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Carlos A. Leon
Carlos A. León
Top rated personal injury attorney in Sugar Land, Texas
The León Law Firm, P.C.
Practice Areas: Personal injury, Business litigation
Licensed in Texas since: 1995
Education: University of Houston Law Center
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2022
1 Sugar Creek Center Blvd., Ste. 980
Sugar Land, TX 77478 Visit website
The founder of The Leon Law Firm, P.C., Carlos A. Leon focuses his practice on a wide variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases. Fluent in Spanish as well as in English, he represents clients throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area from the firm's offices in Sugar Land, Texas.
Mr. Leon attended the University of Houston as an undergraduate, and he was a member of the school's Division 1 men's football team. In his senior year, he was picked for the then Southwest Conference's Academic All-American team before receiving his bachelor's degree in political science in 1991. Mr. Leon remained on campus for his legal education at the University of Houston Law Center, and in 1995, he was awarded his Juris Doctor. He worked for law firms in Dallas and Houston before establishing The Leon Law Firm, P.C. Admitted to practice in Texas since 1995, Mr. Leon is additionally admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Western Districts of Texas as well as before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit.
Mr. Leon provides aggressive advocacy on behalf of clients who have been seriously harmed by the negligence or recklessness of other parties. His cases have been grounded on medical malpractice, premises liability, motor vehicle crashes, toxic torts, workplace accidents and defective pharmaceutical products. Throughout his career, Mr. Leon has obtained millions of dollars in damages for his clients through jury verdicts as well as settlements that he has negotiated outside of the courtroom. His professional memberships include the American Association for Justice and the Houston Trial Lawyers Association.
Personal injury - general: plaintiff, Business litigation
80% Personal injury - general: plaintiff
20% Business litigation
First Admitted: 1995, Texas
Professional Webpage: https://www.theleonlawfirm.com/attorney-profiles/
Bar/Professional Activity:
Houston Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Directors
Texas, U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
Texas Trial Lawyers Association
Honors/Awards:
All-Southwest Conference Academic All American Team, GTE
Educational Background:
University of Houston, 1991, Honors: Three-Year Letter Winner on the University's National Ranked Football Team, Major: Political Science
Office location for Carlos A. León
2 Years Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2022
Additional sources of information about Carlos A. León
Visit my FindLaw® profile
Visit my firm's LawInfo® profile
Visitar el perfil de mi despacho en Abogado.com®
Website - www.theleonlawfirm.com…
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LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/carlo…
Twitter - @LeonLawFirmPC…
The León Law Firm represents people who were harmed in the Watson Grinding and Manufacturing explosion in West Hous… https://t.co/xnjNRPxSek
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The new india assurance company ltd., a lading public sector general insurance company, invites applications for reqruitment of 312 officers (generalist and specialists) in scale i cadre from open market.
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Capparis cataphyllosa är en kaprisväxtart som beskrevs av M. Jacobs. Capparis cataphyllosa ingår i släktet Capparis och familjen kaprisväxter. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Kaprisväxter
cataphyllosa

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Northern Writers' Award for Poetry 2021
Ends on
Please note: you may only submit to one award, with the exception that you may additionally apply for a TLC Free Read. If you apply for any other award other than a TLC Free Read, your submission will be discounted.
These awards are worth between £2,000 and £5,000. They support writers to develop work in progress and to complete books and collections of work. These awards are open to applications from both emerging and established writers.
We're delighted to be partnering with the Society of Authors to offer certain Northern Writers' Awards poetry winners a year's free membership to this professional trade union for writers.
To enter poets should submit up to 30 poems or an equivalent amount of longer sequences. Each submission of work must be accompanied by a commentary that describes the proposed project. This work should be prepared as a PDF or Word document that can then be uploaded via our application portal (you will be prompted to attach it when you are submitting).
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Weapon H artist Cory Smith has been brought on as a second artist for January 9's Avengers #12. Smith also drew a portion of December's Avengers #11, however that was not announced ahead of time.
Smith joins series artist Ed McGuinness, who is taking a break from the title after Avengers #12.
Marvel Comics has not given a reason for this change.
It's hard to run the Avengers without a support staff. And for a team as wild, weird and insanely powerful as this new Avengers squad, just one Jarvis would never do. Luckily, Black Panther has assembled the wildest and weirdest support staff you've ever seen. Meet Gorilla Man, Ka-Zar and the rest of the Agents of Wakanda.


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Виктор Александрович Па́нин (16 мая 1945, Москва — 1 февраля 2011, Москва) — заместитель главного конструктора системы «Флаг» и РЛС «Фрегат-МА1»; действующий главный конструктор РЛС «Фрегат-МАЭ-4к»; директор завода «Салют» с марта 2004 года.

Карьера и деятельность
Виктор Александрович Панин пришел на завод № 703 (ныне «НПП Салют») в 1962 году, после Московского радиоприборостроительного техникума. Работал в ОКБ механиком радиоаппаратуры. В 1963 год Панин получил диплом с отличием и звание «Техник-приборостроитель», через два года его приняли в цех бортовой аппаратуры № 14 на профессию регулировщика.
С 1965 года Виктор Александрович — старший инженер; после окончания Института радиотехники, электроники и автоматики в 1971 году был назначен ведущим инженером. Тогда же он принимал участие в создании приборов управления РЛС «Восход».
В 1975 году В. А. Панин был назначен начальником сектора проектного отдела. Чуть позже возглавил Лабораторию комплексного проектирования в КБ МПО "Салют"ю
В 1983 году удостоен звания лауреата Государственной премии СССР за участие в разработках КБ и системы «Флаг».
В 1995 году Виктор Александрович назначен начальником конструкторского бюро и становится первым заместителем директора завода «Салют». Через 8 лет он удостоен почетного звания « Заслуженный конструктор Российской Федерации».
В 2004 году В. А. Панин назначен директором ФГУП "ГМЗ «Салют»

Награды
 Государственная премия СССР — 1985
 Орден «Знак Почёта»
 Заслуженный конструктор Российской Федерации

См. также
 Научно-производственное предприятие «Салют»

Ссылки
 В. А. Панин

Литература

Примечания

Родившиеся в 1945 году


Leonia Medical Associates started as a small, community-based practice over 40 years ago, and we try to maintain a neighborhood feel to this day. We know our patients by name when they come in the door. Here, you are not a number but a person.
The number of available diagnostic options can be overwhelming. Just because a test is available does not necessarily mean it should be done. We go over the pros and cons with our patients at length so they understand their own care and also participate in the decision making.


