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Uruk clans
Aksh, known to the soft-skins as "Osterheim", means "The Land Full of Danger". It is a huge, uncharted continent that lies far West across the ocean from Sollundom. The native people are tough and clever, and have made a society capable of surviving the vicious wildlife and climate. The Uruk form relatively small social units that are capable of adapting to whatever the treacherous land throws at them.
Aksh is a land of greatly diverse geography. The area known to the arrivals from the New World ranges from wet, temperate climes along the Eastern coast. To snow-covered alpine areas in the North. There are extensive semi-arid plains to the West and Northwest. But an extensive river system flows from the North to the cove in which the Sollunians have made their arrival. The Southwest is heavily forested. And further South along the coast lie sprawling green plains that eventually give way to rainforest.
Playing an Uruk
Exuberance: The Orcs know that they live in a savage, unforgiving land that will do its very best to eat them and everything they hold dear. As such, they savour every victory - whether it be success in battle, the birth of a child or a bountiful harvest. The Orcs take satisfaction from their own successes and those of their friends and take every excuse to celebrate. They see no shame in open displays of joy, and see raucous carousing as a welcome respite from the harshness of their daily lives.
Remembrance: Aksh is a brutal place where life is brief and friends or family can be lost in the blink of an eye. The Orcs consider it their duty to honour their ancestors and the fallen, in the form of prayer, art, monument, story and song. Their storytelling is not simply intended to honour the dead, but they are very mindful to learn the lessons of the past - and to pass them on to both Orcs and to Soft-skins.
Toughness: They might be called stubborn, but the more charitable would call Orcs determined or resilient. They are not only physically tough, but also mentally. The nastiness of their land has shaped them into patient, diligent people who know that preparation can overcome adversity, and that waiting for the perfect moment can end a fight swiftly. They have become durable through generations of adversity, and rarely let their fear get the better of them.
Hospitality: The Uruk pride themselves on being a contrast to the world around them; they are welcoming to strangers and do not partake of needless cruelty. They have a tradition of treating captives and guests with decency, such that one of the greatest transgressions for them is for the host to harm their guests or prisoners. Similarly harm to one's host is as bad as harm to one of the gods.
Failings
Brutality: While they take no pleasure in violence, the Uruk are very good at it. They strike hard and fast and continue that violence until all motion has ceased. As long as they perceive there to be a threat, they will not let down their guard, and can easily overreact when provoked. This is not only true in combat but also in social situations, justice, and supposedly-friendly competition.
Gloryhounding: The Uruk religion and culture not only encourages them to perform great acts, but rewards them for it. They are overly keen to ensure that everyone knows how awesome they are, the orcs whose feats are the most glorious get the best songs sung about them. Their boastfulness and competitiveness also leads them to taking risks or making reckless decisions just because they think there might be glory in it for them, so long as somebody might see them and tell tales of it later.
Early Germanic tribal traditions, such as Beowulf
The experience of indigenous peoples in settled societies in general, of displacement and figuring out how to interact with technologically-advanced newcomers.
Orcs of Warcraft, Empire LRP and other fiction where the more-common idea of militarist, industrialised orcs has been softened or subverted.
The technology of non-industrialised iron age peoples from around the world, such as the ancient Scythians, Celts or Mesoamerican cultures, but not Rome or China - the Uruk don't have large-scale industry or trade networks.
Some Typical Uruks
The Priest: a studious record-keeper and notorious rumourmonger, poking your nose everywhere and interrogating his clanmates to learn all the best stories.
The Chieftain: a tough old hunter, once mother to seven and now mother to the whole Clan, you've seen off too many monsters to let the Soft-Skins intimidate her.
The Huscarl: a powerful warrior honoured with a place set aside for training in arms, but burdened with a terrible duty should the need arise.
The Hunter: armed with axe, bow and stealth to get what the Clan needs it from the beasts of the land, settled Uruk and soft-skin alike.
The Herbalist: somebody has to keep the Clan in good health, and it falls to you to clean them up after all their mad adventures.
Things to avoid
Warhammer or Tolkien Orcs: The Uruks of Osterheim are not the militarised, soccer-hooligan Orcs from Games Workshop. Nor are they Tolkien's metaphor for the industrial horrors of World War One.
Honour: While they pay homage their lost, and respect dangerous foes, the Uruks do not follow a code of honour or demand that fights be fair. Their struggle against nature puts them at a permanent disadvantage, and they have no qualms about using guile or trickery to survive.
The War Boys of Mad Max: The remembrances of the Orcs are somber affairs marked in times of quiet reflection. They mourn the lost as valued friends and family members - not as expendable battle-fodder. It is their victories, not their losses, that they celebrate.
Real world indigenous cultures: These Orcs deliberately do not reflect any real-world African, American, Australian or Pacific culture. Keep influences subtle, because while we are exploring the relationship between colonial and indigenous cultures, we are doing it through the lens of fantasy, not through the lens of history.
The Uruk draw inspiration from Dark Ages European cultures such as Vikings, Celts, Rus and Normans. Each clan tends to favour one of these styles more than others but mixing and blending is common. They don't have a "National colour" but their palette is mostly made up of browns, greys and natural materials. Plain cloth and leather should predominate Uruk costume.
Jewellery is primarily made from non-metal materials that can be worked at a cottage-industry level - such as bone, glass or stones. Metal jewellery is very rare since metal is useful for making things. Gold's softness makes it the most common jeweller's material, with iron or steel jewellery being a spectacular extravagance.
While there are slight differences between clans and some symbology or patterning that represents each, generally an Uruk's role within their clan is a stronger influencer of their costume. For example, warriors wearing maile, traders with many backpacks and pouches etc.
Culture and class
The Uruk don't have a central government, and are not a unified people. Instead, they are scattered throughout Aksh in extended family & friendship groupings of varying sizes, called "Clans". These Clans very greatly in size, depending on the richness of the area they inhabit. Some Clans are small, numbering a dozen or so close family members. These Clans often live a nomadic life as hunters or herders, travelling around a broad expanse of territory following the food. Larger Clans are usually settled in good farming land, building small villages of up to a hundred. There are no larger settlements, but there are legends of Clans whose hubris and overreach brought the wrath of the Gods upon them.
Leadership of the Uruk varies greatly. The sedentary Clans living in villages are often led by a council of elders, or by the priesthood of the Hundred Gods. An informal democracy is commonplace, with major decisions being made by the village as a whole and day-to-day authority being exercised by whichever elder is most capable. Nomadic orc Clans further in-land are often led by a single orc: great warriors, hunters or animal experts being frequent leaders - not as authoritarian strongmen but as acknowledged experts whose judgement can be relied upon. The arrival of the Soft-Skins has thrown those tribes nearest the Colony into turmoil: disagreements over how to deal with the Sollunians have caused old foundations to shake and sway, with leadership thrown into question.
Not every Clan has a proper cadre of warriors. Instead, smaller nomadic Clans often have their hunters serve in this role should the need arise; they are the strongest, fastest and most skilled with weaponry. Most settled orc Clans have a handful of trained warriors, with the best equipment the Clan can make or trade for: the Housecarls. An Uruk Housecarl is a powerful warrior, often clad in maille and wielding shield, spear and sword. Housecarls serve as the village guard against the beasts of Aksh, and if more of the people are needed to fight, the Housecarls will lead them.
With a few exceptions, the Orcs are land-bound. However, Clans living by the sea or rivers have fishing boats - or, if they are prone to raiding their neighbours, they might have a few rudimentary longboats to carry them to and from their targets.
The native faith of the Uruk of Aksh is the religion of the Hundred Gods, dedicated to the worship of the Gods as distinct, immortal, spiritual beings. The Uruk believe that in times long past, the Gods gave life to creation and meddle in its affairs to this day. The core story tells that Orcs were shaped by three Gods in turn: Tagga, the Creator Goddess, who made the first Orcs from the soil and gave them eyes to see; Nadjal, the Spirit of Darkness, who put fear into their hearts so that they might be wary; and Lulli the Trickster God, who gave them guile and ferocity to overcome any challenge. The Orcs worship these and others in turn and together, depending on the individual or the Clan.
The Uruk have no proper currency, but among settled Clans favours, services and gifts are common modes of exchange. More nomadic Clans tend to simply share out their goods as needed. A more vibrant system of exchange exists between Clans, as hunting Clans trade pelts or bones for tools or weapons, and vice versa. A very small number of Uruk make a life outside the Clans in trade caravans, travelling from village to hunting ground and welcomed wherever they go.
The Brood of Luli
The closest large Orcish settlement to the colony are the Brood of Lulli. A Clan with members from all around the area. They maintain several farms and have many skilled crafters. Few of them serve as traders who have travelled the coast, buying and selling finished goods of all sorts. The Brood of Lulli's settlement is built around a sealed ancient temple Lulespere dedicated to the Trickster God. Brood of Lulli are known for their sense of humour.
The Brood of Luli have enjoyed a bountiful harvest this year a sign of favour from the gods. This has been tainted, not by involvement with the soft-skins as expected, but by conflicts with the neighbouring Namesh clan. The Namesh have grown revoltingly large as they choose to take in anyone who comes their way. The Namesh leadership claims to be able to provide for all his new people, but this remains to be seen. As many of them resort to stealing from the Brood, either by cover of darkness or brute force.
Any variation of the Viking Raven is associated with the Brood of Luli and they often wear layers and beads.
The Nadjal-du
The sombre Nadjal-du Clan live in the hills North of the colony. Their land is shared with many particularly nasty beasts, and their losses are great every year. Devout Uruk from other Clans will often visit the Nadjal-du to learn the ways of the Gods. They are known for their many sacred sites; temples, burial cairns and henges are scattered all across their territory. They live nomadic lives. Spending much of their time travelling between the sites, cleaning and performing rituals as they go.
Recent times have been turbulent for the Nadjal-du. Signs from the gods have been many, and contradictory. They warn of great and terrible things to come. Gothi from distant clans have journeyed to Eisguthur following signs and seeking to consult with other elders. They bring news from across the lands. The land is restless, the last winter was the worst in memory. Clans have been displaced and some have not been heard from this season. War has broken out all over the land. With some clans seeing opportunity to claim territory from long time enemies, while others grow desperate. They also bring food and other offerings, so the Nadjal have not been without.
Simple Celtic knots are particularly common among the Nadjal-du. Though the rest of what they wear is dominated by their role.
The Namesh
The Namesh Clan live away from the coast to the West. On the fringes of the fertile lands, wandering the plains and honing their hunting skills. They were an unfriendly, mistrustful Clan, though the current Harl has welcomed Uruk that have lost their lands.
Known for their skill with spear and axe, they have become a beacon of safety from the dangers of Aksh. They have clashed with the other Clans of the area in the past, but now they share decent terms. The Namesh often trade with the Get of Urbara or Brood of Lulli. With their priests frequently studying with the Nadjal-du.
The Namesh have experienced the largest changes in recent times with the acceptance of the Kurmaugh-du clan into their own. Word of this has spread to other struggling clans and Uruk have traveled great distances to seek refuge. Alani Karu, the Namesh village has swelled and grown larger than ever. And yet the doom has not come, they have not yet been destroyed. Some believe this is due to their new Jarl, Ferir Sunbringer. They claim he is fulfilling prophecies and myths of old. Regardless, their traditional lands are barely keeping up with the demand for food. And without some change they may not survive another winter.
A representation of a norman shield is associated with the Namesh clan. They typically wear grey, black and silver. As many of their clan previously came from the Kermagh-du stylized Kermaugh heads/teeth are also common.
The Get of Urbara
The forests nearest the new colony are inhabited by the Get of Urbara. A small Clan composed of a few closely-related families. They are nomadic hunters & gatherers. Who make good use of their intimate knowledge of the local area to keep themselves in relative comfort. The region's plenty is both a blessing and a curse. They have lots of food and no shortage of raw materials to trade with other Clans nearby. But they have to constantly defend their territory from the greed of other Clans.
The Get's territory has been greatly affected by the arrival of the softskins who have decimated much of the vegetation and edible wildlife such that what once offered abundance now provides very little. Fortunately each year they migrate along a path they have taken for generations, they can usually find their way even when the land has shifted. Much of this land is still unknown to the soft-skin hunters and provides enough for the clan to survive.
Inspiration for the Get is from the Rus culture. Backpacks and pouches are a common theme for the Get as is an affinity for Berber symbols and patterns.
Angheim
Iskaland
Padrice
Tassanos
The Holy Patronic Church of Sollun
The Matrial Orthodoxy of Sollun
The Uruk Faith of the Hundred Gods
The Ancient Blood


