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Bism Allah Alrahman Alrahem

The dirty Film called Innocence of Muslims

We are not here to discuss the evil intention and disgraceful intentions of those who worked and produced this devilish film because these are clear for everyone including those who worked in it though they transgressors.
We are not here to discuss the punishment that these filthy and devilish people should have in this life which made them to go in hiding until the day of their death but we would like to comment on what punishment awaiting them when there will be only two options and for ever.  They will certainly by in the option of the Fire Hell to abide in it forever.
Let Sam Bacile and those who worked with him all go into hiding for life, let Steve Klein and his wife sleep with 12 gauge shotgun and 38 caliber pistol as he said and let Cindy Lee Garicia denies her intention, but they forgot tow facts.  The first fact is that they can NOT hide from Allah who chose to have Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) to be next to His Name and the Master of all mankind and Prophets.  Allah will get them wherever they go and there will be no safe place for them to protect them from Allah anywhere in this universe.  We pray to Allah to show us His wrath and punishment in these transgressors and evils by casting them out of His mercy in this life soon and in the hereafter.  Soon Allah may humiliate them and make them a bad example to the others.  Sure Allah will never leave them and soon they will face His wrath.  Allah will come to them from where they will not expect.  It is Allah who protects His Prophet and it is Allah Who will reach them.  In His Hands and Power are their life and death and everything.  They will never be able to hide from Allah no matter what they do.
The second fact that these evil transgressors forgot is that between their Day of Judgment and now is the time Allah allowed them to live and after death each one of them wishes to be a dust and not to meet his humiliating, shameful and painful destination.  If America and its government are not able to prevent or judge these wrong evils Allah will do this sooner or later.  There is no doubt at all about this fact and you all will see it soon.   Let them plot but Allah will destroy their plot and He is the best to plot for them the opposite that they do not like.
إِنَّا كَفَيْنَاكَ الْمُسْتَهْزِئِينَ
For sufficient are We unto thee against those who scoff (Holy Quran)
وَسَيَعْلَمُ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا أَيَّ مُنقَلَبٍ يَنقَلِبُونَ
And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take! (Holy Quran)
Lastly we call you to read about Islam because it is the only right path in this life and protect you from going to the Fire Hell next.  If you like to be salved from Hell then follow the path of the religion of not only Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) but Islam is the religion of all the prophets before him including Abraham, Noah, Adam, Moses and Jesus (Peace be upon them all).  Read about Islam and the Holy Quran and do not be like a sheep following those who tried to deceive you.  Read about Islam and about the Holy Quran before it is too late for you.  You will soon discover that what we told is the right thing but do not late the opportunity to pass you.

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Free Friday Night Screenings Return to Southampton

For the fourth year in a row, the Hamptons International Film Festival is delighted to partner with Southampton Arts Center, offering free screenings of classic movies all summer long. Weather permitting, films will screen outdoors on the lawn at 25 Jobs Lane. Approximate start time: 8:30 pm. Bring a blanket, bring a picnic, and bring friends and family! (Note: […]

Slideshow: ‘Author: The JT Leroy Story’ at SummerDocs

On Saturday, July 9, HIFF screened AUTHOR: THE JT LEROY STORY to kick off the 2016 SummerDocs series at Guild Hall of East Hampton. Following the screening of the literary and enigmatic film, director Jeff Feuerzeig joined HIFF Artistic Director David Nugent and HIFF Co-Chair Alec Baldwin onstage for an in-depth Q&A. Before the screening, HIFF supporters, Board members and special guests gathered for a delightful reception […]

HIFF is Hiring!

Festival Positions Open WANTED: VENUE STAFF AND BOX OFFICE SALES AGENTS If you want to be at the center of the Hamptons International Film Festival, we are looking for skilled people to join our box office and venues teams for this year’s festival. Must have prior knowledge or experience in customer service or house management. […]

Cannes Luncheon Celebrates Melissa Mathison, Women in Film

Last week, on a stunningly beautiful Côte d’Azur day overlooking Cannes and the Mediterranean, a cadre of accomplished women in film professionals gathered at the Villa Valnalou to pay tribute to the late screenwriter Melissa Mathison. The film based on her final screenplay—THE BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg—recently screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival. In continuation of their annual women […]

June Library Screening of ‘HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND’

Join us for the next HIFF Monthly Screening, featuring the documentary that won the Audience Award at HIFF 2011, HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND. We are honored to welcome director Marc Levin as our guest. HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND East Hampton Library Saturday, June 11, 3:00 pm Followed by Q&A with director Marc Levin […]

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01/2004 State Tournament Plauqes for 2003 State Champions

Provided Individual Plaques to Hanford High School State Champions

The Boosters approved the policy to provide individual plaques to the 2002-03 and "future" State Champions that participate at the State event. In 2002-03, Hanford High School had State Champions in Softball and Track. Each team member and coach received a comerative plaque from the Sports Boosters to recognize this very special accomplishment.


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Tori Baker   Basketball Class of 1987

Tori Baker's accomplishments as a basketball player are legendary. Tori played for the Falcons from 1984 to 1987, a three-year starter on the Varsity team. Tori was only 5'10", but she could do it all -- shoot, drive, rebound, defend. Tori averaged twenty-three points per game during her career, broke the 1,000 point mark in three seasons, and is still the Hanford High School girls' career scoring leader with 1,367 points.

In 1985-86, the Lady Falcons went a perfect 27-0 and won the AA State Championship led by legendary Coach Jim Murphy. Tori was the captain of that team, the Most Valuable Player of the State Tournament, and was an All-State first team selection.

After Tori's landmark career at Hanford High School, she received a basketball scholarship to the University of Oregon. Tori had a major part in making Hanford High School girls' basketball program a perrenial State power. And her life-long goal of being the best that she was capable of being became a reality for her during her senior season when she was selected as a High School All-American.


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Sunday, April 06, 2008

Sacred Life Sunday: The Outside

Working outside today held surprises for me.
I thought yesterday that my SLS (funny, that's my initials, too) post today would be about dirt, digging, and connecting with the earth.
I thought it would be about getting in touch with my compost, the soil in my flower beds, staining my feet, and compacting dirt under my fingernails.
I thought my connection with Spirit would be via my environment outside my front door.
I had no idea (and would not have chosen) that it was going to mean "The Earth that lives Across The Street".
Sometimes life is surprising... even when you try to live without expectations.

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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Vote for Me

No, I'm not running for President and I'm not asking for you to select me for Parent of the Year. What I am asking is that you please vote for my blog which is included in the Parenting category of this year's Love This Site Awards presented by Divine Caroline.

You do need to register in order to vote, so I understand if submitting your email address to yet another site is not on your list of priorities, but if you are into blogging, whether it's reading them or writing your own, I would greatly appreciate a vote to put my parenting blog on the map.

My site is included amongst many amazing writers - many of whom I have voted for already - but if you enjoy this site, why not practice your voting skills for the upcoming election. I'm not going to ask you to wear an "I Voted," sticker, but if you ask nicely, I may just create one!

Leah said...

I voted for you!

HIP_M0M said...

Thanks, Leah! I only need 1,785 votes to make it to 1st place!


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Headline »

November 1, 2016 – 7:58 am |

Happyzine has been sold! More information soon …
Ever thought about running a good news website? Here’s your chance.
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Home » Archive by Tags

Articles tagged with: gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

January 6, 2016 – 4:00 am |

By Helen Duyvestyn
Having an attitude of gratitude has been shown in research to have significant positive health effects on mental health and wellbeing. It’s termed in different ways; finding the good, counting your blessings, seeing …

Thanks for the reminder that life is abundant – nature

December 23, 2015 – 8:58 am | One Comment

  By Charlotte Squire
It’s summer here in Aotearoa. At our house the growth is wild and unabounded. We’re clipping back the branches and more, still more comes.
The green leaves appear in the most unlikely of places, …

Thanks for heavy metal

December 2, 2015 – 4:00 am |

Wednesday series. Thankyou Project author Melanie Mayell, based in Christchurch, shares her glimpses of gratitude.

“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude”
Fredrich Nietzsche

NZ’s metal artists are world-class wonders. What vision and skill to …

Wondrous Wednesday: count your blessings.

October 28, 2015 – 11:34 am |

  Yes really, count them. Because for all the little things that challenge you in your day, I promise you there will be many more blessings.
I’m talking: clean water, that nice top you’re wearing, those nice …

Wondrous Wednesday: what do you give thanks for today?

October 21, 2015 – 7:35 am | 4 Comments

  Life serves up more of what ever you’re focusing on, so it makes sense to be thankful for the things that are going well.
Today I’m giving thanks for: the birds morning chorus, my intuition, the …

Wondrous Wednesday! There’s so much to give thanks for

October 7, 2015 – 4:20 am | 3 Comments

  It’s that time of the week again, when we pause to take stock of the things that really matter. Did you know that the more we give thanks for the beauty in our lives, the …

Wondrous Wednesday: What’s rocking your world today?

