| Saturday, September 30, 2006 |
| QUICK QUIZ: ARE YOU PARIS SMARTS?? |
1. How many bridges cross the Seine in Paris?
a). 16
b). 26
c). 36
d). 46
2. True or False: Paris earned the name "City of Light" because of the Eiffel Tower's numerous lights.
3. Which of the following is not exhibited in the Lovre?
a. Da Vinci's Mona Lisa
b. The Venus de Milo
c. Michaelangelo's Slaves
d. Van Gogh's Self Portrait
4. True or False: The French government regulates the price of baguettes.
5. How many arrodissements are there in Pairs?
a. 10
b. 15
c. 20
d. 25
6. What is included in the orchestration of George Gershwin's An American in Paris?
a. Cathedral bells
b. Accordions
c. A guillotine
d. Taxi horns
7. Salvador Dali created a famous tree structure in Paris made from:
a. Bread Dough
b. Chocolate
c. Marzipan paste
d. Spoons
8. What do Parisians like to eat while strolling down the street?
a. Baguettes
b. Crepes
c. Truffles
d. None of the above
9. About how many new perfumes are introduced in Paris each year?
a. 50
b. 100
c. 150
d. 200
ANSWERS:
1. C. A total of 36 bridges cross the Seine in Paris. Each is lighted at night. Since Roman times, bridges have played an important role in Parisian life; to traverse the river, supply power,and protect the city. The oldest is the Pont Neuf, built in 1578 and still standing on its orginal wooden posts.
2. False. The "light" of Paris actually refers to thge city's artist's, writers, and sculptors, who made Paris world renowned. These artists tended to gather in cafes on Paris Left Bank, which was known for its intellugentsia, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
3. D. Van Gogh's Self Portrait. The Louvre's most famous art was created before 1850, while the Musee d'Orsay features many masterpieces from 1850 to 1914. The Centre Pompidou, the third in Paris' trio of modern museums, is notable for its modern art. So Van Gogh's steely Self Portrait, painted in 1887, hangs in the Musee d'Orsay.
4. True. In fact, the government regulates the price of all breads. A prix du pain sign in the window of a boulangerie will tell you the going rate.
5. C. 20. An arrondissement is in government district, and there are 20 of them in Paris. Each has its own mayor and town hall. The first arrondissement is in the center of the city, the numbers increase as they spiral out counterclockwise.
6. D. Taxi horns. Inspired by the concopany of the bustling streets during the 1928 Parisian tour, George Gershwin included four pairs of of taxi horns in his symphonic classic to simulate the beeping of the 1920's Citroen taxicab.
7. A. Bread Dough. Boulangerie Poulane has at times accepted art as payment for food, including the carbo-rich tree concocted by Salvador Dali. The bakery, on rue de Cherche Midi, is famous not just for sourdough country bread and apple tarts but the works of art that adorns the halls and walls.
8. D. None of the above. Parisians consider it impolite for anyone other than children to eat while on the streets, and even children are rarely seen with anything more than an ice cream cone.
9. B. 100. The number varies somewhat, but usually about 100 new fragrants hit the Paris market each year. By industry agreement,these are sold exclusively in Paris for up to one year before they are exported.
(Source:HEMISHPHEREMAG/ParisSmarts, smartsco.com) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 2:29 AM |
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| Thursday, September 28, 2006 |
| THE SOUND AND THE FURY: Interview of TIME with Venezuela's leader HUGO CHAVEZ |
Venezuela's leader talks to TIME's Tim Padgett about why he lashes out against President Bush.
TIME: Why do you attack President George W. Bush with such jolting language?:
CHAVEZ: I believe words have great weight, and I want people to know exactly what I mean. I'm not attacking Bush; I'm simply counterattacking. Bush has been attacking the world, and not just with words - with bombs. When I say these things I believe I'm speaking for many people, because they too believe this moment is our opportunity to stop the threat of a U.S. empire that uses the U.N. to justify its agression against half of the world. In Bush's speech to the U.N., he sounded as if he wants to be master of the world. I changed my original speech after reading his.
TIME: But does'nt your rhetoric - referring to Bush, for example, as an "alcoholic" -- risk alienating potential allies?
CHAVEZ: First of all, Bush has called me worse: tyrant, populist dictator, drug trafficker, to name a few. I was simply telling a truth that people should know about this President, a man with gigantic power.
TIME: Is all of this mostly for domestic consumption back in Venezuela?
CHAVEZ: No. American author Noam Chomsky in his book [Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest for Global Dominance] talks of two superpowers in today's world - one is the U.S., which aggressively wants to dominate the world, and the other is global public opinion. I don't consider what I'm saying personal attacks on President Bush - I want to wake up U.S. and global public opinion about him.
TIME: Do your feelings about Bush reflect your feelings toward America in general?
CHAVEZ: No. I revere America as the nation of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Mark Twain - who was a great anti-imperialist, who opposses U.S. adventurism in the Spanish-American War.
TIME: You often speak of the link between U.S. foreign policy and its appetite for oil.
CHAVEZ: Bush wanted Iraq's oil, and I believe he wants Venezuela's oil. The blame for high oil prices lies in the consumer model of the U.S. Its reckless oil consumption is a form of suicide.