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NFL | Facenda's son wins ruling in court case
The son of legendary NFL announcer John Facenda can seek damages for the use of his father's voice on a program about a John Madden video game, a federal judge in Philadelphia ruled yesterday.
In a written agreement signed before his 1984 death, Facenda gave the NFL full use of his announcing work - except when it came to any product endorsement, the judge's order said.
The ruling allows John Facenda Jr. to seek damages from a jury on the question of liability, although U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacob P. Hart threw out his invasion-of-privacy claim.
The NFL plans to appeal, and no trial date has been set.
"We disagree with the decision," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
John Facenda Jr. filed the suit after hearing snippets of his father's work on an NFL Network program about the making of the 2006 John Madden video game. The 22-minute program includes three lines from Facenda that last a combined 13 seconds.
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"X's and O's on the blackboard are translated into imagination on the field," Facenda says at one point.
John Facenda Jr. contends that the network program is a promotion for the video, citing the NFL's licensing agreement with the game's maker to support sales with promotional material. The program was telecast on the cable channel in August 2006, before the game's release. The NFL calls the program a "documentary."
Bills. Free agent Josh Scobey signed with Buffalo, providing depth at running back and special teams. Scobey is a five-year NFL veteran who appeared in 12 games with Seattle last season before breaking his arm.
Noteworthy. Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Steve Foley pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving with a blood-alcohol level above California's legal limit the night he was followed and shot by an off-duty police officer.
Foley was sentenced to five years' probation and ordered to submit to alcohol testing if requested by authorities. He also was ordered to pay a $1,756 fine and appear at an event for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
The 31-year-old was shot early Sept. 3 near his Poway home by officer Aaron Mansker, who had tailed the player for nearly 30 miles on a freeway, suspecting the driver was drunk. He shot Foley when the player got out of his car and approached him.
Foley was taken to a hospital, where tests showed he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.16 percent. California's limit is 0.08 percent.
Eagles offensive-coordinator candidate Graham Harrell is staying at Southern Cal, report says
Jeff McLane
Sports Cartoon: Andy Reid is suddenly loved by Eagles fans
Rob Tornoe
Tony Romo basically shamed the refs into calling a penalty, But was it his last game for CBS?
Niners run past Packers, 37-20, to win NFC championship
Josh Dubow, Associated Press
Kansas City Chiefs open as the Super Bowl favorite
Ed Barkowitz
Andy Reid's Chiefs headed to Super Bowl for coach's first trip since 2005 with Eagles
EJ Smith

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Quickly update and do statistical normalization of data SQL I have a SQL-Server table which needs to be updated via a SQLCLR function.  An update to a single row will need to trigger table-wide update.  I was wondering how to properly perform the update and normalize the table.  The main problem I see is that it's linked to a website, so there could be multiple updates coming in at any time.  The website will only see a few hundred visitors and after a short period of time will be closed (collecting data for research).
To get an idea of the SQLClr call:
DECLARE @ID INT = 501;
SELECT dbo.fn_ComputeJaccard(
        RectangleTwo.MinX, RectangleTwo.MinY, RectangleTwo.MaxX, RectangleTwo.MaxY,
        RectangleOne.MinX, RectangleOne.MinY, RectangleOne.MaxX, RectangleOne.MaxY) as RunningTotal
FROM PreProcessed RectangleOne
INNER JOIN PreProcessed RectangleTwo
ON RectangleTwo.ID <> RectangleOne.ID

WHERE dbo.fn_ComputeJaccard(
        RectangleTwo.MinX, RectangleTwo.MinY, RectangleTwo.MaxX, RectangleTwo.MaxY,
        RectangleOne.MinX, RectangleOne.MinY, RectangleOne.MaxX, RectangleOne.MaxY) > .97
AND RectangleTwo.ID = @ID

I would need to select this data into a temp table, normalize that table and then perform an update to the original table with the values (newValue*.5 + oldValue*.9) then renormalize the whole table.  I imagine this would take a while to process, so I'm looking for the most efficient way of doing that, plus a solution to the multiple updates flying in issue.
Any advice you could give me would be great!
Thanks