September 30, 2015 – 9:14 am | 2 Comments

Yes it’s that time of the week here in the world of Happyzine.  Gratitude leads to more of the same, so it’s worth investing time and focus in.  The whole point is makes us feel, …

Meet Melanie – she’s dreaming of establishing a National Gratitude Day in New Zealand

September 25, 2015 – 2:00 am | One Comment

When Melanie Mayell emerged from the rubble in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, covered in dust after a major earthquake in 2011, she was overcome with gratitude and a sense of wonder for life.
In the weeks that followed Melanie …

Wondrous Wednesday: name five awesome things in your life

September 22, 2015 – 11:18 pm | 10 Comments

 Five awesome things in my life?
The Motupipi River – nice and clear so I can see her belly.
My street – full of friendly people and trees.
My seed babies – thrusting eagerly up through the soil, …

Who are YOU grateful for today? Me? My Gran (plus a song I wrote for her)

September 16, 2015 – 9:42 am |

 I remember the smell of her – sunlight soap and sunscreen, apricot oil and china paint. She wore a pink spotted floppy hat as she gardened and the skin on the back of hands was …

Wondrous Wednesday!

September 9, 2015 – 4:00 am | 4 Comments

 If you were to contemplate five things that are going well for you right now what would they be?

Wondrous Wednesday: What are you thankful for today?

September 2, 2015 – 5:30 pm |

By Charlotte Squire
Sometimes before I go to sleep at night I like to ponder the things I’m grateful for in my life, because then I will have started my dream time off with nourishing thoughts. …

What’s wondrous in your world today?

August 26, 2015 – 8:23 am | 3 Comments

  Kia ora,
Appreciation really does lead to more good in life. I for one know I have much to be grateful for. So Here’s a small list in the hope that it might inspire you to …

Check out: The 100 Day Gratitude Project

October 25, 2013 – 2:23 pm |

The Auckland based Momentum Life Coaching and Training team are running this inspiring facebook project:
September 23 marks 100 days until the end of the year. I have decided to launch a 100 DAY GRATITUDE PROJECT. It …

Clown thanks district councillor for social/environmental service

September 19, 2013 – 4:35 pm | One Comment

Tess the Clown has had her eye on Martine Bouillir, Tasman District Councillor, for six months.
A huge fan of Happyzine, back in February Tess pledged to give Martine “who is a really special person and …

Gratitude walks

July 11, 2013 – 11:19 pm | 5 Comments

By Charlotte Squire
Most mornings, I like to take myself for a gratitude walk.
This is how it works: I wake up before everyone else and bundle myself into all manner of warm, unfashionable clothes.  I put …

365 Days of Fun and Chillaxation – Blog 243 – The Blessing of Rebecca Toon

December 24, 2010 – 10:18 pm |

Tis the eve of that Christian celebration I’ve grown to know and love: Christmas!
And I would like to spend this blog appreciating one of our many gifted writers.  Her name’s Rebecca Toon and she just …

Celebrate Your Year – by Jack Canfield

December 10, 2010 – 7:52 am |

Celebrate Your Year:
23 Questions to Inventory Your Successes
As you set goals for the coming year, it’s a good idea to take stock of the progress you’ve made toward your 2010 goals. For many …

365 Days of Fun and Chillaxation – Blog#174 – How I Lazily Give Thanks

October 13, 2010 – 8:45 pm | One Comment

I’m still breast feeding my three year old son.  It’s a wondrous thing, giving him this sweet start to life, on so many levels for us both.  Anyway, so today, while I was breastfeeding him …

Gratitude – Maori Inspiration

September 6, 2009 – 10:19 am | One Comment
Gratitude – Maori Inspiration

With everything that we want to achieve in life, we must first be grateful for every single thing that we have. I want you to wake up in the morning, open your eyes, look outside …

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On Sunday we joined tens of thousands of onlookers to witness the Chinese New Year celebrations in Vancouver. The year of the snake was celebrated with firecrackers and smoke, drums, lion dancing and a bit of a photo opportunity too. It was quite the spectacle.

And talking of spectacles, I wore my sunglasses today. Whoopee, I do believe this could mean Spring is on its way. Little bulbs are bursting out of the ground, trees are furiously budding away and the birds are singing their merry hearts out. It's quite an exciting time actually as we don't know most of the birdlife here, although I shall miss the blue tits I used to watch from my sewing room window back in London.

Ah, but the mention of sewing reminds me my transformer has arrived too, which means there is no excuse not to open up those fabric boxes, sift through some patterns and rev up the sewing machine. Hmm, a slightly scary thought, truth be told, given I haven't touched the thing in nearly four months. What's more, what ever am I going to do about my knitting?

I looked at my previous post and decided February was romping away without my having made much note of it. The truth is we have all been travelling along our Canadian journey at full pelt, particularly at the weekends when we remind ourselves that we came all this way for change and so we must go find it.

I am exhausted! This last weekend, a three-dayer due to BC's first 'Family Day', has been so packed with activity that I feel in need of another few days to recover, I think. I do believe two full days of skiing have made the husband and I realise there is work to be done if fitness levels are going to improve and it's a good thing those days were separated by a drive along the Vancouver-Whistler road to Squamish to do some eagle viewing. Every year thousands of bald eagles descend on the river to feast on salmon and the spectacle is supposed to be incredible. Unfortunately we were too late in the season and saw only a couple. It wasn't a wasted journey, though, the scenery was breathtaking.

I've been snowshoeing again. Those mountains are pulling me upwards all the time, I can't get enough of them and when I'm not actually up there, there they are on the horizon, a constant fascination. The clean, fresh air is a tonic to my lungs and a perfect antidote to London's fumes and smog. I'm rather taken with snowshoeing, actually. I love stopping to soak up the views .. well that's my excuse anyway!

I also met a second good bloggy type, someone I'm convinced a lot of you will know! I met wonderful Koralee in the city centre, where we ate some of Vancouver's finest and chatted away as though we had known one another all along. That's the beauty of blogging and it was a treat to see her.

I'm also rather in love with my new iPhone which is so cool I only know a minute percentage of its capabilities but I did have to move continents to persuade the husband I really needed it. And of course having fun on Instagram, experimenting with all it's settings. Do come and join me if you're an Instagram fanatic too!

But you know something .. every paragraph here begins with 'I'. So tell me, what did you get up to at the weekend?

* all photographs were taken over the weekend using Instagram

Happy new month to you and huge, big fat thank yous for all your sweet comments, I think those positive vibes have done their work as I have a slight spring in my step today. My little spot in the world has, wait for it, sunshine this morning and I have not one but two bloggy dates in the diary.

Yesterday I drove the boy and some of his class mates to a curling centre for their school field trip. Watching a whole bunch of twelve year olds having fun out on the ice, followed by a tasty buffet lunch is definitely a good way to spend a few hours. And volunteering is most certainly the way to go for meeting other mums and teachers.

Another reason for the spring is that the first shipment of our contents has arrived. Now, the husband was far more organised than me back in November, as he gave instructions to have his wardrobe contents put on first delivery. Unfortunately all I could think about was my sewing room so I have ten massive boxes of fabrics, nine boxes of books (mostly crafting but some cookery) and glass beads, and a dilemma as to where it's all going to go. Oh, and no clothes! No matter, I now have a sewing machine, my overlocker and knitting needles so, once the transformer is installed, I'm good to go and clothes making here I come. Woopeee!

By the way, what do you think of my new (old) tea cups? I almost forgot to mention I've discovered a promising thrift shop ..

Happy weekend.


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You are here: Home » Gear » The 10 Best Travel Books Featuring Southeast Asia

The 10 Best Travel Books Featuring Southeast Asia

Guide books like the Lonely Planet are great for finding out all the essential information about a place before you arrive.  However, travelogues, novels and biographies can provide an even better window into the countries you are visiting.

While arriving at a new destination for the first time, with no prior knowledge of the area can be exciting and provide you with a blank canvas upon which to paint your observations and experiences, there is a lot to be said for reading up on its history, culture and stories, in order to help you quickly get a better understanding of your new surroundings.

With that in mind, here are some of my favourite books written about, set in, or featuring Southeast Asia and its many countries. If you are looking for some travel reading that is entertaining as well as, in most cases, informative about where you are travelling in Southeast Asia, then there should be something for you on this list.

The Work of Paul Theroux - Photo Credit: Joe M. (Flickr)

The Work of Paul Theroux – Photo Credit: Joe M. (Flickr)

1. Ghost Train to the Eastern Star – Paul Theroux

Apart from a few Bill Bryson books, this was my first travelogue, as well as being my first introduction to Paul Theroux, the American travel writer and novelist. In Ghost Train to the Eastern Star the author follows a similar route as he did in a book he wrote 33 years before, taking in how the countries and people have changed over the years.

The trail takes him overland from London and back again via Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Japan to name but a few. While the author has the ability to rub his readers up the wrong way with his often outspoken and at times cynical views, he is the best contemporary travel writer I have read so far and really makes the effort to get under the skin of his host country.

