Archive for the 'Science' Category

How Gary Larson (the Far Side) Influnces Me

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008
by Rick London

When in the mood, I can talk about my favorite Far Sides all night, Only several humorists influenced me greatly before Londons Times Cartoons became my pet prroject. Others who influenced me a great deal were the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, a former roommie in New York, Patrick Weathers (who also was a featured performer on SNL in the early 1980’s) Steven Wright, Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore, Jack Benny, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Lucy, Rowan & Martin, Peter Sellers, and and I’m sure I could name a hundred more if I had time. One other cartoonist was the late great Charles Schulz, and they all influenced me in a different way.

I believe Larson’s work had such an impact on me because, like so many in my generation, I was trying to do the transformation from outgrown hippie to yuppie and not much made sense anymore. He found a way to make sense of it all, and did it with “extreme editing skills” sometimes no words, but only an illustration. He was a step above so many other cartoonists in that he most often “drew what he knew” . Larson was a biology major in college, and aside from the frequent use of cows and insects, science and biology themes were a normal theme for him. Before Larson launched The Far Side, he was working on a cartoon called “Nature’s Way”. The Seattle Times was the first paper to publish it in 1979. A year later, Chronicle Features picked The Far Side up for syndication and it ran fifteen years. Larson put down his pin on New Years Day, 1995. For awhile we heard nothing. Then he wrote a very biologically-accurate children’s story about worms titled “There’s A Hair In My Dirt” which quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. When asked why he was retiring, he said, he simply didn’t want to become mediocre. He stopped while he was ahead. He could be labeled more than a cartoonist, perhaps a “cartoon surrealist” of sorts. A lot of his cartoons featured bovine behavior and conversations that cows had when no people were around. The behavior was often smart and arrogant so that the reader felt he or she perhaps might not be so much smarter than these cows (and other animals, from squid to deer to bears. Some were smart enough to be in Mensa, had they allowed animals. Cats and dogs were regularaly featured in the cartoon usually pit against one another. One of the most memorable panels shows a big dog who has led a trail with chalk that said “Cat Fud” that led to an open dryer in a laundry mat and the dog thinking while holding the door open ready to close it, “Oh Pleeeeeze” as the cat innocently walks around.

One popular Far Side panel features two chimpanzees grooming each other. One discovers a blonde human hair on the other and asks “Conducting a little more ‘research’ with that Jane Goodall tramp?” Her institute board members felt it was in bad taste, and had their lawyers draft a letter to Larson and his distribution syndicate, in which they described the cartoon as an “atrocity”. They were stopped in their tracks, though, from no other than Goodall herself, who loved the cartoon. Since then, all profits from sales of a shirt featuring this cartoon benefit the Goodall Institute. Most recently, Larson has published a 2007 calendar and 100% of the royalties benefit Conservation International. So Gary Larson not only turned out to be a very talented man, but a man who cares about the world in which he lives, and does something about it in a very unique way. He will always be remembered by his friends, fans, and other cartoonists such as myself.

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A Newbie’s Guide To The Human Brain

Friday, January 4th, 2008
by Thomas Tooma

Intro

Comparing the Human Brain to a computer processor is not an accurate assumption. The human brain is more advanced then people think.

The Brain

Some view the brain as an organ. It is Woody Allen’s second favorite organ. I see the brain as many organs.

The Human brain has cerebrospinal fluid which is housed in ventricles.

In illnesses these ventricles swell really big.. In schizophrenia and in Alzheimer’s disease, this enlargement is because of loss to the tissue

Many books have been written on the complexity of the brain.

The Brain in Diseases

Pathology has been seen in the brain in many diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s chorea, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, mental retardation, etc. In multiple sclerosis demylination is seen. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also called Lou Gherig’s disease.

Conclusions

Although the brain has been studied at a cellular level, much more research needs to be done.

The brain is a neuron jungle, but glia are also very important.