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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text:
Arvo Pärt with conductor Stephen Layton and violinist Darragh Morgan at a Polyphony rehearsal (Photo: Ian Oliver/Letcombe)
Little Bells make Living Music
The sixth RTÉ Living Music Festival, featuring Arvo Pärt, took place on 15-18 February 2008 under the artistic direction of composer James McMillan. John McLachlan was there.
John McLachlan
This is how it Feels
Earlier editions of the RTÉ Living Music Festival always provided a varied selection of new music alongside the work of a featured composer or group of composers. This year, with Arvo Pärt as the featured composer, a more focused effect was achieved, with many works from him, and relatively few from other composers. I felt it was a pity that the Pärt as the featured composer, a more focused effect was achieved, with many works from him, and relatively few from other composers. I felt it was a pity that the Pärt audience didn't get challenged much, however, in the way that the Reich audience did with the presence of Feldman's music a few years ago. Also, the selection of works by those other composers this year lacked coherence, and there was only one Irish work; again, for me, something of a lost opportunity. But as a festival of the subject of Pärt, it was very fine.
The public concept and consumption of Pärt's output is completely dominated by his works written after 1976, so it was very illuminating to have two works from 1964 and 1968 included: Collage über B-A-C-H and Credo, respectively. The Credo was a stringent and concise collage piece which recalls both Schnittke and Lutoslawski, while the Collage über B-A-C-H was also well-conceived but not quite as strong. What followed the Credo was a long period of silence, self-questioning and reflection, and on his return Pärt embraced the exclusive use of tonal ingredients, with nearly every work using only the notes of a single scale virtually without modulation or chromaticism. These are mostly written using a technique he calls 'tintinnabuli' - the word means the tinkling of little bells. In fact it is a sufficiently strict and flexible procedure, in his hands, to allow vast stretches of music where we never hear a truly simple chord (thought we think we do), and the music can roll forward without a hint of closure; forever, if that is required. Although in the stricter tintinnabuli works all that is allowed is skipping within a single triad plus linear ascent or descent, because of the freedom for the rhythm, number of parts and phrase rhythm, he manages immense variety of texture within it. It has been noted that this style evolved after Pärt re-examined the works of late Renaissance composers, but in fact the markers of Pärt's own voice are mostly original. Pärt's music would, to Renaissance ears, have sounded abominable and devilish. To further confuse things, Pärt, Renaissance composers and avant-garde music all share a dependence upon (often arbitrary) rigorous systematisation to achieve their effect.
The popularity of Pärt comes down to a collision of factors: that all popular music is diatonic, that people are now used to a lot of dissonance in their diatonic music, the global means of music manufacture and distribution, and the 'new-age' phenomenon of large numbers of people searching for something meaningful. Perhaps it also is to do with the quality of the writing which, moment-to-moment. Is usually completely cliché-free and, in its finer details, unpredictable – marks of great artistry (especially within diatonicism where that is extraordinarily hard to do). Repetition is never ladled on with a trowel. Where it exists is not exact. He also allows himself, in secular works, to tweak or partially abandon the structures of his style, and I feel that the weakest points in the music were those where the furthest drift from tintinnabula occurs: Wenn Bach Bienen gezuchtet hãtte, and Für Anna Maria seem much less masterly for it (the latter being a little pedagogical piece, however). When text is involved, he layers on some further strict rules concerning the avoidance of melisma and the musical mirroring of punctuation and these really impinge on the listener to make works such as the Stabat Mater and the Passio austere and abstract. Elsewhere, in instrumental works, we heard freer flights of fancy that may stir the emotions in a rather obvious way, such as a few Hollywood-esque gestures in the otherwise sombre Lamentate, or a slight taste for obvious ending signals to pieces that otherwise remain aloof. With a work such as the Berliner Messe which combines the symphonic and the religious, a very rewarding balance is reached between the freedoms and the liberties of his music.
Pärt's style is, for contemporary music, exceptionally exposed, and the performer needs to be completely and unwaveringly in control of the notes and tone production. Outstanding performances were not hard to spot, and when they came, as they frequently did in the festival, they lifted the experience to a place beyond the reach of the finest CD reproduction. Every single moment in the choral concert given by Polyphony, under Stephen Layton, was like this, and the programming of a sacred cycle from Poulenc, Quatre motets pour un temps de penitence, interleaved between separate settings by Pärt, worked surprisingly seamlessly. In that concert, his stricter stylistic rules co-existed wonderfully with immense creative freedom and invention. This was particularly the case in I Am the True Vine.
In Crash Ensemble's concert the very exposed works Für Alina, Für Anna Maria and Spiegel im Spiegel were sublimely delivered by Andrew Zolinsky and Deirdre O'Leary. Joanna McGregor's contribution to Lamentate, for piano and orchestra, also stood out, and the Vanbrugh quartet gave absorbing accounts of Fratres, Psalom and Summa. Those three are relatively small works, however, and the high point of their concert was Schnittke's substantial Piano Quintet written in memoriam his mother; with Joanna McGregor on piano. Summa was the most fascinating of the Pärt works there. The Hilliard Ensemble, with the National Chamber Choir and five instrumentalists, delivered the monumental Passio in Christ Church Cathedral. This was again a performance of outstanding quality. Darragh Morgan and Ian Humphries with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra under David Brophy zoomed joyously through Passacaglia and Tabula Rasa, with some of the sweetest and highest violin sounds imaginable. Tabula Rasa as a piece of music is a sweet temptation I can resist, but it is always going to be central to any appreciation of Pärt's oeuvre.
A trio of Dutch composers, Jacob Ter Veldhuis, Martijn Padding and Peter Adriaansz, featured in the Crash Ensemble concert; they stuck out, maybe intending to indicate how Pärt doesn't really fit in with the usual contemporary music culture, but in this festival it was they who seemed not to fit. Adriaansz's Structure XIII was the work most in sympathy, thanks to its polyphonic tendencies. Works by Ivan Moody (string quartet) and David Fennessy (orchestra) complete the list of non-Pärt pieces. Lamentations of the Myrrhbearer, from Moody, was an example of why writing interesting and original music in diatonic language is terribly difficult these days – it was patchy, and seemed to suffer rather than benefit from its religious programmatic content. Fennessy's This is how it feels (Another Bolero) was a tightly conceived piece that may just have stretched its material too far in the earlier parts, but strode on to a rousing and amusing finale.
The festival also featured a seminar from Ivan Moody on the concept of the 'spiritual' in music. It is already clear to anyone with a passing knowledge of Pärt that he became deeply religious within the Orthodox Church around the same time as his development of the tintinnabuli style. In this not very illuminating address and discussion, it became evident that his major pieces, which are all with religious texts, are not primarily composed to be part of a church service; in fact they are concert music. Yet they are created as artistic incarnations for the sacred word, and so, it seems, normal concert-musical aesthetic concerns (if such things can be defined) need not apply. That contradictory situation at least accounts for what one critic so fittingly described as the hairshirt quality of the Passio.
Generally, the more well-known works by Pärt, such as Spiegel im Spiegel, tend to be fairly minimal, airily textured and short. This reflects our instant consumer culture, and not much else; such as where the real music lover should investigate. This festival, by contrast, delivered the musician, the artist, the believer and the person of Arvo Pärt.
John McLachlan is a composer and member of Aosdána. www.johnmclachlan.org
Arts Council Announces Increased Funding for Music, Opera and Traditional Arts Organisations
Strategic Funding scheme provides €1m extra for opera, €836k increase for music organisations, and an additional €230k for the traditional arts compared to last year.
Remembering Louis Andriessen in Ireland
The Dutch composer attended the very first Crash Ensemble concert in 1997 and the Waterford New Music Week in 2001.
RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta to Celebrate 50 Years with Gala Concert
RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Altan, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Ciarán Ó Gealbháin and more to perform on 2 April.
More Strings
Niall Keegan
Irish harp music has evolved and diversified in recent history – now it ranges from the pub session to historical reconstructions and new-age airs.
Live Reviews: Anail Dé
Garrett Sholdice
Gavin Bryars (double bass), Iarla Ó Lionáird (voice), Leo Abrahams (guitar), Lisa Grosman (viola), Cian Ó Dúill (viola), Kate Ellis (cello)Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin, 14 November 2008.


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Test prep SAT SAT Reading and Writing Reading
Reading: Science — How-to Part 1
Reading: Literature — How-to Part 1
Reading: History and social studies — How-to Part 1
Reading: Social science — How-to Part 1
Explicit information | Quick guide
Implicit information | Quick guide
Point of view | Quick guide
Analyzing relationships | Quick guide
Citing evidence | Quick guide
Main idea | Quick guide
Analogical reasoning | Quick guide
Overall structure | Quick guide
Purpose | Quick guide
Part-whole relationships | Quick guide
Words in context | Quick guide
Word choice | Quick guide
Evaluating evidence | Quick guide
Graphs and data | Quick guide
Paired passages | Quick guide
Writing: Passages
Test prep·SAT·SAT Reading and Writing ·Reading
- [Instructor] What I hope to do in this video is to just read a SAT reading comprehension passage with you. And when you're actually doing the SAT you're obviously going to read it silently and you're gonna try to read it quickly but with good comprehension, but it might be useful to just read it out loud together and I'm gonna just think about how I think about the different things before I try to actually answer the question. So let's start. This passage is adapted from Ed Yong. "Turtles Use the Earth's Magnetic Field "as Global GPS." Written in 2011 by Kalmbach Publishing Company. All right this is exciting, how do turtles use Earth's magnetic field as global GPS. And that's actually something I like to do, I like to convince myself that I'm very excited about what I'm about to learn and in this case, I actually am. In 1996, a loggerhead turtle called Adelita swam across 9,000 miles from Mexico to Japan, that's impressive, crossing the entire Pacific on her way. Wallace J. Nichols tracked this epic journey with a satellite tag. So they're using satellite tags to track it. But Adelita herself had no such technology at her disposal. How did she steer a route across two oceans to find her destination? So this seems like a pretty big question. How does a turtle with no GPS, without any navigation devices go across 9,000 miles from Mexico to Japan? This is interesting. Nathan Putnam has the answer. Oh that's good, someone does. By testing hatchling turtles in a special tank, he has found that they can use the Earth's magnetic field, so they're using the Earth's magnetic field as their own global positioning system. Wow, so they're using the Earth's magnetic field as their own GPS. By sensing the field, they can work out both their latitude and longitude and head in the right direction. That's amazing. Putnam works in the lab of Ken Lohmann, who has been studying the magnetic abilities of loggerheads for over 20 years. In his lab at the University of North Carolina, Lohmann places hatchlings in a larger water tank surrounded by a large grid of electromagnetic coils. In 1991, he found that babies started swimming in the opposite direction if he used the coils to reverse the direction of the magnetic field around them. This is impressive, so this is how they were able to tell that the turtles use the magnetic field as way to tell what direction to go to, because if they reversed the magnetic field, then the turtles swam in the opposite direction. They could use the field as a compass to get their bearing. Let's keep going. I actually am interested in this. Later, Lohmann showed that they can also use the magnetic field to work out their position. So not just the direction, but they can also work out their position. For them, this is literally a matter of life and death. Yeah, if they go to the wrong place, they might die. Hatchlings born off the coast of Florida spend their early lives in the North Atlantic gyre, a warm current that circles between North America and Africa. If they're swept towards the cold waters outside the gyre, I actually haven't heard gyre, gyre, gyre, they die. Their magnetic sense keeps them safe. So if they go a little bit off track into the cold waters, they'll die outside of the gyre. Using this coil-surrounded tank, Lohmann could mimic the magnetic field at different parts of the earth's surface. If he simulated the field at the northern edge of the gyre, the hatchlings swam southwards. Yeah, they don't wanna go to that cold water. If he simulated the field at the gyre's southern edge, the turtles swam west northwest. These experiments showed that the turtles can use their magnetic sense to work out their latitude, their position on a north south axis. So they could work out their latitude, their position on a north-south axis. They had the magnetic field at the south end of the gyre they go north, northwest. If they're at the north end of the gyre, they go south. They don't wanna get out of that thing, 'cause then I guess the water's gonna be too cold. So that's how, so that's how they can figure out how north or south they are. Now, where is my mouse, there it is. Now, Putnam has shown that they can also determine their longitude, their position on east-west axis. Well how do they do that? He tweaked the magnetic tanks to simulate the fields in two positions with the same latitude. So the same latitude, latitude is how far north, south. At opposite ends of the Atlantic. If the field simulated the west Atlantic, near Puerto Rico, the turtles swam northeast. If the field matched that on the east Atlantic near the Cape Verde Islands, the turtles swam southwest. In the wild, both headings would keep them within the safe, warm embrace, of the North Atlantic gyre. This is amazing. Before now, we knew that several animal migrants, so animals that travel, from loggerheads to reed warblers to sparrows, had some way of working out longitude, so longitude is how east west you are. But no one knew how. By keeping the turtles in the same conditions, with only the magnetic fields around them changing, Putnam clearly showed that they can use fields to find their way. So this is the crux of what they're doing. By keeping the turtles in the same conditions, with only the magnetic fields around them changing, Putnam clearly showed that they can use these fields to find their way. In the wild, they might well also use other landmarks, like the position of the sea, sun, and stars. Putnam thinks that the turtles work out their position using two features of the Earth's magnetic field that change over its surface. They can sense the field's inclination, or the angle at which it dips towards the surface. At the poles, this angle is roughly 90 degrees. And if you're imagining this is the Earth right over here, and if the magnetic field is doing like this, this is what they're saying, the magnetic field is doing like this, the magnetic field is looking like this, I'll just keep drawing it. So they're saying at the poles, this angle is roughly 90 degrees. So at the poles, this angle is 90 degrees. And at the equator it's roughly zero degrees, you see it right over here. The field lines are parallel to the surface of the Earth at the equator, while they're going into the surface of the Earth at the poles. All right. They can also sense its intensity, which is strongest near the poles, and weakest near the equator. Different parts of the world have unique combinations of these two variables. Different parts of the world have unique combinations of these two variables. Neither corresponds directly to either latitude or longitude, but together, they provide a magnetic signature that tells the turtle where it is. This is fascinating. So what are these, we have some diagrams right over here. This says orientation, and it's hard to read, it says orientation of hatchling loggerheads tested in magnetic fields. So west Atlantic, this is their orientation, the east Atlantic, this is the orientation. Then they have a description. Orientation of hatchling loggerheads tested in a magnetic field that simulates a position at the west side of the Atlantic near Puerto Rico, on the left, so that's that one, and a position at the east side of the Atlantic near Cape Verde Islands on the right. The arrow in each circle indicates the mean direction that the group of hatchlings swam. So these are the mean, 'cause they might not all swim in the exact direction, so the mean gives us kind of the central tendency. Data are plotted relative to geographic north, which would be zero degrees. And you see, where on their east side, near Africa, they're gonna swim away from that to the south, southwest, and then when they are on the west side, they swim away from that, so they swim to the north, northeast, just like that. So this is fascinating, so that's us reading the passage. And obviously I read it much slower and out loud, which you wouldn't typically do when you're taking a standardized test, but I think we understood what's going on there. They were able to establish that the, it's a big question, how are these turtles able to go 9,000 miles without a GPS device? And they were able to test, they had the hypothesis, hey maybe it's the earth's magnetic field that they can sense how it's different in different parts of the Earth, and then they were able to test that by simulating Earth's magnetic field at different points of the Earth and seeing what the turtles did and the turtles did what you would expect them to do. They behaved in ways that would keep them in the right direction as they migrate. So now that we, I think have really digested the article, let's see if we can answer the questions. And I actually haven't seen these questions, yet, I like to do this as fresh as possible, so it simulates what you might go through when you're gonna take a test.


