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Any internet-connected toys that have cameras, microphones, or location tracking may put children's or parents' privacy and safety at risk. That could be a talking teddy-bear, a smart car, or a tablet designed especially for kids. With companies pushing new toys into the market, security safeguards may go overlooked.
"Parents should be aware of what they are bringing home to their children. Once you connect anything to the internet, it may potentially be exposed to cybercriminals. Once they are in, hackers can use the toy's microphone or camera to hear and see whatever the toy 'sees' and 'hears.' In some cases, some shady guys from the internet can even talk to children," explains Daniel Markuson, a digital privacy expert at NordVPN. "The problem of the vulnerability of connected toys isn't new, but it's snowballing, as more and more smart toys reach the market every year."
Lately, expert warnings about the vulnerabilities and threats of smart toys are becoming more common. Just last month, a security flaw was found in the TicTocTrack smartwatch for kids in Australia. This flaw allowed hackers to track children, eavesdrop on them, and even call them. Interestingly, the company behind the GPS smartwatch was backed by one of the Australian regional governments.
And this case is not an exception. Security failures were discovered in such well known and advertised toys as Furby Connect, CloudPets, i-Que Intelligent Robot, and Toy-Fi Teddy.
Official state institutions in various countries have even banned some smart toys. For example, in 2017, Germany's Federal Network Agency banned 'My Friend Cayla' dolls and allowed retailers to sell them only if they disengaged its ability to connect to the internet. The Norwegian Consumer Council gave similar evaluation regarding this toy.
However, the largest known breach that targeted sensitive information about children happened in 2015. A cyber attack on the digital toymaker VTech Holdings exposed the data of over 6.4 million people, mostly children. The hacked data included names, genders, and dates of birth.
Parents can never be too careful when it comes to protecting their child. There are a few basic rules from NordVPN's digital privacy expert to follow when choosing a smart toy for a kid:
Do your research. Before buying a toy, search online for reviews and expert comments and check for any complaints or security issues. Reputable companies will likely explain what information they collect and how they use it. Don't forget to read the manufacturer's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service on their website.
Don't give away your information. Some toys and games require registration for full playing experience or to provide updates. When registering, be careful about the information you hand over. The developers need your email to let you know about updates, but other information is mostly unnecessary. If, for example, it requires your kid's birthday, you can always lie a bit.
Use only secure Wi-Fi. Before connecting the smart toy to a Wi-Fi network, make sure it is secure and has a strong password. Connecting such gadgets to a public Wi-Fi network is not advised, as those are easily hackable. By the way, set a password on the toy as well, if it allows that.
Check the chats. Some smart toys allow kids to chat with other children playing with the same toy or game. Be sure to explain to your kid what personal information is and why they can't share it. From time to time, check the messages to make sure your children are not talking to strangers pretending to be kids. Reputable manufacturers will offer ways for parents to review the stored information.
Power it off when not used. It is advised to power off the smart toy when not used so that it stops collecting data. If the item has a microphone, throw it in a drawer or chest, where it's harder to record conversations. And toys with a camera can be covered or placed facing a wall.
Report the breaches. If you noticed something unusual or a toy was compromised by a hacker, be a good citizen and always file a complaint to the state authorities. It might not help you, but it will make the internet a safer place for everyone and will press the manufacturer to stop overlooking security safeguards.


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Thin Film Sensor Market Research report based on North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & South AmericaPosted by Shivani P on May 10th, 2024 Thin Film Sensor Market is expected to show a magnificent CAGR according to the latest study Published by Profshare Market Research. The percentage splits, market shares, growth rate and breakdowns of the product markets are determined by using secondary sources and verified through primary sources. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The research report includes an in-depth competitive analysis with shares of each player inside the market, growth rate and market attractiveness in different end users/regions. The study used very precise top-down and bottom-up approaches to validate market revenue, volume, manufacturers, regional analysis, product segments and end users/applications. Major players in the market are identified through secondary research and their market revenues are determined through various research techniques. Secondary research included the research of the annual and financial reports of the top manufacturers. Access sample report @ https://www.profsharemarketresearch.com/thin-film-sensor-market/ Seamless product delivery to the consumer has become more important than it ever was, proper value chain analysis exactly delivers the same. Supplier analysis delivers a very clear picture supply-demand scenario in the market. Opportunities and threat analysis have gained significant importance in recent years primarily due to the dynamic nature of the industry. Analytical tools used while developing research studies include SWOT analysis, market sizing, Porter's 5 Forces model, and PESTEL analysis.
Product Types: Temperature Sensor Pressure Sensor
Aerospace and Defense Automotive Consumer Electronics Healthcare
Baumer Group Temperature Specialists, Inc. Heraeus Sensor Technology GmbH Gems Sensors and Controls, Inc. United Electric Controls Company AMETEK, Inc. Sensing Devices, Inc. Honeywell International Inc.
· North America : USA, Mexico, Canada · Europe: UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands & Rest of Europe · Asia Pacific : China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea & Oceania · Latin America : Brazil & Argentina · Middle East : UAE, Qatar, Israel. · Rest of the World. The research report includes below primary reasons below that make it very useful as a one-stop information point for various market scenarios: · Market estimation · Forecast 2023-29 · Growth drivers · Raw material & Supply Analysis · End-User & Application insight · Key player's analysis · Import & Export scenario · Challenges & Opportunities · Current & emerging market trends. · Tenders & Pricing scenario.
Profshare Market Research is a full-service market research company that delivers in-depth market research globally. We operate within consumer and business-to-business markets offering both qualitative and quantitative research services. We work for private sector clients, along with public sector and voluntary organizations. Profshare Market Research publishes high-quality, in-depth market research studies, to help clients obtain granular level clarity on current business trends and expected future developments. We are committed to our client's needs, providing custom solutions best fit for strategy development and implementation to extract tangible results. Contact : Jes J Sales Manager Profshare Market Research US: +1 917 7225960 Like it? Share it!More by this author |

subset: commoncrawl


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- Start Date: 21st of August 2023
- End Date: 15th of September 2023
- Time: 10am – 12pm (WAT)
- Schedule: Wednesday, Friday
This course provides beginners with a deep insight into the working of the most efficient, scalable and well-defined video editing software that lets users easily import and merge different types of media formats to edit videos/audios from a cinematic Camcorder or a mobile phone.
Pre-requisite: No prerequisites Required
At the end of the programme, participants will be issued a Certificate of attendance. In addition to this, he will acquire the skills and knowledge to:
create your own professional video projects with Premiere Pro.
- Instructor-led Live Sessions
- Real-life Case Studies
- Assignments
- 24 x 7 Expert Support
- Certification
What are the system requirements for this course?
Operating System: Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS.
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
RAM: 4 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 4 GB for 64-bit
Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display: 800 x 600
What if I miss a class?
All classes are recorded and uploaded on our Learning Management System(LMS). So you can catch up on your course during your free time if you miss a class
Do I receive a certificate after completing the Course?
Yes, you receive an internationally recognized certificate after the course.
Who are the Instructors?
Our Instructors are in-house professionals with at least 5 years of relevant experience in various domains. They are subject matter experts and are trained to provide a great learning experience.


