text:
Application of Non-ionising Radiation Based Enzyme
APPLICATION OF NON-IONISING RADIATION BASED ENZYME INACTIVATION OF BITTER GOURD (Mordica charania L.): A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Nalawade S. A, Akanksha, H.Umesh Hebbar
Although many processing technologies could be used to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, the commonly used ones in current food industry are blanching and dehydration. Blanching is a pre-processing operation carried out before drying of fruits and vegetables. The main purpose of blanching is to inactivate enzymes such as peroxidase, polyphenoloxidases and phenolase which cause many adverse changes of a product (Fellows, 1990; Hiranvarachat, Devahastin, & Chiewchan, 2011; Vishwanathan, Giwari, & Hebbar, 2013). Conventional blanching involves processing with hotwater, steamand acid. The conventional blanching has many drawbacks such as loss of water soluble nutrients (Lavelli, Zanoni, & Zaniboni, 2007), quality deterioration (Gornicki & Kaleta, 2007) and environmental problems (Bomben, 1977). Bitter gourd is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in various Asian and African herbal medicine systems from a long time Grover and Yadav (2004), Beloin et al., (2005), Ananya Paul and Sarmistha Sen Raychaudhuri (2010). It has antidiabetic, antitumorous, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and cholesterol lowering capacity Ahmed et al., (2001), Grover and Yadav (2004) and Taylor (2002).The compound responsible for anti-diabetic property in bitter gourd is Charantin, a hypoglycemic compound which is a mixture of two compounds (1:1) sitosteryl glucoside (C35H60O6) and stigmasteryl glucoside (C35H58O6) that has been isolated from the seeds, leaves and fruit of Momordica charantia (Raman and Lau, 1996). Storage of raw bitter gourd is difficult because of presence of some enzymes which deteriorate the product quality. Hence, Blanching is carried out before drying operation. Primary purpose of blanching is to inactivate enzymes such as Peroxidase (POD), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) allowing stabilization and minimize the degradation of other quality attributes (Canet, 1989). Peroxide (POD) is considered as enzymatic indicator for blanching (Gunes and Bayindirli, 1993, Sheu and Chen, 1991 and Zhu and Pan, 2009) which is one of the most heat resistant enzymes, therefore when POD is inactivated most of other enzymes present might not survive (Halpin & Lee, 1987). 90% reduction in POD activity was considered as the end point, since persistence of 3-10% is considered sufficient for drying purpose (Gunes and Bayindirli, 1993). Conventional blanching method includes processing the sample with hot water and steam. The advantages of electromagnetic radiation (MW and IR) employed blanching over conventional blanching methods (water or steam) are rapid inactivation of enzyme complexes that cause quality degradation and minimal/no leaching of vitamins, flavor, pigments, carbohydrates and other water soluble components (De Ancos et al. 1999).These methods have drawbacks such as quality deterioration (Gornicki & Kaleta, 2007) and loss of water soluble nutrients (Lavelli, Zanoni, & Zaniboni, 2007). The application of microwave radiation for blanching or enzyme inactivation (Ramaswamy and Fakhouri, 1998; Ponne, Baysal, & Yuksel, 1994; Begum and Brewer, 2001; Brewer and Begum, 2003; Roberts et al., 2004; Lin and Brewer, 2005; Zhu & Pan, 2009; Lin and Ramaswamy, 2011; G.C. Jeevitha et.al ,2013 ;Vishwanathan et al., 2013 ) showing its effectiveness and suitability. From the results of Ramaswamy and Fakhouri (1998), Ramesh et al. (2002), G.C. Jeevitha et.al ,2013 and Bengang Wu et al.,2014 it is possible to observe that vegetable tissue blanched with microwave and infrared radiation retained better nutritional value. G.C. Jeevitha et.al,2013 reported better retention of water-soluble nutrients during dry blanching of red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) slices using infrared (IR) and microwave (MW) radiations and its performance compared with conventional methods. There are a few reports on MW blanching (Chung et al. 1981; Ramesh et al. 2002; Brewer and Begum 2003) and IR blanching (Ponne et al. 1994) indicating their benefits in terms of nutrient retention over steam or water blanching. The objectives of present study were to: evaluate kinetics of Bitter gourd peroxidase (POD) & polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inactivation and determine adequacy of both conventional (water and steam) and Dry blanching (IR and MW); to evaluate effect on product quality in terms of moisture, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and charantin.
Bitter gourd dark green (moisture content 92 ± 1.2%w.b) were purchased from a local market. All the fruits were washed with running water under tap to remove adhering dust and reduce the surface micro-flora and stored at 4 ± 1°C until further use. The bitter gourd fruits were procured from a single source and almost the same degree of maturity was maintained in order to minimize variation in raw material quality.
Bitter gourd fruits were washed thoroughly with tap water and sliced using Robot coupe slicer of dimension 5 mm. seeds were removed manually and used for the study.
Blanching Systems
Water Blanching
Bitter gourd slices (100 g) were immersed in hot water (1:3) maintained at 90 ± 2°C for 2 min. The blanched samples were immediately cooled to room temperature (25°C) by dipping in water for 5 min. Surface excess moisture of slices was removed using filter paper and subjected for analysis.
Steam Blanching
Bitter gourd slices (30 g) were subjected to steam blanching by exposing the slices to steam in an autoclave (100C and 1atm) for 3 min. The steam blanched Bitter gourd slices were immediately cooled to room temperature by dipping in water for 5 min. Samples was subjected for analysis after removing the surface moisture.
IR Blanching.
About 100 g of bitter gourd slices spread uniformly on the stainless steel (AISI 304) conveyor of IR heater developed (Hebbar and Ramesh 2006) at the authors institute and exposed to IR radiation at a chamber air temperature 200°C for 8 min. The IR heater, fitted with near IR heat sources (1.1 THz; 0.26 kW/m2) on top and bottom sides of the wire mesh conveyor, was used for the study. IR heat was applied intermittently to control blanching temperature. The chamber was preheated to the required temperature before blanching. The blanched slices were cooled rapidly to room temperature by blowing air.
MW Blanching
MW blanching was carried out in a domestic microwave oven (BPL, 2,450 MHz) at an intensity of 5.57, 7.36 and 8.8 W/g. For all the runs, the position of the bitter gourd slices were maintained the same on the turntable to minimize variation.
Crude extract preparation
Slices were homogenized with 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer of pH 7 in the ratio of 1:3. Homogenate was filtered through muslin cloth and centrifuged at 5,100 g for 20 min at 4° C. Supernatant was collected and used for the assay.
Enzyme analysis.
POD Assay
The substrate solution was composed of 1.0 mL of phosphate buffer of pH 6, 1.0 mL of 15 mM guaiacol and 1 mL of 3 mM H2O2. To the substrate solution, 50 µL of enzymatic extract were added and the increase in OD was recorded at 470 nm for 5 min using ultraviolet (UV) visible spectrophotometer (UV- 160A, Shimadzu, Japan). Enzyme activity was determined from the slope of the linear portion of the graph relating absorbance with time and expressed as ?Abs470/min.g sample (Fujita et al. 1997).
PPO Assay
A spectrophotometric assay at 411 nm using 0.1 M catechol as substrate was used to quantify PPO activity (Weemaes et al. 1997).
Moisture content of raw and blanched bitter gourd was analyzed using the AOAC method. Values reported are the average of triplicate determinations
Estimation of Ascorbic acid
The ascorbic acid was determined by 2,6-dichlorophenol- indophenol visual titration methods,(Ranganna 1986) given as follows:
Standardization of dye
Ascorbic acid (100 mg of l-ascorbic acid) was dissolved in 3% HPO3 and volume made up to 100mL. Further, 10 ml of this solution was diluted to 100mL with HPO3. From this, 5mL was transferred to Erlenmeyer flasks containing 5mL of metaphosphoric acid (3%). A burette was filled with the dye, prepared from dissolution of 50 mg of the sodium salt of 2, 6-dichlorophenol in hot distilled water (150 mL) containing 42 mg of NaHCO3, which was made up to 200mL with distilled water. Then, the ascorbic acid solution was titrated against the standard indophenol solution to a rose pink color, which persisted for around 15 s. The dye factor was determined as milligram of ascorbic acid per milliliter of the dye, using the formula:
Sample preparation and assay, the sample (10 g) was macerated with metaphosphoric acid (3%) in a pestle and mortar, filtered, and made up to 100 ml. The filtrate (5 mL) was taken and titrated against the standard dye to a pink end point, which persisted for at least 15 s. The vitamin C content was calculated as:
Percentage retention of ascorbic acid was calculated by,
A= amount of ascorbic acid present after processing
A0= amount of ascorbic acid present in fresh bitter gourd
Both values taken dry basis
Estimation of Chlorophyll
Estimation of chlorophyll was carried out according to the procedure of Ranganna.[25] bitter gourd slices (1 g) were macerated with 80% acetone in a pestle and mortar. The supernatant layer was decanted and the extraction was repeated until the residue was colorless. Then the extracts were pooled, filtered, and made up to 100mL in a volumetric flask. The absorbance measured at 645nm and 663nm using spectrophotometer (Schemadzu UV-1800)
The amount of chlorophyll present in the extract mg chlorophyll per g tissue was calculated using the following equation
A=absorbance at specific wavelength
V= final volume of chlorophyll extracted in 80% acetone
W= weight of tissue extracted
The results were expressed as % on dry basis.
A= amount of chlorophyll present after processing
A0= amount of chlorophyll present in fresh bitter gourd
Estimation of Charantin
Soxhlet extraction
About 1.0 g of bitter melon fruit powder was extracted with 200 ml of ethanol for 150 min. Charantin remained in the sample residue was extracted repeatedly in 30 ml volumes of methanol using ultrasonication. The extract was filtered and evaporated to obtain viscous crude extract and purified prior to the analysis with HPLC.
Sample purification
To purify the crude extract, the protocol as described in Chanchai (2002) was carried out. Briefly, 5 ml of 50:50 (v/v) methanol–water was added to the crude extract. The mixture was then sonicated for 15 min and centrifuged at 3500 rpm for 15 min to separate the supernatant from the precipitate. The precipitate was then added with 5 ml of 70:30 (v/v) methanol–water, and the mixture was again sonicated and centrifuged. The precipitate from this step was added with 3 ml of hexane, and the step was repeated. The precipitate from this step was re-dissolved in 200 µl of 1:1 (v/v) chloroform–methanol mixture, and then adjusted to volume with methanol to 2 ml volume for that obtained with Soxhlet extraction. The purified solution was filtered through a 0.45µm nylon membrane filter (Millipore, USA) before being analyzed by an HPLC.
HPLC analysis was carried out for the quantification of Charantin present in the sample with C-18 Ascentis column (5µm particle, 4.6 mm ? 250mm ID). The mobile phase used was 100:2 (v/v) methanol-water and flow rate was maintained at 1mL/min. The UV detector was set at the wavelength of 204nm and the sample injection volume was 20µL.
Percentage retention of charantin was calculated by,
A= amount of charantin present after processing
A0= amount of charantin present in fresh bitter gourd
Kinetics of enzyme inactivation
The reaction rate constant was determined using first order equation
Where A is the peroxidase or polyphenol oxidase activity at time t; A0 is the initial enzyme activity; t is the blanching time (s); k is the reaction rate constant (s-1) at given temperature.
Decimal reduction time (D) of enzyme is the time required for one log10 reduction in activity of the enzyme (Cigdem and Zerrin 2005), was determined using the following equation:
Enzyme Inactivation
The activity of POD and PPO in fresh samples were found POD – 4?103 U/g and PPO- 322 U/g (fresh weight), respectively. The blanching was continued till the POD activity was reduced to 10% of the initial activity. The slices were blanched in water maintained at 95°C (fig. a) and exposed to steam (fig. b) for different time intervals (15 to 180 sec). The time taken for water and steam blanching was 120 and 180 sec, respectively. The inactivation of PPO was also significant during this period. The bitter gourd slices were blanched using IR radiation at 200°C chamber temperature for different time intervals. The time required for blanching was 8 min (fig. c). PPO inactivation trend was similar to that of POD, with marginally quicker inactivation.
The initial content of ascorbic acid was 666.7± 2.3 mg ascorbic acid/100 g dry weight .Ascorbic acid is considered as a relevant nutritional quality index of food during blanching and drying because of its low stability during thermal treatments and its water solubility. Ascorbic acid is significantly lost (20– 70%) during water and steam blanching and one of the advantages of dry blanching is the higher retention of this water soluble micronutrient. IR blanching at 200°C retained higher ascorbic acid (? 93%) compared with other two conditions.(table.1) The results showed that that the duration–temperature combination decided the retention of ascorbic acid, rather than temperature or duration alone. IR blanching removed nearly 10% moisture, which could be a favorable factor, if drying is the subsequent step.
The Author would like to thank UGC for the award of Junior Research Fellowship (RGNF). Authors wish to thanks Director, CFTRI for extending infrastructure & other facilities for carrying out this work.
Phenolic contents and antioxidant potential of desert prickly pear
Determination of Vitamin C Content in Foods
954405410210UNIVERSITY Hons in Electrical Engineering LEVEL III
RP-HPLC Method for Estimation of Ferrous Ascorbate
HOUSEHOLD and crises in many parts of
Ballast Technology (MCAST) Institute of Engineering and Transport
Sterilization by Saturated Steam Experiment
Extraction and Determination of Met and MHA
Applications of 3D Printing Technology
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men Essay


