. It can unveil a rich store of information about the beliefs, social structure, economic organization and environmental effects of past societies. The word archeology is derived from two Greek words 'archaios' which means ancient things and 'logos' which means theory of science. Archaeology was first put to use by the Romans in the eighteenth century but it was given more accuracy by Heinrich Schliemann who brought to light the origins of Greek civilization.
Archaeology is a rewarding and challenging career opportunity for those who have an analytical bend of mind and a keen desire to know about the past. It can give awareness about the heritage and tradition of a country or a culture. It is the scientific and systematic study of past and human cultures through the recovery, analysis and documentation of material remains and environmental data, like architecture, artifacts, features, landscapes and biofacts. It is the field of conservation and protection of architectural relics, old monuments, inscriptions etc. In fact, Archaeology is the science that helps to build up a picture of the past.
In India, the importance of preserving the rich and cultural heritage was initiated by General Alexander Cunningham. It was he who established the Archaeological Survey of India in 1862 for the maintenance, conservation and preservation of centrally protected monuments and archaeological sites in the country. Due to his contribution in Indian history and Archaeology, Cunningham is considered as the father of Indian history and Archaeology.
Archaeology is a multidisciplinary science which draws help from geography, history, anthropology, chemistry, geology, art and literature. It is also regarded as one of the four branches of Anthropology, which is the study of the physical and social characteristics of humanity. The cultural and social events of the past have been relived through archeological studies. Archaeological studies or inputs are considered important in issues such as environmental conservation, urban societies, town planning etc. These discoveries involve a variety of field techniques and laboratory procedures.
Those who are involved with the studies of archaeological discoveries is termed as Archaeologists. The main activities of an Archaeologist include preliminary fieldwork, excavation of sites and periodical classification of them as well as dating and interpretation of materials so excavated. They probe into the past and define earlier civilizations. Their researches and findings are preserved and maintained for present and future learning. Modern archaeologists have enhanced the accuracy of their work with scientific techniques of carbon dating of artifacts and the use of DNA analysis.

Aspects of travel

2008-12-30T14:40:00.001-08:00

One of the important aspects of travel by air is concerned with making the journey of the passenger as much comfortable and safe. It is in this respect the Air hostess/Pursers play their role.
This is a very promising career option with the vision of a smart, efficient lady in mind. Many young girls opt for the career because of the exciting experience of flying, visiting different places, interacting with different kinds of people on board and for the very attractive pay package. Liberalisation of air policies have increased the private operation of air services and this has created immense job opportunities in this field. Even though this career gives exciting experience it is not as easy as it seems. This is a highly demanding job which requires a lot of patience and involves odd duty hours. To be more specific behind this career lies a strong conviction, commitment and hard work for learning the technical aspects of aircraft operation and skills to tackle difficult situation.

The air hostess is called the first person to welcome a passenger, her welcoming smile and greeting acknowledge every passenger. Inside the aircraft, she seems to be here, there and everywhere, greeting every passenger, guiding each to his or her seat, helping a passenger get settled, co-ordinating security personnel, giving directions as and when required and doing a myriad things. Basically, she’s on constant call all the time.

Beauty care

2008-12-30T14:31:00.002-08:00

Beauty care that helps people look their best, is a field for those who have an eye for beauty and enjoy interaction with others. With the work environment getting increasingly competitive and professional, and the growing awareness of health and beauty among men and women, the need to appear well-groomed and attractive has assumed greater importance in today's world.
This has resulted in the growth of beauty products and beauty treatments, turning beauty care into a fast growing and lucrative career. Technically known as cosmetology, beauty care covers the overall conditions for looking good and therefore includes everything from beauty therapy to health care. Work in this field involves the knowledge and use of a range of treatments, and equipments to enhance the appearance of the face, body and hair.
The main task of a beautician is to give an attractive appearance to their clients. In this field, success has no relationship to the age of the practitioner. Although tastes and trends in beauty keeps on changing, the basic job of a beautician/ beauty care professionals remains the same. This is one field, one can easily get into and be successful. Since the working medium of this field is a live person, it is one of the most rewarding of all the art works.

