But this is only for certain people. This is ignoring people like Zach, who has to pay for his own insurance.
zbbrox wrote: Just to clear up a common misconceptions -- premium rates have gone up more slowly since the ACA than before.
And can I just say that I'm pretty frustrated that Zach decided after all these years to do a serious, breaking-the-fourth-wall political comic because of the health care challenges faced by *small business owners* rather than when Republicans threatened twenty million people's health insurance a month ago? Like, yes, it's crappy that we have to deal with private, profit-seeking insurance and a system largely based on employer group insurance instead of having single-payer like a civilized country, but it's mostly crappy because it absolute devastates the poor and the sick, and it's really disappointing that intelligent people care so much more when it happens to their in-group than when it happens to the disadvantaged. Really disappointing.
Easy. Get into biohacking. Take the money you would have spent on healthcare and buy bitcoin.
The only complication here is that you need to refrain from dying before the bitcoin appreciates to a value that is self-sustainable.
I have an old friendship with a Doctor (in training, many years ago) who was from Indonesia which has the same level of income to healthcare disparity which affects the backwards nations of the world such as the United States of Corruption.
What their villages had to do was find a young but very intelligent child and make sure they had good schooling, and the extended family put all their assets and liberty at risk to earn money and pledge themselves to lenders and the village to send my friend to Medical School. As a student his costs and First World living expenses were about the same as a town block of families back home. His task was to learn and become a qualified medical doctor, and then come home and be the village's medical doctor (including setting up local practice and start training some lower skill local trainees_.
When I met him he was in his last year and was caught on the dilemma of going home to the backwater poverty struck village that couldn't afford the usual medical parasites, or staying the modern world with all it's income and temptations (and where he could pay off his debt in about 2-3years), although that means the village would seize all his extended family and their worldly goods, and he would have to fund for another student to be trained up. Apparently, it was common (>50%) of young Doctors to refuse to go back home, so they tried to send about 3 students for each 2 groups of villages, so some would come home to their families. However, such situations did result in modern world doctors providing a constant income stream back into those villages, greatly increasing the wealth in those areas.
Since they are in a very similar situation, you just need to find a potential medical doctor (and other staff) and contract them to the task so that your peasant village can afford basic medical systems.
Greetings all, first time poster long time reader.
I'll just introduce myself, my name's J-F and i'm an insurance broker based in Montreal.
I see a lot of questions about the rise of healthcare insurance costs and the difference between free market systems and single payer systems, so I thought I'd try to shed some light on it. Bear in mind however that there might be a lot of differences between USA insurance companies and Canadian insurance companies so while my advice is very on point for Canadia, US citizens better take it with a grain of Nackle.
Like everything insurance, premiums are almost always based on actuarial tables. That is to say, some nerdy dude at the insurance headquarters takes hundreds and hundreds of demographic data based on your neighborhood, your city, and your age and crunches them together in order to come out with actuarial tables. These tables will posit an average expected refund per citizen per coverage on medical costs, then the insurance company works in a small margin of profit in the product, and rolls the dice, hoping you'll be less sick than their estimate. While we do have free healthcare in Canadia, most people also have a health insurance also to add coverage on top of the base government refunds (55% in my province, people usually like an 80% refund) or to pay for fringe benefits like dental and paramedical (acupuncture, massage therapy, psychotherapy etc.), so in effect we don't only have free healthcare, we also have a free market insurance. But the highest I've seen that insurance cost in a year (for a family plan for a 70 year old man) is 4500$ (and that was an almost 100% refund coverage).
That is because increases in medical costs increase insurance premium if you have a regulated service provider (the government) who pays the first 55% of any medication, and 100% of surgeries and other urgent medical care you control what these things cost and make sure it is affordable for everyone. Yet even with all that, inflation for medical costs in Canadia is 12%, mainly because while the healthcare system is regulated, the pharmaceutical industry isn't.
So if you understand where premiums come from (actuarial tables) and understand that they factor in grossly bloated prices, is it any wonder premiums have gotten this ridiculous? And at that point, is it really the insurance company's fault? What the Us needs is to establish baseline medical coverage in order to assert control over the system, and to insure regulation of prices. As long as you do not have that in place and still believe in a free market competition to diminish prices then I am sorry but that is not going to happen because as far as the free market goes these prices ARE competitive, they factor in all costs and a very narrow profit margin.
What I would suggest is to get those small business owners together and create the ''super duper awesome small business owner's association'' (Name can be modified) who's mission it is to ''increase profits through coordination of marketing events and business development fairs''. Go see a lawyer, have him register up a non profit in that name, elect an administrative board.
Then vote to offer group insurance to everyone and get a broker. Not an insurance rep from one company, a broker.
His job, if he's even mildly competent, will be to find the best group insurance he can at the most affordable price, and then to help you keep prices low.
It's a bit of work but assuming similar legal basis, it will work.
essenceofveles wrote: But this is only for certain people. This is ignoring people like Zach, who has to pay for his own insurance.
True, rate increases in individual markets have been more volatile, and also harder to compare because of the nature of the comparison (i.e. plans now need to actually provide coverage, whereas before they were often junk). But for people who don't qualify for subsidies there are sometimes very large increases.
And that's a problem we should fix. But it's also a problem that affects a very small slice of the population -- If you look at health coverage, bout 50% of people have employer coverage (whose rate increases have dropped), about a third have Medicare or Medicaid (including tens of millions who didn't qualify for Medicare before the ACA), and only about 1/12 are on the individual market. Of those on the individual Market, only about 1/6 don't qualify for subsidies.
A problem that affects 1/72 of the population is serious. And like I said, we really ought to have single-payer to address it. But lets not mistake that problem for the effects of the ACA as a whole, which has helped tens of millions of people.
And, again, it's really frustrating that Zach -- a smart guy who's generally very knowledgeable and certainly hasn't shied away from politics when it comes to, say, government spying -- is doing the "hey, I'm not an expert!" thing like a Republican called out on climate change, as if this isn't a basically solved problem. Single-payer works. And it works for everyone, not just the employed, not just small-business owners, not just the poor. If you want someone to do something about these problems, your best bet is pushing single-payer.
zbbrox wrote: ... it's really disappointing that intelligent people care so much more when it happens to their in-group than when it happens to the disadvantaged. Really disappointing.
It's also disappointing to see so many comments focused on how to tinker with specific situations in order to try to continue to survive within a fundamentally and deeply flawed and unfair system. Essentially every developed country in the world takes the opposite approach from the United States to healthcare, pays dramatically less for it, and has better overall health outcomes. But despite all the evidence to the contrary the US is convinced that their approach is right and everyone else's is wrong.
I'd say that the "insurance" model of selling basic healthcare coverage is a scam when "self-regulated" by private institutions, and is a tax when fully controlled by the government. In this particular case, a tax is better.
magnetoo wrote: It's also disappointing to see so many comments focused on how to tinker with specific situations in order to try to continue to survive within a fundamentally and deeply flawed and unfair system.
Exactly right. This is a systemic problem that requires a systemic solution, not just individual action.
As a comparison, for all its flaws, the UK NHS costs the equivalent of $2000 per year per person, and private self-employed comprehensive cover starts at about $40 a month with a $400 excess.
NoUsername wrote: Insurance premiums are spiking after the Republicans failed to get rid of the ACA.
I think... I think it might be because the ACA is bad for you and good for the government. Just like everything other evil thing the Democrats love it and the Republicans love to pretend they don't.
You think it might be becasue Virginia refuses to accept money from the feds to expand the health insurances? Yeah, GOP refusing free money to hurt their constituent to make a point, meanwhile the DNC wants everyone to hove universal healthcare.
Stop acting like they are the same.
I often wonder why you guys in the United States of No Healthcare even bother with health insurance when it is so deeply flawed and often by the time you need it, the provider decided you are no longer eligible "because".
Here in Hungary I pay the mandatory healthcare which is currently around 27$ a month. This means you are viable for service anywhere in the country for emergencies - and they usually respond on time when it is a life-and-death situation. When it is something less urgent like say, a fever or a tootache, you go to your assigned local general pracitioner doctor, they will examine you, prescribe meds (at discount), send you to various other labs and specialists if needed, etc. Now this is where the system slows down - often you have wait a month for even an ultrasound and even more for MRI or busy specialists like heart doctors, etc, and this is where I usually just skip the system and go to a private company. There are plenty, and they usually charge 45-55$ just for one examination, but they are fast and reliable. The caveat is, these private practices will want to milk you for all you have, so they will advise you to do all sorts of expensive tests. It's up to you what you choose. I generally stick to the public healthcare, but for dentists I always choose the private practices. It just takes a while - usually through recommendation from friends - to find a good and relatively cheap dentist whenever my current one retires or moves away.
As for you guys... I would just not pay healthcare at all, put the money you would spend on that away and invest it, and pay from that for a private company if you need it.
There have been a few questions regarding why health insurance is so expensive and talking about the individual costs of pill, saline etc. I saw a interesting video about such a topic a little while ago that may be relevant, make up your own mind. A bonus is the dramatization in my mind is humorous which is a quality I see within a majority of SMBC comics.
Apologies for double post, can't figure out how to link Youtube videos with the button, here's a link.


text:
Q: Как возовбновить стандартное поведение браузера при клике на ссылку? Как возобновить стандартное поведение браузера при клике на ссылку, если оно отменяется кодом выше
$('a').on('click', function(e){
 e.preventDefault();
})

нужно обнулить, вернуть до стандартного(этот код пример)

A: $('a').on('click', function(e){
 e.preventDefault();
 location.href = $(this).attr('href');
})

A:

$('a').on('click', function(e){
  console.log("$('a').on('click'");
  e.preventDefault();
});

function standardBehaviour() {
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  $('a').off('click');
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Google

<button onclick="standardBehaviour()">Click</button>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Gracinda Freire (Natal, 31 de julho de 1925 — Rio de Janeiro, 11 de julho de 1995) foi uma atriz brasileira.

Começou no teatro em 1951, no espetáculo A Primadona e, a partir daí, sempre foi presença constante nos palcos brasileiros. Participou de montagens importantes como Deus Lhe Pague, de Joracy Camargo, com Procópio Ferreira, e do musical Viva o Cordão Encantado.

A estreia no cinema aconteceu em 1962, nos filmes Assalto ao Trem Pagador, dirigida por Roberto Farias, e Três Cabras de Lampião, de Aurélio Teixeira, com quem foi casada.

Em 1969 foi para a televisão, e atuou em duas telenovelas seguidas na TV Globo, Rosa Rebelde e Véu de Noiva.