For Friday fiction, this is a story I wrote quite a while back. It's fairly long, so I have split it into 2 parts. The second installment will post next Friday.
Larry slumped down in his chair and let the newspaper fall to the floor. It had taken less than 5 minutes to scan through the entire Sunday job section. Five pages of engineering positions and he hadn't seen one new ad that came close to what he was looking for. All the jobs listed were either in another specialty so he wouldn't be considered, or else they were entry-level positions where his experience and past salary would be seen as a disadvantage. Either way he was screwed.
He picked up the remote control, switched the TV on and half-heartedly clicked through the stations. With fifty-some cable channels there had to be something worth watching. He raced through catching glimpses of cooking shows, old movies and professional wrestling. Nothing held his interest. He clicked the TV off, tossed the remote back on the coffee table and closed his eyes.
It was two-thirty on a Sunday afternoon. Not much different than any other afternoon really. From outside the window he could hear the lazy drone of a lawnmower down the street. He listened to the kids splashing around in the pool next door. That was the only real difference. On the weekends more people were home. Larry stretched his legs, trying to get comfortable.
After five months of unemployment and no sign of change, he'd settled into a routine. His wife Donna still woke him up each morning before work, but as soon as she left he'd get back into bed. He usually slept until eleven. He would then get some breakfast and watch the soaps for a few hours before settling in for his afternoon nap. Today was Sunday though, and because Donna was home his routine was different. But she was outside now and there was no reason he could think of to stay awake. Larry took a deep breath and sank into the chair. Yawning, he was just about to slip under when he heard the back door creak open. He opened his eyes and quickly tried to sit straight and at the same time reach for the paper he had dropped. But it was too late.
"I thought you were going to mow the lawn?" Donna stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, head tilted to the side, passing judgement with her eyes.
Donna opened her mouth to speak but closed it without saying a word. She folded her arms across her chest and stared at him for a moment before crossing the room and sitting down on the couch next to Larry's chair.
Larry gave a low moan as he settled deeper in his chair.
Larry waited until she was out of the room before he picked up the remote control again.
Larry was on his hands and knees connecting the Atari when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." Donna called as she hurried out from the kitchen. Larry cursed under his breath as he tightened the final screw. He heard the door opening but stayed where he was making no effort to get up. He heard their voices from the entryway. Maybe if I just stay here they'll leave quickly, he thought. Larry leaned against the back of the TV and strained to hear what they were saying. The words all blended together. He heard the tones and could tell Rose's high-pitched whine above the others but couldn't make out any of the words they were saying. His knees were beginning to ache as he shifted uncomfortably and kept his face down, hiding behind the set.
"What are you up to there, Chief?" Jason leaned over the TV, looking down on him.
"Well, we're only here for a second but I wanted to at least say hello." Jason's thick blonde hair was combed straight and his skin had the perfect shade of golf course tan. He looks like a Malibu Ken doll, Larry thought.
Larry tried not to shrink as he watched him go.
Later that night, as he watched Charley play the video game, Larry wondered how things had turned out like they had. It wasn't all that long ago that his life had seemed so promising. Everyone always said he had so much potential. Only two years before he'd been made the lead engineer on the Dabney Cable project. If the system had worked as planned, he'd have gotten a big raise and a shot at management. Maybe even some stock options. But the program didn't live up to expectations; after the merger his group was among the first to be cut. Now it was as if his life had zipped ahead on fast forward and suddenly he found himself old and unemployed.
Larry looked down at Charley. He was sprawled across the floor, a pizza slice in one hand and the game controller in the other. He chewed open-mouthed while he tapped on the joystick. His eyes were glued to the TV while effortlessly maneuvering his man through a maze, avoiding obstacles from all directions. The game music was too loud, an annoying calliope tune that Larry knew would be playing in his mind for days to come. As he gazed down at Charley, Larry tried to remember what it felt like to be ten. He vaguely remembered having a paper route. He woke up early each morning and rode all over town to get the papers out before getting ready for school. Looking at Charley, Larry wondered if he even rode a bike. It didn't seem likely.
The next morning Larry was up at his usual time. After breakfast he scanned the newspaper and checked the help wanted ads before heading out to watch TV. He'd promised to mow the lawn before Donna came home, but there was plenty of time for that. He settled into his chair and was about to switch on one of the soaps when he noticed the game controller on the floor. Donna had found the Atari at a garage sale a year ago, figuring it would be a good thing to have for when the nieces and nephews came over. It had gathered dust in the basement until last night.
Curious, Larry picked up the controller, popped a game into the machine and switched on the TV. The goofy calliope music came up again as a menu appeared on the screen. Larry chose the new game command and sat back to play.
A cute little elf dressed in green with a red hat, looked back and forth as he walked through a forest. The gra phics weren't that good, Larry thought. The figure was jagged around the edges and walked in a jerky motion. It really wasn't that sophisticated at all, nothing like they were able to do these days. He was just about to put the game back down when a tiger jumped from behind a tree and attacked his elf. Larry sat forward in his chair. He hadn't seen that coming. The elf was now back where he'd started. Larry moved forward again, but this time he concentrated on the game. He remembered where the tiger had appeared and right before he got to that point he noticed a striped paw sticking out. He stopped his elf and the tiger ran harmlessly across the screen. This isn't that hard, he thought. He moved the elf forward again – more confident than before. That's when the bear mauled him from the other side.
Larry almost threw the controller across the room. He'd been ready for the tiger, he hadn't expected a bear. He moved his elf forward again. He was ready for the bear. But his mind was concentrating so much on the bear that he forgot about the first tiger and when he came upon that tree he was attacked again. This time his elf sprouted wings, fluttered up to the top of the screen and the game over sign appeared.
He was breathing harder now. This was tougher than he'd thought. The next game he got past both the tiger and the bear, but was killed by a lion. The game after that he made it past the lion only to be pounced on by another tiger. He kept playing. By the end of the afternoon, near the time that Donna was due home; he'd gotten all the way through the forest, past a series of lions, tigers and bears, but was killed each time by a giant beaver.
Larry hummed the calliope tune as he mowed the lawn.
Larry's routine changed over the next several days. Now, when Donna woke him in the morning he stayed up and played the game. By the end of the week he'd gotten past the giant beaver and picked up a magic rock; gone through the mountains where he had to avoid the Billy goats, avalanches and the Yeti. Again he'd won a magic rock. He was now navigating the suburban lawn, where he'd learned to avoid the dogs and lawn sprinklers, but kept getting killed by the lawn gnomes. He now had an intuitive feel for the game. Just a tap on the joystick and he could move in any direction. It had become almost like an extension of his body. In a funny way he felt a sense of accomplishment that he was mastering the game. The only frustrating thing about it, was that now every time he died he had to start over. It took a lot longer for him to get back to where he'd left off. That, and he felt guilty about how much time he spent playing. He resolved to get some projects done around the house over the weekend.
Friday night Donna cooked veal scaloppini for dinner, Larry's favorite meal. The veal was fork tender, the sauce perfectly seasoned and delicious. It almost tasted too good. After working a full day, Donna had shopped for ingredients then came home and fixed a perfect meal.
Larry ate another piece of veal. It tasted even better now. Now he felt like he'd earned it. He chewed slowly, savoring the texture and the taste – just the right proportions of garlic and wine, heaven.
"Oh. Well, that's great. Just great." Larry set his fork down. He didn't feel hungry anymore.
On Saturday, Larry woke up early to get everything ready for painting. He spent the morning making a list of supplies he'd need for the job, determining how much paint it would take to cover the house and calling around to see who had the best prices on everything. By the time he got that all handled it was lunchtime. After lunch he went out to the hardware story to buy supplies. While he was there he came upon a demonstration on wallpaper application techniques. He sat through the whole thing. By the time he got home it was getting late; so he decided to wait it out. The sun came out in the afternoon, but by then it was too late to start.
Monday morning after Donna left for work Larry planned to go outside to start the scraping, but was having a hard time getting motivated. He finished reading the paper, drank his fourth cup of coffee and then changed into his work clothes. He got out the scraper, inventoried his tools and brushes and had one more cup of coffee to finish off the pot. He looked out the window. It was a beautiful day, clear and sunny, no excuses there. He gulped the last of the coffee down. He'd procrastinated long enough he thought. It was time to go to work. But first, he decided, he'd play just one game of Atari. Larry sat down at the TV, popped the cartridge in and began to play. He felt a rush as he moved the elf across the screen, moving in and out, getting out of harms way just in time. He cruised through the forest, effortlessly scaled the mountain and easily got though the lawn. He was doing great until he came to the lawn gnomes. Larry was ready for them though. He moved up cautiously, ready to retreat. One gnome moved in to attack, Larry tapped backwards and his elf moved out of the way. Larry moved him forward again. But this time, before he had a chance to react, the other gnome smacked him with his walking stick. Bam! Larry's elf was back at the start.
"Damn!" Larry gripped the controller hard. He glanced at his watch, it had taken twenty-five minutes to get there. He took a deep breath and started over. This time he was in such a hurry to get back and battle the lawn gnomes that he was careless when he fought the Yeti. He cursed when the Yeti threw his elf off the cliff and he had to start over again. The third time he paid more attention to what he was doing and made it back to the lawn gnomes. But the result was the same. The game over sign flashed on the screen.
He nearly shook with rage. Too much caffeine, he thought. He hit the reset button and was about to start all over again, when the phone rang. He put the controller down. Let the answering machine get it, he thought, it's probably a telemarketer anyway. It rang again. The sound was jangling on his nerves. He pushed himself out of the chair and hurried into the kitchen to pick it up.
"Hello?" he nearly yelled into the receiver.
"Let me check my schedule." Larry thumbed loudly through a phone book on the counter. "Sure, I can make it at two." He wrote down the details, thanked Nelson and hung up the phone.
Larry leaned against the counter, his heart pounding and his breath short. This was his first interview in almost two months.
The rest of the day Larry felt energized. He started scraping the house and kept at it long after Donna came home, not quitting until it was almost too dark to see. The next day he got a haircut in the morning and worked the rest of the day. He felt better than he had in ages. The possibility of working again, having some purpose in his life, an identity, was exhilarating. It bothered him that Jason was involved, but he could live with that.
On Wednesday, he felt like a teenager getting ready for his first date. He worked some in the morning, but the anticipation made it hard to keep at it. He laid out his best gray suit on the bed. Donna had ironed two shirts for him, one white, one blue. He spent half an hour matching the shirts and suit with his ties. He finally settled on the white shirt and a red tie with yellow crests. Larry smiled as he looked at himself in the mirror. His collar felt tight and his pants weren't as loose as he remembered them, but he looked good. He looked industrious, important. Larry decided that he'd have to wear his suits more often.
He left for the interview early and arrived with half an hour to spare. He sat in the parking lot and listened to the radio until it was time to go in. He checked in with the receptionist and was quickly ushered back to a small private office.
For the rest of the interview, Nelson told him all about the job and the benefits. They set a second meeting for the following Monday, when Larry would meet the head of the engineering department.
Donna was already there when he got home, waiting on the edge of the couch.
"Well? How did it go?" she asked.
Larry smiled. It was exciting. On the way home, he'd fantasized about what it would be like to work again. He already felt more confident, more substantial. It would be an adjustment – getting up early, learning how the company worked, the particulars of his job and how to fit in with the people there. But that was exciting too. He reached under the counter, picked up the yellow pages and leafed through the restaurant section. Some place nice, he thought. Some place expensive and romantic – this was cause for a celebration. Maybe he didn't officially have the job yet, but it sure looked like he'd get it. After all, Larry thought, he was a damned good engineer. Nelson had clearly been impressed with his resume.
Larry leaned in to fasten her dress. She smelled good, with just a hint of the perfume he'd gotten her for Christmas. He leaned in closer and nuzzled her neck.
Larry fought the urge to clamp his teeth on her ear.