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Many families struggle to provide necessary care for aging or disabled Veterans or their surviving spouses. Unfortunately, most of these families are unaware of an important benefit available through the Department of Veterans Affairs to which their loved ones may be entitled. It is called Aid and Attendance.
For qualifying veterans, Aid and Attendance is paid in addition to the basic pension rate for seriously disabled wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled.
Some key things to know about the Aid and Attendance benefit:
Aid and Attendance is a pension benefit and is not dependent upon service-related injuries.
Wartime veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible.
Certain medical and financial requirements must be met.
Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.
The Application Process
Application for Aid and Attendance Benefits is a complex and lengthy process. The forms are available for you to do this yourself, but be advised that if you apply and your application is denied, you must wait a year before you can reapply. For these reasons, many people seek assistance in completing the application. Note: It is illegal for anyone to charge you a fee to help complete the application or file for benefits.
Some estate attorneys like ours can assist you with this process – at no cost to you.
The Aid and Attendance Benefit – How Much Could You Receive?
The cost of assisted living, nursing home or home health care can be substantial. In fact, a 2014 survey conducted by Genworth Financial found that the national median monthly rate for a one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living facility runs $3,500, the national median daily rate for a semi-private nursing home room is $212, and the national median hourly rate for a licensed home health aide is $20. Aid and Attendance Benefits could help defray these types of costs for qualified veterans and their surviving spouses.
The 2015 Maximum Benefits
Maximum Monthly Benefit for Surviving Spouse: $1,149
Maximum Monthly Benefit for Single Veteran: $1,788
Maximum Monthly Benefit for Married Veteran: $2,120
Maximum Monthly Benefit for Married Veteran Couple: $2,837
Note: these are maximum benefit amounts and the actual benefit that is approved may be less.
Who is Eligible to Receive Aid and Attendance Benefits?
There are three aspects of eligibility – Service, Medical and Financial.
Service. The basic service qualification is that the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military duty, with at least one of those days during wartime (as defined by the Veteran's Administration). Additionally, the veteran must have received a discharge that was other than dishonorable.
Medical. The veteran or surviving spouse must show that they require the "aid and attendance" of another person to perform the basic activities of daily living. The VA defines the need for aid and attendance as:
• Requiring the aid of another person to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices or protecting himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily environment, or
• Being blind or nearly blind, or
• Being bedridden, in that his/her disability or disabilities requires that he/she remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, or
• Being a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
Financial. Qualifying under the asset test can be tricky. The basic requirements state that the person requesting the benefit must have a financial need. Each application is evaluated individually. Although you may hear or read that having up to $80,000 in assets (exclusive of a home and a car) is acceptable, consider this merely a general rule of thumb. In contrast to Medicaid eligibility, there are no set asset limits when it comes to Aid and Attendance eligibility. The final decision regarding the asset test depends on the VA reviewer. In addition to the asset test, there also is an income test. As with the asset test, there is no specified income limit. However, the VA considers what it refers to as IVAP – Income for VA Purposes. IVAP is equal to your gross income from all sources, less a portion of unreimbursed medical expenses. If your IVAP is not less than the annual benefit amount, you will not be eligible for benefits.
How Can I Qualify for Aid and Attendance Benefits?
What if you are service and medically eligible, but have too many assets or too much income to qualify? You may consider rearranging your assets and/or income to qualify, which may include re-titling or giving away assets, or establishing a Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pensions Benefits Trust. Making these types of changes is perfectly legal, but doing so properly can be complicated. Beware that some actions taken to qualify for VA benefits could create a penalty period, or perhaps even disqualify you entirely from receiving Medicaid benefits should they be needed.
Business Resources for Returning Veterans
American Hometown Heroes was founded to assist Veterans who are looking to start a new business. Through this initiative, independent yellow page publishers have banded together to provide professional advice and marketing assistance to any returning veteran with a desire to start a new business in their hometown (or has recently started a local business) – all at no charge to them! The program includes a comprehensive advertising program for an entire year. Find out if you qualify for the American Hometown Heroes program and sign up to get started.


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It's been nearly a year since police officers in Loveland, Colo., injured an older woman with dementia and then laughed at the footage of her arrest. The fallout continues.
Two of those officers resigned and are now facing criminal charges, including assault and excessive use of force. They and the city are being sued in federal court. The rest of the police force — there are 118 sworn officers — is undergoing additional de-escalation training.
The case has drawn national attention to a problem that experts say is widespread across law enforcement agencies: Police often lack the skills to interact with people suspected of crimes who are in mental distress or have physical disabilities.
In June, a Walmart employee called police and said a woman, later identified as 73-year-old Karen Garner, tried to leave without paying for $14 worth of items. Officer Austin Hopp arrived first. His body camera video showed him pulling up as she walked down a road and then wrestling her to the ground after she failed to respond to his questions.
Afterward, Garner's attorneys say, she sat in jail for several hours with a dislocated and fractured shoulder as Hopp and two other officers laughed while watching the body camera video of her arrest.
According to a federal complaint, Garner has dementia and also suffers from sensory aphasia, which impairs her ability to understand. Her violent arrest has other older people in the area worried about potential encounters with police, Loveland resident June Dreith told the police chief during a public meeting last month.
"They are now seriously afraid of the police department," Dreith said.
Hopp faces felony charges of assault and attempting to influence a public servant — a charge related to allegations of omissions when reporting the arrest — as well as official misconduct, a misdemeanor. Another officer, Daria Jalali, also resigned and is charged with three misdemeanors: failure to report excessive force, failure to intervene and official misconduct.
Neither Hopp nor Jalali has entered a plea in court. A third officer, who watched the video with them, resigned but has not been charged.
No national standards means training varies widely
An independent assessment of the Loveland Police Department by a third-party consultant is underway. The city and involved officers face a federal lawsuit, filed by Garner in April, alleging excessive use of force and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Loveland Police Chief Robert Ticer declined to be interviewed, but through his public information officer, he characterized the Garner arrest as a problem with an individual officer, not with the department's operations.
"Our training currently, in the past and present, is always to make sure our officers are up to speed on as much training as they can on how to interact with people in crisis who may have mental health issues," Ticer said during the public meeting in Mayat department headquarters.
The Loveland Police Department, like many others, requires officers to be trained to respond to people with mental illness and developmental disabilities. But no national standards exist. The amount of training law enforcement officers receive on interacting with disabled people varies widely.
"On the whole, we're doing terrible," said Jim Burch, president of the National Police Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on police research and training. "We have to do much, much better at being able to recognize these types of issues and being more sensitive to them."
While comprehensive data on the frequency of negative interactions between police and people with mental disabilities is lacking, interactions with the criminal justice system are common. The Bureau of Justice Statistics has estimated about 3 in 10 state and federal prisoners and 4 in 10 local jail inmates have at least one disability.
"There's a very large number of people that police are coming into contact with that have an intellectual disability or mental health challenge,"Burch said. "Do we have a systemic problem? We think that we do."
Noncompliance may be due to a disability
Colorado requires a minimum of two hours of training on interacting with special populations, including people with disabilities, although legislation aims to improve on that by creating a commission to recommend new statewide standards.
Loveland's officers are certified in crisis intervention training. The department also has a co-responder program, which pairs law enforcement officers with mental health clinicians, although this team was not called during Garner's arrest. Since that arrest, questions remain about the department's readiness to interact with people who have challenges.
"We could always use more and more training. We could train every single week for eight hours a day, but we could do that all the time and never go out on calls," said Sgt. Brandon Johnson, who oversees training. "It's just balancing our available workforce and our time and our service to the community and our staffing levels."
Loveland police officers are now undergoing Alzheimer's awareness training, and five staff members will be trained as de-escalation instructors, department officials said.
Training on how to interact with people who have disabilities varies. But the idea is to identify such individuals early in an encounter instead of relying on use of force.
"It's scary, because you don't know why they're not following your commands," said Ali Thompson, a former deputy with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office who now serves on the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council. "So, your adrenaline starts pumping and you think ... 'They're not listening to my commands because they have a warrant or because they have a gun on them,' or you come up with all of these scenarios to explain it."
Garner's rough arrest is "not an isolated incident by any means," Thompson said. She said she would not have thought to attribute noncompliance to conditions such as autism or dementia when she was a young patrol officer.
"We need to start bringing those possibilities into those 'what if' scenarios," Thompson said.
Lack of understanding goes beyond police departments
In addition to teaching how to identify people with cognitive disabilities, organizations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police help prepare officers for such situations by suggesting they speak in short phrases, refrain from touching and turn off sirens and flashing lights.
Research on which disability-specific efforts actually reduce bad outcomes is scant, but experts point to other types of curricula as relevant, too, including crisis intervention training, instruction on de-escalating tensions and sessions on mental illness.
"Just training in and of itself is not going to create that long-term change that we are hoping for," said Lee Ann Davis, director of criminal justice initiatives at The ARC, a national disability advocacy organization.
That means going beyond officer training to address the many areas in which people with disabilities are not being identified and supported, she said. One of The ARC's programs, Pathways to Justice, brings in not only law enforcement officials but also attorneys and victim service providers for instruction.
"So our goal is to help communities understand that this is a communitywide issue, that there's not one specific spoke within the criminal justice system or in our communities that can address it adequately alone," Davis said.
Johnson, the Loveland sergeant in charge of training, said officers have been engaged for years in community outreach.
Despite what happened in the Garner arrest, Johnson believes the department is adequately prepared to interact with people who are disabled or may be in distress. At the same time, he acknowledges limitations.
"We have to be the first responder. We have to have a good foundational understanding of all of it," he said. "But we're also not ... we're also not experts."
Leigh Patersonof KUNC reported this story in collaboration with KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.
Copyright 2021 KUNC