It's an unofficial holiday, but Nov. 6 is recognized as National Basketball Day. Why? On Nov. 6, 1861, James Naismith was born. It was his inspiration that led to a game so many of us love. So enjoy celebrating a game that offers so much enjoyment.


Discussion in 'Mapping Questions & Discussion' started by /\rch /\ngel, Jul 3, 2008.
Hello, I was wondering (maybe someone else already asked this question), would it be possible to make a PL cart that is only moveable after (x) number of cp's were locked?
Sure. Start with the player detect trigger on the payload disabled. Have the cps send an Add to a Math Counter entity. When the Math Counter reaches a Max value you set you have it send a trigger to the trigger entity on the payload to enable it. At that point you can move it.
But I think you can only have either the CP hud or the Payload hud up per game. I don't know how you'd get around that.


Event details at travelok.com! | Buy tickets at vividseats.com! | Buy tickets via ticketmaster.com! | Buy tickets from ticketnetwork.com! | Buy tickets at stubhub.com! | Event details at visittulsa.com!
Sorry, you missed Wichita Thunder at Tulsa Oi... at BOK Center.
You missed Wichita Thunder at Tulsa Oi... at BOK Center.
We're generating custom event recommendations for you based on Wichita Thunder at Tulsa Oi... right now!


Preparing for IBTM? Focus on your 5 P's!
The Meeting and Events Industry circle, Most people believe Meetings and Incentives is the outer circle. As you work your way in each circle you will unveil the core elements of the industry.
The Core of the Meetings and Incentives industry are people, and for many companies, 80% of your business comes for 20% of your client base. Therefore attracting the right people to your brand should be any marketeers number one priority. The age old saying of is it not what you know but who you know is still the number one business driver for any DMC, Incentive House, Conference Venue or Hotel….But it is not just about knowing the people they have to be the 'right people'.
Be professional and presentable…this does not mean where a shirt and tie if that is not your style. Often at exhibitions people opt for a 'no tie' policy – but make sure you have a pack of mints in your pocket (especially if you are smoker)…fresh shirt, not too overpowering after shave /perfume and a big smile!
Pre book your meetings – use the exhibition meeting scheduler to ensure you meet the people that you think would be most beneficial for your business. Target the right people and analyse if they are in anyway connected to your loyal 20% client database. It is always a great conversation starter sharing that you have a common contact or interest.
Evidence that you have researched your target candidates will only impress them and help you create a better first impression! Therefore find out as much as you can about them before the meeting. Don't spray and pray…aim to be selective in terms of who you want to meet.
Tip: Linkedin is a great tool to do conduct right people analysis. Upgrading to a premier account can increase your out reach capacity.
The first impression counts….strong handshake and always look the person in the eye when introducing yourself and SMILE. It costs nothing but creates much.
Take the opportunity to invite your key partners / clients for a meal or out for a drink during the exhibition. One has to acknowledge that relationships, and hence trust, develop more after hours than at exhibition itself.
Tip. Always spend an hour or so when you are back at the hotel room to remember faces to names. Perhaps even taking a selfie after your meeting to help you remember the name…this really impresses people as not many other people do this…and there is nothing worse than getting the name wrong.
After day one of an exhibition you have probably met all your targeted Right People candidates. Take the opportunity on day 2 and 3 to spend some time in seminar / learning zones. This is a great opportunity to be inspired by 'influencers' in the industry and get an understanding of trends. If the speakers cannot offer either of these 2 insights do not hang around for the duration of the talk – move on…if they do, make sure you ask questions and share contact details after the seminar.
Sometimes people get tired and by the last day really do not want to be there…or even worse already left. Seeing a vacant company stand is the cardinal sin when it comes to exhibitions!
Always remain upbeat, positive and enthusiastic – people want to work with people who have these attributes. Take an opportunity to say hi at any given moment….whether it be in the cafe waiting to be served a coffee or on the bus to the exhibition hall itself. It is often the 'chance meetings' that prove to be the most beneficial. Carry a pen and note on the back of the business card or in a small note book of who you met when.
Show that there is lead in your pencil! Take the initiative to follow up after the exhibition. Remember, 'You are what you do, not what you say you'll do'.


In 2002, 18-year-old Esteban Cortázar became the youngest designer ever to show during New York Fashion Week. A decade and a half later, his collections continue to garner rave reviews for their sensual silhouettes and breezy use of patterns and color, all of which are deeply influenced by the energy and spirit of Miami's South Beach, where Cortázar grew up.
At age 18, Esteban Cortázar became the youngest designer ever to show during New York Fashion Week. A decade and a half later, his South Beach-inspired collections continue to garner rave reviews for their sensual silhouettes and breezy use of patterns and color.


Now that the 8th of March is over and the banners have been put back in storage is it time to examine our wardrobe and see what rights we promote during the rest of the year, with what we wear.
It was international women's day. What once started as a strike of female workers in the garment industry in New York (1908) has become an international movement and celebration for women's rights all over the world since 1909.
It is fantastic that we set a side a day to celebrate and remember all that these amazing woman are, have done and will do, but I wonder if all people outside of the "demonstrasjonsstog" are remembering women's rights in their daily lives with their daily choices?
It was the garment workers in New York who were fighting for fair wages. Garment workers are still fighting for their fair wages; the battle has moved location and not many people realise this.
Since the 1970's the employment in the fabric and ready-made clothing industry decreased. This means that Norway is outsourcing a lot of it's work to factories and garment workers in third world countries. The import of clothing into Norway has increased with 26% over the past 10 years and with that the consumption of clothing has increased dramatically. How is this possible? Because of cheap labor and therefor low prices. These cheap clothes come with a cost.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has done much research on the work environment and workers right's in the garment industry, in developing countries, and has found that the circumstances people work in are often very bad. Working conditions in the clothing industry are particularly challenging for female workers and 80% of garment workers are female. Long working hours, safety concerns, low wages, lack of equal pay for work of equal value makes women vulnerable to exploitation inside and outside the workplace. There is poor or non-existent maternity protection and violence and abuse are also often present.
As a consumer living in Norway you are involved in the violations of human rights on the other side of the world. You are buying products that are not fairly produced. They are so cheap that you just have to raise a question mark about it's production. Our choices as consumers are playing a role in what the industries produce and how they produce it. The small choices we make on a daily basis do matter. What products do I buy? How is it produced? Or by whom? Is this product giving value to its worker? These are questions we must ask ourselves and bring into the debate on equality and women's rights. We need to take a stand for these women and do our part on our side of the world.
The 8th of March had many powerful and important statements but what is the statement written in the labels of our clothes? What slogans do we have represented in our wardrobe. What women do we support with our choices? We can not continue to ignore the conditions the garment workers are experiencing in producing our cheap sweaters.
Equality is defined as all people having the same rights and the same opportunities. It makes sense to stand up for our own rights in our own country but we must not forget that our behavior and choices have a tremendous effect on these workers and their human rights. It is important to translate our passion for equality and women's rights into action, to get educated and act accordingly. Ask for transparancy on the value chain in your favorite shop and think about what you buy.
Let's not hide in the closet but choose to be consumers that not only take in account the "discomfort" of finding and buying something fairly produced but also the undeniable and underestemated "discomfort" other people experience by being exploited for things we buy.