Professor Boris Urban has won an award for his article "The institutional environment and social entrepreneurship intentions" published in Emerald's International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research.
The article contributes towards a new understanding of the influence of the institutional dimensions on social entrepreneurial intentions, and its antecedents, in an African emerging market context, which may serve as a catalyst for this emerging and important global activity.
The article was selected by the journal's editorial team as Highly Commended in the 2018 Emerald Literati Awards.


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Home Destinations Asia Japan
Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world and many tourists wax lyrical when they share their travel experiences. The landscape offers an interesting blend of beautiful nature, well kept religious shrines and temples, historical landmarks, modern cities and world heritage sites. The influence of Japan's interesting cultures and unusual sub cultures have such an international impact that foreigners flock here to experience sumo wrestling, traditional tea drinking ceremonies, anime comic art, samurai legends and more. Japan is also known as the birthplace of sushi, aikido and calligraphy. A trip here would not be complete without experiencing the outwordly music scene and diverse night life.
Hiroshima has a deep historical significance – it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked devastation across the urban hub on 6 August 1945. The only remaining building in the area was the Genbaku Dome, which is now known as the "City of Peace" and has become a worldwide symbol of hope for everlasting peace. Hiroshima-jo is a replica of the original castle
where Japanese elders came together for centuries to discuss strategies and politics. Today Hiroshima is a thriving tourist destination with an interesting food scene and a very vibrant nightlife. Cultural experiences include the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mazda Museum.
If you want to explore a city filled with shrines, temples and historical structures, Kyoto should be first on your list. This city has seventeen historic sites that has been proclaimed as World Heritage Sites. Visit Nijo Castle to see an example of Japanese architecture combined with beautiful interior decorating. While you're there take a trip to the Gekkeikan Okura Show to experience the journey of sake-brewing history that include 6120 brewing tools through the ages and a space where you can listen to the recordings of brewing songs of the past. For a magnificent view of Koyoto city travellers stand on Kiyomizu Temple's large wooden verandah that is built suspended over a deep valley.
Takayama is a picturesque city situated in the Japanese Alps. The town prides itself on the inhabitant's expertise in carpentry and the history of Tatayama is preserved in a number of small museums dotted throughout the city. Visit the historic district of San-machi Suji that is known for its sake breweries indicated by huge cedar balls hanging on the outside of shops. Visitors go inside for a tasting and a chat with sake makers. Don't miss the Higashiyama Walking Course through a forest and past temples and cemeteries. East of the city is Japan's highest snow cave known for its impressive stalactite and helictite formations.
At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world. This massive, wealthy and fascinating metropolis offers high-tech visions of the future alongside glimpses of traditional Japan. Huge and varied in its geography, Tokyo Metropolis spans not just the city but also spectacular, rugged mountains to the west and exquisite subtropical islands to the south. It's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. The various districts of this phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the lively youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different. Tokyo truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.
In Japan the standard voltage is 100 V. The standard frequency is 50/60 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type A / B.
Japanese power outlets are identical to ungrounded (2-pin) North American outlets. While most Japanese outlets these days are polarized (one slot is slightly wider than the other), it is possible to encounter non-polarized outlets in some places.
The frequency of electric current is 50 Hertz in Eastern Japan (including Tokyo, Yokohama, Tohoku,Hokkaido) and 60 Hertz in Western Japan (including Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Shikoku,Kyushu); however, most equipment is not affected by this frequency difference. A possible exception are timing devices such as clocks.
In Japan the standard voltage is 100 V. The standard frequency is 50/60 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type A / B. – Japanese power outlets…
The unit of Japanese currency is yen. You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers. At the international airports, currency exchange counters are usually open during normal office hours. There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding ¥1,000,000 or equivalent must be declared.
Banking hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm.
ATMs at Seven-Eleven stores also accept foreign cards and are accessible 24 hours a day. International banks accept foreign credit or debit cards, and these are hard to find outside of major cities. Bank ATMs are generally open Monday-Friday 07h00-23h00, Saturday-Sunday 09h00-19h00, though some only operate during normal banking hours and on Saturday mornings. Citibank machines are the most likely to have ATMs, and also to accept foreign credit cards (and are usually open 24 hours).
Japan has a strong cash culture, and it is usual to see people carrying large amounts of cash with them because of the low crime rate. It is only recently that credit cards have begun to become more popular. However, travellers may still encounter difficulties with foreign credit cards.
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at most major banks, larger hotels and some duty-free shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Japanese Yen or US Dollars.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns. A pin number may be required to process the transaction. The Japan Post Bank, Seven-Eleven convenience stores and international banks accept foreign credit cards.
Currency – The unit of Japanese currency is yen. You can buy yen at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers. At…
Tap water in Tokyo was declared not safe for consumption after the accident, although the government has since stated otherwise. Nevertheless, if travelling with children it is advisable to take precautions. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website (www.mhlw.go.jp) has updates on contamination levels in tested food. In other parts of Japan, food and drink are generally considered safe.
If travelling to the area near the Fukushima nuclear accident it is advisable to take supplies of food and water. Produce from the area near the Fukushima nuclear accident, which is still being sold in some supermarkets nationwide, should be avoided due to the lack of a centralized testing system in Japan for radioactive contamination in food, and discrepancies between Japanese and international standards for safe levels of radioactive substances in food.
Only eat raw fish, seafood and meat from recognised establishments, and be aware that there is a risk of parasitic infection and toxins if these foods have not been prepared properly. E-coli food poisoning outbreaks tend to occur in Japan during the warmer months (June-September), and it is advisable to take precautions when consuming perishable foods at outdoor summer festivals, where refrigeration may be an issue.
Japanese cuisine involves fresh, delicate flavours based on seasonal ingredients. Rice, miso (fermented soy bean) soup, tofu (soy bean curd), pickled vegetables and fish are the traditional staples of daily Japanese cuisine. Traditionally, meat was not eaten because of Buddhist beliefs. However, beef, chicken are now also staple ingredients. Fresh seafood is highly valued and Japanese will travel far to eat crab in winter, for example, and unagi (eel) in summer. The variety of ingredients, the intensive preparation methods, and the meticulous presentation found in Japanese cuisine is highly impressive.
Sushi, pieces of raw fish on vinegared rice, has become synonymous with Japanese cuisine. The easiest place to try sushi is at a kaiten-zushi restaurant, where many varieties pass on a conveyor belt and diners can pick up what they fancy without any language difficulties, and at reasonable prices. More traditional sushi restaurants serve higher quality fish but also charge much higher prices.