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kojo tutorial- how to make sprinkle covered accessories
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I might've mentioned once or twice that Miss Piper Jane has quite the sweet tooth (maybe it's a good thing that her dad's a dentist?). I have to admit, I share her sweet tooth tendencies and even her affection for sprinkles. Of course, my Sprinkle Princess required some sprinkled accessories for her Sprinkle Party.
A word of caution before this tutorial- first, if you attempt 'sprinkle-ing' any signs or accessories and have little ones, I'd keep a watchful eye on both the sprinkled accessory and the little one. At Piper's party, I spotted several little guests eyeing the sprinkled "FAVORS" sign like prey. Since the sprinkles are attached with spray adhesive, these accessories are not safe to eat.
With that warning, I should say that once I put the barrette in Piper's hair and the pin on her dress, she didn't seem to notice that she was wearing sprinkles (and thus, didn't attempt to eat them). If you don't think your little one would be similarly ambivalent, probably stick to the sprinkled frame and keep it up high.
To make the sprinkled accessories-
Collect a pile of buttons, spray adhesive, a jar of sprinkles, and clear nail polish.
Add a couple of layers of spray adhesive to the top of the button.
Pour sprinkles onto the button (put a dish below the buttons to catch the extra sprinkles). Let the adhesive dry for several hours (or even overnight).
Add several layers of clear nail polish on top of the sprinkles.* Make sure you cover all of the sprinkles. Knock off any extras- ensure that there aren't any extra outliers that could fall off.
*To make the sprinkle covered frame, skip the nail polish step (just spray liberally with spray adhesive and pour sprinkles on top of the frame).
Sew the button onto a barrette cover (there is a great barrette cover tutorial at angry chicken), or in the middle of a pin.
The finished product? Perfectly sprinkled (but, one more time, not edible) accessories!
Looking for more perfectly sprinkled goodness? Here is the Sprinkled with Love party, the confetti filled sprinkle balloons, and the sprinkle covered cake topper.


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Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, which, like Hugo, features a boy with a dead father and an obsession involving a key, has a title practically begging for addenda from critics. "And Unbearably Cute" would work, along with "Deeply Contrived." But there's nothing to mock in the performance of Thomas Horn, the young actor who plays the lock-seeking Oskar Schell. The kid is the mainstay of director Stephen Daldry's adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's 2005 novel. Dodging the twin minefields of preciousness and an exploitative 9/11 premise, Horn races away with the movie and makes it believably, genuinely sad.
Oskar's father Thomas Schell Jr. (Tom Hanks), a jeweler and dream dad — playful, wise and engaged in a way that will make 99% of the parents who see this movie feel like lazy scum in contrast — had a meeting at the World Trade Center that September morning. He died, but in his last moments left six messages on his home answering machine. Though he's only 11, the enterprising Oskar trots out into the night of that terrible day (or "the worst day," as he calls it) and purchases a duplicate machine so he can keep his father's last words to himself. Even his mother (Sandra Bullock, solemn and touching) doesn't know about the device, which is hidden away on a shelf inside a cupboard capacious enough to accommodate Oskar and his growing collection of fetishized objects relating to his father.
Extremely Loud is a scrapbooker's delight, in love with the notion of secrets and hidden objects and beings, carefully layered, all connected. Oskar goes poking through his father's closet looking for reminders of Thomas and doesn't just find a mysterious key but also a vase high on a shelf, and inside that is an envelope marked with a single word, "Black," and inside that is a key. He decides it must be part of a treasure hunt devised by his father, who had a yen for that sort of thing. "Reconnaissance expedition, we called it," Oskar narrates. "I would have to talk to people, which he knew I had a hard time doing." (The results of Oskar's earlier Asperger's syndrome tests were inconclusive, but it seems his father had drawn his own conclusions.)
A year after the attacks, he sets out for a series of Saturday journeys, on foot, to check with every Black family in the phone book (all 427 of them if need be) and discover what the key unlocks. And it's not just Oskar who is supposed to experience childlike wonder and pleasure at the quest in front of him; the viewer is meant to be equally swept away, sucked into the maze, finding comfort in the neat arrangement of all loose ends. It's a bitch that life can't be tied up as nicely as a children's book, but Extremely Loud does its best to distract us into feeling that it can be. It's got a case of arrested development.
(MORE: TIME's 2005 Profile of Jonathan Safran Foer)
In Foer's novel, Oskar was 9. Presumably, screenwriter Eric Roth aged him a couple of years to make it slightly more plausible that he'd be wandering New York City's five boroughs on his own (he tells his mother that he's going to a comic-book convention, and she's apparently shell shocked enough not to notice the convention seems to resume every weekend), knocking on the doors of strangers. Oskar's travels are an exercise in the kind of sunny montage that once convinced people that Ma Bell really understood the human connection. Everywhere Oskar goes, people of all races and genders (including trans-) place their hands on his head for civilian benedictions and serve up his precocious beverage of choice, iced coffee with half and half. Some weep for him. Others, softened by his pain, weep about their own sufferings, like Viola Davis, who plays a woman whose husband has just left her. It's a pity party.
Blurring the edges of his frame and shooting urban grit as if it were art, cinematographer Chris Menges makes New York City look so whimsical and accessible, it could be one big happy village. I almost expected him to bump into the Royal Tenenbaums or drop into Meg Ryan's You've Got Mail bookstore to do some research. Oskar himself might as well live in a dollhouse; he can look out his bedroom window and see right into the apartment of his grandmother (Zoe Caldwell). Even the people who close the door in Oskar's face don't seem so bad — it takes all kinds in the Big Apple! Where can I get one of those soft pretzels?
As if 9/11 weren't enough of an agony, Foer's story also has a Holocaust angle. Oskar's grandmother has taken in an elderly boarder, a mute Holocaust survivor known only as the Renter (Max von Sydow), who becomes the one person Oskar can confide in. The Renter joins Oskar in his search for the key's rightful place, although it's clear that he, like the audience, finds the quest wildly quixotic. (If the lock were to be found, well, that would make the movie Deeply, Deeply Contrived.) The real suspense of the movie lies not with the key and its supposed hidden message but with his father's literal messages, the ones on the machine. When will we know what Oskar heard on the morning of Sept. 11? Once he shares some messages, will he share them all? I felt like a looky-loo hanging around and waiting for Oskar to hit Play, curious, yes, but also hoping the movie would be discreet enough to keep some secrets from that day when the towers fell.
(LIST: Top 10 Movies of 2011)
Ordinary skyscrapers excite the imagination. All that anonymous humanity in steel cradles high above us — what stories they must hold. But the cradle that falls? Writers are bound to pounce on it like children scooping up the innards of a piñata. In another 50 years, the world of fiction may be able to count as many made-up victims of 9/11 as real ones. (Robert Pattinson beat Hanks to the cinematic punch, playing another World Trade Center visitor in Remember Me.) While those real people are still very present in the minds of their mourners, including the children who never got to meet their fathers, it seems a little nervy to nudge them out of the way so that audiences may weep for the saintly Thomas Schell Jr.
But that is purely a question of taste — what makes one person squeamish reduces another to sobs. In some cases (mine), it can do both. I resented the neatness of the narrative, its habit of showing off its own hospital corners as it moved forward (on the off chance you don't guess who the Renter is, you should do penance by watching Beaches, the masterwork of tear-jerking manipulation). But Horn breaks through the movie's manipulative scrim simply with the sheer force of his emotions. Even when he's talking extremely loudly and incredibly quickly, Oskar remains shatteringly articulate, and his pain rings as clear as a bell, particularly in his scenes with the magnificent von Sydow. The performance is devastating, even more so in light of the fact that this is his acting debut. Daldry, who handled youth with such gentle care in Billy Elliot, cast Horn last year after he won a considerable sum on teen Jeopardy! The director must have had a hunch that in this boy's hands, everything would be illuminated.
LIST: All-TIME 100 Movies