Mark D. Pegram, MD, Susy Yuan-Huey Hung Professor, co-director, Stanford's Molecular Therapeutics Program, director, Breast Cancer Oncology Program, Stanford Women's Cancer Center, discusses how the results from the phase III KATHERINE trial will change practice for the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
To date, Pegram says that physicians have had the option of using a second antibody in high-risk patients with early-stage disease. Now there is biological evidence to using these agents in the neoadjuvant setting and treatments can be tailored more based on their pathologic complete response, or lack thereof, says Pegram.
T-DM1 provides a new option for patients, replacing trastuzumab (Herceptin) and changing the treatment landscape dramatically.


In other to list all latest bonuses and contests as well as keep all information up to date, we need your help.
Any question please contact us. Thank you.
The contest will be held for Demo trading accounts only. Hence there is no monetary risk involved for the contestants, but the cash prizes for the winners are for real! Joining the competition will give you a fantastic opportunity to master your trading skills with no risk and also win real money prizes.
INTFX offers Amazing and special prizes to all new users on opening a new trading account.
members opening your account from 10th June 2015 to 18th June 2015.
Register immediately to join this contest and win prizes like 1st Prize, $1000, 2nd Prize $ 750, 3rd Prize $500 and from Prizes 4 to 100 $100. This offer is limited to 100 contestants only, therefore, never delay and come on top rank to win the highly valuable prizes.
Anyone over 18 years of age can join this contest conducted by INFTX.
OloFX has recently launched a new FX Live competition.
Winner gets a FREE trip (for 2 persons) either to Umrah, Bali or Gold Coast.
Vote for your favourite team for the 2014 World Cup Brazil, win money to trade!
Each time the team you support wins or comes out even, you win trading bonus, piled up in a real trading account.
Monthly Ranking prizes of between EUR 5'000 and EUR 1'000 in FXMiles to the top 15 players.
Season Ranking prizes of between EUR 20'000 and EUR 2'000 in FXMiles to the top 10 players.
Daily Top 50 performers rewarded with 50 FXMiles.
Weekly performance of 1.5% or more on EUR/USD rewarded with 100 FXMiles.
Top 5 best daily performances of the month rewarded with between 1'000 and 250 FXMiles.
FXMiles are convertible into Amazon Gift Vouchers. Alternatively, winners may elect to open a real trading account or a managed account with our sponsor RTFX Ltd.
We have expanded 20% bonus on MT4 when depositing vea Neteller system. This time, user get %100 of Neteller fee back. This promotion is active till end of November.
AGEA launched BIG Prize promotion, every month there will be new task.
Freestyle football, do amazing tricks with a football.
Open to all AGEA accountholders. Just send us your video.
Have you got The Forex Factor? Are you ready to prove it?
Take part in the FXTM demo trading contest where you can test your skills in a competitive yet risk free environment. All you need to do is register for a demo account below, enter the contest and start trading. The winner will have the highest profit V deposit percentage and will receive $3000 credit in a live trading account.
AGEA proudly presents new, Facebook weekly competition: Forex Forecast.
Every week we are awarding closest prediction of certain instrument with $100.
Trader of the Year Contest 2013. September 30th through November 1st.
LQD Markets Top Trader Demo Competition!
Participate in our MT4 Top Trader Demo Competition and win up to $5,000. This exclusive contest gives you the chance to apply your trading skills and win big without risking your own funds!
The prize amount will be credited to the winners' Liquid Markets real trading account and all prizes are 100% withdrawable.
Please note: Registration for this competition ends on July 31st 2013.
Thats right. Alpha Trading CM is holding a trading contest, no demo, REAL money. The winner gets $10,000 deposited to his/her live trading account. No restriction on trading style. All are welcome.
Open a live account and fund. Contest starts Friday, May 17th, 2013. Registration closes 31st of May.
FBS free bonus 5 usd to each micro account.
Not bonus/promotion from brokers. Link removed.


text:
New smart parking software cuts congestion, emissions
by Melanie Lefkowitz , Cornell University
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
New smart parking software developed by Cornell University researchers, which matches drivers with parking garage spots based on travel time and other factors, could reduce congestion and emissions while saving drivers the time of circling to look for available spots.
The system proposes an efficient price for customers and considers the walking distance from the parking spot. Using San Francisco parking data, the software decreased the amount of time spent looking for parking an estimated 64% per vehicle compared with other parking strategies.
"One of the key issues that causes congestion and extra emissions is cars cruising to look for parking," said H. Oliver Gao, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of systems engineering at Cornell University, and senior author of "A Scalable Non-Myopic Atomic Game for a Smart Parking Mechanism," which published in the journal Transportation Research Part E.
"Imagine if the parking garage was equipped with a smart software—they know where their empty spots are," said Gao, also a fellow with the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. "Drivers would come to an area and know which parking garage still has spots, and if you have software telling you the quickest path it will save you a lot of time, and it will also bring business to the parking garage."
Previous research shows that searching for parking creates 30% of the congestion in crowded areas, where drivers spend an average of 7.8 minutes looking for a spot. For example, a 2006 study found that vehicles in a 15-block range in Los Angeles' Westwood Village cruise more than 950,000 miles a year, wasting 47,000 gallons of gas and generating 730 tons of carbon dioxide.
The proposed parking app includes several functions such as walking distance, cruising time and parking facility occupancy. In addition to factoring in travel times, the new software includes a dynamic pricing policy that accounts for drivers' waiting times and offers priority to drivers willing to pay more.
The system incorporates an individual driver's preferences in order to make the most efficient collective decisions. The algorithm can be designed to minimize drivers' out-of-pocket costs—the price of parking—or to reduce a total cost that considers both money and time.
Gao hopes the software could eventually be used as an app connecting parking garages and drivers, as well as showing drivers the optimal paths to their destinations.
Research on traffic congestion generally focuses on improving traffic flow, Gao said, but improving parking systems not only eases the burden on individual drivers, it also gets cars off the streets faster and reduces congestion for everyone.
"Smart parking can actually help mitigate congestion and reduce emissions," he said. "When the car goes in the parking lot, it improves the on-road traffic."
More information: Hamid R. Sayarshad et al, A scalable non-myopic atomic game for a smart parking mechanism, Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.tre.2020.101974
Provided by Cornell University
Driver's-ed-inspired system could make automated parallel parking more accessible
NYC launches mobile parking payment system
Drivers who can 'bid' for parking spaces may improve parking options around the world
Radar sensors support parking management
Mean streets: Self-driving cars will 'cruise' to avoid paying to park
Sharing extra spots could ease West End parking woes
Concept for a hybrid-electric plane may reduce aviation's air pollution problem
The compound that makes chili peppers spicy also boosts perovskite solar cell performance
Flexible thermoelectric devices enable energy harvesting from human skin
Two-sided solar cells can collect scattered light to gather more energy
Can sodium-ion batteries replace trusty lithium-ion ones?
Evolvable neural units that can mimic the brain's synaptic plasticity

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This entry was posted in Episodes and tagged Alex, drunk, phone, woman. Bookmark the permalink.
← Episode 6 Season 2: The Juicy Show?
this is my first time listening to your show, its funny, you guys are great! the broken erection story made me cringe, but also laugh at the same time. that is odd!


Featuring a large textured 14K Gold Dipped ring with crystal accents. Add a touch of happy to your outfit! This gorgeous ring is easy to wear with different outfits. It's perfect for cocktail hour. This ring is an ideal gift for any other occasion.


介入1/Interventions/Control_1 エテルカルセチドはシナカルセト中止の翌日から毎透析終了時にボーラスに、週3回、12か月間静注した。静注初期量は前のシナカルセトが25mg未満の症例は1回2.5mgから、25mg以上の症例は5mgとした。その後副甲状腺ホルモンが60-240の範囲に入るようにエテルカルセチドの投与量を調節した。 From the day after cinacalcet discontinuation, etelcalcetide was intravenously injected bolus three times a week for 12 months at the end of each dialysis. The initial dose for intravenous injection was 2.5 mg once in cases where the previous amount of cinacalcet is less than 25 mg, and 5 mg in case of 25 mg or more. Then the dose of etelcalcetide was adjusted so that parathyroid hormone was in the range of 60 to 240.
介入2/Interventions/Control_2 シナカルセット継続投与の群では、シナカルセトの投与量は、副甲状腺ホルモンが60-240の範囲になるように調整した。 The dose of Cinacalcet was adjusted so that parathyroid hormone was in the range of 60 to 240 in the group of continuous administration of cinacalcet.
選択基準/Key inclusion criteria 試験前にシナカルセトを内服中の二次性副甲状腺機能亢進症の週3回の血液透析患者。 Three weekly hemodialysis patients of secondary hyperparathyroidism who are orally taking Cinacalcet.
Parathyroid hormone significantly decreased in the change group from cinacalcet to etelcalcetide after 12 months.