TIME: You said recently that you believe the "Bolivar Doctrine is finally replacing the Monroe Doctrine" on your watch. Why?
CHAVEZ: For two centuries in this hemisphere we've experienced a confrontation between two theses - America's Monroe Doctrine, which says the U.S. should excercise hegemony over all the other republics, and the doctrine of Simon Bolivar, which envisioned a great South American republic as a counterbalance. Bush has spread the Monroe thesis globally, to make the U.S. the police of the world - if you're not with us, he says, you're against us. We're simply doing the same now with the Bolivar thesis - a dcotrine of more equality and autonomy among nations, more equilibrium of power.
TIME: What's the difference between your "socialism for the 21st century" and past attempts to fix the region's economic inequality?
CHAVEZ: When I was released from prison (in 1994) and began my political life, I naively took as a reference point Tony Blair's proposal for a "third way" between capitalism and socialism - capitalism with a human face. Not anymore. After seeing the failure of Washington-backed capitalist reforms in Latin America, I no longer think a third way is possible. Capitalism is the way of the devil and exploitation of the kind of misery and inequality that destroys social values. If you really look at things through the eyes of Jesus Christ - who I think was the first socialist- only socialism can really create a genuine society.
TIME: Yet one slogan of your re-election campaign is "Against Chavez, Against the People". You also seem to have taken on a with-me-or-against-me stance.
CHAVEZ: The difference is ethics and morals. We're not threatening anyone. That slogan is simply a call for conscious reflection on national unity. We're not going to enforce it by bombing or invading anyone.
TIME: Critics have noted that while you were free to slam President Bush on U.S. soil, a new defamation law in Venezuela makes people subject to criminal prosecution for slander against officials like you.
CHAVEZ: They need to visit Venezuela. If you think Chavez is intimidating free expression, just watch television there-my God, devil is the least thing the opposition is allowed to call me on the air.
TIME: Could Venezuela play an interlocutor role between Iran and the U.S.? You and President Bush have some things in common - you both hail from cowboy country and enjoy Clint Eastwood movies.
CHAVEZ: I like Danny Glover movies better. But I don't believe there is anyone who can play the interlocutor with a leader who considers himself master of the world, as Bush does. Before the 2002 coup attempt against me - which Bush backed - various Presidents around the world tries to be interlocutors between Bush and Chavez. I said sure, please give him my regards. But they found it a waste of time with this U.S. President. I could talk to Clinton, but not to Bush.
(Source:TIMEMAG/WORLD) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 12:00 PM |
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| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 |
| HE FINISHED COLLEGE IN ONE YEAR FOR US$200 |
WASHINGTON - And you thought your kid was smart.
David Banh, an 18-year old fron Annandale, Va., just graduated from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, in one year. With double major.
His college education, almost entirely convered by a patchwork of scholdarships, cost him about $200. And he sold back textbooks for more than that . Now he's starting graduate study at University of Virginia with a research grant.
So at this point, he's technically running a profit.
Banh was helped by the fact that U-Va., a public school, costs a less than most private colleges, and that the university accepted many of his Advanced Placement credits from high school; many of the most selected private schools wouldn't. As it was, he doubled up on course credits and took more physics over the summer to finish his second major.
Many professors would like students to explore and expreiment in college rather than cram in as much as possible at top speed.
'He's one of a kind'
Still, "I've never seen anything like that before." said Donald Ramirez, professor and associate chairman of mathematics in U-Va.
"He's one of kind", said Vicki Doff, his counselor at the competitive magnet Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Va. "Absolutely amazing kid academically, incredibly persisten, bright, focused and determined. His academic record was a second to none".
Even in elementary school, he was trying to get ahead. His bus driver in kindergarten told his mother that the boy would do problems or tlak about lessons in on the bus with the other children, Kim Banh said. In 2nd grade, he told her he was bored and wanted harder math problems.
His parents pushed him. he liked learning new things rather than repeating what he already knew. He had a sort of low keyu competition with a smart girl at his school. His uncle helped tutor him. :It was nice to be ayear ahead", in math, he said, "It made me feel special when I was little".
By 8th grade, he said, most of the motivation came from him, not his parents. By his second year in high school, he was taking three Ap classes. He took more in following years.
"I sort of got a little addicted to it," he said.
Meanwhile, he had mastered bridge, competed in tournaments all over and ran the shcool club, which doubled in size.
Mother is proud, worried
His mother is proud but said she sometimes worried about the track he was on. "He didn't have time to do a lot of stuff", she said.
Banh went to U-Va. with the equivalent of 72 college credits. It takes 120 to graduate, and the school requires that at least half come from U-Va clsses.
The typical course load is 15 credits a semester.
His first semester, he took 23 credits and found he had more time than he did in high school to spend with friends, playing gavmes (video games or board games, he clarified, not drinking games). Or just hanging out.
"I don't feel like I missed out", he said. "most college was a euphoria."
He had low points, especially late in April when the workload for his 37 credits seemed crushing, and his grade started to slip - to some Bs.
He best part was when he finished his last exam and knew he'd done it; No matter what, he had a college degree. "If bag things happened, I could go out and make some decent living for myself".
The most important thing he learned in class, in math, was to construct a logical, coherent argument. And the most important thing he learned in college he said, "is to value the people you spend time with, your friends."