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Before you lay out cash for your next investment property or seek out financing, there is a great deal to consider. While each investor may find one method of buying investment property more favorable than another, both have drawbacks yet benefit investors.
Read on as we discuss the pros and cons of financing your Rhode Island investment property.
For beginners, financing your Rhode Island investment property gives you the time to build equity and get started on building your real estate portfolio sooner rather than later. In real estate, the benefits realized from taking out a mortgage if you don't have the cash far outweigh the opportunities and years of appreciation on the investment property that would be lost waiting until you saved enough money to begin.
You can generate better cash flow by financing your Rhode Island investment property. By taking on the risk of a mortgage, you benefit from higher cash-on-cash returns, cash flow as it relates to actual cash invested in a property, calculated on a pre-tax basis.
More Assets
By using other people's money and financing your Rhode Island investment property, you can purchase more properties and diversify your portfolio to build security. In addition, having several properties in different areas makes it easier to ride out a downturn in one sector.
Return on Equity
Financing your Rhode Island investment property also amplifies returns as you pay down the debt and the property appreciates.
Another benefit of financing your Rhode Island investment property is the depreciation of the entire value of the house when you carry a mortgage, which can be very beneficial to your tax returns. You can also deduct the interest on the mortgage.
Financing your Rhode Island investment property adds a buffer of protection from depreciation. If the property drops in value, you have lost your cash equity.
Financing your Rhode Island investment property may make you come in second with sellers considering multiple offers. It's only natural that sellers prefer cash, which is a fast track to the closing table and has no lender to satisfy to ensure the sale goes through in the fast-paced real estate market we are experiencing.
Less Cash Flow
Mortgage payments and interest eat into your cash flow when financing your Rhode Island investment property. While other expenses add up, your mortgage and interest on the loan will take the most significant chunk of your rental income.
Building up your creditworthiness and saving enough for a down, and qualifying for financing your Rhode Island investment property are all achievements that are much easier said than done. Although you may find the need for alternative financing options, speaking with an experienced investor like the professionals at I Buy Your House can help guide you over any hurdles you face in attaining financing or building your credit and savings.
Credit Risk
Financing your Rhode Island investment property means extended problems with payments from tenants or even vacancies are a more significant problem; carrying mortgages carries a potential for foreclosure and damage to your creditworthiness.
If you're ready to buy and considering financing your Rhode Island investment property, the professional investors at I Buy Your House will answer any of your questions or concerns. Our focus is on you at I Buy Your House; we'll stop and take the time to listen so we can help you take the steps best suited to your unique circumstances to realize your investment goals. You can count on the full-service team at I Buy Your House, from locating the right investment property to property management and everything in between. Don't forget to ask about our current inventory of the best investment properties available in Rhode Island. Contact I Buy Your House at 401-240-1313.


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Thursday 17 February 2011
Latin double velars
There are two rather rarer words where not all speakers follow this principle. One is flaccid, where ˈflæsɪd competes with the expected ˈflæksɪd. The other is succinct, where I have just heard an American narrator on the BBC pronounce səˈsɪŋkt rather than the səkˈsɪŋkt that I would say myself. I can think of no reason why these two words should be exceptions to the general rule. Like the others, they are of Latin origin. Their pronunciation goes back to a Latin double -cc-, which was classically kk but subsequently had the second velar 'softened' when it developed into tʃ or s in late Latin and the successor Romance languages.
As you would expect, this being English spelling, there are a handful of other words that violate the rule. Soccer ˈsɒkə, ˈsɑkɚ obviously "ought" to be spelt socker. And lovers of classical music will be familiar with Italian names such as Puccini puˈtʃiːni and Pagliacci.
Strangely, the corresponding rule doesn't work in the case of the voiced etymological equivalent. In exaggerate ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪt we have simple dʒ, not *ɡdʒ. In suggest Brits have simple dʒ, thus səˈdʒest, but most Americans have ɡdʒ, thus səɡˈdʒest. Otherwise the velar remains unsoftened; there don't seem to be any other Latin-derived words with -gge- or -ggi-. Double gg stands for simple g in occasional non-Latin-derived words such as druggist and digging. And then there's ciggy ˈsɪɡi, colloquial abbreviation of cigarette, which demonstrates the use of -gg- in informal spelling.
If you'd like to wallow further in the irregularities and inconsistencies of English spelling, allow me to recommend Masha Bell's blog.
27 comments:
Very succinct summary of the situation.
I've often thought flaccid should be /ˈflæksɪd/ but I've never heard it; everyone I know says /ˈflæsɪd/. Is there a corresponding noun flacco(u)r /ˈflækə/? Not that that would make a difference.
But I agree that succinct is usually /səkˈsɪŋkt/, though I've also noticed people saying /səˈsɪŋkt/ too.
Soccer is apparently an abbreviation of association so neither the double C in the spelling nor the "hard" velar pronunciation makes much sense. The other word that break the rule, recce /ˈreki/, is also an abbreviation.- teardrop17 February 2011 at 10:04
I think the reason why -cc- and -gg- are treated differently is that the voiced hard /g/ developed into an affricate /ʤ/, while the unvoiced /k/ developed into a fricative /s/. Pronouncing a stop followed by a fricative is common, but a stop followed by an affricate is not so much. So if /gg/ had moved on to develop into /gz/ (in parallel with -cc-) after the actual /gʤ/ step, we would have a /gz/ symmetric to /ks/, which could potentially soften to /z/. But then exaggerate would have two /gz/'s, I wonder which of them would soften...
ReplyDelete What about the Latinate plurals of the various -coccus bacteria -- streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci and so on? I see that the OED recommends /-ˈkɒksaɪ/ but I'm sure I've heard /-ˈkɒkaɪ/ said by people for whom the pull of the hard /k/ remembered from the singular is presumably irresistible also in the plural. It is how I'd want to pronounce it and Googling reveals several sites which recommend it as a possible pronunciation.
ReplyDelete- Anonymous17 February 2011 at 10:55
In Italian cc is a geminate, i.e. Puccini is /put'tSi.ni/ (with the stressed unchecked vowel being allophonically lengthened), BTW.
ReplyDelete Yeah baccy is also an exception because y behaves like i for these purposes.
I must confess to a prescriptivist niggle here too: I get annoyed when the verb synch (short for synchronise/-ize) is spelt sync because it leads to the participles syncing and synced, which to me look like /ˈsɪnsɪŋ/ and /ˈsɪnst/ rather than the intended /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/ and /ˈsɪŋkt/. The word is very common in my line of work and I always spell it synch/synching/synched. Apart from being etymologically part of the first syllable, the h is necessary to protect the c.Surely the gg spelling in suggestand exaggerate is a simple marker of short vowel length?
In English, that is. The value of ggin Latin is scarcely relevant, since everybody used the local spelling pronunciation of Latin until the nineteenth century.
In these words the sound is 'soft' for historical reasons. In dagger, begging, rigger, logger, lugger the sound is 'hard' for historical reasons — in the face of spellings with following e or i that suggest otherwise. Similarly for your druggist and digging.
The same is true for soccer and baccy — spellings invented for abbreviations of words invented (or incorporated) long after the conventions that determined locker were fully productive.
Ciggy is a similar abbreviation of a new word. But here there is no older convention being ignored. The spelling ck for 'hard c' mirrors French qu, Italian ch etc. But there's no regular and productive English equivalent to French gu, Italian gh etc.- teardrop17 February 2011 at 12:16
To me synch looks like /sɪnʧ/, like inch or finch. I'd write synk or synck.
ReplyDelete - teardrop17 February 2011 at 13:59
David Crosbie,
I would still pronounce it /sɪŋk/, I'd only change its spelling. Sync is somewhat similar to panic, which becomes panicked and panicking, so I could imagine sync becoming syncked and syncking, but a word final -nck doesn't occur too often in English, that's why I'd respell it as synk, which corresponds to pronunciation, and its -ed and -ing forms are clear-cut, too. - teardrop17 February 2011 at 14:38
I don't think it would be more difficult to decode synk for sync than disk for disc, or hiccup for hiccough, which is just another -cc- word. - teardrop17 February 2011 at 15:26
well, if I saw synk out of context, maybe I wouldn't find out its meaning. But out of context even /sɪŋk/ is ambiguous (sink, sync). But if one is aware that sync is a short term for synchronize (or synchronization), I believe they could easily map synk to sync, too. Just like people map thru to through. I would have felt quite confident in thinking 'synch' was the earlier for, but not according to the OED. It may have been a previous unsuccessful attempt to deal with the absurd situation that you are proposing to deal with by writing 'synk' etc. But the OED confirms I was right in being confident that the reverse had happened with mike>mic, giving us the no less absurd 'miced up' for 'miked up' etc. It's just no good knocking your head against these things.
>Accept and some other acc-words may be learnèd restorations, but other words came directly from Latin — notably success, cognates of which have cc in French and Italian.
>The OED cites a fifteenth century spelling sukces.<
That didn't stop Spanish and Portuguese spelling dropping the first c, although dropping mute c in similar positions in Pt spellings is a war the Portuguese are still fighting and the Brazilians are winning.
Certainly I always supposed the first g in AmE 'suggest' to be a learnèd restoration, and OED's reported '16th-century 'sugiest' parallels their 14th cent. 'acepter', to which JWL has already referred. Similarly with the first g in French suggérer, but the surviving (or attrited?) pronunciation without it is probably not in such good shape as in AmE (LPD Preference poll, American English: with ɡ 77%, without ɡ 23%).mallamb
Yes, I'd noticed Spanish and Portuguese spellings. I don't think they cast any light on the generality of post-Latin forms.
I've yet to encounter any cc word with a continuous history. They all seem to be Romance words taken from written Classical/Church Latin. Not so much sound changes operating in words as a changes in the mode of reading written words aloud.
What happened to ecce ille was pretty drastic, but not doubt untypical. Do you know any examples of cc words attested in later spoken Latin?But online dictionaries show that it's not actually the conventionally accepted form Only one has "mic'ed" whereas 7 have "miked", Far more of course recognize both mic and mike as verbal forms, but not apparently the OED. Either way 'mike' was the earlier form, and it was the more absurd spelling that did flout convention that was adopted.
Can't see quite what you're after with "cc words attested in later spoken Latin".- mollymooly17 February 2011 at 19:29
"Coccyx" is another word that gets funny pronunciations. Sometimes deliberately.
"Miced up may be absurd, but it's the conventionally accepted form."
I don't think that battle is over yet, though it's probably lost. "Mic" is a form that makes me long for a good old abbreviation period: "mic." Ahh, that's better. mallamb
I should have made clear that I was thinking of words in Classical Latin with cc spelling before a front vowel. Before a back vowel nothing that happened would be remarkable.
I'm questioning the wording of John's
a Latin double -cc-, which was classically kk but subsequently had the second velar 'softened' when it developed into tʃ or s in late Latin and the successor Romance languages.
Do we have evidence of any word with cc spelling surviving through the late stage of Latin with a pronunciation consisting of a sequence of two allophones? If not, then all we have is an invention in the early Romance languages — a re-adoption of words dropped from colloquial language and the application of different spelling pronunciations to the two c letters.
The only word that I've been able to find as definitively part of colloquial late Latin is ecce — but only in combinations that gave rise to cel etc. Since it also gave rise to aquel, I think we can regard it as problematic. But it does reming me that one would expect Classical cc to represent a geminate /k/, and wouldn't expect this sound to split into a sequence of allophones.
The fact that I've found no examples proves nothing. I just wondered whether you or anyone else knew of any.