Our housing programs are well suited for government contractors, TDY and PCS, relocations, troop mobilization for new missions or training, and federal, state, and local agencies. We support GDS availability and honor Per Diem rates. From our cutting-edge services to our efficient reservation process, we strive to provide a seamless and comfortable experience, every time. Discover the advantage of a globally positioned temporary housing partner by calling Synergy today.
The U.S. General Serviecs Administration sets CONUS Per Diem rates each fiscal year begining October 1st, or as necessary. Click the link above for current rates.
Public Law 101-391, The Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990, requires Federal government employees, when on official travel, to stay in fire safe accommodations. Synergy accommodations are FEMA approved. Call (800) 600-1115 for more information on our FEMA approved properties. FEMA Number CA6107.
Synergy has partnered with Fedrooms.com in 2013 to bring long term lodging options to government personnel through another trusted channel.


An accounting clerk is responsible for financial record keeping. He or she uses accounting software or specialized ledgers to record and process income, expenses, payroll and all other financial transactions for a business or organization. This position requires a strong aptitude for math, attention to detail, familiarity with basic accounting procedures, and computer and ten-key proficiency. Accounting clerical Jobs in this field range from entry level accounting, data entry clerks and full-charge bookkeepers.
Most companies require an accounting clerk to have a minimum of a high school education with some related experience or accounting related coursework. Larger companies, or those seeking more specialized assistance, may look for an applicant with an associate degree in accounting or related accounting or business certification.


Chelsea Hernandez is a 6-time Emmy winning Director, Producer and Editor in the Lone Star Region, picking up four statues in November of 2015. These awards acknowledged her work on Arts In Context, a documentary series produced by KLRU-TV, Austin PBS. Chelsea has directed and produced various feature and short documentaries including See the Dirt, the Best Short Documentary at the 2013 Austin Film Festival. The film creened at multiple fests across the country and at the Edinburgh Int'l Film Festival in Scotland. She co-produced feature-length documentary The Road to Livingston, which was digitally distributed by FilmRise. Chelsea worked under prolific documentary directors Hector Galan (Children of Giant), Ellen Spiro (Body of War) and Nancy Schiesari (Tattooed Under Fire). Chelsea was Associate Producer and Assistant Editor for national PBS specials NOW ON PBS: Fixing the Future, hosted by NPR Marketplace host David Brancaccio and Ancient Roads from Christ to Constantine, a 6-part hourly historical series. Building the American Dream is her directorial debut.


A case of flatulence has once again stolen the show on The Bachelor New Zealand.
After contestant Poppy broke wind on a date earlier in the season, this time a koala is to blame for an awkward encounter.
Contestant Matilda Rice found herself with a koala farting and defecating on her as she 'enjoyed' a date with Bachelor Arthur Green.
The blonde beauty was cuddling the native Australian fauna during a visit to the zoo when the animal's loud farting became too much to ignore.
'Not the best start,' the 24-year-old said, trying to laugh off the flatulent animal, but unfortunately things only got worse.
'Oh my god. Yep, he's definitely doing some poos,' she said, horrified.
The Auckland woman eventually handed back the koala, named Happy Jay, and was forced to wipe his excrement off her stomach.
'It's not really ideal on a date, you don't want to be pooed on,' she said in a piece-to-camera afterwards.
But the awkward encounter clearly didn't turn Matilda and Arthur off each other, as the handsome 26-year-old handed the Australian-born contestant the rose in the final episode.
It all worked out! The awkward encounter clearly didn't turn Matilda and Arthur off each other, as the handsome 26-year-old handed the Australian-born contestant the rose in the final episode.


We have rated some of the best water dispensers in Pakistan in terms of quality, after sales service, durability and complaint ratio. Being an authorized retailer for the last 25 years in Pakistan, we are very well aware of the issues consumers face when they are buying a water dispenser.
Water dispenser prices in Pakistan can vary depending on the brand and features. For those who are looking for a water dispenser that is the best in terms of value for money and reliability. There are a few options that you might want to consider. We have picked our top 5 water dispensers in Pakistan that are one of the best options in terms of value and with the lowest complaint ratio.
Seeing the huge potential of Water Dispensers in Pakistan, Dawlance also jumped on the band wagon to cash their brand name but they have not been able to position themselves as a market leader l in water dispenser category.
However, their water dispensers are definitely a good option to consider but due to its price there are better alternatives in the market with more features.
Orient is also one of the market leaders in Water Dispenser Category. With a very diversified line up of water dispensers ranging from 2 taps, 3 taps and glass door water dispensers they have surely captured a large chunk as far as the sales volume is concerned. However, there have been some models that have been facing some reliability issues.
Orient Latest Model OWD-529 & OWD-531 are one of the most selling water dispensers in Pakistan. Both these models are considered to be very rigid and are time tested units. We can highly recommend both models. They are available in 2 Tap (0WD-529) & 3 Tap (OWD-531) option as well.
Pel Smart water dispenser is one of the most durable water dispenser out there in the market. Pel Smart water dispenser is a sleek design and is available in white color which makes it aesthetically pleasing. With positive reviews from our consumers, Pel Smart Water Dispenser Series is one of their most successful water dispenser models.
With a huge line up of water dispensers, Homage is definitely one of the best selling dispensers of Pakistan. Ranging From Top Loading to Bottom Loading, Homage has the most diverse line up of water dispenser to cater a wide variety of consumers. All their water dispensers are worth considering but there are a few models that you might want to consider.
Out of all their models, HWD-25 is their one model which is one of their most time tested and has been very successful in residential and corporate sector as well. Due to its quality, reliability and its price, we have rated it to be the most successful water dispenser.


Wave Runner Recipe. How to prepare a delicious Wave Runner Cocktail!
BarBug! shows you how to make a WAVE RUNNER Mixed Drink.
BarBug! is now serving up a Wave Runner! He shows you his Wave Runner mixed drink recipe and makes suggestions for spirits, mixers and the proper serving glass.
Return to previous page Over 10527893 recipes served!


Basic employee training such as compliance is a recurring issue in almost every business. Training concerning laws, orders, and company guidelines is often mandatory and needs to be proven by means of certificates. In this article, you can read how to put compliance training into practice effectively and how to make it profitable, using Coursepath LMS.
Violations of the code of conduct can entrain criminal charges and administrative fines, and also stain the company's reputation. This makes it even more important to communicate compliance training in a way that is long lasting and comprehensible to sensitize employees for risks and penalties. Therefore, compliance training needs to be taken very seriously. The following tips help creating a modern compliance training that is practical and up-to-date.
To guarantee a training that is as interesting and long lasting for employees as possible, practical examples are essential. On the basis of these, employees learn the handling of characteristic situations that they consistently come across in their everyday work. This link to practice reveals the benefits of the training for the employees.
Ideally, compliance training is designed to serve as instructions and support for critical situations in the work routine of the employees, that they additionally can easily access again if required. This way, employees are especially motivated to successfully complete their compliance training. They directly gain a profit from the training as they learn how to cope with specific situations in a protected environment, which prevents them from threatening the integrity of the company due to their decisions. Thus, employees are effectively prepared for their everyday work and can establish direct links from online training to practical application at work.
Avoid extensive lengths of learning contents. First of all, longer learning units are harder to memorize than shorter ones by default. For example, microlearning units can focus on central points in order to effectively communicate the most important contents. Secondly, short units can be better integrated into the daily work routine. Splitting the compliance training into microlearning units offers employees the possibility of mobile learning. This way, they can use their mobile devices to complete the courses independent of a specific device.
Flexible learning – spatial and temporal – should not be underestimated, especially when it comes to the area of compliance. Since many companies are not limited to one site, face-to-face trainings are often no longer sufficient to reach all employees. Instead of investing additional costs, time, and logistic planning, e-learning can guarantee a sufficient coverage of training for all employees. A platform that is available in multiple languages hence is suitable for international companies in particular. Contents have to be translated and uploaded as separate courses. Still, this comparatively little effort is worthwhile: Compliance trainings that are offered in the participant's native language avoid misunderstandings and provide motivation.
Employees can now complete their compliance training in a self-determined way without having to change their location. In many circumstances, no quality losses are to be expected between e-learning measures and face-to-face training. On the contrary: training becomes more sustainable. Employees can revisit the training and refresh their knowledge even after course completion. They can return to specific courses or specific learning steps and repeat them independently as required.
Recurring trainings are yet another possibility in a learning management system such as Coursepath. For example, participants of a compliance course can be invited to retake the training on a yearly or semi-annual basis. It is also possible to quickly add changes of contents. This is important since regulations can be amended. Also, one and the same training without any adjustments can become tiresome if participants have to retake it on a regular basis. Changes in content and appearance make the training more lively and are immediately available online. Hence, employees always work with the most recent version.
You own a compliance academy with multiple courses. Your participants start off with a basic training that every employee has to complete. All subsequent topics build on this course. They are more detailed and tailored to the needs of employees of specific departments. Since participants can be assigned to different groups, enrolling to courses based on group membership is an easy way to achieve a kind of "mix & match" of courses and employee groups.
As soon as participants successfully complete a course, they receive a certificate which was previously uploaded in Coursepath. In case of a recent update of course content, e.g. to cover new laws, employees have to repeat the course and can be invited again.
The extensive reporting within the platform allows authorized people to inspect progress and results of employees in great detail, but also offers the possibility to differentiation. For instance, a team manager can be authorized to view the reports after having been assigned the corresponding role within the Coursepath academy.
Also good to know: By integrating the company's HR-system, new employees can automatically be added to the learning platform Coursepath. For instance to the basic compliance course. Conversely, former employees' profiles are automatically set to being inactive in Coursepath if the systems are linked to each other.
Compliance trainings are essential to most businesses to guarantee for their employees to be informed about regulations and laws and acting accordingly. E-learning allows issuing the required knowledge to the employees so that they can prepare for possible risks in their daily work routine in a practical and self-determined way.
Create your own Compliance Training with Coursepath.