Morreu em consequência de um derrame cerebral.

Carreira

Na televisão

No cinema

Principais prêmios
Em 1979 recebeu o Troféu APCA na categoria de melhor atriz coadjuvante por Chuvas de Verão, e de melhor atriz de televisão por Dancin' Days.

Ligações externas

Naturais de Natal (Rio Grande do Norte)
Atrizes do Rio Grande do Norte

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Security Council's resolution and Saharawi need for self-evaluation
By: Malainin Lakhal
==> en français
==> en espanol
UN Security Council resolution 1920[2010], which was adopted last April 30, highlights the UN's failure to solve the conflict of Western Sahara despite all of the analysis and political excuses and arguments that we have heard, or may hear, which are mere attempts to soften the impact of such a resolution. And of course the two parties to the conflict, Morocco and the POLISARIO Front, both welcomed the new resolution in an attempt to score some points at the level of the media struggle facing them, but also for moral reasons. Nonetheless, the resolution didn't bring anything new (especially not to the Saharawi party) and was a poor reproduction of the previous resolutions.
But before commenting on the resolution, we should try first to dismantle the main points it raises, far from any kind of provocation or attempt to distort its positive points - if there are any- or its negative aspects on the Saharawi issue as a case of decolonisation still unachieved since 1963.
Where danger lies
It is true that the resolution states that the Security Council reaffirms "its commitment to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in the context of arrangements consistent with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, and noting the role and responsibilities of the parties in this respect", but also, and to conform to pressure from the French, the text followed the same path as the latest resolutions by trying to deviate the conflict from its legal repertoire, which is, it should be recalled, decolonisation. The resolution, in fact, adopted the same old formula of expressing the Council's welcome of "the commitment of the parties to continue the process of negotiations through the United Nations-sponsored talks", and at the same time recalling "its endorsement of the recommendation in the report of 14 April 2008 (S/2008/251) that realism and a spirit of compromise by the parties are essential to achieve progress in negotiations."
So, with regard to the political core of the problem, the UN is still playing the same old game of procrastination, by maintaining the status quo, if not leaning towards support for the French/Moroccan parties, who tirelessly work to legitimize the illegal Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara via the attempted imposition of the so-called "autonomy plan" on the Saharawi people and the perpetuation of the conflict while working harder to dismantle the Saharawi resistance, tear it apart, and disperse it as in the Palestinian experience. This is what the Moroccan secret services work on – targeting the Saharawi refugee camps and Saharawi communities in Mauritania, Spain and elsewhere in an attempt to infiltrate the Saharawi national corps to destroy it from inside and to break its unity with any possible, dirty maneuvers.
Human rights.. the blow that doesn't kill you may makes you stronger
With respect to human rights, the resolution adopted very hazy language that is open to several different interpretations just so the text would be adopted, especially because France has blatantly opposed any wording that would hold Morocco accountable for its human rights violations in Western Sahara and any extension of the mandate of the UN mission on the ground, MINURSO, to include the monitoring and protection of human rights. France, the cradle of human rights and liberties, succeeded indeed in imposing its will even in choosing the term "Human dimension" instead of using the internationally used term "human rights".
France completely isolated itself inside the Security Council, since it stood alone in defending Morocco, while the majority of the members of the Council expressed dissatisfaction over Paris's refusal to permit the incorporation of the protection of human rights in MINURSO's mandate. It became obvious, then, that the Saharawi people are not only facing the Moroccan expansionist occupation, but also the French state, which refuses to let the UN implement international law in an internationally recognized case of decolonisation.
On the other hand, it can be said that the Security Council's latest resolution was a heavy blow to the Saharawi people, since the Council didn't "take note" of the peaceful struggle and the sacrifices of the different Saharawi bodies, from the smallest students' demonstrations in the occupied zones of Western Sahara to the multiple battles waged by the Saharawi human rights defenders during 2009 and in previous years; not to forget the many letters sent by the President of the Saharawi Republic, Mohamed Abdelaziz, to all international organizations, in addition to all press releases and reports by international human rights organizations that give undeniable proof of the accountability of the regime of Mohamed VI for the oppression and state terrorism exercised in a systematic way against the Saharawis to force them to bow down to his authority. All these national and international efforts, international campaigns, letters and press releases didn't help in forcing the UN to assume its responsibilities towards this conflict.
On the other hand, one must recognize that this international pressure, the work of the human rights defenders, and the sacrifices of the Saharawi people forced many people to face difficult choices and pushed the British representative in the Security Council, for example, to face France on the issue of human rights during the debates preceding the adoption of the resolution. These efforts also pushed the rest of the members of the Security Council - especially Nigeria, Uganda, Mexico, Austria and Brazil – to openly criticize the way the so-called "unanimity" in the adoption of the resolution has been reached, since only the permanent members of the Security Council plus Spain - or the famous club of the "friends of Western Sahara" - participated in the final redaction of the resolution.
But, we should also consider that this resolution, with all that it represents of detriments to human rights because of the French position, may help in gathering real and bigger support to the Saharawi cause this year if the Saharawis and their allies and supporters succeed to put more and more pressure by using this significant card and the probable support from international organizations, to whom this resolution is a real slap to the face and a failure of their often "balanced" reports and "moderate" pressure.
Nonetheless, the Saharawi party must reconsider the way it operates and runs this issue. Saharawis must understand that they have failed to coordinate and exploit all of these international efforts and pressure put forth by important organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation, Front Line and others, and that they have usually played the role of the spectator, or at best reacted to events instead of creating and supervising them.
The Saharawi response
Many people, both Saharawis and non Saharawis, argued that the responses of the Saharawi political leadership to the UN Secretary General's report and to the Security Council's resolution were insufficient. Despite the fact that they succeeded in focusing on France to isolate it and show it as the real problem and rival of the Saharawi people, the few official responses expressed were very mild and tried in many cases to give false interpretations to the words and terms in the resolution to come up with false victories. Thus we can certainly not agree with the Saharawi leadership's reading, though we oppose any kind of pessimism and though we do understand how hard the struggle is.
It is true that we do not have first-hand facts and information as this leadership may have, but as interested observers we think that the majority of people had long ago understood that the UN and its actual approach to the conflict under Chapter VI of its Charter (recognizing that it is trying to violate this Charter through "realism and spirit of compromise") will only lead to autonomy no matter what be the final formula of this "solution" that France pushes with all its influence, the US doesn't really oppose and Spain thinks can end the Moroccan blackmailing.
After the strong letter sent last April 14 by the President of the Saharawi government to Ban Ki-Moon, Saharawis felt that their leadership had finally listened to their opinions and expressed some of their anger and protest. The letter was followed by the Saharawi foreign ministry's statement one day after declaring the Saharawi decision to reconsider the relation with MINURSO if it fails to fulfill its real mandate. Perhaps concrete steps were also adopted on the ground to give proof of the Saharawi determination to implement this decision, but we were all surprised later by statements that hinted at the possible retraction of acting upon these threats. Here we must stress that after threats of such actions, if the Saharawi leadership is really going to pull out without convincing reasons, it will cost the Saharawis a lot of their much-needed credibility.
"If it is impossible to avoid death.. then it would be shameful to die as a coward"
The impression we give to others by repeating "threats" with no effective actions to follow is really undermining the Saharawi image, and thus this attitude must stop because it is useless and will only harm our credibility. Rather, why not adopt real and methodical steps that can help in rebuilding this credibility and can send effective messages that reflects the bitterness and anger raging in Saharawis' hearts everywhere? And there are many steps that can be adopted starting with stopping any kind of "positive" and "kind" collaboration with MINURSO as a representative of the UN, because the role of the "responsive" and "good boy" we have been playing for decades has clearly not paid off. And this is not an accusation against MINURSO, nor is it a denial of their rights as individuals, But as a UN mission, it doesn't deserve any kind of respect from the Saharawis since it has not only insolently failed to meet its duty of organizing the referendum, but also failed to protect and monitor human rights. And worse, in many cases former members of this mission became agents of the Moroccan ministry of the interior through participation as zealous members of suspicious lobbying firms on Rabat's payroll.
On the other hand, Saharawis should not continue to threaten to resume war unless they are really going there. I strongly believe that Saharawis do not need to resume war to liberate Western Sahara if they meet one condition: a real, sincere and strict reevaluation of their movement to reform and to remedy the many defects they have, not only in the administration of our affairs, but also in their vision that is becoming more unclear and perhaps, to an extent, not sufficiently unified. That said, it should be clear that without this internal review there is no possibility to talk about success in the Saharawi struggle with or without war. There is no use of war if Saharawis are unable to exploit its results in their favour. But in the end, if there is no other way but resuming the legitimate armed struggle to achieve the liberation, then why not?
The need for a stand with the self
It is high time for the Saharwis to ask the right questions to evaluate the choices they have made for the last two decades of successes and failures in their struggle. What have they realized and what have they failed to achieve? How did they succeed in unifying the generations on the same level of understanding and readiness to fight? Did they really succeed in this? How successful were they in making the most of their national human resources? And what are the obstacles that may have hindered this exploitation? Further, what do they really want, and why not follow new methods to realizing what they want if the old ways failed? What are the obstacles that hindered the best use of their resources? What are the real challenges the Moroccan invaders put on the ground? And what the Saharawis have done to face them?
The questions that can help improve the vision are easy to find, while hesitating to face them and thinking that playing the waiting game is in the Saharawis' favour, or that it is against the Moroccans only, is an incorrect evaluation, as time is playing against everyone, and may well affect the Saharawis' aspirations if they fail to protect them. Meanwhile, hesitating to find remedy to the defects in the Saharawi body will certainly affect its "unity" and "strength" - two factors that are needed now more than ever.
Finally, Saharawis must understand and be convinced that the solution of the conflict of Western Sahara will not be given by the UN, US or France; rather, it is the Saharawi people themselves who hold the tools to achieve victory. So how can the Saharawi militants or friends and supporters of the Saharawis, make this victory quick and with the minimum number of casualties? This is another question that we need all to answer... and quickly.
Malainin Lakhal
Secretary General of the Saharawi Journalists and Writers Union
URL: http://www.upes.org
Saharawi refugee camps

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


(**) Tuning range continuous in selected regions, depending on seed laser.
(*) The FEL parameters for users beam time may differ from the ones indicated in this table. In the compilation of proposals, FEL users are addressed to the FERMI FEL-1 and FEL-2 photon parameters.