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Hi, I'm 42. I found this thread because I was searching on veins rupturing in my fingers. It hurts really bad as everyone else has described.
One thing that's kind of weird, is I do have Raynaud's disease. I'm 5'3" and weigh 130lb now, so it's pretty mind. It used to be quite a nusense when I was younger and weighed 120lb, but putting on weight appears to have helped.
The first time I ruptured a vein in my finger was about two years ago and I was eating edamame, squeezing it out of the pods. The burst vein was so bad I couldn't bend my finer, and my entire finger turned green and was bruised for a month. My finger was numb, and I also experienced pain, when using my finger. It took about a year for my finger to fully recover.
As Virya posted on 02/13/2010 08:17 PM, I do have collagen issues. I was diagnosed with Hyper Mobility Syndrome a couple of years ago. I have always really been flexible, and was disappointed to find out it's a genetic disorder. I have been in physical therapy for a year to tighten up my ligaments because I hurt my back by apparently shifting my hip out of place. This causes sciatic back pain.
I do have an auto immune disorder, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis so my own immune system is attacking my thyroid gland. Maybe my body is attacking my collagen as Virya mentioned.
I do believe there's something I may have done to weaken my collagen even further. When I injured my finger the first time, I was taking bromelain because it's supposed to be a great anti inflammatory and help with pain like back pain. The problem is, it breaks down collagen http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/edible-innovations/pineapple-enzyme-tenderize-steak1.htm Thank Virya for pointing our collagen is probably at the root of the issue.
For this past week before I injured my finger again, I was making protein shakes that contain pineapple, so I believe that is probably the culprit for me. I was also replacing tart cherries (which bost collagen) with the pineapple because Costco hasn't restocked the cherries.
I will try Virya's suggestion and eat more bioflavonoids. I already take a gram or two of vitamin C a day as suggested by Linus Pauling.
I read recently peony root extract helps with autoimmune disorders. I'm going to try taking it to see if it will help with collagen issues.
I have had the same problem for years with veins bursting in hands and later in feet. I went to several doctors at top medical centers and spent countless $s, with no luck. I then started carefully analyzing what I ate, writing it down, not knowing if there was any allergic connection. I found a connection to grapes and grape juice. Not that that is everyone's solution, but that is not as easy to isolate as it sounds, because after cutting out all grapes, I found if I ate certain granola bars or cereals or took certain food supplements they would break. After carefully examining labels, I found manufacturers often sweeten even dry food products such as granola with grape juice. They don't necessarily list this on the label, it can be refered to as 'natural flavoring'. I began to stay away from all juices unless I made them myself, as they could be processed in machinery that processed grapes. It also doesn't help that a lot of fast food and other restaurants can also use grape juice or grape juice containing products in their food. So it's a perilous game to try to eliminate this from one's diet. But that helped explain why it only happened sporadically, because I only consumed grapes or grape juice very sporadically. The vein breaks would also cause small clots or purple 'bumps' in the palms of my hands. One vein doctor even showed me a similar small clot on the back of his thumb and told me it was possibly some nutritional deficiency, but the medical profession simply doesn't know. Drinking straight Acai juice also caused these, again I don't know if it was because Acai may be processed in grape juice processing machinery, or if it has similar allergens.
I have continued not taking any magnesium at all. The last time I tested this was some time ago, and then I still found a relationship between taking magnesium and getting more of the blood vessel popping. I haven't wanted to put my body through another test of it.
Now after a few years of not taking ANY magnesium, and also I took bioflavanoids for a while, (which did seem to help also), I have had a lot less popping blood vessels. None at all for about a year. Then recently one in my foot.
From what you've said I doubt that you have Renaud's disease. A lot of things are not well understood, and it is easy to jump to a diagnosis, just to call it something.
I have gone the direction of reducing almost all vitamins and minerals in supplement form. I don't take calcium either, even though the doctors recommend it for women my age. I have been doing better with no magnesium and no calcium. I DO eat EXTREMELY WELL. I eat lots of green veggies, and a range of colorful veggies, every day. I eat legumes on occasion. This diet produces ample calcium (women in india who eat lots of legumes have very low rates of osteoporosis compared to US women), plus the other minerals needed, and when minerals are obtained from food, they are in a natural balance that our bodies have adapted to over the millenia. Taking supplements I believe runs more risk of getting some minerals out of balance and throwing the system off. When I do take supplements I take food-based supplements, so they are more likely to have a balance of nutrients including things not yet discovered or identified that are in foods.
The only vitamin I now take on a regular basis is vitamin D during the winter, because I tested low for that. That vitamin is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight, and in northern climates, many people don't make enough.
Yes, I have noticed a connection between being very active and the blood vessels bursting. For example, occasionally if I am chopping lots of vegetables, this seems to precipate it due to the stress on my hand.
I can report that I have tried taking bioflavanoids in addition to having stopped taking all magnesium, and this seems to have made an improvement in my condition. I went perhaps a year without any more popping vessels. Then recently I had one in a foot. But only that one. Not a lot.
I tune in to the feeling of tingling that I can recognize tends to happen just prior to a pop, and stop the activity that might irritate the vessels. This helps also. However, I think getting exercise is really important, so I make sure I get regular exercise. There is clear evidence now that exercise helps the body repair tissue (autophage activity), in addition to other evidence of its value to health. So it might be valuable for you to cut back on things like standing in one place on a laddar, which is extra stressful to your feet. But I would encourage you to keep up moderate daily exercise.
Re: colorado and tbc posts...I have had these painful veins (twice now) on the bottom of my foot that start to tingle, feel itchy and then the most painful ache...then they have burst over night and create a magnificent bruise. I am femaile, 52, thin, on low dosage thyroid medication, have low blood pressure and low in iron. I get severe sinus headaches (sometimes migraines). I'm wondering if you were very active on your feet the day you had this problem? I was painting trim in my dining room and was up and down on a ladder for about and hour in my sock feet and I'm guessing this may have activated the painful vein that burst. I am too worried about these bursting veins and whether or not there are connections to aneurysms...I had a cousin who was 10 who died of one, as well as an aunt in her late 40's who died of an aneurysm. I wish there was more information available.
"Colorado" - I wanted to know if you are still finding the link between Magnesium and more bursting blood vessels. Because of your post, I am reducing my magnesium intake to see if it decreases my bursting blood vessels. I am mid-fifties. This started at least 20 years ago, but was infrequent. Now it happens about once a week. I have been taking lots of magnesium, so Colorado's post really jumped out at me. The bursting blood vessels happens in my feet, especially at my toe joints. It is much rarer for it to happen in my hands. It hurts really badly for about a minute, then I get a big bruise. I've called it "my exploding toes". I have been told that I might have Raynauds. Doctors always say they have no idea why this is happening. One doctor called it "fragile capillaries".
I'm so glad to have found this forum. I have exactly the same problem, and a large vein in my right wrist just burst today. I also have had bleeding in the eyes, although it seems to have stopped since I started taking blood pressure medicine. I'm female, 55, heavy, not active, and have asthma and allergies. My allergies have been flaring up lately, so my diet has been rather restricted. Perhaps this is the connection, as some people have mentioned. I have had this probem for at least ten years, in the hands, feet, and eyes. Once I had a vein burst in my knee, but that's the closest to the trunk it has happened. I have no clue as to why my veins pop, but it's painful and scary. Today it happened as I was putting away laundry, so it's not as if I'm lifting weights or anything. If I see a doctor, I usually get a test for blood clotting factors, which comes back normal. Some of the ideas I have had with respect to causes have been diet (but I thought it was eating garlic and onions), high blood pressure, or fragile veins (my daughter has Marfans, so maybe I have some slight undetected defect of connective tissue).
I have had this problem of veins popping for no aparent reason also, for several years. I have found that magnesium makes this happen much more often. If I take a supplement with magnesium in it (for example a calcium and magnesium pill), my veins will start popping a lot. If I stop the supplement with magnesium, the vein popping almost stops. Even without taking extra magnesium I still have some significant popping trouble, but if I take magnesiums it gets to an extreme level.
I am 56 years old, female, don't smoke, have a good diet of mostly natural and whole foods. However, I have had some digestive trouble (not IBS, but some absorption trouble, and food sensitivities so that I need to rotate many foods). I have hay fever, but don't take any medications for that or for anything else. I have really low blood pressure, and a fairly low pulse rate. (resting at 60/min).
I wanted to share the magnesium connection I've noticed because my Mother (84) has the same thing. When she cut back on magnesium her hands no longer had popping blood vessels also.