A valid prescription is required to buy Microlut online.
When you have finished one pack of Microlut, move straight to the next pack. There is no need to take a break between packets.
Microlut is sold under various brand names like MicroVal, MiniPill, Nordette and Norlevo.


The EPL services between the EMS4 board on the OptiX OSN 1500and the EFS board on the Metro 1000 are paired. When the VCTRUNK interface on the EMS4 data board is set to the tag attribute, the test frame fails. When the VCTRUNK interface on the EMS4 data board is set to the access attribute, the test frame is successful. The version of the EMS4 board is 4.13, and the version of the EFS board is 2.21.
Set the attribute of the VCTRUNK in the EMS4 data board to access.
When the services between the EMS4 board and the EFS board are paired, and the EMS4 board transmits the test frame, two types of test frames are transmitted: MAC bearing mode and GFP bearing mode. When the test frames reach the EFS board, in the case of version 2.21, the EFS board can receive only the MAC test frame, and the response packet is also an MAC test frame. The MAS test frame responded from the EFS board has no VLAN. After the frame reaches the EMS4 board, the EMS4 board does not identify whether the test frame has VLAN. If the frame has no VLAN, the frame is discarded at the port which is set to the tag attribute, and the frame can access the port which is set to the access attribute.
Upgrade the EFS board to the 2.42 version to rectify the fault. The new version supports the MAC bearing mode and the GFP bearing mode. Therefore, the fault does not occur.


text:
Q: UninitializedPropertyAccessException: lateinit property has not been initialized I have a class which i inject into a ViewModel + ViewModel factory, when initialise the view model in the onCreate method in activity, its says the value being passed through is not initialised.
Below is my code
I am quite new to Kotlin so have tried debugging but am stuck on this issue.
Here is MainActivity code:
class MainActivity: AppCompatActivity(), RepoSelectedListener {

    @Inject
    lateinit var viewModel: MainActivityListViewModel

    lateinit var lifecycleOwner: LifecycleOwner
    lateinit var repoSelectedListener: RepoSelectedListener

    @Inject
    lateinit var repository: RepoRepository

    override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main)

        viewModel = ViewModelProviders.of(this, ViewModelFactory(repository)).get(MainActivityListViewModel::class.java)

        repoRecyclerView.apply {
            layoutManager = LinearLayoutManager(context)
            adapter = RepoListAdapter(viewModel, lifecycleOwner, repoSelectedListener)
        }

**My ViewModel:**

   class MainActivityListViewModel @Inject constructor(val
    repoRepository: RepoRepository): BaseViewModel() {

    //private lateinit var repoRepository: RepoRepository
    private var disposable: CompositeDisposable? = null

    private val repos = MutableLiveData<List<Repo>>()
    private val repoLoadError = MutableLiveData<Boolean>()
    private val loading = MutableLiveData<Boolean>()

     init {
        disposable = CompositeDisposable()
        fetchRepos()
      }

     fun getRepos(): LiveData<List<Repo>> {
        return repos
     }
    }

my ViewModelFactory:
   class ViewModelFactory @Inject constructor(private val
   repoRepository: RepoRepository): ViewModelProvider.Factory{

    override fun <T : ViewModel?> create(modelClass: Class<T>): T {
        if
   (modelClass.isAssignableFrom(MainActivityListViewModel::class.java))
   {
            @Suppress("UNCHECKED_CAST")
            return MainActivityListViewModel(this.repoRepository) as T
        }
        throw IllegalArgumentException("Unknown ViewModel class")

    }

   }

my Class Repo:
  class RepoRepository @Inject constructor(private val githubRepos:
    GithubRepos){

    private lateinit var repoService: GithubRepos

    fun getRepositories(): Single<List<Repo>> {
        return repoService.getRepos()
    }

    fun getSingleRepo(owner: String, name: String): Single<Repo> {
        return repoService.getSingleRepo(owner, name)
    }
   }

This is error i receive:
   Unable to start activity ComponentInfo{com.carllewis14.repos/com.carllewis14.repos.ui.MainActivity}: kotlin.UninitializedPropertyAccessException: lateinit property
  repository has not been initialized

A: This is because you are trying to use the repository before initializing it with an instance without checking its initialization.
When using lateinit nullity cannot be used in that variable.
lateinit var repository: RepoRepository
Then, before using any method of the object, check that it is initialized:
if (::repository.isInitialized) {}
GL

A: have a look at my answer here (maybe it helps ) Nullable var with `?` vs. lateinit var
Essentially, you are never initializing your repository: RepoRepository.
From the code you have written, you won't need an instance of your repository in your activity as well, it should just be created in the constructor of your ViewModel (which has injection)
You are also going to have a similar issue with private lateinit var repoService: GithubRepos; if it's in the constructor of your object, you don't have to declare it again.

A: if you're using Kotlin 1.2, you can easily check whether a lateinit variable has been initialized or not. If not, well, you can always use the not null approach.
Anyways, here's how you can check if a lateinit var has been initialized or not:
if (::fullName.isInitialized) {
    print("Hi, $fullName")
}

A: it seems the question code is shadowing the injection
FYI
you can also initialize by lazy :

To create an object that will be initialized at the first access to it, we can use the lazy method:

val lazyValue: ClassWithHeavyInitialization by lazy {
        numberOfInitializations.incrementAndGet()
        ClassWithHeavyInitialization()
    }

https://www.baeldung.com/kotlin-lazy-initialization
also see kotlin docs

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Experts recommend developing a routine to get better sleep.
Morgan Lane/Unsplash
Spring forward into better sleep
Get through daylight saving time with these tips from a sleep expert
Colin W
After a stressful year of social distancing and self-isolation, it's time to spring the clock forward on March 14.
The start of daylight saving time is dreaded by many people — and with good reason. Daylight saving time actually poses "significant public health and safety risks," according to a position statement made by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in 2020. These risks include higher chances of cardiovascular events, mood disorders and vehicle crashes.
Research published by the journal Sleep Health found that since the pandemic began, more than one-third of people surveyed across the globe reported an increase in sleep disturbances. The study also found that poorer sleep health was associated with greater symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Looking for some advice on how to get a sound night's sleep? Vox talked to Dr. Pradeep Bollu, a sleep expert with MU Health Care, for some tips on how to get better sleep and avoid additional stress and sleep-related health issues.
What you shouldn't do before bed
Consume caffeine. People can have better bedtime habits by avoiding things that disturb sleep. Bollu recommends not consuming caffeine in the six or seven hours before your intended bedtime. Caffeine disrupts sleep by binding to adenosine, a compound in the brain that causes drowsiness. When caffeine is present, adenosine loses its intended effect.
Drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Alcohol and cigarettes are linked to a variety of health issues, and consuming them before bed can negatively affect sleep, says Bollu. People who have been drinking often fall into deep sleep quickly because of alcohol's sedative effects, which disrupts natural sleep stages and creates an imbalance in a person's sleep cycle. The nicotine present in cigarettes has a stimulating effect that can keep smokers awake.
Engage in vigorous exercise. Intense exercise right before bed can lead to trouble falling asleep and overall poorer quality of sleep because your heart rate is increased.
Spend time looking at a screen. "The gratification you get from social media, or movies, or anything online is itself enough to prevent sleep from happening normally," Bollu says. The enjoyment of those things increases dopamine levels in the brain, which work to keep the body alert. But screens also radiate blue light, which stimulate the alerting centers in the brain independent of their effect on dopamine levels. "You have two heads," Bollu says. "One, an emotional head that keeps you engaged and happy that dopamine levels go up, and [the other] the blue light coming from the screens that will stimulate your alerting centers."
Sleep in a moderate temperature. Sleeping in environments that are too hot or too cold can disrupt the body's circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep. To avoid this disruption, use bedding and clothing and keep the bedroom temperature at a normal level.
Limit stress. "Stress and sleep never go along with each other," Bollu says. "Stress is basically the body's defense. When stress kicks in, sleep goes down — that's the nature of stress." He says that when stress is present, people will have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, entering deep sleep and may even experience nightmares.
Have a routine. Bollu recommends people establish a regular bedtime and wake up time. Research has found that having a daily routine has many positive effects on overall health. The connection between sleep and health is bidirectional. "You need to do all the right things to get a good night's sleep, and you need a good night's sleep to actually have your body functioning with all pistons firing," he says.
Listen to your body. "Your body is biologically programmed to get a certain amount of sleep," Bollu says. On average, that amount is about eight hours, but he says it varies by person. "Understand what your body demands and satisfy what it demands," he says. "If you don't, it will set in seas of unwanted events that will cause chronic health issues."
The case for (and against) daylight saving time
Michael Connolly
The truth about blue light blocking glasses
Madelyn Oden
How to stay productive when working from home
Claudia Khaw
Sleeping on the benefits: how to fight sleep deprivation
Sarah Straughn
Pradeep Bollu
Daylight Saving Time
Follow Colin W


