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July 19, 2013
Q&A: Suzanne Blier
Shared mapping system creates an inter-disciplinary look at our planet, our cities, and our cultures
Suzanne Blier is Allen Whitehill Clowes professor of fine arts and of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. She is an historian of African art and architecture in both the history of art and architecture and African and African American Studies Departments. She also is a member of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science and co-chair of an Electronic Geo-Spatial Database AfricaMap, a site that expanded into WorldMap.
Jared Green: WorldMap is an open source GIS tool that enables anyone anywhere in the world to create their own maps and overlay them with data for free. Why did Harvard create this?
Suzanne Blier: GIS has been transformed in the last 20 years. I was using it in a project when I moved up to Harvard from Columbia in the early 1990s. I received some outside funding to put together a GIS mapping system of Africa. When that project came to a conclusion, I applied for some additional funding for innovative computing. At that time, Harvard had established a new Center for Geographic Analysis. They hired a really brilliant young GIS scientist named Ben Lewis, who is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's program in urban planning. It was his belief that one could actually put together a system, making it available to everyone using open source technology. This is what became WorldMap.
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We began with Africa. The idea was to bring together the best available mapping anywhere, in a format that would allow us to overlay different kinds of data. Soon, other people around Harvard began to look at it. From the sociology to the geology to the history departments, other scholars said, "we'd love to do that as well." And there was serendipity: this was the first large project at the Center for Geographic Analysis. There, lots of people contributed ideas.
AfricaMap by Suzanne Blier
Courtesy WorldMap
JG: Why not just use Google maps engine or ArcGIS?
SB: You can go into WorldMap, create a project there, and upload it to Google Earth. We do bring in Google mapping and other mapping data. The two are not at odds in that way but you can do more with WorldMap. For example, if you are creating a project in Google Earth, you can't bring in other mapping data and then share with others as you can in WorldMap. With our site, you can bring in your own historic mapping data. You can bring in text, images, or video. With the system one is encouraged to draw on any available mapping resources to build one's own. You can also create and visualize things as you want in your own way, give them your own look, and have your own data symbolized and presented as you like.
ArcGIS is a terrific product. It's still very effective, used by many, as well it should be. As you probably know, it's very complex to learn. I've approached how many undergrads and grad students, trying to convince them that it's worth the time spent to do it. But it's still like climbing up a cliff with a bicycle. There are cost factors, too, for people using ArcGIS. Granted, you can use it in part online now, but we didn't think there was the same kind of potential for bringing in your own data, historic maps, sociological data into the system, then being able to share it with other people in the same kinds of ways. We're collaborating with ESRI, too. There's plenty of room for both kinds of products. Each of them offers something slightly different.
In some ways, WorldMap can be more easily grasped by the less technically astute among us, whether a landscape architect, planner, historian, or student. I also really love the way we can share our projects with people anywhere in the world.
JG: I've seen map makers on WorldMap already overlaying river systems, poverty rates, ethnic groups, and then showing how these have changed over time. What other types of layers are people using? What are the most popular mash-ups?
SB: We should be hungry to learn not just from what our own individual disciplines are offering; but from what everybody else is doing. This technology allows one to do that. So sociologists are bringing in different kinds of data than we might be, a lot of demographic data, information on transportation systems, neighborhoods, etc. Landscape architects and urban planners offer new data on some environmental questions, ecosystems, and city plans.
Chicago Map, poverty rates in 2000 by professor Robert Sampson
Courtesy World Map
You can go through all of the different layers people have brought in and see what are the most popular. These tend to be environmental — river systems like you mentioned — and ecosystems, but also transportation, railroads, etc. A number of projects have taken up historical data we brought in from Euro Atlas, which shows the history of Europe going back to the earliest period. And because WorldMap users are generally happy sharing their data, there is a lot to choose from. Almost 90-95 percent of the map data can be used by anyone.
You can bring those layers into your own layers. It's a little bit like Wikipedia in this sense. You can build your own map in part out of what other people put together, but done in new ways that suit your research interests.
JG: You mentioned AfricaMap, your project that then created this larger World Map. In AfricaMap, users can overlay religions and ethnic groups. They can see areas where there's high population density. They can use the map to imagine transatlantic trade routes. There are historical maps, which I really love, dating back to 1606, which seem to magically appear over the baseline Google maps. How is this powerful tool being used? Is it being used in ways you didn't expect?
SB: I'm also fascinated with the seeming magic of taking early maps and laying them on top of current ones. One the most fabulous additions in the development of the system was when we created our map warper or map rectifier. This means you can take any historical map or any map, whether it's of the world, a continent, a country, a city, a neighborhood, a street corner, and very quickly add three or four points — more if it's a very historic map, because of discrepancies. You can then co-join the lat-longs and bring this map into your own mapping system.
Federico de Wit map, 1675 in Suzanne Blier's AfricaMap
Courtesy WorldMap
You can also take a map or plan that may be poorly done or is under copyright, but you're really interested in the data. Well, we've also provided the means so that you can in essence use WorldMap like tracing paper. You can basically copy it by adding lines, points, and shapes on top of it, stylize it in new ways, and create your own particular manifestation of that plan.
Some interesting work is being done within or on the perimeters of a new project in WorldMap called TweetMap. This project in WorldMap has been used to harvest all of the geo-referenced data in Twitter. You can do a search within that. You can frame it by time or a particular area for any term or phrase you might want. That could be really useful for thinking through perceptions of the city.
TweetMap of Manhattan
Courtesy WorldMap
Twitter Map was developed originally by Todd Mostak, a student in Middle Eastern studies, and the Kennedy School here. He was interested in the Arab Spring and locating how that was being framed in Twitter.
JG: Another fascinating map by professor Colin Gordon, University of Iowa, maps in St. Louis showing how blight took over parts of the city. The map tells a powerful visual story of blight and then redevelopment. What kind of urban stories are you also seeing told? What else could this tool be used for in terms of urban policy, advocacy, or even design?
SB: His project is a fascinating one. There's a corollary in Chicago, another important map in WorldMap by another sociologist named Robert Sampson. One important thing with both professor Gordon's and professor Sampson's projects is they've actually integrated their WorldMap projects into books that they've recently published.
St. Louis map by professor Colin Gordon
Courtesy WorldMap
A graduate student here is using WorldMap to analyze New Orleans, thinking through the early history of the city where the slave markets were, how the concept of neighborhoods were changing in the city from the early Spanish and French periods to the later American period. You can even correlate that with building design changes.
I've been fascinated with the impact of World's Fairs on cities so I've put up a series of World Fair plans, whether it's St. Louis, San Francisco, Chicago, Brussels, or New York City. You soon realize how important some of these World's Fairs were in terms of the changing dynamic of the city. That brings in plans from great landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted.
We also have a plan up of the 1876 World's Fair in Philadelphia. Of course, as you know, some of the World Fair buildings are still standing. You can overlay on top of this not just the plan of the fair, but also the plans of the landscapes and buildings at the fair. You can then embed into this project photographs taken at the fair. Within WorldMap, you can link directly to photographs and add points by creating particular symbolic icons so that once you click on them, you'll be able see was the view in 1876 or whenever.
Philadelphia Centennial Expo, 1876
Courtesy WorldMap
JG: Landscape architects, planners, and other design professionals could really use WorldMap to both root designs in local social and economic contexts and even histories. These maps could also be used to create compelling presentations of different design alternatives. How do you think designers should be using WorldMap? What features do you think would be most useful for them?
SB: There's some terrific work being done by Europeans using WorldMap to evaluate economic disparities in European cities. There's one on Athens. There's another fabulous set on Barcelona. One of the great things about WorldMap is you can actually make it a collaborative project — not just for landscape architects per se, but also for the people who are living in and with these landscapes. You can bring in the informal. We have provided people in these communities with the tools to upload their own data, let's say their own experiences in a landscape through text, video, or photographs. That could be a really positive addition to landscape architecture preservation, and help outline the importance of these places as lived space.
You can use this tool to promote the importance of landscape architecture in school systems, from K to 12, getting teachers and students to use this to upload information about their own experiences with their landscape and help to preserve them at the same time — to not just preserve them historically, but also to become caretakers for these spaces. You could compare the area of X plot of land versus Y plot of land or distances or simply add cell phone and other imagery of a particular landscape.
We are increasingly thinking about pooling resources in documenting the works of key individuals, whether it's Frederick Law Olmsted or Frank Lloyd Wright. People who use these parks or live in these structures can create a project on WorldMap, with people in different locations adding information. One can make these maps available on the site to the world — and really use these people to do some of the more labor intensive and expensive work of geo-referencing plans — is a great idea.
JG: Lastly, are you worried that people will misuse these maps, display false data to build specious cases? If data can be manipulated, is there any truth in maps?
SB: Well, personally, I would love to see the creation of fictional maps, imaginary places based on real places. That's the positive side. Another positive side is that we now have a tool to evaluate maps, meaning that we are providing a means for users of WorldMap to tag maps and identify those that are really well done versus those that are problematic. That's the open source nature of it.
We don't have enough staff to go through and evaluate maps, nor is it something we want to do. We would rather keep this as a toolbox available to everyone and rely on people who are using these maps to let us know if there's something that is indeed really problematic.
Maps are things that have this necessary complexity. There will always be disagreements on borders, for example, now between China and India. At WorldMap, we're perfectly happy to have a Chinese and an Indian version and various ones in between. Some of these disagreements are enriched or complicated by the possibility of creating competing maps.
In the same way that river systems notoriously change over time, which is why you shouldn't geo-reference from them, these kinds of discrepancies are great within a system.