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Natural Acne Treatment in Exeter, NH
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has gone through puberty without experiencing at least one acne breakout. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne can affect up to 50 million Americans every year. Common complaints among people who are prone to pimples - especially those who experience adult acne - is the number of traditional acne treatments that they have tried without success, or that they have had to stop due to side effects.
If you have had those same complaints, you may be interested in natural remedies for acne, which are far less likely to result in unwanted side effects.
To schedule a consultation with a holistic dermatologist in Exeter who specializes in natural acne treatment, call (207) 536-9661 or contact Vibrant Health Naturopathic Medical Center online.
Traditional Acne Treatment
Due to it being a common ailment, there are many topical and oral treatments available to combat acne, and a newer form of treatment called light therapy is also gaining popularity. While these traditional treatments can be successful for some, they each have potential side effects.
Traditional Topical Acne Treatments
Traditional topical treatments for acne use chemicals to prevent the pore blockage that causes pimples. They are most commonly used on the face, but may also be applied to the neck, chest, and back.
There are several different topical therapies that use different methods of averting pore blockage. These include:
- Benzoyl peroxide, which acts as a skin antiseptic to decrease the growth of acne-causing bacteria
- Antibiotics, which target acne-causing bacteria
- Salicylic acid, which corrects abnormal shedding of skin cells
- Retinoids like tazarotene and retinoin, which work by affecting the growth of skin cells
- Corticosteroid injections, which have anti-inflammatory properties that shrink cystic nodules
Side effects of all of these topical treatments except for corticosteroid injections can include dry skin, redness, and an increased susceptibility to sunburn. Corticosteroid injections can cause scarring and discoloration.
Traditional Oral Acne Treatments
Like topical treatments, traditional oral treatments are aimed at preventing pimple formation by preventing pore blockage. Oral treatments for acne include:
- Antibiotics, which target acne-causing bacteria
- Birth control and spironolactone, which prevent hormonal changes that cause breakouts
- Isotretinoin (Accutane), which permanently shrinks oil glands and pores
While these treatments may be effective, especially for body acne, they may also cause unwanted side effects, some of which are severe. These include:
- Susceptibility to yeast and fungal infections (antibiotics)
- Weight gain (birth control)
- Decreased sex drive (birth control)
- Nausea (birth control)
- Stomach problems (spironolactone)
- Irregular periods (spironolactone)
- High blood pressure (Accutane)
- Vision problems (Accutane)
- Liver dysfunction (Accutane)
- Depression (Accutane)
- Severe birth defects (Accutane)
These are ordinarily prescribed to patients with moderate or severe acne, and Accutane is only prescribed for very severe acne. Oral treatments target pore blockage causes at the source by killing acne-causing bacteria and preventing hormone fluctuations or shrinking oil glands to prevent the skin from producing pore-blocking sebum.
Light Therapy
Light therapy for acne uses certain wavelengths of blue or red light to kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink pores. This therapy may be effective for those who have not had success with other traditional acne treatments, but is not suitable for patients with sensitive skin or epilepsy. Side effects of light therapy can include redness, swelling, dryness, and changes in skin color.
Natural Acne Treatment
Considering all the side effects of traditional acne treatments, it is no surprise that many people who experience acne breakouts might turn to natural acne spot treatments. While the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that all-natural supplements to treat acne are not necessarily effective, many people who experience acne breakouts believe that these natural acne solutions can be effective.
Natural topical treatments for acne can include:
- Manuka honey, which may have an antibacterial effect on acne-causing bacteria
- Tea tree oil, bittersweet nightshade, and diluted apple cider vinegar may all have an antibacterial effect
- Tannins, which are natural astringents (substances that shrink pores), can be extracted from witch hazel, white oak, or English walnut bark
- Fruit acids, which can be used for a mild do-it-yourself chemical facial peel
- Aloe vera, which may have anti-inflammatory properties
- Green tea extract, which may prevent skin cells from releasing oil
- Clay-based masks and exfoliants, which may clear out pores
- Sulfur-containing masks, which may clear out pores and kill acne-causing bacteria
Natural oral treatments may include:
- Zinc supplements; zinc can assist in wound healing and may reduce inflammation of acne pimples
- Vitex, a whole-fruit extract that is thought to combat premenstrual acne
- Brewer's yeast, which may have antimicrobial effects
- Reducing or removing food from your diet that cause a rapid increase in blood sugar (high glycemic index foods), as they have been associated with acne breakouts
Each natural substance used for natural topical or oral acne treatment has their own unique healing properties. Some of these therapies, such as the masks, are meant for facial acne, but an oral treatment or a soap containing ingredients like tea tree oil or green tea extract may provide the right natural body acne treatment for you. It is important to note that even organic acne treatments may cause adverse effects, so it is important to discuss any supplements you may consider taking with your physician.
Request Your Appointment Today
If you have tried traditional methods to clear your skin but remain unsatisfied, it may be time to try an all-natural acne treatment.
To meet with a holistic skin care specialist in Exeter who can recommend the best natural acne remedy for you, call (207) 536-9661 or contact Vibrant Health Naturopathic Medical Center online.
Vibrant Health Naturopathic Medical Center
3 Riverside DriveGreenland, NH 03840
(207) 536-9661
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
10:30 am - 5:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Residential HVAC Services in Prince George
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Many people seem to be excited about the new millennium, but the new millennium in itself will be nothing special. As we enter into the new millennium things will be the same; there will be nothing unusual. However, if we really want the next millennium to be happier, more peaceful and more harmonious for humankind we will have to make the effort to make it so. This is in our hands, but especially in the hands of the younger generation.
We have had many experiences during this century - constructive as well as extremely destructive ones. We must learn from these experiences. We need to approach the next millennium more holistically, with more openness and farsightedness. If we are going to make the right kind of efforts to make the future of the world better, I believe the following matters are of great importance.
1. While engaging in material progress and taking care of physical wellbeing we need to pay equal attention to developing peace of mind and thus taking care of the internal aspect of our being.
2. Along with education, which generally deals only with academic accomplishments, we need to develop more altruism and a sense of caring and responsibility for others in the minds of the younger generation studying in various educational institutions. This can be done without necessarily involving religion. One could therefore call this 'secular ethics', as it in fact consists of basic human qualities such as kindness, compassion, sincerity and honesty.
3. This past century in some ways has been a century of war and bloodshed. It has seen a year by year increase in defense spending by most countries in the world. If we are to change this trend we must seriously consider the concept of non-violence, which is a physical expression of compassion. In order to make non-violence a reality we must first work on internal disarmament and then proceed to work on external disarmament. By internal disarmament I mean ridding ourselves of all the negative emotions that result in violence. External disarmament will also have to be done gradually, step by step. We must first work on the total abolishment of nuclear weapons and gradually work up to total demilitarization throughout the world. In the process of doing this we also need to work towards stopping the arms trade, which is still very widely practiced because it is so lucrative. When we do all these things, we can then hope to see in the next millennium a year by year decrease in the military expenditure of the various nations and a gradual working towards demilitarization. Human problems will, of course, always remain - but the way to resolve them should be through dialogue and discussion. The next century should be a century of dialogue and discussion rather than one of war and bloodshed.
4. We need to address the issue of the gap between the rich and the poor, both globally and nationally. This inequality, with some sections of the human community having abundance and others on the same planet going hungry or even dying of starvation, is not only morally wrong, but practically also a source of problems. Equally important is the issue of freedom. As long as there is no freedom in many parts of the world there can be no real peace and in a sense no real freedom for the rest of the world.
5, For the sake of our future generations, we need to take care of our earth and of our environment. Environmental damage is often gradual and not easily apparent and by the time we become aware of it, it is generally too late. Since most of the major rivers flowing into many parts of south-east Asia originate from the Tibetan plateau, it will not be out of place to mention here the crucial importance of taking care of the environment in that area.
6. Lastly, one of the greatest challenges today is the population explosion. Unless we are able to tackle this issue effectively we will be confronted with the problem of the natural resources being inadequate for all the human beings on this earth.
We need to seriously look into these matters that concern us all if we are to look forward to the future with some hope.
January 1, 2000