I'd love to hear more ideas on solutions. I'll try the vitamin C & bioflavanoid connection.
Wow, I did not know so many others had this issue, too. I didn't have too much of a concern about it, it was only happening in my fingers and maybe hands (with pain mostly PRIOR to what I have always said was my blood vessel/vein bursting) until it happened on the top of my foot and left a HUGE, non-painful bruise. What in the world is this? Well, I'm going to try 2 suggestions I found online (nothing medical really!).....bioflavonoids and Calcium Fluoride. Maybe after a couple of months I'll no longer have these?
Next time I see my doc, I'll ask him what he thinks. My worry is what if this happens in the brain? I read where this happens in the eyes (thank goodness I've not had that), and one where it was the reason (per her ENT) for her PERMANENT hearing loss. Certainly sounds like this is an issue that needs answers!
I do agree, as I've read, that possibly it is more of a deficiency than anything else. I would rather take safe homeopathic then drugs, especially if doctors are just guessing at why these is occuring (or even worrying about it!).
Howdy, this discussion has been going for a while but I was so relieved to find it. Many years ago I started getting these bursting vessels in my fingers only and then about a month ago I got a really large one on my wrist and last week the whole palm of my hand was black due to another one which was the worst one yet. I have been to many GP's with no answers oh except the last one wanted to try me on antidepressants - how that is related to bruising beats me but when they dont have an answer then its straight to the antidepressants. My vitamin b12 is very low and so is my vitamin d, I get lots of sinus infections and use nasonex regularly and it is only since restarting this that they have returned, so I found it very interesting that others had commented on that. I also have multinodular goitre which is currently being investigated. Other than that I am average build, eat fairly healthy and I do smoke. Would really love to know what it is as I looked up that Achenbach syndrome but that states blood blisters and this is not blood blisters this swells inside and then pops forming bruises.
I have had incidences of veins spontaneously bursting in my hands and face for years. This in conjunction with very easy bruising. In the past month, after a course of prednisone for severe migraine, it has become worse. I have always been worried about this, but never had any source for information, and was so glad to finally see this forum. I am a neuroscientist and used the information I gained from this forum to search the medical literature. Like others, I noticed some major common themes: *a history of auto-immune disorders or inflammatory conditions (IBS, SLE, asthma). *possible use of corticosteroids like prednisone or dexamethasone (common treatment for all of the above conditions, although not everyone used them) *possible dietary insufficiency (common with IBS sufferers who can't absorb enough vitamins) I researched the factors governing vein strength. The summary is that the protein collagen gives structure to veins. If collagen is disrupted, the veins will become weak. Collagen is also used in structure of skin, joint ligaments, hair and nails. There are SEVERAL things that can decrease collagen: 1) some people genetically have poor collagen production. If they have very low collagen it is referred to as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and is severe. But, like most genetic mutations, it is a spectrum, and there could be many of us walking around with lower collagen production than most folks, but no obvious problems. The symptoms would be hyper-extendable joints (me), bruising (me), burst veins (me), and smoother than average skin for your age (me). 2) Use of corticosteroids like prednisone or dexamethasone actually impairs collagen production! So folks who use corticosteroids can often have increased bruising. If you use corticosteroids and ALSO have somewhat low collagen to begin with, we would expect you to have more trouble (it appears this is what happened to me). 3) Dietary insufficiency of Vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Both of these vitamins are crucial to collagen production (backed up by hard science data). Citrus is a good natural source of these, but you have to eat the pulp to get the bioflavonoids, not just juice. For those who have poor nutrition either because of food choice or because of IBS, they may not be getting enough of these in a normal diet and may need to seek supplements. But beware IBS sufferers- too much vitamin C can be very GI irritating! 4) Systemic Lupus Erythmetosis. This is an autoimmune disorder that several posters suffer from. While this disorder does not decrease collagen production, the antibodies produced during the disease can actually bind to and destroy collagen. (this is why the joints are so affected in SLE) SLE sufferers may see more bruising/vein bursting during flare-ups, or after taking steroids (discussed above). The take home message of all this is that some of us have less collagen than others, and disease, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition can all impact this. Some things we can't help: our genetics is unalterable, and those who need steroids probably really need them and aren't going to be able to stop. However, increased bioflavonoids and healthy vitamin C intake may help. Hope this helped at least somewhat. A major source is listed below.
I don't know if anybody is still trying to find out the cause of blood vessels bursting in the hands or feet. I've had this on and off for a few years (I'm 55). I have always had poor circulation in my hands and feet and I have Reynauds. I was told I had irritable bowel syndrome for many years and suffered terribly with bloating and cramps that doubled me over. Finally it was discovered that I had oral allergy syndrome, now called pollen oral allergy. I have to cook my fruits and vegetables before I eat them or I get itching in the mouth, throat, runny eyes and nose then intense stomach cramps for several days. I just mentioned this in case somebody with irritable bowel syndrome may want to look in to this. I've been cooking my vegetables and fruit for 20 years and have had no further problems with my bowel. I was wondering about the Reynauds and allergy connection as I do use antihistamines during pollen season or when I'm exposed to smoke or dust. Did anybody find out if there was a connection to the blood vessels bursting. I still get blood vessels bursting now and again. It seems to be in particular when I've been doing a lot of writing with a pen or chopping with a knife. Also, I seem more prone to it when cold weather or very hot weather makes the air dry out. I also get bleeding in the nose a bit during these times and had problems with nose bleeds when I took flying lessons and changed altitude a lot. I think my veins probably are fairly close to the surface. Due to my obvious nutritional problems from being unable to eat raw fruit or vegetables, I have been using a supplement called monavie which does seem to help with comfort of my joints. This can be ordered from monavie.com (my distributor number is 2555493 is anybody wants to see if it helps). I haven't noticed any difference with the vein problem. I'm usually fairly active, but feel like I get more than the usual circulatory problems when sitting for prolonged periods such as long flights or driving. Could there be a connection there with the vein bursting and should I be worried?
Julia9526 - Interesting your comment on having sharp pains in your head at random times. Do they always occur in the same place? I have this occasionally - always in the same exact place. The pain is VERY severe, but because it lasts such a very short time (1-2 seconds at most), it isn't a big problem. I have had both an MRI and a CAT scan and both show nothing. The pain may recur several times over a few weeks, and then may disappear for months.dbwiseman - You may be right about Achenbach's Syndrome - I hadn't heard about that before. Sounds like what many of us on this forum may have. Good to hear that it is usually harmless other than the occasional discomfort.I noticed someone said something about beer - doesn't seem plausible but I'm going to check that out. I don't drink beer often, but do occasionally - I'll try to see if there is any co-relation between when I have some beer and blood vessels bursting.
Just curious if anybody else's blood pressure has dropped? My normal blood pressure is usually around 114/72 and my pulse rate averages between 75-78. I had mine tested the other day, and my blood pressure was 94/63 with a pulse rate of 95! I was relaxed, it wasn't after physical exertion. The lower than normal blood pressure reading didn't throw me off as it wasn't a threateningly low reading, it was the combination with such a high pulse rate along with these vessels bursting.
I have low heart rate and nose bleeds too rkveins.I was wondering if anyone else takes decongestants or other medications,or sleep aids with diphenhydramine witch constrict blood vessels?
I'm a 37 yo female who has only started having problems this week. My pinky finger on the right hand one day, under my toes to the point I couldn't walk on my left foot the next day, and today, the third day, under my right thumb. After thinking about it, I have always had blood vessel pain on the back side of my little toe on the right foot. As long as I can remember, even as a child. I also remember as a child having blood vessels burst in my hands often but it has been many years since it has occurred. For the past few months I've been having pain like a blocked vein in the back of my right calf. I'm concerned because my grandmother passed away at age 34 of an aneurysm. In comparison to what others have said:I'm 37 yo female, normal weight bordering the thin side, a smoker, have diagnosed but untreated asthma, I take no medication, suffer restless leg syndrome, digestive trouble if I don't watch what I eat, stand most of the day working and use the computer a lot at home. I self diagnosed myself the last few months as magnesium deficient and vit B deficient though haven't done anything about it yet. I'm sure I'm deficient in other things as well. I have skin tenderness if that makes any sense. I did just go to a chiropractor last week who is known for being very rough and not so good... he's local and I'm from the country is the only reason I didn't go elsewhere. After going, I have back pain that I didn't have before and pain in my right shoulder and down my arm that wasn't there before. I wonder if misalignment has anything to do with it? Just throwing something else out there.