text:
The reality series Jockeys was pitched as a series that would depict racing life like it really is. Folks in the industry were excited about the show's potential. But it soon became clear that its success would depend on how much drama it could squeeze from its main characters. The show was marketed with the tag line, "To win it all, you have to risk it all." The danger of racing was made explicit: "It's the most dangerous two minutes in sports!" A series of spills and ambulances were highlighted in the opening credits.
Stra was approached about being one of the featured riders and agreed right off. "They asked me if I wanted to be on TV," she said. "And I thought, well, it will help to pay the bills." Stra was ranked much closer to zero than hero, but it was apparent from the start that she was chosen not just for being an underdog, but also for her "womanly" traits. Her fan mail reflected an appreciation for something other than her racing form. "Smoking hot jockey," was one of the less insightful comments on a YouTube video. Stra shrugs and says it's the nature of celebrity. She seems neither inspired nor offended at how her looks have played into her story. "I wasn't looking to be a star; I thought it might help me get better horses," she said. Not surprisingly, once the show aired, Stra began getting noticed at the racetrack.
But the program satisfied almost nobody. Track fans didn't fall for the re-recorded race narration that sounded like a Hardy Boys program. ("Can Mike hang on?! Here comes Alex!") And newcomers to the sport didn't take to Jimmy the Hat, professional tout, who offered viewers insider wisdom like, "People come out here to gamble."
From the start, Stra was getting as much camera time as riders with far higher profiles. Usually introduced with some variation of "the new girl," Stra was one of two female riders featured, and, in the beginning, the more regularly featured one. The first few episodes reveal her as a plucky underdog. In one scene, a trainer gently chides her as he tries to keep up with her while walking to the paddock area. "If there was a walking race around here, you'd be in first place," he said, teasingly. "Not funny," she responded, without even a hint of levity. Reflecting back, Stra says, "They saw me as some kind of out-of nowhere long shot. I never saw myself that way."
The producers also made feints toward Stra a sex symbol with a seductive promotional photo and shots of her exercising scantily clad. But she poisoned the well on that angle, too, saying on camera, "Winning a race is better than sex." Her first-person speeches to the camera were terse and not very revealing; the manufactured drama in her storyline ("Will Kayla ever win?") was pumped up with a completely depressing montage of her getting beat in about eight races in a row. Neither the producers nor Stra did a very compelling job of turning her into a rooting interest. And so, by the end of the first season, Stra's face in the opening credits was replaced by other jockeys. Her storyline, thinned out considerably, began testing her out as sort of a villain. "I hated the way they edited the show," she said. "I stopped watching it."
Meanwhile, the other female rider, Chantal Sutherland, was rushed to the front of the narrative. Not a single episode missed the pretty Canadian rider with her boyfriend in the jockey's room, having heart-to-heart talks about their future and starting a family. During those episodes, we saw Stra in a bar with some guy we weren't introduced to, and then she committed a race violation and had her horse disqualified. In the show's second and final season, Stra fumed about unequal conditions for women riders, and then got teased by fellow riders for being thin-skinned about it.
Ultimately, she got hung out to dry by the jockey community and the show's producers, who clearly found her to be a bit more (or less) than they expected. Before the show had been officially cancelled, Stra was gone from the narrative — and Southern California.
Kayla Stra does not like to play the gender angle. Numerous interlocutors have explored that path, but she insists that it hasn't been much of a factor in her development. But while her talent may not necessarily be tied to her gender, her career prospects unfortunately may be.
Relatively speaking, the history of professional female jockeys is a short one. It was 1969 when Diana Crump took a mount at Hialeah Park and became the first woman to ride in a major race in the country. A couple decades later, New York-based rider Julie Krone hurdled more barriers by becoming the first woman to win a Triple Crown race.
Discrimination against woman riders in Australia lasted longer, but also vanished quicker. The Aussies restricted female riders to "ladies-only" races until 1980. Jockey Bill Smith rode throughout the mid-20th century but only because she kept her real identity as a woman secret. But since then, the continent has worked to make up for lost time. In Victoria, 17 percent of the riders are women with only 10 percent of the mounts, according to AllWomenSport.com, and female jockeys are starting to win big races and big purses.


Re: How do I hook up an Ethernet Switch?
1. Unless the "satellite" modem has more functionality than a regular DSL/Cable modem and/or the Dynex Eithernet Switch is more than just a switch, I think you need a home router. You're going to have to wade through the specs to see what they're capable of.
Strictly speaking the equipment should be powered down when making the connections, but I don't think anyone does when making the ethernet connections.
2. Home Router. You connect each computer via ethernet cable to a LAN port on the router. You connect WAN port of router via ethernet cable to modem. Permits your local area network to share a single "public" IP address provided by ISP.
3. Switch. You connect each computer via ethernet cable to a LAN port of switch. You also connect modem via ethernet cable to a LAN port of switch. Requires ISP to provide a "public" IP address for each computer connected to the switch.
Check to see whether your ISP will provide multiple IP addresses and what they charge for additional addresses.
Q I bought this switch because I wanted to share my internet connection however it is not working. What should I do?
A Switches don't work like routers, switches require a specialized software that will allow one of the computers to act like a server and hand out ip addresses to the other computers. Therefore what you would need to do if you wish to share the internet connection using a switch is get in touch with the Geek Squad Service and Support team, which will help you on a for fee basis to install this software and configure it so that you may achieve your goal.
I don't know about you folks but I really am not a happy camper when I feel like I've been had. It would seem to me that if a device required "drivers" to get it up and running it should be included with the product.
Is there a fairly easy way to hook up 2 computers to the same satellite modem that someone who can follow simple directions could do. Or are the easier routers to get up and running than the Linksys that Best Buy carries? Thanks, again.
Of course he said that; they likely get a commission on every Geek Squad order they make.
Return the switch and get the Linksys router.
But find out what software comes with the router before you buy it.
Or see if you can get a copy of the manual on the internet.
2. Unless there's something special about a "satellite" modem and that switch, you should return it. Standard best practice when setting up a home network is to connect the modem to a home router not a switch. (Actually the home router has a "switch" component built-in to the back end of it).
While there are many things you can configure in a router, most people don't (they should but they don't). The configurations are there to make your network and data more secure. (A switch offers no security at all.) All of the major vendors provide user manuals with setup instructions either on CD, on their website for download, or both. Many people have home routers for their networks. It's expensive to pay someone to set them up or maintain them, so don't. Do it yourself. Once you work through it, you'll be able to maintain it for the lifetime of your network.
If you have a laptop, you should consider a "wireless" home router. They still have four "wired" ports, but also include a wireless access point component. While I have concerns about the physical safety of wireless signals, they do provide a configuration option to disable the wireless component. (Hopefully this actually disables all wireless signal propagation). Last approved wireless mode standard was 802.11g. Most wireless sold today is for the proposed 802.11n standard which has not been finalized. I bought my wireless 802.11g Linksys router about four years ago on sale for about 50 dollars US. Your laptop probably has a wireless network adaptor. You should check to see what wireless modes it supports. My point - you can get an 802.11g wireless router for less than that switch.
3. Cost. With the time, effort, and money (additional software, labor) you'd have to spend to get the switch to not work well (and it will never work well); you'd be an unhappy person.
Most ISPs will "lease" you one "public" IP address for Internet access. If they provide more than one, be prepared to pay extra for it. Without additional software or configuration, if you connect two computers to a switch which connects to a modem, you'll need two IP addresses from the ISP. If they do something funny like provide special software for one of your computers to act as a server to the other, you might get by with one address from the ISP; but it might require the server computer to always be on to operate.
I had a router on my old XP that the laptop worked well with, however, the router (Buffalo) bit the dust so I haven't been able to use my laptop on the internet since then. I now have an Asus Win 7 Pro, 64 bit, and the modem from Hughesnet is an HN9000. I'm not concerned with privacy problems with a router as our nearest neighbor is 1/2 mile away in either direction and the road is 600' away from the house. I'm just a little gun-shy from routers because the salesperson at Best Buy said I would need their Geek Squad to hook it up. The old router had been installed by the service person who had installed Hughesnet for me. It didn't seem to me that he had had difficulty doing it but I wasn't paying that much attention at the time. I think I will return the Switch tomorrow and maybe go to Staples for a router. Thanks for your input.
Please tell us the name of your ISP service.
The new services being offered are hard to follow.
New Satellite Technology is today doing things that many years ago we were told would d never be done for low cost home applications. But with all the Hype out there, it is hard to get the exact details.
I assume it is Hughesnet as they are the ones who set up my satellite dish and installed the modem, MN: HN9000.
If the Buffalo router worked, so will the Linksys. Just follow the enclosed instructions, but don't install the CD. Default configuration should work just fine.
A four port Hub will do the job.
That is super easy. Just plug it in and go.
Or a cheap wireless router.
EDIT The below will depend on the router.
A smart router will do it automatically.
But you have to disable the DHCP stuff and not use the WAN input.
And make sure the net IP of the router is inside the subset.
Yes, that is my modem.
I have no idea what the DHCP stuff is nor do I know what a WAN input is and am totally lost on the net IP of the router and ditto the subset. I do admire you guys for knowing all this stuff but the computer illiterates like "yours truly" are here because you DO know it but it has to be watered down to simpler terms for folks like me. Thanks for your time and answer.
The Link Sys may have a bit of software that will guide you through it. I understand that Link Sys is now part of Crisco.
Anyway, it is easier to let somebody else show you.
After watching two or three, please come back here and somebody will help you.
You guys are just great! I am off to return the Switch and replace it with a router that hopefully, I'll be able to install without too much trouble. Thanks, again.
...But you have to disable the DHCP stuff and not use the WAN input.
Not necessarily. I have 1 modem and 2 routers and all are DHCP and both routers use the WAN input. The routers are different makes and have different default IP's.