Even a gutter system that has been perfectly installed by experts using the best materials will need maintenance now and then. The majority of that maintenance comes down to cleaning out the leaves, sticks, and other debris that has collected in your gutters over the year. Left untreated this debris can cause blockages that stop the gutters from properly directing rainwater away from your home. However, with a gutter protection system in place, you can eliminate the need for cleaning out your gutters. But, what exactly is involved when it comes to gutter guard installation?
Your gutters should go through a full inspection before any work is done or agreed on. One of our Pro experts will judge the state of your current gutters to ensure it makes sense to install gutter protection without replacing the entire gutter system first.
The goal of an inspection is to give a fair and accurate estimate of your gutter needs. All costs and needs will be included in the estimate. This way the full cost of the job can be in the quote.
Once you have picked Pro as your gutter contractor, we will set a start date. On that date, our crew will arrive at your home with all the tools and materials needed to complete the installation. First, they will bring out their ladders and begin making sure that your gutters and downspouts are completely free of debris. There is no sense in putting gutter protection over gutters that are currently clogged! This is also when a secondary inspection will take place to ensure there are no gaps in your gutter runs. They may use sealant during this time to reinforce areas where it is needed.
After the gutters have been cleared out, our gutter experts will begin measuring your gutter system. These measurements will be used to get the gutter protection ready for install. Each section will be measured by hand from one end to the other and double checked as to avoid any mistakes. They will also measure the angles of any corners so that no gaps exist where two pieces of gutter guards come together.
Using the measurements they gathered in the previous phase our installers will lay out the strips of gutter guards and cut them to size. Again the goal is to avoid any gaps in coverage so no unwanted materials get into your gutters. The last thing we want is having to remove the gutter guards in order to clear out a blockage!
With all the gutter guards measured and cut it will be time to install them on your gutter system. At Pro, we use three kinds of gutter protection, screen, covers, and micro mesh. All of these are what the industry refers to as on-top gutter protection and all are installed in a similar fashion. This type of gutter protection sits on top of your gutters and lets the water flow through while working to keep debris out. The gutter experts will place each section onto your gutters and then use metal screws to secure them to the edge of your gutters. Making sure that the inner edge that meets your roof rests underneath your drip edge.
With the gutter guards secured to your gutters, our installers will begin cleaning up the area around your home. They will ensure no excess materials are left behind. The goal is to leave your property looking look there never was a crew working on your home.
Do you offer gutter guard installation near me?
Pro Home Improvement is dedicated to providing our customers with the best in gutter guard installation. We provide our gutter services all over Southeastern Michigan. We have helped homeowners from St Claire Shores to Ann Arbor. No matter where we install gutters or gutter protection we never charge more for distance. We offer free gutter estimates that include a full inspection of your gutter systems. If you would like more information on our gutter services or to schedule a gutter guard estimate, call us today at 888-776-1998.
Great experience starting with first phone call to the office, dealing with salesperson, Justin, project manager, Keith and installation team. Quick and efficient installation and excellent cleanup.


text:
Q: How to writte text in the middle of an image without positioning and z-index? I am creating an email template and i need to writte text in the "middle" of an image, but some email system's doesn't allow positioning, what can i use?
My HTML:

SOME TEXT FOR CONTENT..

example: https://jsfiddle.net/2zehs9f5/

A: If you're doing this for email, I'd recommend adding the text to the image itself, rather than positioning it with a background-image. The reason for this is that background-image isn't very well supported (particularly in Outlook 07/10/13) and will have to fallback to a solid colour, which may ruin the entire design.
I'd also move away from p tags, as they can render differently in different email clients.
Here's a JSFiddle of the finished code: https://jsfiddle.net/czxrp2hf/1/
Also, this link is quite helpful for finding out what CSS is supported in which email clients: https://www.campaignmonitor.com/css/

A: All in all Natalie has right.
If you want to try something like this:

Your text here

should work in all major mailer (web and offline); except, as far as i know, Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010.
Be aware that i put both the standard definition of background image AND the inline CSS one.


text:
Fort Campbell FCU Receives Five-County Community Charter
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.-Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union was approved by NCUA to convert to a community charter serving five counties in Tennessee and Kentucky. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Montgomery or Stewart County, Tenn. or Christian, Todd, or Trigg County, Ky. can now join Fort Campbell, which...
By Staff Writer | January 18, 2005 at 07:00 PM | The original version of this story was published on Credit Union Times Magazine
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.-Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union was approved by NCUA to convert to a community charter serving five counties in Tennessee and Kentucky. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Montgomery or Stewart County, Tenn. or Christian, Todd, or Trigg County, Ky. can now join Fort Campbell, which previously primarily served the base. The community encompasses 236,000 with three of the counties having less than 13,000 residents. The credit union currently serves 32,112 members. "Our primary reason for applying for a Community Charter was to give people in the community the opportunity for credit union membership," Fort Campbell President and CEO John Moorhead explained. There are not many credit unions in the area, he said. Additionally, after consulting the board, the diversification a community charter affords would be a huge benefit to a military-based credit union with the deployments to Iraq over the last couple years. "We are excited to have the opportunity to offer our products and services to more members of our community so they can experience the benefits of credit union membership," Moorhead said. Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union was chartered in September 1954 and has since grown into a full service financial institution serving over 32,000 members.


text:
\section{Introduction}
\label{sec:intro}

The use of simple kinematic flows to study chaotic transport
has allowed a deeper understanding  of its theoretical aspects
and its laboratory and environmental applications
\cite{Ottino1989,Wiggins1992}. In the particular context of
oceanic processes these chaotic models, complemented with tools
and methods of nonlinear dynamical systems
\cite{Tel2006,Cencini2010,mancho2006tutorial}, provided
advances in the study of ocean transport \cite{cencini1999},
marine particle dispersion
\cite{bracco2000,lacasce2008statistics}, the distribution of
marine organisms
\cite{martin2003,sandulescu2006,sandulescu2007,sandulescu2008}
and the dynamics of coherent structures
\cite{dovidio2004mixing,peacock2010introduction,bettencourt2012oceanic}.

More recently, new tools coming from the theory of Complex
Networks are complementing and extending the above results. The
powerful framework of network theory has become a standard
toolbox in many scientific fields ranging from social science
to climate \cite{BarratBook2008,Newman2010,donges2009a}. In the
context of fluid dynamics, Lagrangian Flow Networks (LFNs)
\cite{sergiacomi2015flow,sergiacomi2015most,sergiacomi2015dominant,lindner2017spatio,rodriguez2017clustering}
have been introduced as a coarse-grained representation of
transport in which small regions in the fluid domain are
interpreted as nodes of a network, and the transfer of mass
from one of these regions to another defines weighted links
among them. They are based on the concept of transport
operators (also called transfer or mapping operators; in fact
they are the Perron-Frobenius operators of the transport
dynamics)
\cite{froyland2003detecting,Froyland2005,froyland2007detection,singh2008mapping,dellnitz2009seasonal,Froyland2012Rossi,Tallapragada2013,Bolltbook2013}.

The LFN methodology has been applied in previous works to
closed chaotic flows, which are characterized by bounded
chaotic trajectories of fluid parcels. Typical properties of
the flow are explained in terms of networks measures: mixing
and dispersion are related with the degree and related
quantities \cite{sergiacomi2015flow}, betweenness centrality
highlights preferred transit nodes connecting distant regions
\cite{sergiacomi2015most}, closeness and eigenvector centrality
distinguish regions dominated by laminar or by strong mixing,
and identify structures related to invariant manifolds
\cite{lindner2017spatio}, network communities identify coherent
fluid regions \cite{sergiacomi2015flow,rossi2014hydrodynamic},
and so on. Contrarily to these, open flows are characterized by
the escape of fluid particles from the domain of interest, and
chaoticity is restricted to a subregion from which fluid
particles are continuously escaping. Their behavior is thus
very different and we present in this paper a first study of
the specificities of LFN built for open flows. A full
characterization of these goes through determining escape rate
and distribution, constructing non-attracting chaotic sets and
their invariant measures and dynamical invariants
\cite{Lai2011}. The objective of this paper is expressing some
of these quantities in the language of networks and illustrate
them with a simple model system.

The outline of the paper is as follows: in the next section we
review general open flow properties, then in Sect.
\ref{sec:network} we discuss them in terms of network
measurements. In Sec. \ref{sec:numerical} we check our results
with a simple flow model. In Sec. \ref{sec:conclusions} we
present our conclusions.

\section{Chaotic open flows}
\label{sec:open}

We summarize here the main properties of open chaotic flows,
stressing differences with closed ones. The Lagrangian
description of transport by a flow is characterized by the
equations of motion of a fluid particle in the velocity field
${\bf v}$
\begin{equation}
\dot{\bf x}(t) = {\bf v}({\bf x}(t),t).  \label{eqmotion}
\end{equation}
By integrating this equation for different initial conditions
the {\sl flow map} $\Phi_{t_0}^\tau$ is obtained. It gives the
position at time $t_0+\tau$ of the fluid particle started at
${\bf x}_0$ at time $t_0$:
\begin{equation}
{\bf x}(t_0+\tau)=\Phi_{t_0}^\tau ({\bf x}_0) \ .
\label{map}
\end{equation}
Evaluation at every initial condition inside a set $A$ defines
the action of the flow map on the fluid region,
$\Phi_{t_0}^\tau(A)$.

A distinctive local characteristic of the dynamical system
(\ref{eqmotion}) or (\ref{map}) is the Finite Time Lyapunov
Exponent (FTLE). It is defined as \cite{Ott1993,Shadden2005}
\begin{equation}
\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)=\frac{1}{2|\tau|}\log |\Lambda_{max}|
\label{FTLE}
\end{equation}
with $\Lambda_{max}$ the largest eigenvalue of the right
Cauchy-Green strain tensor:
\begin{equation}
C({\bf x}_0,t_0,\tau) = \left(\nabla
\Phi_{t_0}^\tau({\bf x}_0)\right)^T \nabla \Phi_{t_0}^\tau({\bf x}_0) \
.
\end{equation}
$\nabla \Phi_{t_0}^\tau({\bf x}_0)$ is the Jacobian matrix of the
flow map, and $M^T$ means the transpose of the matrix $M$. If
$\tau>0$ this is the forward FTLE. If instead trajectories are
computed backwards in time ($\tau<0$), then we obtain the
backwards FTLE field. The Lyapunov exponent characterizes the
typical rate of separation, averaged in an interval of time
$\tau$, of infinitesimally close initial conditions located
around ${\bf x}_0$ at time $t_0$. In two-dimensional (2d) flows
there is a second eigenvalue of $C({\bf x}_0,t_0,\tau)$, which
defines a second Lyapunov exponent, say
$\lambda'({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)$, via a formula similar to Eq.
(\ref{FTLE}). In 2d incompressible flows, the case that will be
considered here, we have
$\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)=-\lambda'({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)$. The
dependence on $t_0$ is determined by the time dependence of
${\bf v}({\bf x},t)$. For example, if the velocity field is
time-periodic of period $T$, ${\bf v}({\bf x},t)={\bf v}({\bf x},t+T)$, the
same holds for the FTLE:
$\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)=\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0+T;\tau)$.