After silently reciting Al-Fatiha (the first surah of the Quran), a Muslim wipes face with both palms, as a gesture of spreading blessings received by reading Allah's words.
May Allah's blessings spread all over earth this Eid. Happy Eid for you all.
* Pictures: Sitt Raqiyyeh Mosque, Damascus.
Happy Eid to you as well!


DEEP POLITICS FORUM > Geopolitical Hotspots > Iranian nuclear leak?
View Full Version : Iranian nuclear leak?
"Nuclear accident in Iran may lay behind mystery resignation"
with this source has been lost.
reports, the resignation was tendered around 20 days ago.
I suppose the Iranian air plane crash is just another airplane crash. I'd love to know who was on board though.


text:
https://www.healthcareinfosecurity.com/
Ruchir Kumar
KPMG LLP
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Dr. Dale W. Meyerrose
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Website Security for the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape
Top 10 Influencers in Health InfoSec
Risk and Resilience: Finding the Right Balance
The Fraud Blog with Tracy Kitten
Tracking fraud incidents and trends wherever -- and however -- they occur.
Symantec: Beware Insider Threats
New Study Shows Internet Vulnerabilities Drop, Yet Risks Rise Tracy Kitten (FraudBlogger) • April 30, 2012
There's some good news on the cybersecurity front, for a change: The number of Internet vulnerabilities identified by Symantec dropped 20 percent last year, according to the security technology company's just-released annual Internet Security Threat Report.
See Also: The Application Security Team's Framework For Upgrading Legacy Applications
The tone of the rest of the report, however, isn't so optimistic. In fact, it's downright gloomy, as the company cautioned the IT security community about an 81 percent uptick in malicious attacks and the expectation of more to come in 2012.
IT managers jittery about defending their organizations' information systems should look over their shoulders from time to time.
And here's another worrisome factoid: IT managers jittery about defending their organizations' information systems should look over their shoulders from time to time. The insider, as we've been told time and time again, remains - and is likely to continue to be - one of the biggest threats.
"While external threats will continue to multiply, the insider threat will also create headlines, as employees act intentionally - and unintentionally - to leak or steal valuable data," Symantec notes.
Why? Because we're not doing enough to educate employees and customers about security and risk.
Symantec's Global Intelligence Network monitors hacking and Internet attacks in more than 200 countries and territories. It also maintains a database that holds almost 48,000 recorded vulnerabilities from nearly 16,000 global vendors. So, Symantec's analysis is one of the best available, at least where Internet security threats and trends are concerned.
The actual number of Internet vulnerabilities identified by Symantec dropped 20 percent from 2010, and Symantec, for its part, blocked more than 5.5 billion malicious attacks in 2011 -- 81 percent more than it blocked the previous year.
Hacking exposed more than 187.2 million identities last year, Symantec found. But the root of most data breaches is not linked to hacks; it's linked to old-fashioned theft and/or sloppy security, such as through the loss of a laptop.
Top-Ten Sectors By Number of Data Breaches
Source: Symantec
We see a lot of these so-called low-tech breaches on the healthcare side. In 2011, Symantec found that among the top 10 sectors for data breaches, healthcare ranked No. 1 - accounting for 43 percent of the breaches reported among those 10 sectors. Government ranked No. 2 - 14 percent; education ranked No. 3 - 13 percent; and financial ranked No. 4 - 8 percent.
I point that out to show how critical education is. The government and financial sectors, though still among the top 10 for data breaches, are much more sophisticated when it comes to security. They've spent decades protecting data. In the healthcare space, that level of sophistication is not there, and it shows.
And here is why education is becoming increasingly critical: Fraudsters are perfecting their abilities to target and manipulate. Well-crafted socially engineered schemes that take advantage of common user behavior are the problem. Technology can only go so far.
In the end, you have to train staff members and customers not to click suspicious links or provide personally identifiable information to someone they don't know. But we see it happen more and more every day.
Targeted Email Attacks, By Top-Ten Industry Sectors, 2011
Source: Symantec Cloud
This is why targeted attacks, like spear phishing, are so successful. And it's why concerns about mobile security are mounting, because we know that user behavior on mobile devices is, if anything, insecure.
Symantec does offer advice, such as keeping antivirus software up-to-date and enforcing effective password policies. All important, but without the education piece, we won't have a fighting chance.
The Evolution of Automated, Active Attacks
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The Complete Guide to Studying Foundation in Engineering in Malaysia
What do you study in Foundation in Engineering? Check out entry requirement and subjects, and explore various Engineering pathways with this course guide.
Interested in becoming an engineer? Looking for a quick pathway into an accredited Engineering degree? Well, look no further. What you need is to enrol into a Foundation in Engineering programme.
But what exactly is a Foundation in Engineering and what differentiates it from other pre-university programmes like A Levels, SACEi and STPM?
This guide will provide you with the answer to those questions and more. From entry requirements to educational pathways, learn it all from this guide to a Foundation in Engineering programme.
So if you've always dreamt of becoming a certified engineer in Malaysia, take your first step with this guide.
#1. What is Foundation in Engineering?
A Foundation in Engineering programme is a pre-university programme that focuses on subjects related to engineering. It is structured to prepare you for a direct entry into an Engineering or Engineering-related degree.
Under this programme, you will learn a number of introductory subjects related to engineering and mathematics. This includes calculus, trigonometry, mechanics, chemistry, electricity and magnetism.
Most Foundation in Engineering courses are 12 months long. Seeing as it is a pre-university programme, you can study it directly after SPM. Upon completion, you will be able to easily pursue an Engineering or Engineering-related degree at the same university.
#2. Entry Requirements for Foundation in Engineering
To study Foundation in Engineering, you must have studied some of these subjects at SPM or equivalent:
At least 1 Science subject (Physics / Chemistry / Biology or an Engineering subject)
Additional Mathematics (required by some universities)
b) Requirements for Foundation in Engineering
These are the general entry requirements for a Foundation in Engineering:
SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 5Cs including Mathematics and 1 Science subject
#3. Studying a Foundation in Engineering Course
a) What subjects will you study in Foundation in Engineering?
A Foundation in Engineering programme will give you a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, preparing you for further study at the undergraduate level. Your studies will consist of numerous mathematics and science modules that are related to engineering. Among such subjects include:
b) How will you be assessed in a Foundation in Engineering programme?
Most universities will grade you based on a combination of coursework and final exams. As part of your programme, you will spend a significant amount of time performing lab work, working on assignments and attending lectures.
c) How long is a Foundation in Engineering course?
A Foundation in Engineering programme is typically about 12 months long.
d) How much does it cost to study Foundation in Engineering in Malaysia?
A Foundation in Engineering programme costs around RM10,200 to RM29,800.
#4. Your Education Pathway To Become a Professional Engineer With Foundation in Engineering
Here's what the road to becoming a professional engineer will look like if you take a Foundation in Engineering programme.
Step 1: First, complete a Foundation in Engineering after SPM. This will typically take 1 year.
Step 2: Subsequently, you can enrol in a Bachelor of Engineering in Malaysia, which usually requires 3 – 4 years of study. If you wish to gain professional status as a professional engineer in Malaysia, you must study an accredited Engineering Degree with a duration of 4 years.
Step 3: To gain the status of a professional engineer, you must have at least 3 years of practical working experience and pass a Professional Assessment Examination by the Board of Engineers Malaysia.
In summary, it takes 5 years from SPM to become an engineer and 8 years to become a registered professional engineer. This is if you choose the Foundation in Engineering pathway.
Important: Like other foundation programmes, the Foundation in Engineering is administered by the university itself. The programme is meant to make your transition into a degree programme at the same university easier. However, this doesn't mean that you cannot change into a different university for your degree.
#5. Should You Study Foundation in Engineering?
a) Is Foundation in Engineering right for you?
If you're wondering whether you should study Foundation in Engineering, here are some questions to think about:
Are you sure about your decision to pursue a Degree in Engineering and subsequently a career as an engineer?
Do you have good grades in maths and physics?
Do you like to experiment with gadgets, machines and electronic devices?
Do you consider yourself mechanically inclined?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, Foundation in Engineering may be right for you!
b) Skills required to be an engineer
Here are some key skills a good engineer should have:
Active listening skills
Keen attention to detail
Organisational and management skills
#6. Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation in Engineering
a) Can you switch universities after completing a Foundation in Engineering?
Yes, it is possible to switch to another university after completing a Foundation in Engineering, but it will depend on a number of factors.
Unlike A-level or SACEi that have a standardised curriculum, foundation programmes are administered by the universities themselves. This means different universities may offer different subjects and syllabus for the same type of foundation. Therefore, the "receiving" university may need to do an assessment of the foundation programme to ensure that it meets their standards and requirements.
That being said, you can still switch universities after completing your Foundation in Engineering should the "receiving" university accept your qualification. However, it is always recommended to select a college or university that offers both the foundation and your degree of interest. In addition, it's crucial to select a foundation programme that's accredited by MQA.
Some universities have links with various partner universities (locally and abroad) for their Foundation programmes, which gives you more options and allows for easy switching.
b) Can you switch to a non-engineering degree?
This depends on the university and the degree that you want to pursue. Usually, students with a science background can easily switch to non-science and non-engineering degrees such as business, mass communication or hospitality and tourism.
However, if you're aiming to switch to a professional degree like medicine or pharmacy, you might have to start from the beginning again. If you are switching universities and changing streams, you may be required to take additional subjects or credit hours.
c) What's the difference between Foundation in Engineering and other foundation programmes?
A Foundation in Engineering is a preparatory programme taken after SPM or IGCSE and is meant to prepare you well for an Engineering degree. As such, the subjects and modules will be heavily related to the engineering field — think engineering mathematics, mechanics, principles of electronics and programming.
General foundation programmes such as Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts will have a more general focus. For instance, a Foundation in Science may cover a wide range of science subjects while a Foundation in Arts will consist of various business and humanities modules.
d) What's the difference between Foundation in Engineering and pre-university programmes like A Levels?
The subjects in a Foundation in Engineering programme is often predetermined. You may be able to choose a few electives, but you will be required to take the majority of the modules because the university has determined that these are the subjects that will best prepare you for an Engineering degree.
In contrast, pre-university programmes, such as A Levels and SACEi or AUSMAT, require you to choose a combination of subjects (e.g. physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics) that you think will suit you best. These subjects can be used to gain entry to an undergraduate degree.
#7. Best Universities for Foundation in Engineering in Malaysia
If Foundation in Engineering is for you, then check out some of the best universities for Foundation in Engineering in Malaysia. Alternatively, compare more universities for Foundation in Engineering here.
Apr, Jun, Jul
Established programme and an experienced faculty team
Guaranteed progression to a vast choice of undergraduate programmes (engineering, mathematical science, computer science, business, psychology)
Gain a UK degree from a top Russel Group university here in Malaysia
Semenyih: RM29,700
SPM:
8 (A+/A/A-) and above: 25% tuition fee waiver
IGCSE/O-Level:
7 (A*/A) and above: 25% tuition fee waiver
Taylor's College
Feb, Apr, Jul, Aug
A pioneer in pre-university education
Curriculum emphasises on "learning by doing" hands-on learning activities such as case studies and real-life projects
Expect the best at Taylor's College in terms of star lecturers, quality classroom pedagogy, state-of-the-art facilities and awesome student experience
Exceptional e-learning tools to prepare you with skills required for the 21st century
Grow with the support of Taylor'sphere, a well-balanced ecosystem and community that nurtures your intellect, craft and practical wisdom
Subang Jaya: RM25,350
8A+ / 9 (A+/A/A-) and above: RM12,000
8 (A+/A/A-): RM7,000
8A* / 9 (A*/A) and above: RM12,000
8 (A*/A): RM7,000
Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
APU Foundation Programme (Engineering)
Mar, Apr, Jun, Jul, Sep
Malaysia's award-winning Premier Digital Tech University
Direct pathway into dual-award degrees at APU
Programme emphasises on 4 key areas to ensure student success – leadership & teamwork, problem-solving skills, social skills & responsibilities, and practical skills
Among the first universities in Malaysia awarded Premier Digital Tech University status by the MDEC and MOHE
First Malaysian university and 1 of 19 in the world to achieve 5 Stars Plus in the latest QS Stars Rating awards
Bukit Jalil: RM25,200
10A+: 100% tuition fee waiver
9 (A+/A): 50% tuition fee waiver
4-5 (A+/A): 10% tuition fee waiver
9 (A*/A): 50% tuition fee waiver
4-6 (A*/A): 10% tuition fee waiver
Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN)
Putrajaya, Selangor
Jan, Jun, Jul, Sep
A well-established curriculum with a balance between theories, project works and lab experiments
Designed to meet the requirements of professional bodies and industries by emphasing on the application of knowledge through teamwork, case studies, simulations and real life project
Wholly-owned by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), one of the few Government Linked Universities (GLUs) in Malaysia
Access to world-class facilities including Olympic sized swimming pool, tennis court, football field, gymnasium and Sports Arena with 11 indoor courts
Putrajaya: RM17,000
8 (A+/A): 100% tuition fee waiver
8 (A*/A): 100% tuition fee waiver
University of Southampton Malaysia
Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Engineering Foundation Year
Mar, Jul, Sep
Direct pathway into engineering degrees in University of Southampton Malaysia and UK
Programme incorporates both theoretical and practical skills
Teaching staff highly experienced in their research field
Ranked #77 in the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the top UK university in Malaysia
Iskandar Puteri: RM29,100
8A+ and above: 100% tuition fee waiver
10 (A+/A/A-) / 6A+: RM13,000 tuition fee waiver
9 (A+/A/A-): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
8 (A+/A/A-) / 5A+: RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
8A* and above: 100% tuition fee waiver
10 (A*/A) / 6A*: RM13,000 tuition fee waiver
9 (A*/A): RM9,000 tuition fee waiver
8 (A*/A) / 5A*: RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
Multimedia University (MMU)
Cyberjaya, Selangor
Apr, Jul, Oct
RM6,000
A Premier Digital Tech University
Focuses on delivering preparatory engineering subjects to equip you with strong fundamentals knowledge in engineering
90% of teaching staff are PhD holders and industry professional
Awarded Premier Digital Tech Institution Status by MDEC and MoHE
Cyberjaya: RM6,000
Melaka: RM6,000
9 (A+/A) and above: 100% tuition fee waiver
9 (A*/A) and above: 100% tuition fee waiver
More from Foundation
7 Things You Didn't Know About Foundation in Science
Top 7 Degrees You Can Study With a Foundation in Arts
What Can You Do With a Foundation in Science? 10 Courses You Should Consider
8 Top Benefits of Studying a Foundation