text:
Petri Dish and Womb Ethics1 min read
LGBT, Pro-Life
As I mentioned in GATTACA Comes to Life, we are already using pre-natal genetic screening to select specific embryos during in-vitro fertilization, as well as aborting fetuses based on pre-natal diagnosis. Not only are we now aborting 80-90% of Down's syndrome kids, but women are now being pressured by doctors to abort such "undesirable" children.
This is part of the debate over abortion that liberals don't want to have. Is sex-selection abortion, performed widely in the East, ethical? Should we leave that up to the mother? But the king of issues is going to be when and if biological factors involved in homosexuality are discovered. Is it ok for hetero parents to abort potentially gay fetuses because they are "undesirable"? Even more interesting, recent research on sheep shows that heterosexuality can be induced by giving various hormones – is it ok to treat gay children, or one's self this way?
It raises the prospect that pregnant women could one day be offered a treatment to reduce or eliminate the chance that their offspring will be homosexual. Experts say that, in theory, the 'straightening' procedure on humans could be as simple as a hormone supplement for mothers-to-be, worn on the skin like an anti-smoking nicotine patch.
Conservatives have a simple answer:
all children have the right to life, regardless of infirmities
exceptions should be made for extreme deformities or painful, quickly fatal conditions
treating homosexuality with medicine, like other genetic abnormalities such as aggression, is entirely ethical if done with the care that all medicine should be approached with. However, evidence points to considerable environmental developmental and environmental factors in homosexuality, so there will be no "magic pill"
Tags: LGBTPro-Life
If a method is found to determine whether a fetus is homosexual, xianity will make abortion a sacrament.
You are absolutely incorrect, for two reasons.
First, as I stated above, Christians value life for all fetuses, even those with the "infirmity" of homosexuality. Secondly, if there is a genetic cause, it is also potentially treatable. I think you misunderstand the evangelical position on homosexuality as one that seeks to kill or destroy, rather than transform and release from emotional injury.
What will you say if parents want to abort potentially gay children? Should the mother have that right?
In a GATTACA like world where the movie comes to life, Evangelicals would assert choosing sex, and altering for other genetic traits, is unequivocally immoral. Yet, at the same time, they would have the temerity to assert altering the "gay gene" to "cure" children by making them straight would be unequivocally moral (see Seeker's post).
Evangelicals wouldn't recognize the "gay gene" as a simple trait like left or right handedness, which is exactly what the "gay gene" is. Rather, they would perceive the "gay gene" as a genetic defect like Down's Syndrome. For this reason, Evangelical views on the "gay issue" are completely immoral and unethical due to their unbridled hypocrisy.
Also, I thought Louis might be interested in this…
'God Is Not a Moderate'
Best-selling atheist Sam Harris and pro-religion blogger Andrew Sullivan debate God, faith, and fundamentalism.
Most Americans oppose violence spurred by religious fundamentalism, but few agree on how to address it. In books like The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation, author Sam Harris contends that religion itself–not its more extreme forms–is to blame. This week, Harris debates blogger and Conservative Soul author Andrew Sullivan in a no-holds-barred "blogalogue." Return here to see Harris' next post–and check Andrew Sullivan's blog for his responses.
I don't believe you, seeker. Though my statement was over the top, it was to make a satirical point: xians will exploit science when it serves their ends, and oppose it when it opposes theirs. Thus, as you state above, xians would feel it ethical and moral to alter potentially gay fetuses chemically and living gays with medicine if and other techniques if they could. I think that this is little more than a form of genocide and equivalent to nazi eugenics experimentation.
To what depths will your hatred for gay people descend? And why should I not view xianity as just another form of absolutist evil?
Yes, cineaste, I'm aware of the Sullivan/Harris exchange. However, when I went to Beliefnet, I found that they had stupidly covered up part of Harris' reply to Sullivan (or was it deliberate?), so I gave up. I like reading Sullivan, but cannot fathom his adherence to xianity, particularly the Roman variety. How can a queer man possibly give his allegiance to something which seeks his destruction?
Believing Seeker here is impossible – he'd insist on abortions, as would most pro-life Christians, if it meant their children wouldn't be gay. Because deep down, he knows that anti-gay-therapy is nothing but a foolish joke. And he knows the only way to stamp out the great gay threat is abortion.
No Problem Louis. I took the liberty of copying Sam's entire reply and posting it here on 2or3 :) Check it out bro. His arguments are so persuasive that I really wonder how Sullivan can mount any meaningful counter but we'll see! Seeker, you should check it out also because Sullivan eloquently makes a lot of the same points about the compatibility of faith and reason as you do.
Thus, as you state above, xians would feel it ethical and moral to alter potentially gay fetuses chemically and living gays with medicine if and other techniques if they could.
No one is talking about forced treatment, but based on little or no conclusive evidence, you would DENY people access to such therapies or treatments.
And you still haven't answered the question. Is it my prerogative to abort a potentially gay fetus? What if thousands do it?
Believing Seeker here is impossible – he'd insist on abortions, as would most pro-life Christians, if it meant their children wouldn't be gay.
You see, this is the problem arguing with fools and extremists. You tell them exactly what you would or would not do, but because it doesn't match the negative stereotype they use to justify their hatred, they just say you are lying, rather than taking you at your word.
If you guys are going to continue being so insulting, stooping to ad hominem attacks rather than intelligently addressing the issues (you still haven't answered the question I asked, nor discussed anything intelligently at all – just slinging your epithets about what you believe Christians would do), then I'll bow out.
Oh, boo-hoo!
Yes, I would support their right to get an abortion, although I would deplore it as genocidal.
I would support their right to get an abortion, although I would deplore it as genocidal.
So you think people have the right to genocide? Don't you see how crazy that is?
Well, I support the right to an abortion so I am forced to include it for the reasons above. However, that being said, I find it highly unlikely that we will ever be able to ascertain the baby's sexual orientation by a mere pre-natal test and, therefore, this situation is purely hypothetical.
Still, why do you care? You want gay people to disappear. You should applaud the use of abortion to get rid of gay babies. You should also applaud the use of drugs and shock therapy (used in the past) to "cure" gay people. Since we are merely "sick" and "perverted," wicked people who infect society and harm families, you should support any and all methods to eliminate us. After all, isn't that what your holy book commands? If genocide is committed, you should rejoice: your God will surely reward its perpetrators! There is precedent: the Book of Joshua provides an example of God's commandment to commit genocide against his tribal enemies. Surely, queers are His especial enemies (as he has sentenced us to death and banned us from His Kingdom). Hell, aborting gay fetuses is right up His alley. I guess I'm supporting His holy work.
Too bad we can't develop a pre-natal test to determine the future religion of fetuses.
Still, why do you care? You want gay people to disappear. You should applaud the use of abortion to get rid of gay babies.
That's where you misunderstand me and the evangelical approach to homosexuality.
I understand it all too well.
If you did, you wouldn't be doubting my assertion that christians would in now way want to abort potentially gay fetuses, any more than they want to abort any fetuses at all.
You think Christians hate gays and want to destroy you. I think really what Christians want is to prevent gays from mainstreaming their choice through legislation, and they want to offer a transforming gospel, and that's it.
The only reason there is so much heat over this is because gays are abusing their rights in trying to push for special rights. Marriage is a privilege, not a right. And the hetero union is the foundation for families and society. While you may live in peace with your partner, to demand that your partnership be recognized as marriage not only goes against nature, it goes against history and basic morality. Homosexuality is an illness.
The only illness here lies in your fear and hatred of gay people. You are a bigot and a hatemonger.
Louis, why do you continual insert your opening statement into these debates. That is such a canard that has no basis in fact and I find it offensive. This topic, more than anything else, grabs me.
No one who calls themself pro-life could ever support aborting a baby because of a trait apparent in the genes. If they do that, they leave the pro-life camp. That is an uncrossable line.
I have told my story about my first son on here several times and what the doctors told us and why they told us what they did. You, who claim that Evangelical Christians would support such a horrible thing, have no idea what you are talking about. You are attacking strawmen and stereotypes you have constructed that bear no likeness to me or any other pro-life/evangelical that I know.
I have said over and over here and at other places that I would trade abortion for gay marriage. If you told me, we will make it illegal to kill an unborn child, but we will make gay marriage legal – I would say start making the rings and baking the cakes now.
I do find it oddly refreshing and honest that Louis realizes that he must support such a terrible atrocity because he has painted himself in that corner with his support of abortion. But the fact that you have to support genocide, as you call it, should show you the emptiness of the abortion argument.
Louis, Cineaste and Sam, if it makes you feel better by claiming such absurd statements are true, go for it., but you claims of Christians not understanding anyone else ring more hollow when you hold to such asinine beliefs that shows absolutely no understanding of evangelicals or pro-life individuals.
Louis, Cineaste and Sam, if it makes you feel better by claiming such absurd statements are true, go for it.
Aaron this is what I said…
Do I err?
You bring up a different point than what Louis said. He, as well as Sam, was arguing that Christians would support abortion of babies with the "gay gene." If you do not argee with that statement than I apologize for grouping you with them.
From here out I speak just for myself and my own personal opinion, if doctors had a patch that could cure certain diseases (not speaking of homosexuality here) while a baby was in the womb, I would have no problem with that (on the surface).
My contention comes in when we start speaking of abortion as the "cure" to these diseases. Killing the baby doesn't cure anything. That is my point.
I would not treat my child for homosexuality because of my own personal beliefs on the matter.
So now that you somewhat know my positions on the issue, are they now "completely immoral and unethical due to their unbridled hypocrisy"?
The real questions are:
– would liberals prevent such therapies, and take that option away?
– if it was available, would it be ethical?
– how much can parents manipulate their future or present progeny?
All tough questions that we need principles for.
If you would not "cure" your child of homosexuality via gene therapy no, they are not. I think, given the option, the majority of evangelical parents would.
I think, given the option, the majority of evangelical parents would.
Possibly, but as I said, since there is a significant, perhaps majority contribution from the environment, I'd say that such therapies will probably not take hold.
The real issue is going to be, if we ID a genetic sequence that supposedly increases the *possibililty* of being gay, is it ok to abort these? Liberals will be torn between their values, and quite honestly, I think their value system will break down, allowing "genocide" as Louis put it, in order to protect the individual's right to choose (choose death for another human).
Sam Wilkinson says:
With all due respect Aaron:
Continually campaigning to render gays as second class citizens whose love is worthless legally strikes me as evidence of formalized Christian hatred toward gays. If gays are so lowdown that their love is but a joke that should be punished through legal nonrecognition, then I must observe that I see little reason for you to take a pro-life position on gay babies. Or is the issue that gays should be born, and then forced to suffer for being gay?
Seeker can talk about transforming nonsense all he wants, but it doesn't work. The subjects of anti-gay therapy routinely go back to their gay ways. Christian leaders beg God to be free of their homosexuality and receive no assistance. Its as if the issue here is forcing gays to suffer within a society that hates them.
There is no reason for us to believe your claims that you wouldn't want gay babies aborted. Especially since you so obviously want gays to suffer.
…since there is a significant, perhaps majority contribution from the environment…
Isn't this simply the Evangelical view and not the homosexual view? This view is not scientific.
The real issue is going to be, if we ID a genetic sequence that supposedly increases the *possibililty* of being gay, is it ok to abort these?
It depends upon if they are developed enough to have a person's rights. If they are, no. This would fall into the larger debate about designer babies. Would it be alright to abort a female blastocyst, for example? The issue at this point is not one of rights violation but cultural bias warping the natural balance. In cultures who value males, like India, the results could be disastrous. Anyway, if science is at the point where it's possible to select for traits like sexual orientation, gender, intelligence etc. the capability to clone humans from single cells would probably be a reality as well. So, every time the Seeker scratched his nose, the Seeker would be committing a genocidal holocaust of potential Evangelical Seeker clone lives who would never get to know Jesus :)
The subjects of anti-gay therapy routinely go back to their gay ways.
So do those in other recovery programs. Deep psychological problems are not easily solved.
This all brings up something I've always wondered about: why no gays in the Star Trek universe? Have they perfected a "cure," or do they abort all gay babies in the womb?
As to aborting gay fetuses, I think it would be immoral, but it should also be legal as bad as it is. It's a matter of choosing between two evils. I don't particularly like or approve of abortion, but I think it should be a matter of individual conscience. However, I'm more concerned with how society treats living queers and not hypotheticals. It's a fact that xianity continues to harass and persecute gay people, and conspires to deprive us at our rights.
I don't even like Star Trek, and I know that Wil Wheaton was pretty damned gay on that show.
ROFL!!!
Sam, you can believe whatever you would like, but that doesn't make it true. As an evangelical, I may disagree with gay marriage, but I don't view any gay person as any less human and deserving of life as me.
I agree with Louis in one thing, this is merely a hypothetical that currently bears no weight, which is why those on the left can throw such horrible motives at evangelicals because we are not faced with that choice currently.
Louis can say all day long and have everyone believe him that evangelicals would rather kill babies with the "gay gene" than have them live and be gay. There is no basis on fact for that statement, but since we are dealing with hypotheticals. All I can do is deny it, give my own opinions and have you tell me that I don't really know what I beleive because surely I would want to give up being pro-life for the chance to ending the "gay gene."
I'm glad that you admit that being an evangelical makes one oppose full gay equality.
Given the possibility of "designer babies," I foresee a future where gay couples can design a gay baby which combines their genes into one. Ha. Ha.
Yes, I agree that Wesley Crusher was probably gay – he was the smartest person on the show.
8 April, 2007 at 4:31 AM
8 April, 2007 at 12:02 PM
8 April, 2007 at 2:02 PM
I totally agree. This conundrum of liberal illogic has always been there, and some of us mentioned it long ago. How can you be "horrified" by the abortion of gays if you are not horrified by it in general? Are you now "pro-choice" in all cases except that one?
But to be more generous, I think that liberals actually look at it differently than we might think ;) For example, they might say that abortion is still my right, but to do it for such "phobic" reasons is bad. They might even agree that the common sex-selection abortions done in countries like China are bad. Bad enough to bring sanctions? Bad enough to condemn them and make them a top priority? Probably not.
But they probably are merely thinking that this type of anti-gay based decision will lead to the abuse of gays post-natal, or at least, it is an expression of gay hatred that already exists post-natal.
I'm sure that some conservatives, esp. those who are not Christian, might consider aborting a potentially gay fetus, and as Christians, we should be against such abortions, as we are with all other killing of the innocent.
But if they are merely concerned for such a pre-natal genocide of gays, why are they not concerned for the current holocaust of hetero, Downs, and female children that goes no daily? I think it is because they really don't value the life of the fetus at all in comparison to their desire to let people have "freedom" to choose.
I agree with you that this perspective is warped and horrific – the right to the life of another trumps my right to "choose" what is easier for me. It is not right to kill a child that might have a tough life, either before or after birth. Of course, along this line, gays also argue that they would not have a tough life if society were not so "homophobic." While that may be true, unless our country goes down the tubes of total moral collapse, gays will always rightly be seen as hurt individuals who need healing and treatment, and who are doing something obviously against nature.
I'll tell you how the gay lobby will approach this potential gay abortion issue, imo. They'll whine and moan about it, but because they want to protect the woman's right to kill, they will do nothing of consequence to end the practice. Of course, it is not happening yet, since no gay gene or biochemical influence has yet been found in humans, though it might. When that day comes, they'll raise a stink, but probably there will be a split among gays – the lesbian feminists will want to protect the right to kill, while some will say this is genocide and we should oppose it. In that day, they may line up with evangelicals, who are against all such killing.
The real tragedy is, today, almost 90% of Down's syndrome children are aborted. Once a gay "gene" is found, gays will be right behind them in that terrible, murderous line. May we abandon such barbarity and adopt some reasonable abortion limits now. I hope one day to morph c-ral into a real entity.
Putting aside the contentious and unresolvable issue of abortion for the moment, a pre-natal test for sexual orientation would raise fascinating problems. I wonder, would evangelicals and fundies (or all strips) consider it a duty to have the test performed, or would they abstain? If the former, and a gay baby is discovered, would the evan/fundie still believe that abortion is always and everywhere wrong, or would they still go ahead with the pregnancy? What, then, would the life of the gay child be like (I mean, the child wouldn't know it was gay but its parents would). Would they try to "cure" it? How? Would they put it up for adoption? Considering how gays are treated by their families now, it might be a mercy to just abort the fetus and avoid a life of misery later.
I also think we should do everything we can to avoid the necessity of abortion. This would imply widespread and thorough sex education from an early age, and widespread, free and easy availability of contraceptives. These would cut down on abortions considerably. Beyond that, I'm not willing to go.
would evangelicals and fundies (or all strips) consider it a duty to have the test performed, or would they abstain? Would they try to "cure" it? How?
Well, my wife and I did not get the advanced genetic screening because we figured that we were not going to abort no matter what. However, I now think that it is probably smarter to get the test so you know how to prepare if there is a difficulty, even if you are NOT going to abort.
I mean, if pre-natal treatment can avoid homosexuality, many would want to start the treatment. At the very least, since studies indicate that homosexuality is probably not more than 40% genetic in origin, parents could be prepared to optimize their environment to prevent a gay outcome – like keeping them away from the "funny" uncle.
If the former, and a gay baby is discovered, would the evan/fundie still believe that abortion is always and everywhere wrong, or would they still go ahead with the pregnancy?
I would say that the vast majority, as stated previously here, would be anti-abortion of such "potentially gay" babies, just as they are currently for other types of "defects."
Would they put it up for adoption?
While some would, most would see it as a child that needs extra love and attention, just like other children with physical disabilities. I mean, who better than a Christian parent to care for a needy child?
Considering how gays are treated by their families now, it might be a mercy to just abort the fetus and avoid a life of misery later.
While pro-choicers would argue such, Christians never do.
I also think we should do everything we can to avoid the necessity of abortion. This would imply widespread and thorough sex education from an early age, and widespread, free and easy availability of contraceptives.
As discussed previously, it also involves widespread teaching of virtue (chastity, abstinence) and waiting until one is mature enough to support a family both emotionally and financially. While contraception can be part of the solution, it's really just a stopgap measure to catch those who forsake virtue. It's treating the symptom, rather than the cause, which is prosmiscuity.
Don't forget, contraception may reduce pregnancy, but there are still risks for the sexually active, including pregnancy, STDs, and emotional trauma.
seeker's diction above reveals exactly what he thinks of gay people: "defects" (quotes don't lessen the sting), "disabilities" etc. How can anyone maintain a rational discourse with someone so prejudiced? I can't.
Christianists have, for the most part, forsaken the language of religious condemnation, knowing, I suppose, that it makes them look like irrational troglodytes. Unfortunately, they have substituted something worse:condescending pseudo-scientific b.s. (pretending hx is a disease or mental disorder). Whatever, the hatred shines out clear for any reasonable person to see. At its base, its still the same old religious superstition and intolerance dressed up to seem more compassionate – a fig leaf to cover the shame of their bigotry.
Actually, one could make a good case that the only defect and disability here is religious belief, a form of mental defect if any ever existed. What else could one call such a devotion to a worldview without a shred of evidence? Those who live and act within a delusion at variance with reality are usually locked up – unless they're religious believers, that is. What untold horrors has this madness unleashed upon the world?