Under standard conditions \cite{Tel2006,Ott1993}, as
$\tau\to\infty$ the FTLE approaches a constant value $\lambda$,
called \emph{the} Lyapunov exponent, at \emph{almost all}
points ${\bf x}_0$ in an ergodic region, a positive value of this
quantity being a common indicator of chaotic behavior. Strong
inhomogeneities typically persist, however, in sets of
locations ${\bf x}_0$ of zero Lebesgue measure. This dependence on
${\bf x}_0$, often of filamental aspect, becomes more evident at
intermediate $\tau$ and has been used to characterize important
transport structures (Lagrangian coherent structures)
\cite{haller2000lagrangian,shadden2005definition,haller2015lagrangian}.
In particular, for properly chosen values of $\tau>0$, the
forward FTLE, $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)$, tends to take large
values for ${\bf x}_0$ on stable manifolds of strong hyperbolic
trajectories or structures, whereas large values of the
backwards FTLE, $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;-\tau)$, tend to highlight
the location of unstable manifolds
\cite{shadden2005definition}. Homoclinic and heteroclinic
connections and tangles are also identified.

An open flow is one in which fluid leaves the domain of
interest, say $D$ (we do not consider here the possibility of
fluid entering the system). The quantity
\begin{equation}
S(D,t_0;\tau) \equiv e^{-\tau\kappa(D,t_0;\tau)} \equiv
\frac{m\left(D\cap \Phi_{t_0+\tau}^{-\tau}(D)\right)}{m(D)}
\label{escape}
\end{equation}
is the proportion of fluid initialized in $D$ at $t_0$ that
remains in $D$ after a time $\tau$. It defines the finite-time
escape rate $\kappa(D,t_0;\tau)$. In contrast with the FTLE,
this is not a local quantity defined at each point, but depends
on a whole region $D$. We will think here on $m(A)$ as the
Lebesgue measure -- area, volume, etc.-- of a set $A$, although
other measures, such as mass or heat content of the region,
could be considered. A probabilistic interpretation of Eq.
(\ref{escape}) is that it gives the probability for a particle
released at $t_0$ at a random position in $D$ to remain in $D$
after a time $\tau$. The probability density of escape times
$\tau$ is then $f(\tau)=-d S/d\tau$. If the flow simply sweeps
the fluid out of the region, as for example a simple constant
velocity field would do, no fluid remains in $D$ after some
time and then $\kappa(D,t_0;\tau\to\infty)=\infty$. But an
interesting situation happens when
$\kappa(D,t_0;\tau\to\infty)$ approaches a finite non-zero
limit, the asymptotic escape rate $\kappa$, meaning that there
is some fluid (in an exponentially decreasing amount)
circulating inside $D$ for arbitrarily long times. If for these
trajectories $\lambda$ is sufficiently large compared to
$\kappa$, fluid elements there are being stretched into thin
filaments which elongate faster than they can leave the system,
so that they pile up in a fractal manner. This reveals the
existence inside $D$ of the so-called chaotic saddle, which is
a non-attracting zero-measure fractal chaotic set traced by
fluid elements that never leave the system
\cite{Tel2006,Lai2011}. This object has stable and unstable
manifolds, which intersect at the saddle itself. In 2d flows,
the dimension of the saddle is given by $D_{saddle}= 2 (D_0
-1)$, where $D_0$ is the dimension of the stable and unstable
manifolds (they have the same dimension in incompressible
flows), given by $D_0 \approx 2 -\frac{\kappa}{\lambda}$ where
$\lambda$ is the positive average Lyapunov exponent of the
system in the mixing region. Typical trajectories close to the
stable manifold  approach and spend a long time close to the
saddle, undergoing transient chaotic behavior, to leave the
system along the unstable manifold after some time. The
trajectories starting rightly at the stable manifold approach
the saddle and move there chaotically, without never escaping
\cite{Tel2006,Lai2011}.

\section{The network approach}
\label{sec:network}

The network representation of fluid flow
\cite{sergiacomi2015flow,lindner2017spatio} uses the
set-oriented approach to transport
\cite{froyland2003detecting,Froyland2005,froyland2007detection,dellnitz2009seasonal},
and requires the discretization of the fluid domain $D$ in
small boxes, $\{B_i, i=1,2,...,N\}$, which are identified with
network nodes. Then, a directed link with a weight
$\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}$, the proportion of the fluid started in
$B_i$ which is found in $B_j$ after a time $\tau$, is assigned
to each pair of nodes $i,j$:
\begin{equation}
\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} = \frac{m\left(B_i \cap
\Phi_{t_0+\tau}^{-\tau}(B_j)\right)}{m(B_i)} \ . \label{PF}
\end{equation}
$\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}$ is called the transfer or transport
matrix, and is a discrete approximation to the Perron-Frobenius
operator of the flow. $\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}$ can be interpreted
as the probability for a particle to reach the box $B_j$, under
the condition that it started from a uniformly random position
within box $B_i$. In the network approach, $\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)$ is
the adjacency matrix of a weighted and directed network.

Numerical estimation of  $\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)$ can be done by
releasing a large number $n_i$ of particles randomly placed in
box $B_i$, computing their trajectories for a time $\tau$, and
counting the number of particles arriving to each $B_j$
\begin{equation}
\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \approx \frac{\textrm{\# of particles from
box $i$ to box $j$}}{n_i} \ . \label{PFparticles}
\end{equation}
Note that this strategy immediately gives also the standard way
to compute $S(D,t_0;\tau)$ in Eq. (\ref{escape}): simply count
the fraction of the number of initially released particles
which still remain in $D$ after a time $\tau$. A standard
network-theory quantity, the out-strength of node $i$:
\begin{equation}
S_O(i)\equiv \sum_{j=1}^N \mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \equiv
e^{-\kappa_i(t_0,\tau) \tau}
\end{equation}
gives the fraction of particles started in $i$ still in the
system, and defines a local finite-time escape rate
$\kappa_i(t_0;\tau)$ of box $B_i$ (we have not written explicitly the $t_0$
and $\tau$ dependence on $S_O(i)$). The global escape fraction (that defines the global
escape rate $\kappa$) is a kind of
weighted average of the $S_O(i)$'s: $S(D, t_0;\tau)=\sum_i
m(B_i) S_O(i) /m(D)$. In closed flows, $S_O(i)=1$ $\forall i$,
and the matrix $\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)$ is row-stochastic, but for open
flows $S_O(i)<1$. One can define an alternative transfer matrix
$\mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)$:
\begin{equation}
\mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \equiv
  \begin{dcases}
  \frac{\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}}{S_O(i)}
  & \qquad \textrm{if }  \quad S_O(i) \ne 0 \quad ,  \nonumber \\
\qquad 0 & \qquad \textrm{if }  \quad S_O(i)  =  0 \quad .
   \end{dcases}
\end{equation}
This matrix is now row-stochastic, i.e. $\sum_{j=1}^{N}
\mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}=1$. It represents the probability of
reaching $B_j$ conditioned to starting in $B_i$ \emph{and} to
still remaining in the system. Because of its restriction to
the non-escaped fluid, it represents effectively a closed-flow
network.

There is still another matrix which is used in the network
description of fluid transport, the binary version of $\mathbf{P}$:
\begin{equation}
\mathbf{A}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}=
   \begin{dcases}
        1  & \qquad \textrm{if } \qquad \mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}>0
 \quad \textrm{and} \quad  i \neq j \quad , \nonumber \\
        0  & \qquad \textrm{if }  \qquad \mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)_{ij}=0
  \quad \textrm{or} \quad  i=j \ .
   \end{dcases}
 \label{binary}
\end{equation}
Note that the same matrix results if using $\mathbf{Q}$ instead of
$\mathbf{P}$. Taken as an adjacency matrix, $\mathbf{A}$ defines a directed
unweighted network in which the weight information in $\mathbf{P}$ is
neglected. The out-degree of node $i$, i.e. the number of nodes
receiving fluid from $i$ can be computed as
\begin{equation}
K_O(i)\equiv \sum_{j=1}^N \mathbf{A}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \ .
\end{equation}
Again we have not made explicit the dependence on $t_0$ and
$\tau$. The corresponding in-strength and in-degree can also be
defined:
\begin{eqnarray}
S_I(i) &=& \sum_{j=1}^N \mathbf{P}_{ji} \ ,\\
K_I(i) &=& \sum_{j=1}^N \mathbf{A}_{ji} \ .
\end{eqnarray}

The paper \cite{sergiacomi2015flow} introduced a family of
network entropies $H_i^q(t_0,\tau)$, $q=0,1,2,...$ relating the
matrix $\mathbf{P}$ to the statistics of FTLE in finite boxes for the
closed-flow case. The row-stochastic matrix $\mathbf{Q}$ can be
interpreted formally as a transfer matrix defining a
closed-flow network. Then the definition and properties of the
entropies in \cite{sergiacomi2015flow} can be taken directly by
using $\mathbf{Q}$ instead of the complete open-flow transfer matrix
$\mathbf{P}$. In particular, in the case in which all boxes $\{B_i\}$
have the same measure (and then transfer matrices are computed
numerically by releasing the same number of particles in each
node) and $\tau>0$ the members $q=0$ and $q=1$ of the family
are defined by:
\begin{eqnarray}
H_i^0(t_0,\tau) & \equiv & \frac{1}{\tau}\log K_O(i) \ ,\\
H_i^1(t_0,\tau) & \equiv & -\frac{1}{\tau} \sum_{j=1}^N
\mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \log \mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \ .
\end{eqnarray}
$H_i^1$ is the finite-time entropy of
\cite{froyland2012finite}.  Reference \cite{sergiacomi2015flow}
related $H_i^0$ and $H_i^1$ in the closed flow case to averages
over ${\bf x}_0$ in the box $i$ of quantities related to the FTLE,
namely $e^{\tau H_i^0}=K_O(i) \approx  \left<
e^{\tau\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0,\tau)}\right>_{B_i}$ and $H_i^1
\approx \left<\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0,\tau)\right>_{B_i}$. Here these
expressions will be modified by the escape process, but the
heuristics used in \cite{sergiacomi2015flow} still suggests
that $K_O(i)$ and $H_i^1$ take high values in boxes $i$ inside
which $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)$ is large, i.e. on the saddle
and on its stable manifold.

For $\tau<0$ the above quantities should be computed with the
time-reversed velocity field or, equivalently, by replacing the
matrix $\mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)$ by the one giving the time-backwards
dynamics \cite{sergiacomi2015flow,froyland2012finite}:
\begin{equation}
\mathbf{Q}^B(t_0,\tau)_{ij} \equiv \mathbf{Q}(t_0,-\tau)_{ij} =
\frac{\mathbf{Q}(t_0-\tau,\tau)_{ji}}{\sum_k \mathbf{Q}(t_0-\tau,\tau)_{ki}}
\ .
\end{equation}
Values of $H_i^1$ computed with this matrix should be large in
boxes where $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;-\tau)$ is large, i.e. on the
saddle and its unstable manifold. Note also that the out-degree
values computed from $\mathbf{Q}^B$ are related to the in-degree
values computed with $\mathbf{Q}$.  As a consequence, we also expect
large values of $K_I(i)$ to be associated to the saddle and its
unstable manifold.

Another fundamental set of quantities in network theory are the
clustering coefficients. Generally speaking, the clustering
coefficient of a node measures the proportion of closed
triangles in the network having that node as a vertex.
\cite{newman2003structure,newman2009networks}. Different
clustering coefficients can be defined depending on the type of
network (weighted, directed, ...) and of the kind of triangles
one is interested in
\cite{saramaki2007generalizations,fagiolo2007clustering}. Of
interest here are \emph{cyclic triangles}. A cyclic triangle,
or 3-cycle motif, is one of the 3-node connected subgraphs
useful to characterize the local topology of networks
\cite{milo2002network}. It is a path in the network joining 3
nodes ($i$, $j$ and $k$) as $i \to j \to k \to i$. Given a node
$i$ with in-degree $K_I(i)$ out-degree $K_O(i)$ and with
$K_B(i)$ of these links being bidirectional ($K_B(i)=\sum_{j\ne
i} \mathbf{A}_{ij} \mathbf{A}_{ji}$), a \emph{cyclic clustering coefficient}
$C^c_i$ is defined as the ratio of all cyclic triangles
involving node $i$ present in the network, divided by all
possible cyclic triangles that could have been constructed with
these values of $K_I(i)$, $K_O(i)$ and $K_B(i)$. It can be
computed \cite{fagiolo2007clustering} from the diagonal
elements of the third power of the adjacency matrix $\mathbf{A}$ :
\begin{equation}
C^c_i = \frac{\left(\mathbf{A}(t_0,\tau)^3\right)_{ii}}{K_I(i)
K_O(i)-K_B(i)} \ . \label{cc}
\end{equation}
$C_i^c$ takes values in $[0,1]$. Since it is constructed from
$\mathbf{A}$ which neglects any weight information, the important
point is whether $C^c_i$ is zero or not at node $i$. If it is
non-vanishing then there is at least one directed triangle
involving $i$ in the network.

In Ref. \cite{rodriguez2017clustering} it was shown that, under
the standard approximation of Markovian dynamics (i.e.
$\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau_1+\tau_2)\approx
\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau_1)\mathbf{P}(t_0+\tau_1,\tau_2)$)
\cite{dellnitz2009seasonal,Froyland2012Rossi,froyland2014how}),
for velocity fields either steady or periodic with period $T$,
and for values of $\tau$ multiple of $T$, $C^c_i$ is non-zero
at nodes containing the position at time $t_0$ of a periodic
trajectory of period $3\tau$. In open flows, periodic orbits
can only appear on the non-escaping set, i.e. the saddle. Thus,
we expect non-vanishing values of $C^c_i$ to identify the
saddle location. Generalized clustering coefficients involving
paths with more that 3-nodes can be considered, but we showed
in \cite{rodriguez2017clustering} that they lead to noisier
results.

In summary, our expectation on the properties of the
coarse-grained description of transport given by the Lagrangian
Flow Network methodology is that the saddle and its stable
manifold, where forward FTLE's take large values, are also
identified by nodes with high values of the out-degree $K_O(i)$
and of the forward finite-time entropy $H_i^1$. Analogously,
the saddle and its unstable manifold, associated to large
values of the backward FTLE, would be highlighted by high
values of the in-degree $K_I(i)$ and of the backwards
finite-time entropy. Finally, non-vanishing clustering
coefficient values are to be found at the saddle. In next
Section we check numerically the validity of these expectations
for a particular example of open flow.

\section{Numerical results for an example open flow}
\label{sec:numerical}

\subsection{A perturbed jet as an example of open flow}
\label{subsec:jet}

We use a model flow introduced in
\cite{hernandez2004sustained}, in a plankton ecology context,
to model an oceanic jet perturbed by a localized wave-like
feature. We use it because it is particularly simple, but at
the same time it has non-ideal features such as the very slow
velocity in some regions which makes non-exact some of the
hypothesis used. These hypotheses are mainly the supposition of
hyperbolic behavior, and the assumption that $\tau$ is large
enough and the fluid boxes small enough to guarantee that the
image of each box after a time $\tau$ is a thin and long
filament \cite{sergiacomi2015flow}. The hypotheses are
reasonably fulfilled in the central ($|y| \lesssim l$) region
of the jet, but they are clearly non correct in the slow
regions outside it. Despite this non-ideality we see that our
expectations on the meaning of the different network
quantifiers are confirmed.

The velocity field ${\bf v}=(v_x,v_y)$ is two-dimensional and
incompressible, and is written in terms of a streamfunction
$\Psi(x,y,t)$:
\begin{eqnarray}
v_x &=& \frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial y}  \nonumber \\
v_y &=& -\frac{\partial\Psi}{\partial x} \ . \label{hamilton}
\end{eqnarray}
with
\begin{equation}
\Psi=\Psi_0 \tanh\left( \frac{y}{l} \right)+\mu
 \exp\left(-\frac{x^2+y^2}{2\sigma^2}\right) \cos\left( k (y-vt) \right)\ .
\label{streamfunction}
\end{equation}

The first term is the main jet, of width approximately $l$,
flowing towards the positive $x$ direction with maximum
velocity $\Psi_0/l$ at its center. The wave-like perturbation
(the region of chaoticity), of strength $\mu$, is represented
by the second term. It is localized in a region of size
$\sigma$ around the point $(x,y)=(0,0)$, and the wavenumber and
phase velocity (towards the positive $y$ direction) are $k$ and
$v$, respectively. The complete velocity field is time-periodic
with period $T=2\pi/kv$.

Equations (\ref{hamilton}) and (\ref{streamfunction}) define a
time-periodic Hamiltonian dynamical system. This type of system
typically develops chaotic regions when increasing the strength
of the perturbation, $\mu$. But fluid leaves the region $D$, so
that we have the situation of chaotic scattering: particles
enter $D$ from the left, following essentially straight
trajectories, experience transient chaos when reaching the wave
region, and finally they leave the system. For $\mu$ large
enough, recirculation gives birth to a chaotic saddle in $D$.
We take $l=1$, $\Psi_0=2$, $\sigma=2$, $\mu=3$, $k=1$, and
$v=1$, giving a flow period $T=2\pi/kv=2\pi$. Our domain of
interest will be $D=\{(x,y) ~|~ -9 \le x \le 9, -5 \le y \le
5\}$, from which we monitor the particle escape.

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=\columnwidth]{fig1_mod.pdf}
\end{center}
\caption{Values of the FTLE at each initial location ${\bf x}_0$, for $t_0=0$ and $\tau=6T$. a) Forward integration
(i.e. $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0,\tau)$); large values occur at the stable manifold of the chaotic saddle. b) Backward integration
(i.e. $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0,-\tau$); large values occur at the unstable manifold of the chaotic saddle.
c) The product $\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0,\tau)\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0,-\tau)$, which is large on the chaotic saddle.}
\label{fig:FTLE}
\end{figure}

Figure \ref{fig:FTLE} displays the values of the FTLE, for
$t_0=0$, $\tau=6T$, and ${\bf x}_0$ on a grid of spacing $0.01
\times 0.01$. The computation has been done by following all
trajectories for the full interval $\tau$ without taking into
account whether they remain inside $D$ or rather they leave the
domain. As expected, despite the information on the escape is
not explicitly taken into account, large values of he FTLE
identify filamental structures that reveal the locations of the
stable (top) and unstable (middle) manifolds (compare with Fig.
1b of Ref. \cite{hernandez2004sustained}). Bottom panel
displays the product of forward and backwards FTLE,
$\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;\tau)\lambda({\bf x}_0,t_0;-\tau)$, which takes
large values at the intersection of the two manifolds, and then
reveals the location of the chaotic saddle. We note that, for
this particular flow, determining the saddle and their unstable
and stable manifolds by the standard method
\cite{Tel2006,Lai2011} of plotting the locations of the
nonescaping particles at the middle, final, and initial times
is rather inaccurate. The reason is the nearly vanishing
velocity field at points with $|y|/l$ not close to the center
of the jet ($y=0$), say $|y| \gtrsim 3$. Trajectories started
at these points will finally escape the system, but only after
unpractically long integration times $\tau$. The FTLE
computation, however, clearly distinguishes the saddle and
manifold regions because of their large finite-time stretching
effect on the fluid elements.

\subsection{Network construction and analysis}
\label{subsec:results}

To construct the flow network, we discretize $D$ into $N=180
\times 100=18000$ boxes of size $0.1\times 0.1$. We release
initially (taking $t_0=0$) 100 particles inside each box and
compute their final position after a time $\tau=6T=37.699$. By
counting the particles interchanged between each pair of boxes
we compute $\mathbf{P}(t_0,\tau)$ and the associated matrices
$\mathbf{A}(t_0)$ and $\mathbf{Q}(t_0,\tau)$ (and $\mathbf{Q}^B(t_0,\tau)$), from
which we calculate the different network-node properties
defined above. Because of the escaping particles, $S_O(i)<1$ in
most nodes. The exception are many nodes in $|y| \gtrsim 3$ for
which, as stated above, the velocities are so small that
particles remain essentially immobile. An estimation of the
escape rate excluding this region, and thus characteristic of
the saddle, is $\kappa(D,t_0;\tau)\approx 0.03 \pm 0.01$ so
that the residence time is of the order of 33.33, or
approximately $5~T$.

\begin{figure*}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=1.\textwidth]{fig2final.pdf}
\end{center}
\caption{Network quantifiers at the different nodes, giving a coarse-grained description of the dynamical
structures in the flow. a) Out-degree $K_O(i)$. b) In-degree $K_I(i)$. c)
Forward finite-time entropy $H_i^1(t_0,\tau)$. d) Backward finite-time entropy $H_i^1(t_0,-\tau)$. The upper panels
highlight the stable manifold of the saddle, and the lower ones its unstable manifold. }
\label{fig:degree_entropy}
\end{figure*}

Figure \ref{fig:degree_entropy} shows the degrees $K_O(i)$ and
$K_I(i)$ (left) and the network entropies  $H_i^1(t_0,\tau)$
and $H_i^1(t_0,-\tau)$ (right). The figures confirm that high
values of these quantities identify the stable and unstable
manifolds of the non-escaping set, as revealed by the Lyapunov
fields in Fig. \ref{fig:FTLE}.

\begin{figure}
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=\columnwidth]{fig3_new.pdf}
\end{center}
\caption{Three network quantifiers giving a coarse-grained identification of the chaotic saddle.
a) Values of the degree product $K_O(i) K_I(i)$. b) Values of the  entropy product $H_i^1(t_0,\tau) H_i^1(t_0,-\tau)$.
c) Nodes with non-vanishing values of the cyclic clustering coefficient $C_i^c$.}
\label{fig:saddle}
\end{figure}

Figure \ref{fig:saddle} shows three ways in which the network
approach locates a coarse-grained approximation to the saddle,
to be compared with the bottom panel of Fig. \ref{fig:FTLE}.
Top panel is the product $K_O(i)K_I(i)$, and middle panel is
the product $H_i^1(t_0,\tau)~H_i^1(t_0,-\tau)$. As expected,
these quantities take large values at the nodes that contain
the large values in Fig. \ref{fig:FTLE}c, i.e. nodes containing
pieces of the chaotic saddle. The bottom panel in Fig.
\ref{fig:saddle} shows the nodes with non-zero values of the
cyclic clustering coefficient $C^c_i$. They are
\cite{rodriguez2017clustering} the nodes containing at time
$t_0$ periodic trajectories of period $3\tau=18 T$, which can
only be present in this open system if embedded in the saddle.
Because of the large period $18 T$ involved, and to the finite
width of the node boxes, these nodes cover indeed most of the
chaotic saddle, as seen when comparing to panels a) and b) of
Fig. \ref{fig:saddle} and to Fig. \ref{fig:FTLE}c).

\section{Conclusions}
\label{sec:conclusions}

We have presented some numerical results, based on a simple
open flow model, on the description of dynamical properties of
advection by chaotic open flows within the framework of
Lagrangian Flow Networks. The network approach provides a
coarse-grained version of transport, and we expected that the
association of network nodes with high values of degree and
entropy to locations with high FTLE values, established
previously for closed flows, will remain valid at least
qualitatively for open flows. In particular, nodes with high
values of the out-degree $K_O(i)$ and of the forward
finite-time entropy $H_i^1(t_0,\tau)$ will give a
coarse-grained identification of the saddle and its stable
manifold, whereas nodes with large in-degree $K_I(i)$ and
backward finite-time entropy $H_i^1(t_0,-\tau)$ will highlight
the saddle and its unstable manifold. Non-vanishing values of
the cyclic clustering coefficient are to be found on periodic
orbits embedded on the saddle itself. We have numerically
checked these expectations and then confirmed that the
Lagrangian Flow Network methodology is a suitable framework to
characterize finite-time and coarse-grained view of transport
even for open flows with non-ideal characteristics.

As in the case of closed flows, we can not claim here that the
network approach is superior in all aspects to more specific
dynamical system tools. For example, Lyapunov-exponent
techniques for coherent structures were available
\cite{haller2000lagrangian,shadden2005definition,haller2015lagrangian}
before its reformulation in terms of networks
\cite{sergiacomi2015flow}, specific algorithms to find periodic
orbits in dynamical systems are well developed
\cite{Nayfeh1995}, as well as techniques to deal with open
systems \cite{Lai2011}. Usually the network approach requires
shorter trajectory integration, but this advantage is
compensated by the need to use many initial conditions to cover
the full domain. What is interesting in the network approach is
that it provides alternatives to all these sets of techniques
within a single framework, that the coarse-graining step
automatically tests for robustness to noise or diffusion, and
that it allows the use of techniques, such as community
detection or path-finding algorithms
\cite{sergiacomi2015flow,sergiacomi2015most,sergiacomi2015dominant},
beyond the scope of standard dynamical-systems approaches.
Future work will focus on the theoretical justification of our
heuristically derived and numerically confirmed relationships,
and in the development of additional network indicators more
specifically designed to describe open flows.

\section*{Acknowledgement}

We acknowledge financial support from grants LAOP,
CTM2015-66407-P (AEI/FEDER, EU) and ESOTECOS
FIS2015-63628-C2-1-R (AEI/FEDER, EU). ES-G received partial
support under the French program ``Investissements d'Avenir"
implemented by ANR (ANR-10-LABX-54 MEMOLIFE and
ANR-11-IDEX-0001-02 PSL Research University).

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaArXiv


Pain: is it automatic? Is it necessary?
A couple of weeks ago, a research project crossed my path. In this study, researchers tested the power of the mind and its power of anticipation in relationship to pain. They discovered that if test subjects anticipated a situation to be painful, they physically experienced pain EVEN if the situation did not have the propensity for pain. However, if the test subjects did not have any expectation of experiencing pain, then, they did not experience any pain. AND, even more interesting, if the activity or situation actually had the propensity to cause pain, without any expectation of experiencing pain, the test subjects did not experience any pain!
Let's pause here and reflect on this. Firstly, a disclaimer: I know this is a subject that I cover quite regularly and weave into most of my blogs. Stay with me. This particular theme and understanding underlies, in my opinion, the very reason we are alive: to joyfully create ourselves. It represents the foundation of our inner self's reason for being in the body and thus deserves such attention. Unfortunately, most people fail to apply this foundational wisdom into their daily lives. They might intellectually understand the concept, but, never put the wisdom into practice. Thus, they suffer, and needlessly.
Weaving this understanding into the theme of pain, I want to provide the different permutations and layers where pain can arise in our lives. It can affect any part of or our entire self structure: physical layer, vital layer, emotional layer, and/or mental layer. Another disclaimer, pain can either be acute or chronic. Chronic pain begins in the subtle fields of the body. Acute pain in the form of an injury or accident also can be a message from our inner self. When accessing any physical pain, be sure to look towards inner origins.
Chronic physical pain is usually the last ditch effort of our intelligent self-system; our inner source; or our inner self to get our attention; to show us that we are on the wrong path. Acute pain from accidental injury is also an emergency way to attract our attention. Pay attention; ask: "Inner source what are you trying to show me or say to me? What do I need to do?" Listen for the answer which might come as words OR as emotional excitement over a thought.
In the presence of pain or even the potential prospect of pain, the brain contracts along with the energy field of the human expression. From this point of contraction, a downward spiral begins leading to even lower frequency emotions and expressions. In turn, the stories we start telling ourselves perpetuate more contraction which in turn leads to more pain. Notice the self fulfilling circle.
Think of the emotional Frequency band as a line with the midpoint being contentment/satisfaction.
To the left of the midpoint starts the direction of high frequency expression and likewise to the right of the midpoint satisfaction begins lower frequency expressions. If stuck to the right of midpoint, it can feel like a mountain climb to shift to the left of midpoint.
The reason I call the mind's tendency the "slippery slope" lies in just how quickly the mind slides towards the downward spiral. It needs only a gentle nudge for most of us. In contrast, the mind needs a giant shove to propel us to the left of midpoint into the upward spiral.
It is much easier to find the emotional signature of contentment within, than to find the emotional signature of joy. Not to mention trying to maintain joy while in distress.
Secondly, reach for contentment/satisfaction - the midpoint. Start slow, strengthen the emotional base and sustain it at contentment. Without any further effort, the mind will suddenly pop further upward on the emotional scale. The secret? Not letting our emotional signature drop to the right of midpoint or "content".
AND this my friends lies within our control! Voilà, our power. To be completely transparent, slipping to the right of satisfaction happens naturally and honestly dozens of times daily, over and over until we build the neural habit of resting in contentment.
Take heart and be vigilant! Notice when the slip occurred and simply bring the mind back to midpoint. In the beginning, it might require dozens of shifts back to "content." Over time, this frequency of occurrence decreases and the mind's emotional signature stays at the midpoint. Like any new venture, it needs only our attention, dedication, patience, and practice. Trust me. It works!
Mike & I enjoyed this article. It reinforced what we know, we created our own lives, joy, pain, et al.


text:
Nudging the Hornets' Nest: How Unjust Were Rep. Peter King's Congressional Hearings on Homegrown Islamic Terrorism?
tags: American Muslims offended, American terrorists, CAIR, Congress investigates Islam, homegrown terrorism, Islamic terrorism, King hearings, Muslim profiling, Muslim terrorists, Peter King, political correctness and Islam, radical Islam, recruiting terrorists, rooting out terrorists
I'll try to make this post almost as brief as its headline is long. In Congress yesterday, Rep. Peter King (R-NY) finally held his much-anticipated and much-maligned hearings on "homegrown" Islamist terrorism — the notion that some American Muslims are being secretly radicalized and recruited by terrorist groups like al-Qaeda.
Denounced as "an outrage" by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), dismissed as "a sham" by Moein Khawaja of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and ridiculed as "great Congressional theater" by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), the hearings were variously compared to the McCarthy witch-hunts and a TV reality show. One of the two Muslims in Congress, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota), wept as he recounted how an American Muslim paramedic died as he attended to the injured at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
King's one-ring circus lasted four hours. What did it accomplish? Well, it revealed that 1) sensitive minority groups don't like to be poked, and 2) American liberals will always come to the defense of sensitive minority groups. Big news there.
But were the hearings justified? Yes, and yes again. You have to be wearing size-14 blinders not to notice that extremist Islamic groups tend to engage in terrorism. No non-terrorist with half a brain should obstruct efforts to uncover jihadist recruiting operations here in the U.S. But political correctness dictates that we're not allowed to single out any minority group for investigation. That would be profiling, a holy taboo within America's enlightened progressive circles.
Do all Muslims engage in (or even approve of) terrorism? Of course not. King's hearings weren't investigating all Muslims — only those who recruit terrorists in the U.S., and those who let themselves be recruited. Like Carlos Bledsoe, whose anguished father testified about the young man's conversion to Islam, his estrangement from his family, and his subsequent killing of an Army private at a recruiting station in Arkansas.
It goes without saying that not all Muslims are terrorists, and that not all terrorists are Muslims. (Remember the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995? Brought to you by Timothy McVeigh, all-American boy.) But it also goes without saying that some Muslims are terrorists, and that the threat doesn't always come from the Middle East. (Muslims are as ethnically diverse as Christians, after all.)
Why is it that we never hear about Methodist suicide bombers, Lutheran jihadists or militant Presbyterians? To my knowledge, no plane has ever been hijacked by Reformed Jews for the purpose of flying it into an American building. Why? It's simple, really: those religions just don't inspire radicalism among the faithful.
Radicalism is like a malignant tumor in the body of Islam. (And unlike most tumors, this one spreads to other bodies.) It needs to be isolated and cut out without harming the patient. Yesterday's Congressional hearings were a start, though they accomplished little except the further polarization of already polarized minds.
If we want to extract a tumor, we can't be in a state of denial. To the Democrats I'd say the cancer is there, and no amount of wishful thinking will make it otherwise. To the Republicans I'd add, "Remember that your enemy is the tumor, not the patient."
from → America, extremists, Islam, Muslims, political correctness, politics, religion, terrorism
← Charlie Sheen and the Curse of E.D.*
'Mount Fuji in Red': Notes on Japan's Triple Nightmare →
Ian Robertson permalink
Yep, you said what I was thinking pretty much. I would agree with critics that the proper person to hold such a hearing would not be a well known ethnophobe, that is a fair comment. i don't think the liberal weeping and wailing was helpful. At the same time I'd be sympathetic to investigating other terrorist prone groups, and the first ones that come to mind are right wing ones. Can we say, Tim McVeigh or Waco?
I know I seem to be talkative today, its because I'm online doing research on moderates, independents (not the same thing) and party affiliations. Fascinating stuff. Moderates are no longer a majority but still in second not far from conservatives and still far outnumber liberals. Independents on the other hand are a majority. You should look into the Pew polls in particular. Yeah, I'm off topic.
I'm already regretting my knee-jerk reaction to the left's minorityphilia on this matter. Yes, our progessive friends have a way of sanctifying non-European ethnic and religious groups so that any examination of those groups, no matter how justified or well-intentioned, comes off as racist. I took their bait, and on second reading I thought my response was a little one-sided.
You made some excellent and fair-minded points: we SHOULD be examining our homegrown nativist militia groups as assiduously as we're looking in on Islamic terrorist cells. I also didn't know anything about Peter King until the hearings; apparently he's been using them to boost his popularity among conservatives. He's a clever fellow.
dhlii permalink
The hearings were pointless, but not for the reasons advanced by the left. The majority of terrorists targeting the US both at home and abroad are Muslim. Cheken Terrorists are a problem for the Russians, the IRA an issue for the English.
But regardless of the issue, the primary guarantor of our own security is ourselves, not government. September 11, 2001 irrevocably broke the unwritten contract between hijackers and travelers – "stay out of this and you will remain safe, either your government will give us what we want or they will kill us, but either way taking matters into your own hands is a bad idea". Everyone who travels today knows that not only their personal safety – but potentially that of thousands of others depends on no one else but themselves. In every public instance since it is passengers that have thwarted terrorists attacks. None of the security theatre practised at our airports has been worth anything. There is no evidence that the Patriot Act has made us any safer. The FBI cases of "home grown terrorism" have consisted primarily of stupid American Muslim teens lured by the FBI into ineffectual pretend terrorist games.
I would ask that instead of investigating why and how American Muslims are being radicalised, why should hold hearings as to why Home Land security is ineffective. Except that i already know the answer. Government is incapable of guaranteeing our security, but it can and has taken our freedom. Purportedly Franklin noted that security and freedom were at odds, but the problem is larger – government and freedom are irreconcilable.
To the extent we sit in fear. To the extent we pass laws restricting our freedom, to the extent we tolerate x-rays, metal detectors, pat downs and body scans, the enemies of freedom – whether Al Queda or progressives, have won.
After greiving for the World Trade Center victims, the most important act of this nation was not to invade Afghanistan, or Iraq, or pass the patriot act, or drop concrete barriers infront of public buildings, or …. but to rebuild the Towers bigger and better than ever. To proclaim boldly and loudly F'you to those that thought they had brought us down.
With all respect for our military, it is not our military might that makes this nation great. It is our freedom. It is not Al Queda that is successfully "radicalising" Muslims in American and the world, but the American dream. This is not a battle of weapons but of ideas. Muslim nations across the world are seething for freedom right now – and in the short run we may not like the outcome, but ultimately more liberty in Islamic nations is a victory for the US and Muslims throughout the world and a defeat for Al Queda.
You're right that numerous terror plots since 9/11 have been foiled by heroic and quick-thinking individuals, but the government also needs to do what it can, short of trampling on our freedom. I'm hoping that the democracy movement now sweeping across the Muslim world (though the dictators seem to be resurgent at the moment) will shift the mindset of chronically frustrated Muslims from anti-US fury to a pro-Western embrace of freedom.
Montana permalink
Why doesn't this Peter T. King investigate the "Home Grown" radicalization of Irish Americans, who support the tradition wing of the IRA (Irish Republican Army), or Noraid (The Irish Northern Aid Committee), and being recruited by "Enemy Overseas" or worse "Enemy Overseas" the "Catholic Church ", where they radicalize the priests into raping our young American boys, what about that you hypocrite scumbag.
Peter King is a hypocrite, he supported the terrorist group IRA, who killed innocent British people, but hey I guess that was OK, right? Killing innocent people is OK, as long as they are not born is the United States, yup that sounds about right. I guess Jesus Christ would give all you extra points for that, NOT!
No, there are no dancing in the street when Catholics hear about a pedophile priest, but there has been a concerted effort to Deny, Deflect, Defend this "Enemy Overseas" the "Catholic Church ", I don't even think you could deny that fact. What would Jesus Christ, say about this so called Church, I have a few thoughts myself.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/thu-march-10-2011-trey-parker—matt-stone
47 seconds in;
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/377120/march-10-2011/peter-king-understands-violent-radicalism
Charlie permalink
Getting American Muslim communities to feel an extra sense of responsibility to fight terrorism by working with law enforcement is the best hope we have of being successful. That should be the objective. So did Rep. King's hearings get us closer to that objective or did they serve to further isolate Muslims from the rest of America? Sometimes a good poke, as you say, will get the message across. I hope that is the case. We cannot kill off home grown radicalism. A fundamental change has to come from within the Muslim community.
I think the purported purpose of the hearings was to examine how we can convince mainstream Muslims to cooperate with law enforcement. If it works, this would go a long way toward thwarting terrorists. But as you said, it's not enough. As long as there are Muslims here and abroad who see the U.S. as the enemy, the plots will continue. I'm hoping that the recently awakened passion for freedom among young Muslims will neutralize most of this hatred and make terrorism irrelevant.
This will be too long and may get off topic. Have patience with me, that's how I'm made, a ranter.
The most vocal and ideologically driven persons and groups involved in the hearing had one primary purpose in mind and it was NOT the good or safety of the country. It was votes and wedge issues. Perhaps my cynicism is immoderate, but there you have it.
I think your initial response was fine, you mentioned Tim McVeigh. I am embarrassed to admit that I occasionally enter discussions on Muslims with conservatives in online forums and I always mention Tim McVeigh to them. It really hits a nerve. Its like mentioning Climategate to Assange fans or visa versa. It drives them nuts. Every ideologically extreme group feels holy, its the nature of the beast.
Its obvious that that the vast majority for American Muslims are peaceful. The dangerous thing is not one particular idea, its the extreme forms of that idea, as McVeigh showed us. You can ignore the rest of my rant, this is the gist of it.
Along the same lines I try to be careful and complain about the "far right" and the "far left," and not %^&$# liberals and conservatives. The ideological terminology is really poor; to lump everyone on the left of center together is like calling slush snow. I count (living in an extremely liberal state and having spent way too much time at a very liberal university) at least five shades of left, ranging from the old-style Hubert Humphrey liberal to the far-left International Socialist Organization with its radical professors (in English Departments for some reason) and its student dupes. In between those extremes are a whole range of interests and they don't even like each other most of the time.
So, ideological terminology is an entire topic in itself and a fascinating one. As a rule, the further you get from the center the more people become fanatical and mean and the less chance their ideas usually have of becoming law in a democracy, so they become even angrier, more cynical about the system, and sometimes even violent. Another violent example, to be fair and name the extremes of the left, were the Seattle rioters and all the various far-left anti-globalization crazies who terrorize economic summits.
When I err and talk about "the left" carelessly as if it were a monolith then I tend to confuse the most obnoxious personalities with the more basic form of the idea. The center of gravity of "the left" is not actually half as ugly as Ted Rall, Ralph Nadar, or Michael Moore make it seem.
If we look more carefully we see hopeful examples. I was really surprised and very pleased when something like 70% of Republicans in one poll said they approved of Obama's speech on the Arizona shooting. It means (to me) that at least 70% of Republicans are not the die-hard haters that we get the impression they are if we pay too much attention to Rush.
So, bottom line, we need to make better distinctions about the degrees of right and left and learn not to lump people who are a little removed from the center in with their far more extreme and destructive distant cousins.
This to me is what moderation is about, trying to remove the poison from the perception that people like Palin, Coulture, Dowd, and Krugman are really where its at. We get that impression naturally, because its mostly really nasty people who write political columns, are invited as guest lecturers at many Universities, have radio shows, or lead left-wing movements of naive young people or right-wing movement of older and just plain unintelligent people. These people are a vocal but, unfortunately, entertaining minority. They are the dangerous ones.