Homeopathy Vs Allopathy

2008-12-30T14:31:00.001-08:00

A comparison in Homeopathic and allopathic treatment of Kidney Failure.
Allopathic treatment
In comparison to life long treatment in allopathy. Damaged Kidneys cannot be repaired in allopathy. Modern medicine try to facilitate the bodily waste products to pass out by the process of dialysis through artificial or by transplanted natural kidney and simultaneously by doing forced diuresis with the help of tab. Lasix, Dytor etc. that eventually lead to more damage to the remaining renal cells. The process of dialysis could not be stopped once a patient starts on it. As the time passes this procedure has to done more frequently
. There is no curative procedure for CRF in modern medicine. Kidney transplantation and Dialysis does not cure renal failure, but instead keeps a person alive by performing the crucial functions of the kidneys. There is very high percentage of rejection of new kidney, In allopathic system patient has to spend Rs.5000 to 20000/- per month exclusively on medicines. Expanses of hospital’s fee and investigations are superfluous.
In case of kidney transplanted patients kidney’s linked diseases like Diabetes mellitus and Hypertension may become uncontrolled instead of taking full medical care.In allopathic system damage is a continuous process, it can be slow down up to a certain limit but cannot be stopped.In the similar way it can not treat (correct) the cysts or tumors of kidneys.Doctors and patient always remain worried about the bio-chemistry (Sodium, potassium etc.) otherwise some complications may likely to occur.Doctors (except classical homeopaths) remain busy in managing one or the other problem.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathic medicines can be stopped in 2 to 5 years depending on the severity and underlying cause of the disease.Though Homeopathy does not provide any substitute (dialysis or new Kidney) for any organ (Kidney) but it can revive the damaged organ as it has been proved at many times in my treated TB cases where I always found normal tissue in place of fibrocavitory lesions (Completely damaged tissue). Patient’s kidney starts improving as soon as he starts taking homeopathic treatment. It helps the patient withdrawing from dialysis.

Beware of pain killers and Steroids

2008-12-30T14:30:00.002-08:00

They can kill your kidneys etc. joints can become mobile Pain is the most striking symptom felt by brain as warning sign which draws attention of the subject’s immunity to get starts the healing process at the site of pain. So it should not be considered as "the enemy."
Suppressing the pain by any way would suppress the immunity, which might be fatal in long run. So beware of painkillers and steroids they can damage anyone's vital organs.We can keep you healthy by improving your immunity level.This way you will never have to postpone your important meetings.If you don’t have time to go to a doctor’s clinic for every health problem is now no problem. Just call us and take the advised medicine from our kit of medicines which works instantly.
So, keep such telephonic doctor in your Pocket all the time.Our centers are equipped with most modern homeopathic software, so, our team of homeopathic doctors are able to treat the patients very quickly and scientifically. A good homeopathic treatment can relieve all types of pains. It not only relieves the pain but it may root out the cause of the pain also.
Arthritis, joints pain of varied reasons, tension headache to cancer headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgias, glaucoma pain, muscular pains, sprains, bone pains, bone fracture site pains, GB Pain, Liver Pain, Kidney's stone, Chronic Abdominal pain, Dysmenorrhorea, uterine pain, Tubo-overian Mass pain, calf cramps and lower backache, etc. etc. are very well managed in homeopathic treatment. Even Parkinsonism and multiple sclerosis has also been treated.