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As you likely know, 10 people were killed in a shooting last week at a grocery store in Boulder, Colo. Their funerals have begun. Governor Jared Polis and other state leaders attended one of the first ceremonies this weekend. Colorado Public Radio's Dan Boyce was there as well.
UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE: (Singing in Serbian).
DAN BOYCE, BYLINE: The service for 23-year-old Neven Stanisic was held Saturday in the same Serbian Orthodox Christian church he'd attended since he was a boy. Mourners packed the small chapel decorated in richly carved wood and medieval-styled paintings of saints. As the coffin was wheeled in, the traditional hymns were drowned out by the desperate grief of Nevin's father Radmilo.
RADMILO STANISIC: (Crying).
BOYCE: Family members reached out, each putting a hand on Radmilo, including Neven's mother Mirjana and daughter Nikolina, their only remaining child. Radmilo and Mirjana are ethnic Serbs who immigrated to Colorado in the late 1990s, coming for a better and a safer life in the U.S. after fleeing the war in Bosnia.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: (Singing in Serbian).
BOYCE: The ceremony was half in Serbian and half in English. This church, St. John the Baptist, is a focal point for the area's small and tight-knit Serbian community.
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: (Singing) And grant me the desire, Father (ph).
BOYCE: The parishioners held white candles, grasping them below paper discs meant to catch the dripping wax. Neven had a job fixing coffee machines and had just finished working on one at the Starbucks inside the King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive. He'd left the store and had just gotten into his car when he was gunned down, likely the first fatality in the mass shooting that has further traumatized a state already so familiar with such tragedies.
SASHA PETROVIC: Dear brothers and sisters, it is very difficult to say any words of comfort in this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking moment.
BOYCE: Reverend Sasha Petrovic traveled from an Orthodox church in Omaha, Neb., to give the eulogy. He said Neven's mother had been watching the news last Monday on the unfolding situation in Boulder when the camera focused on Neven's car.
PETROVIC: Her first thought was, oh, my God. Did my son do something terrible? So there is something more terrible than to be an innocent victim.
BOYCE: Despite the tragic circumstance around his death, Neven had lived honorably.
PETROVIC: In our holy Orthodox faith, Serbian Orthodox culture, honor is more precious than even this life on this Earth.
BOYCE: As the funeral drew to a close, the family approached to kiss the golden cross inlaid at the head of Neven's dark mahogany coffin. As they said these last goodbyes, Radmilo Stanisic threw his arms over the coffin, his head on that cross - wife, daughter, family holding him still, all keening...
STANISIC: (Non-English language spoken, crying).
BOYCE: ...For their 23-year-old son and brother, one of the 10 lives taken by bullets less than a week ago. For NPR News, I'm Dan Boyce in Lakewood, Colo.
(SOUNDBITE OF GOOSETAF, KYLE MCEVOY AND BLUE WEDNESDAY'S "MAPLE") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.


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A Useful Technique: MoSCoW
MoSCoW is an acronym of sorts that stands for Must-, Should-, Could-, and Won't-Have.
It's most commonly used when conducting release planning to give stakeholders and teams a short-hand for scope flexibility.
On a release plan board, it may look like this:
Note that we've indicated Must, Should, Could, and Won't to the left of the release planning board.
- Must-have means exactly that. If even one must have condition isn't present by the time we want to release, we won't release. They are critical to the project's success. These should be no more than 60% of your release scope. If your team is new and doesn't have a known, stable velocity, consider limiting this to 40%.
- Should-haves are also important, but not absolutely necessary for the release. Limit these to about 20%.
- Could-haves are desired but not necessary. If we've got the time and resources, we'll include them in the release. These make up the balance.
- Having a "Won't" section allows us to give early warning to stakeholders about the desired backlog items that are unlikely to be in the release.
- If you're working towards a release or major milestone, indicate it in your plan. It can be located anywhere, it doesn't have to be at the end. Adjust your MoSCoW indicators accordingly.
Typewriter image: Prioritize by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 ImageCreator


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The race to find a vaccine or treatment to stop Ebola
As the Ebola virus outbreak continues to rage in West Africa, the pressure is on to fast-track drug research that could potentially stop or slow its spread.
Last week, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), a division of the National Institutes of Health, announced plans to expedite research on a vaccine against Ebola that's been shown to be effective in primates. A clinical trial on humans may begin as early as next month.
"We tested it in monkeys, it looks very good, it protects monkeys completely from challenge with Ebola. They don't get sick and they don't die, whereas unvaccinated monkeys all do," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of NIAID, told "CBS This Morning" on Monday. "We're going to start human trials in September in normal volunteers. And if that looks good, by January we should be able to scale up in its production."
He said the vaccine could eventually be offered to health care providers who put themselves at high risk taking care of others in an outbreak.
Scientists at the Vaccine Research Center said that, unlike vaccines for many other communicable diseases, this particular one does not contain any of the pathogens that cause the Ebola virus.
"This is a non-replicating viral vector, which means the vaccine enters a cell, delivers the gene inserts and does not replicate further. The gene inserts express a protein to which the body makes an immune response," according to a statement from the NIAID.
In next month's trial, the vaccine will be tested on healthy human volunteers, which will provide researchers with information on any contraindication and side effects the drug may pose, as well as help to determine what dosage would be needed to make it effective for preventing illness. It would be unethical to conduct a randomized trial of any Ebola treatment or vaccine in people who were infected since only a fraction of study subjects would receive the potentially life-saving therapy.
But it isn't the only vaccine that's in testing or has shown promise. Thomas Geisbert, a professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, has been working on research for a number of potential vaccines that may hold promise for preventing the spread of the Ebola virus.
He told CBS News there are at least four other vaccines in development -- and all show some potential to be effective in humans. Geisbert said one such vaccine might be effective in a single dose, much like a rabies shot, rather than requiring two or three doses. This would be a boon for public health efforts in poor countries because it would eliminate the need for follow-up visits with patients.
But progress for this vaccine and others has been slow.
Geisbert, who received a $26 million grant from the NIH for Ebola vaccination research, said lack of funding is a large factor in why little progress has been made.
"Because there's really not been that many cases globally, there's a small global market," Geisbert told CBS News. "There's not a lot interest from pharmaceutical companies. There's no incentive for the private sector, so you have to rely on the government."
The current outbreak in West Africa, which has taken the lives of 887 people to date, has prompted increased funding for vaccine research. But a vaccine, even if it works, won't be enough to stop an epidemic. To do so would also require having treatments available for those people who contract Ebola.
"People need to understand the difference between a treatment and a vaccine," Fauci told CBS News. "What I was talking about, which we have really some very favorable results on, is a vaccine to prevent infection."
One potential treatment for people after they become infected has already made its way to West Africa. Last week, several vials of an experimental drug serum called ZMAPP were transported to Liberia from the NIH in an effort to treat two American aid workers with Ebola. The serum contains antibodies to prevent the virus from entering cells in the body, CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook explains.
The health of both patients improved shortly after taking the drug. However just two case studies aren't enough to determine if it would be an effective treatment for people in the long run.
Dr. Kartik Chandran, associate professor of microbiology & immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, is studying the way the Ebola virus behaves in humans. "Our work is really focused on basic understanding of how the virus infects the cell. We are using that information to develop drugs against Ebola," he told CBS News.
Chandran has discovered Ebola is a sneaky and aggressive pathogen. "The virus is like a burglar trying to get into a house, a mansion," he said. "This mansion has lots and lots rooms and cul-de-sacs and dead ends. Every door has a lock, there are surveillance cameras and the virus needs to break in. By identifying the key doors it could get through, we can come up with targets."
The virus essentially enters human cells by hitching a ride with certain proteins. The Ebola virus binds to the host cell's outer membrane, then part of the host cell membrane envelops the virus. This creates a bubble of sorts, which enables the virus to enter into the cell. The virus escapes destruction by exploiting the cell's regeneration process. One protein the virus exploits in known as the Niemann-Picks CI (NPC1), which helps transport cholesterol within a cell. In a mouse study, Chandran and his team discovered that if cells do not make this protein -- due to a mutation -- they are immune to Ebola.
This research was supported by grants from the NIAID and the National Human Genome Research Institute, both part of the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Army, and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
Chandran said a drug that blocks the virus from binding to the protein may be a potential treatment for people who contract Ebola, though development is some time away.
"Every time you identify another one of the cells this virus is exploiting, you can target them to block the virus," he said. "There are other approaches. There's the therapeutic antibody approach -- you make antibodies against the outer shell of the virus. You inject them and infuse them into a person."