I plan to write future articles on various brain diseases. I feel that some of these, including schizophrenia, are treatable by diet. This is very controversial, but mental diseases are brain diseases. The brain is made from, repaired by, and fueled by the food that we eat. To ignore this is a mistake.

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How Does a Termite Look Like?

Saturday, December 1st, 2007
by Don Pellis

Identifying what a termite look like should be every homeowners’ concern. You should ask yourself the same question. Asking what a termite looks like can help save you a lot of trouble.

What Does a Termite Look Like?

Getting basic facts about termites is as important as identifying how it looks. There are surprisingly more than 2000 species of termites all over the world. Fortunately, the U.S. only has a fraction of that number at about 41-55 species. Most other species live in tropical regions which is probably the reason why there are only a few species in America. It is believed though that cold weather does not really kill termites but only causes them to reduce their speed of activity. Nonetheless, they can still cause a lot of damage to residential areas.

Termites are actually social insects. This means that they live in colonies with a queen, king, soldiers and workers. In this sense, they are much like ants. In nature and the ecology, these insects actually play an important role. Although we may think of termites as enemies, they help in nature’s natural process of recycling. As plants and trees rot, termites help them become dust and humus.

Caste System

How a termite would look like will obviously depend on the kind of specie a termite belongs to since termites from different species may have slightly different physical traits. It also depends however on what group a termite belongs to in a colony. The answer to the question, what does a termite look like can be answered by looking at a termite’s role.

The reproductive termites are also called swarmers. Depending on the species, a swarmer may be brown, yellow brown, dark brown or grayish brown. Some may have shorter legs while others may have long ones. One distinctive feature of a swarmer however, is that it has four wings that are of the same length but are longer than the body. Unlike ants with wings, these termites do not have bent antennae and no constriction in the abdomen area. These termites are responsible for spreading the termite race.

What does a termite look like if it belongs to the soldier group? Just like soldier ants, soldier termites are big with large heads and crushing mandibles. They may come in a yellowish brown color. These large insects defend the colony from other insects and invaders.

Worker termites also look different. Workers are definitely smaller than soldiers and slightly smaller than swarmers too. Most termites that we worry over are creamy white and translucent. These insects are actually blind and do not have wings but they can be the most destructive group from the human point of view. These members of the colony are primarily responsible for eating wood.

The worker termites also gather food, build nests, gather eggs and cares for its larvae. Except for the wings, they are similar to swarmers since they do not have narrow waists and they have antennae that point outward.

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A Look At the Enemy: What Does A Termite Look Like?

Saturday, December 1st, 2007
by Don Pellis

More than curious kids, adults and homeowners should also ask what a termite looks like. You should ask yourself the same question. Asking what a termite looks like can help save you a lot of trouble.

What Does a Termite Look Like?

Before we look into what a termite looks like, it is important to note some termite basic facts. There are surprisingly more than 2000 species of termites all over the world. Fortunately, the U.S. only has a fraction of that number at about 41-55 species. Most other species live in tropical regions which is probably the reason why there are only a few species in America. It is believed though that cold weather does not really kill termites but only causes them to reduce their speed of activity. Nonetheless, they can still cause a lot of damage to residential areas.

As social insects, termites live in colonies with a queen, king, soldiers and workers. In this sense, they are much like ants. In nature and the ecology, these insects actually play an important role. Although we may think of termites as enemies, they help in nature’s natural process of recycling. As plants and trees rot, termites help them become dust and humus.

Caste System

Identifying what a termite looks like would depend greatly on what species a termite belongs to. Termites can come from different species may have slightly different physical traits. It also depends however on what group a termite belongs to in a colony. The answer to the question, what does a termite look like can be answered by looking at a termite’s role.

The termites that reproduce are also called swarmers. Depending on the species, a swarmer may be brown, yellow brown, dark brown or grayish brown. Some may have shorter legs while others may have long ones. One distinctive feature of a swarmer however, is that it has four wings that are of the same length but are longer than the body. Unlike ants with wings, these termites do not have bent antennae and no constriction in the abdomen area. These termites are responsible for spreading the termite race.