When I visit a country featured in the book I always make sure I re-read the corresponding chapters in Ghost Train to the Eastern Star to compare my views on the place with that of the author.  While my views and experiences are very different to his, it still makes for enjoyable reading. Although it hasn’t done anything to persuade me to the ride the Trans-Siberian Railway!

Travelling Overland - Photo Credit: Gustavo P. (Flickr)

Travelling Overland – Photo Credit: Gustavo P. (Flickr)

2. A Fortune Teller Told Me – Tiziano Terzani

This book written by the late Italian journalist Tiziano Terzani, follows a year in his life while he travels around Asia and Europe, avoiding air travel on the advice of the eponymous fortune teller. His work as a foreign correspondent takes him to many places, and along the way he gets in contact with a range of fortune tellers as his interests in this area grows.

While this might not seem like the best premise for a book, the author’s first-rate writing abilities allows him to describe his travels in great detail and is both informative and entertaining. Don’t think of this as a book about fortune tellers and superstition, but more of a slow travel journal covering Asia and beyond.

3. The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell In A Bangkok Prison – Warren Fellows

While this isn’t going to win any literary awards, this autobiography of an Australian drug trafficker who gets a life sentence in the notorious jails of Bangkok, serves as a cautionary tale to any travellers who might be tempted to try their hand at making some seemingly easy money, or even just enjoying a night out, slightly bending any of the laws of the land. It also gives a good insight into the Thai justice system and the world of international drug smuggling and is the perfect page turner you won’t be able to put down, making it ideal for a relaxing beach holiday.

George Orwell's House in Burma - Photo Credit: Poida S. (Flickr)

George Orwell’s House in Burma – Photo Credit: Poida S. (Flickr)

3. Burmese Days – George Orwell

Despite being published in 1934 and set in the 1920s, when Burma was still in the hands of the British Empire, this novel by George Orwell is still relevant today, thanks to its themes and depiction of expat life. The story follows a short period in the life of the books main character, John Flory, a merchant disillusioned with the expat lifestyle and the community he finds himself a part of.

Even though the tale is getting on for 80 years old, it still manages to parallel modern day expat life very well with characters that are sick of their new home but have been there too long to ever go back. The story manages to interweave strands of romance, political intrigue as well as providing a historical glimpse into the colonial past of this amazing country.

The author, George Orwell spent five years in the 1920s working in Burma as a police officer in the Indian Imperial Police force and used his time in the colony as material for this scathing critique of imperialism and the ruling structures which you can see as laying the foundations his later novels, 1984 and Animal Farm.

4. Bangkok 8 – John Burdett

This is the first in a series of novels set in Bangkok by expat writer John Burdett, featuring a fictional Thai police officer as the main character. Each novel tackles a different crime that takes place in Bangkok, drawing on the local environment, with plenty of name dropping and social commentary thrown in for good nature.

Despite the sometimes cheesy situations and characters, Bangkok 8 and the other novels in the series manage to do an entertaining job of illustrating how different the western way of life is to that of the Thais. While there are countless books set in Bangkok and Thailand written by expat authors, this is probably the best of the bunch.

The Killing Fields - Photo Credit: Rev S. (Flickr)

The Killing Fields – Photo Credit: Rev S. (Flickr)

5. The Killing Fields – Christopher Hudson

This is book of the film of the same name, tells the stories of an American journalist and his Cambodian counterpart and their time in the country up to and during the Khmer Rouge regime of 1975 to 1979. While Sydney Schanberg the American journalist makes it out of the country before the Khmer Rouge take over, his friend Dith Pran is not so fortunate. The book then charts Pran’s experiences of life in the forced labour camps of the communist regime that took over his country.

If you plan on visiting Cambodia, this book provides an entertaining way to learn about the troubled past of the country of which many of the main locations can be visited today, where they serve as memorials to the recent past.

6. When China Rules the World – Martin Jacques

This hefty tome delivers a fascinating insight into not only the past of China but its expected future role as leader of a new global order. The book explains why a modern China will look very different to the modern West and what impact these differences will mean when China is the world’s leading nation, with the biggest influence and say in international affairs.

Even if you aren’t going into China on your travels, this book will appeal to anyone visiting or travelling through Southeast Asia, or the rest of the world for that matter, and who come into contact with the Chinese diaspora.  In fact, I’d say it is essential reading for everyone!

8. Lost on Planet China – J. Maarten Troost

Wherever you go in Southeast Asia it is very likely you will encounter strong Chinese influences; whether it be the food, people, culture or just the cheap plastic goods that are so in demand. So whether you reach China or not on your travels, you should be able to relate to this book and its full title: Lost on Planet China: One Man’s Attempt to Understand the World’s Most Mystifying Nation.

The author sets off on a voyage of discovery in an attempt to get to know the world’s most populous nation, which is becoming increasingly more influential on our daily lives. You feel like the author really tries his best to understand and embrace what he is confronted with but despite his efforts, he can’t quite manage it. This often results in almost hilarious encounters and observations providing a light hearted glimpse behind the great wall interspersed with serious points and facts along the way to break up the fun.

9. An Idiot Abroad: The Travel Diaries of Karl Pilkington – Karl Pilkington

You might have seen the TV show but now you can read along with Karl and the gang as they take in the Seven Wonders of the World with stop offs in China, India and Bangkok to name but a few. While you probably won’t learn much from this idiot’s adventures, you can’t help but laugh at his childlike intellect and observations.

Driving in China - Photo Credit: Beijing P. (Flickr)

Driving in China – Photo Credit: Beijing P. (Flickr)

10. Country Driving: A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory – Peter Hessler

Despite not yet venturing into mainland China you can probably see from this list that I have quite an interest in the country. This is another well written and entertaining book that gives a unique insight into China.

After living in the country for a few years and learning the language, the author acquires a Chinese driving license, which is a story in itself and sets out on the open road in a hired car. The book is in three parts and in the first he tracks the Great Wall in his rental car as far as he can go.

In the second part he moves to a small rural village for five years and gradually integrates himself with the local community as best he can. Finally he moves to a new factory city that is in its early stages of development, like hundreds all over China, and spends two years tracking the city’s progress and the stories of its migrant population.

Its fascinating stuff and the three parts of the book give a wide reaching view of the country and the changes being wrought on it by development and the race to modernisation and urbanisation.

Hopefully this list of the best travel writing about Southeast Asia will give you some ideas for your holiday reading list. If you’ve got any other recommendations, please leave a comment below.

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The HDTV Archive Project

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Email the Author: Philip J Cianci

© 2011 Philip J. Cianci

High Definition Television

The Creation, Development and Implementation of HDTV Technology

by Philip J. Cianci

I would like to express my thanks to all those who furnished input.

Marcel Annegarn, Jay Ballard, Stan Baron, Tom Beauchamp, Jeffery Bird, C. R. Caillouet, Alan Cavallerano, Claudio Ciacci, Mike Croll, Robert Cohen, Aldo Cugnini, Randall Dark, Birney Dayton, Gary Demos, Peter Fannon, Paul Gardiner, Branko Gerovac, Joseph Glaab, Bill Glenn, Richard Green, Tom Gurley, Jeff Hamilton, Bob Hopkins, Brad Hughes, Keiichi Kubota, Mike Liebhold, John Luff, John Mailhot, Bill Miller, Barry Minnerly, Joe Nadan, David Niles, Russell Neuman, Charlie Pantuso, Charles Poynton, Robert Rast, Glenn Reitmeier, Charlie Rhodes, David Rosenberg, Mark Schubin, Jim Servies, Andy Setos, Gary Sgrignoli, Richard Shen, Joe Snelson, James Snyder, Richard Jay Solomon, Mike Strein, Peter Symes, Ted Szypulski, Larry Thorpe, John Turner, Dennis Wallace, John Weaver, S. Merrill Weiss, Richard Wiley, Ed Williams, and Kees van Zon.

I am grateful for assistance from indirect contributors: Dave Shaw, Nat Ostroff, Mark Aiken, Victor Tawil, David Wood, Paul Meisner and Rupert Stow, and to my Philips colleagues, Karl Witting, Olu Akawami-Assani, Mikhail Tsinberg, and Matthew Brennesholtz along with John Eberhard at ESPN - each added a detail here and there. And to Carlo Basile, Wayne Luplow and Jae Lim, who were kind enough to help resolve an issue or two.