Now he's a grad student. His research project is on the stabilization of pressure in an accoustic chamber.
He expects to finish his master's degree this academic year. A dopctorate in math is possible.
More likely he'll go to law school. At night, while working.
He wants to be a patent attorney. Growing up with parents who arrived in the U.S. with very little and now work at the post office and in real estate, monery wasn't a problem exactly, but Banh would like to have a career that ensures he does'nt have to think about money.
He's not super-competitive, he said. But sometimes, it's good to have someone, or something to compete with .
"Everyone" he said, "needs a little more motivation".
(source:SUNCHICTRIB by: Susan Kinzie The Washington Post) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 10:34 PM |
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| Monday, September 25, 2006 |
| BLOODLESS COUP IN THAILAND......WHILE THE CAT'S AWAY..... |
As the Thai prime minister learned last week, when foreign leaders go overseas, they sometimes get overthrown.
Here's a few examples:
1. LEADER
Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra
September 19,2006
SUCCESSOR
Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin
WHY LEADER WAS AWAY
To attend United Nations session in New York.
DETAIL
Thaksin canceled his planned UN speech and stated the obvious: "I did'nt expect this incident would happen".
2. LEADER
Mauritania's Maaoya
Sid'Ahmed Taya
August 3,2005
SUCCESSOR
Military Junta
WHY LEADER WAS AWAY
In Saudi Arabia for the funeral of King Fahd
DETAIL
There has "never been as crazy and dramatic a coup in Africa", Taya declared, somewhat improbably, according to Agence France-Presse.
3. LEADER
Afghan King
Mohammad Zahir Shah
July 17,1971
SUCCESSOR
Mohammad Daoud, the King's cousin
WHY LEADER WAS AWAY
Vacationing on the island of Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Naples, Italy
DETAIL
While his 40-year reign was ending, the king was undergoing "mineral water digestive treatments" and mud baths.
4. LEADER
Ugandan President
Milton Obote
January 25,1971
SUCCESSOR
Maj. Gen. Idi Amin
WHY LEADER WAS AWAY
Attending Commonwealth conference in Singpore
DETAIL
On radio, Amin's spokesmen told other countries to "keep noses out of Uganda's internal affairs".
5. LEADER
Cambodian Prince
Norodom Sihanouk
March 18,1970
SUCCESSOR
Gen.Lon Nol
backed by U.S.
WHY LEADER WAS AWAY
Visiting Soviet Leaders in Moscow.
DETAIL
The news was broken to him by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.
6. LEADER
Libyan King Idris I
September 1,1966
SUCCESSOR
Moammar Gadhafi
WHY WAS LEADER AWAY
In Turkey for medical treatment and a vacation
DETAIL
Idris was traveling with 32 attendants, five cars and 235 pieces of luggage.
7. LEADER
Ghanian President
Kwame Nkrumah
February 24,1966
SUCCESSOR
Military Junta
WHY LEADER WAS AWAY
Traveling to China
DETAIL
After arriving in Beijing and learning of the coup, Nkrumah attended the dinner in his honor anyway, but reportedly arrived 75 minutes late looking "tense and grim".
Here's the flip side -- someone who pulled off a coup while he was out of his own country: On Oct 12, 1999, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif fired army chief Gen. Pervez Musharaf while the military leader was on a visit to Sri Lanka. While Musharraf was flying back to Pakistan, his supporters overthrew Sharif and took power for him.
(source:SUNCHICTRIB/compiled by Mark Jacob from Tribune staff and news services) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 1:37 PM |
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| Sunday, September 24, 2006 |
| METAL MOUTH:WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE MERCURY IN DENTAL FILLINGS |
WHETHER YOU HAVE A MOUTHFUL OF SILVER TEETH or just a few cavities, new questions about the safety of mercury fillings have made many of us nervous about our dental work.
Last week, an expert panel for the Food and Drug Administration rejected an agency report that had concluded mercury dental fillings are safe. In a 13-7 vote, panel members complained that the report excluded some important studies, making it impossble to reach a definitive conclusion about the safety of the fillings. The panel vote doesn't mean the fillings are'nt safe; it just means the experts felt that far more study is needed. Here are answers to some common questions about mercury fillings and your dental options.
Why are dentists using mercury in teeth?
Dentla amalgam has been in use for more than 100 years. It contains about 50percent mercury as well as a combination of metals, including silver, copper, tin and zinc. The amalgam starts as a putty-like substance that is mashed into the drilled-out tooh. It takes the shape of the cavity and the mercury triggers a reaction that cause it to harden. It's easy to use, cheap and durable. If you have a silver filling, chances are its' made of amalgam.
How much mercury are we exposed to from dental fillings?
Most Americans have sever or eight fillings. The amount of mercury relaaed daily is about one microgram per seven fillings, according to a 1997 World Health Organization report. A microgram is one millionth of a gram. By comparison, we absorb five to six micrograms of mercury from food and water sources each day, according to the Environm,ental Protection Agency. And the upper limit of permissible exposure set by governmentsafety standards for workers is equal to about 460 micrograms per day.
What do we know about the health risks of daily low-level mercury exposure from fillings?