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Golub Capital Provides First Lien Credit Facility To Support Dividend Recap Of DSI Renal By Frazier Healthcare And New Enterprise Associates
CHICAGO, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Golub Capital announced today that it acted as Co-Lead Arranger for a $400 million first lien credit facility to support the dividend recap of Dialysis Newco, Inc. d/b/a DSI Renal ("DSI") by Frazier Healthcare ("Frazier") and New Enterprise Associates ("NEA"). Golub Capital has been a debt provider to DSI since 2012.
DSI is a leading provider of dialysis services in the United States to patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. Together with their physician partners, DSI owns and operates over 90 dialysis clinics in 22 states.
"Consistent with our past experiences, the Healthcare team from Golub Capital was solutions oriented and flexible, ultimately providing significant momentum to our financing needs. Golub Capital's transparency and efficiency allowed us to maintain our focus on growing the business," said Ben Magnano, a Partner at Frazier Healthcare.
Mohamad Makhzoumi, a Partner at NEA and head of their healthcare services practice, added, "This is our third transaction with Golub Capital's Healthcare team in the past three years and it continues to be a wonderful relationship. I have always found their team to uniquely understand how best to support our high growth portfolio companies by tailoring their financings accordingly. We look forward to working with them again."
"The dialysis space is one which we've invested in on numerous occasions given the growth and stable outlook in the sector. DSI's management team, led by Craig Goguen, along with the backing and strategic oversight from both Frazier and NEA, have created one of the leading players in the space and are well positioned for continued success," said Stefano Robertson, a Managing Director and head of the Healthcare team at Golub Capital. "We are pleased to have been able to support them in a meaningful way with this transaction and expect to continue to do so in the future."
Golub Capital has been a top 3 Traditional Middle Market Bookrunner each year from 2008 through 2013 for senior secured loans of up to $100 million for leveraged buyouts (according to Thomson Reuters LPC and internal data; based on number of deals). In 2013, Golub Capital was awarded Finance Monthly's Global Awards 2013 "Credit Asset Manager of the Year," and DealMakers M&A Awards 2013 "Middle Market Lender of the Year." In 2012, Golub Capital was awarded ACG New York Champion's Award for "Senior Lender Firm of the Year" and the M&A Advisor award for "Lender Firm of the Year." Golub Capital is a national firm with principal offices in Chicago and New York. For more information, visit www.golubcapital.com.
About Frazier Healthcare
Frazier Healthcare, founded in 1991 to invest exclusively in healthcare, is a leading provider of growth equity and venture capital to emerging health care companies. Since raising its initial fund in 1991, Frazier Healthcare has raised seven private institutionally-backed investment funds with cumulative commitments across all seven funds of over $2 billion and investments in more than 150 health care companies. For more information, visit www.frazierhealthcare.com.
About New Enterprise Associates
New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA) is a leading venture capital firm focused on helping entrepreneurs build transformational businesses across multiple stages, sectors and geographies. With approximately $13 billion in committed capital, NEA invests in information technology, healthcare and energy technology companies at all stages in a company's lifecycle, from seed stage through IPO. The firm's long track record of successful investing includes more than 175 portfolio company IPOs and more than 300 acquisitions. In the U.S., NEA has offices in Menlo Park, CA; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Chicago, IL; and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In addition, New Enterprise Associates (India) Pvt. Ltd. has offices in Bangalore and Mumbai, India and New Enterprise Associates (Beijing), Ltd. has offices in Beijing and Shanghai, China. For additional information, visit www.nea.com.


