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ECpE Distinguished Lecture
Author: Thane Himes
Posted on December 5, 2011 August 30, 2021 | Thane Himes
Reza Iravani
Integration and Operation of Microgrids in the Smart Grid
Speaker: Reza Iravani, Founder and Coordinator of the Centre for Applied Power Electronics and Professor, The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
Location: Alliant Energy – Lee Liu Auditorium, Howe Hall
Abstract: Environmental issues of central power plants, aging infrastructure, rapid technological developments of renewable resources, and the potential proliferation of plug-in electric vehicles have created the conditions for the utility power industry to consider the concept of "smart grid" to address the challenges of electric power systems. The smart grid integrates information and communication technologies, and advances control, protection, and power management strategies to improve grid performance, reduce address environmental impacts, respond to the rising electricity demand based on sustainability, and enable interactions among stakeholders.
This presentation provides a new perspective for migration from the conventional grid to the smart grid, and elaborates on the concepts, technologies, and R&D requirements, with an emphasis on the microgrid as a building block. This view of smart grid virtually divided the grid into multiple zones where the majority of zones are of "smart microgrid" type. The microgrids and the other zones within the smart grid can interact with each other and collectively respond to the operational needs of the encompassing smart grid. This talk provides definitions of smart grid, microgrid, and intelligent microgrid; elaborates on the technologies and concepts to realize such entities; describes operational bphilosophy, control, and energy management strategies for their realization; and highlights some of the barriers.
Speaker biography: Iravani received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1976 in Tehran, Iran, and worked as a consultant for the power utility industry until 1979. He received his master's and PhD degrees from the University of Manitoba, Canada. Iravani currently serves as a professor in The Edward S. Rogers, Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada. Iravani is the founder and coordinator of the Centre for Applied Power Electronics at the University of Toronto, through which he leads R&D activities for a group of 25 research engineers, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows, related to grid integration of wind and solar-photovoltaic power plants, grid integration of distributed energy resources, and control and operation of high-voltage direct-current converters.
Past Seminars and Events Past seminars and events
Posted on November 11, 2011 August 30, 2021 | Thane Himes
Time: 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: Alliant Energy/Lee Liu Auditorium, Howe Hall
Details: The VRAC public tour offers participants a chance to learn about virtual reality (VR), the unique research facilities at Iowa State, how VRAC uses virtual reality as a research tool and a look at how computer graphics technology has improved in the past 25 years. In addition to the presentation, participants get to see several virtual reality applications that were developed at Iowa State. These demos typically include visiting the USS Ronald Reagan, a US Navy aircraft carrier, using VR for product conceptual design and exploring galaxies in the Virtual Universe.
Posted on October 19, 2011 August 30, 2021 | Thane Himes
Rajesh K. Gupta
The Variability Expeditions: Exploring the Software Stack for Underdesigned Computing Machines
Speaker: Rajesh K. Gupta, Professor and Qualcomm Endowed Chair in Embedded Microsystems, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego
Abstract: Modern computing is ignorant of the variability in the behavior of underlying components from device to device, chip to chip, its wear over time, or the environment in which the computing system is placed. This is a growing problem, as microelectronic devices scale down to molecular assemblies. The 'guardbands' used to guarantee component behavior (for power, performance) have gone to ridiculous margins accounting for as much as two-thirds of the chip area to meet performance 'specs' and is already undermining the gains from continued device scaling. Changing the way software interacts with hardware offers the best hope to recover the advantages from process scaling. In this this talk, Gupta will describe his approach and progress in the Variability Expeditions project that fundamentally rethinks the rigid, deterministic hardware-software interface, to propose a new class of computing machines that rely on an opportunistic software stack to adapt to the conditions in an underdesigned hardware.
Speaker biography: Gupta is a professor and Qualcomm Endowed Chair in Embedded Microsystems in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His research interests are in energy efficient systems. Gupta leads the Microelectronic Embedded Systems Lab and is head of the Embedded Systems Group at UCSD. His recent contributions include SystemC modeling and SPARK parallelizing high-level synthesis, both of which are publicly available and have been incorporated into industrial practice. Gupta has led or co-lead Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency-sponsored efforts under the Data Intensive Systems and Power Aware Computing and Communications programs. Gupta received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, a master's degree in electrical engineering and computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Gupta is a Fellow of IEEE.
ECpE Faculty Seminar
Seminar: Efficient Electromagnetic Approaches for Developing Effective Medium Model for Semiconductor Substrates
Speaker: Associate Professor Jiming Song
Time: 1:10 to 2 p.m.
Location: 3043 ECpE Building Addition
Abstract: Current CMOS and RFCMOS processes require substrate backend dummification. Modeling such structures using existing full wave electromagnetic simulation is very memory-intensive and almost impossible even at small die sizes. We develop a faster and memory-efficient electromagnetic full wave simulation tool to model a silicon backend and a multilayer organic package substrate with an effective medium model. This effective model provides the key building block to study die/package interaction, components to components interaction as well as die to die interaction in multichip modules.
First, I will give an overview of the research in computational electromagnetics in my group. Then I will present two efficient approaches to model metal lines/patches in multilayered media as an effective medium. The integral equation approach is developed to analyze the wave propagation in periodic structures. The approach is capable of handling scattering from the array filled with different media in different layers. Combining the equivalence principle algorithm and connection scheme (EPACS), it can be avoided to find and evaluate the multilayered periodic Green's functions. The spectral domain approach is applied to analyze shielded microstrip over lossy layered media and the equivalent model is developed to replace the layered media with a single layer. Several approaches have been developed to accelerate the summation of infinite series in the evaluation of the matrix elements.
Speaker bio: Associate Professor Jiming Song received his PhD degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University in 1993. From 1993 to 2000, he worked as a postdoctoral research associate, a research scientist, and visiting assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. From 1996 to 2000, he worked as a research scientist at SAIC-DEMACO. Dr. Song was the principal author of the Fast Illinois Solver Code (FISC). He was a principal staff engineer/scientist at the Semiconductor Products Sector of Motorola in Tempe, Arizona before he joined the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University as an assistant professor in 2002.
His research has dealt with modeling and simulations of interconnects on lossy silicon and RF components, the wave scattering using fast algorithms, the wave propagation in metamaterials, and transient electromagnetic field. Song received the NSF Career Award in 2006, and he is a senior member of IEEE.
POSTPONED – ECpE Distinguished Lecture
Posted on September 30, 2011 August 30, 2021 | Thane Himes
The ECpE Distinguished Lecture on September 30, 2011 has been postponed due to health reasons.
Kunle Olukotun
Taming Heterogeneous Parallelism with Domain Specific Languages
Speaker: Kunle Olukotun, Director of the Pervasive Parallelism Laboratory and Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Computer Science, Stanford University
Abstract: Computing systems are becoming increasingly parallel and heterogeneous; however, exploiting the full capability of these architectures is complicated because it requires application code to be developed with multiple programming models. A much more productive single programming model approach to heterogeneous parallelism uses domain specific languages (DSLs). DSLs provide high-level abstractions, which improve programmer productivity and enable transformations to high performance parallel code. In this talk, Olukotun will discuss the DSL approach to heterogeneous parallelism, show example DSLs that provide both high productivity and performance, and describe Delite, a framework that simplifies the development of DSLs embedded in Scala.
Speaker biography: Olukotun is a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Stanford University. He is best known as a pioneer in chip multiprocessor (CMP) design and the leader of the Stanford Hydra CMP research project. Olukotun founded Afara Websystems to develop high-throughput, low-power server systems with CMP technology. The Afara microprocessor, called Niagara, was acquired by Sun Microsystems. Niagara-derived processors now power all Oracle SPARC-based servers. Olukotun currently directs the Stanford Pervasive Parallelism Laboratory, which seeks to proliferate the use of heterogeneous parallelism in all application areas using Domain Specific Languages (DSLs). Olukotun is a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery Fellow and IEEE. He received his PhD in computer engineering from the University of Michigan.
Manimaran Govindarasu
Seminar: Cyber-Physical Systems Security of Smart Grid
Speaker: Professor Manimaran Govindarasu
Abstract: The electric power grid is a highly automated network that uses a variety of sensors, information/control systems, and communication networks (collectively known as SCADA, EMS, DMS) for the purpose of sensing, monitoring, protection, and control functions of the physical grid. The recent findings, as documented in federal reports and in the literature, indicate the growing threat of cyber-based attacks in numbers and sophistication on our nation's electric grid. Therefore, cyber security of the power grid—encompassing attack prevention, detection, mitigation, and resilience—is among the most important research issues today.
This talk will provide a brief taxonomy of potential cyber attacks on the power grid, and present a cyber-physical systems framework for risk modeling and mitigation of cyber attacks on the power grid that accounts for dynamics of the physical system, as well as the operational aspects of the cyber-based control system. In particular, the talk will focus on risk modeling of intrusion-based attacks on the substation automation system and data integrity attacks on the wide-area control network. Finally, the talk will conclude with discussing the experience in building a SCADA cyber security testbed and its operational capabilities.
Speaker bio: Dr. Manimaran Govindarasu is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Iowa State University. His research expertise is in the areas of cyber security, cyber security of smart grid, and real-time systems. He recently has developed a cyber security testbed for smart grid to conduct attack-defense evaluations and develop robust countermeasures against cyber attacks. He serves on the editorial board of IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, as the Chair of Cyber Security Task Force, and Vice-Chair of IEEE Power & Energy Society PSACE-CAMS Subcommittee. His research currently is funded by NSF and EPRC.
Tours are free, but reservations should be made online at www.vrac.iastate.edu/tours.php
Santosh Pandey
Seminar: Interplay of Multiple Inputs in Controlling the Systems Biology of C. elegans
Speaker: Assistant Professor Santosh Pandey
Location: 3041/3043 ECpE Building Addition
Abstract: Systems Biology is an exciting stream in biology that aims to understand the complex interactions between individual biological components. The holistic approach of systems biology is particularly well-suited to study small animal models, promising a new perspective to important processes in living systems such as development, aging, and adaptability. In this respect, Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model organism in systems biology with a fully-sequenced genome and a close genetic similarity to humans. As such, C. elegans are routinely used to study human diseases, such as muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.
In this talk, I will present examples of the different C. elegans microchips being developed in our laboratory. These microchips allow us to control and manipulate the (chemical or electrical) microenvironment around the organism and characterize its behavioral responses. Compared to existing assays, our technique has significantly higher temporal and spatial resolution. An automated image-tracking program is developed to measure and extract relevant output parameters (e.g. body posture and movement) from each experiment. These experiments are run at real-time and with the flexibility of applying single or multiple inputs. An approach will be discussed to analyze and filter the large volume of experimental data, providing useful output information under different conditions. Our eventual goal is to model the 'black-boxness' of a behavioral trait and to predict how the genetic makeup produces distinct behavioral patterns in these organisms.
Speaker bio: Assistant Professor Santosh Pandey joined the ECpE department in August 2006. Prior to this, he graduated with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Lehigh University. His research projects are aimed at developing micro-engineered platforms for manipulating and characterizing behavior of model organisms such as C. elegans, with implications to human diseases. His current research is funded by the National Science Foundation and is performed in the Bio/Nanoelectronics Laboratory of Coover Hall.
Posted on September 9, 2011 August 30, 2021 | Thane Himes
E. Dan Dahlberg
Low Frequency Noise in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions and GMR Devices
Speaker: E. Dan Dahlberg, Director of the Magnetic Microscopy Center, College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor, and Professor of Physics, University of Minnesota
Abstract: The low frequency noise in magnetic tunnel junctions has been investigated. When one of the magnetic layers is switching, the magnetic aftereffect can alter the measured spectra and must be taken into account. When the magnetic aftereffect is taken into account, all spectra are consistent with 1/f noise and have magnitudes similar to those found in other magnetic states. Dahlberg and his team do not observe any magnetic contribution to the noise in any of the large area junctions (on the order of 100 microns on a side). At higher frequencies where the noise is frequency independent, the spectra are consistent with Johnson noise calculated for the junction resistance.
Speaker biography: Dahlberg is the director of the Magnetic Microscopy Center, a College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor and professor of physic at the University of Minnesota. His current research interests include the magnetic properties of magnetic thin films, multilayers, and tunnel junctions. His honors include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow of the American Physical Society, George Taylor/ IT Alumni Society Award for Teaching, Distinguished Alumnus for the College of Science at the University of Texas at Arlington, University of Minnesota Outstanding Community Service Award, George Taylor Distinguished Service Award, and elected Distinguished Lecturer for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Magnetics Society. Dahlberg received his bachelor's and Master of Arts degrees in physics from the University of Texas at Arlington, and he received his Master of Science and PhD degrees in physics from UCLA.
An Investigation of Magnetic Reversal at Almost the Nanoscale
Location: Sun Room, Memorial Union
Abstract: One of the current frontiers in magnetism is to understand the domain structure and the magnetization reversal in nanometer sized particles. Explorations at these length scales have been aided by the development of new magnetic imaging techniques, one of which is the magnetic force microscope (MFM), a variant of the atomic force microscope. Dahlberg and his team have utilized the high resolution MFM (30 nanometers) they developed to increase their fundamental understanding of magnetism on this length scale. Dahlberg will discuss the field induced magnetic reversal in stadia shaped particles on the order of hundreds of nanometers wide and about twice that in length. In general, for the small aspect ratio stadia (length to width ratio), the magnetization reverses by the formation of a single vortex and its propagation down the length of a stadium (when the fields are applied perpendicular to the long axis). The surprising discovery is the importance of virtual particles (vortex-antivortex pairs) creation and annihilation in the magnetic reversal in larger aspect ratio stadia.
*Lecture cosponsored by Committee on Lectures (funded by GSB)