The most luxurious dining in Japan is kaiseki cuisine – a multi-course banquet that was originally intended to accompany the tea ceremony. Kaiseki cuisine is exquisitely presented, reflecting the aesthetics of the seasons and traditional ceramics. A typical banquet will begin with light appetisers and soups before progressing to various steamed, grilled and fried dishes, and ending with a simple rice dish.
A variety of international restaurants are also available, catering for every taste and budget, from French and Italian to Chinese, Indian and Thai. Western dishes in expensive places are usually excellent, but cheaper diner-style restaurants may disappoint. While sake (rice wine) is still regularly served, beer is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage.
Tips are never expected. In some upmarket places, a 10 to 15% service charge will be added to the bill. In some bars, there may be a table or "charm" charge too, which can be quite steep; it's best to enquire in advance if you're in any doubt.
Tap water in Tokyo was declared not safe for consumption after the accident, although the government has since stated otherwise. Nevertheless, if travelling…
The climate varies widely from one region to region. Basically, Japan has four distinct seasons. Spring months are March, April, and May. Summer months are June, July, and August. Autumn months are September, October, and November. Winter months are December, January, and February. Summer is hot and humid in general. During the winter, it snows a lot on the Sea of Japan side, and it is dry on the Pacific Ocean side.
The climate varies widely from one region to region. Basically, Japan has four distinct seasons. Spring months are March, April, and May. Summer months…
Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation is characterized by its punctuality, its superb service, and the large crowds of people using it.
Japan has a network of well-connected expressways linking major regions. However, expressway tolls are very high and there is major congestion during peak holiday seasons. Driving is convenient if you are planning to travel outside the major cities to the more remote and scenic regions. It's important to be aware of weather conditions – heavy rain and snow can force road closures. International visitors must have an international license in order to hire and drive a car in Japan. The minimum driving age is 18, and it is advisable to take out car insurance.
Taxis can be expensive, particularly in rush hour (07h30-09h30 and 17h00-18h00) when traffic can be very slow. There is a minimum charge of ¥660 for the first 2km (1.2 miles) followed by ¥80 per 274m (900ft) thereafter, plus a time charge when the taxi is moving at less than 10kph (6mph).
Taxi drivers are very professional, but tend not to speak English, so it is advisable for tourists to have their destination written out in Japanese, together with the name of some nearby landmark. A map may also help, as Japanese streets can be complicated and some taxi drivers will get confused. Hotels can provide this service.
Cycling is a pleasant way to enjoy exploring Japan, and is often faster than using public transport. Bicycle rental is available in all major cities, especially those with major sightseeing attractions such as Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima.
There are regular long-distance bus services running between all the major regions and cities in Japan. Both daytime and overnight buses are available. It's a cheap way to travel and sightseeing time during the day can be maximised by travelling at night.
Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation…
The Japanese dress as Westerners do and are quite conservative on the whole. Pack comfortable shoes for walking that can be slipped off easily when you need to. Holes in socks are not recommended, as you spend lots of time without shoes on – visiting temples, shrines and traditional restaurants etc. As the Japanese are very petite, finding clothes to fit in the popular stores can be difficult – so take everything you will need with you. In Japan tattoos are associated with the mafia, and are banned in many places – even a tiny mark may mean you are refused entry. So if you have any, keep them covered with clothing, plasters or special concealer products.
The Japanese dress as Westerners do and are quite conservative on the whole. Pack comfortable shoes for walking that can be slipped off easily when you…
Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits, and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.
Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:
• Routine vaccines – recommended for all
• Hepatitis A – recommended for all travellers over one year of age
• Hepatitis B – if not previously vaccinated
• Japanese Encephalitis – You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Japan and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Japan or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
• Rabies – recommended for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors
Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations, and that the medication has enough…
Japan is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas. Don't flash wealth. If you have items of sentimental value, leave it at home. Visitors should avoid all political gatherings and demonstrations.
Japan is safe in general. We recommend normal precautions be taken as you would for any city in the world. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in well-lit…
Make copies of all your important documents such as passports, driver's licenses, credit cards, etc. Keep copies with you and back at home. If anything is lost or stolen this will be a lifesaver.
Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended departure date. Please ensure you have at least one blank visa page (not endorsement pages) in your passport.
U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays less than 90 days. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS – Make copies of all your important documents such as passports, driver's licenses, credit cards, etc. Keep…
Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo and other large cities but is less usual in rural areas. There are many regional dialects and there are distinct differences in the intonation and pronunciation between eastern and western Japan.
National Emergency Numbers:
The dates of certain public holidays change from year to year – refer below. If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then the Monday is also declared a public holiday.
Jan 01 New Year's Day
Jan 11 Coming of Age Day
Feb 11 National Foundation Day
Apr 29 Showa Day
May 03 Constitution Memorial Day
May 04 Greenery Day
May 05 Children's Day
July 18 Marine Day
Sept 19 Respect for the Aged Day
Oct 10 Health & Sports Day
Nov 03 Culture Day
Nov 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day
Dec 23 Emperor's Birthday
Japan is on JST or Japan Standard Time and is 9 hours ahead of USA Eastern Time Zone.
In general, tipping in Japan is not customary. The main reason is that the Japanese believe good service should always be the standard. However, some staff that work for Japanese tourist companies are accustomed to receiving tips and may be grateful to receive a small gratuity.
Mailing Address: Japan 〒107-8420 Tokyo, 港区Akasaka, 1−10−5
Tel: +81 3-3224-5000
Website: https://japan.usembassy.gov/
Language: – Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in Tokyo and other large cities but is less usual…
Hiroshima has a deep historical significance – it was the first city ever to suffer an atomic blast, which wreaked devastation across the urban hub on…
If you want to explore a city filled with shrines, temples and historical structures, Kyoto should be first on your list. This city has seventeen historic…
Takayama is a picturesque city situated in the Japanese Alps. The town prides itself on the inhabitant's expertise in carpentry and the history of Tatayama is…
At over 13 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world. This massive,…
From price: USD 9,897.00Duration: 28Travel Style: Camping ExperienceDestinations: Japan
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis…
From price: USD 9,999.00Duration: 15Travel Style: Experiential Travel, Luxury ResortDestinations: Japan
Japan is one of the most visited countries in the world and many tourists wax lyrical when they share their travel experiences. The landscape offers…