Bookseller & Volume Ordering Info

Other books by Philip J Cianci


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Saturday, February 28, 2009

Music, Mushrooms and Truth

John Cage (September 5, 1912 – August 12, 1992), a contemporary American composer, believed that the universe is impersonal by nature and that it originated only through pure chance. In an attempt to live consistently with this personal philosophy, Cage composed all of his music by various means of chance. He used, among other things, the tossing of coins and the rolling of dice to make sure that no personal element enters into the final product. The result was music that has no form, no structure, and for the most part, no appeal. This is a video of one of his most well-known piece, called "4'33"":

Though his professional life accurately reflected his belief in a universe that has no order, his personal life did not, for his favorite pastime was mycology, the collecting of mushrooms. Due to the potentially lethal results of picking the wrong mushroom, one cannot approach a mushroom on a purely by-chance basis. Concerning that, Cage stated, “I became aware that if I approached mushrooms in the spirit of my chance operations, I would die shortly.”
John Cage believed one thing, but practiced another. In doing so, he is an example of the man described in Romans 1:18 who “suppresses the truth of God,” for when faced with the certainty of order in the universe, he still clings to his own novel theory.

(Francis Schaeffer, The God Who Is There.)

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A genetic mutation linked to schizophrenia appears to rupture communication between the two areas of the brain believed to be responsible for memory and may be an underlying cause of the brain disorder, U.S. researchers suggested in a study published on Wednesday.

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Articles > Lean for life: Make childhood obesity a thing of the past

Lean for life: Make childhood obesity a thing of the past

Judy Messina

Provided by HealthMonitor

Obesity is one of biggest health concerns for America's kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of our children carry too much weight. This obesity puts them at risk for a lifetime of serious health issues, including sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

In a society like ours, where fast food and sugary snacks are often the norm, parents are the first line of defense in the battle against the bulge. To help your children be lean for life, here are 10 things you can do now.

1. Walk the walk. If you want your children to eat healthy foods, you have to eat healthy foods. "When you have one set of foods for your child and another set of foods for yourself and others, it is not going to work," says Lisa Altshuler, PhD, a pediatric psychologist at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.

2. Start early. Get your children used to healthy foods when they are very young. And don't give up! Experts say it takes at least 10 tries for kids to get used to a food. So keep serving broccoli and squash, and make it a rule that they at least take a taste.

3. Be flexible. Make sure your children eat breakfast, but don't rule out options that are healthy yet nontraditional. A bowl of brown rice and the leftover stir-fry from last night's dinner is fine since it has fiber and protein.

4. Toss high-calorie snacks. Sugary treats and drinks'even many fruit juices'pack on pounds. Don't ask your children what they want for a snack. Instead, place healthy foods'fruit, carrot sticks, celery sticks with peanut butter'where they can easily be reached.

5. Never say never. If you forbid your children from having certain foods'cookies, ice cream or potato chips, for instance'they will likely gorge on them whenever they get the chance. Instead, let your children know that these are special treats for special occasions.

6. Offer guidance. With younger children, you can say no. But with older kids, be a coach and not a traffic cop. Help your kids figure out whether they are really hungry or eating just out of boredom. If they're really hungry, suggest a piece of fruit instead of a donut.

7. Eat together. Sitting down to eat as a family keeps kids from grazing and overeating. Dinner doesn't have to be elaborate'pick up a roast chicken from the supermarket, throw some potatoes in the microwave, and make a salad or steam some frozen vegetables.

8. Let kids help. Involve your children in food preparation, including vegetables and other foods they might not immediately desire. Even the youngest child can slice mushrooms with a plastic knife. This way, says Nancy Copperman, MS, RD, director of public health initiatives at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, "they're smelling, touching, tasting and getting more comfortable around healthy foods."

9. Don't wait to eat. If you can, feed your children dinner at a consistent and relatively early time. An early dinner will short-circuit the usual snacking and grazing.

10. Get kids moving. Encourage physical activity, and limit time spent playing video games and watching TV. Be active as a family. Playing Frisbee in the yard, shooting some hoops or dancing around the living room can be just plain fun. It's also a good way to burn off calories and to do something where food is not involved. It's simply healthy.
Diabetes Mellitis (Type II) Obesity Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Carrot Heart Disease Diabetes Multiple Sclerosis Hyperlipidemia Hypertension Burn

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Cholesterol: LDL, HDL, and total level - what do these numbers mean?

cholesterol (another name - cholesterol) - a fat-soluble compound existing in the cells of most living organisms other than prokaryotes.In humans, it may be present in both the free and bound state.Its function is to ensure the stability and integrity of cell membranes involved in the synthesis of vitamin D. Cholesterol is vital for the production of hormones - in particular, produced by the adrenal glands.However, it should be borne in mind: human blood contains several fractions thereof, called lipoproteins, - their properties differ greatly.

high density lipoproteins (HDL) are compounds that are not susceptible to the formation of a precipitate.This - the so-called "good" cholesterol alpha: thanks to its anti-atherogenic (prevents the development of atherosclerosis) properties, it significantly reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease.In order to "good" cholesterol "worked" and their prevention was carried out, its concentration in the blood must be high enough - 1.55 mmol / L.Low also its

content means increased risk of atherosclerosis, particularly in combination with higher levels of LDL (abbr. Of "low density lipoprotein") - is an alarming sign.

low density lipoproteins - complex compounds, which increase the level in the blood is dangerous to human health.For this reason, LDL cholesterol is also known as "bad": it is a large amount of lipoprotein associated with the development of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.The optimum level of this fraction in the blood - 3.4 mmol / l.If it is higher than these figures, there is a risk to human health.Indices of total cholesterol levels, including a "bad" and "good", normally not exceed 5.2 mmol / l.With his amount of up to 6.2 mmol / l experts say about the state of moderate risk, and above this value - the serious risk of dangerous heart disease and blood vessels.

With a small deviation from the normal LDL cholesterol can be somewhat reduced by using a special diet and lifestyle changes.So, should be excluded from the diet of trans fats and reducing sugar intake.LDL cholesterol is often higher than normal and smokers, as well as from those who do not move, overeating and overweight.Therefore, you should give up bad habits, regular exercise and do not eat more than the body needs.

reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and vegetable oils help, more precisely, they contain phytosterols (plant sterols), as well as omega-3, which many in the sardines and salmon fish.A good effect, and eating bran, and plant foods rich in fiber: legumes, vegetables (such as eggplant).

If, despite your best efforts, elevated LDL still, the doctor may prescribe medication.To reduce the level of conventionally used drugs called statins (Crestor, Lipitor, Mevacor, and others).These medications stabilize the balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol, the rate of which is clearly defined in the blood significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.They are chosen individually in each case, depending on the performance level of total cholesterol and each of its fractions, as well as existing chronic conditions in a patient.

In conclusion, the imbalance of "good" and "bad" cholesterol - is not the only factor leading to atherosclerosis.Often the disease develops and those whose cholesterol levels are normal.However, increased LDL cholesterol, especially in combination with obesity and / or diabetes, creates prerequisites for serious diseases, therefore, poses a risk to the patient and should be corrected.


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How to Get Carbohydrates Without Grains

Beans are a good carbohydrate alternative.

Beans are a good carbohydrate alternative.

With debates over low-carb and high-carb diets, and considering all the different types of carbohydrates, figuring out which sources are the best can get confusing. Processed grains and added sugars are unhealthy carbohydrates, but whole-grain products are healthy carbohydrates. However, you do have nutritious alternatives to whole grains.

Carbohydrate Basics

Carbohydrates include sugar, starch and fiber. Sugar and starch provide glucose, which is the source of energy the body prefers. It’s also the only form of fuel used by your brain. Complex carbohydrates, such as beans, vegetables and fruits, are healthy carbohydrate sources because they combine starches with fiber. Fiber isn’t digested, but it provides health benefits for intestinal health, and it slows down the absorption of sugar to help keep blood sugar balanced. Sugar that’s added to food provides calories without added nutrients, but vegetables and fruits with sugar also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Your daily diet should include 130 grams of total carbohydrates.

A 1-cup serving of beans has more total carbohydrates and fiber than 2 slices of whole-wheat bread and 1 cup of cooked oats, brown rice or quinoa. As a group, beans are rich sources of protein, low in fat and high in iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, folate and other B vitamins. One cup of cooked lentils, and kidney, pinto, navy, lima and black beans, has 39 to 45 grams of total carbohydrates. You'll get 11 to 19 grams of fiber and, if you cook them at home, all except lima beans have less than 1 gram of sugar. Canned beans may have as much as 5 grams of sugar per serving.

Starchy Vegetables

Most vegetables are low in total carbohydrates, but the starchy vegetables are exceptions. One cup of chopped raw carrots, corn, beets, winter squash, and sweet, white or red potatoes has 12 to 27 grams of total carbohydrates and 3 to 4 grams of fiber. They’re also a little higher in sugar, with 3 to 9 grams in all of them except white and red potatoes. They only have 1 to 2 grams of sugar. Starchy vegetables are good sources of vitamin C, potassium and vitamin B-6, as well as vitamin A from carrots, sweet potatoes and winter squash.

One apple, banana, orange, peach and pear, one-quarter of a cantaloupe, and 21 sweet cherries provide 12 to 34 grams total carbohydrates. Pears, sweet cherries, bananas and apples have the most carbohydrates. They range from 26 grams in pears and cherries to 34 grams of total carbohydrates in an apple. The other fruits have 12 to 19 grams of total carbohydrates. Fruits are rich in phytochemicals and vitamins, but they're also higher in sugar and lower in fiber than starchy vegetables or beans. Their sugar content ranges from 11 to 25 grams and they have 1 to 6 grams of dietary fiber.