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Title: Strychnine Poisoning: Differential Diagnosis
Keywords: strychnine, seizure, tetanus (PubMed Search)
Strychnine poisoning is still occasionally found in rat poisons and in adulterated street drugs and herbal products. The typical symptoms are involuntary, generalized muscular contractions resulting in neck, back, and limb pain. The contractions are easily triggered by trivial stimuli (such as turning on a light) and each episode usually lasts for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, for 12 to 24 hours. Classic signs include opisthotonus, facial trismus, and risus sardonicus.
Differential diagnosis includes:
Tetanus: However, the onset of symptoms is more gradual and the duration much longer than in the case of strychnine poisoning.
Generalized seizures: However, strychnine poisoning presents with a normal sensorium during the period of diffuse convulsions.
Dystonic reaction: However, dystonic reactions are usually static, whereas strychnine poisoning results in dynamic muscular activity.
Serotonin syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Stimulant use
Chan Y. Chapter 112. Strychnine. In: Chan Y, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2011. http://www.accesspharmacy.com/content.aspx?aID=6528306. Accessed May 7, 2013.
Title: Acetaminophen Toxicity - When Should I Consider Liver Transplant?
Keywords: Kings College, apap, acetaminophen (PubMed Search)
If you are working in a community hospital and have an acetaminophen overdose, one of the criteria to transfer the patient to a tertiary care center is presence of the King's College Criteria.
The below is taken from mdcalc.com - http://www.mdcalc.com/kings-college-criteria-for-acetaminophen-toxicity/
Each one is assigned points and can be prognostic for severe toxicity and need for transplant. The lactate and phosphorus are new ones and have modified the criteria. Phosphorus is utilized to create glycogen. If the liver is injured and trying to heal, your phosphorus will be low (good). If the liver is injured and unable to repair itself the phosphorus will be high (bad). This single test has an excellent prognostic ability.
Lactate > 3.5 mg/dL (0.39 mmol/L) 4 hrs after early fluid resuscitation? Yes
pH < 7.30 or lactate > 3 mg/dL (0.33 mmol/L) after full fluid resuscitation at 12 hours Yes
INR > 6.5 (PTT > 100s) Yes
Creatinine > 3.4 mg/dL (300 µmol/L) Yes
Grade 3 or 4 Hepatic Encephalopathy? Yes
Phosphorus > 3.75 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/L) at 48 hours
Title: Ricin - of course
Keywords: Ricin (PubMed Search)
With recent events, a few notes about ricin seems appropriate:
Easy to make from castor bean though heat labile
No antidote, though Fab like digibind is in development
Granule size of the grain of sand can kill
Inhalation, IM, IV all effective
After immediate exposure likely no symptoms
Vomiting and diarrhea initially, acute lung injury and death in 3-5 days
CDC website: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/ricin/
Title: Dexmedetomidine for Cocaine Induced Sympathomimetic Activity?
Keywords: dexmedetomidine, cocaine (PubMed Search)
Cocaine toxicity is characterized by the sympathomimetic toxidrome: tachycardia, hypertension, hyperpyrexia, diaphoresis as well as sodium channel blocking effects that can cause local anesthesia topically, QRS widening and even seizure.
Usual treatment for a cocaine toxic patient is benzodiazepines and cooling. Be wary of end organ damage, trauma and seizures.
There was a recent study that looked at dexmedetomidine to treat the sympathomimetic effects. Placebo-controlled trial used cocaine-addicted volunteer and applied intranasal cocaine. Measuring skin sympathetic nerve activity and skin vascular resistance, this study, unfortunately, showed as the dose increased MAP did not fall further and increased paradoxically in 4 of 12 subjects.
This highlights the incredible physiologic mechanism of catecholamine release from the CNS with cocaine. This mechanism overlaps some with the centrally acting alpha agonist - dexmedetomidine and was shown in the study by Kontak et al.
Dexmedetomidine as a novel countermeasure for cocaine-induced central sympathoexcitation in cocaine-addicted humans.
Kontak AC, Victor RG, Vongpatanasin W.
Hypertension. 2013 Feb;61(2):388-94
Title: Gastric Lavage: Position Paper Update
Keywords: gastric lavage, GI decontamination (PubMed Search)
In 2013, the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists published a second update to their position statement on gastric lavage for GI decontamination (original 1997, 1st update 2004).
Here are the highlights:
Gastric lavage should not be performed routinely, if at all, for the treatment of poisoned patients.
Further, the evidence supporting gastric lavage as a beneficial treatment even in special situations is weak.
In the rare instances in which gastric lavage is indicated, it should only be performed by individuals with proper training and expertise.
Bottom line: Gastric lavage generally causes more harm than good. It should not be thought of as a viable GI decontamination method.
Bonus: Dr. Leon Gussow (@poisonreview) reviews the position paper on his blog, The Poison Review, here: http://www.thepoisonreview.com/2013/02/23/gastric-lavage-fuggedaboutit/
Benson BE, et al. Position paper update: gastric lavage for gastrointestinal decontamination. Clin Toxicol 2013 Feb 18. [Epub ahead of print]
Title: Why is the urine this color?
Keywords: carbon monoxide, rhabdomyolysis, hydroxycobalamin (PubMed Search)
A foley is inserted in a fire victim patient. Urine return is in picture. Describe the reason for this colored urine.
Special Thanks to Dr. Doug Sward for the urine picture
Rhabdomyolysis causes a tea colored urine and can be seen in carbon monoxide poisoning. This picture is NOT from rhabdomyolysis.
In some fires, especially if there was a lactate > 10mmol/L, patients may also suffer from inhaled cyanide poisoning. Adminstration of the cyanide antidote, hydroxycobalamin, will cause an artificial drop in your pulse ox during administration due to the color of the infused liquid. It will, as the picture is showing, also change the color of the urine.
Foley-Sward.jpg (4,224 Kb)
Title: Opioid Withdrawal - What Happens in the Neonate
Keywords: opioid, withdrawal, seizure (PubMed Search)
Typical opioid withdrawal include clinical symtpoms of piloerection, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you were to see seizure, another etiology other than opioid withdrawal should be investigated.
Except in the case of neonates borne to women who have been taking opioids chronically such as a methodone patient. Once the child is born, symptoms of withdrawal may take days to weeks to materialize though seizures typically occur <10 days. The child is at increased risk of SIDS as well.
Title: Antidote Safety in Pregnancy
Keywords: antidote, pregnancy, ethanol, amyl nitrate, methylene blue, penicillamine, lorazepam, diazepam (PubMed Search)
Most antidotes have not been adequately studied in pregancy and hold a Pregnancy Risk Category 'C' by the FDA. However, there are a few antidotes that hold a category 'D' or 'X' rating (contraindicated).
Ethanol (toxic alcohols) - Category C
Reproduction studies have not been conducted with alcohol injection. Ethanol crosses the placenta, enters the fetal circulation, and has teratogenic effects in humans. When used as an antidote during the second or third trimester, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome AS is not likely to occur due to the short treatment period; use during the first trimester is controversial.
Alternative (preferred) antidote: fomepizole.
Methylene blue (methemoglobinemia) - Category X
Use during amniocentesis has shown evidence of fetal abnormalities, but it has been used orally without similar adverse events. IV may be ok.
Lorazepam and diazepam (seizures, nerve agents) - Category D
Teratogenic effects have been observed in some animal studies and in humans. Lorazepam/diazepam and their metabolite cross the human placenta.
Potassium iodide (radioactive iodine) - Category D
Iodide crosses the placenta (may cause hypothyroidism and goiter in fetus/newborn). Use for protection against thyroid cancer secondary to radioactive iodine exposure is considered acceptable based upon risk:benefit, keeping in mind the dose and duration.
Amyl nitrite (cyanide) - Category C (manufacturer contraindicates)
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. Because amyl nitrate significantly decreases systemic blood pressure and therefore blood flow to the fetus, use is contraindicated in pregnancy (per manufacturer).
Other options exist to treat cyanide exposure including sodium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, and hydroxocobalamin.
Penicillamine (chelator) - Category D
In most cases, the benefits of short-term use probably outweigh the risk, especially when accounting for the health and prognosis of the mother.
Lexi-Comp Online, Lexi-Drugs Online, Hudson, Ohio: Lexi-Comp, Inc.; February 14, 2013.
Title: Clenbuterol
Keywords: anabolic, bodybuilding, weightlifting, beta agonist, myocardial infarction (PubMed Search)
Found as adulterant in street drugs
Used in bodybuilding and for weight loss
Long acting beta-2 agonist
Has specific anabolic activity and increases lipolysis
Toxicity presents with tachycardia, palpitations, tremor, and myocardial ischemia
Title: Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy
Keywords: atorvastatin, acetylcysteine (PubMed Search)
There have been many attempts to reduce the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy. Mechanism usually centers around antioxidant properties or free radical scavengers that prevent the acute kidney injury that may result after intravenous contrast. IV Fluid hydration, sodium bicarbonate and acetycysteine have been studied with only some evidence. There is also some controversial data that is beginning to surface regarding the use of atorvastatin with a recent article in Circulation 2012 that showed high dose atorvastatin (80mg) 24 hrs prior to angiography prevented contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with mild to medium risk. Link to article has been provided:
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/126/25/3008
Title: Toxin-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis
Keywords: cyclophosphamide (PubMed Search)
Cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis is a well known to oncologists. This unique complication of this chemotherapeutic drug has a defined mechanism and could be seen in your Emergency Department.
- Hemorrhagic cystitis occurs in 46% of patients that receive cyclophosphamide
- Can occur even months after administration
- 5% can actually die from the hemorrhage
- Treatment: Bladder irrigation, hydration, supportive. Oral adminsitration of MESNA (2mercaptoethan sulfonate) and bladder irrigation with prostaglandins and even methylene blue have been attempted.
Title: Hyponatremia and SSRIs
Keywords: Ssri, Hyponatremia (PubMed Search)
SSRIs and SNRIs like venlafaxine and sertraline are well known to cause hyponatremia. Usually considered safe, this adverse drug event can lead to weakness, confusion, seizure and even cerebral edema. Elderly are more susceptible to this adverse effect.
ADH is regulated by serotonin and thus the mechanism for the Hyponatremia is SIADH.
Tolvaptan, a vasopressin receptor antagonist, has been a new treatment that has been used anecdotally in Europe. Waiting for the first US case report.
[A case of venlafaxine-induced syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH) - treatment with tolvaptan].
Meyer I, Frank D, Janssens U.
Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2012 May;137(21):1096-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1305012. Epub 2012 May 15. German.
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Related citations
[Tolvaptan in antidiuretic hormone secretion syndrome secondary to treatment with citalopram].
Pinal-Fernández I, Segura-García A.
Rev Clin Esp. 2011 Oct;211(9):491-2. doi: 10.1016/j.rce.2011.02.012. Epub 2011 Apr 30. Spanish. No abstract available.
Title: False-Positive Methadone from Tapentadol
Keywords: tapentadol, methadone, false positive, urine toxicology (PubMed Search)
Several medications can produce a false-positive result for methadone on the urine drug screen: diphenhydramine, doxylamine, clomipramine, chlorpromazine, quetiapine, thioridazine, and verapamil.
Add a new one to the list. Tapentadol, a relatively new opioid analgesic similar to tramadol, can also produce a false-positive result for methadone on certain immunoassays.
A separate study concluded that tapentadol does not affect the amphetamine screen.
Brahm NC, Yeager LL, Fox MD, et al. Commonly prescribed medications and potential false-positive urine drug screens. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2010;67(16):1344-50. [PMID 20689123]
Collins AA, Merritt AP, Bourland JA. Cross-reactivity of tapentadol specimens with DRI methadone enzyme immunoassay. J Anal Toxicol 2012;36(8):582-7. [PMID 22879537]
Tang S, Mullins ME, Braun BM, et al. Can tapentadol cause a false-positive urine drug screen for amphetamine? Clin Toxicol 2012;50(10):1174-5. [PMID 23088194]
Title: Performance Enhancing Drugs: creatine
Keywords: creatine, supplement, weight lifting (PubMed Search)
is the most popular nutritional supplement, accounting for $400 million in sales annually
a nonessential amino acid
has been shown to improve performance in short, high intensity exercises, including weight lifting
Adverse effects: weight gain, edema, GI cramping, fatigue and diarrhea
Dandoy C, Gereige RS. Performance-Enhancing Drugs. Pediatrics in Review June 2012;33(6):265-72.
Title: Topical ketamine for chronic pain syndromes
Keywords: ketamine, pain (PubMed Search)
Despite a paucity of data, pain management clinics are administering topical gel mixtures that have included ketamine, tricyclics, calcium channel blockers and baclofen. Internet blogs have already identified this gel mixture as a way to "get high". This is one of those google searches you have to do on your own.
1: Lynch ME, Clark AJ, Sawynok J, Sullivan MJ. Topical 2% amitriptyline and 1%  ketamine in neuropathic pain syndromes: a randomized, double-blind,  placebo-controlled trial. Anesthesiology. 2005 Jul;103(1):140-6.     2: Lynch ME, Clark AJ, Sawynok J. A pilot study examining topical amitriptyline, ketamine, and a combination of both in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Clin J Pain. 2003 Sep-Oct;19(5):323-8.    3: Uzaraga I, Gerbis B, Holwerda E, Gillis D, Wai E. Topical amitriptyline,  ketamine, and lidocaine in neuropathic pain caused by radiation skin reaction: a pilot study. Support Care Cancer. 2012 Jul;20(7):1515-24.
Title: Holiday Toxicology
Keywords: poinsettia (PubMed Search)
Myth: The ornamental red plant - poinsettia - gained a reputation as a poisonous plant from a case report. In 1919, a 2-year-old child reportedly died from an ingestion and later an 8-month-old developed mucosal burns. These anectdotal case reports perpetuated the myth that poinsettia plants are poisonous. In the modern literature there is one single case of anaphylaxis(1) due to poinsettia ingestion/exposure, an allergic dermatitis(2) and one case of dermatitis(4).
Krenzelok et al.(3) showed there were 22,793 cases of poinsettia exposure and there were no fatalities reported to poison centers. 96.1% were kept at home without sequelae.
1: Kimata H. Anaphylaxis by poinsettia in infants with atopic eczema. Allergy.  2007 Jan;62(1):91-2.     2: Bala TM, Panda M. No poinsettia this Christmas. South Med J. 2006  Jul;99(7):772-3.    3: Krenzelok EP, Jacobsen TD, Aronis JM. Poinsettia exposures have good  outcomes...just as we thought. Am J Emerg Med. 1996 Nov;14(7):671-4.     4: Edwards N. Local toxicity from a poinsettia plant: a case report. J Pediatr.1983 Mar;102(3):404-5.
Title: Lesser Known Causes of Toxin-Induced Hyperthermia
Keywords: aspirin, salicylate, thyroid, levothyroxine, hyperthermia, isoniazid, theophylline (PubMed Search)
The more well known causes of toxin-induced hyperthermia include sympathomimetics and anticholinergics. In addition, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome, and malignant hyperthermia are high on the differential.
Several other xenobiotics can cause hyperthermia in overdose as well:
Salicylates and dinitrophenol cause hyperthermia by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation.
Thyroid medications cause hyperthermia via thyroid hormone's thermogenic effect and psychomotor agitation. Hyperthermia can be extreme (>106°F, >41°C).
Caffeine/theophylline, isoniazid, and strychnine cause hyperthermia through refractory seizures and muscle contraction. Highest temp recorded with strychnine is (109.4°F, 43°C).
In general, benzodiazepines should be considered first-line therapy, followed by barbiturates, propofol, or other sedative hypnotics. Phenytoin rarely has a role in the management of toxin-induced seizures. Extrenal cooling measures are also warranted. Specifically for isoniazid, pyridoxine should be administered immediately with a benzodiazepine.
Levy RP, Gilger WG. Acute thyroid poisoning. N Engl J Med. 1957;256:459-460.
Boyd RE, Brennan PT, Deng JF, Rochester DF, Spyker DA. Strychnine poisoning. Recovery from profound lactic acidosis, hyperthermia, and rhabdomyolysis. Am J Med. 1983;74:507-12.
Title: CT Findings of Tox Cases
Keywords: CT, carbon monoxide, cyanide (PubMed Search)
It is not often that a CT will be able to give you a hint to a toxicologic diagnosis. The following are CT findings that are either suggestive and even sometimes almost diagnostic for a given to toxin:
1) Intraparenchymal or Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: sympathomimetics or mycotic anuerysm rupture secondary to IV drug abuse
2) Basal Ganglia bilateral focal necrosis: characteristic of carbon monoxide, cyanide, hydrogen sulfide and even methanol
3) Severe advanced atrophy out of proportion for age: alcoholism, toluene
Adapted from Goldfranks Textbook of Toxicologic Emergencies 8th edition, p.82 Table 6-5.
Title: Use of haloperidol in PCP-intoxicated patients (submitted by Ashleigh Lowery, PharmD)
Keywords: PCP, phencyclidine, haloperidol (PubMed Search)
Patients who are intoxicated with, or emerging from, phencyclidine (PCP) highs present with acute agitation that can be challenging to treat
Risks of physical restraints for combative patients include injury, hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis, and increased agitation or excited delirium
Haloperidol is an option for chemical restraint that is typically safe and rapid acting
Some concerns related to haloperidol use in PCP-intoxicated patients include worsened PCP-induced hyperthermia, dystonic or anticholinergic reactions, lower seizure threshold, and hypotension
A recent retrospective case series assessed the frequency of adverse effects from the combination of PCP and haloperidol
Of 59 cases, only two patients experienced an adverse reaction, and neither could be conclusively linked to haloperidol administration
This analysis had several major limitations including retrospective design for identifying adverse reactions, potential for false positive PCP screens, and possible haloperidol administration more than 24 hours after PCP intoxication
Bottom Line
While haloperidol may be safe for agitated PCP-intoxicated patients, this paper adds nothing to refute or support its use. Benzodiazepines and calm environment are still first-line therapy.
It should be noted that no data exist showing poor outcomes in PCP-intoxicated patients administered haloperidol, which begs the question "Is there even an issue?" Dr. Leon Gussow, author of The Poison Review, provides a nice answer and summary of the article here.
MacNeal JJ, et al. Use of haloperidol in PCP-intoxicated individuals. Clin Toxicol 2012;50:851-3.
Gussow L. The Poison Review. http://www.thepoisonreview.com/2012/11/07/is-haloperidol-dangerous-in-pcp-associated-agitation-a-non-answer-to-a-non-problem/ Accessed Nov 8, 2012.
Title: Contaminated Steroid Ingestion - What is The Cost of Tx?
Keywords: voriconazole (PubMed Search)
As everyone knows by now the New England Compounding Company has been implicated in contaminated steroid vials that were used for epidural injections. Patients that have pleocytosis on CSF after lumber puncture will be admitted and started on liposomal amphotericin B and IV voriconozaole.
IV Voriconazole Adverse Effects:
Vivid visual hallucinations
Visual Disturbances - 30 min after administration: Blurry, photosensitivity
Hepatotoxitcity
Photoxicity - associated with increased risk of squamous cell CA of the skin