The Bitter Truth line of cocktail flavorings has an array of floral liqueurs and waters that can help you prepare a bouquet of libations to celebrate mom this Mother's Day.
The Violet Liqueur is delightfully hued and fragrant, perfect in a classic Aviation, a Violet Fizz, or a simple Violet Spritzer. Elderflower Liqueur is a fruity, floral choice, with notes of quince and white grape balanced by a fete of light herbs and spices. Dazzle mom with a Kate Cocktail or a Miss Lynd. Orange Flower Water adds a fragrant dimension to drinks, making the Opal Cocktail a curious and enticing sip. Rose Water turns simple libations like the Cupid Cocktail into a heavenly scented delights.
Mix up these delicious cocktails at home this Mother's Day.
Preparation: Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Preparation: Shake first four ingredients with ice. Strain over ice in a Collins or long drink glass and top with soda. Serve with straws.
Preparation: Build in glass over big ice cubes. Stir gently and add lemon zest.
Preparation: Muddle mint and lemon wedges, add other ingredients and stir with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig.
Preparation: Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Preparation: Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.
Preparation: Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.


text:
Q: Byte[] to String java 1.5 I am trying the below code :-
private Charset charset = Charset.forName("UTF-8");
String decryptedtext = new String(decryptedValue, charset);

where decryptedValue is of type byte[] but the above code is not working for java 1.5 version. I am getting the error as below :-
> ERROR: symbol : constructor String(byte[],java.nio.charset.Charset)
> ERROR: location: class java.lang.String
> ERROR: String decryptedtext = new String(decryptedValue, charset);
> ERROR: ^

Can anyone help me on this ?
Apologies in advance if this is a repetitive or duplicate question.

A: There is no String(byte[], Charset) constructor in Java 5. You can only use String(byte[], String). Then your code should look like:
String s = new String(decryptedValue, "UTF-8");

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The anime series Norn9 is currently airing this season. I decided to read this one volume manga just to see what it is all about out of curiosity.
Koharu was told by someone that at the age of seventeen they will meet again. Koharu embarks on the mysterious Norn ship that has other passengers on board with special abilities like her's. These ability users are destined to bring peace to other countries because the world seems to always be on the brink of war. However, intruders are preventing the people on the Norn ship to do their task.
I probably should play the otome game just so I can get a good grasp on the concept of the whole Norn franchise because the storyline in this one volume manga is all over the place. We are introduced to many characters, but a majority of them don't have any significance as oppose to just being there. In addition, there are so many gaps in the plot that the ending left me confused. We don't know the full agenda of the people attacking the Norn ship, but we do know that they want to stop them. Also, Koharu brought along an elementary school boy onto the ship when she was about to leave. After that incident, the kid's storyline is forgotten.
I would like to comment on the moral messages and values this manga brings, but I feel like I should watch the anime in order to get a better understanding of it. I think there is something special within the manga, Norn9 that I hope will be adapted into the anime. (Don't worry, I will write a post about the anime eventually).
The manga for Norn9 wasn't enjoyable for me, but it doesn't mean I will not watch the anime. I am going to assume that they will elaborate more on the plot and give the audience a better explanation to what's going on.
I am probably going to play the game myself because its apparently good, but I'll also see how the anime goes first.
Oh let me know how it goes.
I watched the first episode of the anime and found the premise fairly interesting, but overall it just wasn't for me. A big surprise though was the Swedish song that appeared by the end credits, which was completely uncalled for.
Good to know. And a Swedish song?! Nice.
I didn't know they made a manga out of it. That's good news. I've been waiting for Norn9 anime to finish or get at least half way in so I can marathon it XD Still can't get the game unfortunately. *sad sad* I can't wait to see your opinion on the manga though !
Haha. I got you. Yeah I'm going to write my opinions on the anime once it is finish. I usually don't watch stuff that is currently airing.