A termite from the soldier group would look different. Just like soldier ants, soldier termites are big with large heads and crushing mandibles. They may come in a yellowish brown color. These large insects defend the colony from other insects and invaders.

The termites from the worker group also looks different. Workers are definitely smaller than soldiers and slightly smaller than swarmers too. Most termites that we worry over are creamy white and translucent. These insects are actually blind and do not have wings but they can be the most destructive group from the human point of view. These members of the colony are primarily responsible for eating wood.

They also serve as food gatherers, nest builders, egg gatherers, egg care givers and feeders. Except for the wings, they are similar to swarmers since they do not have narrow waists and they have antennae that point outward.

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The Electricians: Education Requirements and Job Opportunities

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
by Elias Maseko

An electrician apprentice can complete an education program within 4 years time. This can happen by having hours of classroom studies and hands on training at a job each year. The electrician program course may include the following subjects that you need to know. They are soldering, safety and first aid practices, fire alarm systems, electrical code requirements, blueprint reading, diagrams of electrical systems, conduit fabrication and communications. A formal electrician education is not required, but employers find it to be an attractive thing to have when you apply for a job. It can also help to advance your career as an electrician if you have skills.

Many young electrician candidates can choose to be an electrician apprentice right after high school to get enough experience to start a business of their own. And to get the training they need to work as an electrician. Having a electricians license means that you have a thorough knowledge of electrical theory.

People that want to become an electrician often start at a very early age. People that are in high school can start learning what they need to know to become an electrician early. A vocational school is a good place to start taking classes and learning about what it takes to become a electrician. It is good to have skills in math and English to become a electrician. You should also have good hand eye coordination skills and be physically fit.

Learning to become a electrician can be a long and hard profession. Just like any other profession a electrician must be good at what they do and have the right training, skills and knowledge to do their job right.

Information about electrician jobs

Electricians can work in either construction or maintenance. Some work in both. If the electrician works in construction they install electrical systems inside of houses, buildings and also factories. If a electrician works in maintenance, then they have to monitor and repair electrical equipment. Electricians use special tools such as knives, drills, pliers, screwdrivers, saws and other tools they need to do the job. Some of the jobs an electrician can be risky so they have to wear the appropriate clothing to protect them from an accident and appropriate foot gear to prevent them from slipping or falling in unsafe work areas.

The hourly wage of what an electrician can earn ranges widely. The industry sector that is said to pay the most is the motor vehicle parts manufacturing. The growth of electricians is expecting to increase in the next few years, due to economy growth and population. More electricians will be needed for installing electrical systems and for maintenance services. Electricians are very important professionals that have to be very smart at what they do. We rely on electricians for keeping our homes and businesses operating and running smoothly.

As the population and economy continues to grow electricians will be more in demand then ever. Electricians will be needed to install and maintain electrical wiring and devices in homes, offices, factories and other places. New technology will also continue the high demand for electricians. Electricians also pre wire buildings during construction to get the buildings ready for the use of computers and telecommunications equipment. More factories will go to using robots and automated manufacturing systems. The demand for electricians will increase due to installation of this type of equipment. The demand for electricians will also increase due to rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing structures.

The amount of job opportunities for electricians in any given year will vary widely from area to area. Depending on the growth and change in the communities. There are some parts of the country that may experience a large supply of electricians while other parts of the country may have a shortage on electricians. It will all depend on the area of the country as to what the demand for electricians will be.

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Just Some Interesting Facts about Electricians

Tuesday, November 27th, 2007
by Johnson Maseko

Electricians maintain electrical systems for residential homes and businesses. Most electricians specialize in doing work in construction or maintenance. But anymore more and more people are doing both types of work. Electricians test, install and maintain electrical systems for many purposes such as climate control, communications and security. Electricians also do work in business and industry. Electricians have to follow the proper building codes when installing electrical systems.