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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The Charms of Family Rest Stops are Gone.
I've just returned from a family road trip along a stretch of Canada's busiest highway: the 401 between Montreal and Toronto. As a child I made this journey several times, it used to be 550 kilometers (342 miles) of peaks and valleys of boredom and intrigue. Now it's a trip through the Twilight Zone.
Growing up, my only first cousins lived in Toronto. While I couldn't wait to visit them - they were a decade older than me, and as such commanded a fair bit of hero worship - the drive west would inspire only dread. Were we two adults and four children travelling before the era of mini-vans and portable DVDs. We were six people in a sedan, with luggage filling the trunk, and nothing more than a colouring book and a Star Wars figurine each to keep us occupied for the six-hour trip. My sister and I are the youngest, which meant she was sandwiched in the front between my parents (remember the joys of bench seating?), and I was shoulder to shoulder with my two older brothers in the back. As the youngest, we were always forced to sit in the middle since we were also the shortest; this meant our little legs were the most suited to dealing with the exhaust hump running down the middle of the car. The middle position of my family's sedan made flying economy feel like napping in a Barcalounger. Not only was the seat itself cramped, but while my brothers could rest their heads and pillows against the windows, when I dozed off my head would loll against one of their bony shoulders, only to be unwelcomingly shrugged back towards the middle of the vehicle; there were no headrests of consequence.
All this to say: I really looked forward to those rest stops.
We almost never stopped for fast food. My whine of "I'm hungry" was often met with an offer of fruit. Great; only 437 kms and four peaches to go. Every hundred kilometres or so, there were rest areas; a place to park the car and make use of relatively clean washrooms, picnic tables and a set of monkey bars. In between each of those was a service centre equipped with a saucer-shaped fast-food restaurant (usually Kentucky Fried Chicken or burger joint), and a Texaco gas station. We would only stop for gas, having already consumed our apples at the park thirty-minutes earlier.
Each of these stops had it's own examples of uniquely grungy features; rust around the supports of the UFO-shaped KFC, an overflowing garbage can (showing evidence of all the yummy pre-packaged treats being eaten by the other kids in the other cars) in the playground, and a huge RV with a California licence plate at the Texaco station. That was then.
The Road Trip - Present Day.
This corridor has recently undergone an overhaul. Imagine taking your favourite wrinkly, tie-died t-shirt, soaking it in bleach until it is as pristine as a sheet of loose leaf paper, and then ironing it until it has the smoothness of a bowling alley. It is now just one of a billion white t-shirts being churned out for pennies a day, and sold in packages of three at department stores. Welcome to the Montreal-Toronto stretch of the 401, version 2.0. All the picnic areas have been removed, the Texaco's dismantled, and the UFO design launched space-ward. In their places: ON Route.
These fourteen new service centres are immaculate, modern, and well thought-out. Each offers washrooms with the latest no-touch flush, and wash and dry technologies, efficient fast-food services, and a convenience store for the health-conscious traveller (one can even purchase a pair of hard-boiled eggs, already peeled and vacuum-packed!). They are also all...identical.
At first, after a hundred kms or so, the initial ON Route is a welcome site. It's bright, it housed an Ontario Tourist Information Centre, in which an attendant offered my son a free map of the province, and both kids spent several minutes at the Airblade Xlerator Hand Dryer in the bathroom. But after two more hours in the car, we came upon another ON Route - identical to the last. Not just similar in colour scheme and structure; identical. Same building, same physical landscaping, same geography in the parking lot, same layout in the bathroom. My son was the first to speak: "Why are we driving in circles?" My daughter was soon to follow: "Weren't we here already?"
Fast forward three hours: another ON Route, same as the last one. This time, even I checked the odometer to make sure we had been moving, and then the nearest exit sign to make sure we had been moving in some westerly direction. Not only was the space unchanged, but it seemed the people were also as unvaried from ON Route to ON Route. A family or two with a crying infant, a family or two with a couple of wild pre-teens, a couple of retirees, and a couple of couples on their own. The entire trip had been Groundhog Day'd.
Before leaving on the road trip, my mother was agog at the fourteen tons of bags, toys, suitcases, and paraphernalia stacked by the front door, ready to be stuffed into the rear of the vehicle.
She reminded me how our family would make the same trip, with fifty-percent more passengers, and less than half the stuff.
Fortunately, we do live in an era of mini-vans, portable DVDs, and bags full of activities to keep the kids busy. It behoves us to keep things changing inside the vehicle as it travels along Canada's busiest stretch of road, since someone is seeing to it the stretch of road itself doesn't change at all.