We know dental amalgam release trace amounts of mercury vapor, but we don't know whether that has abt meaningful impact on a person's health. The World Health Organization has looked at various levels of mercury exposure and determined the threshold for when mercury exposure becomes toxic. Based on fillings to reach toxic levels of mercury exposure, according to J. Rodway Mackert, detal professor and materials science expert at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
Even though the FDA panel was skeptical about the agency's report, panel members boted that dental amalgam likely is safe for most people. The question is whether certain groups, such as children and pregnant women, should avoid mercury-based fillings. "I have concerns not about what we know, but more about what we lack in knowledge", says panel consultant Michael Aschner, professor of pediatrics and pharmacology and a mercury expert at Vanderbilt University medical school in Nashville, Tenn.
Some consumers and advocacy groups believe there is a link between mercury fillings and multiple sclerosis. Alzheimers' disease and chronic-fatigue problems. There is no scientific cridible evidence supporting any link. But since the health impact isn't fully understood, serveral European conuntries have restricted use of deantl amalgam and ruled it should'nt be used in pregnant women.
Are there altenatives to mercury fillings?
Yes. About 15 years ago, two thirds of all dental fillings were made from amalgam, but today that number has dropped to about 30percent.Now dentists use resin composites --while fillings that match tooth color and are made of powdered glass and epoxy like materials. A blue light is used to make them harden. But studies show they often aren't as durable as amalgam. As a result, while fillings work well for small cavities and teeth that show in a smile, but many dentists still prefer to use amalgam. In back teeth and for large fillings.
Gold fillings and a combination of porcelain inlays are composite materials are also options, but they are time-consuming and expensive. Composite fillings can cost 30percent more than amalgam fillings and are far more likelty to wear out and need replacement. Patients can always ask their dentists what kind of material they plan to use on a tooth and request that dental amalgam not be used if they are concerned about mercury exposure.
Should we all have our silver fillings removed?
Unless your are having a problem with a tooth or a rare allergic reactions to your mercury fillings, most experts say it's not necessry to remove the fillings. Not only would the procedure be costly and typically not covered by dental insurance, but questions remain about whether you might be exposed to more mercury when the fillings is chipped away. Dr. Mackert notes that some studies have shown a temporary spike in urine levels of mercury when fillings are removed, but the increase lasts for only a few days.
Although Dr. Aschmer still has questions about the safety of mercury fillings, he has'nt opted to have a half dozen amalgams removed from his own mouth."But if one of my kinds needed a cavity filled, I would ask what are are my options," Dr. Aschner syas, "If composite resins are an option, I would defintely consider them over putting mercury in their mouths."
FILLING THE GAP
Here's a look at the pros and cons of various dental-filling options:
@ Amalgam: Durable amd cheap, contains mercury.
@ Composites: White color; costly and less durable.
@ Ceramic: Attractive, expensive and time-consuming.
@ Gold: Durable; expensive and requires two visits.
(Source:WSJ/HEALTH TODAY by: Tara Parker-Pope healthjournal@wsj.com) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 1:44 AM |
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| Friday, September 22, 2006 |
| THE PONTIFF HAS A POINT |
His take on Islam, however clumsy, raises truths about reason and religion.
ONE OF THE SIGNATURE BUZZWORDS OF JOHN PAUL II's papacy was "dialogue".So committed was he to seeking common ground with leaders of different faiths that he all but institutionalized the process in 1986 by hosting the first of a series of interreligious gatherings in the medieval Italian town of Assisi. It was well known in Vatican circles that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, among the pope's most loyal lieutenant, was lukewarm to the Assisi enthusiasm. The German Cardinal was, after all. among the world's most rigorous (and traditionalist) Catholic theologians, skeptical of any attempt to water down differences among faiths. Still, when that same theologian became Pope Benedict XVI, he understood that the hard-won lines of communication with the world's other faith must stay open.
But rather than dialogue, the Pope now faces the need to perform major interfaith damage control. The outcry in the Muslim world that followed his provocative lecture last week on faith and reason - and the origins of holy war - is evidence that the 79-year old Benedict needs to work on the diplomatic requirements of his new job. In the speech at Regensburg University, he opened a much broader theological exploration by quoting these words of a 14th century Byzantine Emperor "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the swords the faith he preached."
Perhaps Islamic sensibilities could have been spared if the speech had included a clear indication that the Pope did not agree with the inflammatory words from 600 years ago. Still, the fallout doesn't mean that the speech was a mistake or that a Pope can never mention Muhammad. In fact, the 35-minute discourse could turn out to be the most important step forward for interfaith dialogue since the first meeting in Assisi. It could also set off a new round of anti-Western violence by angry Muslims. Or both. Such is the world that this shy,academic-minded pastor was presented with 17 months ago when he became Pope. The buzzwords today are 9/11, clash of civilizations, jihad- and old formulas must now be replaced by hard, new thinking, even at the risk of offending sensibilities.
This theologian in chief for a billion Catholics should not shy away from serious theology. Benedict's razor-sharp intellect is the best skill he has to offer for his church - and potentially the world as well. When he turned the brainpower toward the realm of interreligious relations in last week's speech, Benedict shifted the terms of a debate that has been dominated by either feel-good truisms, victimization complexes or hateful comfrontation. He sought instead to delineate what he sees as a fundamental difference between Christianity's view that God is intrinsically linked to reason (the Greek concept of Logos) and Islam's view that "God is absolutely transcendent".