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Saturday, September 3, 2011
Fat Burning Foods our Texas Fit Chicks love.
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Now don't get all excited. We don't have any magic wand solutions that will take the place of exercise and eating right. But we do have a few foods that could help you on your journey to rid yourself of excess flab.
To put it simply, protein takes a lot of effort for the body to break down and digest. A lot more than, say, fat. So while your body is working hard to process that protein, you're burning calories. Stop by the seafood counter next time you're at Kroger! Chances are you're not getting enough of it. Not only is fish a fabulous source of lean protein, BUT many types are full of those Omega-3 fatty acids you're always hearing about. Beans are also a wonderful source of protein. And it's no secret how we feel about our friend the soybean. (Let's have a cheer for veggie patties and soy-meats!)
Belly fat is not particularly cute on anyone (except maybe babies), so it's exciting news that whole grains can do a number on that stubborn flab around your midsection. One of the easiest ways to get whole grains into your diet? Oatmeal in the morning. Quaker's Simple Harvest Multigrain Hot Cereal is really good and just full of grains. Also, Kashi GoLean's Hot Cereal packs in 7 whole grains and a big 5 - 7g fiber! Mmmmm…
Ever since you were a kid popping Flintstones Chewables, you've known that Vitamin C is good for you — and that certainly hasn't changed. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant AND has been shown in studies to help burn fat. So, if you're looking for a snack, how's about a nice, juicy grapefruit? The theory is that grapefruit helps to lower insulin levels, which keeps you from being hungry all the time! We know it smacks of classic diet food, but those Ruby Reds are MIGHTY delicious! If it's too sour for you straight, sprinkle it with some no-calorie sweetener like Splenda or stevia.
Green tea is EVERYWHERE. It's been classified as a "superfood" as it's been linked to reduced rates of heart disease and cancer. And now it helps us lose weight too? Green tea has been shown to raise our metabolism, which is key in our battle with the bad stuff. Researchers also suspect that substances called polyphenols combined with caffeine are responsible for its fat-burning properties.
SPICY FOODSYou know how when you eat spicy foods, you sometimes start to sweat a little (ew)? That's because it's given a little kick to your heart rate. These little kicks will result in a temporary increase in your metabolism, which will help you burn fat a little easier for a bit. A quick hit with cayenne, red pepper flakes, or whatever hot sauce you fancy should do the trick and get your blood pumping. And these spices are practically calorie-free. Yes!
Hey, dairy queens! Good news! It turns out that people who eat low-fat or fat-free dairy lose MORE weight than people who don't. Sure we mentioned protein before, but it bears bringing up again since the magical combo of calcium and protein seems to work wonders. We're WAY into yogurt, so we suggest picking up some Fage Total 0% Greek Yogurt and mixing in your favorite fruits, sugar-free preserves… or whatever! Also, light string cheese is a GREAT little snack, with only around 50-60 calories and 2.5g fat a pop. Not bad for hard cheese, people.
Experts say it's important to drink lots of water if you're trying to burn fat Your body can't work effectively if it's dehydrated — not only will you FEEL like you don't have any energy, but also your body really won't have what it needs to function and burn off fat. Keep that machine humming — drink at least 8 glasses of water a day!
Sure this stuff tastes good — that's why it's found in SO many things. But those chefs might not know that their sprinkling of cinnamon is helping the body process sugar more effectively and lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to the body storing more fat, so maybe put together a little shaker of cinnamon and Splenda to sprinkle on your favorite foods! Then whip up some fat-burning cinnamon toast by using your new concoction on whole-wheat bread!
An apple a day isn't going to keep the gym away, but it'll probably make your diet plan more effective. Word on the street is that the pectin contained in apples limits how much fat your cells can absorb. (SWEET!) Plus it's a naturally soluble fiber, which is always good. So next time you feel all snacky, grab whichever apple looks best to you (we love Honeycrisps!).
Texas Fit Chicks Boot Camp is most effective for our chicks when they follow a good nutrition plan! Eating clean is critical to changing your physique. Hope these 9 tips help you on your weight loss journey. Ready to commit to change your body but don't want to pay the price of a private personal trainer? Our Fitness bootcamp is the answer! All of our trainers are nationally certified, and specialize in training women for fat-loss. Every bootcamp workout is different, so your body won't ever plateau.
Check out our Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp Facebook Page for Daily Free fitness tips from your trainer! Click here for our Facebook Page Be sure to "Like" our page, and be entered to win FREE bootcamp!!
Ready to sign up?? Visit our website, Texas Fit Chicks Bootcamp and get started this Monday!!
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Die Berliner Mauer
Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall is the single most important symbol of Germany's former division.
Torn down, demolished, donated to museums and universities around the world, and sold as souvenirs - the wall almost disappeared from the city's landscape.
www.Die-Berliner-Mauer.de / www.The-Berlin-Wall.de will assist you in your journey through the history of the Wall and help you to discover the last remaining pieces of this most visible embodiment of the cold war.