Friday dawned early! But we did not have to get there as early as other days (like Saturday, when Fritz and Wren had a workshop on Paganism in Cyberspace), so took our time with the shopping that morning.
Wren: Good excuse, Peg. Fact is that we were all for sleeping in a bit after staying up so late so as not to miss a note of the impromptu bardic tent circle.
Peg: I wandered back to the Waterhawks' campsite, where as usual there was some talking, some drumming, and some snacking going on. That day began what became our daily afternoon food ritual: serving cut celery and tortilla chips with dip, with Renee and I each having a Pete's Wicked Strawberry Blonde to go with it. People would come and go and snack with us, or shop for beautiful Waterhawk ritual objects, or drum a bit. The afternoon sun shone warm and strong each day, but we were comfortable under the shady awning, with the breeze off the pond behind us.
I am having trouble now even remembering what I did during the day on Friday...but I imagine some sort of workshop occurred...as well as a noon concert with the great Darragh Nagle...and finally, the Main Ritual.
Wren: Well nice to know that my "Humor-The Other Magickal Tool" workshop made such an impression! But the main ritual certainly is something that we will remember for a long time.
Peg: Like the fall ritual, this was based on traditional native teachings, made accessible by the creative powers of communication of Don and Daniella.. As with the fall ritual, four young elders were chosen to assist with grounding the ritual's magical working...then, they received the wishes of the participants in the form of whispered wishes into gourds which were then burned--appropriate for the time of dormancy and inward thoughts of winter...this time, they received them as shell/seeds which were then planted for ripening and fruition.
Another interesting parallel: in the fall ritual, the men danced around the outer circle, with the women facing them, their backs to the fire. In this way, the women's faces could not be seen, even as we could see the men; so greeting and acknowledging our brothers was difficult; but the magic came when this allowed the mystery of women's ways to be exulted and recognized by the men. In spring, the roles were reversed: the women were to face the inner circle, and supposedly we would not see the men's faces...ah, but something happened! There was more light this time! More people than usual were camped near the ritual fire circle, as well as some small electrical lights that had been installed. Partway through, when it seemed the lights were too bright, I asked Rowan if we could turn them off. Still, the light of the moon and nearby twinkly lights allowed us to see the men's faces, to meet their eyes.
The guys sure looked like they were into it and they seemed to be very pleased to be interacting with their bright eyed pagan sisters.
After the ritual ended and the wonderful dancing and drumming ceased temporarily, everyone got ready for that evening's musical performance.
Wren: Flushed from the drumming, dancing and all of the warm hugging, we sat for a spell at the campsite. Isaac wandered in for a 'bit of a nip' and passersby hailed us as they bustled to and fro from their sites to change clothes and get ready to party down at the concert. They were not going to be disappointed.
Peg: First was Dana Davis, who is a very high caliber performer with incredible songwriting talent. She even dedicated a song to me, which was very touching: an a cappella love song based on the music of Thomas Campion, a medieval composer/poet. When she finished, to the loud cheers of all gathered, there was a short break and Dream Trybe began playing. This band is so good there really are not words to describe it. And while last fall, only a few "die hards" were there dancing from the very beginning, this time, the dance floor filled up on the first song! And it continued...they also added some fire magic to a couple of songs, clearing the dance floor to make room. At one point a fire baton was dropped near a small girl and there was some momentary panic. But she was not hurt, and once everyone was reassured the performance went on, with impressive fire magic from Julie and Amber.
Wren: All they needed was those white pony boots to complete the picture. If you aren't old enough to remember white pony boots, then you'll have a clue as to why I wasn't up there with them!
Peg: Everyone I saw was flushed and sweating and allowing the music to transform them to another place and time...no surprise there.
Wren: But not before we experienced firsthand the unselfish love that the pagan community can generate for a cause that they believe in. The semi-annual auction this time out was dedicated to raising funds for-The Witches; Voice! You could have bowled us over with a crow feather. TWV barely breaks even every month and this month we are paying the operating costs from our personal funds. This very generous gift will enable us to send a donation to help rebuild the pavilion at Camp Gaia. Thank you to all who donated items and bid on them. Any donations from this fund that TWV sends out with be sent on behalf of 'The Generous Pagan Community Assembled at PhoenixPhyre 2000.' Thank you, thank you, thank you!