Rivers of Africa map
Courtesy WorldMap
It's far easier to create or change something in WorldMap than in a printed book. WorldMap allows for more creative approaches and different opinions in map making.
Syndicated from ASLA.org


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Promising Practices for Addressing the Underrepresentation of Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine: Opening Doors
Women are underrepresented and undervalued in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields - less likely to pursue careers or advance within these fields due to bias, harassment, pay gaps, unequal access and workloads, and fewer opportunities. The consequences of this manifest in labor shortages in STEMM, a lack of diversity, and lost talent and creativity. Promising...
Metanoia: Transformation through AIDS Archives and Activism
Metanoia: Transformation through AIDS Archives and Activism is an online exhibit of community-based responses to the ongoing AIDS crisis, highlighting the contributions of "Black cis and trans women, and cis and trans women of color impacted by HIV, many of whom have had experiences within the criminal justice system." There are several sections to the exhibit: "Contemporary Activism," "Activism...
Ottoman History Podcast
Ottoman History Podcast began life in 2011 to provide an alternative forum for discussions of the Ottoman Empire and the making of the modern Middle East. Now, with more than 500 episodes produced, it provides a great resource for professional historians, folks working in foreign policy, or anyone interested in learning more about this region's people, cultures, and history. Episodes feature...
Active Minds
There have been many recent efforts to end the stigma surrounding mental illness. Mental health activists and those interested in changing the conversation about the subject will find the organization Active Minds not only intriguing, but crucial in combating negative associations common in discussions of mental health. Founded by Alison Malmon, Active Minds welcomes all, but specifically aims to...
Snowflakes: Nano at its Coolest
The video, lesson plan, and related materials linked above are designed to help audiences from the age of seven onward understand more about nanoscience by exploring snowflakes ("nano at its coolest"). This resource is one of many from the National Informal STEM Education (NISE) Network (previously featured in the 07-19-2019 Scout Report), an organization that creates and implements projects to...

subset: commoncrawl


text: Shocking developments in the mobile enterprise race show the market's incredible volatility, according to a new survey by Aberdeen Group. The survey looked at mobile app deployment plans by platform\u2014Apple iOS, Android, Windows 8\/Windows Phone and BlackBerry\u2014covering both tablets and phones. "The plans for mobile app deployment in 2013 were a big surprise," says Aberdeen research director Andrew Borg. Aberdeen plans to release its official findings next week, but gave CIO.com a sneak peek.Click to enlarge\nThe data shows Microsoft Windows Phone 8 and Surface tablets poised to make a profound leap, as CIOs hope to retake control of the mobile enterprise. Apple iPhones and iPads may be reaching a point of saturation. Google phones and tablets are holding steady, but will users let loose the reins? As for BlackBerry, the future looks bleak.Aberdeen surveyed 348 organizations about their mobile strategy in November and December last year. The chart above shows the percentage of respondents currently deploying apps on a given mobile platform, as well as the percentage of respondents planning to build apps on the platform for the first time in 2013.Here's a breakdown of what's behind the numbers.Microsoft, Don't Call It a ComebackMicrosoft was the big winner with 35 percent of respondents planning to develop apps on the Surface tablet over the next 12 months, in addition to 8 percent currently deployed. Windows Phone fared well, too, with 25 percent planning to develop apps on Windows Phone, in addition to 26 percent already deployed. "The data shows that IT is holding out hope that Microsoft's mobile strategy will be well-integrated with their overall data center and cloud strategy," Borg says. "You might say IT has been waiting for Microsoft to make its enterprise mobile play."Microsoft, though, might have already disappointed respondents. The Aberdeen survey was conducted late last year before all the criticism of Surface RT, well, surfaced and before the Surface Pro was even released. At the time, there was hope that Microsoft would deliver a completely integrated strategy. But the Windows 8 user interface consistency from smartphone to tablet to desktop did not extend to the back end. In other words, the primary criticism of Surface RT is that the apps are not compatible with the rest of Windows 8. Surface RT is not in the same app ecosystem as Windows 8. "IT and lines of business were looking for a point of consolidation and integration with backend services," Borg says. "This lack of integration from IT's perspective is a disappointment."Microsoft blew the branding and messaging opportunity, Borg explains. The average consumer didn't grasp the difference between Surface RT and Surface Pro. Many simply and wrongly expected Surface RT to be a Windows laptop replacement. It's too bad, because Surface RT is a pretty slick device with a nice industrial design and user interface, Borg says. Among all tablets, Surface RT boasts the best integration with Office. It shouldn't matter that it's not tied to Windows 8 applications on the desktop. Apple iOS apps aren't compatible with OS X, nor are Android apps with Chrome OS."Surface RT was badly marketed," Borg says.March of the AndroidsGoogle Android smartphones and tablets are steadily marching into the enterprise. According to the Aberdeen survey, 23 percent of respondents plan to develop apps on Android tablets over the next 12 months, in addition to 40 percent currently deployed. And 17 percent plan to develop apps on Android smartphones, in addition to 55 percent currently deployed.These numbers show incremental growth for the platform, which is nothing unexpected. However, this doesn't mean that Android will continue to plod along. The survey was taken before Samsung announced the Galaxy S4 smartphone, which is expected to be released in late April. For the enterprise, the most compelling feature is KNOX, a dual-persona solution at the kernel layer. If the dual-persona concept takes off, then Android platform adoption in the enterprise could spike. But dual-persona acceptance on the smartphone is far from a sure thing. For starters, dual-persona has been in the market for at least a year and has had negligible adoption in the enterprise. While dual-persona allows end users to securely separate personal data from work data on a corporate device, we're living in a Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, world."With BYOD, the company is going to put its data on your device and borrow some of your assets that you bought\u2014RAM, memory, processor\u2014all of which may decrease performance of your device," Borg says. "Will end users permit that? It's unclear."Apple's Microsoft ProblemApple's iPhone and iPad have been enterprise sensations, but there are signs pointing to challenges ahead. In the Aberdeen survey, 15 percent of respondents plan to develop apps for the first time on iPhone and iPad over the next 12 months, with 63 percent and 61 percent currently deployed, respectively."We're a little surprised that the numbers show it to be slowing down," Borg says. "Granted, three-quarters of the organizations are still developing for the platform, greater than any other platform. But it could be getting to a saturation point."Slideshow: Apple's 15 Boldest Computer Designs, 1976 - 2012As the dominant mobile enterprise player with the biggest app store and the largest percentage of developers, Apple seems to be sitting in the catbird seat. The danger is complacency and lack of innovation. Think: Microsoft during its reign on the desktop. Today, iOS is looking long in the tooth. Microsoft and BlackBerry have more advanced operating systems. Samsung has shown innovation advancing the Android OS. Where art thou, Apple? iPhone and iPad apps don't talk to each other, don't share data. In comparison, Windows Phone 8 supports inter-app communication, which makes for a fluid user experience."If Apple does not innovate on the OS, it may impact enterprise acceptance and continued commitment to deploy apps on the Apple platform," Borg says. Storm Clouds Over BlackBerryAnd then there's BlackBerry. The Aberdeen survey showed a paltry 6 percent of respondents plan to develop apps on the BlackBerry PlayBook over the next 12 months, with only 15 percent currently deployed. On the BlackBerry smartphone, 5 percent plan to develop apps, with 49 percent currently deployed."This data does not speak optimistically for BlackBerry's outlook," Borg says. "There are definitely storm clouds over Canada."Borg does expect the smartphone number to creep up given the release of BlackBerry 10, which appears to be a solid product, but not by much. Meanwhile, the PlayBook outlook is looking worse, as BlackBerry hasn't announced anything of significance with it.The problem, of course, is that BlackBerry has lost its credibility. It didn't keep its promises, in terms of timeframe delivery. BlackBerry 10 was delayed time and again until its launch earlier this year. The result is that businesses\u2014once, BlackBerry's biggest advocate\u2014have all but abandoned the platform."From the data perspective, BlackBerry has significant challenges in 2013," Borg says. "There's a loss of momentum and a lack of confidence in their future from end-users. In addition, BlackBerry has isolated itself from advocates, including analysts. How this all will play out in 2013 remains to be seen."\nTom Kaneshige covers Apple, BYOD and Consumerization of IT for CIO.com. Follow Tom on Twitter @kaneshige. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline, Facebook, Google + and LinkedIn. Email Tom at firstname.lastname@example.com


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Some of the most exciting parts of a discipline occur near the edges where, in intersecting with other modes of thought, it produces an interference pattern that shows its essence.
If you can imagine the collision of bodies of water, the scattering of light through a prism, or the small gusts of wind that whisk the dust across lonely porches, you can see what this is like.
Politics presents an interesting study because it is truly an all or nothing discipline.
It is "all" because it is the foundation of human interaction. Chinua Achebe defined politics as the science of getting other people to do things. Because on one level, politics is the manipulation of the emotions and/or logical thinking of others, there is politics in convincing a buddy to bring you a cup of tea or coffee.
It is "nothing" because many people do not want to import it into their lives. When a situation becomes politicized, the goal is no longer the goal. The new goal is getting along with the committee, and getting some kind of compromise that approximates the goal. Because it never quite works, no one really wants to identify with this process.
At the edge of politics however is a more interesting question which we might call "civilization design." Every act we commit has a consequence; ideally, all of these consequences would like dots of paint splatter forming a silhouette gradually create a bigger plan. Once we see that, it's impossible to divorce our actions from the fact that whether intentional or not, they produce a bigger plan.
Thus there is no escaping politics and, worse, there's no dividing it into issues. There is only one issue: what type of civilization do you desire? And that question extends far beyond politics, to cultural values, to the composition of the society's population, to even what sort of day-to-day activities we undertake.