About the Author

Sandi Busch received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, then pursued training in nursing and nutrition. She taught families to plan and prepare special diets, worked as a therapeutic support specialist, and now writes about her favorite topics – nutrition, food, families and parenting – for hospitals and trade magazines.

Photo Credits

  • Beans in a basket image by Snow Queen from
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10 Plastic Surgery Fails: Before, After and Final Form

Plastic surgery can have tremendous results – sometimes. Like anything that has positive effects though, there are people can never get enough. Sometimes, it’s having grotesquely huge breasts or a hacked up nose job (looking at you Jackson family), but other times, people actually ruin their body and probably their soul.

We took some of the worst plastic surgery muck-ups we could find, and we asked ourselves, what would happen if this kept going, if they just kept following the path that their ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures reveal? What kind of person (or creature) would we arrive at? We call this a “final form.” So here it is: 10 Before, After and Final Forms.

Donatella Versace >>> The Joker

Jocelyn Wildestein >>> Lion

Lara Flynn Boyle >>> Asian Guy from the Hangover, Ken Jeong

Valeria Lukyanova >>> Jigglypuff

Amanda Lepore >>> Red-Lipped Batfish

Jackie Stallone >>> Nelson from the Simpsons

Some Initially Attractive Lady >>> Tom the Talking Cat

Some Initially Cute Girl >>> Blobfish

Share this if you think people need to cool it on the plastic surgery.

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Bruce Jenner >>> Ghoul

Carrot Top >>> Cat Man

Bonus: Donatella Versace Remix! Donatella >>> Shrek’s Donkey

FAIL: 14 Bodybuilders Who Take it Too Far

Bodybuilders love attention, but some bodybuilders love serious health risks too! Gotta pay the cost if you wanna get swoll.

Click here to read more

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  1. OMG!!! This is really terrible. I have heard that most of the cosmetic facial surgical procedures has side effects and sometimes cause unexpected results. But these photos are really scaring. This is the first time I am seeing these kind of photos. I think most of the cosmetic surgeries are safe when done by experienced and qualified surgeons. Even my wife had two surgeries last year. She is fine now.

  2. OMG – I think plastic surgeons in America should learn from Korea as over there I have not seen horror stories such as these faces here. But sometimes perhaps it was something inside that enticed these people to choose a wrong one. I wish they come out and list the names of these surgeons so nobody else can suffer the same fate. It pays to do your research. Check for before and after pictures.

  3. What happened to getting old gracefully? You don’t know what to do with your money, give it to me, I can do more with it than you do!!!


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Powerslide - MyFit Liner Fat Boy High

My Fit is personalized fit – we focused ourselves in the full customization of liners for all types of action sports.

A characteristic of a high quality boot is one that fits tight to the feet. This secure the position of the foot inside the boot, giving extra support and in fact increases the comfort. The boot is the connection of the athlete to his equipment whether it`s for inline skating, water-skiing, or other types of action sports.

If this connection does not function 100%, it will have a very negative impact on the sporting experience. To protect you from these problems, we have specialized ourselves in the full customization of a liner for all types of action sports.

The general performance, as well as the general fit and comfort of boots, can easily be completely customized in just a few minutes. Make you own unique personalized fit.

Size table

Size [EU]363738394041424344454647
Size [US]345677,58910111213
Size [UK]234566,5789101112
Length [mm]230237244251258265272279286293300306

Powerslide was founded in 1994 with only one thing in mind: high quality products for all types of skating.

Since then we have been focusing on the development and production of high performance skate products. The products entail BEARINGS, WHEELS in all sizes: 58mm, 60mm, 72mm, 76mm, 80mm, 84mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm and even 125mm. As well as FRAMES, BOOTS, PROTECTION SETS, Elbow protection, knee protection, wristguards, but also helmets, laces, buckles and other accessories. This variety of products can be used for speedskates, powerskates, fitness skates, aggressive skates, powerblades, nordic skates, freeskates, salom skates, and any other type of skates as well as for skateboards as longboards, shortboards, penny boards and miniboards.But we don´t stop there, we specialize on everything that rolls, so our products are also used for SCOOTERS, stunt scooters, inline scooters, two wheels scooter, twist scooter, three wheels scooters with all the different sizes like 125mm, 145mm and 200mm wheels.

And Powerslide the company is not just about Powerslide the brand, but we also produce and distribute brands like USD, Xsjado, Kizer, Undercover, Gawds, SureGrip, Matter wheels, Choke, Ennui, Doop and more.

Powerslide enables skaters throughout the world to skate faster, jump higher and break their own limits.

Our love for the sport, our innovations, attention to detail and our drive for quality are reflected in every single item. Powerslide products are tested and approved by the world's best skaters.


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Monday, May 19, 2008

Agile a new methodology

Software has been written for last 30+ years but the story has remained the same for trough out "you write code you create bugs". You deliver but client says its not what is asked for. I am no super coder or a masterful project manager. I have been at the short end of the stick many-a-times. The fact of the matter is that requirements change with time and longer we take to deliver more likely it is client has a change of mind/ or competition came up with better solution before we delivered and now client does not want to be undone by the competition (Fair). The problem lies in the speed at which world is changing, 2 years ago if someone was to take on 2 yr project in ASP.Net 1.1 by the time of the planned release the client would be looking for a solution in ASP.Net 3.5. Now porting it to 3.5 would be a mammoth task (not sure a good example).

For the customers it not only hard to be precise about what's needed, it's also hard to see why it should be difficult to change later. Customers expect software to be soft.Traditional methodologies establish procedures that discourage requirements changes, they resist change. This helps them maintain a predictable schedule, but it does nothing to ensure that the final results meets the customers real, changing needs. While predictability may be very desirable, it can only be achieved by seriously compromising other qualities – particularly the fit of the final result to the real (emerging) requirements.
A typical project plan will indicate that the project requires “three programmers”. Once again, the assumption is that the project can be managed using a defined process, and that the outcome won't depend on the individuals that are assigned. But in our hearts we know that this isn't true – that the outcome depends heavily on the individuals involved. Alistair Cockburn (Author - “Characterizing People as Non-linear, First-Order Components in Software Development”) in particular has presented forceful arguments as to why people need to be considered the most influential factor in project success or failure.

The points above clearly illustrate the failure of earlier methodologies like water fall, spiral etc. one may think why did these why did these work in the past, well the basic reason is that things happen much faster not then it did in the past. MS took years to come up with a new version of office 97 and then 2000 and now they plan to do that practically every year, same is true for many of there products. Customers are now more informative and want to move with the fast paced world.

Agile - Introduction

During the 90s a number of different people realised that things had somehow changed. These people became interested in developing software methodologies that were a better fit with the new business environment – more nimble, easier to manoeuvre through a turbulent business environment. Although the details of these methodologies differ, they all share certain underlying principles, to the extent that these methodologies are often now grouped under the title “agile methodologies”.Given the opportunity to reject the “software engineering” metaphor and start all over again, what would we consider as we were developing a new methodology?·

  • Software development is predominantly a design activity·
  • Characteristics of individuals are the first-order influence on project activities·
  • Modern software development can't rely on individuals – it requires effective teams·
  • Customers are unlikely to know what they want in detail before they start·
  • Customers need to be able to change requirements without unreasonable penalties·
  • The process needs to be flexible·
  • Responsibility should be aligned with authority

I am still a student of agile and will be writing more about it in the future.

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250 Pounds Of Marijuana Found In Malibu

A week after ten illegal immigrants were discovered in Malibu, along with an abandoned Mexican Panga boat used for drug and human smuggling, State Park rangers discovered yet another abandoned Panga just north of Leo Carrillo State Beach. Rangers also discovered at least 250 lbs. of marijuana scattered among the wreckage. Rangers discovered the crashed smuggling boat last Thursday at 7:30 a.m. near the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Deer Creek Road. The boat had washed upon shore and was caught among the rocks. At first, rangers called for assistance from the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department for a possible rescue operation for occupants aboard the Panga.

However, no occupants were found onboard or nearby. “Personnel from Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura and Los Angeles County firefighters, State Park Rangers, Ls Angeles County Lifeguards, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents searched for several hours over a one-mile radius, by land, sea, and air,” a VCSD media release states. Officials did find more than a dozen large containers filled with gasoline. Packages filled with marijuana and personal clothing items were littered along the beach. Officials then discovered the remnants of the panga vessel in the rocks, heavily damaged by the intense surf conditions. At least 250 pounds of marijuana and “up to 250 gallons of were recovered from the apparent drug-smuggling operation. The majority of the marijuana was found packaged on the beach near a stairway leading up to the highway,” the media release went on to say.

