text:
|System: X360, Wii, PS2, PSP
|Review Rating Legend
|Dev: Eutechnyx
|1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
|4.0 - 4.4 = Great
|Pub: Activision Value
|2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
|4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
|Release: Nov.21, 2006
|2.5 - 2.9 = Average
|5.0 = The Best
|Players: 1
|3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
|ESRB Rating: T
|3.5 - 3.9 = Good
by Cole Smith
Pimp My Ride will certainly take you for a ride, but not a joyride.
Whereas the show, Pimp My Ride, may be fun, the game is not. It gets close in the presentation but it fails miserably where it counts, in the gameplay. It seems this title is in need of a little overhauling itself. Perhaps we could get the developers to spend a few more weeks upgrading this. We could call it Pimp My Game.
MTV's successful Pimp My Ride series is a show that features customized vehicles. But these aren't your off-the-shelf customizations. Some of these vehicles are so over-the-top I wouldn't want to be seen driving one in a parade. It seems to me there are two camps that watch the show: Those that treat it like a traffic accident and can't look away, and those that really think these customizations are cool. There's certainly a level of appreciation that needs to be directed at the imagination and skills of the customizers, but some of these cars are just downright tacky, and not necessarily cool. I was kind of hoping that I might be able to recreate The Homer with this game (the car that Homer Simpson invented that ruined his brother's company). But you're not given carte blanche with the customizing options.
The first annoyance is the repetitiveness of the gameplay. In each stage, you are to customize a vehicle for a particular customer. This results in running around the virtual town looking for parts from the suppliers. When you have purchased everything that you need, and lots that you don't need, you will be awarded a score that hopefully will be good enough to allow you to move on. Then you can repeat the process. The repetition is interrupted by some mini-games and some racing that isn't much fun at all, especially after the second or third time. These elements sure aren't any more entertaining after the 10th or 20th time. Then there is the driving physics. It's as though all of the customizing has affected the steering mechanics of these vehicles. They over-steer and are constantly hitting things. Any kid under the age of 16 is likely to be so traumatized that he or she will probably never want to attempt to drive a car in real life. Add to this no multiplayer components, very little replay value, and the occasionally game crash. Still interested?
Xzibit can't save this game even though his appearance is a sight for sore eyes and ears. His attitude and snide comments are captured well as he provides his own voiceover work, but the voiceovers of the other characters are incredibly bad, especially the girls. Most of the guys just sound like they're on depressants but the girls are so overly exuberant that they sound like anime characters on caffeine pills, but even more annoying if that's possible.
To earn money to begin customizing a vehicle you will have to partake in a few mini-games. One requires that you attend a ghost riding session. Here you press a sequence of buttons to a hip hop track much like in a rhythm game, except you don't need any rhythm, just quick reflexes. Your character gets out and dances to the beat. Yes, it's embarrassing all right. You'll also notice that each time you play this mini-game you'll hear the same old hip hop beat over and over. You can also get money by damaging your vehicle by hitting things. Don't ask me why you would get money for this. Considering how easy it is to hit things due to the faulty steering controls, you're going to get rich quickly. Getting into accidents is the rule, not the exception. There isn't any damage modeling, which in this case may be a good thing because there would be little left of the vehicle to customize.
Another way that you can earn money is to impress the kids on the street. Drive by slowly and press some buttons to make the kids go crazy and you'll earn more money. Once you have enough cash to customize your customer's vehicle, a cutscene will appear featuring Xzibit as he trash talks the client's vehicle and then promises to deliver something they will never forget. At this time, you enter into a competition against a rival customizer. You have a couple of minutes to race through Pimp City and purchase all of the parts that you can get your hands on before the competition does. The game takes into account the expense of these parts so it's important to purchase the most expensive parts that you can.
The real downfall of the game is that you're limited to the parts that you can purchase and use for each vehicle. You aren't given any real freedom in this game to customize a vehicle. Instead, you're sent out as a gopher to pick up parts that seem like they were preordered by your boss - although you have a little say in the overall design and color. There are those that probably think this would be a great game based on the fact that they could really let their imaginations soar and create some incredible mobile cribs. Such is not the case and that may be a huge disappointment for many. I know it was for me. Imagine being able to trade customized vehicles with your friends online that you could not only drive, but customize even further. Well, keep dreaming. As it is, this game doesn't even feature a simple multiplayer race mode.
Driving through Pimp City isn't made any easier by the arrow indicator that is notoriously hard to read, and often you won't be able to discern the entrances to the various shops. There are various "hoods" that you'll be allowed to drive in, but you don't have the freedom of the entire city during any individual stage. Racing from shop to shop requires some skill but once again you're limited to how much you can compensate for the steering and the scenery that pops up out of nowhere. Graphically, the cars look good, even when they start out as junkers. You don't really get to fully appreciate all of the features that they are endowed with, but you get to enjoy the paint job and any extraneous exterior objects such as rims, spoilers, and golden toilet seats. The city is drab and generic looking, with plenty of aliasing to give you the impression of a budget title.
Tunes from Xzibit's latest CD are featured and manage to bring some street cred to the soundtrack. But, as I mentioned, not even Xzibit can save this game. So save your money. Watch the show for free on MTV and buy Xzibit's new CD if you must spend your cash.
Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer


text: I'm somewhat confused by the uint4/float4 data type. I was told previously to use uint4's for extra speed when coding OpenCL kernels for my HD4870 GPU, but there seems to be a little ambiguity in terms of what a uint4 is. A quick Google search tells me it's simply a 4-byte unsigned integer, but deeper research reveals in the context of OpenCL it's actually a vector type, consisting of 4 integers woven into one variable. How does this work? Is it like a typedef struct where you can access each element of the object? How big are the four integers? Can anyone show me or link me to some example code showing how to set and retrieve these (including the four integer elements) and also show me how to define the uint4 data type correctly in non-OpenCL C code (so I can declare uint4's in my calling application and pass them into the OpenCL kernel).

subset: commoncrawl


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Pakistan to Restore Ministry for Religious Minorities
Government official calms Christians' fears of continued persecution by the Muslim majority.
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Amid fears of rising sectarian violence in Pakistan, Christians and other religious minorities expressed alarm about the national government's decision to abolish a cabinet-level ministry for religious-minority affairs, eliminating the post once held by the murdered Catholic leader Shabhaz Bhatti.
Christian leaders voiced anguish about the relegation of the "ministry for religious minorities" to provincial governments. But a Pakistani Catholic minister defended the action, asserting that "the government will not forsake the religious minorities."
"This is no downgrading of the concerns of the [religious] minorities. What has been done is mere fulfillment of a legal requirement," Akram Masih Gill, state deputy minister for Interfaith Harmony and Minorities Affairs in Pakistan's federal cabinet, said in a July 8 telephone interview.
Gill clarified that Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has already assured that the federal government will soon have a new ministry to address the concerns of the religious minorities.
The controversy broke out after the federal government approved on June 28 the devolution of seven federal ministries, including the ministry for religious minorities, to the provincial governments under what is known as the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
The other ministries assigned to the provincial governments are the ministry for food and agriculture, health, environment, labor, women's development and sports.
Pakistan is divided into five provinces: Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (earlier known as North West Frontier Province), Punjab, Sindh and Azad Kashmir, with the elected provincial governments enjoying limited autonomy.
Soon after the devolution was approved by the federal government, minority religious leaders poured out their concern in a series of public statements.
"The presence of Christians at the federal level is crucial, as they face continual injustice, prejudice and discrimination inscribed in legislation," lamented Julius Salik, convener of the World Minorities Alliance, in a statement decrying the move.
A former Christian member of the National Assembly, Salik noted that the concerns of the religious minorities "are national issues that bear no relation to provincial autonomy." This statement is obscure and should be dropped or requires clarification.
Leaders from other religious communities, including Hindus and Ahmadiyas, members of an Islamic religious movement founded near the end of the 19th century, also deplored the devolution of the key ministry to provincial governments. The move, they said, would deny a voice to the already marginalized religious communities in Pakistan, where nearly 95% of its 180 million people are Muslims.
After the abolishment of the cabinet-level position stirred controversy, Prime Minister Gilani convened a meeting of the 12 members of the National Assembly representing religious minorities, comprised of eight Hindus, three Christians, including himself, and a Sikh.
"The prime minister has assured us that the new ministry for minorities will be soon in place," said Gill, who is in his second term in the National Assembly. "We need to find a new name (for this ministry) so that the there will be no legal objections, because, technically, religious minority is now a provincial subject," pointed out Gill, who was arrested by the police in 2009 for protesting the custodial death of Fanish Masih, a Christian who had been imprisoned on a blasphemy charge.
Contrary to the pessimism evoked by the constitutional changes, Gill noted that the devolution could turn into "a blessing in disguise" for the religious minorities: "While only the Punjab province has a ministry for religious minorities, now each province will be forced to constitute a ministry." Consequently, religious minorities will have departments at both the provincial level and the national level to take care of their concerns.
Father Emmanuel Yousaf Mani, national director of the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan, also refused to join the chorus of protest. "It is not fair to say that the religious-minority ministry has been downgraded," Father Mani said.
"We cannot say that we have been singled out, as several ministries have been entrusted to the provincial government under the 18th Amendment," added Father Mani. The religious minorities, he pointed out, "need a proper mechanism at the federal level to ensure that their voices are heard and concerns are taken seriously."
Meanwhile, Gill said that the new federal department to monitor and address concerns of the religious minorities is "likely" to be named "Ministry for Interfaith Harmony and Non-Muslim Affairs."
Prior to 2008, there was no federal ministry for religious minorities; that cabinet-level position was established by the Pakistan People's Party after it won the 2008 election.
The fledgling ministry was entrusted to outspoken Roman Catholic politician Shabhaz Bhatti, who was assassinated in Islamabad on March 2 for standing up against the draconian blasphemy law.
Islamic fundamentalists targeted 42-year-old Bhatti for initiating a clemency petition last November for Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother of five sentenced to death on a trumped-up blasphemy charge. Salman Taseer, the governor of Punjab province, who had worked with Bhatti to push the clemency petition, was assassinated on Jan. 4 by his own security guard.
The recent murders of two prominent critics of Pakistan's blasphemy laws — Bhatti and Salmaan Taseer, governor of the state of Punjab, has fueled fears of deepening religious intolerance in a nation that still plays a strategic role in U.S. efforts to contain Islamic terrorism. While experts report that Prime Minister Zadari remains sympathetic to the concerns of religious minorities, his government has reportedly retreated from its attempt to reform the anti-blasphemy laws used to target Christian minorities, in particular.
"With high-level champions of reform being gunned down for their stance, there will be no chance of reform," Nina Shea, the commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), stated in a recent published interview.
Shea, the director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based research center, is one among many experts to express alarm that religious extremists "are winning the battle for the soul of Pakistan."
Register correspondent Anto Akkara writes from Bangalore, India.


