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Engineering & Tech
CERN's Future Circular Collider
Jul 25, 2019 | Physical Science
Geneva-based particle physics research centre, CERN, plans to build a £20bn particle accelerator that is almost four times longer than today's largest and most powerful accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). At 100 kilometres long, this 'Future Circular Collider' (FCC) will be able to accelerate particles to unprecedented speeds, leading to collisions that are 10 times more energetic than those achieved on the LHC. Measurements taken from such collisions will help scientists in solving several longstanding mysteries in physics, such as the nature of dark matter. In this exclusive interview, we speak with CERN physicist Dr Matthew McCullough, who tells us about CERN's plans for the FCC, its remarkable capabilities, and the new physics that he is most excited to explore.
How was the idea to build the FCC first conceived?
After the discovery of the Higgs boson, it became clear to the global particle physics community that a high precision Higgs factory, such as FCC-ee (an electron–positron collider), was the obvious next step if we want to understand this curious and singular particle, and a number of different communities began seriously considering this possibility.
A Higgs factory alone is not sufficient to address the full breadth of questions we have in fundamental particle physics, so an energy frontier machine that offers broad exploration capabilities but, importantly, can also be hosted within the same infrastructure as a precision Higgs factory, such as FCC-hh (a proton–proton collider), quickly followed suit.
The FCC will be a whopping 100 km long – dwarfing the 27 km LHC – making it the most powerful particle accelerator in the world by far. How will the FCC's capabilities compare with those of the LHC?
The capabilities will far surpass those of the LHC, both in terms of precision and in terms of the reach to explore what exists at more microscopic distances.
For the former, let's take the Higgs boson as an example. To understand this new type of particle, it is crucial that we measure its interactions as precisely as possible. At the LHC, the best precision we can hope for is at the level of a few percent, whereas the FCC can push the precision frontier to far below the percent level, giving us unprecedented access to the world of the Higgs boson.
For the latter, the extremely high energy of FCC-hh allows us to reach the actual particles responsible for forces that are much more microscopic than the distance scales probed by the LHC. The improvement depends on the scenario, but typically one can directly probe distance scales a factor of five smaller.
Because the FCC will be able to accelerate particles to even higher speeds, leading to higher-energy collisions, do you need to design a new class of detectors to capture previously-unattainable signals that might be created in such collisions?
Absolutely. The detectors will build on the technological advances made already at the LHC, but further innovation will be required. This is at the level of the technological hardware – for example, in designing detectors with higher resolution to track particles with greater precision.
A second aspect is the big data challenge of the FCC. The FCC-hh detectors in particular would produce enormous quantities of data to be stored, shared, and analysed. This would raise computational and big data challenges greater than we have seen before in particle physics.
However, when faced with such obstacles in the past, researchers at CERN and within the broader particle physics community have risen to the challenge. This is, after all, how we ended up with the World Wide Web.
'The thing that excites me the most is actually very simple: it is the sheer excitement of exploring places no one has ever been before. In this case, the 'places' are the microscopic innards of nature which can only be explored with the FCC.'
When do you hope construction will begin and end? What challenges do you foresee cropping up during this phase?
As a theoretical physicist I am totally unqualified to comment on construction challenges. But also, as a theorist with a long list of questions about the laws of nature to be answered, I can tell you that I hope construction begins and ends as soon as possible so that I can benefit from the knowledge the FCC will create.
I'm particularly interested in how the FCC will be able to probe the nature of dark matter. How could collisions between normal matter particles provide information about dark matter?
Despite the fact that there is a lot more dark matter than visible matter in the Universe, we have absolutely no idea what it is. This makes the dark matter puzzle one of the most acute problems in modern physics.
In fact, we know so little about it, that the particles that make it up could still, in principle, take an enormous range of masses. Each mass range requires a dedicated experimental program to discover it. It turns out that one well-motivated mass range is around the energies available to high energy colliders such as FCC. The reason I say it is 'well-motivated' is because for this mass range if you have moderately-sized interactions between the dark matter and the standard model particles and you run the cosmological clock forward from early times, you typically predict the same amount of dark matter as we know exists today.
It's sort of a Goldilocks situation, where the theory and cosmology work out to get the prediction 'just right'. Because their mass is within range, these particles could be produced in colliders, but, being dark, we couldn't actually detect them. However, just as with Goldilocks, some tell-tale traces of the dark matter would be left over.
For instance, we know that momentum is conserved in nature, and if dark matter is produced, it will carry away momentum that we don't measure in the detector. Thus, we would add everything up and the sums wouldn't match because of 'missing momentum'. Now, this is only one of the tell-tale signatures of dark matter production, but putting the full suite of possibilities together, it turns out that the FCC can probe the vast majority of models of this type through such signatures.
How might the FCC be used to figure out why the universe appears to contain hardly any antimatter, compared to matter?
If you take the Standard Model of particle physics and again run forward the cosmological clock from the early Universe to now, you don't end up with enough matter, certainly far less than we observe. Thus, there must be something beyond the Standard Model that explains where it came from.
There are many different possibilities for how this could have happened. There is one class of theories in particular where this occurred during the transition when the Higgs field gave mass to many of the particles we know. We call this the electroweak phase transition. Modifying the dynamics of the Higgs field at this time requires modified interactions and/or new particles in the Higgs sector. It turns out that, since the FCC is uniquely effective at exploring the Higgs boson, these modifications are typically big enough to be seen at the FCC. As a result, if the matter was created during the electroweak phase transition, there's a good chance we could see the new physics responsible for it with FCC.
In terms of new physics, what possibilities are you most excited about?
The thing that excites me the most is actually very simple: it is the sheer excitement of exploring places no one has ever been before. In this case, the 'places' are the microscopic innards of nature which can only be explored with the FCC.
If forced to be more specific, there is one measurement that I think is extremely important. This whole story of the Higgs field obtaining a non-zero value everywhere and giving mass to particles has its deep origin in the potential energy contained in the Higgs field. To measure the shape of the 'Higgs potential', it turns out that we have to measure how it interacts with itself. This is predicted in the Standard Model, but it is by no means guaranteed that the Standard Model is the appropriate description in this mysterious corner of Higgs physics.
Thus, for me, this is one of the most important questions we have, central to the questions surrounding the Higgs boson and the origin of fundamental particle masses. At the LHC we can't measure the Higgs self-interactions well at all, so after the collider has finished running, we will have a very poor understanding of this core structural aspect. On the other hand, the FCC can measure this hidden corner of the Standard Model to a precision of a few percent, providing a clear window into the Higgs potential.
Finally, when the LHC was being developed, there were some concerns about existential dangers associated with conducting such high-energy experiments. Many worried about black holes being generated on Earth, and other doomsday scenarios. Are there any genuine concerns this time around?
These days we certainly do have reasons to be concerned for the future of our planet, but the FCC isn't one of them!
https://home.cern/science/accelerators/future-circular-collider
https://doi.org/10.33548/SCIENTIA391
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Dr Yan M Yufik – From Machine Learning to Machine Understanding
Despite dramatic advances in neuroscience and biology in the 20th and 21st centuries, our understanding of the brain remains very limited. Dr Yan M Yufik, Head at Virtual Structures Research Inc, USA, is a physicist and cognitive scientist who has spent over 20 years combining experimental findings and theoretical concepts in domains as diverse as neuroscience and thermodynamics to form a theory of the brain. His focus has been on elucidating the mechanisms underlying human understanding and applying the results to the design of machines that can not only learn but understand what they are learning.
Dr Susanne Zeilinger – Fighting Fungi with Fungi: Utilising Chemical Warfare for Human Benefit
Fungi feeding on other fungi (mycoparasites) represent a promising alternative to chemical fungicides for plant disease control. They also have potential applications in medicine and across industry. Dr Susanne Zeilinger and her team from the University of Innsbruck in Austria are working to identify and characterise the genes and gene products that are active during the interactions of antagonistic fungi. This critical work is paving the way for improvement of fungal strains as biotechnological workhorses in plant protection and beyond.
Dr Akihiro Ito – Improving the Diagnosis of Legionnaires' Disease
Legionella bacteria are known to cause Legionnaire's disease, a potentially severe and lethal form of pneumonia. The bacteria can be classified into different serogroups forming specific sub-types of L. pneumophila. In humans, serogroup 1 is the most common cause of pneumonia, being responsible for approximately 80% of all cases. However, the other subgroups can also cause pneumonia, resulting in a range of outcomes from mild to severe, and these are more difficult to accurately detect. Dr Akihiro Ito at Kurashiki Central Hospital, Japan, is advancing the detection of all forms of L. pneumophila to facilitate more timely healthcare interventions for Legionnaires' disease.
The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Representing approximately 7,000 members in over 100 countries, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) is devoted to advancing engineering research applicable to agriculture, food and biological systems. In this exclusive interview, we have had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Sue Nokes, President of ASABE, who discusses the myriad of ways that the Society accelerates this diverse research field, towards ensuring global food, energy and water security, in the face of our changing climate and growing human population.
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Zometa is used to treat high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) that may occur with cancer. Zoledronic acid is used with cancer chemotherapy to treat bone problems that may occur with multiple myeloma and other types of cancer. Zometa lowers blood calcium levels by reducing the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood. It also works by slowing the breakdown of the bones by cancer to prevent bone fractures.
Side effects include may include dizziness, headache, or flu-like symptoms. Effects in general are mild and temporary; post-marketing reports have included weight gain, or more uncommonly pyrexia, asthenia, fatigue, or malaise persisting for greater than 30 days. More serious side effects of Zometa may include femur fractures, esophageal cancer, osteonecrosis of the jaw/dead jaw syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and severe musculoskeletal pain.
Dead jaw syndrome has been associated with the use of high levels of bisphosphonates, including Zometa. It has also been observed in post-menopausal women taking the drug for osteoporosis. The link to dead jaw syndrome has led to various lawsuits since the drug's release. A jury in New York found Novartis, Zometa's manufacturer, liable for $10.45 million in damages to a woman taking the drug who developed dead jaw syndrome. Evidence suggests that Novartis knew about the risk of jaw decay years before it began warning patients.


In a report broadcast on Radio-Canada about the village of Gaultois in Newfoundland, MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller was showcased. This report shows the difficulties of the villagers who are subject to a decision to stay or opt for relocation. Jane Toller is portrayed as a politician who works hard to help rural communities survive and thrive.


The human digestive tract is home to an estimated 500 to 1,000 different species of microorganisms, most of which are harmless, or even helpful, and live in harmony. If something upsets the balance, such as treatment with antibiotics or cancer chemotherapy, certain harmful microorganisms can multiply out of control and cause illness. Bacterial infection with C. difficile inflames the colon and causes diarrhea – that can be debilitating – and other intestinal symptoms. Infection with Clostridium difficile is very serious, can often recur, and can even lead to death.
Learn more about how Clostridium difficile affects patients by reading the results of our recent survey.


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Surface-Air
India's DAC Okays Purchase of Upgraded Version Of Akash Missiles
Our Bureau
India's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of military hardware worth INR 9,100 crore (US$ 1.2 billion) that includes an upgraded version of the Akash missile, on Tuesday.
Akash is a surface-to-air missile with a range of 25 km. The DAC headed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved purchase of two regiments of the missile. One regiment consists of six launchers with missiles each.
"The missile to be procured is an upgraded version of the previously inducted Akash missiles and will include seeker technology, possess 360-degree coverage and will be of compact configuration with reduced signature. The upgraded Akash Weapon System is operationally critical equipment which will provide protection to vital assets," the defence ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The defence acquisition council also gave its go-ahead for the design and development the individual under water breathing apparatus (IUWBA) for Russian-origin T-90 Tanks.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the IUWBA is used by tank crews for emergency escape during deep fording. The spokesperson said the DAC also approved the design and development of "test equipment for guided weapons system of T-90 tank" by DRDO.
"It will give an indigenous solution to the test equipment… earlier procured from foreign original equipment manufacturers," a ministry release added.
Indian Army Likely to Order another Batch of Akash Surface-to-air Missiles
The Indian Army is likely to order another batch of home-grown Akash, medium-range surface-to-air missiles from Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO). "The defence forces were fully satisfied with the performance of Akash system and that they were also intending to enhance its performance, Lt
India Test fires 'Akash' Missile With Locally-made Target Seeker
Indias Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) today test-fired the Surface to Air Missile (SAM) 'Akash with indigenous radio frequency seeker against a mobile target, Banshee. This is the first Surface to Air Missile with indigenous seeker that has been test fired
India's Akash Missiles Found To Be Faulty: CAG Report
Thirty per cent of India's locally built Akash surface-to-air missiles (SAM) supplied to the Indian Air Force are found to be faulty, the Comptroller Auditor General of India (CAG) has observed. About 30 per cent of "strategic missiles" made by BEL - a defence public sector unit - failed when they were test-fired, the CAG repord said
India In Discussion With Vietnam to Sell Akash, Brahmos missiles
India has held many discussions to sell its indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile and supersonic Bramhos missile to Vietnam. India and Vietnam share a strategic partnership
Akash Missile Successfully Test Fired
India test fired its indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore on Monday. The missile targeted an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) named 'Banshee', an official of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) told PTI
Indian Bharat Electronics to Supply IAF with $754 M Worth Akash Missiles
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a contract with the Indian MoD today for the procurement of Seven Squadrons of Akash Missile System for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This is a turnkey contract with specialist infrastructure, the total value of which is Rs
India Successfully Test-fires Interceptor Missile
September 24, 2018 @ 09:22 AM
India successfully test-fired an interceptor missile off the coast in its eastern sate of Odisha, officials said Monday. The missile test was carried out Sunday night from Abdul Kalam Island of the integrated test range (ITR)
India Test-fires Surface-to-Surface Short-range Tactical Ballistic Missile
India has test-fired its home-made surface-to-surface short-range tactical ballistic missile, 'Prahaar from Odisha coast Thursday. The missile developed by state-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is capable of filling the gap between the multi-barrel rocket system 'Pinaka' and medium-range ballistic missile 'Prithvi'
Alleged Middleman in India's VVIP Chopper Scam Goes Missing after Extradition Order...
Christian Michel, a British national alleged to be a middleman in Indias $500 million AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal has gone missing hours after a Dubai court ordered for his extradition Tuesday. "He (Christian) could not be found since the court ordered his extradition," Christian Michels lawyer, Amal Alsubei was quoted as saying by NDTV Wednesday
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Despite opposition from Moscow, Ukraine's Ukroboronprom has decided to pitch for Indian contracts for the supply of components and repair...
Interview with Mr M V Gowtama, Chairman & Managing Director,...
Segments such as Network Centric Warfare, Radars, Weapon systems, Electronic Warfare & Avionics, Military Communications and Electro Optics are likely...
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Yuri Slyusar, recently appointed President of Irkut Corporation, Russia commented on the structural changes in his organization and the impact...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The National plan to eliminate syphilis from the United States
Together we can SEE : Syphilis Elimination Effort
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (U.S.), Division of STD Prevention.	. Syphilis Elimination Effort.	.
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (U.S.), Division of STD Prevention.	. Syphilis Elimination Effort.	Less ▲
Disease Eradication
Prevention & Control
Disease Eradication/United States
Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Prevention & Control/United States
Syphilis//Prevention & Control/Prevention & Control/United States
Executive Summary -- Definitions and Abbreviations -- PART A. Introduction to the U.S. Syphilis Elimination Effort -- 1. Introduction -- 2. The Syphilis Elimination Effort - progress to date -- 3. Syphilis Elimination-challenges and opportunities -- PART B. Mission, Goals and Strategies -- 4. Mission, goals and strategies -- 5. Syphilis Elimination Goal I: Investment in, and enhancement of,public health services -- 6. Syphilis Elimination Goal II: Prioritization of culturally_competent interventions -- 7. Syphilis Elimination Goal III: Accountable services and interventions -- PART C. Implementing the 3-By-3 Approach to Syphilis Elimination -- 8. Roles and responsibilities for Syphilis Elimination and next step -- 9. Conclusion -- Appendix 1. SEE Global Logic Model -- Appendix 2. Required and recommended Syphilis Elimination activities -- Appendix 3. SEE activities by required and recommended categories -- Appendix 4. CDC GPRA goals for Syphilis Elimination Appendix 5. 2004 P&S syphilis rates and threshold SEE targets for U.S. project areas -- References
In October 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with federal, state, local, and non-governmental partners, launched the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis. In the plan, CDC identified key strategies needed for successful elimination of syphilis from the United States: expanded surveillance and outbreak response activities, rapid screening and treatment in and out of medical settings, expanded laboratory services, strengthened community involvement and agency partnerships, and enhanced health promotion. In the six years since its establishment, numerous gains have been made in reducing disease incidence in key groups, raising professional and public awareness of syphilis, increasing financial investment into public Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) clinic services, and building local public health and community capacity to fight this devastating disease. However, new challenges have emerged. After reaching a nadir in 2001, diagnoses of primary and secondary syphilis are again on the increase. Today, more than 60% of new infections are diagnosed in men who have sex with men (MSM). The evolving epidemiology, changing risk groups, and social environments present challenges for elimination and STD program activities. Syphilis is now increasingly diagnosed in the private sector, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the identification and management in this setting. Public health services face increasing pressures from rising demand and decreasing financial resources. The social contexts of poverty, racism, homophobia, and socio-economic discrimination continue to drive the concentration of the disease in those with high-risk sexual behaviors, poor access to care, or both. In reframing the future of the Syphilis Elimination Effort, CDC's vision is to create a dynamic, evidence- based and culturally competent prevention and control action plan for the elimination of syphilis from the United States. By 2010, interim elimination targets will be to reduce rates of primary and secondary syphilis in the United States to less than 2.2 per 100,000 population; congenital syphilis to fewer than 3.9 per 100,000 live births; and Black: White racial disparities to a ratio of less than 3:1. In order to achieve this, CDC will focus syphilis elimination activities in achieving three strategic goals: Investment in and enhancement of public health services; prioritization of evidence-based, culturally competent interventions; and creating accountable services and interventions. For each of the three goals, CDC recommends that syphilis elimination activities be delivered in three strategic areas of focus (The 3-By-3 approach to syphilis elimination). This results in nine strategies: Surveillance, Clinical and Laboratory Services, Community Mobilization, Health care Provider Mobilization; Tailoring of Interventions; Evidence-based Action Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Training and Staff Development; and Research. This plan provides a framework for continuing to deliver interventions aimed at eliminating syphilis as a public health problem in the United States. It should not be seen as a rigid blueprint for eliminating syphilis instantly. Rather, the plan provides guidance that helps local, state, and national partners to effectively focus on the problem in order to get the most important things done in the most cost-effective, ethical, and acceptable ways possible. Further details on the strategies and recommended activities are contained in an accompanying Syphilis Elimination Technical Appendix (SETA).
urn:sha256:efb47ff4878d17cf70260deafa42100ffbcb69bdf2150bfc7386423bd38d0aa8
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (U.S.)
October 1999. : Includes bibliographical references (p. 23-25).
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (U.S.). Division of STD Prevention.
As we approach the end of the 20th century, the United States is faced with a unique opportunity to eliminate syphilis within its borders. Syphilis is easy to detect and cure, given adequate access to and utilization of care. Nationally, it is at the...
Community mobilization guide : a community-based effort to eliminate syphilis in the United States
Together we can SEE; Syphilis Elimination Effort
Syphilis rates in the United States decreased during the 1990s and reached their lowest ever in 2000. However, these rates have begun rising again, increasing slightly in 2001 and more substantially in 2002. Between 2001 and 2002, the overall syphili...
Getting your community involved : a community-based effort to eliminate syphilis in the United States
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Together we can SEE
Syphilis Elimination Effort
The Syphilis Elimination Effort (SEE) is a national initiative bringing together health care providers, members of community-based organizations, religious leaders, policy makers, and activists to drive down syphilis rates in the United States. SEE i...
Health communications research to support the National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis from the United States
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention (U.S.). Division of STD Prevention.. Prospect Associates, Ltd..
In 1998, government agencies and community groups joined together to implement a National Plan to Eliminate Syphilis from the United States by the year 2005. This plan was officially launched by the Surgeon General and the CDC Director in October 199...


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Meditation & Mind Practice
Won Buddhism
Resources / About Us / Contact Us / Bookstore
Meditation, Mind Practice, and small Library
The Scriptures
The Living Buhhha
Sotaesan's 100 year Dream_2
The beginning of Won Buddhism
The Ten Stages of Sotaesan's Life
He offered visions and hopes for a future society of popularized Buddhist practice and living, and he made efforts for practical application, popularization, and modernization of Buddha Dharma under the founding motto: "As material civilization develops, cultivate spiritual civilization accordingly."
As the spiritual leader of Won Buddhism for 28 years, including the dark period of World War II, he built a strong spiritual and material foundation of Won Buddhism from the three main undertakings of the order: edification, education, and charity.
He lived as an enlightened sage and completed the basic doctrine of Il Won Sang, the Dharmakaya Buddha, the Fourfold Grace, and The Threefold Study.
On June 1, 1943, he entered into Nirvana at the age of 53 after he transmitted the verse of Truth to his disciples: "Being into nonbeing and nonbeing into being, Turning and turning— in the ultimate, Being and nonbeing are both void, yet this void is also complete."
Temples & Organization
Won Buddhist Teaching
Head Dharma Master
Sotaesan
What is Won Buddhism
Sotaesan, the Founding Master
Park, Joongbin (1891~1943), better known as Sotaesan, was born the son of peasants on May 5, 1891 in Korea. His spiritual journey started with questions about natural phenomenon and human relationships. His determination to find answers to these questions eventually led to his great awakening on April 28, 1916.
At the age of 26 on April 28, 1916, he attained enlightenment after twenty years of seeking the truth and declared: "All things are of a single body and nature; all dharmas are of a single root source. In this regard, the Way (Tao) that is free from arising nor ceasing and the principle of the retribution and response of cause and effect, being mutually grounded on each other, have formed a clear and rounded framework."
Address: 17 Galloping Rd. Round Rock, TX 78681 / Tel: 512-382-9660 / Email: sotaesancenter@gmail.com
Copyright © The Sotaesan Center, Inc.


Below is my final assignment for USSC6901: Fundamentals of US Studies. Strangely, though it was an academic essay, I didn't notice I was using abbreviations until it was returned, which was embarrassing, but generally, it's a work I'm pretty proud of, and possibly the first blog post I've written that has been assessed. Even if it wasn't, technically, a blog.
During our very last USSC6901 class, former Bush administration official Barry Jackson came to speak to us. There was a moment during his talk, where he mentioned the importance of the "universal sense of belonging to a story" in the United States. It was a moment of perfect synchronicity: I'd already noticed a theme emerging across our weeks of class: the role of narrative, of story-telling, in American life and American culture. It popped up in all manner of sessions, from classes on culture to those on foreign policy. Narrative, it seems, perhaps even more than any other attribute, is central to how many Americans understand their country, and is certainly central to the way politicians and other major cultural figures present it. Stories are a big part of American life.
Beyond that, though, is another dimension to the way narrative helped me understand the course. Rather than being able to pinpoint the start of this course as the beginning of a story about my understanding of the United States, I quickly came to realise it was another chapter- undoubtedly a major one, but another nonetheless- in my understanding of and, in a funny way, my relationship with, the United States. I realised this study, and all I've learnt so far and will learn in future is part my own narrative, and that my own story is important to how I understood both the course, and, more broadly, the United States. What I've learnt, and the ways I've grown, in the last month does not exist in a vacuum. It's not something that just happened, out of the blue. Rather, it is another chapter in my personal, unfolding narrative. As I reflected on the course during my study, my own American story became especially relevant.
I suppose it makes sense to start with that story, to begin at what, I suppose, was the beginning, both of the course and of my understanding of the US. When Carson gave us the list of questions we could think about in our critical reflections, it seemed essential that I start by considering my own American journey. So the second post I wrote in my reflective journal (which, at first, was kept online as a blog then, as time became more precious, moved to a written journal) was a story, my own narrative, of my history with the US, from the first moments of my Mighty Ducks obsession, to the day we landed in Portland, Oregon, in 1997.
This understanding was central to how I thought of Americans, and was also a wonderful place to start: with the understanding that the US is not a monolith, isn't a cultural giant divided simply into conservative and liberal, but is rather a varied and nuanced place. The importance of that understanding was reiterated throughout the class.
I also realised I identified particularly strongly with notions of "The American Dream." In telling my own story, I realised there was a good deal of suburban idealism in the tale. On page 5 of my journal, I described our life in the US.
It's funny: even just three weeks after writing those words, I realise how idealized my memories are. I realise how much they are informed by my belief in the "American Dream", which was instilled in me largely while I was over there. I valued those elements of tradition and community that we identified as tropes in the course of our study. It's amazing how, even after three weeks, I'm able to identify biases of which I wasn't aware.
This was a recurring theme throughout my journal: without meaning to, I have linked almost every class to something I already knew or something from my past, or something I'd read or thought. Rather than being individual moments of clarity or understanding, they were inherently interconnected: to each other, and to my own, broader understanding of the United States. I was learning about narratives at the same time I was building on my own.
Take, for example, the early class on the US Government, with Assoc. Prof. Brendon O'Connor. When I wrote in my journal following the class, the first thing I mentioned was a website called fivethirtyeight.com, which I read religiously during the 2008 election (E. Riley Reflective Journal, p. 13). It is a fantastic site, which deals a lot with polling about the election (the guy who started it, Nate Silver, was a baseball statistician who applied what he'd learnt there to politics). In the course of presenting such information, though, the site had to be interested in process. It explained the way the election worked. And, along the way, Silver pointed out mathematical anomalies in the system. Consequently, I came into class with a pretty fair idea about how much of the electoral process worked (even about Maine and Nebraska's special way of allotting Electoral College votes), but having that knowledge been acquired in quite a piecemeal way.
What the class offered, therefore, was not the opportunity to learn something new, but the opportunity to structure that information in a new and meaningful way. It filled in gaps and made connections, and put things in a broader context. Certainly, there were new things I learnt in the class, but mainly, it was information I had already known. Working through it, however, allowed me to understand it better. The separation of powers, for example, was something I probably would have claimed to understand previous to the class, but after Assoc. Prof. O'Connor's class, I both understood it better, but also had a greater appreciate for how complex and difficult to understand it was. Once again, it was fitting pieces of information into a broader story.
It is difficult for me to reflect on what, specifically, I discovered about the US in the last few weeks. Without meaning to sound arrogant or presumptuous, I don't feel that I specifically leant something entirely new- and the new. But my understandings of some things were truly enriched by the study, and while other things, being only touched on in short lectures, have certainly inspired me to want to learn more. While I despaired in my journal that I just couldn't seem to grasp any of the economic theory (E. Riley Reflective Journal, p. 19), I certainly am motivated to at least try now.
If one thing has been abundantly clear through the course of the class, it is how important it is to examine the assumptions we have about the United States. Its prominence in our daily lives and the fact its cultural reaches are so broad, can lead to a sense of complacency. We think we understand the United States because we see it and hear about it constantly.
Ironic, then, that in the course of this reflection so far, I've made a few rather strong, broad-reaching statements about the US and failed to provide evidence for some of my claims, especially those relating to narrative. It's an omission worth addressing, however briefly.
Dr Stephen Robertson's class was particularly relevant for identifying the role of narrative in American culture. While both our film studies class, and Dr. Jane Park's class both directly touched on narrative (as, indeed, many of the other classes, though not so directly), Dr Robertson's class was interesting in the way it identified not one but a broad range of narratives, of terms that are imbued with cultural meanings. In looking at President Barack Obama's "A More Perfect Union" speech, given during the primary election campaign in 2008, we examined the way Obama positioned himself, using language, inside a number of broader American narratives. Obama harked back to the nation's founding moment in an attempt to understand it as it is now, but also explained his own identity in terms of his narrative- the child of a Kenyan father and a Kansan mother. This tradition of understanding things as they are in terms of things as they have been was well demonstrated in Obama's speeches.
It was an excellent example of the prevalence of a common narrative in American life, in the way a speaker can both add to the narrative and speak to the narrative. It was merely one of many examples of this trend, but certainly gave weight to the theory that narrative is an important part of American life. Though I ultimately didn't do the second assignment, in my research for it, before I made that decision, I read a number of inaugural addresses, and realised Obama was by no means the first to do so. Storytelling has been an essential part of American political rhetoric for a very long time. It truly is a country that conceives itself in terms of stories.
While I feel most of what I've gained from this course fit broadly within that framework of a narrative, one particularly important aspect of the class falls well outside it. Much of what I gained from the class happened not during formal teaching, but in the relationships I have developed with my peers. I was astonished at the camaraderie that developed in the course of the class, and is continuing. Rarely have I met a group with whom I have forged friendships so quickly, or found myself to have so much in common. In talking after class and during breaks, in going for drinks after the final class, my understanding of our coursework was enriched in a remarkable way by the discussions I had with my peers. No honest reflection on the course could omit this.
The intensive, three-week class was, at times, overwhelming. Though much of the information was at least somewhat familiar, the sheer volume of it, the broad range of ways it was presented, and the speed at which we were required to ingest it was challenging. In the course of the time, I realised that, just as there is a tradition in the United States of positioning yourself within a broader narrative. In understanding this, I came to better understand this course as part of a broader, unfolding narrative of my own.


Teachers looking for late homework are used to hearing the excuse "the dog ate it." People looking to collect car payments, not so much. But in the case of one St. Augustine couple, it's the truth.
Tuity, a Labrador retriever/chow/bulldog mix, decided to chow down on the $1,000 in cash his owners had been saving, according to Click Orlando.
"My husband and I are trying to pay off my car, and so every time we save $1,000, we just take it to the bank and we just put it in the account, so we have no checks," Christy Lawrenson told the news station.
But this time around, the couple's money went missing. They discovered Tuity had eaten the cash. They induced vomiting in the pup, and up came the remains of the money. Nine hundred bucks had been chewed to shreds.
The couple has sent the remains of the bills to the U.S. Treasury along with an explanation and hopes to get their money back.
We suggest that the Lawrensons look into opening a checking account. If the dog eats a check, you can always write a new one.


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BIBLICAL MATTERS
Basic Issues Regarding Eternal Salvation
Difficulties In Understanding God
Uncertainties Regarding Righteousness
Uncertainties Regarding Sin
Confidence in the Bible
The Bible Versus Science And Logic
Uncertainties Regarding Future Events
Financial Planning and Budgeting
Spending Money
Using Credit
Miscellaneous Financial
ABOUT HARVEY
CONTACT HARVEY
Origin of Humans
Could a mindless cosmic force have randomly (i.e., by pure chance) caused the formation of all types of life? Could even the most elementary of living organisms have randomly evolved from some inanimate source? Could elementary organisms with no brains have randomly evolved into intelligent life, most notably human beings?
In this article we will focus primarily on the credibility of evolutionary theory, which claims that intelligent life, including humans, evolved from lower forms of life, the most elementary of which are alleged to have initially evolved from inanimate matter.
The Transformation from Inanimate to Animate
On page 92 of his book entitled The Case for Faith, Lee Strobel says with regard to the theory of evolution, "Darwin's theory presupposes that nonliving chemicals, if given the right amount of time and circumstances, could develop by themselves into living matter."
With regard to the chemical composition of the human body, the online encyclopedia Wikipedia provides the following assessment:
Almost 99% of the mass of the human body is made up of six elements: oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. Only about 0.85% is composed of another five elements: potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium. All 11 are necessary for life. The remaining elements are trace elements, of which more than a dozen are thought on the basis of good evidence to be necessary for life.
This raises the question as to what the probability is that all of the necessary chemicals could, by chance alone, come together in the right proportions to bring a fully functioning human being into existence?
Walter Bradley, Ph.D., on page 101 of Strobel's previously mentioned book, notes that there was not a sufficiently long interval between the time the earth cooled to the right temperature and the time that evolutionists argue was when life first emerged. He goes on to say,
[T]he mathematical odds of assembling a living organism are so astronomical that nobody still believes that random chance accounts for the origin of life. Even if you optimized the conditions, it wouldn't work. If you took all the carbon in the universe and put it on the face of the earth, allowed it to chemically react at the most rapid rate possible, and left it for a billion years, the odds of creating just one functional protein molecule would be one chance in a 10 with 60 zeroes after it.
According to Wikipedia, the self-proclaimed biggest multilingual free-content encyclopedia on the Internet, "the total number of non-bacterial species in the world has been estimated at 8.7 million. . . ." If the odds of creating just one functional protein molecule would be one chance in a 10 with 60 zeroes after it, as Bradley has stated, what would be the chance of creating 8.7 million non-bacterial species? And there are also other factors to consider.
John MacArthur, the President of The Master's College and Seminary, raises the following questions on page 32 of his book entitled The Battle for the Beginning: "How could life, self-consciousness, and rationality evolve from inanimate, inorganic matter? Who designed the many complex and interdependent organisms and sophisticated ecosystems we observe? Where did intelligence originate?"
Then, on page 98 of the same book, MacArthure says,
As author and biochemist Michael Behe has pointed out, evolution can deal only with "systems that are already working." By definition, that which does not function simply cannot "evolve." It is therefore impossible for inanimate matter to produce biological systems by "evolution."
In Scientific Creationism, a book edited by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D., the following argument is made on page 46:
No doubt one of the most difficult stages in the evolutionary process would be the transition from non-life to life, from non-replicating chemicals to self-replicating systems. Nevertheless, if the evolution model is valid, this transition must have occurred, and it must have occurred by natural processes which can be explained in terms of the same laws of nature which operate today.
That being true, it should be expected as a basic prediction from the evolution model that the processes themselves still operate today and therefore that the evolution of life from non-life also is taking place today. When empirical observations show that evolution is not occurring today, then the evolution model must be modified with another secondary assumption, namely, that there were different conditions in the earth's primeval atmosphere and hydrosphere than those which exist at present.
Paul Little, on page 12 of his book entitled Know Why You Believe, states that experiments have shown that "life never arises except from life. . . . But since it is a conclusion that seems to lead back to some supernatural creative act, it is a conclusion that scientific men find very difficult to accept."
Another consideration is that for intelligent life to exist, all the vital organs need to be functional at the same time. Statistically and logically, it would be virtually impossible for the brain, the heart, the lungs, the kidneys, the liver, and the other vital organs of the first intelligent life on Earth to all become functional at the same time as a result of mere chance.
With regard to human life in particular, George H. Gallop, pioneer of survey sampling techniques and inventor of the Gallup poll, a successful statistical method of survey sampling for measuring public opinion, asserts, "[T]he chances that all the functions of an individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity."
Furthermore, the forming of all the vital organs had to occur in both a male and a female of the same macro species at essentially the same time so that macro species could reproduce. Statistically, this would be even more unlikely.
In addition, Hugh Ross, Ph.D., an astrophysicist and astronomer, has stated that for life to exist on the earth, there are more than 200 characteristics that are necessary, and most planets do not have even one of them. Examples of these characteristics are gravity, oxygen, radiation, temperature, and water, all of which must be at appropriate levels.
The Transformation of an Existing Species into a New Species
A basic consideration that apparently is not addressed by those who believe in macro-evolution is the belief that creatures of one macro species can evolve into creatures of a different macro species, such as a pig evolving into a hippopotamuses, in contrast with micro-evolution, which pertains to changes within a macro species, such as dogs evolving into other types of dogs.
If macro-evolution occurred in the past, why would it not be occurring today also? Insofar as we can determine, there is no credible evidence of any current creature that is in the process of evolving from one macro species into a different macro species. If macro-evolution has been occurring for millions of years, why would there not be evidence that at least one creature is currently evolving from one macro species into another macro species?
With regard to the evolution of one macro species of life into a new macro species, MacArthur asserts on page 134 of his previously mentioned book,
Science has never observed, and never will observe, the evolution of one species into a new life form. That is a genetic impossibility.
Every living thing has a complex code, stored in its DNA . . . that determines its fundamental characteristics. The DNA code is analogous to a computer's program. DNA contains the information that enables the organism to reproduce, preserve, and repair itself. The genetic structure of every living organism limits that organism to what it is – no more, and no less. There is no genetic information that can enable an organism to transform itself into something it is not.
Subsequently, on page 136 of the same book, MacArthur asserts,
[E]ach living organism has been programmed differently, and the genetic program is what determines the appearance, composition, size, and function not only of the creature itself but also of every organ and even every individual cell that makes up the larger organism.
Where did this genetic information come from? It certainly didn't come out of nowhere. It should be obvious to all that it didn't just fall into place by accident or by random chance.
What about mutations? We know that genes sometimes mutate. Changes occur in the DNA structure that cause changes in the appearance of creatures. Could a series of random mutations explain how one species evolves into another?
Certainly not. Mutations can alter or destroy existing information in an organism's genetic code, but they cannot add new information. Mutations are genetic mistakes. They can cause a form of evolution, known as microevolution, where the characteristics of a species are slightly altered. Different breeds of dogs and different families of horses are products of microevolution. But genetic mistakes cannot explain macroevolution, the theoretical process by which a whole new species is formed.
Genetic information giving a species complex new abilities, such as wings to fly or gills to breathe underwater, would be far too complex to be explained by random mutation.
Likewise, Allen Bowman, Ph.D., declares on page 83 of his book entitled Is the Bible True?,
Science cannot point to a single proved case of a species developing out of another distinct species. On the contrary, the one most striking fact about all species of life is their unalterable tendency to breed true to form. The development of different varieties within a species . . . is something within an entirely different category. We are speaking of species, not of varieties. Evolution is very far from being a proven fact.
Then, on pages 84-85 of the same book, Bowman states,
The difficulty with [the] naturalistic explanation of things is that it leaves great gaps. . . . Evolution cannot explain . . . the tendency of species to reproduce true to form; of the exquisite adaptation of means to ends which alone makes life possible on this planet. There is the gap between the inanimate and the animate: evolution cannot explain how life began. There is the gap between the lower animals and man: evolution cannot explain the origin of human intelligence. . . . The difficulty with evolution is that it leaves out of the picture the one factor that must be there if we are to have any real explanation of the universe – the factor of intelligence.
Gleason L. Archer, on page 57 of his book entitled Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, says there is "no evidence whatever that any 'lower' species phased into the next 'higher' species by any sort of internal dynamic, as evolution demands." Archer goes on to state on page 62,
It is interesting to observe that the fossil-bearing strata . . . contain the first evidence of invertebrate animal life with startling suddenness in the Cambrian period. There is no indication in the pre-Cambrian strata of how the five thousand species of marine and terrestrial animal life . . . may have developed, for there is no record of them whatever prior to the Cambrian levels. . . .
Basil Atkinson, Ph.D., on page 47 his book entitled Is the Bible True? (the same title as Bowman's book), declares, "If the evolution theory were true, thousands of intermediate species, that is to say, of missing links, must have been found in a fossilized condition in the rocks. But none have been found."
On pages 69-70 of Scientific Creationism, Henry M. Morris, Ph.D., asserts,
[T]here are many similarities between different kinds of plants and animals, and evolutionists have interpreted these as evidence of common ancestry. Creationists, on the other hand, interpret the same similarities as evidence of common creative planning and design. The evolutionist has to assume all such characteristics have developed by chance mutations and natural selection. Creationists explain them as structures designed by the Creator for specific purposes, so that when similar purposes were involved, similar structures were created.
If the cat and dog evolved from a common ancestor in the same environment by the same process, how did they ever get to be different? It would seem there ought rather to be an integrated series of animals between cats and dogs, so that one could never tell where "cats" stop and "dogs" begin.
Subsequently, on page 72 of his same book, Morris declares,
If an evolutionary continuum existed, as the evolution model should predict, there would be no gaps, and thus it would be impossible to demark specific categories of life. Classification requires not only similarities, but differences and gaps as well, and these are much more amenable to the creation model.
Assessments of Evolutionary Theory
Strobel says on pages 90 and 91 of his aforementioned book,
More and more biologists, biochemists, and other researchers – not just Christians – have raised serious objections to evolutionary theory in recent years, claiming that its broad inferences are sometimes based on flimsy, incomplete, or flawed data.
In other words, what looks at first blush like an airtight scientific case for evolution begins to unravel upon closer examination. New discoveries . . . have prompted an increasing number of scientists to contradict Darwin by concluding that there was an Intelligent Designer behind the creation and development of life.
Everyone concedes that evolution is true to some extent. Undeniably, there are variations within species of animals and plants. . . . This is called "micro-evolution."
But Darwin's theory goes much further than that, claiming that life began millions of years ago with simple single-cell creatures and then developed through mutation and natural selection into the vast array of plant and animal life that populate the planet. . . . Scientists call this more controversial theory 'macro-evolution."
Initially troubling to me was the paucity of fossil evidence for the transitions between various species of animals. Even Darwin conceded that the lack of these fossils "is perhaps the most obvious and serious objection" to his theory. . . .
And, Strobel states on page 92 of his previously mentioned book that the fossil record shows "there is the sudden appearance of nearly all the animal phyla, and they appear fully formed, 'without a trace of the evolutionary ancestors that Darwinists require.' It's a phenomenon that points more readily toward a Creator than Darwinism." Strobel then notes,
In his book Origin of Species, Darwin also admitted: "If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, then my theory would absolutely break down." . . . Behe's award-winning book Darwin's Black Box showed how recent biochemical discoveries have found numerous examples of this very kind of "irreducible complexity."
Clark Pinnock, on page 113 of his book entitled Set Forth Your Case, says,
Scientifically the concept of evolution has almost outworn its usefulness. So many inner contradictions have been pointed out that the hypothesis has ceased to be helpful. . . . [N]o scientist has come anywhere near demonstrating an unbroken line of evolution with any certainty.
Morris states on page 8 of his previously cited book, "There are literally thousands of scientists and other educated intellectuals today who reject evolution, and this would certainly not be the case if evolution were as obvious as many scientists say it is."
On page 88 of his book entitled Life Itself: Its Origin and Nature, Francis Crick, a co-discoverer of DNA makes the following admission:
An honest man, armed with all the knowledge available to us now, could only state that in some sense, the origin of life appears at the moment to be almost a miracle, so many are the conditions which would have had to have been satisfied to get it going.
Nathan Busenitz says on page 45 of his book entitled Reasons We Believe,
None other than Bill Gates has compared the information in DNA to a software program much more complex than anything human beings have ever developed. We would never conclude that a Microsoft program came into existence without a designer. So why would we think this about DNA?
And, Bradley makes the following statements on pages 108, 109, and 110 of Strobel's aforementioned book:
I think people who believe that life emerged naturalistically need to have a great deal more faith than people who reasonably infer that there's an Intelligent Designer.
Many [scientists] have reached that conclusion.
[W]hat I've found is absolutely overwhelming evidence that points toward an Intelligent Designer.
The evidence is compelling. "[C]ompelling" says you have to really work hard not to get that conclusion.
Each cell in the human body contains more information than in all thirty volumes of the Encyclopaedia [sic] Britannica. It's certainly reasonable to make the inference that this isn't the random product of unguided nature, but it's the unmistakable sign of an Intelligent Designer.
Some people may question whether or not Adam and Eve were actually the first humans from whom all other humans have descended. In this regard, Norman Geisler, Ph.D., and Thomas Howe, M.A., state on pages 31-32 of their book entitled When Critics Ask,
There is good evidence to believe that Adam and Eve were real persons. First, Genesis 1-2 presents them as actual persons and even narrates the important events in their lives. . . . Second, they gave birth to literal children who did the same. . . . Third, the same phrase ("this is the history of"), used to record later history in Genesis (6:9; 9:12; 10:1, 32; 11:10, 27; 17:7, 9), is used of Adam and Eve (Gen. 5:1). Fourth, later OT chronologies place Adam at the top of the list (1 Chron. 1:1). Fifth, the NT places Adam at the beginning of Jesus' literal ancestors (Luke 3:38). Sixth, Jesus referred to Adam and Eve as the first literal "male and female," making their physical union the basis of marriage (Matt. 19:4). Seventh, Romans [the biblical book] declares that literal death was brought into the world by a literal "Adam" (Rom. 5:14). Eighth, the comparison of Adam (the "first Adam") with Christ (the "last Adam") in 1 Corinthians 15:45 manifests that Adam was understood as a literal, historical person. Ninth, Paul's declaration that "Adam was formed first, then Eve" (1 Tim. 2:13-14) reveals that he speaks of a real person. Tenth, logically there had to be a first real set of human beings, male and female, or else the race would have had no way to begin.
But, what about the scientific evidence which indicates that humanlike beings lived many thousands of years before Adam and Eve? Bowman, on pages 90-91 of his previously mentioned book, suggests,
There is [a] possibility which is worth considering even though it so startles many Bible readers that they are inclined to reject it out of hand: the possibility of a pre-Adamite race of hominids. By "hominids" we mean a species of manlike creatures distinct from the human race. We do not use the term in the sense of missing links between animals and men as do [some] historians.
Most people instinctively think of any race of pre-Adamites as identical with our own race and so consider the idea to be out of accord with Bible teaching as a whole. Careful definition of terms is essential, and this theory posits hominids as a distinct species.
Thus, it can be argued that the humanlike beings that lived before Adam and Eve were not actually humans. In this regard, Archer states on page 64 of his previously cited book,
If we examine the biblical record carefully, we must recognize that when God created Adam and Eve in His own image (Gen. 1:27), He breathed something of His own Spirit into them (Gen. 2:7) in a way that He had not done to any previous order of creation.
There may have been advanced and intelligent hominids who lived and died before Adam, but they were not created in the image of God. This is the line of distinction to which God's word commits us, and it is here that we must reject any interpretation of pale anthropological data that supposes that a skeletal resemblance establishes that pre-Adamic anthropoids were true human beings in the biblical sense of the term.
Roger R. Nicole and J. Ramsey Michaels, on pages 158-159 of their book entitled Inerrancy and Common Sense, assert: "[T]he conceptions of human origins as presented by Genesis and by anthropology, when both are properly understood, are not in contradiction, but form a complementary whole." [Note: According to Webster's Dictionary, anthropology, teaches about the origin, nature, and destiny of humans, especially from the perspective of their relation to God.]
Although it may be possible to reconcile the story of the creation of humans, as recorded in the biblical book of Genesis, with the science of anthropology, it does not seem possible to reconcile macroevolution (the theoretical process by which an entirely new species is formed) and the biblical account of creation. Because the information we have presented indicates that much – and, perhaps, most – of the evidence in support of macroevolution is not credible, the biblical account that God created all the basic kinds of intelligent life should be given serious consideration as a plausible alternative.
Even assuming that evolution was responsible for the ultimate development of multiple forms of life, it does not seem possible that the most complex forms could have developed without the active involvement of the supernatural intelligence that we call God. In fact, we believe it can legitimately be argued that a person needs more faith to believe that intelligent life on the earth, particularly human life, could have come into existence as a result of mere chance than to believe that an Intelligent Designer (i.e., God) orchestrated the creation of the vital organs and everything else necessary for humans and other intelligent forms of life to exist.
In light of all the preceding considerations discussed in this article, it is reasonable to conclude that macro evolution is a theory, not a fact, because it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, there is no compelling reason to believe that humans evolved from apes (or any other creature), rather than being created by God.
[For additional reasons to believe in the existence of God, see the Appendix that immediately follows and/or click on "Evidence that God Exists."]
Although scientists believe that there are 20-25 thousand human genes, they estimate that there are three billion pairs of genes in the human genome, according to an article on the National Human Genome Research Institute website (https://www.genome.gov/human-genome-project/Completion-FAQ). That article states,
A genome is an organism's complete set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a chemical compound that contains the genetic instructions needed to develop and direct the activities of every organism. DNA molecules are made of two twisting, paired strands. Each strand is made of four chemical units, called nucleotide bases. The bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C).
The human genome contains approximately 3 billion of these base pairs, which reside in the 23 pairs of chromosomes within the nucleus of all our cells. Each chromosome contains hundreds to thousands of genes, which carry the instructions for making proteins.
So, what is the probability that these three billion pairs of genes could come together by pure chance to form a human being? Presumably, the odds against such an occurrence would be so astronomical as to make it virtually impossible. And, if chance can be ruled out, then a Creator (i.e., God) is the only logical explanation as to how human beings came into existence.
By Harvey Armour|The Bible Versus Science And Logic|
How Could Light Exist Without The Sun and The Stars?
BIBLICAL MATTERS (166)
Basic Issues Regarding Eternal Salvation (31)
Difficulties In Understanding God (31)
Confidence in the Bible (20)
The Bible Versus Science And Logic (13)
Uncertainties Regarding Future Events (12)
Uncertainties Regarding Righteousness (30)
Uncertainties Regarding Sin (29)
FINANCIAL MATTERS (43)
Financial Planning and Budgeting (6)
Spending Money (9)
Using Credit (8)
Saving and Investing (12)
Miscellaneous Financial (8)
Copyright 2014 by Harvey Armour. If you have any questions or comments about this article, contact Harvey Armour at harveyarmour@yahoo.com. Mr. Armour desires to provide helpful insights from a Christian perspective on financial matters and difficult biblical matters. The information provided with regard to articles on personal or family money management is not intended to replace professional advice. Please consult with your own independent attorney and tax accountant to review and approve your financial decisions.


My next patient, Sara, was new to the practice. She opened the visit with, "I have lots of issues." She was in her mid-thirties, pleasant, and poised. I asked her if we could make a list of her issues and prioritize them since I needed to gather her entire medical history. She agreed without hesitation. The first item rolled off of her tongue, "I need medication for genital herpes. My grandfather gave it to me when I was a child. He abused me from age 3-12." She quickly changed the subject without missing a beat and moved to her next complaint, "I also have lots on cherry angiomas on my face that I would like removed." She did not flinch. Her voice did not tremble. The trauma had become part of her story but it did not define her.
I wish I could say that sexual assault survivors are uncommon in my practice, but they are not. At least one or two patients I see a day have a history of sexual trauma. Many sexual assault survivors I see are burdened by depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use, chronic pain, and multiple somatic complaints. It is hard for them to have intimate relationships. They cannot always hold a job. Many people of color have added minority stress and experience racism and discrimination in addition. Transgender and gender diverse patients also have an added layer of stigma due to transphobia.
Why am I sharing this? What does this mean for the medical community? Many survivors have also been re-victimized and memories of the trauma can be triggered by clinicians during an exam. The survivor above made it clear that her grandfather was the perpetrator, but on questioning about routine cancer screening she told me, "I was having my pap smear and the OBGYN ran out of the room crying because of all the scarring she saw." The patient was reminded of her trauma, but had to comfort the provider because of her reaction. Another young woman, a lesbian of color, presented with recurrent vaginitis and when asked about doing a pelvic exam, she froze and said, "I don't want any more pelvic exams because the last one was a male OBGYN who put his fingers in me so hard. It caused me a lot of pain." Lastly, a middle-aged trans masculine patient was due for cervical cancer screening. He told me that he was prepared for the exam and we walked through it with his partner in the room. Only later did he tell me that this triggered his previous abuse and during the exam he went into a dissociative state.
How do we as a medical community address the distress of sexual trauma? How can we make sure that we are not the perpetrators? In recent years, the term "trauma-informed care" has been used to describe the ways in which providers in varied settings (i.e. social service, education, health care, and corrections) can better serve people who have experienced traumatic life events. As a family physician with a focus in women's and LGBT health, we have adopted the following tips. For more tips, refer to this paper on Trauma Informed Care in Medicine.
Use non-sexualized language in the exam room, ie: drape instead of sheet, foot rests instead of stirrups, examine or palpate instead of touch or feel.
For pelvic exams, make sure the bed is lifted at least 30 degrees so the patient is not flat on their back.
Recent research is insufficient to show that annual clinical screening pelvic or breast exams improve health outcomes. US Preventive Services Task Force gives routine pelvic exams in asymptomatic women grade I. The American Cancer Society does not support routine clinical breast exams as a method for cancer screening. We argue that both of these exams should be a discussion and to use shared decision making with the patient. This is a situation where the risks of anxiety may outweigh the benefits. Pelvic and breast exams may be particularly triggering for some patients. Why perform them routinely when there is no evidence if we may be doing more harm than good? This topic becomes even more sensitive for the transgender and gender diverse population where patients may be uncomfortable with their body. For routine physical exams, we should be asking about genital complaints and avoid routine exams unless the medical history indicates otherwise.
At the end of the visit with Sara, her eyes filled with tears, as she gave me a hug. "I want to give back. I didn't want to be defined by my abuse. I've worked hard to overcome it. I want to share my story." Sara went through five years of counseling to be able to process what happened. For the last 10 years, she has been in a successful relationship. She has a full-time job and two children. Sara inspired me and if she had not shared her story, I would have never known. With her permission, I share her story with you.
Unfortunately, Sara is one of that few survivors that I have cared for who is able to live her life to the fullest despite her trauma history. She has taught me to be more aware of trauma, listen to our patients, validate their experience, and respect their boundaries.


Not much time for writing the diary today, too busy packing and doing all those last-minute jobs that always get left to the last minute. The bags are now packed and waiting to go, just a case of setting the alarm for 4am and then we head off to the airport. Then it's a day of travel before we finally arrive in Tucson, Arizona at 8.30pm local time.
We had more media exposure today with a radio interview on the BBC live from a very wet and windy RSPB Conwy, complete with a large flock of Lapwings overhead. We also made it into the national press today, with a mention in The Times no less.


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For JI seat adjustment a closed chapter: Munawar
Posted on	April 14, 2013 1:08 pm by Web Desk
Karachi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) amir Syed Munawar Hasan has said that the nation would witness a welcome change after the coming general elections, as people have already been fed up with corrupt and dishonest elements.
Addressing a Karachi to Peshawar 'Tarazu Road Karawan' organised by Shabab-e-Milli here on Sunday, he said Pakistan is on the brink of a big peaceful political change. He said the 10-parties alliance would prove a good omen to defeat the elements behind lawlessness in Karachi.
He said that the chapter of seat adjustment with any party has been closed and the JI will contest elections individually. He further added the seat adjustment chapter was closed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) by Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (PML-F) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, while in Punjab by Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N).
He said that the JI is the ray of hope for deprived people of Pakistan and on the day of elections – May 11- Pakistani voters will definitely rejected the slavery of United States. He said the JI will take part in the elections with a firm faith on Allah, the Almighty, and the will of people of Pakistan.
Munawar appealed youth to vote for 'Tarazu' to make the country prosperous and developed. He vowed that the JI leadership will eliminate corruption, extortion and terrorism.
Munawar Hasan demanded of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take notice of the salvo of paid advertisement of different political parties on various TV channels.
JI leaders Dr Mairaj-ul-Huda Siddiqui, Asadullah Bhutto, Muhammad Hussain Mehanti, President Shabab-e-Milli Sindh Azeem Baloch and others also spoke.
Tags: amir Syed Munawar Hasan, Jamaat-e-Islami, news, Sindh


text:
Struktura organizacyjna wojska I Rzeczypospolitej w połowie września 1633 r., w czasie trwania wojny smoleńskiej z Rosją.

Jazda

Husaria
 Chorągiew husarska koronna królewska - 200
 Chorągiew husarska królewicza Jana Kazimierza - 200
 Chorągiew husarska koronna Marcina Kazanowskiego - 200
 Chorągiew husarska podk. mścisławskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska podk. podolskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska chorążego żmudzkiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska chorążego trockiego Ogińskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska chorążego orszańskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska starosty wiskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska starosty brzezińskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska Firleja - 120
 Chorągiew husarska Bałabana - 120
 Chorągiew husarska Gorajskiego - 120
 Chorągiew husarska Choińskiego - 120

Razem jazdy husarskiej (koni): 1920.

Rajtaria
 rota rajtarska Tyzenhauza - 120
 3 roty rajtarskie Reinholda - 360
 2 roty rajtarskie Olszusa - 240
 rota rajtarska Sakina - 120
 rota rajtarska Sierakowskiego - 120
 rota rajtarska Gadina - 120
 rota rajtarska J.Seja - 120

Razem jazdy rajtarskiej (koni): 1200.

Petyhorcy
 3 chorągwie petyhorskie Stefana Czarnieckiego - 300
 Chorągiew petyhorska Jeżowskiego - 120
 Chorągiew petyhorska Jelca - 120
 Chorągiew petyhorska Podorowskiego - 120
 Chorągiew petyhorska Czyża - 120

Razem jazdy petyhorskiej (koni): 780.

Kozacy
 Chorągiew kozacka Marcina Kazanowskiego - 120
 Chorągiew kozacka Dzierżka - 120

Razem jazdy kozackiej (koni): 240.

Dragonia
 Regiment Jakuba Butlera (6 rot) - 600
 Regiment Kreuza (6 rot) - 650
 2 roty dragońskie Janusza Radziwiłła - 200
 2 roty dragońskie du Plessa - 200
 2 roty dragońskie Gottharda Platera - 200

Razem jazdy dragońskiej (koni): 1850.

Razem
Razem jazdy: 5990.

Piechota
 Piechota autoramentu cudzoziemskiego - 1300
 Regiment pieszy gwardii Meydela (6 rot) - 1200
 Regiment pieszy Rosena (6 rot) - 1200
 Regiment pieszy Janusza Radziwiłła (6 rot) - 1200
 Regiment pieszy Królewicza Jana Kazimierza pod dowództwem Denhoffa (6 rot) - 1200
 Regiment pieszy Jakuba Butlera (6 rot) - 1000
 Regiment pieszy Arciszewskiego (6 rot) - 1000
 Regiment pieszy Gottharda Platera (6 rot) - 1000
 Regiment pieszy Weyhera (6 rot) - 1000
 Regiment pieszy Wallissona (6 rot) - 800

 Piechota autoramentu narodowego - 200
 rota piechoty Marcina Kazanowskiego - 200

Razem piechoty: 10600.

Razem
Razem wojska I Rzeczypospolitej: 16590.

Bibliografia

Struktura organizacyjna Wojska Polskiego
Wojsko I Rzeczypospolitej
Wojna polsko-rosyjska 1632–1634
Wydarzenia 1633

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


U.S. Senator John McCain said on Thursday that President Barack Obama was "directly responsible" for attacks on Americans like the one in Florida because of policies that contributed to the rise of the Islamic State. But the Arizona Republican later said he misspoke.
McCain, who is in a tough re-election race, made the comments after reporters chased him down a marble stairway and into a hallway of the U.S. Capitol. They asked what he was hearing from constituents about gun control issues being debated in the Senate after Sunday's shooting rampage by a gunman who claimed allegiance to Islamic State militants.
"I'm hearing a lot from my constituents about what happened and of course I am making them realize that Barack Obama is directly responsible for it," McCain said.
After media reports began to appear about his comments, McCain, who lost the White House to Obama in the 2008 presidential election, posted a clarification on Twitter and then issued a statement that said he meant to blame Obama's policies, not the president personally.
"I misspoke. I did not mean to imply that the president was personally responsible. I was referring to President Obama's national security decisions, not the president himself," McCain said in the statement.
Forty-nine people died in the shooting in Orlando, the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The gunman was U.S.-born Omar Mateen, 29, whose parents immigrated from Afghanistan.
McCain, 79, faces multiple opponents in a Republican primary race in August, and some analysts say he is in danger of losing the Senate seat he has held for three decades.
Earlier this week, presumptive Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared to suggest Obama may have been complicit in the Orlando attacks.


text:
Q: how to store multiple checkbox value in database table I am explaining my scenario as
i have form in which adding checkbox row multiple times.
in first row checkbox values from Monday to Sunday
In second row checkbox values also from monday to sunday.
I mean to say every row handling on Add Button.
Below is the view.php code

Day
<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Monday">Monday<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Tuesday">Tuesday<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Wednesday">Wednesday<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Thursday">Thursday<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Friday">Friday<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Saturday">Saturday<input type="checkbox" name="day[]" value="Sunday">Sunday<?php echo form_error('day'); ?>

Below is the controller code.....
$day = implode(',', $this->input->post('day'));

i am using implode bcoz suppose in the first row i have checked Monday and Sunday so it will give me value as Monday, Sunday
My Scenario is i have checked Monday, Sunday from first row
and also checked Tuesday, Wednesday from secound row
According to my code i am getting result as Monday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday in $day
But i want to store Monday, Sunday in first row of table and Tuesday, Wednesday in second row of table.
I am sharing the image link as below
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1k8bYsRUJFo9mI2AY6D-d4MGHEoWudB7q
In the image Add Date & Time is dynamic.
Plz guide me for the same.
Thanks

A: Use array_merge method: http://php.net/manual/en/function.array-merge.php
<?php

$array = array("1" );
$otherArray = array("2");

$result = array_merge($array, $otherArray);

print_r($result);

see live code: http://sandbox.onlinephpfunctions.com/code/7fb9da6de4fa9d0a8b220a06d2a59e9007655df1

A: Surely just array_merge will suffice?
    $a=[14];
    $b=[18];
    $c=[23];
    $d=[44];
    $e=[27];
    $f=[31];
    $g=[99];

    $out=array_merge($a,$b,$c,$d,$e,$f,$g);
    printf('
%s
',print_r($out,true));

This will output:
Array
(
    [0] => 14
    [1] => 18
    [2] => 23
    [3] => 44
    [4] => 27
    [5] => 31
    [6] => 99
)

A: OP asks about merging arrays from one array. We don't know how many arrays there, so we need to use array_walk_recursive function. Pass $result from public scope by reference(!) in anonymous function and store in it all inner arrays values
$a = [[1], [2, 3]];

$result = [];
array_walk_recursive($a, function($value) use (&$result){
    $result[] = $value;
});
var_dump($result);

A: Why call_user_func?
$a = array(14);
$b = array(18);
$merged = array_merge($a,$b);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Business credit cards are among the more popular kind of credit cards available. Being on the receiving end of credit is always a privilege and pleasure. Business credit cards are tailored to enhance this pleasure in ways that meet your business needs. Small business credit cards offer various intangible benefits to small businesses in addition to the regular perks. The Perks of a Business Credit Card 1) Frequent Flier Programs – For business users who travel around the world, additional air miles are one of the exciting perks offered by business credit cards. When a business traveler travels by air and pays through the credit card, they earn bonus miles.
These miles can be redeemed in terms of additional air tickets. Another benefit is the regulation and monitoring of business travel by employees by payment through credit cards. 2) Rebates – Some credit cards give rebates on business spending. It can be looked at as a huge saving to the company. 3) Reward Programs – Points are given on each dollar spent through your small business credit card.
These points can then be exchanged for a range of exciting merchandise. The Intangible Benefits of a Small Business Credit Card One of the benefits of a small business credit card is bringing about a sense of organization. Apart from the separation of business expense from personal expense, the small business credit card also brings great convenience. You can use it to transact via the internet or even the phone. Tracking business expenditures becomes easy with a small business credit card, giving you organized financial statements at the end of the year. Individual employee spending can be monitored and regulated through the use of small business credit cards. An important but often overlooked benefit of small business credit cards is the building of business credit. Over time your credit card give you better credit, this is useful as emergency cash when your business grows. Think Smart for Your Long Term Needs 1) Applying for a card at your bank makes it easier for your application to be accepted. Your existing relationship and their knowledge of your credit history simplify the process.
2) Remember, having too many credit cards not only makes managing them a chore, but also affects your credit rating negatively. 3) Use your small business credit cards effectively, for instance by paying online. Not only does your card offer you faster methods of payment, but also in many instances is a cash saver. 4) Using cash advance should be only for emergency purposes, since they incur interest. Make your payments in time, as not doing so incurs costs that eat into the benefits of owning your business credit card. Small business credit cards are the new currency of a fast paced, time efficient world. The privilege of owning a business card is balanced with its responsibility. Choose the one that is right for you. Take your business needs into account, and also weigh each credit card against the perks they offer relevant to you. Use good financial sense and do not overextend credit.
Business credit cards are valuable tools that were invented in response to current business needs. Remember to choose wisely, and use wisely.


Americans are falling short of their financial retirement goals. This by now has become a truism among financial planners, but what if Americans don't have enough in retirement assets to make it worthwhile for financial planners to bother?
What amount of assets does it take for a financial planner to perk up? $500,000? $1 million? $10 million?
Przybylski said his firm charges a minimum of $70,000 to develop a retirement plan for clients. That sum — $70,000 — is far above the average annual salary for many workers, and it represents the equivalent of 1 percent of $7 million.
A 1 percent fee is typical of annual fees charged by advisors, but in the case of Federal Street, it "starts to make sense at about $15 million of liquid investments," Przybylski said in an e-mail to InsuranceNewsNet. At $15 million, a $70,000 fee would translate to just under 0.5 percent of assets. As assets grow, fees usually go down but because that is rarely the only factor that changes as assets grow, there really is no set fee schedule, he said.
Federal Street's subsidiary Old North Advisors offers a tiered fee structure and a minimum fee of $10,000 a year for clients with assets between $1 million and $15 million.
Considering that the National Average Wage Index in 2011 was $42,979, according to the Social Security Administration, what salaried worker even accumulates $1 million or $2 million by the end of his or her working life?
In financial services, the bigger the numbers, the more everyone benefits. As it turns out, though, for most of us the retirement numbers aren't that big, and advisors like Federal Street are out of reach.
The average 401(k) retirement balance for a U.S. worker hit a record high of $80,900 in the first quarter, according to a Fidelity Investments survey of accountholders, and that was thanks to the strong gains posted by the stock market.
For pre-retirement workers 55 and older the average balance reached $255,000, nearly double what it was in the first quarter of 2009, Fidelity found, but still far below the level a fee-only advisory firm like Federal Street would even consider.
The average 401(k) account balance in the General Motors retirement savings plan is $150,000, but only $15,000 for participants in retailer The Gap, according to a survey of the nation's top 401(k) plans by BrightScope, a San Diego-based financial information company which gathers 401(k) data on thousands of company plans.
At Google, the average account balance was $70,000, BrightScope reported. Even with $70,000 in a 401(k) account compounded at 7 percent a year for 20 years, the total comes to less than $300,000. For a fee-only advisor, that comes to $3,000.
Salaried workers are more likely to seek out retail financial advisors and registered representatives to serve their needs, but the lower price for advice offered by advisors comes from the commissions the advisors earn on the financial products they sell.
"These families and individuals often have less than $250,000, $100,000 or even $50,000 worth of investments, yet they are in need of affordable financial services and advice," Bob Smith, president of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, said in an e-mail.
Critics say the danger of a commission-based model means that advisors aren't necessarily giving the investor unbiased advice. So where do office workers go for unvarnished guidance?
Small investors can seek help from a no-load family of mutual funds belonging to a big fund complex, or they can get a recommendation from "uncle Fred," said Bill Heestand, president of the benefits advisor Heestand Co. in Portland, Ore.


Author Topic: Joel Orrtiz And Large Professor "proffessor Ortiz"
Is it an album or a blend tape?
This is a blend tape. Street Rebel was on Neek The Exotic's LP produced album and featured Joell. Oh was an actual song (I think on Free Agent) that LP produced. That Gensu joint was a Large Professor track that they blended a Joell verse on. Stomp was a Smif N Wessun track that featured Joell, they replaced the Smif N Wessun verses and used this Large pro beat which I've never heard (that beat is pretty great with these lyrics). The other tracks are straight blends. I think at least 2 of the acapellas were from The Bodega Chronicles.
haahahahhaha, oh viny, are you so sad that you need to diss people for no reason?
lol, this thread is a joke ... by no means this is a collabo album ... try harder next time, boy!
"Professor Ortiz" how creative and original, they put their two names together...wow.


text:
The museums in Dragør
Photo: Annette Nyvang
There are many opportunities to dive into the history of Dragør and St. Magleby.
Amager Museum
Annette Nyvang
Photo: VisitDragør
Visit Amagermuseet and experience the life of a farmer.Amagermuseet consists of two farms located in St. Magleby, or "Dutch town" as the little village was called due to the Dutch immigrants who came ...
Dragør Museum
Right in the middle of Dragør Harbor you will find Dragør Museum in one of Dragør's oldest houses from 1753. The museum is beautifully renovated and equipped with the most modern information technolog...
The Pilot Museum of Denmark
There has been pilotage in Dragør since 1684, when Dragør got Denmark's first privileged pilotage by a royal resolution, and the old pilot station at Dragør Harbor tells about everyday life at a pilot...
The Mølsted Atelier
Mølsted Atelier is perhaps Denmark's smallest art museum. It is established in the studio where marine painter Christian Mølsted (1860-1930) worked most of his life.Christian Mølsted was born in Dra...
Cutter Elisabeth K571
The cutter Elisabeth K571 is one of the few known remaining ships in Denmark that participated in the transport of refugees from occupied Denmark to neutral Sweden in October 1943.About 700 Jewish r...
Memorial to the Jews' Escape
Dragør Turistråd
The memorial stone for the Jews' Escape is in the northern part of Dragør Gl. Harbor.
Perhaps you would also like to read about....


Combining rice with broccoli and cheese in a casserole goes back many generations. The Carolina Broccoli and Cheese Rice Mix makes it easy for you to make this all time favorite classic dish by combining all the ingredients. In addition to using real Cheddar cheese and butter, the dish also uses a mild onion flavor and other seasonings for the perfect comfort food. Carolina makes it easy to re-discover this family favorite.
Bring 1-2/3 cups of water and 1 tablespoon tub margarine to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in rice mix, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff lightly with fork and serve.
In a 1-1/2 quart microwave safe dish, combine 1-2/3 cups hot water, 1 tablespoon margarine, and rice mix. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes. Reduce setting to 50% power and microwave for 17 minutes. Fluff lightly with fork and serve. If your microwave does not have variable power settings, follow manufacturers directions.
Enriched long grain rice [rice, niacin, iron (ferric orthophosphate), thiamin (thiamin mononitrate), folic acid], Broccoli & Cheese Seasoning [whey, corn oil, monosodium glutamate, modified corn starch, salt, cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), nonfat milk, autolyzed yeast extract, dried onion, corn syrup solids, butter (cream, salt), sodium hexametaphosphate, maltodextrin, natural flavors, sugar, dried parsley, buttermilk, rendered chicken fat, disodium phosphate, sodium caseinate, annatto extract (color), hydrolyzed soy protein, mono and diglycerides, turmeric extract (color), citric acid, Spice (extract)], Dehydrated broccoli.


text:
Стойчо Тотев Стойчев е български партизанин, офицер, генерал-майор.

Биография
Роден е на 12 февруари 1920 г. в казанлъшкото село Манолово. От 1940 г. е член на РМС, а на БКП от 1944 г. От 1934 до 1939 г. учи в Пловдивската гимназия. От юли 1939 до февруари 1941 г. е тухларски работник в пловдивското село Рогош. Между февруари и декември 1941 г. учи в Школата за запасни офицери. След това от януари до ноември 1942 г. изкарва военната си служба в Дедеагач. Завръща се в Пловдив и до май 1943 г. е безработен. През май 1943 г. е назначен в Данъчното управление. По това време става секретар на сектор на РМС и по-късно член на Районния комитет на РМС. От ноември 1943 г. е взводен командир в десета конна дивизия в Долни Хисар, Дедеагачко. На 8 август 1944 г. заедно с 6 войници, 1 подофицер и още двама офицери бяга от армията и става партизанин във втора родопска бригада "Васил Коларов". На 26 септември 1944 г. е назначен за помощник-командир на 4-то артилерийско отделение от шести артилерийски полк. Според други данни е помощник-командир на артилерийски дивизион в Общовойсковия мото-артилерийски полк. В периода юли 1945 – декември 1947 г. е помощник-командир на двадесет и седми пехотен чепински полк. От декември 1947 до март 1949 г. е временно изпълняващ длъжността командир на четиринадесети стрелкови полк в Благоевград. Между март и ноември 1949 г. е временен заместник-командир по строевата част на пети стрелкови полк в Русе. В периода ноември 1949 – декември 1950 г. е временен заместник-командир на 31-ви стрелкови полк, а от декември 1950 г. до юни 1952 г. е негов командир. Между юни 1952 и декември 1953 г. е изпълняващ длъжността заместник-началник на управление "Бойна подготовка" в Министерството на отбраната. От декември 1953 г. е командир на осемнадесета мотострелкова дивизия в Шумен. Завършва Тиловата академия "Молотов" в СССР. В периода 21 октомври 1959 – 16 октомври 1985 е заместник-началник на тила на българската армия и член на Военния съвет на тила на българската армия. Достига до чин генерал-майор през 1969 г.

Награждаван е със съветския орден "Червена звезда" и орден "Народна република България" – II ст. (указ №280 от 6 февруари 1970).

Образование
 Пловдивска гимназия (1934 – 1939)
 Школа за запасни офицери (февруари – декември 1941)
 Тилова академия "Молотов", СССР

Бележки

Генерал-майори от НРБ
Партизани от Втора родопска бригада Васил Коларов
Хора от област Стара Загора


text:
Q: A characterization of bi-invariant metrics on a Lie group In chapter 1 of do Carmo's Riemannian Geometry the author makes the following claim:

Let $G$ be a Lie group with identity element $e$ and let $\langle \cdot, \cdot \rangle_e$ be a positive blinear form on $\mathfrak g$ such that
$$
\langle[U, X], V \rangle = - \langle U, [V, X] \rangle \quad \forall U, V, X \in \mathfrak g \quad \quad (1)
$$
Then the riemannian metric induced on $G$ by the relation
$$
\langle u, v \rangle_x = \langle d(L_{x^{-1}})_x(u), d(L_{x^{-1}})_x(v) \rangle_e, \quad x \in G, \ u, v \in TxG
$$
is bi-invariant.

He says that the proof is easy but will be omitted. I am not finding it easy. I have tried using the definitions and showed that the metric is left-invariant:
$$
\langle d(L_x)_y (u), d(L_x)_y(v) \rangle_{xy} = \langle d(L_{(xy)^{-1}})_{xy} d(L_x)_y(u), d(L_{(xy)^{-1}})_{xy} d(L_x)_y(v) \rangle_e = \langle d(L_{y^{-1}x^{-1}} \circ L_x)_y(u), d(L_{y^{-1}x^{-1}} \circ L_x)_y(v) \rangle
 = \langle d(L_{y^{-1}})_y(u), d(L_{y^{-1}})_y(v) \rangle_e = \langle u, v \rangle_y.
$$
I am having trouble showing that it is also right-invariant. Also, I have no clue on where to use $(1)$.
Any hints will be the most appreciated.
Thanks in advance and kind regards.

A: I would not call the proof easy, but it just needs general principles. An outline is as follows: Since you transport an inner product on the Lie algebra $\mathfrak g$ to all points of $G$, left invariance is clear (and this is verified in the computation in your question). If a metric is invariant under both left and right translation, then it is invariant under conjugations, which easily implies that the corresponding inner product on $\mathfrak g$ is $Ad$-invariant, i.e. $\langle Ad(g)(X),Ad(g)(Y)\rangle=\langle X,Y\rangle$ for all $g\in G$ and $X,Y\in\mathfrak g$. It is also easy to show that this $Ad$-invariance is equivalent to bi-invariance of the induced metric (basically since right translations can be obtained from conjugations and left translations). Finally, if $G$ is connected (which probably should be added to the assumptions) then invariance of the inner product under the adjoint representation of $G$ is equivalent to invariance under the corresponding infinitesimal representation of $\mathfrak g$. This reads as $\langle ad(Z)(X),Y\rangle +\langle X,ad(Z)(Y)\rangle=0$ for all $X,Y,Z\in\mathfrak g$, which (after small rearrangements) is exactly the condition you have.


Academia is the internationally recognized establishment of professional scholars and students, usually centered around colleges and universities, who are engaged in higher education and research.
From Dutch students living in nursing homes, to projects at the University of Exeter, students can have a lot to offer the elderly.
Coddled students aren't the cause of a mental health crisis on campus. They're just pawns in the culture wars.