Advancing medical technology is not necessarily entirely a good thing.
A lot of politics seems to be about how to get other peoples' money spent on your own desires.
Sadly, lawmakers don't seem to understand the effects of the laws that they pass.
Excellent! They've worked out how swine flu spreads.
Poor Yazzmonster, she's so upset over recent events.
And finally, what colour is this revolution? Fuschia perhaps?


text:
Maliki accuses Saudi Arabia of "genocide"
June 17, 2014 Number9	Leave a comment
Maliki accuses Saudi Arabia of genocide.
Now, ask yourself:
1. In the culture of the region, is this possibly an effective call for action?
2. Or, as it would probably be regarded in Western culture, is it an attempt to exculpate one's self?
Add your conclusion to your assessment of Maliki's personality.
Also interesting is the boycott of the Sunni political block. Does this imply that a defacto partition is in the offing?
Edit: I had to add something:
3. A justification for something, as in, "You made me do it."
You want to understand Iraq?
You want to? Here's your first assignment, which will help you develop your prediction super-powers:
Write a character sketch of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. If the thought frees you up, pretend that you've gotten to know him as his biographer. Or that he's your uncle. You may fill in the personal details with fiction that helps you construct the mental image; whatever works for you. Once you've got it down:
1. Use/test the result on Iraq's current situation. How did his personality contribute?
2. Make an estimate as to how flexible he is, and how quickly he can adapt. Every person has a characteristic rate.
Wondering when or whether the U.S. Cavalry will drop from the skies is not productive, but understanding the main characters will keep you ahead of the pack.
Never be loyal to yourself
Crowd-sourcing intelligence was the idea behind the IARPA initiative that funded FWE.org, "Forecasting World Events."
A crowdsourced prediction is that of a large group of unqualified people (henceforth referred to as "idiots"), what may be no more than feelings and whims are tallied day by day. The prediction is the outcome to a question worded something like,
"What are the chances that Moody's will upgrade Tunisia's bond rating by October, 2014?"
If you are one of the idiots trying to guess the answer, you enter a percentage into a box, and a little pie-chart on your screen is updated. You can do this as often as you like. Daily, a computer grinding away in a back room somewhere adds up how often you feel one way or the other. The secret formula to be discovered by the researchers is how to weigh the opinions of all the idiots to come up with an accuracy rating that beats the experts.
The C.I.A. was interested in this, because they have a large staff of professional analysts who should provide a better product.
A few individuals, also idiots, had individual abilities that were about as good as all the idiots summed together by secret formulas. For example, I was able to answer a similar question about Tunisian bond ratings. I did this by getting into the head of a hypothetical bond rater, imagining his disgust at all the numbers in the face of a volatile situation, and made a decision based on sentiment, not financial facts.
The reason this works so well so often is that people have processes that they use to bolster their decisions, but in many cases yield to sentiment. The intuition of that particular question has to do with anticipating when that occurs.
Because a crowd-sourcing participant does not make a face-to-face presentation, or write a report, one can change one's mind on a whim. One can wind-mill without embarrassment, following the breeze of one's mood and thoughts.
If you were in a situation where people were relying on you for guidance, this lack of consistency would not inspire confidence. So inspiring confidence is in opposition to being an accurate predictor. Ergo, never be loyal to yourself.
How do we solve this problem?
Obama threatens air strikes: reading between the lines
This is not in any way a deprecation of President Obama's response to the Iraq crisis. It is simply a very juicy an opportunity to illuminate news interpretation, and I don't think any jihadists read this blog anyway.
Preparing target lists for modern, smart munitions is a complex task, involving choice of delivery systems, logistics, aerial surveillance, and much number crunching of target coordinates. It also requires knowing where the friendlies, i.e., the Iraqi Army, are located, which, owing to the rout, is not currently known.
Normally, it's a terrible mistake to telegraph a punch. Why give the jihadists a chance to get their MANPADs on their shoulders? Why clue them to watch the sky?
A reasonable deduction from Obama's threat is that the the situation is so fluid, it is not currently known where to conduct airstrikes, and that the conditions of the second paragraph have not been satisfied.
The Number "7"
An FWE question was posed, "Will [specified news media] report by [specified date] that chemical weapons were used in Syria.
At the time, there was speculation that either the regime would go chemical, because the war was going against them, or that the insurgents would capture weapons and use them against the regime.
Based upon a simple analogy with the adage, "money burns a hole in the pocket", I predicted "yes." This was not reported by the specified media within the specified time frame, so I lost the question. Later, some media reports retroactively supported my prediction.
I was intensely searching for clues, ie., studying the media. The following sequence of reports was noted:
1. In December 2012, the regime claimed that while they had not used chemical weapons, seven soldiers (7, make note of the number) were killed by chemical agents used by the rebels. This was not corroborated by any visual observations or independent reportage.
2. A few days later, the rebels reported that seven (note the number) of their number had been killed in a chemical weapons attack. This was accompanied by visuals of bodies and patients receiving treatment.
If the occurrence of (1) had been after (2), the explanation would be simple: a regime fabrication to dilute the impact of the the rebels claim. But the reports were dated in the reverse order.
This is not an indication of an elaborate conspiracy. For all practical purposes, broad, hidden conspiracies do not exist. The conspiracy-minded make terrible predictors. Since chemical weapons cannot be calibrated to kill exactly seven people, there is obvious fabrication. But I never formed an opinion about who authored this fabrication. Nor did I bother myself with exactly how false it was.
The importance of noticing this kind of incongruity is as a check on the general reliability of the reportage. It's like tugging on a rope to make sure it's tied to something firm. Over time, integrated with other piecemeal disclosures, discrepancies can acquire unexpected importance. This did not, which leaves it an excellent example of a reliability check.
Another adage comes to mind: Waste not, want not. There is more to be gleaned. Fabrications are a form of propaganda, and the kind of propaganda hints at how close or distant a culture is from the Western viewpoint. The authors have a poetic, mystical, hyperbolic mode of expression, which could confuse the literal-minded Westerner, even one who already has experience with the Goebbels variety.
Half in jest, look for the number seven.
Thailand/Egypt/Ukraine & moral foreign policy
The Thai military coup is the 13th since 1932. The rich/poor split manifests itself in the desire of the poor to be governed by the sister of a crook. On the part of the rich, there seems to be excessive faith in "trickle-up economics" [sic]. Centrifugal forces in Thailand are a triptych of rich/poor, ethnic, and geography, with the thin Malay peninsula a barrier to mobility compared to a more convex geography. There is no mathematical formula for stability, but this is not it.
Egypt has a reasonable geography, a unique form of economic concentration based on the military which might be oligarchic if we could peer inside it, and a military with an Ergenekon myth. But it culturally coheres, with a shared vision of positive change, absent in Thailand, possibly nascent in Ukraine. Why? Is it the Nile, or 5K years of civilization?
Ukraine has a convex geography, an ethnic split, and a baronial economic landscape. However, this is different from Russia, where the oligarchs actually govern. Referring to the overt corruption of Ukraine's recent elects, Putin has referred to the political system as "immature." While we in the West might like to tar both with the same brush, the distinction is real. In Russia, corruption is rife. In Ukraine, it is rifer — until now.
Thailand and Egypt have military midwives, for whom we hope the best and fear the worst. Ukraine is potentially a modern miracle, though Putin still hopes for disintegration so he can grab a piece.
SInce the Boland Amendment, which took some momentum from revelations about the Allende assassination, and the following Iran-Contra Affair, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, Section 508, has actually been followed more in substance than breech. It requires that aid be cut to any country "whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree."
The zeitgeist of the times is more important than the text, with the E.U. even more squeaky clean in protection of democracy than the U.S. Recently topical are the "Gas Queen" of the Ukraine, and Thaksin's sister. Both are women, and both are dubious. Who says there's a glass ceiling? (That was a joke. Please don't jump on it.)
Now we come to the moral question. With a Cold War heritage of evil proxies, the U.S., with admirable intent, codified U.S. foreign policy on a higher moral plane. More recently, potential midwives to social evolution have emerged, along with the immediately condemnable. Is it possible to codify a more flexible, moral response than Section 508 ? Can we discriminate between the two? Could the legal approach be replaced by doctrine?
Two current events embody the dilemma:
Patrick Leahy has blocked aid to Egypt.
Thai military receive China support.
The Thai issue bears strongly on the viability of Obama's "tilt toward Asia", although that is questionable for other reasons.
Notes about Putin
In his Mémorial de Sainte Hélène, v. 4, p. 133, Napoleon said, "I may have had many projects, but I never was free to carry out any of them. It did me little good to be holding the helm; no matter how strong my hands, the sudden and numerous waves were stronger still, and I was wise enough to yield to them rather than resist them obstinately and make the ship founder. Thus I never was truly my own master but was always ruled by circumstances."
Unfortunately for the West, Putin, who reads widely, seems inspired by Napoleon. In the sense of Napoleon, the victim wins. While the collegial style of Western democracy creates inertia, Putin is answerable only to the Russian oligarchs.
This flexibility, and relative lack of inertia, means the game in the Ukraine is not decided in favor of the West. If Putin can create conditions on the ground that can serve as a distorted justification for occupation, Russian troops will move. Bit unlike the tin-pot dictator, which Putin is not, he is not beholden to personal grandiosity. So there is nothing in his personality that implies he will do this.
An old communist joke explains our irritation. It is intentional. A poor peasant, sick of living in his hut with his pig, asks the commissar for permission to build a pig sty. The commissar replies, "I order you to take the chickens into your hut." The next week, the peasant approaches the commissar again. "I cannot bear this. Please let me put the chickens in the yard." The commissar now commands the peasant to take the cow into his hut.
A week later, the peasant, going out of his mind, begs the commissar for relief. The commissar tells him he can remove the cow and chickens from his hut. The peasant falls to his knees and kisses the commissar's boots in gratitude.
There will come a point when Putin has extracted as many concessions as a mad dentist. He will turn the gas back on. From our side, there will be a sanctions deal. We will call it a draw. Putin will call it a win.
Note the assumption that the gas will be turned off. If the sanctions become too painful, he will stop the flow. The existing sanctions may be a sufficient trigger, depending upon their cumulative impact.
The Obama administration and NATO have coped well with Putin's false flag ops involving Russian paramilitaries. Particularly impressive has been the West's use of preemptive propaganda, most of it white, some slightly darker in color. But our hand has some strategic vulnerabilities in the area of gas supplies.
Chaos in Iraq
The news accents the military disaster in Iraq.
The problem is actually political. Shiite soldiers are posted to Sunni areas. The inhabitants regard them with, at best, suspicious neutrality. The psychological strain of a hostile or indifferent civilian population is well known to us from Afghanistan. If Iraq had been constituted in a way that fostered a shared sense of nationhood and patriotism, it would not be vulnerable to a splinter group of fanatics.
The map tells the story. Iraq is surrounded by nations with good internal control, and good control over their borders. The insurgents don't even have a land bridge to an ally interested in destabilizing the country. To the north of the insurgents is the powerful, well organized Kurdish autonomous region. To the south lies the Shiite heartland.
This is a zero knowledge prediction, based solely on human nature. The situation will slide downwards for four to six months. A temporary alliance of the three interested parties will form: Kurds, Shiites, and Sunni tribesmen. With great cost of life, the situation will resolve in their favor. Then bickering will resume.
In the short term, elements of Iran's Republican Guard will probably integrate silently into the Iraqi Army to serve as stiffeners. After the conflict resolves, they will add to the cadre of sleeper agents.
The Nine-Dotted Line
This is based upon a line of reasoning dating to 1994, when Bill Clinton granted China Most Favored Nation trade status. I am an admirer of Bill Clinton. Perhaps, in the years the followed, and in the subsequent administration, trade policy should have received periodic, significant modifications.
Let's do a back-of-the-envelope calculation of China's claims of the East and South China Seas, denoted by the Nine Dotted Line.
1. By 2020, China will have thoroughly encroached upon the claimed maritime exclusive economic zones, "EEZs" of neighboring states.
2. By 2025, China will exercise full sovereignty over the area, in the form of seizures of assets of other nations that attempt economic exploitation, with ship seizures used as an instrument of foreign policy.
3. The Senkaku Islands will border this zone, and their fate constitutes an instability, a "tipping zone" into a new regime of thought by the nations of the area.
The output of papers within the defense/ intelligence communities must be enormous, with detailed analysis of trade and military balances. But this is not the key to the problem. Here is a rule for dissecting complex problems that seems particularly useful in this case:
*Rule: Try to transform a complex problem into an equivalent problem that is simpler to think about.*
There's an analogy from formal logic, of equivalence classes. If the two outcomes are tied inextricably, they are equivalent. One dictates the other. The proposed equivalent problem is:
"Do the nationalities of Southeast Asia like each other?" Or, more formally, "Is there a pan-Southeast Asian identity?"
The answer is, no. In the West, multiculturalism is a good thing. In Southeast Asia, it is a bad thing. As Westerners, we are mainly acquainted with the attitudes of Asians toward us, and us towards them. But we are unacquainted with how they regard each other. The IARPA "Metaphors" program may address this area, but it is unclear whether policymakers really understand how it impacts the possible paths of U.S. policy.
The consequence for U.S. strategies to glue East Asia into a counterbalance to China are severe. Each of the involved countries, which China has historically regarded as vassal states, have more trade with China than the U.S.
The odd-man-out, with a strong cultural affinity, is Australia. But it is at the end of a very long string. China is their largest trade partner. The result may be a "stiff-but-weak" alignment with the U.S.
Perhaps the U.S. should attempt to draw the line of influence further back. The backing off of U.S. power, in the form of naval assertion, has been a reactive process. For example, the Zumwalt class destroyer was originally intended to be survivable in China's littoral zone. Occasionally, the phrase "control China" surfaced. It's embarrassing that it could have been part of the plan. Backing off should not be reactive. It should be strategic.
As Henry Kissinger remarked, no one expected China to rise so fast. There seems to be a blindness of recent memory that augers a blindness of the near future.
How to be a good predictor ???
The purpose of this blog is to share my skills in predicting world events. But I've never articulated what these skills are, even to myself. In the past, one would spend a long time in deep thought, and when it was all figured out, write a book.
But this is a new, collaborative age. So as new insights occur, pages that you might expect to be static will change. This will come about in response to your questions, and continuing introspection.
The question marks signify that this is a work in progress. It may never be "done."


Convicted Lockerbie Bomber Probably Not Guilty—So Who Is the Real Criminal?.
There is more to this story than we are being told. Why does mainstream media not probe further for the truth?
Yesterday I again heard that Gadaffi got what was coming to him for his role in ordering the Lockerbie bombing! It amazes me that people are prepared to believe whatever they are told by Governments and mainstream media and look no further.


Do try 'Beetroot Vegetable Chop' served on upma bed with feta cheese raita and parmesan crispies.
Marrying unique flavours in delightful presentation with quirky elements all around, this rooftop restaurant delivers complete entertainment with good food. Park yourself in a casual seating at the lower or upper deck of the terrace and enjoy the city view as well as the live screening of sports on big TV projector. A bucket of beer ie a big wooden barrel filled with beer bottles and plenty of ice with 'Chakna Wheel' (a choice of several munchy items like jhalmuri, masala peanut, etc) and 'Pitara' (varieties of papad, parmesan crisps, karari roti strips, etc with six types of dips), make for a perfect start of the meal. The eclectic menu includes signature dishes like 'Jar Potatoes' (roasted baby potatoes tossed in harissa sauce), 'Corn Bhel' – a mix of corn kernels, tortilla chips and papdi in a brilliant imli chutney; and 'Karari Roti'- crispy large kadahi shaped roti sprinkled with olive oil, topped with chopped tomato onion. Other favourites with guests here are the Naan Pizza, Old Delhi's paratheywali gali inspired parathas, Spaghetti Chettinad, Punjabi Penne Makhni and Tandoori Chicken Wings Skewer. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Vegetable khichra Risotto' – perfect synergy of khichdi and risotto flavours. 'Anda Paratha' is an absolute must-try as it comes hot and crisp in a special way with lip-smacking accompaniments. End on a sweet note with, parle-G cheesecake served with rabri. Wind up your meal with hand beaten homemade style hot coffee. Or go for cold coffee and see how it sparkles when uniquely presented.