text:
Aabenraa, Denmark
January, like December, in Aabenraa, Denmark, is another cold winter month, with average temperature ranging between max 3.3°C (37.9°F) and min 0.2°C (32.4°F). The coldest month is January, with an average high-temperature of 3.3°C (37.9°F) and an average low-temperature of 0.2°C (32.4°F). Weather in January »
February, the last month of the winter, in Aabenraa, is another cold month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 3.5°C (38.3°F) and an average low of -0.2°C (31.6°F). In February, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in January - a still cold 3.5°C (38.3°F). Weather in February »
The first month of the spring, March, is a chilly month in Aabenraa, Denmark, with average temperature ranging between max 6.8°C (44.2°F) and min 1.7°C (35.1°F). In March, the average high-temperature slightly increases, from a cold 3.5°C (38.3°F) in February, to a chilly 6.8°C (44.2°F). Weather in March »
April is a cool spring month in Aabenraa, Denmark, with temperature in the range of an average low of 4.5°C (40.1°F) and an average high of 11.8°C (53.2°F). In April, the average high-temperature rises, from a frosty 6.8°C (44.2°F) in March, to a fresh 11.8°C (53.2°F). Weather in April »
The last month of the spring, May, is a moderate month in Aabenraa, Denmark, with temperature in the range of an average low of 7.1°C (44.8°F) and an average high of 15.5°C (59.9°F). In May, the average high-temperature marginally rises, from a cool 11.8°C (53.2°F) in April, to a mild 15.5°C (59.9°F). Weather in May »
June, the first month of the summer, in Aabenraa, is an enjoyable month, with average temperature varying between 10.1°C (50.2°F) and 18.4°C (65.1°F). In June, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in May - a comfortable 18.4°C (65.1°F). Weather in June »
July is an agreeable summer month in Aabenraa, Denmark, with temperature in the range of an average low of 12.4°C (54.3°F) and an average high of 20.6°C (69.1°F). The warmest month is July, with an average high-temperature of 20.6°C (69.1°F) and an average low-temperature of 12.4°C (54.3°F). Weather in July »
The last month of the summer, August, is also an agreeable month in Aabenraa, Denmark, with temperature in the range of an average high of 20.4°C (68.7°F) and an average low of 13.6°C (56.5°F). In Aabenraa, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in July - a still pleasant 20.4°C (68.7°F). Weather in August »
September, the first month of the autumn, in Aabenraa, is also an enjoyable month, with average temperature ranging between max 17.2°C (63°F) and min 11.4°C (52.5°F). In Aabenraa, Denmark, the average high-temperature in September marginally drops, from an agreeable 20.4°C (68.7°F) in August, to an enjoyable 17.2°C (63°F). Weather in September »
October, the same as September, is another fresh autumn month in Aabenraa, Denmark, with average temperature ranging between min 8.2°C (46.8°F) and max 12.5°C (54.5°F). In Aabenraa, the average high-temperature in October slightly decreases, from an enjoyable 17.2°C (63°F) in September, to a fresh 12.5°C (54.5°F). Weather in October »
November, the last month of the autumn, in Aabenraa, is also a frosty month, with average temperature ranging between min 4.6°C (40.3°F) and max 7.7°C (45.9°F). In Aabenraa, the average high-temperature marginally drops, from a cool 12.5°C (54.5°F) in October, to a frosty 7.7°C (45.9°F). Weather in November »
December, the first month of the winter, in Aabenraa, is still a cold month, with average temperature ranging between max 4.9°C (40.8°F) and min 1.8°C (35.2°F). In Aabenraa, the average high-temperature is essentially the same as in November - a wintry 4.9°C (40.8°F). Weather in December »
What is the coldest month in Aabenraa?
With an average high-temperature of 3.3°C (37.9°F) and an average low-temperature of 0.2°C (32.4°F), January is the coldest month in Aabenraa.
How much does it rain in Aabenraa?
Throughout the year, in Aabenraa, Denmark, there are 193.6 rainfall days, and 550mm (21.65") of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Aabenraa?
January through April, November and December are months with snowfall.
How much does it snow in Aabenraa?
Throughout the year, in Aabenraa, there are 26.4 snowfall days, and 139mm (5.47") of snow is accumulated.
What month is the sea coldest in Aabenraa?
January is the month with the coldest seawater in Aabenraa, Denmark, with an average sea temperature of 3.4°C (38.1°F).
When is the lowest UV index in Aabenraa?
With an average maximum UV index of 1, January is the month with the lowest UV index in Aabenraa, Denmark.
When does it snow the most in Aabenraa?
The month with the most snowfall in Aabenraa is February when snow falls for 8.8 days and typically aggregates up to 44mm (1.73") of snow.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Aabenraa?
February has the least sunshine of the year in Aabenraa, Denmark, with an average of 3.2h of sunshine.
What is the least humid month in Aabenraa?
The least humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 76%.
What is the driest month in Aabenraa?
April is the month with the least rainfall in Aabenraa. Rain falls for 13.8 days and accumulates 22mm (0.87") of precipitation.
When it does not snow in Aabenraa?
In Aabenraa, Denmark, snow does not fall in May through October.
When are the longest days in Aabenraa?
June has the longest days of the year in Aabenraa, with an average of 17.3h of daylight.
What month has the most sunshine in Aabenraa?
The month with the most sunshine is June, with an average of 9.6h of sunshine.
What is the warmest month in Aabenraa?
July is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 20.6°C (69.1°F) and an average low-temperature of 12.4°C (54.3°F).
What is the month with the highest UV index in Aabenraa?
The month with the highest UV index in Aabenraa is July, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
When is the sea warmest in Aabenraa?
The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average sea temperature of 18.1°C (64.6°F).
What is the most humid month in Aabenraa?
December is the most humid month in Aabenraa, with an average relative humidity of 89%.
What is the rainiest month in Aabenraa?
December is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 18.4 days and accumulates 59mm (2.32") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Aabenraa?
With an average of 7.3h of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Aabenraa, Denmark.
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (20.6°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (3.3°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (-0.2°C).
Months with the highest atmospheric pressure are April and May (1015.7mbar).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (14km/h).
The month with the highest relative humidity is December (89%).
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (59mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (22mm).
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (19.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (12.5 days).
The month with the highest snowfall is February (44mm).
Months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0mm).
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (8.8 days).
Months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (18.1°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is January (3.4°C).
The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 9.6h).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 3.2h).
The month with the most sunshine days is April (14 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is December (7.2 days).
The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The month with the lowest UV index is January (UV index 1).
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 69).
Months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (9km).
The month with the most snowfall in Aabenraa is February when snow falls for 8.8 days and typically aggregates up to 44mm (1.73") of snow. Throughout the year, in Aabenraa, Denmark, there are 193.6 rainfall days, and 550mm (21.65") of precipitation is accumulated. [628966]


text:
Publications Available
SORA upgrade!
By Ellen Paul,
January 29, 2013 in Publications Available
Ellen Paul
Full Name:Ellen Paul
SORA 2.0 UPGRADE NOW AVAILABLE: The new URL to the site is http://sora.unm.edu
Recently the University of New Mexico Library officially announced the launch of the new, upgraded Searchable Ornithological Research Archive (SORA). The ornithological community is once again indebted to the UNM library for investing in the open access distribution of our historical ornithological literature. We especially thank Kevin Comerford, the Digital Initiatives Librarian, and Blair Wolf, Associate Professor of Biology, for their ongoing efforts. Kevin sends the following message:
Please take a moment to review the new features available on the site, and feel free to contact him if you have questions or need help. SORA has been moved to a new platform that will allow the resource to grow and expand over time. Many of the SORA journal titles have been updated with additional articles, and a new ornithological title has been added to the site. SORA now offers a number of new features for users and provides tools for journal publishers to update the SORA repository directly, with little or no technical support.
Special Note: Kevin has received a number of inquiries about the new user account feature in SORA. Please note that you do not need a user account to search, browse or download SORA articles. User accounts are an optional feature that provides added benefits which are explained below. However SORA remains a free and open access scientific repository.
All of these improvements have been needed for some time, and the UNM Libraries SORA team appreciates your collective patience; it has taken over a year to convert the entire SORA article holdings and prepare the new site for production. A number of ongoing improvements are still in the works for 2013, and as with any major system upgrade, there are a countless number of small details that still require attention. If you have trouble with any of the new features or notice a fix that needs to be made, please send the SORA team an email using the CONTACT US link on the SORA top menu bar.


text:
import central
from db import dbapi
from oslo_config import cfg

CONF = cfg.CONF

def manage(*args, **kwargs):
    if 'setup' in args:
        centralapi = central.CentralAPI()
        result = centralapi.setup()
        print result

    elif 'cluster-list' in args:
        for cluster in CONF.cluster.database_map.keys():
            print cluster

    elif 'agent-setup' in args:
        cluster = kwargs.get('cluster')
        dburl = CONF.cluster.database_map.get(cluster)
        clusterapi = dbapi.DBAPI(dburl)
        setup_tasks = clusterapi.get_request_tasks(method='setup')
        if len(setup_tasks) > 0:
            print 'Already exists setup_task'
            for task in setup_tasks:
                print '  * {0}({1}): {2}'.format(
                    task.method,
                    task.json_arg,
                    task.status,
                )
            return

        clusterapi.create_task({
            'method': 'setup',
        })

    elif 'agent-list' in args:
        cluster = kwargs.get('cluster')

        def agent_list(cluster, dburl):
            print cluster
            clusterapi = dbapi.DBAPI(dburl)
            for agent in clusterapi.get_agents():
                print '{0}: {1}: {2}'.format(
                    agent.agent_type,
                    agent.host,
                    agent.status,
                )

        if cluster is None:
            for cluster, dburl in CONF.cluster.database_map.items():
                agent_list(cluster, dburl)

        else:
            print cluster
            dburl = CONF.cluster.database_map.get(cluster)
            if dburl is not None:
                agent_list(cluster, dburl)
            else:
                print 'cluster: {0} is not found.'.format(cluster)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub