text:
Adani set to make world's cheapest green electron
Hans News Service | 21 Sep 2021 8:18 PM GMT
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani
Armed with $20-bn war chest, Gautam Adani joins green fight; Aims to be world's largest renewable energy co by 2030
New Delhi: Unveiling his infrastructure conglomerate's green vision, billionaire Gautam Adani on Tuesday said his group will invest $20 billion over the next 10 years in renewable energy generation and component manufacturing and will produce the world's cheapest green electron.
The port-to-energy conglomerate plans to triple its renewable power generation capacity over the next four years, foray into green hydrogen production, power all data centres with renewable energy, turn its ports into net carbon zero by 2025, and plans to spend over 75 per cent of capital expenditure until 2025 in green technologies, he said.
Speaking at JP Morgan India Investor Summit, Adani Group chairman said the $20 billion investment will be in renewable energy generation, component manufacturing, transmission and distribution.
"Adani Group's integrated value chain, our scale, and experience put us on the path to be the producer of the least expensive green electron anywhere in the world," he said.
The announcement came weeks after India's richest man Mukesh Ambani announced an investment of Rs75,000 crore ($10 billion) in clean power and hydrogen fuel over three years. Many have seen the June 24 announcement as the petrochemical czar's direct competition with the India's second-wealthiest man, Adani who has had a strong presence in the renewables space for many years. This month, Ambani said hydrogen can be made from renewable energy at $1 per kilogram in a decade's time. Hydrogen has no carbon emissions and can be used as fuel in industry and automobiles.
And on Tuesday, Adani outlined his vision with an investment size of $20 billion and the cheapest green electron. He said no company in the world is building a renewable power portfolio on the scale the Adani group is doing. The group currently has 4,920 MW of operational renewable energy generation capacity and another 5,124 MW under execution. It has a confirmed pipeline of 9,750 MW and another 4,500 MW where it is likely to win contracts.
"Today, we are already the world's largest solar power player when we account for our generating, under construction, and contracted projects. We have done this in just two years and our renewables portfolio has reached our initial target of 25 Gigawatts a full four years ahead of schedule. This puts us well on track to be the world's largest renewable power generating company by 2030," he said.
Adani Group


text: Q: Mapping between a finite set and the set of natural numbers In one of the exercise I'm doing, I have to prove that some finite set is countable. Yet in the same book the definition of countability of a set A is that there exists a 1-to-1 mapping of A onto the set J of natural numbers. How can this be possible?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Turbo-Compression Cooling System
High Heat Flux Cooling
Steam Methane Reformer
Diesel Engine Waste Heat Availability
Multi-Functional Electrolyte
3D Printed Heat Exchangers
Turbo-Compression Cooling
SHANE GARLAND, JOHN SIMON, ALEX GRAUBERGER, DEREK YOUNG
PAST: ACHYUT PAUDEL, TORBEN GRUMSTRUP
INDUSTRY PARTNERS: MODINE & BARBER-NICHOLS
In thermoelectric power generation, only about 40% of the energy in the fuel is converted into electricity. In other words, the power plant operates at about 40% efficiency. The remainder of the energy is converted to low-grade waste heat that must be removed to maintain the power plant's efficiency. Most power plants use water from nearby rivers, lakes, or the ocean for cooling. The water may pass directly over tubes containing the plant's heated condenser water, and then be returned, warmer, to the original source, or it may be evaporated to carry off the heat in water vapor. In areas with limited water or under drought conditions, dry-cooling systems use air to remove heat from the plant's condenser water. However, present dry-cooling technology reduces the power plant's efficiency and requires costly equipment. With water supplies becoming increasingly strained in many areas, economical dry-cooling approaches that do not reduce the efficiency of power plans are critically needed. Innovative methods to allow cooling below the daytime ambient air temperature and improve heat exchange between air and the plant's recirculating condenser water will provide the keys to ensuring the continued efficiency of power generation while decreasing the burden on water supplies.
The team will develop a thermally powered supplemental cooling system for thermoelectric power plants that will enable dry cooling. The technology features a transformational turbo-compressor and low-cost, high-performance heat exchangers that are currently mass produced for the HVAC industry. To operate, low-grade waste heat from the power plant combustion exhaust gases, or flue gas, is captured and used to power a highly efficient turbo-compressor system. The compressor pressurizes vapor in a refrigeration cycle to remove up to 30% of the power plant cooling load. The cooling system utilizes proprietary technology to maximize the turbo compressor and total system efficiencies, enabling a low production cost and an overall smaller, less expensive dry-cooling system. As a result, the cooling system could allow thermoelectric power plants to maintain a high efficiency while eliminating the use of local water resources. Furthermore, due to its very high performance, the turbo-compression cooling system has potential applications in a range of other markets, including commercial HVAC systems, data center cooling, and distributed cooling industries.
Thermal Management of High Heat Flux Electronics
BRYAN BURK, JENSEN HOKE, JOSH RICHEY, CALEB ANDERSON
PAST: TORBEN GRUMSTRUP, TAYLOR BEVIS
Temperature [C] distribution in a silicon block
As electronics trend towards increased miniaturization and greater performance, the need for high-performance cooling of becomes critical. Waste heat generated by microprocessors, laser diodes, and other electronics must be removed from the device to enable optimal functionality and avoid catastrophic overheating. As devices get smaller and performance demands increase, the resulting heat fluxes become extremely high. Sophisticated heat-removal technologies must be employed to manage such fluxes by dissipating heat to the ambient at a rapid rate. Torben's research focuses on research and development of such high-performance cooling techniques. He uses finite element analysis (FEA) software to create models of devices and the associated cooling structures. The models are a powerful tools for optimization of cooling techniques because they permit one to examine performance for a large assortment of configurations and parameters without manufacturing and testing physical devices. Moreover, results from experiments conducted by other lab members can be incorporated into the model to improve the realism and applicability of the results. The models provide valuable capability in ITS Lab's effort to develop new and ever-higher performance cooling technologies. With electronics becoming smaller and ever more powerful, Torben's research is working to meet the need for correspondingly improved cooling technologies.
Distributed Power and CO2 Sequestration Reformer-Engine
Luke Giugliano, John Simon
Partners: Dr. Jennifer Wilcox
Steam methane reforming (SMR) is an industrial power generation process that converts natural gas to hydrogen, separates the hydrogen through a palladium membrane, and burns it to extract energy. The process has enormous potential for waste heat recovery, CO2 sequestration, and reduction of capital cost. The goal of this study is to investigate the technoeconomic feasibility of an optimized SMR system with CO2 capture relative to other carbon-free power generation technologies. A thermodynamic model was developed to design and analyze chemical reactions, power generation, and waste heat recovery. The model is currently being validated using experimental data from a 100 W scale test facility built at Colorado State University. The overall system efficiency is currently at 43% and may be driven higher at elevated pressures. The cost of implementing SMR at the industrial scale is largely driven by the material cost of the hydrogen-selective palladium membrane. The amount of palladium in this system is extremely small due to a novel porous sintered steel support and uniform palladium deposition by electroless plating. Therefore, the capital cost and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) are significantly lower than existing SMR systems. At a 6 MW scale, the LCOE of a SMR system with CO2 sequestration can be as low as $139 / MWh. This is competitive with other carbon-free power generation methods including industrial solar photovoltaic ($140 / MWh), solar thermal ($139 / MWh), and fuel cells ($137 / MWh). This study proved that an optimized SMR system at the industrial scale is an economically competitive carbon-free power generation technology.
In this effort, Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines are developing an a low-cost system that can simultaneously produce electricity and separate CO2 from natural gas at scales relevant for distributed generation. The team is (1) developing a detailed cost estimate for a system at the 50 kWe scale, and (2) documenting heat integration concepts. Since the beginning of 2017, the team has begun designing and fabricating a system at a 100 W scale for proof of concept demonstration. Test results from this facility will be used to guide the estimate of a scaled up version. 6 MWe is a relevant scale for economic estimation, and thus the team has begun developing various heat integration concepts for the system and the membrane reformer.
Waste Heat Availability from a High Temperature Diesel Engine
JONAS ADLER
Manufacturers continue to make incremental gains in internal combustion engine efficiency, but as much as 60% of the fuel energy may still be rejected to the environment as waste heat. Research on recovering this waste heat has produced disappointing results due to the low heat capacity rate of the exhaust gases and the low temperature of the coolant (~90°), which limit the average relative efficiency gains to less than 10%. Increasing the engine coolant temperature would greatly increase the availability of waste heat and could result in efficiency gains of over 20%. Therefore, I am building an experiment using a small diesel engine to measure the availability of waste heat as the engine coolant temperature is incrementally increased. An energy balance will be performed on the modified Daihatsu three-cylinder diesel engine, which uses a copper head gasket, upgraded engine oil seals, and custom oil and cooling systems. The results from the experiment will then be used to model the output of a waste heat recovery system and demonstrate the possible efficiency gains.
Modified Daihatsu diesel engine
Custom oil and cooling systems
Multi-functional Electrolyte for Li-Ion Batteries
KEVIN WESTHOFF
PARTNERS: PRIETO BATTERY
The high thermal conduction resistances of lithium-ion batteries severely limits the effectiveness of conventional external thermal management systems. To remove heat from the insulated interior portions of the cell, a large temperature gradient is required across the cell, and the center of the electrode stack can exceed the thermal runaway onset temperature even under normal cycling conditions. One potential solution is to remove heat locally inside the cell by evaporating a volatile component of the electrolyte. In this system, a high vapor pressure co-solvent evaporates at low temperature prior to triggering thermal runaway. The vapor generated is transported to the skin of the cell, where it is condensed and transported back to the internal portion of the cell via surface tension forces. For this system to function, a co-solvent that has a boiling point below the thermal runaway onset temperature must also allow the cell to function under normal operating conditions. Low boiling point hydrofluoroethers (HFE) were first used by Arai to reduce LIB electrolyte flash points, and have been proven to be compatible with LIB chemistry. In the present study, HFE-7000 and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) are used to solvate 1.0 M LiTFSI to produce a candidate electrolyte for the proposed cooling system. Lithium titanate oxide (Li4Ti5O12), copper antimonide (Cu2Sb), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) are used in half and full cells with the candidate electrolyte for cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests, and testing results show similar performance characteristics as compared with a conventional carbonate-only electrolyte (1.0 M LiPF6 in 3:7 ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate). The same battery active materials are evaluated in a custom electrolyte boiling facility to evaluate electrochemical performance, and test results show that full electrochemical cells operate similarly even when a portion of the more volatile HFE-7000 is continuously evaporated.
Physical and Electrochemical Parameter Measurements of Commercial Lithium-Ion Cells
KEVIN WESTHOFF, TREVOR VERNON
PARTNERS: EVERETT JACKSON, DR AMY PRIETO, DR GREGORY PLETT
Five commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIB) were disassembled and analyzed for specific physical and electrochemical parameters. Cell disassembly was completed in an Argon glove box. Detailed measurements were performed on the physical construction of the batteries with the goal of determining the volume of active material in each electrode. The open circuit potential (OCP) as a function of temperature and state of charge (SOC) for the cathode and anode active materials versus Li/Li+ was measured. These tests used ¾" half-cells cycled at a C/30 rate on an Arbin battery tester while under strict environmental temperature control. The diffusion coefficient of Li+ as a function of temperature and SOC in the active materials was measured using the Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT). Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) was used to determine the composition of the electrolyte, if enough of an electrolyte sample was harvested during cell disassembly. Extensive Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging was performed on the electrodes to determine the coating thickness and active material particle size. Additionally, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) was performed on all electrode samples to determine the elemental composition of the active materials. This data was then coupled with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) crystallographic data to produce an equivalent unit cell of the active material in order to determine the theoretical lithium storage capacity. The composite electrode electronic conductivity was also determined as a function of temperature with a Gamry Reference 3000 Potentiostat.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Great value! Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand signature design By Bay Isle Home. Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand very well made, sleek and simple. Complete your living room furniture with a modern Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand. Its elegent sturdy, attractivce and it looks expensive and a good value for the money. Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand is one of the most cofy, cozy, nice look and exotic Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand especially for the price and made of superior products. Great quality, easy to assemble, delivery on time and in perfect condition. Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand is good merchandise at fair prices and amazing free shipping. Guarantee damaged claim by offering to send parts or to keep the item at a discounted price. Great buy would definitely recommend. Shop with our low-price guarantee and find great deals on ##ptitle# and more!. Reading the reviews helped you purchase.
Everybody values becoming soaked in your couch when you unwind. This recommends the comfort and ease and the character from the sofas are essential. No one likes to sit on a menacing and unpleasant couch with frayed furniture. In fact, sofas are expensive. If you are searching which are more comfortable and comfortable cars, in those days you have to purchase them. I've come across regularly that individuals purchase the wrong sofa and after spending a fortune onto it. Why? Essentially, they do not understand how to pick the fantastic Ashley furnishings couch in the best way. Keep in mind that the higher the cost, it always doesn't provide you with the Appropriate product. With this situation, we've discovered a portion of the greatest couches for a comfortable mood. We recommend you realize before getting to the super rich furnishings shops. You will avoid problems and a bit of "grieve more than fortune-bad luck".
Does your living space display space needs? Are you willing to throw a sleep party in the mild of the absence of room to rest? This DHP Futon mattress would be well suited for you in cases like this. This Futon mattress sofa by DHP includes the performance of a sofa bed with a contemporary and stylish appearance. Put it inside your living room to attain an extra sleepy bed during the night. A microfiber ground that took off in the middle will be a ideal mixture. This amazing couch comes with a tapestry with shiny stainless locks and legs. Consolidating these results with each other in a comfortable popular design sofa. You can choose to have it in Fake Leather-based, Velvet or Bed linen. An element that is worth specifying is its back style. Considering the various chairs, DHP encourages the progres of the couch to your comfort and ease levels. You can gain levels to have an computer animated babble, or for silent shifting picture night.
Although this lying loveseat comes with a heftier price tag, its classic style, options for customization and automated lying system make it worth the money. Its hand made wooden frame is padded with down mix soft cushions for a much softer really feel than youd receive from high-denseness froth soft cushions, and the furniture will come in an astonishing 72 color and fabric combinations. The availability of so many options causes it to be extra easy to set this lying loveseat with different designs, materials, accents and dcor styles. Plus, for those who have children or animals (or both!), you have the option to choose a stronger, stain-resistant material. One customer discussed that the Sunbrella canvas material has organized nicely towards her pets and children. This reclining loveseat could have a traditional, aged-college appear, nevertheless its constructed-in technology is not. Not only does it come with an automated reclining system (that will give you a full lie down, together with your footrest completely parallel towards the chair), but it has a Universal serial bus port for implementing or just getting your iPad, iPhone, Kindle or laptop computer.
The term here is the comfort and ease and sophisticated look. This set includes a tufted back rest and nail mind accent that provides the subtle appear. Its gray colour contributes to its impressive appear. It can fit up to 8 inches mattress. That on your own tells you how comfortable the established can be. Notably, it does not incorporate a bed mattress. So you may need to buy one. The trundle includes a castor to enable quick access. You may even pull the trundle that people take a seat on. Simply to point out, it should take putting together, however its very easy to put together.
This suits you if you just need an attractive coach. It's made with a flared frame and pillow top amrests in a cool cobblestone grey. Now, it's tough froth cushions that are wrapped up in inside a polyester furniture to bring about the specified comfort. It features a durable part blocked frame that adds to the toughness. Also, the feet have been in a faux wooden complete. It has an remarkable gray colour that suits with any decor. It measures 89 T x 39 Deb by 40 H thus big enough to support you along with your familyOrfriends. More importantly, it arrives completely assembled. This protects you the pain of getting to put together the established.
Carolina Light Gray Material Sectional Sofa is celebrated because of its spectacular comfort and remarkable design. It features a lift-up style that allows for several arrangement choices to suit your needs.The established features gentle fabric and forces cushions to bring about the specified comfort. More to the point, its of the great dimension to support you along with the family of buddies. Depending on the space as well as your desired form, you can combine the I chairs to create a remarkable form. Its recommended for all those with small areas and needs a couch.
The term here is the comfort and sophisticated look. This established has a tufted back rest and nail head highlight that provides the sophisticated appear. Its gray color adds to its impressive look. It can fit as much as 8 in . mattress. That on your own lets you know how comfortable the set can be. Particularly, it doesn't include a bed mattress. So you may want to buy one. The trundle features a castor to allow quick access. You may also pull the trundle for people to sit on. Just to point out, it should take putting together, but again its very easy to assemble.
The best part that compensates for the lost time the glory from the purchasers is its style effortlessly. Just for the look of the upholstery, you get a nice and stylish atmosphere. It's available in wealthy strong shading, imitating as amazing formal clothing. While maintaining an honorable stature, the fabric furniture could be cleaned very easily. You shouldn't rue after turning over a glass of drink in your nice sofa. All you need is to wash the stain for ever and ever precisely when it hits the furniture. Even though good repute accompanies delicacy, it is not the problem here. This incredible sofa is fed with a contour growth and development of wood. You are more unwilling to hear squeaks and walking seems.
Just like its namesake, the camelback sofa includes a difficulty or maybe two that accents the main silhouette of the sofa design. This is a traditional design that was made popular within the 1700s by Chippendale and families who wanted aristocratic, official Jacinta Teak Patio Dining Chair (Set of 2) frequently chosen this style. These days, this sofa design lends a more official atmosphere to any space, especially when padded in a official fabric. A far more casual textile choice would make it suitable for a household space that doesnt need a lot of formality. In either case, the camelback sofa has some elements that define the style. The legs are usually uncovered, the sofa doesn't have back cushions also it normally has square or rolled hands.
This set includes a one left arm couch set, two armless sofa sets, and something part sofa set. This gives enough room to support your friends and relations. The fabric is 100Percent polyester for sufficient comfort and durability. The advantage of this sofa established is the matching and mixing of seats in the available space in the room for any perfect form. As well as enables fitted even just in small rooms. It requires just mild putting together.It also features push cushions for maximum comfort and ease. You may want to do this set. It does the job well.
This luxurious group of urban-chic couches is created to provide an adorned domain. In fact, even your moderate areas may have you obliged for an perfect film night. Lay him down to obtain a completely altered mattress. This avant-garde sleeper futon mattress is accessible in different tones. This incorporates some vibrant tones unmanageable such as Lemon, Light Azure, and Light Crimson. Place them inside your innovative research or attic to assess the exuberance. It's also available in decreasing tones such as dark, darkish and dark. These subtleties, once more, printing an honorable aspect of the upper class. Using the splitting component of your back, you are able to rest for your preferred position. This couch appears rich with tufted fabric texture furniture. The good thing is that it is customized with hypo-allergenic filling up. A conclusive result supplies a comfy relaxation.
Copyright © Sisler Cotton Fabric Hammock with Stand By Bay Isle Home in Patio Dining Chairs All right reserved.


Double the number of green jobs over 2010 levels by 2020.
Double the number of companies that are actively engaged in greening their operations over 2011 levels by 2020.
Vancouver's green economy is growing more than twice as fast as traditional sectors. The green economy includes jobs in clean technology and products, green building design and construction, sustainability consulting and education, recycling and composting, local food, green transportation, and much, much more.
Green jobs can be found across traditional and new industry sectors. For example, many of the resource-based companies headquartered in Vancouver have sustainability departments, which have created green jobs, as have energy and environment groups at Vancouver's more progressive financial institutions and telecommunications companies. Vancouver's emerging eco-fashion innovators are finding ways to use sustainably produced fabrics and other materials in their manufacturing processes. Many of BC's clean technology companies that are working towards energy solutions such as solar, wind and tidal power, as well as bio-energy technologies, also call Vancouver home.
Green economic development is also about greening all sectors of the economy, encouraging organizations and businesses to make environmentally responsible improvements in their operations. This may mean sourcing recycled, reclaimed or locally manufactured materials, taking steps to improve energy efficiency, or reducing the amount of solid waste that businesses produce.
There's a strong business case for going green. Efforts to increase environmentally sound practices save money, including savings from reduced waste disposal and energy costs. A green company also benefits from access to contracts with organizations that have sustainable purchasing requirements. In addition, companies that recognize the benefits of integrating their business systems internally as well as with other companies and organizations will find opportunities for improved productivity, innovative business processes, creation of shared value, and additional revenue streams.
By embracing green economic development, Vancouver businesses can be more competitive, gain market share, and prepare for carbon regulation, all by improving their environmental performance. Developing Vancouver's green economy is an opportunity and a necessity on the path to a healthy and sustainable future for our city.


How do I obtain permission to use works?
Unless an exception to copyright law applies, such as fair use, permission to use a particular work is generally established through copyright licensing. There are numerous resources available to help answer your basic licensing questions, including instructions on how to request licenses for various works. Below is a compilation of information on how to license particular works including publications, music, photographs, software and motion pictures.


I've been on the search recently for more natural fibers and materials when it comes to the clothing I wear, especially my gym and yoga wear. Which is mostly polyester and synthetic (yours is too, check the label). Little did I know how bad this fabric is for our environment. After a bit of digging... it's not so good, to say the least!
I've been on the search recently for more natural fibers and materials when it comes to the clothing I wear, especially my gym and yoga wear. Which is mostly polyester and synthetic (yours is too, check the label). Little did I know how bad this fabric is for our environment.
After a bit of digging... it's not so good, to say the least!
Fabrics come in all shapes and sizes, but do you ever give a second thought to the impact those fabrics have on the planet. Take polyester, for example, it's evolved from your dad's 70s disco shirt to our generations yoga pants and undies, and the more we use and need polyester the more of an impact it has on the planet.
Polyester has become ubiquitous in our clothes, it's cheap to make, works very well when combined with other fabrics and can be found in dresses, t-shirts, and jeans.
In the last decade or so, we have seen a decline in cotton production and an increase in the use of polyester.
This means one thing... that clothes we are wearing and buying are increasingly becoming plastic. Scary!
The most common types of polyesters (polymers) are polyethylene terephthalate or PET, plastics that are derived from crude oil used to make things like condiment bottles.
After an extensive processing process, manufacturers are able to turn these plastic fibers into the fabric we call polyester.
According to Tecnon Orbichem (a world leader in providing data and analysis to the petrochemical industry since 1976), from 1980 - 2007, the amount of polyester increased from 5.8 million tons to 34 million tons and is expected to jump to 99.8 million tons by 2025.
This has happened partly because the global cotton supply is becoming more and more limited, I mean there is only so much land available to grow this stuff and they are increasingly in competition with large factory farms and food crops, all vying for the same land.
And if all of this was not bad enough, Tecnon Orbichem says that the need for other synthetics like rayon and nylon will see a major jump as well.
Along with all of this, manufacturers are leading the charge when it comes to technology in this sector. More and more of us are looking for "sweat-proof" and athleisure wear options, driving up the demand.
Right now as I sit here typing this in my yoga pants, I feel stressed out about the impact this is going to have on our planet. What are the long term ramifications?
With the global demand for synthetic fibers on the rise, I think it's fair to say that it's not just the manufacturers who are to blame. We, the consumer, need to wake up and realize that our need for fast fashion is having an unbelievably detrimental effect on the planet.
Every day we throw away billions and billions of plastic bottles, proving that we all need to use way less of it in our daily lives. Now yes there are companies working hard to recycle those plastic bottles and turn them into useable goods for our homes. But there is way more to the story.
You see every time you wash a synthetic fabric, regardless of how it's made (new or from recycled goods), tiny pieces of fabric called microfibres break off and head right down the drain, hundreds of thousands of them in fact! And the older the item is, the bigger the problem. Water treatment plants are not able to pull these tiny fibers out so they end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans.
In the ocean, they absorb other toxins lurking about, toxins like petrol and pesticides that fish end up eating and yep and we end up eating because we eat the fish.
Scientists estimate that there are 1.4 million trillion microbes floating around in the ocean.
So even if we buy less synthetic clothing (we should) it's really up to the companies to find better ways to manufacture these goods or phase then out altogether (and that's never going to happen).
Aside from the chemicals swimming about in our oceans, it takes a great deal of energy to produce goods made from polyester and that my friends are a major contributor to global climate change.
When you compare the qualities of cotton vs polyester, the first is biodegradable the is latter not.
Biodegradable means "a subject or object is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms." Cotton does not have a snowball's chance in hell to biodegrade because most cotton ends up in the landfill.
No matter which way you look at it the production of fabrics to meet the demand is simply destroying the planet, one yoga pant at a time.
At the end of it all, almost all of your clothes will actually be plastic!
The bottom. I think, is to be a conscious consumer! And to push manufacturers to give us more sustainable choices.


Around the world, Safety Professionals in aviation, construction, trucking, mining, oil, gas and petro chemical, healthcare, public transportation and many other industries are joining the ISSP to enhance and advance their career.
Become an Certified International Safety Manager. Click here for more information!
As a collective body of professionals, we have a global voice and the ability to shape our profession.
We exist to ensure that every organization has excellent Safety Management by creating and promoting superior safety professionals. Join the ISSP today!
Successfully added to subscriber list.
Error occurred while adding in subscriber list.


It still amuses me to no end that as a child I was an extremely picky eater. I'm talking didn't even eat spaghetti kind of picky. And all foods on the plate must not touch under any circumstances kind of picky. That, combined with my mothers inability to cook, at least explains why I was such a string bean of a kid.
The first time I ever had tacos wasn't until I was 11 or 12 and they put a Taco Bell in town. We never even had tacos at home before that because my mother doesn't like them. Who in the world doesn't like tacos!?
So guacamole is something that is so foreign to my childhood that it is just amazing I ever decided to try the lumpy green stuff, much less that I like it. Now, I usually buy the 100 calorie packs that Wholly Guacamole sells for the sake of time.
I was talking to my mom about what to bring over and she mentioned that some of her work friends were coming and somehow that lead to talking about guacamole. I said if I found ripe avocados at the store, I would make that.
1. In a large bowl mash together the avocado, jalapeno, onion, lime juice, cilantro, cumin and salt until combined.
2. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap, touching the guacamole and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Even with the addition of lime juice, fresh guacamole turns brown very quickly. There is nothing wrong with it, but it's just very unappetizing to eat. I decided to use this recipe because she includes jalapeno, red onion and cumin. Some people make it without and then their guacamole is just kinda boring.


text:
Q: Rotor Current and Torque Producing Current in Induction Motor Is rotor current of an Induction motor always same with torque producing current?
In torque equation of Induction motor, there is also one factor called rotor power factor. if rotor current and torque current are not always same, how we get current drawn by motor by vector sum of magnetizing current & torque current ? I mean rotor current may be bigger than torque producing current due to power factor and we may get wrong result if we just make vector sum of torque current and magnetiziation current.
Thanks in advance

A: Yes, both the currents are the same. The torque developed is proportional to current induced in the rotor.


text:
Home >> Kuch Kuch Hota Hai >> Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Singers: Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik
Lyricists: Sameer
Album: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
User Reviews for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Love ballad
THE love ballad of the late 90s.
1998 - National Film Awards - Best Female Playback Singer - Alka Yagnik
The tune of this song's mukhda was composed by Jugal Hansraj. He had also written the lyrics for this tune. While Jugal Hansraj's tune was used in the final version of the song, his lyrics were replaced by Sameer's. He wasn't explicitly credited for the tune but he was one of the individuals acknowledged before the film's opening credits.[1]
The tune of this song was used as a theme in the film's background score. The same tune went on to be used for the theme music of the logo clip of Dharma Productions. This new logo clip was used for the first time in the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001).[2]
^ On 22 years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Jugal Hansraj revealed he composed its title track
^ Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
Is Duniya Mein Prem Granth
Album: Prem Granth
Singer: Alka Yagnik, Vinod Rathod
Pehli Nazar
Album: Tera Mera Saath Rahen
Singer: Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan
Jaagi Hui Fizayen
Album: Aur Pyar Ho Gaya
Singer: Asha Bhosle, Udit Narayan
Music Director: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan


text:
Master's alumni named top Maryland teachers
masters-alumni-named-top-maryland-teachers
Two of Maryland's top teachers earned their graduate degrees from McDaniel. Frederick County Teacher of the Year Mike Franklin earned a master's degree in Exercise Science and Physical Education, now Kinesiology, in 2005, while Howard County Teacher of the Year Greg Murach received a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction in 2011.
McDaniel has a tradition of producing top educators, including Maryland Teachers of the Year. Alumnae include Michelle Shearer M.S. '96, the 2011 National Teacher of the Year and 2010-11 Maryland Teacher of the Year, and Rhonda Holmes-Blankenship M.S. '05, a 2013 finalist for National Teacher of the Year and the 2012-13 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Jody Zepp '94 was the 2014-15 Maryland Teacher of the Year.
In addition, Amy Andersen M.S. '96, the 2017-18 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, was a 2018 finalist for National Teacher of the Year. Karen Mallonee '76, M.L.A. '79, was named the 2016 Kentucky Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Read more about our 2019–2020 Maryland Teachers of the Year:
Mike Franklin M.S. '05 has served as a physical education teacher and coach for two decades.
Currently chair of the physical education department at Catoctin High School, he is also the baseball coach and teaches Fitness for Life through the school system's virtual school. Additionally, he coordinates the school's Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge and the ROAR (Respect, Ownership, Accountability, and Readiness) club. In addition to his degree from McDaniel, he holds a bachelor's degree from Salisbury University and an associate's degree from Frederick Community College.
"McDaniel College is a special place to me," said Franklin. He credits his mentor, beloved professor and coach Sam Case '68, as "someone I have always aspired to emulate. He was an amazing instructor and made McDaniel College and terrific experience for me."
Greg Murach M.S. '11 graduated from Mount Hebron High School in 2001, where he has taught mathematics since 2005. He has sponsored the Math National Honor Society, Freshman Advisory Programs and multiple Class Boards. He has also encouraged Restorative Practices at the school. In the summer, he partners with teachers in Uganda through the facilitation of professional development workshops. Murach, who earned a bachelor's degree from Salisbury University, is known for his student-centered approach, including bilingual education and real-life applications to engage all learners.
Murach said, "I just have a heart for being a voice for those who may not have one, especially students new to America. I enjoy being on the frontline and helping provide the necessary resources for student learning to thrive."
About the Curriculum & Instruction program at McDaniel, he said, "My time at McDaniel provided a fresh challenge — asking me to consider a deeper level of understanding in my profession. Through the relationships formed with other educators in my cohort, studying school law, and the content I researched, I have been able to collaborate and grow in new ways."


Kindergarten expectations are much higher today than ever before. Children are now encouraged to recognize their letters, know beginning sounds, recognize some basic sight words, comprehend what they have heard and begin basic writing skills.
We here at Ss. Simon & Jude Early Childhood Center recognize today's rising standards and changing educational dynamics and want to help "jump start" your child's Reading and Writing abilities. We have developed a curriculum to help make this transition into Kindergarten a smooth one.
The program will provide an environment that is rich in opportunities to engage children in language and literacy experiences. The children will feel comfortable and confident in their growing abilities as early readers and writers.
The Reading Connection program will extend a busy morning with a balanced approach to a longer day.
Reading Connection will take place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons until 2:00pm. Program will begin in mid-September.
If interested in enrolling, check on Reading Connection under the Add-On afternoon options on the enrollment form.


text:
Home » Celebrities » Noah Brown: 5 Things To Know About Newly-Married 'Alaskan Bush People' Star
Noah Brown: 5 Things To Know About Newly-Married 'Alaskan Bush People' Star
Noah Brown is a married man! The 'Alaskan Bush People' star tied the knot with fiancée Rhain Merrill in an intimate ceremony in Idaho. We've got five things to know about the rugged reality star.
Living in the Alaskan bush country can make it hard for a guy to find a wife. Fortunately for The Discovery Channel's Alaskan Bush People star Noah Brown, 26, he met new wife Rhain Merrill as she happened to be traveling through his remote town of Hoonah, AK on a road trip two years ago. The pair just tied the knot on Aug. 15 in an intimate ceremony in Idaho attended by just 25 close family and friends. "We are so excited to start our new life together as husband and wife and we look forward to building new memories as our own family," the couple told PEOPLE. "God bless everyone for all of the love and support." We've got five things to know about Noah.
1. Noah and Rhain married on their two-year anniversary of meeting.
He selected the wedding date of Aug. 15 because it marked two years to the day that he met his new wife to be while she was traveling through his small town of Hoonah, along the Alaskan Inside Passage 30 miles west of Juneau.
2. Noah proposed in the most romantic way.
Noah personally designed Rhain's engagement ring himself and popped the question after a sunset hike in Juneau on Apr. 17, 2017.
3. Noah has been with Alaskan Bush People since the show's inception.
He and his family have appeared on the program since the pilot aired on the Discovery Channel on May 6, 2014. He's a regular alongside dad Billy, mother Ami, and brothers Matt, Joshua, and Gabe, as well as sisters Snowbird and Rain. He is especially protective of 15-year-old Rain, posting about her often on his Instagram and urging her to enjoy life as a kid and not grow up to fast.
4. Noah is known as a jack of all trades.
He's especially adept at math, science and engineering and is known on the show as a Mr. Fix-It for his ability to repair anything.
5. Noah and Rhain can't wait to be parents.
In a post on his July 18 birthday, he called his fiancée the "girl of my dreams" and added that "my first priority will now always be my new family and my loyalty is to my soon to be wife and my future children. It is my job to take care of my new family and it will be an honor to do my best for them."
« Ariana Grande Raves About 'Soulmate' Pete Davidson on Sweetener: 'Thought You Into My Life'
Duterte hopes to hand presidency to dictator Ferdinand Marcus' son »


text:
Page 2 of 28 < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 > Last »
Bob_Robertson
I As far as fatal flaws, there is no greater flaw than in The Fellowship of the Ring when they're discussing what to do with the One Ring: Just have the eagle drop it into the volcano. Yeah, yeah, before all the Ring fans get up in arms about how the eagles wouldn't be involved in the affairs of man, blahblahblah...but you woulda thought SOMEONE would've mentioned it.
bwahahahaaa
The Whitest Kids U Kbnow did a friggin HILLARIOUS skit on that....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwxA9O-q2o8
Find More Posts by Bob_Robertson
Location: Idaho
Not knowing anything about the story -- would embedding the memory chip into your protagonist work? He wakes up, disoriented, his neck is sore, and he receives a call -- if he's not at so-and-so by such-and-such -- a small explosive charge, connected to the chip, is triggered and he's dead. Maybe he's just returned from a trip to a foreign country. The "bad" guys don't care how they get the chip out (dead or alive) -- the "good" guy knows the code and how to disarm it.
That said, you could go the route of "District 9" -- just ignore the questions about how alien "power" juice can change the DNA of a human to that of an alien. I still liked the movie -- even with a plot hole so big you could fly a starship cruiser through it.
STANDARD DISCLAIMER: I'm a wannabe, take whatever I write with a huge grain of salt.
Find More Posts by Centos
As far as fatal flaws, there is no greater flaw than in The Fellowship of the Ring when they're discussing what to do with the One Ring: Just have the eagle drop it into the volcano. Yeah, yeah, before all the Ring fans get up in arms about how the eagles wouldn't be involved in the affairs of man, blahblahblah...but you woulda thought SOMEONE would've mentioned it.
I've seen the YouTube video, I thought it was funny, but this wasn't actually a plot hole. The only reason the eagles could just fly into Mordor at the end is because all hell had just broken loose. Remember that the whole reason the fellowship went to the Gates of Mordor for the futile battle was to draw the "eye of Sauron" off the hobbits as they progressed toward... can't remember... the mountain (Mount Doom?). Had the eagles attempted to just fly into Mordor at the beginning, Sauron would have seen them and he had plenty of weapons to deal with them.
At least that's the way I see it.
They could've used a bunch of eagles, or they could've just had the same Fellowship draw Sauron's attention off the eagles, or they could've had someone ask, "Why the hell didn't we just use the eagles?" And Gandalf could've said that the eagles don't give a sh!t, or that they've tried to use them in the past, or they could've attempted an eagle and we would've had a kick-ass scene of the Nazgul and eagle dogfight...
All kinds of things could've been used to explain why the eagles weren't used, but the fact is that Tolkien probably didn't think of it until it was already published, and then he had that V8 moment. Little did he realize that the hippies and beatniks that made Lord of the Rings such a huge publishing sensation didn't care either. Or, if they did, they just smoked the doobie, dropped some acid, and discussed it for three days.
Nobody ever discussed using the eagles cos all they care about are rabbits and flying.
And nobody would even dare consider risking having an eagle as a new dark lord cos then everybody would be made to catch rabbits, early worms, loose feathers and building 500 foot earies in stupidly inaccessible places.
Like the old addage: never send a bird to do a man's (or woman's) job.
Centos: sounds like a decent plot technique, but I need my man to do this willingly - even if he needs to get well p*ssed up first.
Thing is, Tolkein didn't leave *anything* to chance. He spent weeks getting the moon in the right place in the sky for on the right nights for everyone, scattered all over Middle Earth -- and, of course, he wrote several full languages for the various creatures. Apparently Tolkein -- as a boy -- had written several languages, but his parents threw that "rubbish" out when he moved from South Africa to England. If the Eagles could have taken on Sauron directly, that wouldn't say much about Sauron's power, would it?
It was just an idea. That's the problem with trying to "fix" screenplays (on the other forum) without knowing where the writer is going. It's no longer their story.
Good luck, BTW.
My plot is about getting a mem-stick with vitally important data on it to a particular person & place.
My flaw is that this data could feasibly be uploaded to the person via the internet, or the mem-stick posted in the mail, which kinda undermines my hero's hazardous trek across the country.
lets stop there. 'posted in the mail?' and what's a mem-stick? you mean a flash drive.
If something is of importance to the protagonist, then(inciting incident) they act.
-just give him a reason to need to see the whole task through. like the data will help save his son from a fatal illness
I'm covering this flaw by exposing that the mem-stick is hardware protected, so if it's inserted into a standard USB port the data gets fried
hardware protected? hmm... like this device with will self destruct in 10 seconds... like Mission Impossible? That's like nineteen fiftys logic, where the flash drive would begin smoking.
They have software encyiption programs. Download WinRAR and zip any file on your computer password protect it.... encryption software can render data irrecoverable
and if it's posted in the mail it could get intercepted by the authrities who are hunting for the mem-stick.
just give him a reason not to trust them. An action scequence.
-A guy in Brown short tries to kill them, now there is no option but to take the device personally
PS: no one would believe that a hobbit would bu tt fvck Gandolf
Originally Posted by Centos
To be fair, that isn't a 'plot hole' so much as something unexplained.
It would make sense if the 'power juice' wasn't fuel (as is assumed) - but instead the black goo is just a glop of repair nanos.
Once they are inside his system they will 'repair' the perceived damage and rebuild the expected alien body out of the raw material of his own.
It explains why it was needed for the ship too - it isn't to fuel the ship (although people talk about it being 'fuel') it is more of a fuel additive.
Heck - you know those old star cruisers - if you don't have the right fuel additive then the fusion injection points clog up before you're out of the solar system.
That's what the hero alien has been doing all these years ... adapting the existing medical repair nanos so he can fix the ship. And given the way they are treated .. do you really expect him to be up front about the true capabilities of the technology?
That is just one of dozens and dozens of explanations.
So isn't a plot hole - it is something that is left to the viewer to explain.
To answer the original question - don't explain it to the viewer.
SHOW it to them.
Just have someone try to send the data the sensible way first.
And then we see him get killed.
Our hero has the memory stick of what the guy tried to send, so it's up to him now.
And he's not going to make the same mistake we just saw someone get killed making.
It would also beef up the stakes by making him more of an 'everyday Joe'. He doesn't really understand the technicalities of what is on the stick or why he's being hunted.
And if his own personal stuff was on the stick that the bad guys (erroneously) recovered then now he and his family are at risk.
I vote for 'Let someone try the obvious way and get killed'.


There is a great deal of false information on the internet about narcissistic personality disorder and its relationship to psychopathy. Many have asked me if their narcissistic abuser is also a psychopath or sociopath.
The confusion comes from the assumption that since psycho/sociopaths and narcissists are both empathy devoid and psychologically classified in the same cluster of personality disorders, they are one and the same. They are not.
All psychopaths and sociopaths are narcissists, but not all narcissists are psychopaths or sociopaths. The blanket diagnosis only works one way. Still the possibility exists that in addition to being a narcissist, your abuser may also be a psycho or sociopath.
Psychopaths and sociopaths fall under a broader class of mental illness known as "antisocial personality disorder." Just as is true with all mental illnesses and personality disorders, symptoms of antisocial personality disorder can vary in severity. Sociopathy and psychopathy, the most dangerous forms of APD, are found at the extreme end of the spectrum.
Sociopaths and psychopaths have very similar characteristics and behavior patterns so the terms are often used interchangeably. Since there are many similarities between sociopathic and psychopathic behaviors and very few differences, the confusion is understandable.
Psychopaths are more calculating. Sociopaths are more impulsive.
Psychopaths are more prone to commit crimes and murder than sociopaths are.
Psychopathic behavior is innate--heredity and genetics are primary causes. Sociopathic behavior is learned—sociological factors and childhood trauma or abuse are the primary causes.
They are highly destructive to other people.
They have a grandiose sense of self-worth and self-image.
They have no self-identity; therefore create different personas and disguises for each target.
They are unaware of social cues.
They have charming, charismatic personalities.
They are calm, sometimes eerily so.
They are perpetual gratification seekers needing constant stimulation, pleasure and excitement.
They cannot form emotional attachments or maintain relationships, but may be good at faking them.
They lack empathy but are adept at mimicking appropriate emotions.
They are exploitative and violent.
They are cold and callous.
They are often successful in their careers.
They have no regard for societal rules.
Psycho/sociopaths share many characteristic traits and behaviors with narcissists. That is why distinguishing between them is confusing.
To truly understand the distinction, they must be examined under the entire antisocial personality disorder umbrella. When characterized in its entirety, antisocial personality disorder is much more dramatic and disconcerting.
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized as a prevailing behavioral pattern of disregard or violation of the rights of others. It is psychiatrically classified as a cluster B, "dramatic" personality disorder by the DSM-5 along with narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder.
Since many of the signs and symptoms of APD overlap with other disorders, it is not easy for practitioners to diagnose this condition. A single test to assess a person does not exist. Before any conclusions can be made, a comprehensive medical exam and mental health interview must be conducted.
A primary factor in diagnosing someone with antisocial personality disorder is the person's age when their symptoms first began. An APD diagnosis requires that the person showed symptoms of conduct disorder before the age of fifteen.
A true APD diagnosis cannot be made until the age of eighteen. The symptoms are typically most evident between the ages of twenty and thirty.
A person is not required to have all the above traits. The American Psychiatry Association lists specific criteria for mental health professionals to use in making an APD diagnosis.
Jeffery Dahmer, Casey Anthony, John Wayne Gacy, Gary Gilmore, and Drew Peterson are infamous anti-socials who exemplify this disorder.
If you are now more confused than ever about what makes your abuser tick you are not alone. Narcissists are complex people. You will probably never fully understand the workings of his or her mind, and that is okay. The process of healing from this type of abuse is more about learning to accept it than understanding it.


Citation: MARTINS, Pedro Alves. Caracterização do secretoma de Aspergillus niger crescido em bagaço de cana e purificação de xilanases de interesse biotecnológico. 2012. iv, 75 f., il. Dissertação (Mestrado em Biologia Molecular)—Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 2012.
When submitted to growth in media containing lignocellulosic materials, filamentous fungi are able to produce different kinds of extracellular enzymes, which are responsible to catalyze the hydrolysis of cellulose, hemicellulose and other polysaccharides found on plant cell wall. Some of these enzymes can be commercially applied to industrial processes, such as the ones used on food, paper and textile industry as well as on the production of bioethanol. Aspergillus niger, a mesophilic and saprophytic filamentous fungus, possesses biotechnological potential as a producer of hydrolytic enzymes. The present work aims at purifying xylanases from A. niger and analyzing its secretome (group of secreted proteins) after six days of growth on synthetic medium supplemented with 1% sugarcane bagasse as the only carbon source. A xylanolytic fraction (Xyl) previously purified by molecular exclusion chromatography was shown to be composed of different polypeptides bearing different pIs as demonstrated by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). In order to improve Xyl purification and to separate possible xylanase isoforms, Xyl was submitted to both Anion Exchange Chromatography (AEC) at pH 8.5 and Cation Exchange chromatography (CEC) at pH 5.0. The AEC approach could successfully isolate a fraction containing two different polypeptides as demonstrated by 2-DE. One spot was identified as an endo-1,4-β-xylanase and the other couldn't be identified. This xylanase in the purified fraction exhibited a Km of 6.46 mg/ml and a Vmax of 1.984 IU.mL-1 for soluble xylan. For proteomic analysis, the secretome was firstly submitted to In-solution trypsin digestion or alternatively to SDS-PAGE followed by trypsin digestion of gel slices. Resulting peptides were then analyzed by LC-MS/MS-Orbitrap using Data Dependent Acquisition mode. Overall, the In-gel digested samples provided identification of 55 proteins comparing to only 14 identified proteins in In-solution digested samples. Most proteins identified in A. niger secretome belonged to the hydrolase class, being xylanases the most abundant ones. These findings correspond to experimental enzymatic assays and the expected secretome composition: an arsenal of enzymes capable of hydrolyzing the substrate and providing ways for the fungi growth and development.
Description: Dissertação (mestrado)—Universidade de Brasília, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Departamento de Biologia Celular, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Molecular, 2012.


text:
News Articles: computer hacking
Hackers disrupt payroll for thousands of employers — including hospitals
Hundreds, if not thousands, of workers have missed out on overtime and holiday pay in recent weeks. In Cleveland, city administrators set up a "war room" to deal with the paycheck backlog.
Becky Sullivan
The U.S. Has Formally Accused China Of A Massive Cyberattack On Microsoft
The Biden administration, backed by U.S. allies, is publicly calling out Beijing for an attack this year on Microsoft's Exchange email server software that targeted computers worldwide.
Scott Neuman
China Wants Your Data — And May Already Have It
When COVID hit, a Chinese firm offered to set up testing labs in the U.S., which could have given it access to DNA data. The U.S. says this is part of China's effort to collect mass data on Americans.
U.S. Security Agencies: Massive Computer Hack Is 'Likely Russian'
In its most detailed comment so far, the U.S. government says the breach of government and private company computer networks "will require a sustained and dedicated effort to remediate."
Top Cyber Firm, FireEye, Says It's Been Hacked By A Foreign Govt.
The California-based company is often called by governments and companies around the world to protect against hacks and respond to breaches. FireEye acknowledged that some valuable tools were stolen.
Greg Myre and


It's that time of year to plant tomatoes and other veggies. I've planted in the past and usually have enough tomatoes and zucchini for us and all the neighbors. Here is an easy and tasty recipe for your crops.
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray 9×9-inch pan with Pam cooking spray. I prefer butter flavor or olive oil flavor.
2.In a bowl, combine Cheddar, the Italian Cheeses, oregano, basil, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside. We love garlic so sometimes I'll add an extra clove just because. I sometimes add or substitute pepper jack cheese if I want something just a bit spicier.
3.Arrange half of the zucchini slices in the pan. Sprinkle 1/4 of the cheese and herb mixture on top. Arrange half of the tomatoes, and top with another 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
4.Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in breadcrumbs; cook until they have absorbed the butter. Sprinkle on top of casserole.
5.Cover loosely with foil, and bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake until the top is crusty and the vegetables are tender, about 20 more minutes.
I like to serve this with a pasta dish or seafood. I try to keep the entire meal light during the summer. A glass of chardonnay completes the meal. YUM!


One of the great modern thinkers, doers, champions of Womens rights and the longest serving American First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt wrote eloquently about how to be happy. And it applies more than ever, today.
It was written when she was a mere 76 years young.
"Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product. Paradoxically, the one sure way not to be happy is deliberately to map out a way of life in which one would please oneself completely and exclusively. After a short time, a very short time, there would be little that one really enjoyed.
Someone once asked Mrs Roosevelt what she regarded as the most important requirements for happiness. Her answer ..
A feeling that you have been honest with yourself and those around you; a feeling that you have done the best you could both in your personal life and in your work.
The ability to love others and the feeling that you are, in some way, useful.
Usefulness, whatever form it may take, is the price we should pay for the air we breathe and the food we eat and the privilege of being alive. And it is its own reward, as well, for it is the beginning of happiness, just as self-pity and withdrawal from the battle are the beginning of misery.
It is easy to slip into self-absorption and it is equally fatal. When we become absorbed in ourselves, in our health, personal problems, or in the small details of daily living, we are, at the same time losing interest in other people; worse, we lose our ties to life.
From that it is an easy step to losing interest in the world and in life itself.
What makes you really happy? Is it giving of yourself in some way?
The simplest things. For us it is the joy we see in the faces of those we touch both professionally and personally.
When we see a smile, a genuine smile of joy, we know we have made a difference to someones day and that is what truly matters most to us.


text:
Христо Юрданов Тодоров е български социолог и философ, първият декан на Юридическия факултет на Софийския университет който не е юрист по образование.

Биография
Роден е на 25 септември 1881 г. в Елена. Завършва лицей в Тулуза. Следва философия в Берлин, Лайпциг и Ерланген, където се дипломира през 1910 г. Доктор на Ерлангенския университет.

Участва в Първата световна война като запасен поручик, офицер за поръчки в оперативно отделение при Щаба на Действащата армия. За отличия и заслуги през втория период на войната е награден с орден "Свети Александър", V степен.

Доцент по социология в катедрата по стопанска история със социология на Юридическия факултет на Софийския университет от 1930 г. Професор по социология от 1937 г., декан през уч. 1939/40 г. и зам-декан през уч. 1940/41 г.

Източници

Български социолози
Преподаватели в Юридическия факултет на Софийския университет
Български поручици
Български военни дейци от Първата световна война
Носители на орден "Свети Александър"
Родени в Елена
Починали в София

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


India's massively delayed effort to create a second new-generation conventional attack submarine production line in the country has finally lifted off, though several years adrift.
A heartening new indigenous development could take care of India's over-dependence on foreign suppliers for critical electro-optical sensors for surface payloads.
Its gaze fixed on anti-piracy operations, securing seal lanes and strengthening linkages with countries in the Indian Ocean region (IOR), the Indian Navy is upping the tempo in deployments in the Indian Ocean.
With the Indian Air Force all but officially writing off the LCA Tejas Mk.1 as a fast jet trainer with limited offensive capabilities, all eyes are now on the LCA Mk.2 that will sport a more powerful engine and an upgraded flight envelope.


ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Craig Gentry doubled, scored and bunted in a run, helping the Texas Rangers beat the sloppy Los Angeles Angels 7-4 Saturday and reach the final day of the regular season with a chance to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.
Texas (90-71) won its sixth straight — and second in less than 24 hours. Cleveland and Tampa Bay started the day tied for the two AL wild-card spots at 90-70, a game ahead of the Rangers.
The Rangers were down three batters in, but the Angels made five errors for a game for the first time since Sept. 16, 2006, also at Texas.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Adam Wainwright earned his 19th victory in a tuneup for the NL division series opener and Matt Holliday homered again as the St. Louis Cardinals showed no letup after clinching the NL Central, beating the Chicago Cubs 6-2 on Saturday.
Holliday homered for the second straight day and Yadier Molina drove in two runs for St. Louis (96-65), which entered the day tied with Atlanta for the NL lead in wins. The Cardinals have won five in a row.
Wainwright (19-9) allowed two hits in shutout 5 1-3 innings and tied for the league lead in victories with Washington's Jordan Zimmermann, who lost his last scheduled start Wednesday in St. Louis.
Seth Maness earned his first career save by getting Darwin Barney on a double-play ball.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Neil Walker hit two of Pittsburgh's six homers — its biggest power surge in six years — and the Pirates clinched home-field advantage for the NL's wild card playoff game by beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 Saturday.
Pittsburgh will host the Reds on Tuesday night in the Pirates' first playoff appearance in 21 years. They went 50-31 at PNC Park, the third-best home record in the NL.
Pittsburgh hit five homers off Bronson Arroyo (14-12), who had never given up that many in a game in his big league career. Walker homered twice off the right-hander, and Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez and Marlon Byrd also connected.
Prospect Andrew Lambo hit his first homer off Logan Ondrusek, the first time the Pirates had six since Aug. 22, 2007 at Colorado.
TORONTO (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays dropped into a tie with Texas for the second AL wild-card berth, losing to Toronto 7-2 Saturday as Ryan Goins and Kevin Pillar hit two-run home runs for the Blue Jays and J.A. Happ won for the first time in four starts.
The Rays (90-71) lost their second straight following a seven-game winning streak and dropped a half-game behind Cleveland (90-70), which was playing at Minnesota. The regular season is slated to end Sunday.
Adam Lind had two hits and three RBIs and Brett Lawrie reached base four times as the Blue Jays continued to make life tough for the Rays, who start left-hander Matt Moore (16-4) in Sunday's series finale against Blue Jays rookie right-hander Todd Redmond (4-2).
SEATTLE (AP) — Brad Miller hit a pair of home runs, including his first grand slam, and the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 7-5 Saturday in a game that decided division-series matchups in the American League.
Boston clinched home-field advantage throughout the postseason with Oakland's loss. The AL West champion A's will play their playoff opener at home next Friday against AL Central champion Detroit, and AL East winner Boston will start at Fenway Park against the team emerging from the wild-card playoff: Cleveland Tampa Bay or Texas.
Brandon Maurer (5-8) gave up two runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. He had been 0-1 in three starts and three relief appearances since beating the A's on Aug. 20.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Cleveland Indians moved into the AL wild-card lead on the next-to-last scheduled day of the regular season, beating the Minnesota Twins 5-1 Saturday behind Scott Kazmir's strong start to extend their winning streak to nine.
Seeking their first postseason appearance since 2007, the Indians (91-70) took a one-game lead over Tampa Bay and Texas (both 90-71), who both lost Saturday.
Cleveland is assured of at least a tie for the AL wild card. With three teams seeking the two wild cards, Sunday's results could decide the matter or lead to one or two tiebreaker games at the start of next week.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jesus Guzman, Chris Denorfia and Jedd Gyorko each homered and drove in two runs and the San Diego Padres beat the San Francisco Giants 9-3 on Saturday.
Hunter Pence, who reached a tentative agreement on a $90 million, five-year contract before the game, hit a two-run homer for the Giants. San Francisco had won three in a row.
Eric Stults (11-13) pitched seven effective innings to win his third straight start after going 0-6 in his previous 10 starts. He also helped himself with an RBI single during a four-run fourth.
Stults allowed three runs on seven hits. He did not walk a batter and struck out three.
Yusmeiro Petit (4-1) lasted a season-low 3 2-3 innings, giving up five runs and seven hits.
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals clinched their first NL Central title in four years, beating the Chicago Cubs 7-0 Friday night behind the strong pitching of Lance Lynn and home runs by David Freese and Matt Holliday.
St. Louis (95-65) has won six of seven and is tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NL. They are assured of home-field advantage when the NL division series starts Thursday.
Lynn (15-10) struck out six in a row, starting with Dioner Navarro to end the first.
Travis Wood (9-12) gave up three runs and four hits, leaving after just one inning — when he reached 200 in a season for the first time.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Alex Rios had a tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh inning, and Texas finally gained some ground in the AL wild-card race with the victory over Los Angeles.
For the first time during their five-game winning streak the Rangers moved closer in the wild-card standings.
Wild-card leader Tampa Bay lost at Toronto, allowing the Rangers to move within a game of the Rays and Cleveland, which beat Minnesota.
With two games left in the regular season, the Rangers still have a chance to go to the postseason for the fourth year in a row.
The loss was the 82nd for the Angels, ensuring them of only their second losing record the past 10 seasons — when they were AL West champions five times.
Ian Kinsler led off the seventh with a walk off Juan Gutierrez (1-5). He took over after C.J. Wilson threw 121 pitches in six innings. Rios had his run-scoring hit after a sac bunt by Elvis Andrus, then scored on a two-out infield single by A.J. Pierzynski.
CHICAGO (AP) — James Shields struck out 10 and scattered four hits over seven innings for his 100th career win, and Kansas City's victory ensured Chicago its worst record since 1970.
At 62-98 with two games remaining, the White Sox will finish with the second-most losses in franchise history, only ahead of the team that went 56-106 more than four decades ago.
The White Sox will finish last in their division for the first time since 1989 (69-92).
Shields (13-9) gave up just one run and walked one.
Billy Butler led the Royals with three hits and two RBIs, while Emilio Bonifacio drove in two runs with two hits.
The Royals' 85th win is their most since 1989 when they were 92-70.
HOUSTON (AP) — David Robertson got the save as Mariano Rivera looked on, and New York got a glimpse of its future in a win that sent Houston to its team-record 13th consecutive loss.
David Adams hit a two-run double and Mark Reynolds also drove in a run for the Yankees, who stopped a four-game losing streak.
Houston dropped to 51-109, the most losses for a major league team since the 2004 Arizona Diamondbacks went 51-111.
The Astros' 322 losses over three seasons are the fifth-most in big league history according to STATS, ahead of only the 1962-64 New York Mets (340), the 1963-65 Mets (332), the 1915-17 Philadelphia Athletics (324) and the 1940-42 Philadelphia Phillies (323).
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Clayton Kershaw scattered four hits over six innings, Carl Crawford and A.J. Ellis each homered and drove in three runs and the Dodgers beat the Rockies.
Kershaw (16-9) lowered his ERA to 1.83, becoming the first pitcher to lead the majors in ERA in three consecutive seasons since Atlanta's Greg Maddux from 1993-95.
The left-hander joined Houston's Roger Clemens (1.87) and Boston's Pedro Martinez (1.74) as the only qualifying pitchers since 2000 to post an ERA under 2.00. Kershaw is the first Dodgers pitcher to do so since Sandy Koufax had a 1.73 ERA in 1966.
Kershaw struck out eight and walked none in totaling a career-high 236 innings this season. Favored to win the NL Cy Young Award, Kershaw leads the league with 232 strikeouts.
Rookie Collin McHugh (0-3) gave up eight runs and nine hits in four innings, struck out three and walked one.
CINCINNATI (AP) — Marlon Byrd had three hits and Pedro Alvarez hit a two-run homer high off the batter's eye, leading the Pirates over the Reds 4-1 in a series that will decide the NL wild-card game host.
With the Cardinals clinching the Central title, it comes down to who gets to host the wild-card playoff next Tuesday night, and the Pirates are one win away from taking it to PNC Park.
Byrd and Alvarez provided all of the Pirates' runs off Homer Bailey (11-12), who is struggling with his control heading into the postseason. A.J. Burnett (10-11) handled the Reds' slumping lineup, allowing Todd Frazier's homer and five hits overall in eight innings. Jason Grilli gave up a hit in the ninth while getting his 33rd save in 35 chances.
Cincinnati has lost three straight and scored one run in the last 22 innings.
ATLANTA (AP) — Chris Johnson led off the eighth inning with a homer to spoil an otherwise dominant start by Cliff Lee, Kris Medlen allowed only two hits in eight innings and the Braves beat the Philadelphia.
Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his 50th save.
Johnson's homer to left field snapped a streak of 16 consecutive batters retired by Lee (14-8), who allowed only three hits with no walks and 13 strikeouts in eight innings.
Medlen (15-12) strengthened his case to be the Braves' Game 1 starter in the NL division series next week. He allowed two hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. He has won five straight decisions.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hunter Pence hit his career-best 26th home run to back a shaky outing by Ryan Vogelsong and the Giants beat the Padres.
Brandon Belt and Juan Perez also homered for San Francisco in the first game of the season-ending series between two teams battling to stay out of the cellar in the NL West.
Vogelsong (4-6) gave up a pair of runs in the first three innings and had to pitch out of a two-on, two-out jam in the sixth to win for the first time since Aug. 25.
Burch Smith (1-3) allowed six runs and eight hits over 5 2-3 innings. The San Diego rookie walked three and struck out eight, giving him 42 in 31 innings.
NEW YORK (AP) — Norichika Aoki hit a leadoff homer, Khris Davis connected three batters later and Yovani Gallardo pitched the Brewers to a victory over the Mets.
Martin Maldonado also homered and Gallardo (12-10) went six innings to end his inconsistent season with a win. The right-hander, who won 33 games over the previous two years, finished 4-1 in eight starts since returning from a strained left hamstring.
Jim Henderson pitched a perfect ninth for his 28th save in 32 tries.
Aoki sent the fourth pitch from Carlos Torres (4-6) to right field for his second career leadoff homer.
PHOENIX (AP) — Stephen Strasburg ended his season with a strong performance, Jayson Werth and Wilson Ramos each hit three-run homers and the Nationals opened their final weekend with Davey Johnson as manager by beating the Diamondbacks.
Strasburg (8-9) gave up two runs and six hits in seven innings with four strikeouts, two walks and a hit batter.
Werth, who missed the early part of the season with a hamstring injury, sent a pitch from Patrick Corbin (14-8) soaring to deep left field for his 25th home run. Ramos' 16th homer was off Chaz Roe in the seventh.
MIAMI (AP) — Jhonny Peralta had a hit and an RBI double in his first game since completing a 50-game suspension, but the Tigers lost to the Marlins.
Peralta, who was suspended for his involvement with bogenesis, a Florida-based anti-aging clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs, started in left field.
His first action came when Giancarlo Stanton hit a bases-loaded double in the third inning that gave Miami a 3-0 lead.
Peralta's run-scoring double chased Miami starter Tom Koehler (5-10) in the sixth and cut the Marlins' lead to 3-2.
Detroit's Jose Alvarez (1-5) lasted 2 2-3 innings in his return to the starting rotation after eight relief appearances.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Carlos Santana and Asdrubal Cabrera both had two doubles and Jason Kipnis was a homer short of the cycle as the Cleveland Indians had 17 hits in a 12-6 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night.
With the win and Tampa Bay's loss at Toronto, the Indians moved into a tie with the Rays for the first AL wild card, one game ahead of Texas, which beat Los Angeles. Cleveland has won eight straight and 13 of 15, taking advantage of a schedule that ends with 10 games against Houston, the Chicago White Sox and the Twins, the three worst teams in the AL this season.
Indians starter Corey Kluber (11-5) managed to win his fifth straight decision. He started the game with three scoreless innings, but then allowed 10 of the next 16 hitters to reach and was knocked out with one out in the sixth. Kluber gave up six earned runs and 10 hits, but walked only one and struck out five.
Twins starter Pedro Hernandez (3-3) gave up four runs in the first inning and three in the second.
TORONTO (AP) — R.A. Dickey slowed Tampa Bay's stretch run, leading Toronto to a victory that stopped the Rays' seven-game winning streak.
Tampa Bay wasted a 2-0 lead and committed a season-high three errors, including a pair by two-time Gold Glove third baseman Evan Longoria. Tampa Bay dropped into a tie with Cleveland for the two AL wild cards, one game ahead of Texas. The Rays' magic number for clinching remained at two over Texas.
Dickey (14-13) allowed two runs and five hits in 7 1-3 innings, retiring 13 of 14 during one stretch. The 38-year-old knuckleballer, acquired from the New York Mets during the offseason after he won the NL Cy Young Award, struggled earlier this season but finished strongly, going 5-1 with a 3.17 ERA in his last seven starts.
Tampa Bay, which had won seven of its previous nine against Toronto, went ahead on home runs by Ben Zobrist in the first and Delmon Young in the second, his second in two games. Dickey allowed 35 homers, one behind the major league-high total of Oakland's A.J. Griffin (36).
BALTIMORE (AP) — Clay Buchholz allowed three runs over seven innings and AL East champion Boston Red routed Baltimore to move closer to securing home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
Daniel Nava and David Ortiz hit three-run homers for Boston, which opened an 8-0 lead by the third inning. Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a three-run drive overturned in a video review.
Dustin Pedroia had three hits for the Red Sox, who would clinch the AL's best record with another win or a loss by Oakland, which played Seattle later Friday.
Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 53rd homer in the sixth.
Given a big lead before his first pitch, Buchholz (12-1) rebounded from a loss to Toronto last weekend. Adam Jones hit a two-run homer in the third, the first home run by a right-handed hitter off Buchholz this year.
SEATTLE (AP) — Bartolo Colon outpitched Felix Hernandez to reach 18 wins for the fifth time in his career, Brandon Moss hit a three-run homer in the first inning and Oakland beat Seattle in the start of Eric Wedge's final weekend as Mariners manager.
Wedge told his bosses he will not return for next season, saying it became obvious he did not have a future with the club. Seattle, which has never reached the World Series, is assured of its fourth straight losing season and dropped to 70-90.
Oakland (95-65) remained two games back of Boston (97-63) with two games left in the race for best record in the AL and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.


From February to July 2008, SPDC and DKBA forces operating in Thaton District continued to demand forced labour, extort money and threaten villagers as punishment for allegations that villagers had contacted KNU/KNLA personnel. In addition, the destruction wrought by Cyclone Nargis on Thatons infrastructure and crops has added to the struggles of villagers. Despite such hardships, villagers in these communities continue to test and refine strategies to resist abuse by the SPDC and DKBA. Both local and international humanitarian and development agencies should increase efforts to support these villager-based resistance strategies, enabling villagers to claim their rights.
Thaton District of western Karen State is comprised of Kyaikto, Bilin, Paan, and Thaton townships. State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) and Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) forces are present and active in all four of these townships yet, have so far this year conducted only limited military patrols within and around villages in Bilin and Kyaikto Townships. Both groups, however, have been conducting more regular patrols in Paan and Thaton townships, especially since the end of June 2008.
Due to the reduced troop movements of SPDC and DKBA soldiers in Bilin and Kyaikto townships, and the simultaneous easing of travel and trade restrictions, villagers in these areas have been able to travel and work more freely than in the past. Even so, residents of these townships have continued to face forced labour and other demands from both SPDC and DKBA forces operating in the area. In Paan and Thaton townships, where SPDC and DKBA patrols have continued more regularly, villagers have not dared to travel and work outside of their village confines because they have been worried about encountering soldiers operating in the area. These villagers also continue to face forced labour and other demands from SPDC and DKBA soldiers who enter their villages. On top of this, local SPDC and DKBA soldiers have been restricting villagers travel and work outside of the village confines and constantly demand information from villagers who have allegedly had contact with Karen National Union (KNU) / Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) personnel. The table below shows SPDC and DKBA units currently deployed in all four townships of Thaton District.
"This was the strongest [storm] that Ive ever seen. It [the cyclone] occurred on May 2nd 2008. The wind started blowing early in the morning. It came from the direction of Gkaw Heh [village] and we dared not stay in the house. No villagers were injured. It destroyed seven houses in the village [and] destroyed durian trees and some other plants. Trees fell down and destroyed all of these houses. The durian plantations and a thatch plantation were destroyed."
Little information has come out regarding the extent of the damage from Cyclone Nargis in Karen State. Although the cyclone wrought the most damage in the Irrawaddy Delta when it struck on May 2nd and 3rd 2008, the cyclone also caused damage to parts of Karen State. According to KHRG field researchers operating in the area, many trees were knocked down when the cyclone struck Thaton township. Some of these trees then struck and destroyed nearby houses. Overall, much of the damage to Thatons economic infrastructure has only made day-to-day life more difficult for local villagers already under strain from SPDC and DKBA forced labour demands.
"We dont have enough rice because we cant work sufficiently for our livelihood due to forced labour and demands for money. Some [villagers] are not in very good health and the villagers are in trouble in different ways."
Villagers in all four townships of Thaton District continue to face regular demands for forced labour from SPDC and DKBA army units despite the current decrease in military patrols in Bilin and Kyaikto townships. Army units from both groups typically demand forced labour from communities situated close to their camps and bases. Furthermore, when SPDC and DKBA troops do enter villages in the area, they continue to demand forced labour - typically on-the-spot portering or guide duty. This labour involves carrying supplies or leading troops to other villages or towns, acting as safeguards from KNLA attacks and serving as human mine-sweepers along the way. Other forms of forced labour include bi-monthly portering of military supplies for the SPDC, construction of military camps, serving as set tha (messengers), fabricating and delivering wooden planks, thatch shingles and bamboo poles and building roads. Villagers in the area have also been ordered to deliver money and food to local army units. Villagers are often expected to rebuild roads washed out in the rainy season, cut back roadside trees and shrubs that grew during the rainy season, and deliver rations to army camps whose access roads may have long been cut off due to the seasons heavy rains. Though the end of the rainy season is the ideal time to harvest rice, some communities have begun to harvest their crops prematurely because they know they will be required to work for the SPDC or DKBA during the traditional harvest period.
"The soldiers ordered [the villagers] to put big logs in a bullock cart and then asked the cart owner to go [drive the cart to a sawmill] in front of their truck, so that if there was a landmine, it would kill the cart owners and the animals first. They [the soldiers] carry guns and order us to go so we have to go."
"They [DKBA] didnt give us any wages or food. We had to bring our own food and equipment to do the work for them. I think that he [deputy battalion commander Thaw MNah] has authority, because even though he sold off some logs [i.e. conducted business for personal benefit], the commander [above him] didnt say anything. Their [DKBA] businesses bring them profit, but the villagers have to do [the work] for them for free."
"Both women and men were included in the forced labour. We didnt let the [young] children go. We only asked villagers who were able work. The youngest were over 10 years old. The oldest were like me - 70 years old. I always have to go and do forced labour."
"The villagers have to do forced labour for [whichever army] camp is closest to their village. We cant remain [wont be allowed to stay in the village] without going and doing the forced labour. If we dont go, theyll say that were close to Koh Per Thoo [literally black scarf, a euphemism for the KNU/KNLA] and that our views are in line with those of Koh Per Thoo. I think that if we didnt go as many times [as demanded], they would fine us."
In an alleged counter-insurgency campaign (although with apparent extortive intent), SPDC and DKBA forces have persistently accused villagers in Thaton District of having contact with KNU/KNLA personnel. Given the military context, villagers, and especially village heads, are often required to balance the competing interests of SPDC, DKBA and KNLA forces with their own communitys security and material interests. As a consequence, villagers have often been accused of contacting KNU/KNLA personnel who operate in the area. In some cases, these accusations appear to be simply pretexts to extort money and ensure compliance with forced labour and other demands.
On July 30th 2008, 60-year-old Saw B--- of B--- village left his village to purchase an ox. As he was travelling, he encountered a group of DKBA soldiers at Htee Gkyoo Gkyo. A DKBA soldier named Saw So Leh interrogated Saw B--- and, while searching his belongings, discovered the money with which Saw B--- had intended to purchase the ox. The DKBA soldiers accused Saw B--- of having contact with the KNU/KNLA and of planning to deliver this money to the KNU. Saw B--- explained his intention of purchasing an ox, but Saw So Leh wouldnt accept his explanation and instead punched Saw B---, hit him on the head with his gun, and kicked him in the side. The DKBA soldiers then stole the 125,000 kyat [approx. US $101.63] Saw B--- needed to buy the ox.
In another incident on July 18th 2008, Column #1 of SPDC IB #24 under column commander Aung Gkyaw Gkyaw and DKBA Battalion #2 of Brigade #333, under deputy battalion commander Tha Myint, combined their forces. The resulting joint unit of 60 SPDC and DKBA soldiers entered T--- village and began interrogating villagers about whether anyone in the community had family ties to the KNU/KNLA. These soldiers remained active in the village area for 15 days. While staying at T--- village, the soldiers demanded three chickens, 20 eggs and one viss [1.63 kg. / 3.6 lb.] of sesame paste from the villagers.
Despite the relatively low intensity of confrontations between SPDC, DKBA and KNLA forces operating in Thaton District, the SPDC and DKBA continue to patrol the area and regularly utilise their military positions to extort money, food and supplies from local villagers.
On June 20th 2008, for example, DKBA Brigade #333, Battalion #1 Deputy Battalion Commander Thaw MNah entered G--- village and demanded one pig from the local villagers. The pretext was that the payment of the pig was a fine for not informing DKBA personnel about the date of a memorial, thus not inviting them, to honour a local monk who had died.
On July 15th 2008, at around 8:00 pm, DKBA deputy battalion commander Thaw MNah reportedly ordered his soldiers to dress up as KNLA soldiers and travel to W--- village where they demanded 500,000 kyat [approx. US $406.50] from Saw B---, the local village head. The village head initially would not give the money as demanded. But, after intimidation and threats, the village head gave 300,000 kyat [approx. US $243.90] to the soldiers.
"[The soldiers at] the DKBA camp on top of Meh Gyi hill demanded bamboo from us, but we havent cut it for them yet. I told them we also have to work at M--- pagoda and youve also ordered us [to do work] here, so we cant [prepare and deliver the bamboo poles]."
Villagers in Thaton District regularly confront forced labour, extortion, restrictions and related threats for non-compliance with SPDC and DKBA orders. Villagers in the area have frequently complained to KHRG that they dont have time to support their own families because they have to spend so much of their time doing forced labour for military personnel.
Despite such regular abuse, local villagers in Thaton District have actively responded with various strategies aimed at mitigating or wholly evading compliance with military demands. In some cases these villagers have, for example, initially ignored order documents that have been delivered by messengers to their villages. If subsequent orders have followed and some level of compliance has appeared inevitable, village heads have negotiated with local military authorities for a reduction in demands, stressing the already burdensome obligations imposed by army units on their communities. These local villagers have become deft at finding ways to resist abuse and minimise compliance without incurring violent retribution by soldiers.
In discussions with KHRG, local villagers in Thaton District have spoken of the diverse strategies they use to resist abuse and how they can continue to refine these measures. In the midst of heavy SPDC and DKBA militarisation, as well as ongoing KNLA patrolling, villagers in Thaton District have had to negotiate a fine balance between competing military pressures and their own household's livelihood needs. Local villagers have spoken to KHRG about their efforts to organise their strategies to more effectively minimise abuse. These strategies include: negotiation, bribery, outright refusal, various forms of delayed or false compliance and - when the burden of demands becomes too great - displacement to non-military-controlled areas. Aside from these more direct forms of local resistance, villagers in Thaton District continue to report the abuses to human rights groups and other organisations operating covertly in the area so that the international community may know about their situation. Some local SPDC and DKBA officials have become concerned that local abuses are being reported internationally as well as on Burmese-language radio and have confronted local villagers about their concerns. In some cases, villagers have openly acknowledged to local army personnel that human rights abuses against them may be reported and in this way made an implicit threat of their own against soldiers and officers.
"The DKBA [officer] said that the villagers had reported on the [forced] labour that they [the soldiers] had demanded and that the BBC had broadcast this news. I told [the officer], 'We didn't go [to the BBC], they came to get the information.' They asked and we answered: 'It's a fact that's you're demanding forced labour, so we have to report what's true.'"
"I just want to say that now we have to do a lot of work for them [SPDC and DKBA forces] even though we're not able to work for ourselves. The villagers have been complaining to me but if we don't go [to do the forced labour], they [the soldiers] will give us trouble. They have many kinds of work that [they] like to order the villagers to do for them. If we could work [without disturbances like forced labour] at our workplaces, we could develop ourselves more."
Life under militarisation in Thaton District involves persistent abuses - most commonly in the form of coerced and uncompensated demands for labour, money, food and supplies - which undermine villagers' abilities to maintain their livelihoods. In order to remain in their homes, local communities have sought ways to mediate the competing demands of military forces and their own livelihood and subsistence needs. While indigenous measures to resist abuse have been successful in individual cases, external support for such efforts by community-based organisations on the Thai border and international agencies working through Rangoon should focus more on funding initiatives that allow villagers to decide for themselves how best respond to and resist abuse.


[Info from the "Saucerful of Secrets" and "Crazy Diamond" books:] Roger Barrett currently resides in suburban Cambridge. He lives a fairly isolated existence, his affairs looked after by his sister, Rosemary Breen. He spends his time painting, reading, tending his garden and coin collection, and working on a pet-project of his, "The History of Art." The money from his Pink Floyd and solo albums is more than enough to subsidize his low-key lifestyle.
Though there are occasional "Syd sightings," Mr. Barrett finds it difficult to relate to and communicate with other people, and anyone attempting to track him down is likely to meet with a closed door, and the ire of Barrett fans worldwide who feel he should be left alone.
Dave, Nick and Rick are doing what they like best. Nick is racing his cars, Rick is sailing his yachts and Dave is flying his airplanes and occasionally contrubuting some guitar playing to other artists' albums. Making music and recording a new Floyd album is apparently not high on their priority list.