While I'm very fond of Nietzsche and Schopenhauer, my first love was of Immanuel Kant. Among many other useful ideas, he pulled an idea that was soft-shoed in Plato and brought it to the fore: there are no inconsequential acts. Every act has consequences, which have consequences, and so no act is separated from having a bigger purpose.
The simplest example of this to me is littering. The litterer would like us to think that littering is an act of convenience; they "just forgot" or found it easier to leave the garbage around or throw it out a window. In fact, littering is an act that tells a lot about the litterer; it says they're not in love with their world, that they aren't thinking beyond themselves, and that there's probably a motive of revenge, hatred or a desire to scream dissatisfaction with the world in that act.
Vandalism is another. People who spraypaint their doodles on walls like to think they're artists who are expressing themselves. And yet, they're choosing to do it in a way that's permanent, that causes other people trouble and turns society into a motley of conflicting scribbles, each shouting for attention. Their act says they feel powerless and want control over their lives, and also want to revenge themselves on those who own walls.
Casual sex is another daily act which has wide-ranging consequences. People are fond of the notion that it is simply a choice of convenience, and of a bodily need. In fact, there's no such need; people survive not having sex, sometimes for their entire lives. What it says instead is that they see themselves as a means to an end of their own bodily pleasure, not a means to an end of something greater than the body. There's a lack of hope in that, too, and a lack of faith in themselves.
None of these acts are inconsequential and each act reflects a vision of society. The vandalism, littering and rutting suggest a world where each person does what strikes them as important in the moment, following a whim, feeling or judgment. By definition, this excludes long-term thinking and its visions like realism, consequentialism and through those, the finding of timeless and enduring values.
When we look at society then it is impossible to see politics not only in politics, but in all that we do, or to see politics as the end result of our many acts gesturing at what type of civilization we want. At that point, we see the fundamental split that occurs in all dying cultures (and the West is a dying culture; our economic, political and social instability are symptoms of that, not causes).
On one side are the people who are dedicated to the individual, the here and now, and the individual's feelings, judgments and desires. These people have no long-term plan and so move from mania, fad and craze to another, always having some current obsession that they believe will give meaning to their lives. Since they have discarded meaning outside the individual, they must find it in such crazes, which momentarily make them feel connected to life, and are always justified as "doing good" because that makes the people involved feel they are "good" and thus that their lives are important.
On the other side are the careful analysts. These are the people who built civilization, and the ones who save it periodically through self-sacrifice. They are inherently long-term thinkers and consequentialists, because in order to have values at all, one must measure those values by how to achieve them and how past acts have done that or fallen short. Careful analysts measure consequences to enact the timeless whenever possible.
There is no reconciling these two ways of life. They are more fundamental than politics, and yet must be the foundation of it. Right now the mass mania has won, but this is winding down as liberal democracies across the world sail into multiple problems whose origins were created centuries ago. It is time for a new age. It helps to discover which side you want to be on, the faddists or the thinkers.


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Related Content
Press Release
Tallahassee Police Officer Recognized By The Department Of Justice For The Attorney General's Award For Distinguished Service In Community Policing
TALLAHASSEE, FL B James Ryan Lanier, 33, was sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for embezzling more than $800,000 from Merrill Lynch clients. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between 2008 and 2010, Lanier used his position as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch in Tallahassee to funnel approximately $887,931 in client funds to his own personal bank accounts. Lanier was able to induce Merrill Lynch Client Associates to wire transfer client funds to bank accounts Lanier controlled by using forged client authorization letters and falsely claiming that his clients had verbally approved the transfers. To facilitate the scheme, Lanier purposely sought assistance from Merrill Lynch employees who were unfamiliar with Lanier's clients. Lanier used the embezzled client funds to make loan payments, and to purchase vehicles, an interest in a cellular telecommunications business, and a condominium in Albany, Georgia.
Last November, Lanier pled guilty to 13 counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft in connection with the embezzlement.
In addition to the prison sentence, Lanier was ordered to pay $887,931 in restitution to Merrill Lynch.
U.S. Attorney Marsh commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the United States Marshal's Service, whose joint investigation led to the arrest in this case. Ms. Marsh stated, "This office will vigorously prosecute financial advisors and consultants who victimize and swindle their own clients. This sentence should serve as a stark warning to those who may be tempted to line their own pockets by betraying their clients' trust."The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Coody.


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|Famous Okies (21 replies)
Latest news about airports in Miami, OK collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations
Historical Itinerant Operations - Miami Municipal Airport
Historical Local Operations - Miami Municipal Airport
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text: Hospitalists We manage your visit and connect you to the specialists and departments within St. Elizabeth. Learn how this improves and streamlines your care. The hospitalists of St. Elizabeth Physicians are board-certified internal medicine and family medicine doctors who specialize in treating patients who are admitted to the hospitals of St. Elizabeth Healthcare located in Covington, Dearborn County, Edgewood, Florence, Ft. Thomas and Grant County. Our goal is to provide excellent, friendly and courteous care, as well as addressing any questions or concerns you may have during your hospital stay. Our hospitalists do not have a medical practice outside of the hospital setting, which allows them to ensure you receive high quality medical attention while you're in the hospital. As a member of your healthcare team, your hospitalist will communicate with your primary care doctor, specialists, and surgeons throughout your hospital stay. Your hospitalist knows every specialist and department within St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and can help expedite services when needed. Their goal is to help ensure you have a pleasant hospital stay as well as a smooth and speedy recovery process including: Following up on your tests and treatments throughout the day Meeting regularly with you and your family members Making quick decisions when necessary about which medical procedures, tests, or other treatment options you may require If you are in need of a physician once you leave the hospital, your hospitalist will also assist you in finding a physician that best fits your needs. Your hospitalist can utilize our secure, electronic medical record system to share your hospital-based medical information with any provider of St. Elizabeth Physicians or St. Elizabeth Healthcare when needed. This allows us to provide you with seamless care, which means better care with less paperwork and less duplication of questions, tests, and treatments.


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How marine life is responding to ocean acidification
(Phys.org) —A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol and Plymouth Marine Laboratory has shed light on how different species of marine organisms are reacting to ocean acidification.
Since the Industrial Revolution, nearly 30 per cent of all the carbon dioxide produced by manmade emissions has been absorbed by the ocean, causing a drop in pH of ocean surface waters: ocean acidification.
The current rate of CO2 emissions is unprecedented in the past 65 million years and there are considerable risks for the marine ecosystem all over the globe. The related risks for marine life and the associated consequences for humanity will be discussed at the upcoming Washington Ocean Summit, chaired by US Secretary of State, John Kerry on 16-17 June.
The difficulties in predicting the future of our oceans is, among others, the different response to ocean acidification in closely related species and therefore the inability to generalize physiological effects.
Dr Sophie McCoy (Plymouth) and Dr Federica Ragazzola (Bristol) compared historical material and recent material from crustose coralline algae from a location with fast acidification on the west coast of the United States.
They found that the reaction to ocean acidification in some organisms is driven by their morphology (that is, the form and structure of the organisms and their specific structural features) and therefore, organisms with the same morphology will react the same independently of how closely related the species are.
Dr Ragazzola, a Leverhulme post-doctoral researcher in Bristol's School of Earth Sciences said: "The mechanisms we have identified in crustose coralline algae may be applicable to other calcifying taxa with differences in morphological types dictated by skeletal thickness and growth rates."
Dr McCoy, a Marie Curie Fellow at Plymouth Marine Laboratory added: "Our use of historical specimens in this study has enabled us to study long-term response to ocean acidification in the context of environmental variability and community processes that occur in nature. This type of study is an important complement to experimental work in this area."
The research is published today in Nature Climate Change.
More information: Skeletal trade-offs in coralline algae in response to ocean acidification. S. J. McCoy & F. Ragazzola. Nature Climate Change (2014) DOI: 10.1038/nclimate2273. Received 13 March 2014 Accepted 19 May 2014 Published online 15 June 2014
Journal information: Nature Climate Change
Provided by University of Bristol


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Maryland Commercial Drivers License
Are you looking to get a commercial drivers license (CDL) in Maryland? A CDL can be the beginning of a great career driving trucks, semis, busses and other large commercial vehicles. In Maryland, getting a commercial drivers license requires tests and documents. To get a CDL, choose one of the options below:
1: Get Started with Online Application Assistance
Application assistance services can simplify the process for many MVA related services for a fee, including: renewing your license, applying for a license, registering a vehicle, replacing your license, changing your address and more. In addition to assistance in preparing official forms, the value added services and products you will receive include a comprehensive Easy Guide™ containing information relevant to your service needs; 30 days of both emergency Roadside Assistance and the Repair Assist consultation service from Road America. Other benefits include an ongoing monthly newsletter and a quarterly magazine covering important updates that affect drivers, important safety tips, trends, legislative updates and ways to save money on vehicle-related services.
2: By mail
Some drivers prefer to handle the renewal process by mail, rather than taking advantage of assistance services, visiting the MVA in person, or via available online services. Service by mail is available with limitations. Read below for additional details or visit your local MVA.
3: Via a MVA office
If your specific needs require an in-person visit, most, if not all, driver license services can be handled at your local MVA office. Varying MVA offices sometimes supply different types of services so you will need to check before your visit to make sure the MVA closest to you provides the service you require. In addition, you can call to see if your MVA allows you to make a personal appointment.
A commercial drivers license typically applies to those interested in obtaining a truck license, a semi license or a bus license to operate vehichles over certain weights and passenger capacities. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a new Maryland commercial drivers license. In addition, you must hold a valid drivers license, and have passed a state-approved vision test. When you arrive at the Maryland motor vehicle office make sure to bring:
- Current Maryland driver's license
- Proof of Social Security number
- Provide a Medical Examination Certificate, which can be downloaded from http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Medical-Report.pdf. To fill this form out, make sure to bring:
- Social Security number
- Date of Birth
- Driver license number
Depending upon the class (classes A, B, or C) of Maryland CDL license you are applying for you will need to bring payment for applicable fees for your written and skills test. A list of these fees and requirements necessary to obtain your new Maryland CDL drivers license can be found in our Maryland CDL License Easy Guide.
According to the FMCSA there are three CDL Classes:
Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.
You may need to add an endorsement to your new Maryland CDL drivers license. Endorsements include special classes of CMV's such as:
- H - Vehicles transporting hazardous materials
- N - Tank vehicle
- P - Passenger
- S - School Bus
- T - Double/Triple Trailers
- X - Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements
If you operate a CMV that transports hazardous material you must first submit to a background check and fingerprinting. You could be disqualified from transporting hazardous materials and would not be able to obtain the endorsement necessary to obtain a new Maryland CDL license if you are found guilty of a serious crime.
All the requirements, along with the forms you will need to acquire your new Maryland CDL driver's license, can be found right here.
Renew Maryland CDL License
Is your CDL license about to expire? Whether you are going to renew your Maryland CDL license online, by mail or in person, you'll want to make sure you know exactly what to bring with you and what is required.
For a checklist of everything you need to renew your Maryland CDL license, click here.
In Maryland you only have the option of renewing your CDL license in person at your local motor vehicle office and will need to bring the necessary documents to your local office for a Maryland CDL license renewal. Browse more information on the Maryland MVA page.
Before you renew your Maryland CDL license, it will be checked against the National Driver Register and the Commercial Drivers License Information System to make sure you are not disqualified and do not hold a CDL license in more than one jurisdiction.
Replace Maryland CDL License
Has your CDL license been lost, severely damaged or stolen? You will need to replace your Maryland CDL license as soon as possible as you are required to have your CDL license with you at all times while operating a CMV.
You can replace your Maryland CDL license by visiting your local MVA office.
If you are unsure about what you will need to replace your Maryland commercial drivers license,
Change of Address on a Maryland CDL license
If you have moved you are required to change your address on your Maryland CDL license right away. here is some information on CDLs that will be helpful.
You will need to visit your local MVA and bring your current CDL license and proof of residency.
For a detailed list of what you will need to bring to change your address on your Maryland CDL license, be sure to browse some important information here.
Maryland CDL License Name Change
If you are recently married, divorced or have changed your legal name for any reason, you will need to update your CDL license to reflect that change.
You will need to visit your local MVA and bring an official court document reflecting this change along with the required fees for your Maryland CDL license name change.
Find out exactly what you need to change your name on your Maryland CDL license before visiting your local MVA office. Here's how.
New Federal Requirements
Beginning January 30, 2012 and no later than January 2014, the federal government has stipulated that all commercial vehicle driver's must self certify his or her vehicle type.
The categories are as follows:
- Non-Excepted Interstate (If this is the option you choose you will need to submit to the Motor Vehicle Administration a federal medical certificate).
- Excepted Interstate
- Non-Excepted Intrastate
- Excepted Intrastate
Find your local motor vehicle office here.


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Siser 20" Silver Confetti Glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl
Bling out plain designs for maximum appeal with the best Glitter HTV on the market! Available in over 30 vibrant colors, Glitter contains maximum sparkle without shedding any glitter flakes. Perfect for dance and cheer teams and anywhere you just need a little extra sparkle. Kids of all ages love the shimmer and pop, and since it's CPSIA Certified it's safe to apply on kids clothing. If you currently own a sublimation system, or are thinking of getting into that sector, you can also sublimate directly onto white Siser Glitter for awesome full-color looks with all the bling of Glitter! Watch the video on how to sublimate Glitter here!
Glitter is 325 Microns / 12.8 Mils and is a PU composition.
Adheres To:
- 100% Cotton
- Poly / Cotton Blends
- 100% Uncoated Polyester
Composition: PVC
Blade: 45° or 60°
Thickness: 325 Microns / 12.8 Mils
Layerable: No
Actual Width: 19.66″
Backing: Adhesive Backing
Finish: Glitter
Technical Specifications
|Application instructions (home iron)
• Set iron dial between Cotton and Linen
• Cover design with Multipurpose Paper or Heat Transfer Cover Sheet
• Place on flat, hard surface (ironing board not recommended)
• Press iron with medium/firm pressure (do not slide iron)
• Press each section of design for 15-20 seconds
• If areas of design lift after application, replace cover sheet
and re-press for 10 seconds
• Peel carrier warm
|Application Instructions (heat press)
• Cover design with Multipurpose Paper or Heat Transfer Cover Sheet
• Preheat garment for 2-3 seconds
• Apply design at 320°F/160°C
• Use medium pressure for 15-20 seconds
• Peel carrier warm
|Cricut: Blade: Standard Setting: Iron-on+
|Silhouette Cameo: Blade: Standard, 4 Material: Heat Transfer, Smooth Speed: 8 Force: 11
|Brother ScanNCut: Blade: Standard, 3 Cut Speed: 1 Cut Pressure: 5
|Roland GX/GS-24: Blade: 45° Gram Force: 180-190 Offset: .250 Speed: 30 cm/s
|Graphtec: Blade: 45° Force: 17 Tool: CB09U+0 Speed: 30 cm/s
|MH, SC2, LP3, and Titan1: Blade: 45°/60° Gram Force: 120-130 Speed: 300 mm/s *Blade Advancing Varies
|Titan 2 & 3: Blade: 45°/60° Gram Force: 100-110 Speed: 300 mm/s *Blade Advancing Varies
Settings may vary based on blade condition and age of machine. Always perform a test cut prior to cutting designs.
- Wait 24 hours before first wash
- Machine wash warm or cold / mild detergent
- Dry on normal dryer setting
- Do not dry clean


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Annapurna IV is one of the peaks of the Annapurna massif lying South of Manang and ... Read More
Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,494ft) is one of the most spectacular mountains in the world,... Read More
Baruntse is one the most significant peak lying close to Makalu, other 6,000m small... Read More
Himlung Himal is one of the infrequently visited mountains of Nepal lying between t... Read More
Putha Hiunchuli is the westernmost peak of the Dhaulagiri long range to the west of... Read More
Everest (8,848 m. / 29,028 feet) is also known as Sagarmatha (The Mother Goddess of... Read More
Makalu (8,463 m/27,767ft) is an impressive mass of red granite and close neighbor o... Read More
Manaslu (8,163 m/26,781 ft) is also known as Kutang is situated in the central regi... Read More
Cho-Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft) is one of the easiest of all 8000m mountains rising 8,201... Read More
Everest (Chomolungma)-the mother Goddess of the World - rises majestically to its s... Read More
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Fixed Depatures
Kangchenjunga Trek
Starting from: Suketar
Ending at: Suketar
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous / High Alpine passes
Culture: Mixed
Himalayan sights: Kangchenjunga all, Jugal Himal & Makalu Himal etc…
Mode of trekking: Camping only
Most attraction of the trek: A challenging special trekking remote eastern Nepal with Himalayan view
Normal Departures: Mar-May, September-November
The Kanchanjunga massif with its myriad glacier systems, high pass crossings and vast untracked foothills offers the opportunity for almost endless exploration. Kangchenjunga North & South Base Camp Trek is best in early autumn or late spring. We ascend from Hille through terraced fields and through rhododendron forest to the high Milke Danda ridge (4500m). There are fine views of four of the world's highest peaks Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8463m) and Kanchanjunga (8537m). From Taplejung village our route takes us up and over the 3484m pass at Lashi tan to remarkable view point Khumbakarna and Kabru (7310m) tower over us just short distance away across the Yalung glacier. The Peaks of the Kanchanjunga massif are our constant companion as we cross several passes to Gunsa village and descend the valley and take a west ward trail back to Taplejung and fly to Kathmandu.
Outline itinerary (Below itinerary can be customized as per your holiday duration availability)
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu, meet our representative and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Fly Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (700 m) – drive to Birtamod (approx 3 hrs drive), Hotel
Day 03: Drive Birtamod-Taplejung.( 2300m) Camp
Day 04: Trek to Mitlung (923m). Camp
Day 05: Trek to Chhirwa (1273m)
Day 06: Trek to Sekathom (1577m)
Day 07: Trek to Amjelesha.(2309m) Approx 6h walk. Camp
Day 08: Trek to Gyapla (2732m). Approx 6 h walk. Camp
Day 09: Trek to Ghunsa (3300 m). Approx 5h walk. Camp
Day 10: Rest day /acclimatization in Ghunsa, Camp
Day 11: Trek to Khambachen (3930 m). Approx 5h walk. Camp
Day 12: Trek to Lhonak (4580 m). 3hrs walk. Camp
Day 13: Trek to Pangpema (Kangchenjunag North B.C. (about 5000 m). Camp
Day 14: Exploration around Pangpema. Camp
Day 15: Return trek to Khambachen. 4hrs. Camp
Day 16: Trek to Ghunsa. 2-3hrs Camp
Day 17: Trek to Selele. 5hrs walk. Camp
Day 18: Cross Simion La (4600 m), Mirgin La (4620 m) to Tseram. 6hrs walk. Camp
Day 19: Trek to Ramche. 4-5hrs walk Camp
Day 20: At Ramche, explore around the Kangchenjunga South BC-Ramche. Camp
Day 21: Lunch at Tseram and return to Torongdang. 5-6h walk. Camp
Day 22: Trek to Yamphuding 7 hrs walk.. Camp
Day 23: Trek to Pumphe. 5-6hr walk. Camp
Day 24: Trek to Kade Bhanjyang. Approx 5h walk. Fly suketar-biratnagar Camp
Day 25: Trek to Lalikharka. 5h walk. Camp
Day 26: Trek to Suketar – Last night with the trekking staff and porters. Camp
Day 27: Drive Suketar to Bhadrapur. Overnight in Biratnagar Hotel
Day 28: Fly Bhadrapur to Kathmandu (AM flight) Hotel
Day 29: Transfer to airport onward international departure.
Cost includes
• 4 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & one night in Biratnagar on twin sharing bed & breakfast basis,
• Flight ticket: Kathmandu/Biratnagar/Taplejung/Biratnagar/Kathmadu with airport tax,
• All food and accommodations for member and staffs throughout the trekking period as per itinerary,
• Complete camping equipments: member tent, staff tent, chair table, mattress, toilet tent, dining tent, mess tent with logistical cooking utensils,
• Daily wages, insurance, shelter, cloth of sardar (Nepalese guide), sherpa staffs, cook, cook helper and porters,
• All land transportation, transfer from airport-hotel-airport,
• National park permit & TIMS permits,
• 16 kg weight allowed per member for personal equipment,
• First Aid Medical Kit (only for staff & porter),
• Emergency helicopter rescue arrangements,
Cost excludes
• International flight ticket to/from Nepal,
• Expenses of personal nature & gratitude i.e. laundry, bar bills, telephone calls, drinks and other personal communication bills, breakfast, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu,
• Personal insurance, and emergency rescue evacuation,
• Personal clothing,
• Respective expenses if one returns earlier from the trip due to sickness or emergency purpose.
IMPORTANT! Every effort will be made to keep to the above kangchenjunga Trek itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it and this day-to-day schedule should be taken only as a general guide! Weather conditions, availability of porters and the health of team members can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
Our previous Kangchenjunga Trek client reference
Excellent trek, very well organized! Pemba was a very good Sirdar, helpful, kind and very attentive!
Christine Boudol, France
Kangchenjunga trek 2013
We had a great trek, Very good and varied food, experienced cook, strong porters and i am very grateful for such good organisation.
Phillippe Turlure, France
Kangchenjunga trek 2013
While in Nepal there are various interesting and exciting options to pursue either before or after your trek or tour.
Everest Mountain Flight-After trekking in the region why not take the opportunity for a close-up view of the world's highest and most famous mountain from the air! The flight lasts about an hour and takes you from the Kathmandu valley, over the Khumbu region and culminates with the unforgettable view of Everest herself.
Exciting option of Rafting & Chitwan National park–One of the oldest and popular National Park in Nepal and in whole Asia, one can find more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for the endangered one-horned Rhinoceros, the Royal Bengal Tiger and the fresh water Gharial Crocodile along with many other common species mammals, reptiles and over 450 species of birds. You can take an extension trip from 2 to 4 days.
Bungy Jumping-Imaging a bridge over a 160m from tropical gorge with the Bhote Koshi, one of the world's wildest rivers raging below…Now Jump.
This may be the most spectacular Bungy Jump on the planet. This remarkable 500ft. (160m) drop into the Bhote Koshi River gorge on the Nepal / Tibet border is the longest free fall in the world.
A drive of 3 hours (100km) from Kathmandu to within 12 km of the Tibet border to reach the Ultimate Bungy Jump spot. The unlimited Bungy Jump takes place on a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River, altitude about 3600ft.
Nagarkot- The ridge (2174 m) offers possibly the best display of the Himalaya including if you are lucky, a glimpse of a dark shape in the back that is Everest - while remaining in the proximity of the valley. Sunrise view from here is truly magnificent.
Dhulikhel- The small quiet town, known for its traditional crafts, lies 30 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1470 m. Climb a little to see the mountains, from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. It is a small Newari town where ancient cultures are still religiously maintained. It's easy access, stunning sunsets and the many side treks make it a popular destination.
Your Complete Financial Protection
South Asia Trekking is a professional, government licensed ISO certified Trekking / Expedition / Tour operator company. You can book your trip with us in complete confidence that all monies you pay for a trip are fully protected.
Payment Schedule
• An advance of US$ 300.00 or equivalent in another convertible currency is required when booking the trip.
• The remaining balance (in cash) has to be paid in Kathmandu before the departure of trek.
• If the entire balance is not paid before departure, South Asia Trekking Pvt. Ltd. reserves the full right to delay this departure.
• All extra expenses due to this delayed departure will be at charge of the concerned trip / expedition and deductible from the advance payment.
Cancellation policy:
• The Booking deposit fee is not refundable in case of cancellation. Cancellations are only accepted until 30 days before departure. Charges are calculated according to the expenditures done for expedition.
• Expedition goods arriving in Kathmandu by Air require an Airway Bill, Invoice and Packing List along with a photocopy of Protocol (permit).
• Expedition goods arriving by Air Cargo must mention the name of the expedition team as shipping agent and the same in care of South Asia Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Sukedhara, Kathmandu, Nepal as receiver.
Terms and Conditions
South Asia Trekking extends its best hand to see your convenience at all times. As this is an Adventure Travel Holiday and you will be traveling into a remote Himalayan destination, weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable sometimes. Local availability of porters/yaks or any other means of transport vehicle breakdown, road condition or local strikes can contribute to need for change or even delays at times in the itinerary.
However we will do everything in our capacity to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible on such events which are beyond our control.
01. The full balance of the total payment for the expedition must be made before the departure date. We reserve the right not to provide the service if the balance is not made on time!
02. If the required number is not reached like the time of quoting a price, the rate is not longer cost-effective; hence a surcharge of the price is added to the expedition price to cover extra costs for a smaller group.
03. The day-by-day agenda and ultimate goal of the adventure/expedition are taken as aims and not as contractual obligations. The campsites/itinerary in some places needs to be re-arranged according to the situation.
04. You will be responsible for any expenses incurred due to international or internal flight cancellation/delays, strikes, local regulations, sickness, weather, riots etc.
05. No claim of refund or compensation will be applicable on this type of the Himalayan Adventures for breaking the journey early due to sickness or any reason beyond our control.
06. All your return expenses including Hotel bills where applicable or extra transport cost will have to be born by yourself.
07. All baggage and personal effects are at all times at your risk even when carried by yaks or porters. We will not be responsible for any loss, damage or accident to any luggage and property, however incurred.
08. Refunds or compensation are not given for any unused service, hotel and air ticket for feature of the trek / expedition that you did not use.
09. You must be covered by insurance, which must include the cost of repatriation and helicopter rescue including Travel and Medical bills, if you become too ill to continue.
For Nepal side treks / adventure / expeditions if rescue evacuation is required during the trip due to sickness or injury, you can send a message through one of our staffs to our company. We will try to send a helicopter or other means of quick transport as soon as possible. It almost always takes twenty-four hours to arrange the rescue including passing the message.
The amount for such Helicopter rescue cost and other relative expenses must be settled by the concerned insurance company or by the party after his / her arrival in Kathmandu from the trip or before the international departure by SWIFT transfer, Cash, Traveller Cheque or Credit Cards.
10. It is your full responsibility to bring with you the proper clothing and equipment as mentioned on costing terms and conditions sent you. We cannot be held responsibility for any accident or misshape that may occur in connection with any part of, or services related with the trek / expedition.
For your information, please remember these following points:
• Obtain a receipt every time or anywhere you change your money into Nepali rupees. Keep these receipts safely until you leave the country.
• There are generally no foreign currency exchange facilities out side Kathmandu during your expedition (except in certain places in the Everest region: Lukla, Namche, in Annapurna Area: Manang and Jomsom), so you are advised to carry average Rs.200- 300 per day for trekking. You will be requiring more money if you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or wish to buy trinkets en route.
• It is also customary to tip trekking staff and so you may want to carry some extra cash to cover this. Tipping covers $2-$5 per day, depending on your expedition duration and service provided. Your group leader/Sirdar should brief you on this matter.
• The money you carry on your trek/expedition should be in small denominations, as most shops will not have change.
• The Everest and Manaslu regions are more expensive; so do discuss this with us before departure.
General information
Movement in city area is very convenient, as there are different types of transport facilities available. Taxis are cheap and are available 24 hours a day. They have TAXI signs on their rooftop and they have black and white license plates. Please contact us for vehicles for shopping and disposal.
Rickshaws are the two-seater tricycle is sure a fascinating way to move around the city. They are best when you are gallivanting in the old parts of the city, where taxis or other motor vehicles cannot penetrate the narrow lanes and crowded bazaars. Fares are sure negotiable.
Mountain Bikes or normal cycles can be rented for the day. When hiring one, do ensure that your cycle is in good riding condition, bearing a lock
Nepal is an amazing country to do pretty good shopping. You can find galore of items to suit your budget and choice. Handicrafts and souvenirs are irresistible. The most popular areas for such an activity is around the Durbar Marg, Thamel, New Road and Basantapur.
It is worth to note that Basantapur and Thamel are exceptional locations, including the all time favorite. The City has mixture of trekking shops, dingy lodgings, bars and restaurants. Street hawkers are not a good representation of Nepal, yet it certainly does provide an interesting way to fill up your bags with fantastic bargains.
You will also be surprised to find an array of top class international brands and products that are wonderfully cheaper. The less overhead costs speak for the perfect purchase. The items include garments, perfumes, cosmetics, cameras, watches, crystal ware, electronics, chocolates, optical goods etc.
Pottery from Bhaktapur, Painted masks from Thimi, distinctive weaving from various ethnic groups of Nepal, hand-knotted Tibetan carpets. Jewellery and brassware are other typical souvenirs you might want to take back with you.
Bargaining is way of life and an acquired skill. Practically everything is sold after negotiation. With patience and humor the buying price can often be much cheaper. The more relaxed you are, better your deal.
Remember that credit cards are not accepted everywhere and it may cost you extra 3-4% as bank charge.
Eating out at good restaurants and top hotels in Kathmandu is absolutely safe. However do avoid the cheap and local eating-houses and salads. Generally the food you eat at these top class restaurants is of good quality, very palatable and friendly to your stomach.
Electric Current: A little irregular in supply and wattage happens sometimes, but when it's "on" it is 220V AC 50 cycles.
Time: Nepal is 5 hours 45 minutes ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time.
You must be aware universally mountain weather is unpredictable. In this respect, an umbrella is an extremely useful item to have as it can be used both as a walking stick and as shelter against the sun and rain. There is often heavy snowfall above 2,953 meters (9,000 ft.) during January and February and, of course, sometimes even earlier, so a thick, woolen sweater during this period is recommended. An equipment list for this purpose will be provided to you, separately. In any event, when above 1524m (5000 ft),be sure to carry your down jacket or thick sweater in your daypack. You might be suddenly caught by a sudden change of weather. Also carry a long trouser if you are wearing shorts to protect your legs from the scorching sun or biting cold.
As far as temperatures are concerned the mercury level, generally speaking (below 1524m (5000ft), the days are warm and the mornings and nights cool. Above this altitude, the days will be warm and the morning and nights freezing. If the sky is clear and there is no wind, you will feel hot while walking at any altitude but when you stop, you will cool down rapidly, and this phenomenon is common especially, from December to early March.
Nepal General Weather Chart
Month 100m.- 1000m. 1000m – 2000m 2000m.–3000m Chance of Sunshine
Max - Min Max – Min Max - Min
Dec, Jan, Feb 30 c 6c 19c -2 c 15 c - 10c 94%
Mar, Apr, May 42c 25 c 30 c 19 c 20 c 10 c 85%
Jun, July, Aug 35 c 20 c 27 c 18 c 15 c 8c 25%
Sept, Oct, Nov 30 c 7 c 25 c 5 c 15 c 0 96%
Your good hands
All valuables are best safe in your custody or at safety deposit box available at the hotel reception desk. However, you may also keep your valuables with us. Our staff will provide you a deposit receipt, which you must produce for the return of those valuables.
While trekking please do not leave any valuables around your tent or lying about unattended. Be cautious at all times. Never by mistake display large amounts of money at the bazaars instead always have small change for minor purchases, especially when moving in large crowds. If anything is stolen, do obtain a police report if you wish to claim on your insurance policy.
When you are on your way to trek- do not forget to leave your excess baggage at the hotel. Either use a duffel bag or a suitcase and locks it. Do use baggage labels available for easy identification. Once again be wary of your valuables- use the safety deposit box located in your hotel or keep with us.
The trekking ground
So you are finally here, in the world's trekking/expedition heaven and that is precisely why you are here- to explore the heart of these mountains, including the thrilling experience of a lifetime. The trekking/expedition ground is vast and the wilderness is absolutely tempting. We assure you that this particular trekking/expedition experience is going to be a magical one.
Before you leave on your trek/expedition, the night before, check all the details; leave nothing for the last moment.
Below are some handy points; you will find them very helpful:
The Night Before:
• Settle all outstanding bills.
• Deposit all your valuables to the safety deposit locker/contact our staff.
• Check your tickets and all other equipments you wish to carry.
• Excess baggage could also be deposited in hotel or with us.
• If you are under medical care, do check the medicines you require to carry with you. Put them in your daypack, not your duffel bag.
The Next Morning:
• Check your backpack for all your trekking necessities. Viz. camera roles.
• Excess baggage should be deposited, if forgotten the previous night.
• Please do not leave any articles in the room.
Now that you are ready to leave, do ensure your camera and films are there in your daypack so that you can capture as many photos as you like along the way. Get your water bottle filled, in case you need to satisfy your thirst on your way. You must also have adequate clothing with you in your same backpack in case you require them in the higher altitudes or lower temperatures. This is extremely necessary, especially in the winter season.
Most importantly do not carry any lighters or knives in your daypack, rather put them in your duffel bag while you are boarding a domestic flight. This is to comply with the airport security.
Your Team
The trekking staff by and large consists firstly of, the group leader in charge of the whole team, the Sardar who administers the daily trek operations, the cook and cook boys, the sherpas who lend a hand to the Sardar by dispensing the loads and watching over the group and of course, the porters who carry everybody's load.
The Group Leader's responsibility is that of a liaison officer. He /she generally discuss the each day's schedule of the trek with the group. He most often than not, keeps the Sardar abreast of the daily progress of the entire trekking/expedition party. If you have special dietary or medical requirements, please inform your group leader in Kathmandu. You've got to remember that there are no medicines or any hi-tech medical aid available at such high altitudes; so informing before hand will definitely ease your whole purpose of trailing the ancient trails.
The Sardar is in charge of the significant operations. He decides on the campsites and supervises them; he sorts out the porter loads, assigns the Sherpas to their tasks, and generally looks after the Nepali staff and so on. He is responsible for all the tasks and the programs.
The Sherpas help to manage the porters by spreading out the loads evenly and making certain that no bags or paraphernalia are lost or stolen en route. They also guide you along the route and explain the various sights you encounter on the way. If you are tired or worn out, they will carry your daypack or even you, if required.
Our staff cooks are well trained in organizing hygienic meal and cuisine multiplicity, even at this altitude. The cook is responsible for all the meals and the welfare and tasks. The kitchen crew works directly under the cook and assist with the meal preparation, they usually carry the supplies for the next meal. Not forgetting to mention that they also serve you tea, coffee or any other hot drinks as per your wish in bed.
The porter carries the equipment and gear. To many tourists, this errand seems debasing but one must remember that this has been the only way to carry goods from one part of the country to another for centuries. It also provides a valuable source of casual employment when they are free from their seasonal work. A small number of them speak English and are generally shy, but do not be mistaken by not befriending them. They are a lot friendlier and very respectful than you could possibly think of. At high altitude treks, especially in the Everest region, Yaks replace some porters. Yak handlers will always accompany their beasts and they control them. However, as yaks are not friendly animals, please do not try to pat them.
At the Camp
Arriving at the camp stirs a hidden joy inside you. You will have plenty of time to take photos, read books and generally relax. If you are planning any movement, inform your group leader. He/she will advice you on the best route or provide a Sherpa to assist you. Remember this throughout the trek. Once again you are reminded that your valuables need special attention. Do not leave them around unattended.
We are an eco-friendly organization, so all members of the group and staffs are encouraged to participate in clearing campsites and trails of rubbish, which can be burned or buried later. If you have used batteries or cells, plastic wrappers or other such items, you are requested to hand over them to our Sirdar (local guide) so that they bring them back to Kathmandu for proper disposal.
A typical trekking day
On a typical trekking day, morning tea or coffee will be served in your tent around 6:00- 6:30 am, depending on your trek and time of year and what itinerary is planned for the day. Soon to follow is bowl of hot water for your wash. Before breakfast, please pack your bags and empty your tent so that the tent can be dismantled and packed while you are having your breakfast. We generally depart early from the campsite in order to casually enjoy the beauty of the nature and as well as arrive early in the evening, at the next campsite.
During the trek do not try and over take the Sherpa guide. There are possibilities of you losing your way very easily. Be kind to the porters, the cook and his crew and ensure them the right of way if they intend to overtake, as they rush ahead to prepare some rejuvenating tea and the next meal. If you encounter a yak or a mule train, stand on the higher ground and not towards the khud-side as their sway could knock you off the hillside. Sometimes you might reach much earlier than expected; no problems just use the time for capturing on your films, all the scenic beauty around you or stealing a side trip if you are not tired. Don't forget to inform your group leader where you go or what you do. After lunch you will trek further on to the next campsite for the night.
You will notice that along the trekking route the time factor plays an important role. The time does vary from camp to camp and between individuals. On an average, most trek days are between 5-8 hours. If you are slow there is nothing to panic about, for your group leader is very experienced, (this is a trifle matter to him) and a slight change of plan in the routine or in the trekking pace will not hamper the group's adventuring spirit.
Every trek is a unique experience. No two treks are ever similar. Enjoy, feel and cherish the joy of being an ant crawling in the bosom of the friendliest Himalayas……………
Please ensure that you/all travelers are fully insured. Note that, especially for trekking, we advise that helicopter evacuation is also included. Note that special insurance may be required when trekking. Please note adequate insurance is not readily available in Nepal so you should arrange this prior to your arrival in Nepal.
Mail from home / Contact addresses
Please feel free to request us for an update of hotel addresses etc. Mail for you, your family and all the respected clients may be sent to our office addressed as follows:
Sukedhara (New Colony), Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 009771-4373396, 4915253, Mob: 9851054606 / 9813876393
Fax: 00977-1-4468573 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com / firstname.lastname@example.com Internet: www.southasiatrekking.com
For e-mails and faxes please also include client's full name and dates of travel. Airmail letters from Europe/USA to the Indian Sub-Continent takes 10 to 14 days.