text:
U2 Bono The Edge The Joshua Tree LP signed by band - Rare
The Joshua Tree LP cover signed on the front cover by the full band. They rarely come better than this !
Comes framed, with a stunning gold disc, photos and plaque, to RIAA record award standards.
Signed by:
The Edge
Adam Clayton
Comes with photographic provenance of the signing.
Signed: Hanover Quay studios, Dublin - July 9th 2008
Comes with our own Devon Autographs COA and Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.
[Devon Autographs - UACC Registered Dealer #RD336]


text:
Valve is launching a crowd-sourced review system on Steam, and it'll let you give ratings to any game in your library on the PC distribution network. The beta goes live today.
You'll also be able to rate other peoples' reviews, like you can on networks like Amazon. Presumably this will work better than the infamously abusable user-review system on Metacritic, as Steam users can only review games that they've played. The system will also display each reviewer's playtime in parentheses next to their review.


text:
Home > Car Accessories > Car Lights > 2PCS 8-LED Car Daytime Running Lights Daylight Kit Super White 12V DC
Product Details
The car daytime running light can improve your safety while driving. It allows your vehicle to be seen at much further distances. Greatly improves reaction time of oncoming motorists in an incident.The extra cool white beam can enhance the total appearance of your car.
- Hiper bright LED consumes far less power than a standard bulb while maintaining optimal light output
- Attractive slim design and adjustable bracket that fits various car models
- Waterproof reflector for all road weather conditions
- Pressure resistance
- Easy and simple to install
- Light Color: White
- Specifications:
- Input Voltage: 12V DC
- Lifespan: 50,000 hours
- LED Lamp Quantity: 8LEDs/PC
- Dimension (L x W x H): Approx. 6.1 x 0.8 x 1.4inch / 158 x 20 x 35mm
Package Includes:
- 2 x 8-LED Daytime Running Lights
- 4 x Cables
- 2 x Fixed Support
- 1 Packet of Screws
- 1 x Manual Instructions
- Disconnect power before installation
- Handle the set with care
Related Tags


text:
Events, Press & PR
Other Disciplines:
Art & Landscape Photography
Portrait Photography
Wedding Photography
Whether I am taking on a wedding assignment, capturing the biggest day in the couple's life, or a doing a family portrait session I understand and know that every client is looking for natural, personal images to capture their special moments that are taken in a way that allows them to feel as natural and as comfortable as possible with the minimum of fuss so they can relax and enjoy their day.
I have had a passionate interest in photography for very many years and during this time I have photographed all different types of occasions and events including weddings, family portraits, parties, celebrations and many other types of memorable events that are important to my clients
By investing in the talent and expertise of an IPPVA photographer or videographer you are insuring that careful planning goes into unobtrusively capturing the key moments, people and atmosphere of your big day.
When you engage the services of an IPPVA photographer or videographer you will be working with someone who upholds the strictest professional standards, who deals fairly and honestly with you, and who strives to create images that you will cherish for years to come.


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Driving and transportation
Driving a vehicle is a complex activity that requires several abilities and skills, such as:
- Quick reactions
- The ability to divide your attention (e.g., watching a traffic light and pedestrians, while keeping your foot on the brake)
- Good judgment
- An understanding and ability to recall the rules of the road
- The ability to find a destination
- Adequate eyesight and hearing.
Driving also represents freedom, independence and mobility. Although driving is a privilege, some people view it as a right.
Alzheimer's disease and other dementias cause changes that affect a person's ability to drive a motor vehicle safely. A diagnosis of dementia, however, does not automatically mean that a person is incapable of driving. Some people may be capable of driving safely for some time after the diagnosis, depending on when in the disease progression the person has been diagnosed and the rate the disease progresses. Eventually, however, people with Alzheimer's disease must stop driving, as it will no longer be safe.
A) While the person with Alzheimer's disease is still driving
For people who have been driving for many years, driving may feel mostly automatic. But driving is a complex task that requires quick reactions, thought processes and dexterity.
If you think the person with Alzheimer's disease may be having difficulty driving, watch for these signs:
- Traffic violations
- Accidents
- Getting lost
- Misjudging distances
- Forgetting the rules of the road
- Slow response times
- Taking too long to reach a destination.
A diagnosis of dementia does not mean automatic denial of insurance. If you have been diagnosed with dementia, talk to your doctor about the progression of the disease and your driving abilities. Consider contacting your car insurance provider to share the information received from your doctor. Your provider will determine your car insurance coverage based on your specific situation. Failure to disclose a diagnosis could impact your insurance policy.
What you can do:
Plan ahead
Plan ahead for the time when driving must stop. Talk with the person with Alzheimer's disease to find out when driving is needed most and why. For example, is it for keeping medical appointments, shopping, entertainment, meeting with friends? Or is it perhaps more a form of escape or relaxation?
Once you've found out the person's driving needs, talk about other ways of getting around. These can include:
- Public transit
- Rides provided by community organizations
- Lifts from family members and friends.
Arrange for a driving assessment
Look into special testing to assess the driving abilities of a person with dementia. This could be a driving simulation test and/or a road test, carried out by someone with experience in testing drivers with cognitive problems.
If this type of driving assessment is not available, ask a doctor to determine if and when the person is no longer able to drive. The doctor may ask the person and family members questions about:
- Driving patterns (when and where the person drives)
- Any differences noticed in driving skills
- Any unsafe or abnormal driving behaviour
- Traffic tickets (for going too slowly, too quickly, improper turns, failing to stop)
- Crashes, fender benders or near-misses
- Instances where the driver has been lost
- How comfortable the person or family members feel about the person's driving abilities.
Monitor driving habits
Throughout the disease, the person with dementia, family members and a doctor or other health care professional should monitor the person's driving ability. When appropriate, the person should stop driving.
If you are the person with Alzheimer's disease, here are some things to consider:
- Ask someone you know if he or she has noticed changes in your driving.
- Arrange for driver testing.
- Ask family members and friends to drive you where you need to go, or use public transit and take taxis.
Increase safety
Here are some tips to minimize the risks while the person with Alzheimer's disease is still driving:
- Take short drives and keep to familiar roads.
- Drive at quiet times of the day.
- Be aware of the timing of medications that might affect the ability to think clearly or to see.
A) When to stop driving: broaching the subject
Sometimes the person with Alzheimer's disease is relieved to stop driving. Perhaps she was feeling a lack of confidence when she drove. She might have been worried about an accident or confused about how to get places. Even someone with this awareness, though, will need support and sensitivity around the subject of giving up driving, as it still can represent a loss of independence.
Family members and caregivers: When a person is unable to recognize or admit that he is losing his ability to drive, family members and caregivers often have to deal with the issue. Their concerns may include the risk to the person, the risk to the public and the risk of liability in the event of an accident. Within families, there may be disagreement about when the person with Alzheimer's disease should stop driving. Some family members may believe that the person should stop driving immediately upon diagnosis. Others may be inclined to overlook some risky driving behaviour in favour of maintaining the person's sense of independence. They may fear that bringing attention to the person's loss of abilities and the need to stop driving may create difficulties in the relationship.
By the time the person should give up driving, the disease may have affected his ability to understand the reason why. Discussing the situation openly in a trusting environment may help the person accept the loss more easily.
The Dementia and Driving Resource Center, created by the Alzheimer's Association, provides advice on how to talk about driving with a person who has dementia. It includes four videos detailing different methods to broach the subject of driving and how the person with dementia may react.
Not If But When is a website that provides information to caregivers and health-care professionals on how to have the talk about driving and how to help the person with dementia hang up the keys. Learn more about what to expect, how to cope and strategies to help someone with dementia stop driving.
Doctors: People often approach their family doctor to help determine when a person should stop driving. However, doctors may not have full information to be able to assess the situation. They see people for a limited time, during visits, not when they are behind the wheel. They may not have proper training to assess driving abilities. They rely on information from individuals and family members who may not always be objective or reliable. As well, doctors may be concerned that telling people they must stop driving could harm the doctor/patient relationship.
Doctors are bound by professional ethics, and in some provinces by law, to report medical conditions that could impair a person's ability to drive. They may also be held liable if a person in their care is involved in an auto accident and they have not reported the person's driving problems to provincial licensing authorities.
If you are the person with Alzheimer's disease:
Giving up driving may be one of the most stressful events you experience, but, in the end, you have to weigh this against your safety and the safety of others. Recognizing and admitting the loss of abilities needed to drive is difficult for some people, while others freely give up their licence.
C) Giving up driving
Driving must be stopped immediately if safety is at risk. Signs that a person's driving abilities are declining include:
- Slow response times
- Traffic violations
- Collisions
- Taking too much time to reach a destination
- Not reaching the destination at all.
People vary in their reactions to driving restrictions. They may immediately accept the idea or may strongly resist it. It may be easier for them to accept the decision if it comes from someone objective.
Acknowledge that it may not be an easy decision to make. Offer alternatives right away, such as looking at the bus schedule together or looking online at websites that offer products or services needed, such as online banking. Point out the benefits:
- Money saved on parking and gas
- Less worry and stress about remembering how to drive places
- Increased exercise if the person plans to walk sometimes instead of drive.
If the person refuses:
Some people may refuse to accept losing their driving privilege. Or, they may simply forget that they are no longer able to drive. In these instances, family members should ask a doctor or other health-care professional help them raise the issue. Be careful, however, that this process does not interfere with the individual's care. This may happen if the person becomes angry with the doctor and fails to return for future appointments.
If open discussion does not result in the person accepting the need to stop driving, it may be necessary to use other means to prevent the person from driving, such as removing the keys to the vehicle.
More extreme solutions might involve:
- Asking a police officer to intervene, perhaps issuing a citation
- Asking the doctor to write a prescription that says, "Do not drive"
- Disabling the car by removing the battery
- Moving the car so that it is out of sight.
Some people respond to being reminded about what could happen in an accident, where the person or others could be badly hurt or even killed.
For people with Alzheimer's disease and their families, deciding when driving is unsafe can be stressful. Talking to health-care professionals, or families in similar situations can help.
D) Coping with the loss
The loss of freedom to come and go as one pleases can have a devastating effect on the person with Alzheimer's disease. He may have been the only driver in the household. Also, many communities lack alternative forms of transportation.
The lives of people with Alzheimer's disease should be as free and fulfilling as possible, but a totally risk-free life is not possible. Throughout the course of the disease, driving skills and abilities must be monitored. Never exaggerate the person's difficulty to remove driving privileges earlier than necessary. But recognize that people with Alzheimer's disease who drive when not competent create an unacceptable risk for themselves and others in the community.
Contact your local Alzheimer Society for information about provincial regulations for reporting someone you think may be unsafe to drive. You can also inquire about where to find a driving assessment program in your province or territory.