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Remember how alive and energized you felt after your first week of yoga or Spinning classes? In an effort to recapture that bliss, you've stuck to the same routine ever since, setting yourself up to hit a fitness plateau, burn out, or — even worse — suffer a debilitating injury.
"We're creatures of habit, so the routine is easy," says Christopher Mohr, RD, an exercise physiologist and dietitian in Louisville, Kentucky. "But a routine means you'll never grow fitter; your body needs constant change to progress."
With help from some of the top fitness experts in the country, we put together a simple plan that will fit easily into your lifestyle, whether you've been exercising for five weeks or five years. Try it; your body and your mind will be glad you did.
The VIP Moves
Even if your idea of fitness is walking the dog, you need these five stretches.
CURRENT REGIMEN: Cardio, 2-4 times/week
Regularly making your heart pound helps pump oxygenated blood to your brain and muscles. "Minute for minute, you enjoy the biggest health benefits from cardiovascular exercise," says Mohr. "And high-intensity cardio work is the best way to burn calories."
Plus, if you're running or cycling, you're probably outside enjoying the fresh air and reconnecting with the natural world, says Tom Holland, a certified athletic trainer and endurance-sports coach based in Darien, Connecticut. Even in a city, says Holland, going outside keeps the routine fresh and attractive.
What's missing: Flexibility and balanced strength. "When you do just one sport," says Holland, "you overdevelop the muscles needed to do that sport, while other muscles grow weak by comparison. It's a classic setup for injury. Runners have overdeveloped hamstrings [the muscles on the back of their thighs]. Cyclists overdevelop their quads [the muscles on the front of their thighs]."
Performing only one type of exercise causes your range of motion to shrink, as well. Because the body is smart about minimizing the energy and muscle it needs to do a certain activity, any movement outside of the one it's used to doing can strain both those big, developed muscles and the ones that get little use. The result can be a painful muscle pull or nagging joint pain.
The fix: For runners, bikers, and elliptical fans, Holland recommends twice-weekly trips to the yoga studio for Ashtanga yoga, or "power yoga," which focuses on lunges, push-up-type positions, and balance to build strength and flexibility.
Lindsay Hyman, a coach to triathletes, runners, and cyclists at Carmichael Training Systems in Colorado Springs, Colorado, also suggests that cardio addicts take one of their scheduled exercise days to go for an easy bike ride. "So many people burn out on their sport because they go all out all the time in their quest to burn maximum calories," says Hyman. "But the body — and mind — need to recover in order to bounce back feeling fresh."
CURRENT REGIMEN: Strength training, 2-3 times/week
"The older we are, the more important strength training becomes," says Mohr. That's because working through exercises that exhaust your muscles keeps them strong, shores up the connective tissue around your joints, and builds the bone density that wards off osteoporosis. Studies have shown that a regular weight-lifting routine can significantly slow the creaks and pains of aging — even among people who engage in regular aerobic exercise.
It also helps you enjoy daily activities. "I work with accomplished triathletes and runners who want to work out with weights so they have the strength to pick up and play with their kids," says Hyman. "It doesn't necessarily help them in their sport, but it definitely improves their quality of life."
What's missing: While there is a cardiovascular component to lifting weights — the panting that comes at the end of a hard set of lifts is your heart going into overdrive — you're missing out on the sustained aerobic benefits enjoyed by runners, swimmers, cyclists, elliptical-trainer users, and even walkers.
"A long, steady run of 30 to 60 minutes builds endurance," says Hyman. By building stamina, you're teaching your body to handle sustained physical stress as efficiently as possible. And — wouldn't you know it — the better you can handle physical stress, the better you can handle mental stress.
The fix: There are a couple of options. First, turn your weight routine into a cardio workout. "If you're doing weight circuits [in which you move from exercise to exercise to complete one circuit, instead of doing three or four sets of the same exercise before moving to the next], don't rest between exercises," says Holland. By not letting up, you'll keep your heart rate elevated throughout the circuit. "Just be careful to not push yourself too hard," he warns. "You don't want to be out of breath. These aren't sprints."
Second, take a brisk walk on a hilly route for an hour or so, ideally every day. That's easy if you're a dog owner. Hyman also recommends swimming. "In the pool, you take the weight off your body so it can enjoy a break, yet you still get a great aerobic workout."
CURRENT REGIMEN: Yoga, 2-4 times/week
The practice of yoga has stood the test of time because it does an excellent job teaching the body total balance and flexibility, as well as tuning you in to the connection between breath and movement. It strengthens the torso's core muscles and, from there, allows you to connect, say, the power of your legs to your ground strokes on the tennis court. Yoga also heightens the mind-body connection, says Mohr. "And being in tune like that makes every movement easier."
What's missing: "Yoga's not a weight-bearing exercise," says Hyman. "And that's a critical need for women — especially postmenopausal women, who need to worry about osteoporosis. The impact of running spurs your bones to grow stronger."
Although moving through yoga poses does provide some aerobic benefit, it doesn't compare to the high-intensity cardiovascular workout that comes from Spinning class or a run. Those efforts do more than nuke fat and leave you breathless; they strengthen the most important muscle in your body — the heart.
"A good, hard bit of cardio completes what I call the circle of fitness," says Hyman. "Endurance, flexibility, strength, and a strong heart are all necessary to grow healthier."
The fix Hyman recommends running at least three times a week for 30 minutes or longer. After a 10-minute warm-up, do 15 minutes of high-intensity intervals, then take 5 to 10 minutes to cool down. Vary the length of your intervals: One week, do 1-minute sprints followed by 1 minute of easy jogging. The next week try 3-minute sprints followed by 3 minutes at a slower pace.
If running is too hard on your joints, do intervals by hiking up a steep hill. "You'll get your heart rate up, and the hike down will provide some stimulus for bone growth," says Hyman. Or get your interval workout on a bike, elliptical trainer, or in the pool. To strengthen your bones, though, you need to do a couple of sets of multijoint weight-bearing exercises such as lunges. Start with ten lunges per leg and work up to 30, making sure your front knee never bends past your ankle. Keep your back straight and your chest open. For a bigger challenge, hold 5- to 10-pound free weights in each hand.
Fitness and health writer Grant Davis runs marathons, races mountain bikes, and does 100-mile bike rides from his home in Colorado Springs.


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There are several attitudes towards Christmas,
Some of which we may disregard:
The social, the torpid, the patently commercial,
The rowdy (the pubs being open till midnight),
And the childish — which is not that of the child
For whom the candle is a star, and the gilded angel
Spreading its wings at the summit of the tree
Is not only a decoration, but an angel.
The child wonders at the Christmas Tree:
Let him continue in the spirit of wonder
At the Feast as an event not accepted as a pretext;
So that the glittering rapture, the amazement
Of the first-remembered Christmas Tree,
So that the surprises, delight in new possessions
(Each one with its peculiar and exciting smell),
The expectation of the goose or turkey
And the expected awe on its appearance,
So that the reverence and the gaiety
May not be forgotten in later experience,
In the bored habituation, the fatigue, the tedium,
The awareness of death, the consciousness of failure,
Or in the piety of the convert
Which may be tainted with a self-conceit
Displeasing to God and disrespectful to children
(And here I remember also with gratitude
St. Lucy, her carol, and her crown of fire):
So that before the end, the eightieth Christmas
(By "eightieth" meaning whichever is last)
The accumulated memories of annual emotion
May be concentrated into a great joy
Which shall be also a great fear, as on the occasion
When fear came upon every soul:
Because the beginning shall remind us of the end
And the first coming of the second coming.
This article has been republished with the permission of the Imaginative Conservative.


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Ystad is located at the southern tip of Sweden, in the province of Scania, east of Malmö. Sweden generally does not suffer from coastal erosion because of land uplift, but it does occur in Scania, where the land uplift is around zero and land subsidence – although it is really small and seems insignificant – will result in the long run in ongoing erosion on most Scania's southern coast. The combination of high water levels with strong wind has on many occasions resulted in severe damage to the coast of Ystad municipality.
West of Ystad, most of the beach consists of stone and gravel. On the coast at Ystad, some sea walls are present to protect the beach. East of Ystad, the beaches are mainly sandy with another sea wall. Over the years, these areas have been severely affected by erosion. The coastline has eroded by 1-1.5m/year, on average, for the last 150 years.
The erosion mainly affects urban areas and industry and threatens human lives, property and investments. Recreational beaches are threatened. In general, the purposes of the protection works along the Ystad coast have been different for different areas. The effects have therefore also been different.
Since 1950, the landowners in this area have been dumping rocks and this temporary action saved the buildings. However, in the long run, the (unprofessional) way in which the dumping has occurred has resulted in much more severe damage and more problems. However, the overall effect of the protection scheme at Ystad has been positive. In some areas, the problem has been moved further downdrift because only hard protective measures were applied. The aims can be the protection of infrastructure, holding the line and rebuilding the sand dunes.


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There are two kinds of happiness – the temporary pleasure derived primarily from material comfort alone and another more enduring comfort that results from the thorough transformation and development of the mind. We can see in our own lives that the latter form of happiness is superior because when our mental state is calm and happy, we can easily put up with minor pains and physical discomforts. On the other hand, when our mind is restless and upset, the most comfortable physical facilities do not make us happy.
Dalai Lama


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Explore a supernatural world and master the art of wizardry in The Sims™ 4 Realm of Magic. This countryside town may look and feel like other neighborhoods, but once the secret portal is unlocked, the true magic begins. Potions, wands, and even a floating world will charm your Sim, but beware of spells gone wrong! Learn the craft of wizardry, summon a familiar for protection, and immerse yourself in this spellbinding realm.
Discover the Neighborhood – An unreal world awaits your Sim, and when you stumble upon the secret portal, there are mystical discoveries at every turn. Interact with familiars, cast spells on Sims around you, and concoct potions for friends and enemies.
Learn the Craft – Study up on classic teachings, get sorcerous experts to train your Sim, and become a Spellcaster by completing a quest. Collect and cast spells to make Sims fight, conjure food, or even turn others into objects. Create drinkable potions to make Sims fall in love, remove unwanted curses, or live forever!
Get Real Familiar – An ethereal familiar – or protector -- will help your Sim become the Spellcaster they were destined to be. Summon a dragon, fairy, or the familiar that best suits your Sim's personality as a personal guard and give it a creative name.
Dress for Supernatural Success – Get in the spirit of sorcery with outfits that suit your Sim. Over-the-top attire is cauldron-ready, while a subdued ensemble is perfect for casting new spells. Collect wands and brooms to finish the look, then decorate rooms with enchanting objects.