Kent Garshwiler permalink
I like your posting. There are many different versions of where an individual could be on the "political spectrum". There are many different positions of the Left, Right and Center. Also, you have to include whether the individual is Authoritarian or Libertarian on the issues.
The question could be how deep are you in your belief? Do you allow yourself to "flow" with openness? Meaning … do you allow others to challenge your views to help you grow or do you use others to solidify your Ideological position on the Political Spectrum chart?
I would argue that the best method is to use both as a Centrist.
"Absolutism=logic…. Empiricism=facts … excluding Psycho=Emotion"
Using logic and Facts as a guide coupled with Empiricism and Absolutism. I have to use all four to be Centrist and open to all left/right sides of an issue. Emotion must be lessened as it doesn't use thought, but feeling.
Yet choosing one side may be necessary for a Centrist. In order to choose a side isn't to disqualify the other side's views based on emotion, but only on logic and Facts as it is presented to the individual using the core principles of the Centrist Mantra:
As a Centrist, I tend to disagree with"Extremes" you stated that are only on the Left and Right. I believe there are "extremists" in the center grouping as well. They may call themselves Independent, Moderate or Centrists. Each level of the Center political spectrum have a different position of Solidify. The Centrists have more focus on staying Center than the others in the Center group on all issues because a "platform" has been built to stay there by the individual.
It is based on the basic notion that any individual of the Center political spectrum group may be open to change up/down or left/right. Also, an individual of the center is not excluded from emotion.
For example: Some or many Tea Party members may say they are either Independent, Moderate, and they may go Conservative or Social a majority of the time based on emotion (religious or humanist?), but they may not be ever Centrist. Plus, they ignore a balance to arguments when facts or logic are presented. There is a "fine-line" to being "dead center Centrist".
Centrists are hardcore middle believers. Emotion is a role in humans, but must never compromise logic/fact especially when being a radical Centrist. Yet, any Lefty/Righty who uses "radical" is using emotion based on either Humanist or Religious background views. Centrist is logic/Fact excluding emotion. Though a Centrists actions may be emotional, but not in thought. This would conflict with the core principle mantra.
There are naive, ignorant and intelligent people in this country and all are trying to figure out what is what and some may choose to ignore (naive) and others may tune in and out (ignorant) and those who wish to try to keep alert(intelligent).
I believe many people in this country have been misled by our leaders and are being manipulated for political reasons. What could explain the confusing actions our government leaders are making? Either we are confused or our leaders are trying to institute their own ideas and confusing us? Both Left and Right have had their say for 200 years since the end of George Washington. It is time to take "Center-Stage" for the people's sake.
David Ferguson permalink
As has been said all too often: Not all Muslims are terrorists; but most terrorists – especially as it pertains to US threats – have been Muslim. In a world with limited resources, it is vital that our government and its law enforcement and security forces focus their limited resources on "clear and present dangers". Here are the facts related to terrorist events that have occurred since 1921 where the number of fatalities exceeded 100 (data through mid-2010):
•	Of the 66 such events, 47 (71%) have been of Muslim or Islamic origin.
•	Of the 14,384 fatalities across these events, 11,674 (81%) have been of Muslim or Islamic origin.
•	Even if we back out all the terrorist attacks that occurred in Iraq after the US invasion, the number of deaths is still 8,598 (76%).
•	There have been 6 terrorist events where the US was the direct target. Of these events, all but 1 (Mr. McVeigh) were of Muslim or Islamic origin. That's 83%.
Since 1996 there has been a steep divergence in events and deaths between those of Islamic origin and those of other religious, ethnic, or political origin with those of Islamic origin rising dramatically.
So why should the focus of US security and diplomatic efforts be trained predominately in the direction of Muslims? Because, to paraphrase the bank robber Willie Sutton, because that's where the threat is.
I like your writing lately it's very logical and balanced. Rep. King is a long time supporter for death especially during the IRA war…recruiting Americans and money… He's trying to get a name for himself lately. But, the issue must be addressed by someone about the Somali's being recruited in Minnesota and around other parts of the country.
Muslim's need to speak up and do something, but that is like trying to get all Baptist's to stop the radical Baptist preacher Phelp's from protesting at military funerals. Not happening!
As a nation, I don't see Muslims stopping Muslims. It will take a radical force to insure security and the security will have to be put only on those causing the problem. Dare I say, "Profiling".
If the Muslims don't put a stop to the nonsense…then someone else is going to. Militia's, independent people…who knows. Americans will not live in fear on this magnitude. We must not forget how many Muslims were attacked after 9/11.
All this stems from the interpretation of the religious doctrine and the practice …..coupled with the lack of understanding and tolerance of those religions and peoples that are different. FEAR!!!
"Fear brings Anger, Anger brings Hate, Hate leads to Suffering". – Yoda
One thing I disagree with is you bring in Tim McVeigh into the Terrorist debate. He was a Domestic Terrorist…no doubt. But his terrorist act was political and not religious. Tim wanted revenge for the treatment the Federal Government handling the Waco Incident.
Your writing and others response is like treating William Ayers bombings in the 1960's as equal to the Muslims on 9/11. Not equal. It's political.
Muslims and Christians are at odds because of many things and among them is lack of understanding and tolerance. It is Religious! Not Political! The fact that our Government sticks its nose in the Middle East looks Political, but the radicals see a Christian invasion not a political invasion. Iran is maybe looking at the U.S. as both a Political and Religious invasion.
We do need to pin point the problem of terrorism and not eradicate all the Muslims, but how can we as a nation do it if the Muslims don't stand forward and point out the suspect?
Hi Kent (and everyone),
Interesting post, lots for me to think about.
In one way, I think that the whole right-left argument is very artificial; the issues each "side" believes in have accreted over time by convenience not by logic or some kind of intellectual consistency as parties try to find a coalition of special interests that will win elections. The (European) world used to spin on the Catholic- Protestant axis, well maybe it still does, but not to the same extent. To me as an American agnostic that axis now seems to have become pretty silly. I would like to think that the future holds the same for the left-right axis.
I was very left wing in my youth, I come from a very liberal family, I have mostly liberal friends, play in a blues-funk band, and my life would be a lot easier in some ways if I just were to pretend I am very liberal.
But my dear old dad, the Rutgers University History Professor, made a big point of making his kids think and not just blab nonsense about things we knew nothing about. We were asked our opinions over dinner and then those opinions were crushed if we did not have a good basis for them. In other words read five books and then talk to him again. So that is probably why I am a moderate, I was taught in my family that you have to know something to have an opinion. I take it very much for granted now but if nobody had taught that to me I very possibly would not have learned it. So in my world issues are very complicated and the emotional part of them may fall on some artificial right-left axis but the technical part is like science, it should be non-ideological, just the (millions of) facts, please.
I do not try to find the middle on each issue, and I do have "left-right tendencies" on particular issues, but in general I just look up the facts on issues that I care enough about and find that the ideological extremes nearly always are ignoring all the facts that are inconvenient to their version of the issue.
One type of moderate is the famous wishy-washy one (but at least those people have the distinction that they did not get sucked into on of the two so-called sides.) The other type of moderate is people (like me) who think that issues are too complicated to buy them all in one lump from the ideological camp that most of one's friends and family belong to.
Its that second type of moderate that could shake things up if we were to ever get really organized.
I could write a VERY long post on what I think the reasons are that moderates are so extremely difficult to get organized, but thats really off the topic of the Muslim hearings.
I like your jib! Yes, it could be said that Moderates are not one like in thought, but two.
Moderates in the 1990's were being played on by both the Republican and Democratic parties. Seen as "Wishy-Washy" or to say the "undecided or confused" voters. Those who had to pick a side.
Today, I see it quite clearly as you stated that there are two groups of Moderates.
One group who wishes to choose issues between both parties and not affiliate as anything…Independent or level 1 Moderate. Wishy-washy
Two group who wishes to choose issues, affiliate with a center, but feel that the issues are too complicated to break down and come to a logical/factual/common sense result.
I was exactly the opposite of your childhood. I was fundamental Independent Baptist or in other words "Conservative". As I became older I ran into questions about why everything in life seemed liberal….or in other words "free going". It would be easy to say Satan is at work everywhere, but I began to question what exactly my purpose is and what believes I should believe not because someone said so.
You have helped remind me that the Moderate is a person that knows there is a center place…unlike the Independent who just doesn't want to associate with any group. But also that the Moderate is in two pieces.
I am still in the Moderate Two place for a very long time and thought that there wasn't a way to break down the complicated issues in society for a "Center" Ideology, but I have been working feverishly on them. I believe there is a "Center" Ideology that can be discovered and founded. By using logic/Fact/Common Sense and ignoring Emotion (not to say that it isn't important in life) you can come to a conclusion of making a good decision out of any situation. This doesn't mean every conclusion is the best emotionally as it is excluded.
Thus meaning you can't lean Republican or Democrat. Better said you are not emotional in a Humanist or Religious way as to cloud your view of that which is true reality.
Emotion is a human trait and you can't truly get rid of it. Therefore, you can only minimize it. Both political parties use emotion to drive their cause to hate the other. Then would a true political party that doesn't believe in using hate have the opportunity to take those who love all?
Do you see where I am going? Being different than the two existing political parties isn't bad. It's finding out what it is they aren't doing that appeals to people and doing it and most of the effort is just common sense/logic/fact that everyone has irregardless if a person is using emotion or not.
I now prefer to be Centrist. I have taken issues…not all, but have constantly thought about how each group(Progressive and Conservative, Republican and Democrat) uses issues to go against each other and then coming to a logical break down of what is reasonable based on who we are as humans. I for instance am Pro-choice and Pro-life. In other words, there is a time to choose and a time to choose to live.
End of this I have been working on designing a Centrist theme, flag, ideology, but need input from thinkers that don't lean too much in emotion to one side or the other. The problem is that it is easy to lean to one side or the other because emotion clouds better judgement. It is always best to have a clear head so to speak and speak among other like minded thinkers.
sicklygreyfoot permalink
Mr Bayan said everything that needed to be said.
I've nothing substantive to add.
Robert permalink
Excellent point, Montana. I assume that in order to go after those kinds of organizations, King would have to look within his own faults and correct those wrongs. Conservatives are not that self aware unfortunately. I also wish I would have mentioned the Catholic Church's molestation issue but that wasn't the focus. Next time, don't you worry.
"Conservatives are not that self aware unfortunately."
Kent, You sound a lot like John Anderson in where you are coming from. I was really a fan of his and voted for him and worked for him. H started as a religious conservative and wound up as a very thoughtful and interesting moderate. Its a really cool path in my book.
As to a moderate party, I dream that dream too, but my first dream would just be to get moderates to the polls In The Primaries, to break that dynamic where the party radicals dominate the primaries and then try to run to the center after they threw all their red meat in primary season.
I have a lot more to say about your post, but right now have family obligations and a lot of work got dumped on me as well, so it may take me a few days to really respond to your very thoughtful post. Keep on fighting!