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Stigma, discrimination, and homophobia harm efforts to prevent HIV and to care for those living with the virus. HIV stigma consists of prejudice, discrimination, and harassment directed at people thought to have HIV. HIV stigma and discrimination show themselves in large part because of antigay bias and homophobia, particularly in communities of color. Homophobia is the irrational fear of, or aversion to, people who are thought to be homosexual. Both homophobia and HIV stigma can be expressed in a multitude of harmful and detrimental ways. This can be verbal or emotional abuse, rejection, ridicule, isolation, or physical violence.
Homophobia and HIV stigma often lead to a lack of participation by people of color in HIV prevention services, a reluctance to test for HIV or to use condoms, and difficulty talking about HIV and sex. Addressing homophobia and HIV stigma is critical to decreasing the spread of HIV in communities of color.
Anti-Gay Bias
Whether through the media or casual conversation, discrimination against gay and lesbian people remains socially acceptable throughout the U.S. Anti-gay sentiment can be especially strong in communities of color, which leads to both homophobia in the community and the internalized homophobia experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) people. This antigay bias is rooted in community and family norms, attitudes, and values.
In the Latino community, for example, homosexuality is equated to weakness and is perceived to run counter to notions of machismo (community norms on what it means to be a man). As such, homosexuality in the Latino community is thought to hurt or embarrass the family. The African-American community sees homosexuality as an embarrassment to the African-American race as a whole, as well as to the family structure. More specifically, homosexuality in the African-American community is often perceived as conflicting with gender roles and community norms about sexuality, and even to being sinful and unnatural.
Rejection and discrimination by family and friends can lead to loss of employment, dropping out of school, or young people having to leave their homes. This may cause LGBT people to feel as if they have no options and are no longer part of their community. Some young people who are forced out of their homes end up living on the street. Over 40% of homeless youth are LGBT and many turn to sex work. This not only puts them at a higher risk for HIV, but may also increase their feelings of helplessness and loss of community. (Of course, some people who engage in sex work feel empowered and want to be seen as legitimate businesspeople.) The stigma surrounding sex work makes reaching out to them with HIV education, prevention, and service provision even more challenging.
Internalized Homophobia
LGBT people who feel shunned by their community because of homophobia often internalize those negative feelings. They may experience hatred toward gays before they become aware of their own attraction to the same sex. When they do recognize it, they begin to see themselves as different and socially unacceptable, which can damage their own sense of self-worth. Low self-esteem and depression often follow suit. When coupled with isolation, the foundation for long-lasting self-hatred is laid, making it difficult to move beyond negative attitudes toward both homosexuality and themselves. Stigma also prevents conversations about bisexual behavior. Homophobia can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, isolation, and loss of self-efficacy among LGBT people. Many turn to substance use to ease the pain and lessen anxiety.
Fear of Contagion
Another contributor to HIV stigma is the fear of contagion, an irrational fear of contracting HIV through casual contact. Many people are fearful of getting HIV through sex, but several studies show that fear of contagion is one of the key contributors to HIV stigma for both children and adults.
For example, a national survey that measured HIV stigma in the U.S. in 2002 found that, while most people do not advocate the segregation of people with HIV from the general public, many still believe that HIV can be transmitted through casual contact. This is shown by some parents' fear of sending their children to school with an HIV-positive child. These parents explained that they were concerned that HIV could be transmitted through sneezing and coughing, which is scientifically untrue. Similarly, young people who were uncomfortable with HIV-positive students in their schools thought that the children with HIV were responsible for contracting the disease. In addition, inaccurate HIV education contributed to the students' fear of contracting HIV through casual contact.
HIV-Related Stigma
Despite this fear of contagion, HIV stigma and discrimination relates most closely with homophobia in the U.S. Because gay men were the hardest hit at the beginning of the epidemic, and because 57% of new infections in 2006 were among gay and bisexual men, there is still a strong belief that HIV is a gay disease. As such, many communities of color equate HIV with a variety of behaviors considered unacceptable. Men who have sex with men or with both sexes, drug users, and those who have multiple partners are those whose behaviors are most commonly linked with HIV infection in black and Latino communities.
HIV forces us to talk about sex and sexuality, which is rife with morality issues. Since HIV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact or sharing needles, people with the virus are often viewed as morally inferior or shameful. Today, much stigma is directed toward the person who "should have known better" or who "brought it on himself." The young child, on the other hand, is seen as an innocent victim, as are women with cheating husbands.
HIV-positive sex workers are also considered responsible for their HIV status. Indeed, some people assume that having multiple sexual partners automatically leads to HIV infection. This is scientifically untrue; HIV transmission is purely a function of biology. Although the risk for getting HIV increases with the number of partners, the chances are greatly influenced by the availability and consistent use of safer sex tools like condoms.
Ignoring, or being ignorant of, how the virus is actually transmitted, some community members judge people with HIV based on personal characteristics: being gay, a substance user, black or racially different, poor, or uneducated, or having multiple partners.
Stigma and Public Health
Negative attitudes toward HIV and homosexuality in communities of color can hamper HIV prevention and treatment efforts. The social isolation that homophobia and HIV stigma cause results in silence around HIV. Many Latino and African-American men refuse to get tested, as they equate taking an HIV test with an admission of risky behavior, most commonly having sex with other men. In African-American communities, a condom is sometimes seen as a threat to masculinity, as admission of having sex outside a relationship, or as having a sexually transmitted infection (STI). People who don't know their HIV status often avoid HIV testing, and some begin to deny that they can get HIV or that it poses any health risk.
Public health efforts in communities of color would fare better if homophobia and HIV stigma did not exist. If individuals were more willing to get tested for HIV, more people would know their status and be more likely to obtain care and protect their partners. If more people were able to disclose their status without fear of rejection, their partners would be much more likely to use protection. If people with HIV had easier access to treatment, they would be more likely to adhere to their regimens and their viral loads would drop, reducing (but not eliminating) the risk of transmission. This could reduce the overall transmission rates in black and Latino communities. If gay and/or HIV-positive men felt supported in their families, at work, at school, at church, and on the street, they would be more likely to care about their health and the health of others.
What Can We Do?
We need to counter homophobia and HIV stigma by doing away with all expressions of stigma, subtle and overt, if we want to reduce HIV transmission in communities of color. What is needed are meaningful interventions that address the love, acceptance, and intimacy that gay men seek -- interventions that look to shift community attitudes and encourage support and dialogue. Service providers should not be afraid to deal with these issues directly. Whatever forms the interventions take -- social marketing, support groups, or community events -- HIV prevention should expressly address these factors. There is a tremendous need for increased education and for efforts to raise awareness of HIV stigma in communities of color. Culturally competent and appropriate images that allow members of communities of color to identify themselves are more successful in transmitting the prevention message. Relatable role models also have a positive effect on an audience's ability to embrace a campaign's message.
As if the shame of having HIV or the feeling of being "damaged goods" is not enough, HIV stigma and homophobia affect the mental, physical, and spiritual health of HIV-positive men of color.
A recent study of New York City black men concluded that stigma surrounding both HIV and homosexuality may ensure that non-heterosexual preferences and practices remain hidden. Other research has found the same to be true for Latinos. HIV stigma and homophobia are rooted in fear, lack of information, and prejudice. As if the shame of having HIV or the feeling of being "damaged goods" is not enough, HIV stigma and homophobia affect the mental, physical, and spiritual health of HIV-positive men of color. If we look deeper, we will find that preventing HIV and other STIs requires initiatives that go beyond campaigns promoting safer sex and HIV testing. Although these are crucial, addressing homophobia and HIV stigma can have a profoundly positive impact on HIV transmission and public health.
We still live in a pervasively homophobic society, one that erects high barriers to community health, especially among people of color. When gay men live with the shame, isolation, and self-hatred they have picked up from those around them, they often stop caring about themselves enough to want to engage in safer sex. When gay men live with depression, anxiety, and anger caused by being denied a job or promotion, being constantly harassed at school, or being rejected by family, they stop seeing themselves as worthy of a loving relationship with supportive friends, of maintaining healthy habits, and of caring about their sexual partners. Even more worrisome, homophobia and discrimination can lead to addiction, abuse, and violence. Greater risk of HIV is just one of the many public health costs.
Jaime Gutierrez has an MPH from John Hopkins University. Giovanni Koll has worked for GMHC's Institute for Gay Men's Health.
Want to read more articles in the Spring 2009 issue of Achieve_? Click here._


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Weight Cutting Supplements
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text: Today, many electrical devices can be switched on or off via remote control, and if they can be electronically regulated, they can even be dimmed. This particularly helpful in the garden if greater distances are involved. With the OASE InScenio power outlets the possibility of connecting up to 4 devices simultaneously and controlling them via remote control is available.


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Get DVD Talk Feeds
Jamie Foxx is a powerhouse of talent. A gifted musician, comedian and dramatic actor, Foxx sets the stage on fire with this "Comedy Concert" originally presented as an HBO special . Filmed in the Paramount Theater in Oakland California, Foxx brings the house down with an amazing hour-long set of outrageously funny stand-up! From his early days as a member of In Living Color Foxx, has consistently put forth his funniest sketches and proven himself one of the funniest comedians around. His Fox comedy series "The Jamie Foxx Show", while not the highest rated series on the network, continues to showcase his incredible comedic timing and genuine talent. Not only is Jamie Foxx a gifted comedian, the boy can SANG! That's right he can saaaaaaaaang!!!! In the African-American community if a singer is good, hits all the right notes and technically delivers the goods, they can really sing. If they are awesome and blow you out of your shoes with what comes out of their mouths…they can SANG!!! In one of his many funny sketches, Foxx sings to the audience and brings them to their feet while impersonating the voices and styles of Babyface, Luther Vandross and Prince! Jamie Foxx: I Might Need Security, is certainly one of the funniest comedy sets I've seen in a long while. With consistently solid efforts like this, his star is sure to climb and climb and climb!
The audio presentation is Dolby Digital Stereo which is more than adequate for this material. The dialogue is consistently clear and easily understood. The video is presented in a very clean full-frame presentation. The colors are bright and the overall quality of the presentation is very good.
The extras consist of four outtakes that are absolutely hilarious as well as the most outrageous version of the Brady Bunch song you will ever hear!
You've seen him in Booty Call and in The Player's Club. You've seen him in Bait, Any Given Sunday and Ali. Those achievements aside, Jamie Foxx is at his absolute best on a stage in front of a roomful of people waiting to have their funny bones tickled. Jamie Foxx: I Might Need Security is Foxx at his funniest to date! Highly Recommended!


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THE PET: Cassie, an 8-year-old golden retriever who, as a therapy dog, visits residents at assisted living facilities and other places where a little "golden'' love is appreciated.
THE PERSON: Bob Pano of Westborough, a volunteer at Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
How did she come into your life?
Cassie was adopted from Baypath. She came in on a day I was volunteering there. What luck!
How did you choose her name?
Her name appeared both as Casey and Cassie on the forms. We chose Cassie.
Three words that best describe Cassie are�
She is ultra friendly, very sweet and an extremely calm girl.
What makes her so special?
She is very special because of her overwhelming attraction to everyone she meets.
What�s her most surprising trait or trick?
Her surprising trait is how she comes up to you, sits and points her nose straight up and begs attention, then rests her head alongside of your knee. She also rolls on her back to greet you.
Tell us about the last time you were amazed by something she did.
Cassie amazed us when, during her first therapy visit, she would go around on her own,�stopping to visit with each resident as they sat in the rec room. She seemed to know when to move on to someone else who needed her. She seems to have a great sense of what her job is.
What�s Cassie's favorite way to spend the day?
She likes going to a park and run, and meet people and other dogs.
If she could talk, what would she say about you?
She would say how happy she is being with us and our three cats. Also, she is proud of being a therapy dog and has a CGC (Good Canine Citizen) certificate as well.
What�s her favorite snack?
More. Cassie can always eat more. She loves yogurt and all kinds of fruit - strawberries, watermelon, bananas.
Do you have a special pet in your life? If you�d like to have your animal companion featured in "Pets & Their People," please contact Julia Spitz at email@example.com.
PETS & THEIR PEOPLE: Therapy dog Cassie shines with golden grace
THE PET: Cassie, an 8-year-old golden retriever who, as a therapy dog, visits residents at assisted living facilities and other places where a little "golden'' love is appreciated.


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A federal court judge in New Jersey on Wednesday agreed to allow the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations to seek the dismissal of a closely watched data breach lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission against Wyndham Worldwide Corp.
The groups accused the FTC of holding breached entities like Wyndham to unfair and arbitrary standards and alleged that the FTC is forcing businesses into lengthy data breach settlements and imposing costly fines for violating security standards the agency hasn't even formally promulgated.
In addition to the Chamber of Commerce, others who want the suit dismissed include the TechFreedom, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses and the International Franchise Association.
The amicus briefs, prepared months ago, are related to a data breach lawsuit filed by the FTC against Wyndham and three subsidiaries in June 2012.
The lawsuit alleged that the hotel operator suffered three major data breaches in two years because it had failed to implement reasonable information security measures. The breaches resulted in hundreds of thousands of credit and debit cards being compromised and more than $10.6 million in fraud losses.
The FTC accused Wyndham of unfair trade practices and of deceiving customers into thinking their sensitive cardholder data was \ adequately protected when, in fact, it was not.
Many see the case as a landmark test of the FTCs authority to enforce data security standards on U.S. companies under a section of the FTC Act that prohibits "unfair" and "deceptive" trade practices. Over the past several years, the FTC has used this Section 5 authority to force numerous settlements, or "consent decrees," from companies that suffered data breaches.
In previous cases, the FTC accused the breached entity of engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices for promising to protect consumer data in their privacy notices, but then failing to do so. Some of the consent decrees have involved considerable fines, lengthy periods of monitoring and third-party security audits.
In 2006 for example, the FTC imposed a $10 million civil penalty against data aggregator ChoicePoint Inc. over a data breach that compromised over 180,000 credit and debit cards. As part of its agreement, ChoicePoint was also required to submit to comprehensive security audits every two years for the next 20 years.
In 2012, online gaming firmRockYou agreed to pay a $250,000 fine and submit to third-party audits for 20 years as part of an FTC settlement over a data breach.
The Wyndham lawsuit marks the first time the FTC has had to go to a federal court because a breached entity refused to settle.
In their legal briefs, the Chamber of Commerce and the others accused the agency of routinely punishing businesses for failing to have reasonable security standards without ever specifying what exactly it considers as a reasonable standard. They also questioned the agency's authority to enforce data security standards under the unfair and deceptive practices provisions of the FTC Act.
"Nothing in Section 5 suggests that Congress intended to give the FTC the authority to regulate data security" the Chamber of Commerce said in its 25-page motion to dismiss.
That motion noted that the FTC's data security enforcement actions harken back to its overzealous use of the unfair and deceptive practices provisions to pursue other perceived business misdeeds in the past. The agency's past enforcement excesses using Section 5 led to Congress imposing restrictions on its authority in 1994, the Chamber argued.
"Despite these acknowledged statutory constraints, carefully calibrated by Congress in response to years of agency overreaching, the FTC again is attempting to use Section5 inappropriately," the Chamber said.
Berin Szoka, president of TechFreedom, said the case is important because it's the first time since the FTC began its data breach enforcement actions nine years ago that any company had challenged its enforcement authority.
All of the 41 companies hit with FTC lawsuits so far have quietly acquiesced to its settlement terms for fear of attracting more attention and trouble, Szoka said. When confronted with the choice of settling a case or going through a long and potentially costly investigative and discovery process, companies tended to choose the former, he noted.
"The FTC has this broad authority to make what is known as common law for information security not unlike the common law where courts make a decision and others can study and understand that law," he said. Even so, it has not established any such law through its enforcement actions, he said.
"Here, all you have to go on are these 41 enforcement actions where the FTC has convinced companies to settle out of court with no adjudication. The courts have never signed off and said we think this is the proper interpretation," Szoka said.
As a result, companies have little information to guide them on what exactly constitutes reasonable care, deception and unfair practices in the FTC's eyes, he said.
Chris Hoofnagle, director of information privacy programs at the University of California Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, described the dismissal efforts as a "Hail Mary effort to stop the FTC from enforcing its unfairness power.
"For decades, long before the FTC became involved in privacy, business groups have tried to cabin the FTC so that it can only enforce wrongs that were addressable by the common law," Hoofnagle said in emailed comments to Computerworld.
In an amicus brief supporting the FTC's position, Hoofnagle noted that the agency's enforcement actions have served as the only effective means of holding companies accountable for failing to protect data entrusted to them by consumers.
Although consumers can suffer substantial harm from a data breach, federal courts have been reluctant to recognize private tort action against breached entities. So the FTC enforcement actions have been the primary protection for consumers, he said.
"Congress, in creating the FTC and in empowering it to police unfair and deceptive trade practices, explicitly gave the agency power to determine what is unfair and deceptive." Trying to make the FTC an entity that can only enforce common law defeats the purpose for which it was created, Hoofnagle said. "[It] raises a basic question: Why have the FTC at all?"
FTC officials could not be reached immediately for comment on the case.
This article, Wyndham lawsuit tests FTCs data security enforcement authority, was originally published at Computerworld.com.
Jaikumar Vijayan covers data security and privacy issues, financial services security and e-voting for Computerworld. Follow Jaikumar on Twitter at Twitter @jaivijayan or subscribe to Jaikumar's RSS feed Vijayan RSS. His e-mail address is email@example.com.
See more by Jaikumar Vijayan on Computerworld.com.
This story, "Wyndham Lawsuit Tests FTC's Data Security Enforcement Authority" was originally published by Computerworld.
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Mo. Man Sentenced for Hacking University Computer
KANSAS CITY (AP) - A former student at the University of Central Missouri will spend three years in federal prison for taking part in a conspiracy to hack into the school's computer network.
The U.S. Attorney's office says 29-year-old Joseph A. Camp, of Kansas City, must also pay more than $61,000 in restitution under the sentence he received Wednesday.
Camp pleaded guilty in April to scheming with another student to hack the computer system at the Warrensburg school from March 2009 to March 2010.
The conspiracy involved downloading large amounts of data containing faculty, alumni and student information. Prosecutors said Camp and co-defendant Daniel Fowler also attempted to change grades and transferred money to their student accounts.
Fowler, also of Kansas City, pleaded guilty in June 2011 and is awaiting sentencing.


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Hi, Christy. Welcome to HOMEGROWN! My name is Jennifer, and I'm the flock tender here (site updater and tweaker, feeder and waterer of content). Since you're a green thumb, I hope you'll share photos of your gardening triumphs in the gallery we call Hey, I Grew That! And please don't be shy about sharing recipes, Sockeye salmon and otherwise, in our member blog, The Stew. (Reposting from your personal blog is A-OK with us!) You can always find the latest additions to the site at the top of the homepage, and if you've ever got questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment on my profile page or shoot me a message. I'm so glad you found us and hope you feel right at home!
Hey, Christy. Thanks so much for posting these awesome photos. Looks like you've got a great little weeder-in-training! Would you mind if I grabbed a couple of the garden photos and added them to the Hey, I Grew That! gallery? (Extra bragging rights for you!) Did you grow those broccoli sprouts, too? Beauties! Jennifer
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The first casualty of war is truth, especially when the war is in the Middle East
The first casualty of war is truth . . . and truth is never more at risk than in a war against an Islamo-Leftist enemy. Since the Israeli offensive began, social media and major news and television sites have been overrun with faked images purporting to show Israeli soldiers caught in the act of brutalizing children or simply showing dead children.
For decades, Israel never took this disinformation war seriously, only to wonder in the war's aftermath why she had won the actual battles, but continued to lose ground in the war of public opinion. This year is different. For the first time that I can remember, the Israeli Defense Forces are taking the disinformation war as seriously as the war itself. From the first air raid, they explained why they were doing what they were doing, used video footage to show how surgically precise their air raids are and, most importantly, didn't apologize. If you act craven, people will assume you're craven. This time around, Israel has been behaving as a righteous combatant.
What Israel is also doing is acting aggressively to stem the swift flow of disinformation. A good example is the IDF's own website, which debunks a photo purporting to show an Israeli soldier with his foot on a tragic little girl's stomach and an automatic weapon aimed at her body. In fact, the whole thing is just as staged as it looks. It comes from a rally in Bahrain. The people in the image are actors in the peculiar passion play of the Islamic world, one that has the true child killers attempting to project their own vile practices on the Israelis who work so hard to avoid civilian deaths.
Here's the heartrending "innocent child" photo:
Pull the camera out a little, and you see that this is nothing but play-acting, with Muslims in both major and minor roles:
Even Leftist water-carrier Richard Cohen is beginning to figure this one out:
Of all the points of disagreement between Israel and Hamas, maybe the most profound is this one: Israel cares more about sparing innocent lives — including those of Palestinians — than does Hamas. Not only have Hamas and other militant groups this year sent more than 700 rockets crashing haphazardly into southern Israel, but also Hamas instigated yet another war where the chief loser will certainly be its own people. If hell has a beach, it's located in Gaza.
The Gaza Strip is a congested, fetid place. It is densely populated and in the slums and housing blocks, Hamas has hidden its weapons, explosives and rocket launchers. Israel has gone out of its way to avoid civilian casualties. Its air force has used new, highly accurate ammunition aiming for rocket-launching sites and government installations. For the most part, it has succeeded.
For Hamas, civilian casualties are an asset.
Let's see, though, if Cohen can convince his own employer — the Washington Post — to stop lavishing it's paper and cyber pages with lovingly delineated photos (many faked) of dead Palestinian children. Somehow I doubt it. The narrative is in place, and the MSM is running with it.
I'm posting these debunkings my real-me Facebook page, where 90% of my Facebook friends, culled from my years as a student, lawyer, and parent, are liberal. I don't include nasty comments with the post, because there's no mileage in calling my friends blind or stupid. Instead, I preface them with the well-known statement that the first casualty of war is truth. I trust them to be smart enough to draw their own conclusions, I hope that they are honest enough to make the effort.


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News & Notes: Game 133
Follow the Herd:
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TODAY'S GAME: This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Rochester Red Wings in the finale of a three-game set at Frontier Field (1:35 p.m.). The series is tied 1-1 as the Bisons won 8-7 on Friday and the Wings were victorious last night, 5-2. The Bisons are 3-5 so far on their season-long nine-game roadtrip that ends today. On Monday, the Bisons return to Buffalo for their final four home games of the 2009 season.
vs. THE WINGS: The Bisons are 5-8 against the Red Wings this season. The teams will face each other the next three days to close out their season series. Unless the Bisons win all three games, they lose the season-series for only the third time since rejoining the International League in 1998.
MASONRY: RHP Chris Mason impressed in his Bisons debut on Tuesday. The righty threw seven shutout innings in a 4-0 blanking of the Yankees in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Mason allowed just five hits while striking out three in his outing. Even more impressive was Mason's 17 groundball outs to only one fly ball out in his 93-pitch performance.
HIT MACHINE: The International League hit competition continues to be a two-man race. Both OF Jesus Feliciano and Gwinnett's INF Barbaro Canizares got a hit last night. That means Canizares kept his one-hit lead, 141-140. Feliciano's hit extended his hit streak to nine as he has averaged .389 (14-36) since August 21. The nine games matches Feliciano's longest hit streak of the season as he also hit in nine straight, July 24 – August 1.
GO GREEN: INF Andy Green launched his fourth home run of the season last night with a two-run shot in the ninth inning. Green has hit in 11 of his last 13 games around a 10-day stint with the New York Mets. Since August 9, Green has averaged .358 (19-53) with three doubles, a home run, nine RBI and six runs scored. Green has missed 79 games this year due to a pair of injuries.
BISONS BITS: C Robinson Cancel has hit .455 (10-22) in seven games against the Red Wings this season…The Bisons have just 10 games left this season. Buffalo has a doubleheader on September 4 in Lehigh Valley.


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Reviewed By Phu T (Springfield, VA) Reviewed for a 2007 Toyota Camry —12/6/2016 7:06 AM
This is my first purchase of Auto Anything after doing lot of researches. Then, I purchased K&N 69 for my Camry to gain performances with confidence. After roughly 2 hours, I finished the process and felt the differences immediately. The throttle feel much more responsive and less RPM in idle speed. Thanks K&N for this amazing quality and worth every pennies.


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Microbe Magazine
Cover ImageCover: False-color scanning electron micrograph of the surface of a tongue from a mouse with oral candidiasis demonstrating hyphal (purple) penetration through the surface from the sublingual area where Candida albicans was inoculated. C. albicans acts as both a commensal and a pathogen in humans (see p. 413). (Image courtesy of Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk, University of Maryland School of Medicine and Dental School, Baltimore.)
Microbe Magazine, Cover Image
Cover ImageVaccines are crucial for controlling the spread of influenza, but currently are only effective against a limited mix of strains. A universal vaccine remains elusive, but progress is being made (see p. 433). (Image © James King-Holmes/ Science Source.)
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PSC's "WiiMD" Wins
Best Demonstration at TG '08
PITTSBURGH, June 19, 2008 - The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (PSC) won the award for "Best Demonstration at TG08" during the annual conference of the TeraGrid, the National Science Foundation's program of cyberinfrastructure for U.S. science and education, June 9-13 in Las Vegas. A PSC team of two scientists and a University of Pittsburgh student received the award for "WiiMD," an innovative project that merges the video-game technology of the Nintendo Wii (pronounced "we") with interactive supercomputing.
PSC scientist Shawn Brown demonstrates WiiMD at the National Science Foundation Open House in Arlington, VA
"The main goal" says Shawn Brown, team leader, "is to provide a means of education and outreach that connects people to supercomputing in an engaging way." The PSC team demonstrated WiiMD with entertaining simulations that included buckyball bowling, in which people can impel a "buckyball" carbon molecule to smash a 10-pin formation of other buckyballs.
The judges, a panel of TeraGrid staff members from various sites, selected WiiMD from among 12 demonstrations submitted by research centers and universities around the country. Judges looked at how well the demonstrations "highlight the latest science advances, exciting gateway capabilities, new software approaches or the use of TeraGrid resources in education.†WiiMD's visual impact made it a clear winner, with all judges giving the project their first-place vote.
To develop WiiMD, PSC scientists Brown and Philip Blood and student intern Jordan Soyke adapted the Wii motion-sensing controller (the WiiMote) from Nintendo's popular game product to control molecular dynamics (MD) simulations running on BigBen, PSC's 4,000 processor, 21-teraflop Cray XT3 supercomputing system. The resulting technology ties the WiiMote to MD, which tracks forces among atoms in molecules as they move.
At the heart of WiiMD are two sophisticated MD software packages called NAMD and VMD, developed by the research group of Klaus Schulten at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and used by researchers world-wide on the largest supercomputing resources available. Extensive programming by Soyke provided an interface between the WiiMote and VMD to enable fully 3-D control over molecular systems. Further work by Brown and Blood - relying on PSC-developed software (called PDIO) for real-time, interactive visualization - connected the programs with the CrayXT3.
"The ability to interact directly with these simulations," says Blood, "allows scientists and students to easily explore and get a feel for the system they are studying, making it possible to quickly uncover avenues of inquiry that they might not otherwise consider. WiiMD takes this mode of discovery off of the desktop and opens it up to classroom and group settings."
In more recent work, the PSC team added the ability to run on PSC's Pople, an SGI Altix shared-memory system installed this year. This added computational power allows very large, realistic simulations to run with the same level of interactivity as smaller demos.
The team has demonstrated WiiMD at various venues, including SC07 in Reno, a National Science Foundation Open House in Arlington, VA, and at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Science Center SciTech Festival. Children are drawn to the familiar gaming device and captivated by the colorful display of molecular shapes, changing in response to movements of the WiiMote. Along with students from K-12, WiiMD has drawn attention from teachers and the general public. By keeping a diverse audience interested, the demonstration allows the science and technology behind the system to be explained.
"The main function of using the WiiMote is to catch the kids' attention," says Brown. "Then we can tell them about the science. Obviously, the levels of engagement are all different. We won't be telling all the kids about the deep science, but we can reach a lot of different levels of the audience and keep them enthused."
With initial implementation of WiiMD complete, the team is now developing a curriculum to use with the technology. New team member Marylou Kunkle, like Soyke an undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh, is adapting the Linux-based program to be compatible with other desktop platforms, such as Windows and Mac OS X, in order to allow the general public easier access to the application.
The PSC team is also working on WiiSim, the umbrella project of which the WiiMD is one part. WiiSim aims to present other computational-related disciplines of science in similar user-friendly ways. In the planning stages is WiiCosmo - a collaboration between PSC and University of Washington astrophysicist Tom Quinn - to demonstrate the dynamics of interstellar forces and movements.


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The winds didn't let up one bit today. I didn't get much sleep last night (3 hours), but I was determined to make it to the Quivira Park group ride this morning. This is its first run in 2008, so I figured I would try to make it. I need miles right now.
I arrived at 7:00 sharp, with temperatures in the low 40s. One lone cyclist - Ed, the ride leader - was lapping the parking lot. We set off north into a 20-gusting-30 MPH head/crosswind out of the NW. No one else bothered showing up.
I feel kind of bad for arriving in the condition I did. I could tell I was holding Ed back quite a bit, particularly up the hills, and even moreso up hills when headwind was involved. I'd watch my speed drop down into single digit territory while Ed pushed onward. Eventually, he'd get far ahead of me and slow way down. Part of my slowness is the fact that I didn't get enough sleep. And I can go around blaming the wind all I want. At the end of the day, though, I'm just out of shape. My average speed for the entire ride was less than 13 MPH. The ride is marketed as a moderate to fast ride, which I'm sure means "16-20 MPH".
I cut off about 2 miles from the end and let Ed go onward at his own pace. Daily Dose had breakfast with my name on it, and I hadn't eaten yet. It was nice to meet Ed. I'm surprised I haven't run into him before. Wish I could have talked more, but I was too busy gasping for air.
So, what I took away from today:
- Get more than 3 hours of sleep before a 20+ mile ride.
- Eat breakfast before a 20+ mile ride.
- Ride more
- Try to lose some weight
- Quit being such a wimp
Random Tunage:
Binary Finary - 1999 (Kay Cee Remix)
Taffy - I Love My Radio


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Four Things Friday - Vol 1: Jobs
|via chrispiascik.com
It's been eons since I've done any kind of meme-ing out here in blogland. Memes don't seem to pop up on blogs I read anymore . . . I suppose everyone is over them. Maybe because we're not 12. I thought it might be fun to do a regular post though . . . something that was kind of random and not always related to sewing or getting my craft on.
Hopefully this doesn't bother people who have put my blog into a craft-acular box decoupaged with Heather Bailey fabric.
So as to not bore you terribly with these random ramblings, I thought I'd keep it to four. Four Things. Of random decision. Which hopefully don't make you click "unfollow" immediately. Fingers crossed, people.
For Volume 1, I thought it might be fun to highlight some of the completely random jobs I've held over the years. So here we are . . . with our first edition of Four Things Friday.
Four Jobs I've Held:
- Bank Teller - This was actually the second job I ever had. Ok, wait . . . 3rd. Though that first one was a totally weird story. I was hired to work at this cookie bakery shop in the mall. Technically I was hired. Before my first day, though, the boss called to tell me I was fired because she found someone who was willing to work Sundays. Bootleg. So, I got this other totally awful job at the mall (partial overnight stocking - ICK . . . partial watching the front of the store so people didn't steal stuff - DOUBLE ICK). At least with that one I got to play with a Hoberman Sphere to make it seem less like I was a security guard. I really hated that job though and didn't stay for very long. All of this has nothing to do with being a bank teller, which is a totally self-explanatory job situation. And I was really good at it.
- Escort Driver - Ok, don't be weird. I said escort DRIVER not escort. I was working for a branch of my college's campus safety driving this little dinky car around late at night picking up people who didn't feel like walking from the parking lot to their dorm. Especially if they were drunk. Technically though, it's a bad idea to call campus safety for a ride to your dorm if you're intoxicated and living on campus because 1) it's a dry campus and 2) if you're living on campus you're probably underage. So, duh. All in all, it wasn't the worst job I've had, but it's a pretty small campus and driving around for 4-8 hours at a time got really boring REALLY fast.
- Teacher's Assistant - This was my first kind of legit "I have special knowledge about something" kind of a job. I worked with the instructor of my social work interviewing lab . . . basically we were there to create scenarios for the students so that they could practice solution-focused therapy. And then we evaluated their techniques. Might not seem like it would be, but this was one of the more fun jobs I've ever had. And yes, I do have a BSW. And no, I'm not currently using it in any kind of way that makes me money.
- Youth Director - This was an awesomely exhausting job that I was blessed to do with a team of friends for several years. We led Bible studies, coordinated outings, retreats, mission trips, and built mentoring relationships with high school students. I decided to step back from it after I had Little Miss which I still think was the right decision, but I certainly miss the community. Kind of funny sidenote - I actually had 2 of Mr. Skooks' brothers as students in my youth group before I got to know him.
Read more...


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If you haven't heard of Kai the homeless hitchhiker, here's his story in brief:
In Fresno, Calif., on Friday, a 300-pound man claiming he was Jesus went on a rampage with his car, hitting a utility worker. Good samaritans tried to help, and the assailant wrapped one in a bear hug. Kai, the homeless hitchhiker, came up behind the assailant and hit him with a hatchet. Or, as he told a local TV station in a now-famous interview, he "smash, smash, smaaaash(ed)" the man.
Here's the news story:
And it's the Internet, so of course there's an autotuned remix of the interview. It isn't bad (though it is filled with NSFW language):
Stephen Colbert's hilarious take is below. "For the first time in human history, people are saying 'boy, we sure are lucky that homeless hitchhiker was carrying a hatchet.'"
There's an indiegogo campaign to get Kai a new surfboard and wetsuit so he can get to Mavericks, as he requested in his interview. Smash it!


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Scratch paper
Posted by Smokey Stover on March 21, 2006
In Reply to: Scratch paper posted by Smokey Stover on March 21, 2006
: : origin behind scratch paper
: I don't know who coined the phrase "scratch paper", but possibly you want to know why it's called that. Some form of "cratch" or "scratch marks "has long been used for hand-writing. The word "scratch" has also been used slangily for casually putting words on paper that one doesn't necessarily intend to preserve, "jotting" notes, scratching out one's thoughts in a casual manner. So the appropriate paper for that is paper you don't intend to use for anything else, such as paper of poor quality, or paper that has become smudged or dog-eared or partially used before. Scratch pads are sometimes sold for the purpose of those who like to do their scratching on small and handy pieces of paper. Nowadays surplus copies of material emanating from copy machines are useful as scratch paper. SS
"The word "cratch" is not some bizarre adjective applied to bad hand-writing, just a typo for "scratch." .SS.
- Scratch paper Brian from Shawnee 21/March/06
- Scratch paper R. Berg 22/March/06
- Scratch paper R. Berg 22/March/06


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Honda Reveals Customized Concepts for Civic, Fit and CR-V at 2006 SEMA Show
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10/31/2006 – LAS VEGAS -More than 15 Honda project and concept vehicles made worldwide debuts at the 2006 Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Honda revealed a prototype Civic MUGEN Si Sedan equipped with a high performance suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system. In addition to the MUGEN vehicle, Honda Factory Performance (HFP) showed its new lineup of dealer-installed accessories for the new-for-2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan.
"The Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan elevates the already-impressive Civic Si Sedan into new performance territory," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "Performance and racing are part of Honda's heritage and the Civic MUGEN Si Sedan along with the rest our vehicles at SEMA demonstrate that passion."
In addition, Honda-customized concept vehicles included the Honda Fit Sport Extreme Concept and Sport Concept CR-V with custom versions of accessory body kits, interior accessories and wheels. A Honda Element-D drift racecar also debuted with a radical powertrain consisting of a 500-horsepower V6 and rear-wheel-drive. Project vehicles built by aftermarket accessory companies on display included numerous Fits, Civics, an S2000 and a customized off-road racing Ridgeline.
Honda's announcements at SEMA coincide with the on-sale date of the new-for-2007 Civic Si Sedan. The Civic Si Sedan embraces the style and performance of the Civic Si Coupe and marks the first time that "Si" performance has become available in a sedan body style. Similar to the existing Civic Si Coupe, the Civic Si Sedan serves as another performance halo for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC 2.0 liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with an 8,000 rpm redline – all mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission and a helical-type, limited slip differential.
Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan (pictures of Honda Civic MUGEN )
The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium performance components. The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan draws inspiration from a "Formula Sport" concept, adding an aggressive dimension of performance to the Civic Si Sedan with a track-tuned suspension, aerodynamic body styling and a performance exhaust system. The track tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches (15mm) with highly aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance. The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler and sports grille, side spoilers, a rear diffuser and a rear wing. The lightweight MUGEN forged alloy wheels measure 18×7.5 inches and are shod with high grip 215/40R18 summer tires. The sports exhaust system reduces back pressure from the catalytic converter back resulting in an enhanced power curve. Additional accoutrements include front and rear MUGEN emblems along with a serial number placard on the instrument panel. A spherical 50 mm MUGEN aluminum shift knob replaces the standard aluminum and perforated leather shift knob. Planned for production in a limited quantity of 500 units a year, the Civic MUGEN Si will be available at U.S. Honda dealers starting in spring 2007 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than $30,000 and includes a full factory warranty.
Honda Factory Performance (HFP) Civic Si Sedan
As a dealer installed accessory, Honda's in-house HFP products carry the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle and are designed to genuinely enhance the ownership experience. Similar to the Civic Si Coupe HFP package on sale since spring 2006, the Civic Si Sedan HFP package includes a wide range of performance- and style-enhancing products. High-performance springs reduce ride height by about one-inch and lower the vehicle's roll center. High-performance dampers enhance road handling characteristics and decrease body roll. Larger wheels and tires include 18×7 alloy wheels (plus 1-inch diameter) designed for high-performance 215/40ZR-18 tires (sold separately). A chrome sport muffler emphasizes performance and enhances engine sound. A full aerodynamic body kit (front, sides and rear) further elevates the style quotient of the entire vehicle. Interior and exterior HFP emblems complement the package. The HFP package for the Civic Si Sedan goes on sale in the spring of 2007 with an estimated MSRP of $3,800 plus installation (estimated at 5.6 hours). HFP components can also be purchased individually. American Honda launched its performance accessory program in 2002 with the introduction of a Honda Factory Performance package for the Civic EX Coupe.
Fit Sport Extreme Concept (pictures of Fit Sport Extreme )
Envisioned as an entry-level performance car, the Scorched Orange Metallic and matte black Fit Sport Extreme Concept features an aerodynamically styled front bumper fascia with carbon fiber components along with HID fog lights and LED daytime running lights. Large fender flares and low, aggressive side skirts accent its ultra-low profile. A rear carbon fiber diffuser with a center exhaust outlet along with an extended rear aero wing helps enhance style and high-speed downforce. The factory Japan Domestic Market (JDM) rear LED taillights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals further accent the high-tech feel of the vehicle. An advanced, track-tuned suspension package lowers the Fit Sport Extreme Concept ride height and enhances the vehicle's handling dynamics. Brembo® brake components on all four wheels provide amazing levels of stopping force.
Graphite black wheels (17 inch) incorporate Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R tires (215/45R-17). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with carbon fiber accents that match the exterior styling. The interior features custom Recaro sport seats with Civic Si-style synthetic suede. A dashboard-mounted prototype portable navigation system accessory is also shown.
Sport Concept CR-V (pictures of Sport Concept CR-V )
Following the theme of "urban sport," the Sport Concept CR-V is designed to increase the athletic feel of the already sophisticated CR-V. Highlights include aerodynamically styled front and rear bumpers along with a sports suspension package that lowers the Sport Concept CR-V for a customized presence. Custom 19-inch wheels are shod with Bridgestone Potenza tires (245/45R19). Interior modifications focus on the creation of a high-tech, performance-oriented driving environment with the addition of Civic Si synthetic suede fabric on the seating surfaces. Carbon fiber trim panels further accent the interior. Outside, the Sport Concept CR-V is painted in Agile Blue.
Honda Element-D
The Honda Element-D ("D" for drifting) racecar shows what can happen when enthusiastic Honda associates raid the company parts bin. Built for the racing sport of drifting, the Honda Element-D racecar replaces the stock 4-cylinder/Real Time™ 4WD drivetrain with a custom-designed and longitudinally-mounted 3.2-liter Honda V6 and rear-wheel-drive. Producing 500-horsepower, the lightweight twin-turbocharged powerhouse is guaranteed to light up the rear tires and accelerate sideways at full opposite lock. Associates from Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Ohio plan to campaign the Element-D in the 2007 Formula Drift Series.
Tuner Project Vehicles Displayed at the Honda Booth
|AEM/Memphis Car Audio Drift S2000
|A&L Racing Element SC
|SCORE Ridgeline Racing
|Super Street Magazine Fit of Fury
|Thunderhill Civic Si Racecar
|DSO Eyewear Element
|DVS/Drag Cartel "Get In Where You Fit In" Fit
|King Motorsports Super Fit
|Forever Orange Fit by Ryan Shutt
|Hasport Civic Sedan
|Skunk2 Racing Fit R
|TJIN Edition Unique Fit
|H&R Springs Fit Sport


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3 Indiana Teachers At One High School Arrested After Passing Around A 16-Year-Old Male Student!
"Three North Putnam High School staff members were charged Tuesday with child seduction involving the same 16-year-old student. According to Indiana State Police, Nicholas Vester, 24, Craig Rogers, 24, and Brandon Largent, 20, individually and separately engaged in various acts of a sexual nature with the boy. Band director under investigation for alleged sexual contact with student Several of the alleged acts happened on school property after hours. Police said the three suspects also sent text messages and photographs to the teen. According to the probable cause affidavit, the teenage student reported the alleged incidents to police on January 18. " - 59 News
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Christopher (Chris) Henke
Department/Office InformationSociology and Anthropology, Environmental Studies
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firstname.lastname@example.com (315) 228-7076
I began teaching sociology at Colgate in 2001 and specialize in courses on science and technology, work, the environment, and research methods. In addition to my work in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, I am also a member of Colgate's Environmental Studies Program.
My book Cultivating Science, Harvesting Power was published in 2008 by MIT Press. It focuses on the relationship between agricultural scientists and the farm industry in California's Salinas Valley.
I continue to research and publish on issues related to science, agriculture, and the environment, and am currently studying controversies surrounding the environmental impacts of transgenic (genetically engineered) crops.
More information about my scholarship is available at my Academia.edu Profile.
- BA, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1992
- MA (1995), PhD (2000), University of California, San Diego
- Director, Colgate San Francisco Study Group (2004).
- Visiting assistant professor at Cornell University (2000-2001).
- Sociology of science and technology
- Sociology of work
- Sociology and social history of agriculture and the environment.
- Cultivating Science, Harvesting Power: Science and Industrial Agriculture in California. The MIT Press (2008).
- "Maintenance and Transformation in the U. S. Nuclear Weapons Complex." IEEE Technology and Society 27: 32-38 (with Benjamin Sims; 2008).
- "Situation Normal? Repairing a Risky Environment." Social Studies of Science 37: 135-142 (2007).
- "Sites of Scientific Practice: The Enduring Importance of Place," in New Handbook of Science and Technology Studies. The MIT Press (with Thomas F. Gieryn; 2007).
- "Making Change: Science and Environmental Politics in Agriculture," in The New Political Sociology of Science, Scott Frickel and Kelly Moore, editors. University of Wisconsin Press (2006), pages 215-243.
- "The Mechanics of Workplace Order: Toward a Sociology of Repair." Berkeley Journal of Sociology 44: 55-81 (2000).
- "Making a Place for Science: The Field Trial." Social Studies of Science 30: 483-512 (2000).
- National Science Foundation, Scholar's Award (2009). "Contested Fields: Place-Bound Conflicts over Transgenic Crops."
- Picker Fellowship, Research Council, Colgate University (2007).
- Major Grant, Research Council, Colgate University (2004).
- Sally Hacker Prize for best graduate student paper, American Sociological Association (2000).


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Halsey and more musicians team up for "I'm Listening" Campaign
September is a month of a lot of significance… kids returning to school, the beginning of fall and most importantly being known as Suicide Awareness Month. Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss, often deemed "suicide loss survivors", are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent those struggling to feel comfortable in talking openly about their issues. To lower the huge…Read More


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Balboa Park's Friday court date full of drama
Friday's San Diego Superior Court hearing to settle the fate of a $45 million plan to reduce car traffic through Balboa Park has all the star power and story lines of Sunday's Super Bowl.
For starters, it pits one of San Diego's few billionaires, Qualcomm cofounder Irwin Jacobs, against the city and state's oldest continually operating historic preservation group, the Save Our Heritage Organisation.
For another, if the ruling goes against Jacobs and the city of San Diego, the chances of completing the high-profile project by Balboa Park's 2015 centennial celebration would decrease dramatically, if not disappear completely.
What's more, a city and Jacobs victory Friday requires a Hail Mary.
In an unusually politicized tentative ruling issued last Friday, Judge Timothy Taylor reached "the reluctant conclusion" that the city had abused its discretion. He preliminarily sided with preservationists even while calling them "shortsighted" and lauding the merits of Jacobs' idea.
Then there's this: It won't surprise me if City Attorney Jan Goldsmith takes the rare step of arguing the case in court today, because he made a similar appearance in a related lawsuit that SOHO filed in 2011. SOHO won that decision.
Jacobs and his backers have pledged to provide about $30 million for this controversial project if the city floats a bond to cover the remaining expense. They first pushed the plan two and a half years ago.
Jacobs' Plaza de Panama Committee wants to clear all cars from the heart of Balboa Park and build a bypass bridge to the west to move traffic toward a new 800-space, paid-parking garage south of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. That brings up another controversial issue: the potential proliferation of paid parking in a public park.
The only way my Super Bowl analogy breaks down is that the litigants don't want to talk, unlike football players who won't stop yapping to the media.
In a wrinkle, the most loquacious person Thursday was San Diego's media-shy mayor Bob Filner, who talked about it during a San Diego Press Club forum.
Filner's opposition to Jacobs' plan has been well-documented and even ridiculed to the point where Filner apologized for making things too personal.
In July, here's what then-mayoral candidate Filner said when he urged the City Council, in vain, to reject Jacobs' idea: "Maybe Qualcomm loses its value. Maybe Irwin dies, heaven forbid. Maybe he won't like the next mayor. I don't know. But how do you put the financing on a private committee? ... There's virtually no confidence that the paid financing will meet the bond issue."
Despite some subsequent hedging on the campaign trail that he would support Jacobs' plan if it were ruled legal, Filner reiterated his opposition at Thursday's forum, calling it "much too intrusive and too expensive."
"I mean, $40 million to close down the park?" Filner scoffed. "I could do it with six traffic cones to stop the traffic from coming in.
"I'm going to urge the parties to mediate this," he added. "They were engaged in mediation before the council moved on this, and I was told that there was some progress there. But if you get into the legal system, it's not going to be ready in time anyway. There's a very tight construction schedule to get that done, so if you can't start construction soon, we probably shouldn't start it because then it interferes with the whole centennial thing."
Plus, Filner said, delaying or scuttling the project would allow the popular annual Earth Day fair to take place in the center of Balboa Park. The festival is in danger of being canceled or moved because of Plaza de Panama construction.
To call the stakes of Friday's hearing high would be an understatement. SOHO may be holding better cards, but would you want to bet against a billionaire?
It's obvious that SOHO executive director Bruce Coons is nervous.
Consider the telephone exchange I had with him Thursday about the possibility of renewed mediation, as his publicist complained in the background that he was "jeopardizing everything" by talking to me before the court ruling was final.
"Is (renewed mediation) even possible?" I asked him.
"Nothing's impossible, but there's nothing like that (now)," he said.
My next question: "Was there ever a chance (that last year's mediation) was going to work?"
"No," Coons said. "The other side never negotiated in good faith. It was, 'My way or the highway.'"
Coons' publicist interrupted: "We're done. We're done."
"There was no movement whatsoever," Coons continued.
"We're done," his publicist said again.
Gordon Kovtun, the construction manager for Jacobs' project, didn't even call me back.
Presumably, both sides will have plenty to say after Taylor's 1:30 p.m. hearing, which is expected to draw such a crowd that people are planning to arrive early to ensure a seat in Department 72 of the county courthouse.
This is Taylor's show, so we'll give him the last word for now.
From page eight of his nine-page ruling: "Not lost on the court is the very real possibility that this decision will cause (Jacobs' committee) to abandon its efforts to raise money for a long-desired project in Balboa Park, and at a minimum render very difficult a centennial celebration along the lines hoped for by so many.
"The court agrees with the city and (Jacobs' committee) that the positives from the project seem to far outweigh the negatives. The loss of the generous funding offered by (Jacobs and others) will be a sad day for San Diego, because no other funding source has been identified. ...
"SOHO's opposition to the project seems shortsighted, as the project appears to offer many net benefits in terms of restoration of historic resources. But the law is the law, and the court is bound to follow it."
Taylor is the referee in this story, and his agonizing tentative ruling was a coin toss to kick off the game. Will there be overtime in the form of an appeal? Perhaps. But SOHO is the favored side now, and the game is afoot.
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