Cultural History Of America

2008-12-30T14:22:00.000-08:00

1960 - 1969
The sixties were the age of youth, as
70 million children from the post-war baby boom became teenagers and young adults. The movement away from the conservative fifties continued and eventually resulted in revolutionary ways of thinking and real change in the cultural fabric of American life. No longer content to be images of the generation ahead of them, young people wanted change. The changes affected education, values, lifestyles, laws, and entertainment. Many of the revolutionary ideas which began in the sixties are continuing to evolve today.
The chaotic events of the 60's, including war and social change, seemed destined to continue in the 70's. Major trends included a growing disillusionment of government, advances in civil rights, increased influence of the women's movement, a heightened concern for the environment, and increased space exploration. Many of the "radical" ideas of the 60's gained wider acceptance in the new decade, and were mainstreamed into American life and culture. Amid war, social realignment and presidential impeachment proceedings, American culture flourished. Indeed, the events of the times were reflected in and became the inspiration for much of the music, literature, entertainment, and even fashion of the decade.
The 1980s became the Me! Me! Me! generation of status seekers. During the 1980s, hostile takeovers, leveraged buyouts, and mega-mergers spawned a new breed of billionaire. Donald Trump, Leona Helmsley, and Ivan Boesky iconed the meteoric rise and fall of the rich and famous. If you've got it, flaunt it and You can have it all! were watchwords. Forbes' list of 400 richest people became more important than its 500 largest companies. Binge buying and credit became a way of life and 'Shop Til you Drop' was the watchword. Labels were everything, even (or especially) for our children. Tom Wolfe dubbed the baby-boomers as the 'splurge generation. The decade began with double-digit inflation, Reagan declared a war on drugs, Kermit didn't find it easy to be green, hospital costs rose, we lost many, many of our finest talents to AIDS which before the decade ended spread to black and Hispanic women, and unemployment rose. . And, Internationally, at the very end of the decade the Berlin Wall was removed - making great changes for the decade to come! At the turn of the decade, many were happy to leave the spendthrift 80s for the 90s, although some thought the eighties TOTALLY AWESOME.

The 1990s was truly the electronic age. We would not have been able to publish our decades web site if it weren't for the Internet. The World Wide Web was born in 1992, changing the way we communicate (email), spend our money (online gambling, stores), and do business (e-commerce). By 1994, 3 million people were online. And by 1998, this figure increased to 100 million people. It is estimated that by 2001, some 1 billion people will be connected. Internet lingo like plug-ins, BTW (by the way), GOK (God only knows), IMHO (in my humble opinion), FAQS, SPAM, FTP, ISP, and phrases like "See you online" or "The server's down" or "Bill Gates" became part of our everyday vocabulary. We signed our mail with a :-) smile, a ;-) wink, or a :-* kiss. And - everyone has a cell phone

Careers In Multimedia

2008-12-30T14:20:00.001-08:00

Moving images have an overpowering effect on the human peripheral vision. This is a survival instinct from the time when it was of supreme importance to be aware of any saber-toothed tigers before they could sneak up on you. These days, tiger-avoidance is less of an issue, but anything that moves in your peripheral vision still dominates your awareness: it is very hard to, say, concentrate on reading text in the middle of the a page if there is a spinning logo up in the corner. Never include a permanently moving animation on a web page since it will make it very hard for your users to concentrate on reading the text.
Animation is good for:
Showing continuity in transitions. When something has two or more states, then changes between states will be much easier for users to understand if the transitions are animated instead of being instantaneous. An animated transition allows the user to track the mapping between different subparts through the perceptual system instead of having to involve the cognitive system to deduce the mappings. A great example is the winner of the first Java programming contest: proving the Pythagorean theorem by animating the movement of various squares and triangles as they move around to demonstrate that two areas are the same size (unfortunately, this otherwise good page uses animated text inappropriately: the text moves constantly and is hard to relate to the events in the main animation).
Indicating dimensionality in transitions. Sometimes opposite animated transitions can be used to indicate movement back and forth along some navigational dimension. For example, paging through a series of objects can be shown by an animated sweep from the right to the left for turning the page forward (if using a language where readers start on the left). Turning back to a previous page can then be shown by the opposite animation (sweeping from the left to the right). If users move orthogonally to the sequence of pages then other animated effects can be used to visualize the transition. For example following a hypertext link to a footnote might be shown by a "down" animation and tunneling through hyperspace to a different set of objects might be shown by an "iris open" animation.
Illustrating change over time. Since an animation is a time-varying display, it provides a one-to-one mapping to phenomena that change over time. For example, deforestation can be illustrated by showing a map with an animation of the covered area changing over time.