Skilled immigrants are an excellent source of talent for employers looking to create a diverse and innovative workforce. But knowing where and how to find this talent can be a challenge for some employers.
This webinar examines professional immigrant networks as a source of immigrant talent that can help employers meet business and organizational needs.
In February, TRIEC launched the PINs website, bringing together 70 immigrant networks, representing more than 30,000 new and established immigrants in the Toronto area. Through this website, employers can connect with networks from 11 sectors to connect to top talent or leverage global expertise.
Other immigrant employment councils, including those in the Waterloo Region, Ottawa, London, Calgary and Halifax, have either completed or will conduct similar searches of networks in their areas and these groups will also be invited to join the online community.
Employers can work with professional immigrant networks to recruit skilled talent, develop cross-cultural competencies of employees, raise awareness of the organization as an employer of choice and connect with new customer markets.
Webinar Slides: Download a PDF version of the webinar slides.
Lists of other professional immigrant networks: You can find professional immigrant networks outside of Toronto, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia, London and Waterloo.
Immigrant Employment Networks: Immigrant employment networks in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick can help you connect with professional immigrant networks in your area.
Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada: This association works with employers in several ways, including posting jobs on its careers page and job postings page and participating in employer site tours and information sessions.
Racism-Free Workplace Strategy: This program helps employers find tools, workshops and useful information to help build inclusive, racism-free workplaces.