The author of Bloggers on the Bus on Obama-era Netroots, up-and-coming wonks, and the future of the blogosphere.
Eric Boehlert is the author of Bloggers on the Bus: How the Internet Changed Politics and the Press. He's also a senior fellow at Media Matters, and an award-winning journalist who has written for Salon and Rolling Stone. Currently, Boehlert writes about blogs and their rising influence on politics and journalism. Ben Buchwalter spoke with him about bloggers of a certain age, whether liberals have been too easy on Obama, and the future of the Netroots.
Mother Jones: How do you think the netroots has responded to the Obama administration so far? Have they been too supportive or too critical?
Eric Boehlert: I think they've been doing a really good job. They've split their time up into three activities. 50 percent of it is just playing defense against the unhinged right wing response on how Obama is a socialist and a Marxist and he wants to take your guns. 25 percent is trying to prod and cheerlead when the administration does something that it likes and that it approves of or maybe has a liberal flavor to it, and the other 25 percent is critiquing the administration. We've seen it on war funding, we've seen it on gay marriage, we've seen it on wire tapping. I think there was this notion, particularly among the conservative critics, to say, 'well Obama is elected, and bloggers are going to roll over and they're just going to be a mouthpiece for the administration.' But that's not what happened and I never thought it would because the blogosphere was never created to be an appendage to the DNC or to cheerlead Democratic politicians. It was always created to give a voice to liberalism in America. Liberal bloggers are still going to do that. I mean, they're happy that a Democrat is in the White House who's more receptive to their priorities and their agenda, but they're not just going to stop because a Democrat is in the White House.
MJ: In Bloggers on the Bus, you profile a few bloggers who you seem to admire. What common traits do the most interesting or vibrant bloggers possess, and what blogs are you reading now?
EB: It's interesting, the stories I enjoy telling were bloggers who really didn't fit the classic caricature of a liberal blogger. The idea of someone right out of college with a laptop and black glasses and a beard typing away was never really accurate, but I think it got pushed in the press. I found, instead, people like Mayhill Fowler, who was a campaign correspondent for "Off the Bus" project last year. She's the one who broke the "bittergate" story and she's the one who broke, on the last day of the campaign, Bill Clinton going off on a Vanity Fair reporter on the rope line. She's in her sixties, she's a mother from the Bay area who had no connection to politics or journalism prior to the last campaign. People like Howie Klein who runs Down with Tyranny, who's been very helpful in terms of getting funding for some of those insurgent Democrats. Those very liberal candidates who want to run for Congress. Howie used to be a record company president – Reprise Records – he had a very long and distinguished career in the music industry and then he turned 60, and decided that he wanted a second life and that it would be blogging. One other one that I'll mention real quick is John Amato, who created Crooks and Liars in the summer of 2004. John was playing saxophone with Duran Duran as his last job before starting Crooks and Liars, which revolutionized blogging and liberal blogging by introducing video into the content. And of course this was pre-YouTube, when it was impossible just to get snippets of a TV show and put it on your blog. John cracked the code and was able to do that. John turned 50 during the campaign last year. So I enjoy telling the stories of people who had more of a life resume and came to blogging later in life and brought with them this unique perspective and unique talent that otherwise, without the Internet, never would have been tapped in to.
MJ: You write in Bloggers on the Bus about Timothy Crouse's book The Boys on the Bus, about the press reporting on the 1972 campaign. What has journalism gained in the past 35 years and what has it lost?
EB: It hasn't gained much in terms of quality. I think it's lost the absolute fundamentals of who, what, where, when and why. Campaign reporting in particular is a shell of what it used to be. If you look at the campaign coverage of the general election, the press really no longer does policy at all. During September, October, and November of last year, there was virtually no discussion whatsoever in terms of the agendas or priorities or policies of a possible Obama presidency or a McCain presidency. It was all just polling and gotcha stories' and trivia. Campaign journalism used to be the pinnacle of the industry, where reporters and producers and pundits would really shine with insights. You would be hard pressed to find any mainstream reporter or pundit from the 2008 campaign that in any way singled himself or herself out with their coverage of the campaign.
What it's gained is mostly technology and obviously it's a completely different game. Reporters were writing a deadline for once a night in 1972 and now people are forced to meet almost hourly deadlines during campaigns. So it's much more immediate with the Internet and the blogosphere. It's a much more two way conversation and the gates have been taken down in terms of the Beltway insiders who in the past were tapped to be sufficiently sophisticated and educated enough to explain to the rest of us how politics works. That's no longer the case, people can figure it out for themselves.
MJ: Writing at "uncertain future." I was a little surprised to read this, so I wanted to ask: Do you think that progressive blogs are in danger of extinction? And if so, what would replace them?
MJ: I've been working on my own political blog for a little while now. Do you have some advice for other small time bloggers like myself?
EB: It's tough. It's tough. I think it's great in terms of having an outlet and having a voice, and everyone wants to do that. I now blog at Media Matters, which is a different thing because it's part of my job and I don't have to do it late at night for free, but I'm also sure that anyone who blogs and says they don't care about their traffic is not being honest. Everyone wants to see a spike and everyone wants to get linked to and everyone wants for the conversation to be read by as many people as possible. There is this conversation that takes place mostly offline mostly among self-identified B and C list bloggers, and for years there has been this tension between them and who they see as the A list bloggers, and why can't the traffic or notoriety be spread around a little more? A lot of people assume that between 2002 and 2004 all the shoreline had been taken up and it was virtually impossible to break through and if you weren't one of those very early movers like Duncan Black at Eschaton or Markos or Jerome Armstrong at MyDD, then you weren't ever going to break through. But it turns out, that even after 2004, voices were still able to break through. Jane Hamsher at FireDogLake started right after Kerry lost in 2004, Glen Greenwald at Unclaimed Territory started in 2005, and they are now seen as two of the pillars and true A list bloggers. And if you go back to the 2008 race, Nate Silver, at fivethirtyeight.com, went from being a DailyKos diarist to probably the breakout blogger last year. So if people have something insightful and succinct to say, there's still a chance that you can break through.
That being said, it is tough. There are so many blogs out there, and there are only so many people to link to. So in terms of starting one and trying to have a voice in the conversation, be patient, and try to pick your spot. If you focus on particular issues, if you get known as someone who is very insightful on a particular issue, that can also help in terms of growing your reputation along the line.


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NASA: Mystery object is 54-year-old rocket, not asteroid – Vancouver Is Awesome
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A mysterious object temporarily orbiting Earth is a 54-year-old rocket, not an asteroid after all, astronomers confirmed Wednesday.
Observations by a telescope in Hawaii clinched its identity, according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
The object was classified as an asteroid after its discovery in September. But NASA's top asteroid expert, Paul Chodas, quickly suspected it was the Centaur upper rocket stage from Surveyor 2, a failed 1966 moon-landing mission. Size estimates had put it in the range of the old Centaur, which was about 32 feet (10 metres) long and 10 feet (3 metres) in diameter.
Chodas was proven right after a team led by the University of Arizona's Vishnu Reddy used an infrared telescope in Hawaii to observe not only the mystery object, but — just on Tuesday — a Centaur from 1971 still orbiting Earth. The data from the images matched.
"This conclusion was the result of a tremendous team effort," Reddy said in a statement. "We were finally able to solve this mystery."
The object formally known as 2020 SO entered a wide, lopsided orbit around Earth last month and, on Tuesday, made its closest approach at just over 31,000 miles (50,476 kilometres). It will depart the neighbourhood in March, shooting back into its own orbit around the sun. Its next return: 2036.
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Marcia Dunn, The Associated Press
China's third lunar probe landing part of larger space ambitions – Design ENGINEERING
China's space ambitions: Robot on Mars, a human on the moon – The Observer
Canadians Can Now Sign Up for Starlink Internet Beta Without an Invite, If Eligible – iPhone in Canada
SpaceX has made changes to its Starlink internet beta website, to now allow sign-ups without an invite, if your address is eligible for service, reports Tesla North.
Previously, Starlink website sign-ups for the beta program would be contacted via email to let them know about eligibility. But as of Wednesday, users in Canada and the United States can enter their address on the Starlink website—and if eligible, sign up right away.
All you have to do is visit the Starlink website here, enter your email and your home address. You'll be able to confirm your exact location with a pin on a map.
After that's done, you'll then be notified instantly if you can sign up for the internet beta program. If you are eligible, you'll be able to place an order right away for the Starlink hardware package, which contains a dish and router.
Tesla North reports Canadians in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta were able to sign up today or received emails to join the Starlink beta. Eligible latitudes seen so far have been in the range of 43.1 to 45.3, and 50.01 to 50.71.
As for Starlink internet pricing in Canada? The dish is priced at $649 CAD, while the service is at $129 CAD per month. Starlink is targeting those in rural areas, lacking high-speed access.
Starlink internet beta invites hit Canada back in September. The low-Earth orbit satellite internet offers lower latency and faster download speeds compared to traditional satellite internet. This is because Starlink internet satellite constellations are hovering 550 km above Earth, whereas conventional satellite internet is at roughly 35,700 km above the globe, resulting in slow speeds with high latency.
On Thursday morning, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched 60 more satellites into orbit, resulting in over 1,000 Starlink satellites in space. SpaceX has plans to launch 12,000 satellites and at its current pace, has a leg up on competitors.
The first location in Canada to use Starlink internet was the Pikangikum First Nation.
In Canada, the federal government recently inked a $600 million deal with Ottawa-based Telesat for its low-Earth orbit satellite internet. So far? There's only one Telesat satellite in space, but plans are to send more into orbit in 2021 aboard Amazon-backed Blue Origin rockets. Telesat satellites at 800 kg each, weigh more than three times that of a Starlink satellite, at just 227 kg.
Moreover, Telesat will sell its satellite internet services to internet providers, who will then sell directly to consumers. This is different than Starlink's direct-to-consumer business model, mirroring Tesla. Time will tell if $600 million of your tax dollars will see Telesat compete with SpaceX's Starlink internet.
For rural Canadians, Starlink internet will allow for high-speed internet connectivity that's unheard of, allowing for video conferencing and also streaming 4K video and playing video games. Beta testers have seen download speeds of 150 Mbps or higher.
Were you able to sign up for Starlink internet beta via the website?
Paleontologists finally have their first good look at a dinosaur's butt – CNET
Here's a digital reconstruction of a Psittacosaurus dinosaur illustrating how the cloacal vent may have been used for signaling during courtship.
Bob Nicholls/Paleocreations.com 2020
Paleontologists spend their entire academic careers studying the anatomy of dinosaurs. Now a team of scientists from the University of Bristol has finally described in detail a dinosaur's cloacal or vent, which is used for everything from defecation and urination to attracting a mate to breed with (or, less scientifically, a jack-of-all-trades butthole).
In a new study, published in the journal Current Biology on Tuesday, Scientists revealed a range of theories about the cloacal vent on a dog-sized dinosaur called Psittacosaurus, a relative of Triceratops from the early Cretaceous era, which lived about 120 million years ago.
"I noticed the cloaca several years ago after we had reconstructed the color patterns of this dinosaur using a remarkable fossil on display at the Senckenberg Museum in Germany which clearly preserves its skin and color patterns," Dr. Jakob Vinther from the University of Bristol's School of Earth Sciences said in a statement on Tuesday.
A closer look at the preserved cloacal vent in Psittacosaurus.
Dr Jakob Vinthe
CNET Science
From the lab to your inbox. Get the latest science stories from CNET every week.
"It took a long while before we got around to finish it off because no one has ever cared about comparing the exterior of cloacal openings of living animals, so it was largely unchartered territory," Vinther added.
The researchers reveal the dinosaur's cloaca has similar features as cloacas on alligators and crocodiles. The dino's outer cloaca areas were also likely highly pigmented. This pigmentation may have been used to attract a mate, much like baboons use theirs.
"We found the vent does look different in many different groups of tetrapods, but in most cases, it doesn't tell you much about an animal's sex." Dr. Diane Kelly from the University of Massachusetts Amherst said. "Those distinguishing features are tucked inside the cloaca, and unfortunately, they're not preserved in this fossil."
It's not just the appearance of the dino's vent that got the attention of mates, but also its smell. The large, pigmented lobes on either side of the cloacas could have also included musky scent glands to get the attention of a mate.
A Psittacosaurus specimen from Senckenberg Museum of Natural History — preserving skin and pigmentation patterns and the first, and only known, cloacal vent.
Jakob Vinther, University of Bristol and Bob Nicholls/Paleocreations.com 2020
"Knowing that at least some dinosaurs were signaling to each other gives palaeo-artists exciting freedom to speculate on a whole variety of now plausible interactions during dinosaur courtship," palaeo-artist and study artist Robert Nicholls said in a statement.
"It is a game-changer!"
A Habitat at Ceres Could be the Gateway to the Outer Solar System
In the near future, humanity stands a good chance of expanding its presence beyond Earth. This includes establishing infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), on the surface of (and in orbit around) the Moon, and on Mars. This presents numerous challenges, as living in space and on other celestial bodies entails all kinds of potential risks and health hazards – not the least of which are radiation and long-term exposure to low gravity.
These issues demand innovative solutions; and over the years, several have been proposed! A good example is Dr. Pekka Janhunen's concept for a megasatellite settlement in orbit around Ceres, the largest asteroid in the Main Belt. This settlement would provide artificial gravity for its residents while the local resources would allow for a closed-loop ecosystem to created inside – effectively bringing "terraforming" to a space settlement.
Dr. Janhunen – a theoretical physicist based in Helsinki, Finland – is no stranger to advanced concepts. In addition to being a research manager with the Finnish Meteorological Institute, he is a visiting professor with the University of Tatu and a senior technical advisor to Aurora Propulsion Technologies – where he is overseeing the commercial development of the Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail) concept he proposed back in 2006.
Exterior view of a Stanford torus. Bottom center is the non-rotating primary solar mirror, which reflects sunlight onto the angled ring of secondary mirrors around the hub. Credit: Donald E. Davis
The paper that describes his concept recently appeared online and has being submitted for publication to the scientific journal Elsevier. It's a concept that Dr. Janhunen described to Universe Today as, "[T]erraforming from the user perspective: creating an artificial environment, near Ceres and of Ceres materials, that can scale up to the same and larger population than Earth has today."
Rotating space habitats are a time-honored proposal and a suggested alternative to (or in conjunction with) habitats on other celestial bodies. The first recorded instance was Konstantin Tsiolkovsky's 1903 book, Beyond Planet Earth, where he described a pinwheel station in space that would rotate to provide artificial gravity.
This was followed by Herman Poto?nik's expanded proposal in The Problem of Space Travel (1929), the Von Braun Wheel (1952), and Gerard K. O'Neill's revolutionary proposal in The High Frontier: Human Colonies in Space (1976) that called for a rotating cylinder in space – aka. the O'Neill Cylinder. However, all these concepts were for stations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or at an Earth-Sun Lagrange Point.
As Dr. Janhunen told Universe Today via email, a megasatellite constellation in orbit of Ceres could leverage the local resources to create Earth-like conditions:
"They provide Earth-like 1 g gravity, which is essential for human health, in particular essential for children to grow to healthy adults with fully developed muscles and bones. Ceres has nitrogen for making the habitat atmospheres, and it is large enough to provide almost unlimited resources. At the same time it is also small enough that its gravity is rather low so that lifting material from the surface is cheap."
Artist's depiction of a pair of O'Neill cylinders. Credit: Rick Guidice/NASA Ames Research Center
According to his study, the megasatellite settlement would consist of spinning habitats attached to a disk-shaped frame through passive magnetic bearings. This would allow for simulated gravity within the habitats, facilitate intra-settlement travel and ensure that population density remains low.
Dr. Janhunen estimates that it could be kept to 500 people per km2 (190 people per mi2), whereas cities like Manhattan and Mumbai have densities of roughly 27,500 and 32,303 people per km2 (or 71,340 and 83,660 people per mi2), respectively. The settlement would initially be furnished with soil 1.5 m (~5 ft) in depth, which could be upgraded to 4 m (~13 ft).
This would allow for greenspaces with gardens and trees that would produce the settlement's oxygen and scrub the atmosphere of CO2 (as well as additional radiation shielding). Similarly, Ceres is known to have abundant supplies of ammonia salts on its surface (particularly around the bright spots in the Occator crater) that could be imported to the settlement and converted to nitrogen for use as a buffer gas.
Planar and parabolic mirrors located around the frame would direct concentrated sunlight to the habitats, providing illumination and allowing for photosynthesis to occur. While the creation of such a settlement presents many technical challenges and would require a massive commitment in resources, it would actually be easier in many respects that colonizing the Moon or Mars.
A view of Ceres in natural colour, pictured by the Dawn spacecraft in May 2015. Credit: NASA/ JPL/Planetary Society/Justin Cowart
For that matter, it would also be much easier than terraforming the Moon or Mars. As Dr. Janhunen explained:
"In some aspects easier (no need of planetary landing, no dust-storms, no long night). In all cases the main challenge is probably bootstrapping the industry in a remote place – one needs some robotics and AI, but they are coming to existence now, broadly speaking."
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of this proposal is the fact that it allows for a space elevator! On Earth, such a structure remains impractical (as well as extremely expensive) because Earth's gravity (9.8 m/s2, or 1 g) imposes some serious restrictions on space exploration. In short, a rocket must achieve an escape velocity of 11.186 km/s (40,270 km/h; 25,020 mph) to break free of Earth's gravity.
On Ceres, however, the gravity is a fraction of what it is here on Earth – 0.28 m/s2 (less than 3%), which results in an escape velocity of just 510 meters per second (1.8 km/h; 1.14 mph). Combined with its rapid rotation, a space elevator is totally feasible and would be energetically cheap (compared to transporting them from other locations).
Of course, there's also the benefit that such a settlement would have for exploring (and colonizing) the outer Solar System. With a large population and infrastructure around Ceres, ships destined for Jupiter, Saturn, and beyond would have a stopover point to refuel and take on supplies. Potential destinations for colonies could include the Galilean Moons, the moons of Saturn, or orbiting habitats in both systems.
This would give humanity access to the abundant resources of these systems and usher in an age of post-scarcity. In the meantime, this Ceres megaconstellation would provide an Earth-like environment for a sizeable population within the Main Asteroid Belt, one that could be upgraded to make room for many more people. As Dr. Janhunen indicated:
"The Ceres megasatellite could scale up to hundreds of billions of people, probably, so it would suffice at least for a few centuries. Discussing future beyond that is hard, but in general, spreading to multiple places is what life generally does. On the other hand, people like to live in an interconnected world whose parts can [all] be accessed by travel."
At its core, Dr. Janhunen's concept is a marriage of space construction and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) with some key elements of terraforming thrown in. The end result of this is a design for a scalable settlement that could allow human beings to colonize otherwise uninhabitable parts of the Solar System. When addressing the future of humanity in space, both the challenges and the rewards are clear.
In order to get to the rewards, we need to get mighty creative and be prepared to commit!
Further Reading: arXiv
Source:- Universe Today
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Exhibition Witchcraft, unusual objects and fantastic creatures
Exhibition located in a central location temporarily in Toledo until October 15, 2018, on Calle Hombre de Palo, near the Cathedral, it shows us up to 300 pieces, including mummies, instruments of torture, magic potions or diabolical pacts They are all pieces endowed with a special magnetism that sorcerers used to impress and suggest those who resorted to their services or that the inquisitors used to punish heretics, blasphemers or, simply, undesirable in the eyes of a savage society, part of the collection of an Italian merchant. A very interesting exhibition to complete the visit to the great monuments of the city.
The origin of this exhibition is the collection of an Italian merchant (early 19th century), from whose diary six characters were chosen, who divide the exhibition into sections that deal with the arts of witches, their culture and their world among the 16th and 20th centuries, from a more ethnological than esoteric approach with the aim that the visitor varies that reviled vision that exists about sorceresses and healers.
The exhibition of these objects in the exhibition opened on September 15, 2017, can be visited every day of the week between 10:00 and 22:00, and until 23:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. From November 2017, these hours will change, from Monday to Thursday and Sundays it will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays, Saturdays and bridges from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Catapults and siege engines
The Catapults and Siege Machines exhibition places the visitor before the world of technology in antiquity from the exhibition of 28 machines and models made of oak and chestnut wood, such as approche machines, assault towers, battering rams, cranes or bits. It is divided into three historical blocks: Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages, from the 5th century BC. until the 15th century AD . These are basically large pieces, such as the 5-meter high ram and more than 200 kg in weight, which show the relationships between these siege instruments and civil technology. The exhibition also delves into the foundations of engineering and technology of antiquity from the perspective of besieged and besiegers. In addition to the siege war, it is explained how these machines were the vehicle with which the scientists of each era applied their knowledge.
The head of the organizing company, Francisco Molina, of 'Toledo Cultural Expositions', stressed that this exhibition will serve primarily to show something as human as the development of man's intelligence over many centuries, in addition to exhibiting its humanization , progress and evolution.
As Francisco Molina explained, the first flexible arc catapult was invented by the Greek Dionisio 'El Viejo' and incorporates a fork that achieves that the shot can be horizontal or vertical. Half a century later, Philip of Macedonia financed a more precise one that managed to overcome the simple arches in 500 meters, thanks to the tension springs.
In addition to the large-scale pieces, it includes other objects such as reproductions of reliefs and archaeological pieces and illustrations of representative sieges from different historical periods.
The exhibition can be visited all year round at the Posada de la Hermandad, from 10.30 to 19.30.
Ancient instruments of torture
The Alfonso XII Exhibition Hall has become an essential space in any visit to the city of Toledo thanks to the exhibition Ancient instruments of torture. The exhibition reviews the infamous Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition and the methods it used to obtain confessions. In this way, around sixty pieces and instruments from antique dealers and art markets that were used in these terrible practices are exhibited.
The exhibition set analyzes how our country was meager in torture instruments, mainly using the garrucha, the toque and the colt, along with other torments in which fire was used. Along with these three are exhibited, for example, a selection of execution machines (the guillotine, the post, the hangman's ax.), Of torture (the anal pear, the head smasher, the spiked collar, the wheel.) And pieces of public mockery (the pillory in barrel, the sambenitos, the infamous masks). The exhibition is completed with a selection of texts and engravings that allow the Court to be contextualized in a determined period of time.
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In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Audiobook Length: 7 hours
View in Goodreads
Where do you see yourself in five years?
When Type-A Manhattan lawyer Dannie Cohan is asked this question at the most important interview of her career, she has a meticulously crafted answer at the ready. Later, after nailing her interview and accepting her boyfriend's marriage proposal, Dannie goes to sleep knowing she is right on track to achieve her five-year plan.
But when she wakes up, she's suddenly in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and beside a very different man. The television news is on in the background, and she can just make out the scrolling date. It's the same night—December 15—but 2025, five years in the future.
After a very intense, shocking hour, Dannie wakes again, at the brink of midnight, back in 2020. She can't shake what has happened. It certainly felt much more than merely a dream, but she isn't the kind of person who believes in visions. That nonsense is only charming coming from free-spirited types, like her lifelong best friend, Bella. Determined to ignore the odd experience, she files it away in the back of her mind.
That is, until four-and-a-half years later, when by chance Dannie meets the very same man from her long-ago vision.
About Rebecca Serle
Rebecca Serle is an author and television author. Her books include The Dinner List, One Italian Summer, and In Five Years. She splits her time between New York and Los Angeles. Visit the author's website →
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