Benedict said Islam teaches that God's "will is not bound up with any of our categories, even that of rationality." The risk he sees implicit in this concept of the divine is that the irrationality of violence mught thereby appear to be justified to someone who believes it is God's will. The essential question, he said, was this: "Is the conviction that acting unreasonably contradicts God's nature... always and intrinsically true?".
His questions were not reserved only for the Islamic world. As he has done before, Benedict spoke about the need for the West, especially Europe, to reverse its tendency toward godless secularism. He believes that the gift of reason that he cherishes in Christianity has been warped by the West into an absolutist doctrine. And that too, he believes, prevents the opening of a productive channel for dialogue with a more faithful Islamic society. "Reason and faith", he insisted, must "come together in a new way".
Toward the end of his lecture, Benedict said, "It is to this great Logos, to this breadth of reason, that we invite our partners in the dialogue of cultures." Indeed, just last month on the 20th anniversary of that first Assisi encounter, the Pope sent to the Bishop of Assisi a written message that heralded John Paul's promotion of peaceful dialogue among religious. If Benedict can acquire enough of his predecessor's political touch, the theologians hard thinking may help the West begin the difficult conversion with its Islamic brothers - one that includes a clear definition of differences as well as a serach for common ground - that is so badly needed.
(Source:TIMEMAG/VIEWPOINT by: Jeff Israely) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 10:31 PM |
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| Monday, September 11, 2006 |
| SEPTEMBER ELEVENTH: THE DAY OF DRAMATIC CHOICES |
THE LIVES OF SEPTEMBER 11 PEOPLE USUALLY PIVOT AROUND CERTAIN VITAL AND DRAMATIC DECISIONS WHICH THEY ARE FORCED TO MAKE.These decisions may be thrust on them when they are still quite young, perhaps before their sixteenth year. Later,when their career or private life seems to be going smoothly, when they are well established on their path, they will be met with repeated, often unexpected, crossroads. Within a society's limit on freedom, the power to effect choice may be an individual's greatest right. This fact is not at all lost on September 11 people who know how to weild great power through the choice they make.
There is no denying that people born on this day enjoy shocking others. They pride themselves on daring to risk and also enjoy recounting their exploits later. Everything that is boring, middle class, and mundane is rejected by them in thought and deed. Yet at the same time they have a tremendous need for the kind of stability that can only be found in a warm, loving family situation. Consequently, there is a conflict between what they like to think they are (highly inconventional) and what they all too often may be (highly conventional).
In this last respect, September 11 people can be extremely moral and judgemental . Paradoxically, they can espouse free love on the hand and absoulute fidelity to a partner on the other, seeing no real contradiction between the two. Also they may delight in showing off their physical attributes in public while remaining quite prudish in other espects. Sexual emancipation is an important theme in their lives.
Politcally, those born on this day are likely to believe in the emancipation not only of women and minority groups, but all oppressed peoples. They despise any sort of condescending attitude on the part of power holders or politicians toward the masses and resent all false displays of caring or emotion. Above all, they hate snobbery. For them, human feelings are sacred and should never be toyed with or exploited. But, they themselves can be quite adept at influencing others emotionally and can well be accused of being manipulative in this respect. Certainly, they know how to get their own way, by whatever means. Usually, they cse their sharp wits to present their case in a literal, logical and straighforward fashion which can become their trademark. Excellent managers, with organizational talents, they are able to make it abundantly clear what is required of their subordinates or co-workers with few words.
Those born on this day, have a great love of children (which accompanies their need for family support) and can make excellent parents. They must, however, avoid inconsistency being at time too critical and severe in their judgements, and at other times too permissive and lax. They are at their worst when they allow themselves to be careless with the feelings of others. Above all they must try to get a grip of their moodiness.
SEPTEMBER 11 - FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TERRORISTS ATTACK AT THE NEW YORK WORLD TRADE CENTER.
BORN ON THIS DAY:
D.H. Lawrence, British poet,novelist, "Son's and Lover", "Lady Chatterly's Lover".
O. Henry, short story writer.
Jessica Milford,British social protest writer"Kind and Unusual Punishment".
Lola Falana,, singer, dancer, Las Vegas showgirl.
Brian de Palma, film director, "Scarface","The Untouchables".
Ferdinand Marcos, Philippines dictator, ousted, died in exile.
Minova Brave, Indian social reformer, assumed Gandhi's mantle.
(Source: SECRET LANGUAGE OF BIRTHDAYS by: Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 12:35 AM |
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| Saturday, September 09, 2006 |
| THE WIDE WORLD OF ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES |
Integrated medicine combines conventional Western practices with complementary and alternative therapies. Some of those therapies, like chiropractic, have already become entrenched in mainstream care. Here's short guide to a few others you might encounter:
ACUPUNCTURE:
A healing practice developed in China more than 2,000 years ago. Techniques vary, but the most scientifically studied method involves stimulating key points on the body with hair-thin metallic needles that penetrate the skin.
AROMATHERAPHY:
The use of flower or herb extracts (or essences) to help heal and soothe both body and mind.