Multiplexing the display. Animation can be used to show multiple information objects in the same space. A typical example is client side image maps with explanations that pop up as the user moves the cursor over the various hypertext anchors. It is also possible to indicating the active areas by having them shimmer or by surrounding them with a marquee of "marching ants". As always, objects should only move when appropriate (e.g., when the cursor is over the image).
Enriching graphical representations. Some types of information are easier to visualize with movement than with still pictures. Consider, for example, how to visualize the tool used to remove pixels in a graphics application. In icon design, it is always easier to illustrate objects (a box) than operations (removing pixels), but animation provides the perfect support for illustrating any kind of change operation. In an experiment reported at the CHI'91 conference, Small, and Mander increased the comprehension of a set of icons from 62% to 100% by animating them.
Visualizing three-dimensional structures. Since the computer screen is two-dimensional, users can never get a full understanding of a three-dimensional structure by a single illustration, no matter how well designed. Animation can be used to emphasize the three-dimensional nature of objects and make it easier for users to visualize their spatial structure. The animation need not necessarily spin the object in a full circle: just slowly turning it back and forth a little will often be sufficient. The movement should be slow to allow the user to focus on the structure of the object. Three-dimensional objects may be moved under user control, but often it is better if the designer determines in advance how to best animate a movement that provides optimal understanding of the object: this pre-determined animation can then be activated by the user by simply placing the cursor over the object, whereas user-controlled movements require the user to understand how to manipulate the object (which is inherently difficult with a two-dimensional control device like the mouse used with most computers - to be honest, 3d is never going to make it big time in user interfaces until we get a true 3D control device).

Choosing a Right Career

2008-12-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

Planning and Organizing are the keys to developing a career and finding a job. One should have the right tools to tackle the job market. Career is more than earning money as it plays a major role in shaping the entire life of a professional. Career planning is estimating, forecasting and calculating the path that helps in attaining the desired goals. Career planning is the first and foremost decision that every jobseeker has to take.

Initially people might work for money and it might satisfy them but as time passes, the individual looks only for happiness and satisfaction in their work. This happens because the work that an individual takes up has a very strong influence on his/her personality. Today, there are a wide range of career options available. Generally, most of the people look up to their parent’s suggestions and advice and choose their careers accordingly. Some others merely pursue the careers, which their friends have taken up. Parental and peer pressure has a lot of influence in the career choice of many.

Most people make a mistake of choosing a career that brings a lot of rewards in the form of money or recognition but ultimately suffer from unhappiness and frustration. Planning for a wrong career causes disappointment, indecision, pressure and tension in family, causing loss of overall self-esteem, which is one of the main reasons for increase in suicides and hypertension problems amongst the youth. On the other hand, an individual who has chosen a right career has high spirits even while facing difficulties is still happy and loves his/her work by taking up challenges and emerging out as a winner. The secret to a successful career is to plan and choose a career according to the right fit.

Choosing a Right Career

Excellent career planning demands experience and maturity with relevant information. This can be done with the help of career counselors who match the personality of an individual with a particular job profile. The career must match an individual’s personality. Care must be taken to choose a right counselor who is experienced, has a strong desire to help and empathize with the individual who is seeking an advice. The individual can observe the best of the results only when he/she has a complete faith in the counselor. Career planning is basically of two types: short-term career planning that lasts for a period of two-five years and long-term career planning that is for span of five plus years. Some of the major barriers an individual may face during short-term career planning are analyzing ones current/future lifestyle, likes/dislikes, passions, strengths and weaknesses, definition of success, dream job, personality and the current situation.

In these days of rapid change where yesterday is always irrelevant the individual needs to identify and develop core skills that employers would continue to value even after a long span of five plus years. Some such skills are communication (both verbal and written), creative thinking, emotional intelligence, problem solving, decision-making and a total life commitment to learn new things in the core area of work. The best way to do this is by being very active always and keeping a tab on the various changes taking place in the specified area of work.