Electricians need experience and preparation to do the job right. They normally have to go through a four to five year training program to get the skills that they need to become an electrician. They have certain duties such as installing and connecting, they also monitor electrical systems for industries, like technology, communications, health, climate and also security. They are responsible for installing, operating and maintaining electrical machines for different businesses all over the world.

Electricians can work in either construction or maintenance. Some work in both. If the electrician works in construction they install electrical systems inside of houses, buildings and also factories. If a electrician works in maintenance, then they have to monitor and repair electrical equipment. Electricians use special tools such as knives, drills, pliers, screwdrivers, saws and other tools they need to do the job. Some of the jobs a electrician does can be risky so they have to wear the appropriate clothing to protect them from a accident. And appropriate foot gear to prevent them from slipping or falling in unsafe work areas.

The hourly wage of what an electrician can earn ranges widely, the lowest being twelve dollars per hour to the highest at thirty plus dollars per hour. The industry sector that is said to pay the most is the motor vehicle parts manufacturing. The growth of electricians is expecting to increase in the next few years, due to economy growth and population. More electricians will be needed for installing electrical systems and for maintenance services. Electricians are very important professionals that have to be very smart at what they do. We rely on electricians for keeping our homes and businesses operating and running smoothly.

The work of construction electricians often change with the changes made by the economy. This can result by limited construction projects and the nature of the construction industry. As the level of construction work drops during economic downturns, job openings for electricians will be reduced. And during these times apprenticeship opportunities are even less plentiful. Maintenance electrician employment is steadier then construction employment, except for those that work in automotive and manufacturing that may be acceptable to swings in the economy and can be laid off during these times.

Efforts to reduce operating cost and increase the productivity through increased use of having to contract out for electrical services could limit the opportunities for maintenance electricians in several industries. Job openings for electricians can vary by areas. Every area will be in need more or less for electricians. Employment opportunities follow along with the movement of people and businesses within the states and local areas reflecting differences with local economic conditions.

There are several skills that are important for a electrician to know how to do. They are manual skills, troubleshooting skills, technical speaking, knowledge of electrical materials and concepts, electrical circuit knowledge, customer service, the ability to find solutions in electrical systems, mechanical skills, commercial wiring, physical fitness, eye hand coordination, and strong math and English skills. All of these skills are important to know if you are an electrician. If you are a electrician you need to have good problem solving skills, and the ability to work in all kind of environments including hot and cold temperatures. A candidate should obtain an electrician license to become an electrician. An electrician license is required in many areas. But they can vary depending on the area.

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How To Build Hovercraft Models For A Science Project

Thursday, November 15th, 2007
by Rashel Dan

Every year your science class teacher would probably ask you to build something out of the principles being imparted in class. So your school comes up with an annual science project. The objective of science projects is to be able to clearly display the principles of a particular branch in this course. So you came up with an idea to build hovercraft models using the applications of physics.

Physics is a major branch of science with many interesting principles which students can apply for their science project. From engineering to simple daily occurrences, this is one of the favorite discussions in a science class. The hovercraft, although not commonly used in urban transportation means, is a perfect example. And so you’re off to a good start.

What you need is to know the materials you could use. Understanding how to build hovercraft vehicles is the same with any vessel of this type. To come up with one for your project is simply improvising the materials and bringing the applied science to its miniature version. As mentioned, the objective is to show the principles.

Things you will need for this project are:

1. Platform - For the platform, you can make use of a wooden disk around the size of a manhole cover. You want a science project that is portable and easy to carry. So keep the size handy. This is probably the biggest in your hovercraft project.

2. A vacuum cleaner or a leaf blower - Use the blower to supply air flow into your platform. You may use any other gadget as long as you can put the air flow in reverse but this is the easiest to find. Your build hovercraft model must follow the air cushion system of the actual hovercraft.