In case of emergency and if you need to call after office hour, please dial 98510-54606 /9813876393 or 4 (Rinchen Sherpa-Director or Lhundup Tengyal- Manager)
Suggested personal gear list for Annapurna Circuit Trek (detailed information will be provided upon confirmation of the trip)
Suggested personal gear list for Kangchenjunga Trek (detailed information will be provided upon confirmation of the trip)
• Sleeping Bag rated -15° -25°
• Long-sleeved shirts
Some useful information
During your trekking sojourn in the hills and the mountains of Nepal you should be aware and remember that you are traveling back in time and into the wilderness not usually frequented by many foreigners, away from normal policing. Although the people hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest and friendly by standard. The possibilities of some trekkers encountering bad elements, who take advantage of foreigners, cannot be eliminated. It would be wise to exercise the following basic rules as regard security and safety during your trekking:
• Trekking organized through us ensure comfort and convenience, safety and security and greatly affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experience on the mountain, people and life in rural Nepal.
• All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel and trekking agent's bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only.
• Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as much as possible.
• Avoid dispute with local people, most particularly when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
• Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
• We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel alternation and deviations, rescues and evacuation.
• It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while traveling in Nepal particularly in the case of females. You should take one of our staffs if you prefer to travel alone on some occasion.
• Be careful with matches around wooded or grassy areas as fire can cause serious damage to the environment.
• Trekkers are strictly forbidden to cut any green forest resources and to kill any wildlife.
• Use washing and toilet facilities provided, or if none are available make sure you are at least 30 meters away from a water source. Support measures to reduce the pollution and environment.
• Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
• It is better not to touch offerings or persons when they are on way to shrines.
• Beef is strictly prohibited among both Hindus and Buddhists. No female animal is killed for food.
• Walking around temples, stupas are traditionally done clockwise.
• Generally temples, stupas and monuments are permitted to be photographed, but it is better to ask the authorized persons to have permission before using a camera.
• In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for non-Hindus.
• It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun and beachwear is not proper when roaming around. Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated. One need not to be stiff and overdressed but comfortably and decently covered.
• Do not be offended if a Nepalese lady hesitates to shake hands. In Nepal people, especially women do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste"
• Public display of affection between man women is frowned upon. It is totally alien to the Nepalese culture.
• Use Hotel safety boxes. Do not leave cash and other valuable things leaving around in the room.
• Any food or utensils touched by the used knife, finger, fork, spoon or lips into which spittle is has fallen is considered "Jutho" which means contaminated. It would humiliate a person if such food were offered to him or her. Nor should the dish containing such food be used again without it being properly washed.
• Beware of touts who claim to be the representative of companies and offer to take to bargain hunting.
Heath Consideration / Medicine
You ought to remember that your health is most important while you are here in Nepal. So do take care of what you drink and eat. Avoid drinking unboiled water. The pure-tabs are not as effective to kill the intractable amoebas. You may use three drops of concentrated iodine solution in one liter of drinking water and leave it for 20 minutes before drinking. During your trek you will be given treated and boiled water to refill your water bottles.
During trekking-Please try and avoid taking sleeping tablets. They can be very dangerous and can even kill. Don't use them at all above 14,000 ft/5,000metres. If you are accustomed to these tablets then kindly consult with your group leader before you depart for the trekking destination. Please carry a small first aid kit during the day containing throat lozenges, band-aids and re-dehydration powder etc. Avoid dairy products. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Maintain personal hygiene.
Though our Sherpa Guide/Leader will carry a comprehensive medical kit for purpose of using (especially for staffs) during the Annapurna Circuit trekking period, you should carry your personal medication as prescribed by your doctor. Or a Personal Medical Kit as: Diamox 250mg, Antibiotics, anti-fungal skin application, Allergy Inflammation & Itch, Antiseptic, Disinfectant for water, Diarrheal, Antibiotic drops or ointment for eye and ear, Indigestion, Nausea and Vomitting,, Painkillers, Oral Rehydration Solution, Dressing and Would Cares.
At an Emergency
We are prepared for any emergency situation during your trip anywhere in Nepal. Our Trek guide / Sirdar is trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that are associated with this trek, but when a serious emergency occurs, then outside help is needed and such rescues are expensive therefore every trek member should have his or her own insurance arranged before coming to Nepal through a reliable insurance company right from the home country covering against Search & Rescue evacuation, hospitalization, loss and theft of goods, life insurance etc…We ask each member's Insurance policy reference before leaving for trek from Kathmandu. All our staffs, guides and porters are well insured.
At least six weeks before the departure for Kangchenjunga Trek you will need to consult your doctor to work out an immunization schedules relevant to the Himalayas. You should normally be immunized against Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Cholera, though you must also contact your doctor for necessary immunization details.
Dental Checks
It is most important that you have a through dental examination before commencing the Kangchenjunga Trek and have any necessary treatment carried out. Dental treatment on the mountain is likely to be drastic and traumatic!
We hope you would have a very memorable, enjoyable time in Nepal and look forward serving you in the days to come!
All Kangchenjunga Trek material ©South Asia Trekking Pvt. Ltd.
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- » Annapurn I Expedition
- » Dhaulagiri Expedition
- » Lhotse Expedition
- » Annapurna-Jomsom Trek
- » Annapurna Circuit Trek
- » Everest Base Camp & Kalapathar
- » Sherpa village & monastery Trek
- » Mustang Trek
- » Naar-Phu village, Annapurna & Tilicho Lake Trek
- » Pikey Peak & Mini Everest Trail
- » Chulu East
- » Lobuche East
- » Mera Peak
- » Tsum Valley Trek
- » Manaslu Circuit Trek - 2018
- » Mera Peak, Nepal Fixed Departure
- » Mountain, Monastery & Green Valley Trek
- » Pikey Peak Trek
- » Goechen La & Sikkim Hiamalayas Trek
- » Gokyo Lakes-Everest Base Camp Trek
Jose LAURENT


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Recently, one of our former members here at Watermark Community Church shared communication he received from his close friends and church leaders informing him that his membership status had changed because of his desire to actively participate in a same-sex relationship. This letter has gained much attention online. Some are confused, even hurt and I understand why. The practice of church discipline (which is to say, loving correction) is a process that is unfamiliar to most and because of the harshness of the word "discipline" might even be perceived as unloving, oppressive or archaic.
Additionally, homosexuality itself is an area where the larger church has often failed to love well and many church leaders have unfairly and wrongly made it out to be a "larger" sin than other "more acceptable" sins like pride, pornography, materialism, anger or heterosexual infidelity. Any "church" that has said homosexual acts are a more significant sin than others has failed Christ and needs to seek forgiveness from both Jesus and those who struggle with same-sex attraction.
Following the example of Jesus, Watermark loves and welcomes people of all backgrounds, economic statuses, ethnicities and sexual struggles. Also following his example, we encourage people to turn away from sin and to follow Jesus. We have many members and several staff who struggle with same-sex attraction or for whom same-sex sexual activity is a part of their past. We count it a privilege to labor with them in their desire to resist temptation, and we rejoice with them as they experience forgiveness and new life in Christ. Their stories are powerful and serve as beautiful testimonies to the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Prior to his membership status being changed, this friend made clear to us that he no longer believed same-sex sexual activity was inappropriate for a follower of Jesus Christ and no longer desired to turn from it. Like any member whose beliefs move away from the core commitments, biblical convictions, and values of Watermark, it became appropriate to formally acknowledge his desire to not pursue faithfulness to Christ with us. When you enter into a formal membership covenant with a church family, the leaders and church community promise to "keep watch over your souls," according to Hebrews 13:17, and will be held accountable before God for your spiritual care and encouragement. This care is a sacred trust and comes with great responsibility. As members of God's family we are called to love, admonish, encourage, and help each other in our relationship with Christ.
Loving correction (church discipline) can be a difficult idea to understand, because candidly -- though the mandate is clearly explained by Jesus in the Gospels and throughout the New Testament, most churches today completely ignore it. Discipline is an act of love, something any parent knows. The heart of true correction is always to bring about good in the life of an individual. Our goal with every instance of care and correction is to restore the relationship and save our hurting friend from the trouble that sin always creates.
We encourage anyone with more questions to look at watermark.org/statement for an in-depth explanation. We'd also love to sit with you, answer any questions you might have, and encourage you in the midst of whatever struggles you face today.
We believe Jesus is the hope of the world and it's the job of his church to hold fast to the truth found only in the word of God. No sin is greater than another. Jesus died for you. Forgiveness and new life is available to you in Jesus Christ.
Todd Wagner is the pastor of Watermark Community Church. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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The long-awaited Grand Theft Auto IV trailer hit the web just a few moments ago. Unfortunately, the immense deluge of traffic immediately bogged down Rockstar's website, making it difficult to view.
It's a beautiful thing once it's running, though. In flashing shots of the city, rendered incredibly in the game's next-gen engine, the camera pans across the Flatiron Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Of course, there are also ads for Max Renda and "Top Hooker" on billboards, as well as the Liberty Ferry Terminal (lettering ominously falling off of the sign), the Getalife building, and a movie poster for "I Slept With Your Mom." This may be an actual, licensed New York city, but it's definitely got the Rockstar touch.
After half a minute of flybys, sped-up shots of crowds, and general confirmation that Rockstar knows how to make a next-gen engine, a voice-over starts. In a thick Eastern European or Russian accent, the narrator says, "Life is complicated. I killed people. Smuggled people. Sold people. Perhaps here, things will be different." We see the (presumable) speaker, a light-skinned bearded man, looking moodily just above the camera as the voiceover plays. The view shifts to a shot of a boat as the narration hits "smuggled people." It's a giant shipping vessel, the Platypus out of Liberty City. Then the IV, the Rockstar logo, and the rating pending sign flash up in succession, ending the trailer.
The game's setting sure looks like New York City, with all of its impossible-to-mistake sights and landmarks, but discrepancies like boats sailing from Liberty City and the Liberteen sign sprawled across a city billboard make it hard to say what Rockstar really has in store for us in GTA IV. We undoubtedly find out more as the information blackout is lifted over the coming months. For now, we can just say that the game's already looking promising.


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Thought Starters provides me with a chance to review and highlight some of the more important or interesting research and opinions that I've read over the last week or so. This edition looks at views on the evolving digital landscape, journalism's changing role, naysayers on virtual reality and the impact of globalisation among other things:
Mary Meeker has released her annual Internet Trends presentation providing a valuable look at the intersection of technology and commerce. You can catch videos of Mary Meeker's presentation along with those from Jeff Bezos, Bill and Melinda Gates, Elon Musk, Sundar Pichai among others from the recent Code conference:
Providing something of an antidote to Meeker and friends' boosterism are Nitasha Tiku's and Emily Bell's analysis of the conference and the less desirable impacts of our move towards an increasingly technology mediated world:
A fascinating aspect of the Kleiner Perkins ritual is how the extremely detailed and comprehensive slide deck leaves unsaid the important extrapolations that can be made from it. There is no room here for a mention of Peter Thiel, the billionaire investor who secretly funded Hulk Hogan's devastating lawsuit against gossip and news site Gawker, and the subsequent debate about the controls on and role of free speech in a powerful commercial sphere. Population and employment trends are nodded to without a discussion of how every job we currently hold is going to be done better by a robot. There is a celebration of listening devices, and "audio search", and an unrelated chart about how people feel about privacy and data without an explicit link being made between the two.
LUMA's State of Digital Media offers another tech positive look at the way the internet is evolving, although as the name suggests, the presentation narrows its view to the world of digital media:
Much has been made about the risks and opportunities presented by ad blocking services. Unfortunately despite all the talk, there's far from a consensus on how widespread their use actually is as Jessica Davies shows:
Ben Matthews has pulled together a typology of the online video sector for those of you looking to get your head around the different players:
The Economist looks at how Europe's tighter regulatory environment has stunted the growth of internet based platform companies but goes on to suggest China and USA are likely to follow a similar path in watching over their digital giants in future:
Facebook is one of the platform companies that appears pretty unassailable at present and it's using its chokehold on consumers' media consumption to dial back the content reaching consumers according to Hannah Kuchler's report:
Media companies publishing to Facebook are reaching 42 per cent fewer people with each story since January, a new report claims, putting pressure on the social network to explain how it has changed its algorithm.
Stories posted to Facebook reached an average of 68,000 users in May, down from about 117,000 in January, according to SocialFlow, a platform used by publishers to post half a million stories to Facebook and other social media sites each month.
Twitter has become something of a whipping boy for tech journalists with Paul Smalera highlighting the platform's abuse problem aided and abetted by the relative anonymity provided to Twitter users (vis-à-vis Facebook):
Today, Twitter is in desperate need of a similarly elegant solution to its abuse problem. Jack Dorsey may have to take a hit to the company's growth and its stock price, to fix things. But our real world and online identities have merged. And people don't like to feel unsafe or subject to anonymous attack. If Twitter keeps shedding users who refuse to tolerate hate speech, Dorsey won't have to worry about Twitter's viability and future for too much longer, anyway.
Speaking of journalists, Jessica Conditt's profile of US Bureau of Labour statistics points to the massive decline in people working for America's newspapers with some of the slack being picked up by internet publishing and broadcasting:
Whilst we're on the subject of journalism, it's been fascinating and concerning watching the debates around Peter Thiel's support for legal action against Gawker. I'd support the view that Gawker regularly overstepped lines of decency. That being said, I'd hate to see publishers change their reporting practices based on the fear of legal action from a few wealthy individuals as reflected in Nicholas Lemann's musings:
The Republican candidate for President, for whom Thiel plans to serve as a California delegate, has said, "I'm going to open up our libel laws so when they write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money"—meaning, he'll do what he can to overturn the Sullivan standard. The Gawker case may be only the first in a string of lawsuits that unleash a generation's worth of resentment against the uniquely legally privileged position of the American press, at a moment when the press is far more vulnerable, economically and culturally, than it used to be. Journalists and their lawyers ought to be arming themselves for a protracted war.
Ericsson has updated its Mobility Report providing statistics on the growth of mobile telecommunications and use of mobile data including coverage of the Internet of Things:
Is virtual reality at the top of the hype cycle? There's no doubt that there's huge potential for immersive virtual experiences but questions remain as to whether current offerings have mass market potential. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has questioned whether there is much of a market for a $2000 system (although this will inevitably come down). Probably more concerning is Steve Baker's critique of the technical limitations of the current platforms which are likely to limit longer periods of use:
I've been working with these displays – both the $80,000 kind and the $500 kind – for years. Almost everyone can tolerate wearing them for several minutes before getting sick. About half of people feel sick after a few minutes – and (maybe) half of them get so sick that they have to take off the goggles ASAP. Anecdotal evidence – sadly.
Most of the demo's that are given at trade shows and other industry events are just a few minutes long. I don't know whether that' s intentional or not…but it explains why so many people THINK that they're going to love VR – sadly, they won't realize the problem until AFTER they've splurged $500 on one of these gizmos.
"It's way too expensive right now," Zelnick said at the Cowen and Company Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, "There is no market for a $2000 entertainment device that requires you to dedicate a room to the activity. I don't know what people could be thinking. Maybe some of the people in this room have a room to dedicate to an entertainment activity, but back here in the real world? That's not what we have in America."
Labour productivity is an important indicator of the future health of countries' economies and despite all the talk of automation and robot apocalypse, recent figures from Steven Rattner don't look encouraging:
Vincent Bevins looks at the rise of presidential candidates taking a critical view on international trade at a time when the US is doing rather well out of the process of globalisation (although the benefits are often very unequally distributed):
Indeed, down here this seems like an especially odd moment for the United States to complain. China is again an exception, but in developing countries, globalization often meant giving up on financial controls and the long-held dream of producing anything more advanced than raw materials. The logic of comparative advantage dictated that from South America to South Africa, poorer countries would either rip stuff out of the Earth and sell it abroad, or allow their people to provide cheap labor.
For a brief, shining moment in the first decade of the century, it seemed like this was kind of working. We spent time lamenting the environmental and human impact, but we also celebrated that there were at least revenues. The BRICS acronym came to symbolize the power these countries might (again) have a chance to attain. The 2008 implosion of the world economy—caused by the United States—offered a space for them to occupy, or so it seemed. But the last four years have brought a brutal reversal. Commodities prices were dependent on Chinese growth, and when they dropped, along with the price of oil, countries relying on this model saw their entire economic and political systems disrupted. Meanwhile, the United States is again ascendant, having once more proved its ability to reinvent itself as the dominant global power.
The United States is still by far the richest large country on the globe. So why is the boss of the world whining about globalization?
The RSA hosts some great talks providing windows into our current society and where it's heading. A recent highlight was Parag Khanna's recent talk examining the world's evolving geographical landscape in a digital age where connectivity increasingly transcends sovereignty:
Yale's Environmental Policy Index provides a valuable measure of which countries are doing well in addressing the world's many environmental problems. Not too many surprises but it's worth reading the full report for a more detailed analysis across nine different categories:
Cigarette smoking is declining as a health issue across much of the developed world as it gets sidelined by regulations and controls. Unfortunately the same can't be said for many developing countries where the tobacco industry is making inroads according to WHO figures:
Social media and cultural tribes can sometimes make interesting bedfellows. Tasbeeh Herwees provides a colourful look at the growth of shoplifting communities on Tumblr as American teenagers look for new outlets for their rebellion:
Barbie and Unicorn-Lift abide by a prevailing rule in the lifting community, one of many informal commandments shared among the bloggers: Thou shalt not rip off mom-and-pop shops.
The impact statement from Brock Allen Turner's rape victim provides a first hand account of why intoxication doesn't provide any justification for non consensual sexual intercourse. Difficult but important reading:
I was pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions that dissected my personal life, love life, past life, family life, inane questions, accumulating trivial details to try and find an excuse for this guy who had me half naked before even bothering to ask for my name.
The featured image is Gaze, an installation by STFNV in Tbilisi, Georgia for the 4GB music festival and published in StreetArtNews.


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Debian Security Advisory
DSA-1121-1 postgrey -- format string
- Date Reported:
- 24 Jul 2006
- Affected Packages:
- postgrey
- Vulnerable:
- Yes
- Security database references:
- In Mitre's CVE dictionary: CVE-2005-1127.
- More information:
Peter Bieringer discovered that postgrey, a greylisting implementation for Postfix, is vulnerable to a format string attack that allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service to the daemon.
For the stable distribution (sarge) this problem has been fixed in version 1.21-1sarge1.
For the stable distribution (sarge) this problem has also been fixed in version 1.21-1volatile4 in the volatile archive.
For the unstable distribution (sid) this problem has been fixed in version 1.22-1.
We recommend that you upgrade your postgrey package.
- Fixed in:
Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 (sarge)
- Source:
- http://security.debian.org/pool/updates/main/p/postgrey/postgrey_1.21-1sarge1.dsc
- http://security.debian.org/pool/updates/main/p/postgrey/postgrey_1.21-1sarge1.diff.gz
- http://security.debian.org/pool/updates/main/p/postgrey/postgrey_1.21.orig.tar.gz
- http://security.debian.org/pool/updates/main/p/postgrey/postgrey_1.21-1sarge1.diff.gz
- Architecture-independent component:
- http://security.debian.org/pool/updates/main/p/postgrey/postgrey_1.21-1sarge1_all.deb
MD5 checksums of the listed files are available in the original advisory.