This event followed the arrest of ten illegal Mexican immigrants found on the same beach just a week prior. No drugs were onboard that panga or on the occupants, though officials presumed the drugs had already been picked up by an accomplice. Captain Mike Aranda of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Media Relations told Canyon News that it is “[their] belief that a majority of the drugs were transported by vehicle to an undetermined location, and what was left behind was a minimal amount they could not retrieve.” There has been a significant increase in human and drug smuggling in recent months by Mexican traffickers attempting landfall in remote areas along Malibu, Ventura, and other adjoining county shorelines. Panga boats and other sea vessels have been discovered, mostly abandoned, with personal belongings.

The high amount of gasoline transported in these smuggling events also poses an environmental threat, especially when wrecks occur. If a vessel overturns or crashes, as it did on Sunday, the fuel could potentially spill into the ocean or on the shore. “Ventura County Environmental Health was on scene for any gasoline spills or other envronmental issues associated with this matter,” the press release reported. Aranda stated that the boat “crashed due to the high ocean swells that took place that day.” ICE and the Ventura County Agency personnel are continuing with the investigation and pursuing the missing occupants. Locals are being asked to report any suspicious individuals or activity in the area.

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January 6, 2012

Grateful Friday

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist
but the ability to start over.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

It's the first Grateful Friday of 2012! To start things off right, I asked a few of my favorite friends (about 300 or so) to share some gratitude - I'm thrilled so many were willing.

"Interesting, I was just pondering this earlier this evening... what am I truly grateful for? At the time, the answer came to me clearly and succinctly: Cheese Trays. I think I was hungry."

"I am grateful for you as a friend ! You always have a way to touch me when I need it most, a blog post, a photo, a status update. You are a bright spot in my day!"

I'm grateful for great pics from friends across the pond!
photo by Ann Canton

"Our four legged furry friends that love us with abandon, rejoice with us when we are happy, console us when we are sad, and remind us that there is always joy to be found in this world in chew toys and string."

Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.
~Thich Nhat Hanh

I'm grateful for celebrating the New Year with my beautiful friends Lisa and Barb in downtown Tacoma and for getting to enjoy the wonderful music of Pearl Django live.

"I'm grateful for the sunshine outside my window on this first day of 2012."

"I'm grateful for the most precious friendships a girl could wish for - total acceptance and love, challenging me to be better than the best, willing to go the extra mile and more. "I thank my G-d in all my remembrance of you..."

"I'm grateful for the hope of the coming year - new adventures, opportunities to celebrate the festivals once again, more deep theological conversations, continued mercy and grace from the Holy One even when I can't see it."

"I am thankful for...
Colors. All the variety of hues and saturations that make our world so interesting to see.
Django music well played.
Jewish liturgy, spoken in concert to our G-d.
The song of a sparrow on a winter day.
The companionship and playfulness of my cat.
Friends who support, love and laugh together.
Steaming hot, freshly brewed coffee in the morning.
The gift of prayer.
A supportive boss, allowing me to work from home on occasion."

"I am very grateful for my friends. They share in my joy, and help me grieve during a very difficult time."

Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture.
~Kak Sri

"Being on facebook is like walking through the crowded high school cafeteria and catching snatches of everyone's conversation as you walk by...except without the smell." Yes, I'm grateful for facebook and the internet (and not so much for the high school cafeteria).

"I'm grateful I have 100 pennies...130, actually."

I'm grateful for friendly strangers on the street that smile at me.

"I'm extremely grateful for our friendship, you have propped me up when I was down countless times!" (it's a privilege and an honor, my friend!)

I'm grateful that my children have friends and good morals.

"I am grateful for the relationship I have with our loving G-d, my loving family and friends, my health and the health of my husband and children, the continued success and opportunities my husband works hard for and receives in his job, the renewed inner peace and happiness that grows within each day, and a beautiful new country to explore and call home for the next 3 years. Ohhh...and Skype!!"

I'm grateful for good food and the feeling of satisfaction after a meal.

"I am grateful for wonderful friends who walk with me on the path G-d has put forth before me. Who could ask for more?"

I'm grateful that I can just drive to a number of stores close-by and get what I need at any given moment.

"I am grateful for all I learned in 2011 and the opportunity to apply the teachings in 2012."

I'm always grateful when my car starts.

"...understanding people, those who were willing to listen, letterboxing, Facebook, music, art, love, support, kitties, my rabbit, chocolate, wine, still having my Grammy in my life..."

I'm thankful for the opportunity to be published in the newspaper.

"I'm grateful for Mongolian Grill and Nordstrom." (me, too!)

I'm always, always thankful for people who care and who are willing to give...of themselves, of their time and of their friendship.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. "...I am grateful for the rejoicing and grateful for being able to weep with empathy alongside those I love."

"I'm grateful for my husband and my children, especially for the moments in which I see true friendships among them."

Happy New Year from Seattle!

"I'm grateful my mom is willing to drive me where I want to go."

"Thankful for income, a home, most excellent friends and family. The health and safety of those I love."

"That my husband has a job so therefore we kept insurance, house, food, clothes!!! Happy 2012...may the blessings continue and if you didn't have any then repent and come closer to G-d because he wants to shower you with blessings!"

"I'm grateful for my family."

"Thankful we made it through the long hot summer, the wildfires finally ceased, and the rain that is now replenishing the earth."

I am so thankful for memories - I've been carefully reliving them this first week of 2012.

"After living apart from June to December, I am grateful that Hubby and I are living together again."

I'm thankful for early birthday wishes.

"Grateful that I didn't have any gallstone attacks in 2011, that I can now eat normal food, grateful for my letterboxing buddies, for the peace that is finally settling in my soul, the strength to speak the truth, loving family members, well, that's enough from me, huh!?" (it's never enough from you, MJ - hugs to you!)

"2011 was a time of prayer, intercession, fasting, praise, tears, leaving, starting anew. I am so grateful for friends and love..."

"I'm grateful for ice cream, talented, willing children, loving family, travel, the LORD'S amazing mercy, a man who loves me unconditionally, the library and my new nook." (I love my new Kindle, too, and I'm so grateful to have the parashah notes in e-format - I'm so grateful!)

"I'm grateful that we had provision even though Patrick had knee surgery. He's our only income now and even though it was tough, G-d stretched the money for our bills. Also I'm grateful that I was able to watch our middle son step into his destiny as he joined the Navy and made it through an extremely tough program."

"I'm thankful for another year with my hubby. I'm thankful for a relationship with my daughter and grandbabies. I'm eternally grateful for our beloved Chaverim! I'm thankful we have a safe place to meet each week, that we can actually look forward to it. I'm thankful we can all pray together. I'm thankful we can study together in freedom without criticism. I'm thankful for our pets. I'm thankful for family time with my hubby's brother."

How long does it take you to feel grateful? Do you have to rack your brain to come up with even one simple thing for which to feel grateful? Truly, it doesn't have to be grand; just something small that makes your life easier, that makes you smile...that makes you feel alive. Giving thanks changes our attitude, adjusts our perspective and points us in a good and healthy direction. Make 2012 the year that you think of at least one thing each day for which you are thankful and grateful. So...

Mama Cache said...

I'm thankful for a good report from you! May I post this a million times?

I'm grateful that my grieving friend didn't think Leahy's "Borrowed Time" was a sad song.

I'm grateful for texting -- I'm not fond of it -- I'm just grateful for it! There is a time for everything.

I'm thankful for the host of people that rescued my gang when the car died in the middle of an intersection -- sometimes it does take a village! [Lord, you are merciful, indeed. Thank you.]

Ari C'rona said...

I'm grateful that your surgery went well and that you're recovering nicely and that you had the best doctor in the country (in my humble opinion).

I'm grateful for this awesome post! I love reading the 'gratefuls' from so many of our friends!

wassamatta_u said...

Wow! I'm grateful I made it into your "grateful" blog! Woohoo!!!


text:
Citation: Sharon Beder, The Role of Technology in Sustainable Development, Technology and Society, Vol. 13, no. 4, Winter 1994, pp. 14-19.

This is a final version submitted for publication. Minor editorial changes may have subsequently been made.

Sharon Beder's Other Publications

There is a great reliance on technology to solve environmental problems around the world today, because of an almost universal reluctance by governments and those who advise them to make the social and political changes that would be necessary to reduce growth in production and consumption. Yet the sorts of technological changes that would be necessary to keep up with and counteract the growing environmental damage caused by increases in production and consumption would have to be fairly dramatic. The technological fixes of the past will not do. And the question remains, can such a dramatic and radical redesign of our technological systems occur without causing major social changes and will it occur without a rethinking of political priorities? Technology is not independent of society either in its shaping or its effects.

At the heart of the debate over the potential effectiveness of sustainable development is the question of whether technological change, even if it can be achieved, can reduce the impact of economic development sufficiently to ensure other types of change will not be necessary.