3. Flexible plastic sheet - You use this as your improvised skirt. The skirt is supposed to trap air below your platform. When doing so, it builds pressure and thus creates a cushion of air. Because of the plastic sheet’s elastic properties, it will only allow limited air to disperse out of its contained space.

4. Fasteners - Use fasteners such as bolts and nuts to fasten all these materials together.

5. A sketch or design of your science project hovercraft - To do this, you need to check on other hovercraft kits. Learn the principles. The components should be similar to the materials you have. For example, the fanning system in actual hovercrafts is represented by your leaf blower. The hovercraft hull is you platform disk and so on.

Now you got it all prepared to build hovercraft model for your project in school. This shouldn’t be hard. Your hovercraft project should be able to carry a real person. Of course you can’t guarantee it could carry anyone who is heavier than you. Use your weight as a basis. That is why the platform is suggested to be the size of a manhole cover for this purpose. Last but not least, remember to always pay attention to you science teacher in class.

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Accurate Reviews Based Around Science

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007
by Wandile Maseko

In science fair competitions, if you can show that you are following the scientific method, you are well on your way to impressing the judges. Although Scientific Management does play an important role in the 21st century, it is necessary to note that this method of management contains weaknesses that limit its influence in current work environments, and consequently not all of its tenants are applicable to modern organizations. It is perhaps then better to accept that as a complete theory Scientific Management is not visible in modern organizations, however, elements of it are so relevant that they have become deeply ingrained in all modern organizations and are the very reasons why management has taken on new dimension in the 21st Century.

Now you can forget about your bath session and peacefully go to bed, since the mission is complete: you have got an abundance of research paper topic ideas. Academia has assured us that we will not have to worry about robots taking over the world in causing Armageddon, but how can we be so sure?

I think you recognize that the “YOU” that wants your body to remain healthy and youthful often has ultimately very little control over the “YOU” that is your body and that ages and eventually loses it’s functionality over time. By conducting a herbal detoxification and continually feeding your body’s cells and systems the nutrients and antioxidants it requires to constantly remove toxic chemicals that are invading your cells and tissues you can regain your health. Your body can continuously remove toxins and chemicals from your cells when you feed it the proper nutrition it requires.

Recent studies have shown that exercise may acually help people with arthritis in a number of ways. People with arthritis should exercise but they need to keep some valuable information in mind. I’m sure you’ve heard the following statement over and over again: exercise can help you to beat stress, or alleviate anxiety or boost a depressed mind.

How much you lose and how quickly you lose weight is going to be determined by the amount and type of activity you choose for your exercise program and also by the amount and type of food you consume. Before you start any type of weight loss or diet regimen, make sure it’s tailored to your current lifestyle, the shape your body is in and not a pipedream on television. If you are serious about losing weight and would like to purchase a weight loss supplement to aid you in your goal, make sure to incorporate a well balanced diet and exercise into your plans.

If you are one of many adults who struggle to have a successful intimate relationship, it is possible that you didn’t learn the necessary skills while your brain was developing. Now, what happens if you put your items into a system that the brain doesn’t trust? That would be an example of an external system that your brain won’t trust.

Factor in the recent explosion of print-on-demand companies and ebook companies or writers selling books directly from their website, and fiction is a great way to get your name out to the public. If fan fiction makes the world of storytelling go round should fan fiction be allowed to broaden audiences and possibly allow economic growth due to the purchasing of the fictions by the curious minded?

“Intuitive spiritual healing is the reflection of one beings desire to be healthy, and another beings intention to heal through visions, energy and feelings”. Which ever one you believe is of no consequence, realizing your full potential and your needs are what gives you the spiritual and physical balance, feeding your spirit gives energy to you physically as in a healthy mind, a healthy body. My work with a new spiritual and personal growth modality called the Mind Resonance Process(TM) (MRP) has shown the remarkable ability to release major swaths of one’s limiting personal life history from their energy field thereby re-opening long blocked energy channels.

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