AYURVEDA:
A 5,000 year old medical system that originated on the Indian subcontinent;literally translated as "the sciences of life", the practice focuses on treating body,mind and spirit to prevent disease; it also looks at diet's role in healing and makes use of herbal remedies.
MASSAGE:
A practice that manipulates muscle tissue to promote circulation, relaxation, and a greater sense of physical and mental well-being.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM):
An ancient healthcare system based on the belief that a vital energy -- called Qi -- flows through the body and regulates a person's mental and physical well-being; when the flow of Qi is blocked or disrupted, according to TCM, illness or disease occurs; treatments include herbal therapy, medication, acupuncture and restorative physical exercises.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE:
Developed in Western cultures, this medical system is based on the belief that the body has an intrinsic healing power; naturopathic practitioners nourish and support this inner power with nutrition advice, counseling, homeopathy and treatments from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For more information, visit the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Web site at:http://nccam.nih.gov
(Source: EXPERIENCELIFEMAG/by: Betsy Noxom) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 3:46 PM |
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| Thursday, September 07, 2006 |
| AT WORK: HOW YOU CAN STAY OUT OF TROUBLE |
Everything that happens at work can be your boss's business. Keep that in mind the next time you're tempted to vent via e-mail or forward an off-color joke. Innocent words could make food legal evidence tomorrow. Here are some precautions to take against snooping supervisors:
1. KNOW YOUR COMPANY'S POLICIES
It sounds obvious, but few people bother to read through their employee handbook, where the fine print is located. Note how long youir job saves business records. "Before using a new technology, think about whether (usage or content) could violate a work policy", says Nancy Flynn, executive director of ePolicy Institute. Companies are starting to put restrictions on text messaging, camera phones and software downloads.
2. SURF THE WEB SPARINGLY
Wes surfing equals time wasting to most comoanies, so keep those ESPN.com hits to a minimum. Don't leave your Hotmail window open for hours, even if it's idle. Anyone monitoring your Web activity may think you spent all day e0mailing your friends and relatives. Delete your Web history from the preferences page, and never update your MySpace page at work - because work is the boss's space.
3. THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU HIT "SEND"
E-mails get forwarded, they can lack subtlety, and they're a written record. Be careful! Limit personal use of your work account, and erase all personal mail at the end of each day. While it's like to be archived, your employer would have to work harder to retrieve it. Avoid using your boss's name or other terms snooping software might be searching for.
4. PROOFREAD PROFILES
Treat blogs and online profiles (even e-mails) as you would a resume':check for spelling and grammar mistakes. "Be careful any time you leave a written record,"says Flynn. "Once it's in writing, you're not getting it back, since posts are forwarded and linked to all over the Web. "Never use your company's name or logo without permissio. Blog postings should avoid hot-button topics like politiics and religion. And skip items that could leave a bad impression, like your college beer-pcng championship.
5. SNAIL-MAIL YOUR RESUME
Be careful e-mailing your resume' as a Word document, since programs like Workshare let employers view earlier edits made to electronic drafts that coild show mistakes or inflated language. If you must e-mail, disable the "track changes" feature in Word and cut and paste it into a new document, or use Workshare yourself to wipe away older versions.
6. HOLD YOUR TONGUE
Don't leave voice mails you wouldn't want your boss to hear. Some companies archive voice messages, often turning them into data files. Voice mail is particularly revealing at a trail because the jury can hear, for instance, if you laughed after insulting a co-worker, "It's a smoking gun", say Flynn.
7. FORWARD WITH CARE
Delete raunchy jokes. Once you forward them, you put yourself in the mix, and some companies have treated those employee more harshly than the ones who simply opened them.
8. USE PASSWORDS
They help ensure that no one can hijack your computer to do internet searches or send e-mail attributed to you. Do the same for pictures you send and receive at work. Passwords don't mean a higher expectation of privacy; they just make posts more secure.
9. NO PORN AT WORK
Enough said. Yes, we know: you to to Playboy.com for the articles.
(Source:TIMEMAG/BUSINESS by Kristina Dell) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 5:22 PM |
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| Wednesday, September 06, 2006 |
| THE MEANING OF WHITE |
HOW IMPORTANT IS YOUR RACIAL IDENTITY TO YOU?
Researchers long thought it was'nt that crucial to whites. But a groundbreaking new study on whiteness and race relations by University of Minnesota sociologists shows that whites in U.S. are far more conscious of being white -- and the priviledges it brings -- than was believed.
The survey is packed with fascinating findings, some surprising (a stunning proportion of whites - 77percent - say their race has a distinct cutlrure that should be preserved) and some less so (whites view their role in the social hierarchy more benignly than blacks and Hispanics do). Whites are more likely to say prejudice and discrimination put blacks at a disadvantage than to say those factors contribute to white advantage. And they are much less likely than nonwhites to attribute inequality to bias in the legal system.
What to make of all this? Though whites in the U.S. believe there remain advantages to being white, they don't necessarily link those advantages with blacks' disadvantages. This hinders racial reconciliation, says co-author Douglas Hartman: "Whites have invented subtle ways to convince themselves that race isn't problem in America". Blacks do see more racism in society than whites but, contrary to stereotype, seem disinclined to blame the system for their disadvantge. In fact, they are more likely to attribute it to the individual causes like a lack of hard work - 77 percent - did so, compared with 62 percent whites. "We think of U.S. minorities as less engaged in American individualism," Hartman says, "but they are maybe more so".