Sustainable development policies seek to change the nature of economic growth rather than limit it. They are premised on the belief that continual growth in a finite world is possible through the powers of technology, which will enable us to find new sources or provide alternatives if a particular resource appears to be running out. Otherwise, technology will help us use and reuse what we have left in the most efficient manner. The tools of sustainable development?economic instruments, legislative measures and consumer pressures?are aimed at achieving technological changes such as recycling, waste minimisation, substitution of materials, changed production processes, pollution control and more efficient usage of resources.

The British Pearce Report [1] suggests that resource usage can be dealt with through recycling and minimising wastage, and that the damage to the environment from disposing of wastes can be minimised in a similar way: "Recycling, product redesign, conservation and low-waste technology can interrupt the flow of wastes to these resources, and that is perhaps the major feature of a sustainable development path of economic progress.

In the past, efforts to clean up the environment have tended to concentrate on 'cleaning technologies' rather than 'clean technologies', that is, on technologies that are added to existing production processes to control and reduce pollution (end-of-pipe technologies and control devices). The alternative to end-of-pipe technologies is to adopt new 'clean' technologies that alter production processes, inputs to the process and products themselves so that they are more environmentally benign. Clean technologies are preferable to end-of-pipe technologies because they avoid the need to extract and concentrate toxic material from the waste stream and deal with it.

It is suggested by Cramer and Zegveld [2] that process technologies should be used that require less water (for example, by alternative drying techniques), energy and raw materials, and that reduce waste discharges (for example by developing detection and separation machinery and process-integrated flue-gas cleaning and filter systems). Also, raw material inputs and processes can be changed so that, for instance, solvent-free inks and paints, and heavy metal-free pigments are used. The end products can be redesigned to reduce environmental damage during both manufacture and use, and waste flows can be reused within the production process rather than dumped.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD[3], found that most investment in pollution control was being used for end-of-pipe technologies, with only 20 per cent being used for cleaner production. Cleaner technologies are not always available and, even when they are, companies tend not to replace their old technologies until they have run their useful life. Also, companies prefer to keep to a minimum the organisational changes that need to be made; they like to play it safe when it comes to investment in pollution management.

The problem with measures such as end-of-pipe technologies is that they are technological fixes that do not address the cause of the problem. Such fixes can often cause other problems:

A target for improving the efficiency of the combustion of fossil fuels is to convert all available carbon in the fuel into carbon dioxide. On the other hand, carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas. Moreover, our means of achieving better thermal efficiencies is by increasing the temperature of the combustion process. A result of increasing temperature, however, is that more oxides of nitrogen are formed from the air used in combustion. Oxides of nitrogen are an important element in the formation of photochemical smog. Thus, in the pursuit of more efficient energy usage, it is possible other potentially undesirable side-effects may arise.[4]

Barry Commoner [5] argues that a spiral of technical fixes occurs because of the failure to correct the fundamental flaw that technology is subject to in our society. He says that "if technology is indeed to blame for the environmental crisis, it might be wise to discover wherein its 'inventive genius' has failed us?and to correct that flaw?before entrusting our future survival to technology's faith in itself."

A common reaction to the litany of problems attributed to technologies is to argue that the problem is not so much in the technology but in how it is used or abused. Technologies themselves only become environmentally harmful if they are not applied with due sensitivity to the environment. Another reaction is to argue that technologies often have unexpected side-effects or second-order consequences that were not originally designed into the technology. Pollution is one such side-effect that is never intended by the designers of technology. However, Commoner does not accept these views, arguing that: "These pollution problems arise not out of some minor inadequacies in the new technologies, but because of their very success in accomplishing their designed aims".

Commoner points out that plastics do not degrade in the environment because they were designed to be persistent; similarly, fertilisers were designed to add nitrogen to the soil, so it is not an accident that they add to the nitrogen reaching the waterways. Part of the problem, he argues, is that technologists make their aims too narrow; they seldom aim to protect the environment. He argues that technology can be successful in the ecosystem "if its aims are directed toward the system as a whole rather than at some apparently accessible part".

He gives sewerage technology as an example. He says that engineers designed their technology to overcome a specific problem: when raw sewage is dumped into rivers, it uses up too much of the river's oxygen supply as it decomposes. Modern secondary sewage treatment is designed to reduce the oxygen demand of the sewage. However, the treated sewage still contains nutrients which help algae to bloom; and when the algae die they also deplete the river of oxygen. Instead of this piecemeal solution, Commoner argues, engineers should look at the natural cycle and reincorporate the sewage into that cycle by returning it to the soil rather than putting it into the nearest waterway.

Commoner advocates a new type of technology that is designed with a full knowledge of ecology and the desire to fit with natural systems.

Attempts to invent and design different types of technology that fit with natural systems are not new. The appropriate technology movement which blossomed in the 1970s attempted to do just this. Appropriate technology has been defined as "technology tailored to fit the psychosocial and biophysical context prevailing in a particular location and period".[6] It was designed not to dominate nature but to be in harmony with it.

Appropriate technology involves attempting to ensure that technologies are fitted to the context of their use?both the biophysical context which takes account of health, climate, biodiversity and ecology, and the psycho-social context which includes social institutions, politics, culture, economics, ethics and the personal/spiritual needs of individuals.

One of the best-known early proponents and popularisers of appropriate technology was the British economist E. F. Schumacher [7], who talked about 'intermediate technology' in his book Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered. He was principally concerned with development in low-income countries, and recommended a technology that was aimed at helping the poor in these countries to do what they were already doing in a better way.

During the mid-1970s, the appropriate technology movement expanded from its initial focus on low-income countries to consider the problems in industrialised high-income countries. Advocates of appropriate technology were concerned about social as well as environmental problems.

Robin Clarke [8] differentiated between the appropriate technology response and the 'technological fix' responses to environmental problems. For example, he characterised the technological-fix response to pollution as "solve pollution with pollution control technology"; the appropriate technology response, instead, would be to invent non-polluting technologies. Similarly, the technological-fix response to exploitation of natural resources was to use resources more cleverly; the appropriate technology response was to design technologies that only used renewable resources.

The appropriate technology movement has been going for more than twenty years in many countries, and today involves an extensive network of organisations, projects and field experiments, and an identifiable literature of its own. Despite this, it has failed to influence the pattern of technology choice exercised by mainstream society. Kelvin Willoughby, a US scholar who has studied this movement, points out that it has:

achieved a modestly impressive track record of successful projects which lend weight to the movement's claims. Despite these facts, however, together with the appeal and commonsense nature of the movement's core ideas, the movement has largely failed to evoke the transformation of industrial and technological practice in most countries in accordance with the principles of Appropriate Technology. In other words, while becoming a significant international movement Appropriate Technology has remained a minority theme within technology policy and practice.[8]

Not all technological options and alternatives are developed or explored. Although this is often because alternatives are more expensive or less economical, there are often other reasons, too. Even today many firms are not implementing technologies aimed at waste reduction and minimisation, despite their availability and probable cost savings. The reluctance of many engineers to take up alternative technologies can be explained partly in terms of technological paradigms. This is a term borrowed from Thomas Kuhn [9] who postulated in 1962 that science progresses through periods of 'normal science,' which operates within a scientific paradigm, interspersed with periods of 'scientific revolutions'.

Several writers have applied the concept of a paradigm to technological development. Edward Constant [10] argued that the routine work of engineers and technologists, which he called 'normal technology', involves the 'extension, articulation or incremental development' of existing technologies. A technological paradigm or 'tradition', Constant said, is subscribed to by engineers and technicians who share common educational and work experience backgrounds.

Giovanni Dosi [11] described a technological paradigm as an 'outlook', a set of procedures, a definition of the 'relevant problems and of the specific knowledge related to their solution.' Such a paradigm, Dosi said, embodies strong prescriptions on which technological directions to follow and ensures that engineers and the organisations for which they work are blind to other technological possibilities. Richard Nelson and Sidney Winter also observed that a technological paradigm or regime will define for the engineer what is feasible or at least worth attempting:

The sense of potential, of constraints, and of not yet exploited opportunities, implicit in a regime focuses the attention of engineers on certain directions in which progress is possible, and provides strong guidance as to the tactics likely to be fruitful for probing in that direction.[12]

As a result, technological development tends to follow certain directions, or trajectories, that are determined by the engineering profession and others (see Figure 2). Ideas are developed if they fit the paradigm; otherwise, they tend to be ignored by the mainstream engineers, the bulk of the profession. An example is the development of sewerage engineering. The range of ways of treating sewage is limited by a sewage treatment paradigm that assumes that sewage will be delivered in pipes to centralised locations near waterways. Treatment is classified into three stages: primary, secondary and tertiary, which build upon one another. The first stage is to remove some of the solids from the sewage; the second stage is to decompose the sewage; and the third stage either removes more solids or decomposes the sewage further. Any new technology will only be thought of or developed if it can fit within this system.

Generally, technological change is gradual and occurs within technological paradigms. Radical technological innovation is often opposed by firms because of the social changes that may need to accompany it?for example, changes to the work and skills of employees, to the way production is organised, and to the relationships between a firm and its clients and suppliers.[4] Dutch scholar Johan Schot [13] argues that radical technological change can only occur if the social context also changes.

Firms may also have vested interests in particular technological systems. According to McCully:

The reason that the USA is the most polluting nation in the world has little to do with a lack of energy efficient technologies or renewable methods of producing electricity: it has a lot to do with the size of the country's oil, coal and automobile industries and the influence they have on the political establishment. In the UK, the public transport system is expensive, unreliable and infrequent, not because the government cannot afford to improve it or does not know how, but because the vested interests behind public transport have negligible power compared to the influential road and car lobbies.[14]

Because of the reluctance of governments to act against business interests, legislation and economic instruments are seldom tough enough to foster technological change of the type required for ecological sustainability. Although such regulation would probably strengthen business in the long run, business people see strong government intervention as an infringement on their autonomy. Commoner [15] argues that business people are supported in this because there remains a strong public conviction "that the decisions that determine what is produced and by what technological means ought to remain in private, corporate hands."

Langdon Winner [16] has argued that most people in the appropriate technology movement ignored the question of how they would get those who were committed to traditional technologies to accept the new appropriate technologies. They believed that if their technologies were seen to be better, not only in terms of their environmental benefits but also in terms of sound engineering, thrift and profitability, they would be accepted.

Winner says that appropriate technology was generally seen as a way of effecting change without challenging the established power structure of western societies. This allowed a sense of optimism that had been lacking in the ranks of those who were unhappy with the direction and values of the societies they lived in. They believed that, as the new technologies caught on, social change would follow:

As successful grass-roots efforts spread, those involved in similar projects were expected to stay in touch with each other and begin forming little communities, slowly reshaping society through a growing aggregation of small-scale social and technical transformations. Radical social change would catch on like disposable diapers ? or some other popular consumer item.[16]

Not all advocates of alternative technologies ignored the social and political dimensions, however. David Dickson [17] recognised the difficulties that would be encountered by those proposing radically different types of technology when he proposed the name 'utopian technology'. He said that he used the word 'utopian' because an alternative technology could "only be successfully applied on a large scale once an alternative form of society had been created".

However, many of the advocates of appropriate technologies made no attempt to understand how modern technologies had been developed and why they had been accepted or why alternatives had been discarded. Winner claims that "by and large most of those active in the field were willing to proceed as if history and existing institutional technical realities simply did not matter".

It is important not to put too much emphasis on technological factors without considering the social, political and economic factors that can be crucial in the shaping and implementation of technologies. It seems that those pinning their hopes on technology to deliver to us a sustainable future may well be doing the same thing. Having the technological means to reduce pollution and to protect the environment does not mean that it will automatically be used.

Sustainable development relies on technological change to achieve its aims but will governments take the tough steps that are required to force radical technological innovation rather than the technological fixes that have been evident to date? Such measures would require a long-term view and a preparedness to bear short-term economic costs while industry readjusts.

Even if cleaner technology can be implemented will the reductions in pollution be enough? Cramer and Zegveld [4] argue that they will not, if production continues to grow. Giving the example of their own country, where the purchasing power of the average person is expected to increase by 70 per cent by the year 2010, they argue that "an incredible reduction in discharge levels and waste flows per product unit would have to be realised to achieve the aim of a sustainable society". They believe this is not realistic. On top of this, production would need to increase ten times if everyone in the world were to live at the same standard of living as those who live in affluent countrie. They claim that the growth of both production and freely disposable income would have to be restricted if pollution levels are to be reduced.

It would appear that so long as sustainable development is restricted to minimal low-cost adjustments that do not require value changes, institutional changes or any sort of radical cultural adjustment, the environment will continue to be degraded. Unless substantial change occurs, the present generation may not be able to pass on an equivalent stock of environmental goods to the next generation. "Firstly, the rates of loss of animal and plant species, arable land, water quality, tropical forests and cultural heritage are especially serious. Secondly, and perhaps more widely recognised, is the fact that we will not pass on to future generations the ozone layer or global climate system that the current generation inherited. A third factor that contributes overwhelmingly to the anxieties about the first two is the prospective impact of continuing population growth and the environmental consequences if rising standards of material income around the world produce the same sorts of consumption patterns that are characteristic of the currently industrialised countries."[18]

Even if people put their faith in the ability of human ingenuity in the form of technology to be able to preserve their lifestyles and ensure an ever increasing level of consumption for everyone, they cannot ignore the necessity to redesign our technological systems rather than continue to apply technological fixes that are seldom satisfactory in the long term. Technological optimism does not escape the need for fundamental social change and a shift in priorities. That was the mistake many in the Appropriate Technology Movement made. It takes more than the existence of appropriate or clean technologies to ensure their widespread adoption.

[1] Pearce, D., Markandya, A. & Barbier, E., (19890, Blueprint for a Green Economy, Earthscan, London.
[2] Cramer, J. & Zegveld, W. C. L., (1991) The Future Role of Technology in Environmental Management, Futures, 23(5), pp. 461?2.
[3] Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, (1989) Economic Instruments for Environmental Protection, OECD, Paris.
[4] Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Groups (1991) Final Report?Manufacturing, AGPS, Canberra.
[5] Commoner, B., (1972) The Closing Circle: Nature Man & Technology, Bantam Books, Toronto.
[6] Willoughby, K., (1990) Technology Choice: A Critique of the Appropriate Technology Movement, Westview Press, Boulder.
[7] Schumacher, E. F., (1974) Small is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered, Abacus, London.
[8] Clarke, R., (1974) Technical dilemmas and social responses, in Man-Made Futures: Readings in Society, Technology and Design, eds Nigel Cross et. al., Hutchinson Educational, London.
[9] Kuhn, T. S., (1970) The Structure of Scientific Revolution, 2nd edn, University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
[10] Constant, E., (1984) Communities and hierarchies: Structure in the practice of science and technology, in The Nature of Technological Knowledge. Are Models of Scientific Change Relevant?, ed. R. Laudan, D. Reidel Publishing Co, Holland, 1984.
[11] Dosi, Giovanni, (1982) Technological Paradigms and Technological Trajectories, Research Policy, 11, pp. 147?162.
[12] Nelson, R. & Winter, S., (1977) In Search of Useful Theory of Innovation, Research Policy, 6, pp. 36-76.
[13] Schot, J., (1992) Constructive Technology Assessment and Technology Dynamics: The Case of Clean Technologies, Science, Technology, & Human Values, 17(1), pp. 48?50.
[14] McCully, P., (1991) The Case Against Climate Aid, The Ecologist, 21(6), p. 250.
[15] Commoner, B., (1990) Making Peace With the Planet, Pantheon Books, New York.
[16] Winner, L., (1986) The Whale and the Reactor: A Search for Limits in an Age of High Technology, University of Chicago Press, Chicago.
[17] Dickson, D., (1974) Alternative Technology and the Politics of Technical Change, Fontana/Collins, Great Britain.
[18] Ecologically Sustainable Development Working Group Chairs, (1992) Intersectoral Issues Report, AGPS, Canberra.


text:
APTA Streetcar and
Seashore Trolley Museum Logo
Heritage Trolley Site
Hosted by the Seashore Trolley Museum
New Orleans - July 2009

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New Orleans — RTA to Seek Federal Funding

Rail Transit Online, July 2009

The Regional Transit Authority board of directors has followed a staff recommendation and voted to seek $150 million in federal funding for three proposed new streetcar lines. Planning for all three is almost finished and public hearings have been held.

RTA Chairman Cesar Burgos said the agency should package the three new lines as a single project to take advantage of the Obama administration's Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, program. "Everything is lining up for us," Burgos told the Times-Picayune. "And the chances that we'll get this opportunity again are slim to none." The deadline to submit TIGER applications is Sept. 15.

The proposed alignments, costing about $150 million, would connect to the Canal Street Line and include:

• Union Passenger Terminal/Howard Avenue loop from existing tracks at Lee Circle to Loyola Avenue and Canal Street, 1.5 mi. (2.4 km);

• French Quarter/Press Street loop with a spur on Elysian Fields Avenue, 6.2 mi. (10 km);

• Convention Center Boulevard loop serving the convention center and its hotel district, 1.8 mi. (2.9 km).

To avoid having its grant request split up, the RTA won't prioritize the three lines.

The board has also voted unanimously to authorize a team of consultants to negotiate a final contract with Veolia Transportation to operate the agency's streetcars and buses for five years with a five-year extension option. The deal will cost the RTA $56.3 million annually, with Veolia covering all costs related to salaries, benefits and operations.

Veolia has been operating the system for the past nine months under several interim contracts; a permanent deal had been stymied by a lack of agreement on how to handle the RTA's underfinanced employee pension plan.

Ridership is now just 30 percent of pre-Hurricane Katrina levels and damage from the storm is still being repaired. Starting July 6, the Canal Streetcar was shut down for eight weeks to allow replacement of underground electrical feeder cables.

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