(Source:TIMEMAG/NOTEBOOK by: Jennine Lee-St.John) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 4:35 PM |
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| Tuesday, September 05, 2006 |
| THE FIFTEEN HEALTHIEST FOODS |
Forgo french fries. Ban biscuits. Stay away from sundaes. When you're trying to eat a healthy diet, the list of nutritional no-no's seems never-ending.
But there is an antidote to all the dietary shouldnots: Instead of thinking about all the things you should avoid, focus on all of the wonderful foods you can eat.
These delicious foods provide your body with the nutrients it needs, and may help reduce your risk of disease.
Remember, though, that what matters most is having an overall healthy diet. "There is no one magic food that can make a person healty if the rest of her diet is unbalanced," says Stacey Nelson, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., a senior clinical nutritionist at Massachusettes General Hospital in Boston. "Variety and moderation are key".
Hungry? Sink into one of these superstar foods.
SALMON
It's known as a "fatty" fish, but don't let that scare you: The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon are so food for your heart that people with coronary heart disease are encouraged to eat them in some form everyday. Omega 3s reduce inflammation, and besides being heart-healthy, "omega-3s from fish and fish-oil supplements can drduce joint inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis," says Nelson. Aim for one servind a day of omega 3-rich foods (or 1gram of fish oil) if you have heart disease, or two servings a week to maintain heat health.
OATMEAL
Anyone with elevated blood sugat should have this for breakfast regularly. Oat products are a fantastic source of soluble fiber, which helps control blood sugar and insulin levels. After eating oatmeal, "you stomach empties more slowly, and that slows the rise of blood sugar," says Karen Chalmers, MS,RD, a certified diabetes educator at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. Oatmeal also benefits your heart, because its soluble fiber binds with and helps remove excess cholesterol that can clog arteries.
BLUEBERRIES
When the USDA ranked 24 antioxidant-containing fruits and vegetables, blueberries topped the list. (Antioxidants inhibit the cell damage associated with cancer, heart disease and other chronic illnesses). Blueberries have been shown to help protect against urinary tract infections, cancer, macular degeneration ( a major cause of blindness in older people), heart disease and brain damage from strokes. "There is also some research to suggest that they may protect against brain deterioration associated with aging", says Tara Gidus, MS, RD, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Frozen berries are as nutritious as fresh, so keep a bag in your freezer and toss a handful into cereal or a smoothie.
STRAWBERRIES
Tehy're second only to blueberries in antioxidant capacity and cancer fighting ability. "Some of the phytonutrients in strawberries can discourage the development and growth of cancer cells and perhaps help in their self-destruction," say Susan Moores, RD, a spokeswoamn for the ADA. What's more, a cup of strawberries contain more vitamin C than oranges, according to the FDA. Vitamin C may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing plaque formation and possobly helping prevent harmful blood clots, Moore says.
SOY FOODS
Foods made from soybeans - tofu, soy milk, tempeh,miso, soy brugers and so on - contain cancer-fighting compounds such as isoflavones. "Isoflavones possess antifungal, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties", says Gidus. Soy food may also help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, maintain bone density (if they're calcium fortified), and help reduce hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women. Becasue soy mimics the action of estrogen, however, women who have had breast cancer should talk to their doctors about whether to include it in their diets.
NUTS
They're high in fat and calories, but nuts are also tremendously nutritious."Nuts contains various antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help protect cells from damage," says Moores. Packed with fiber, magnesium, Vitamin E, potassium and zinc, nuts are also associated with a lowered risk of cancer and heart disease. Because they're rich in fiber and monounsaturated fat, they help control blood sugar and may help protect against type 2 diabetes. They may even be good for taking off extra pounds. "Nuts help satisfy the appetite", Moore says. One caveat: Consume nuts in moderation if you're trying to cut calories -- one peanut has about 4.3 calories, and as any nut lover knows, once you get started, it can be hard to stop.
PINTO BEANS
"We need to up our legume intake, and pinto beans are a great way to go", say Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a spokeswoman for the ADA. They're high in protein (7grams in a half cup serving of canned beans) and fiber (also 7 gams), and are also a good source of folic acid, which may help your heart. They're also rich in potassium, whih helps keep blood pressure in check and maintains normal function of the heart and nervous system, according to the American Heart Association. For a quick, nutritious dip or spread, mash pinto beans with olive oil, gralic and minced fresh resemary.
CAULIFLOWER
"This vegetable is a member of the brassica family, which has compounds that may help prevent cancer," says Cynthia Finley, RD,LD, clinical dietitian specialtist at the John Hopkins Weight Management Center. "Studies show a relationship between a high intake of cruciferous vegetables and a decreased risk of certain cancers." Cauliflower is also a rich source of vitamin C, folic acid and fiber, as well as B vitamins, potassium, manganese and nagnesium. If you're not crazy about its taste, choose other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Brussles sprouts, bok choy, radishes and kale.
TOMATOES
They are a fantastic source of lycopene, and antioxidant that seems to protect against heart disease, degenrative diseases such as osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. "Lycopene may help ward off colorectal, prostate, brast, endometrial, lung and pancreatic cncaers," says Finley. Tomatoes also contain folic acid; riboflavin, which has been shown to decrease the frequency of migraine headaches; and chromium, whcih promotes normal blood sugar in people with diabetes. And processed tomatoes maybe more beneficial that their whole-food counterpart. Lycopene can be better absorbed by the body when it's in a processed form such as Ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste or tomato juice, according to the American Institutue for Cancer Research.
GARLIC
The sulfur components that give garlic its intense taste can also help your heart. "Compounds in garlic may help reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels", says Kimberly Johnson, RD, instructor of nutrition and hospitality management at Syracuse University. Garlic may also lower blood pressure, inhibit dnagerous clotting and fight cancer.
SPINACH
This dark, leafy green offers a nutritional bonanza. "Spinach contains fifer, potassium, vitamin A and folic acid", Johnson says. It is also rich in lutien, a compound that my reduce the risk for macular degeneration. If you don't care for spinach's sometimes-bitter taste, Johnson recommends wilting it briefly in olive oil with a little garlic over medium high heat, and finishing with a squirt of lemon jouice. Or try baby spinach, which has a sweeter taste.
GRAPES
They're rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that fight inflammations, heart disease and cancer. Flavonoids are most highly concentrated in the skin of red, purple and black grapes. Purple grape juice and red wine made with grapes are rich sources of flavonoids, but they're highger in calories than grapes. If you opt for juice, limit yourself to 8 ouces a day; for wine, stick to one 5 ounce glass a day. "The bonus of whole grapes is that you're also getting some fiber, and their water content makes them a satisfying snack," Giancoli says.
SWEET POTATOES
They're packed with beta-carotene, and antioxidant that stimulates the immune system. The body also converts beta-carotene to vitamin A, whcih is crucial to eye and skin health, Ginacoli says. Forget marshmallows - microwave or bake a sweet potato, remove the skin and mash it with a sprinkel of orange juice and cinnamon, or some chopped fresh ginger and a dribble of maple syrup.
FLAX
This grain is an excellent option for people who want to add omega-3 fatty acides to their diet but don't like seafood or are concerned about mercury levels. "flax is a very rich source of alpha-linolenic acid," sayd Nelson. Flax also contains lignans, which are isoflavones that may protect against cancer. You can buy flax as whole seeds, ground seeds or flax seeds flour, but whole seeds must be ground or your body won't benefit form the omega-3s. Just 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed a day provides the recommended intake of alpha-linolenic acid as well as 2 to 3 grams of fiber. Use flax flour in recipes, add gound flaxsee to smoothies, or enjoy their nutty crunch in breakfast cereal, yogurt or salad.
SESAME SEEDS
They're not just for decoration on a burger bun. Tses tasty seeds are a highly concentrated source of copper, magnesium, zinc, fiber and protein, as well as substances that have been shown to have cholesterol lowering effects. Try to incorporate a tablespoon into your diet every day. "They're pretty versatile and can be used in many dishes, from stir-fries a=to breads and muffins, or sprinkled on veggies and salads", Gidus says. For delicious flavor, toast them in the toaster over or in a frying pan a few minutes before using.
(FOR MORE INFO go to womansday.com/nutrition) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 1:01 AM |
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| Saturday, September 02, 2006 |
| IOWA MAN COOKS UP HIS CAR'S FUEL RIGHT AT HOME |
TITONKA, Iowa- Jon Zwiefel began making biodiesel fuel for his car in January.
The rural Titonka resident first began talking about it because of high gas prices, but what finally prompted him to take the plunge was people telling him he cold'nt do it.
"When people laugh at me for getting a harebrained idea, I like to prove them worng", he said.
Zwiefel did research on the Internet and found out a lot other people around the country are making biodiesel from used vegetable oil.
He ordered a chemical kit, and built a processor. He could have bought a processor but decided "it kind of defeats the purpose if you spend $3,000 for machine that makes fuel".
Zwiefel gets his used vegetable oil from restaurants.
"Mostly, they are pretty happy to give it away," he said.
Zwiefel makes a 10-gallon batch of biodiesel fuel once a weeek.
He heats the oil 120 degrees F. The he pumps it into the processor. After it goes through the processor for 10minutes, he takes out a 1ml sample to determine how much fat it contains. This tells him how much lye to add.
"That's the tricky part," Zwiefel said.
After lye and methanol are added, he mixes the oil in the processor for an hour; then drains the glycerin out through the tube. What's left is biodiesel fuel.
Before putting it in his tank, "I like to leave it sit for a few days,"Zwiefel said.
Zwiefel always makes a 1-liter test batch before making a full batch. He said the fuel can power any kind of diesel engine.
Zwiefel drives a volkswagen Rabbit, which gets a 50 miles per gallon. Making his own fuel saves him even more money. He estimates it consts about 75cents to make a gallon of biodiesel fuel, inlcuding labor.
(Source: ASSOCIATED PRESS/ Mary Pieper) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 12:36 AM |
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| About Me |
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Name: infraternam meam
Home: Chicago, United States
About Me: I am now at the prime of my life
and have been married for the past 25 years.
Sickly at times, but wants to see the elixir vita,
so that I will be able to see my grandchildren from my two boys.
See my complete profile
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