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Francis Seymour-Conway may refer to:

 Francis Seymour-Conway, 1st Baron Conway (1679–1732), Member of Parliament for Bramber
 Francis Seymour-Conway, 1st Marquess of Hertford (1718–1794), Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Lord Chamberlain
 Francis Ingram-Seymour-Conway, 2nd Marquess of Hertford (1743–1822), Chief Secretary for Ireland and Lord Chamberlain
 Francis Seymour-Conway, 3rd Marquess of Hertford (1777–1842), Vice-Chamberlain of the Household

See also
 Francis Seymour (disambiguation)
 Francis Conway (disambiguation)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
class Distortion < ActiveRecord::Base
	has_many :logs
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Are you ready? To take charge of your life, to take charge of your health, to get financial freedom and freedom of your time? If this sounds appealing, I want to do it WITH YOU!
Network Marketing might sound scary to you because of a number of reasons, but don't be afraid! BECAUSE I am here to help!
I have over 15 years of selling experience, as a business owner and in corporate sales, where I OUTSOLD & OUTPERFORMED everyone on my team. I have been selected for awards given to the top 0.01% of sales leaders and received special rewards for my achievements. Needless to say, I know sales.
If Network Marketing is scary to you, I can take the fears away. If you don't think you can sell, I can teach you ways that feels comfortable for you! Network Marketing is a powerful vehicle that will allow you to take charge of you life – whatever YOU want to create YOU can! I will teach you how to grow your Essential Oil business from the ground up teaching you the tips and tricks I have learned over the years.
Join me and let's go it TOGETHER!
PLEASE COMPLETE THE MENTORSHIP APPLICATION BELOW!
In one sentence, tell us why you are fit for this opportunity?
Share 1 goal you have for your life and business in 2018?
On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest), how important is it to make a career change?


Home decorators collection bathroom vanities inspirational 39. Home decorators collection 37 in w marble single basin vanity top. Home decorators collection bathroom vanity popular double modern. Home decorators collection in vanity cabinet coffee 19dvsdb tops.


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Q: Automate checking user submitted files Since last few days, I'm facing some problem. It's about response to 100 users. Situation goes like this. On one end there are 100 user, each user has unique ID. User is supposed to submit one file to server/mail. At receivers end, someone has to check whether submitted file is in particular format or not. I want to automate to this process, starting from server/mailbox where some script should download submitted file, check it and store result in some output file. Can we setup some server on unix machine?can we use some mailbox to which people can send files in the form of an email?
Please suggest some solution.

A: Yes you can, there are plenty of options like:

*

*Setup procmail to run arbitrary scripts/commands received on your inbox, needs server support though

*Use something like lamson to create a python application managing emails, you need to forward emails to your lamson server though

*Create filters directly within your Mailserver to filter and control your messages

*Create new sieve plugin for filtering your mails.

*Create a program regularly accessing the mailbox via IMAP/pop3/mbox… working with the received emails

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Evelyn is a Texas native who lives in Southern Maine with her husband and two Piney kids. This cowgirl loves adventuring outdoors with her family (looking under rocks for critters), singing, and artistic dabbling. As a kid, the Texas heat left her craving the cool air of the Rocky mountains so she ventured to the wild blue yonder of the Air Force Academy. There she played soccer, ran the foothills, and was trained as a military officer- in addition to learning survival and evasion skills. After graduation she was stationed in the beautiful green islands of the Azores where she enjoyed exploring the marine life, dramatic landscapes, and self-sufficient fishing villages. Post military life, she spent several years working at UNH with researchers focusing on better understanding the impacts of climate change and land development on the environment. She was inspired by the outreach component of that work and colleagues who were working to connect kids to science. While she does enjoy a good camouflage, she is discovering a budding passion for connecting youth with nature.
Join Evelyn as a supporter of White Pine Programs today!


Planning your office annual vacation can be a lot of fun but it can also be a rather stressful task because you will be tasked with planning a trip for many people with a very small allocation of money and this can be quite impossible at times. Of course, you will need to find ways of saving money and doing things differently in a way that will not cost as much money.
You will need to first plan out your budget and find out exactly how many meals that you need to plan out. You will also need to allocate money for Abu Dhabi bus rentals and accommodation. The best way to have budget accommodation is to rent out a house for a few days that should cost you next to nothing but will still give you the chance to bond with your colleagues because of the shared sleeping and living accommodations. Of course the house should be a big house with a big number of rooms.
Many car rental companies will be willing to give you a good rate in exchange for speaking about their services to your clients and friends. In fact, many companies will happy to offer their services at cost price in exchange for some other service. If your company is an advertising company, you can offer to draw up a few ads or write out some copy for them in exchange for give you a good rate on the transportation.
When planning your activities, make one of them a cook out or a cooking competition. This way, you will be able to save on the costs of getting your food from a restaurant on one day which will save you a lot of money and you will also have a nice and fun team building activity to work with. You can host a competition that is akin to some of the cooking shows on television where each person votes for the best food and also rate each team for their ability to work as a team and cater to customers preferences. This means that if there are vegetarians in the crowd, they need to give a good vegetarian meal to them and ignoring them will make the team lose points. Similarly, they will need to pay close attention to food allergies and other dietary preferences. This is a good exercise in customer service excellence and you can also use the opportunity to give a training on the subject to your colleagues and staff.


Most geometric surfaces have a distinct inside and outside. This painting shows one that doesn't. Take a strip of material, give it a half-twist, and attach the ends together. The result is a band with only one surface and one edge. Mathematicians began to explore such surfaces in the nineteenth century. In 1858 German astronomer and mathematician August Ferdinand Möbius (1790–1868), who had studied theoretical astronomy under Carl Friedrich Gauss at the University of Goettingen, discovered the one-sided surface shown in the painting. It has come to be known by his name. As often happens in the history of mathematics, another scholar, Johann Benedict Listing, had found the same result a few months earlier. Listing did not publish his work until 1861.
If one attaches the ends of a strip of paper without a half twist, the resulting figure is a cylinder. The cylinder has two sides such that one can paint the outside surface red and the inside surface green. If you try to paint the outside surface of a Möbius band red you will paint the entire band red without crossing an edge. Similarly, if you try to paint the inside surface of a Möbius band green you will paint the entire surface green. A cylinder has an upper edge and a lower edge. However, if you start at a point on the edge of a Möbius band you will trace out its entire edge and return to the point at which you began. Since Möbius's time, mathematicians have discovered and explored many other one-sided surfaces.
This painting, #34 in the series, was executed in oil on masonite and is signed: CJ65. The strip is shown in three shades of gray based on the figure's position. The shades of gray, especially the lightest shade, are striking against the rose-colored background, and this contrast allows the viewer to focus on the properties of the Möbius band. The painting has a wooden frame.
Crockett Johnson's painting is similar to illustrations in James R. Newman's The World of Mathematics (1956), p. 596. However, the figures are not annotated in the artist's copy of the book.


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Home Cryptocurrency News Kik is Crowdfunding $5 Million to Help The Fight Against the SEC
Kik is Crowdfunding $5 Million to Help The Fight Against the SEC
Kik and other firms are seeking to carry out a battle against the SEC that will force the regulators to make changes to the Howey Test.
Robert Patrinjei
Kik, one of the most used messenger apps, is now crowdfunding $5 Million to help to fight against the US SEC. The messenger app has seen around $9 Million monthly users in 2018, scoring above Skype, and has a few hundred million registered users by this date.
Why is Kik fighting the SEC?
If you didn't know by now, Kik has its own token (KIN), which may be seen as a security by the SEC. If the SEC decides on KIN as being a security, they may take actions against the firm.
A statement of SEC chairman Jay Clayton:
"I believe every ICO I've seen is a security. I want to go back to separating ICOs and cryptocurrencies. ICOs that are securities offerings, we should regulate them like we regulate securities offerings."
What's the goal with the risen funds?
The "defend crypto" campaign is currently running on this website, and it seems that the goal has been already reached. According to Kin, unspent funds will be forwarded to other causes in the space. The website currently supports donations of 16 cryptocurrencies.
The funds will help Kin to win a lawsuit against the SEC, which will push the regulators to make changes to their Howey Test (a way to identify securities).
Kin's statement:
"After months of trying to find a reasonable solution, Kin has been unable to reach a settlement that wouldn't severely impact the Kin project and everyone in the space. So Kin is going to take on the SEC in court to make sure there is a foundation for innovation going forward."
Kin is not the only one fighting the regulators, multiple firms are actually struggling with the SEC, but I have a feeling this battle will end with a victory for the crypto community, Kik, and the other firms.
Previous articleA Government's Point of View on blockchain: Indian State of Telangana Launches Blockchain Policy Draft
Next articleBitcoin Bounces Hard Off $9K: What Happens Next?
I am a writer and a technical analyst at Altcoin Buzz. I like writing about anything, it's a way for me to have fun and gain new knowledge, which I can share with others. Same with the technical analysis, I enjoy finding patterns and knowing in which direction a market may be going.
Jack Dorsey Auctions NFT of First-Ever Tweet
Daniel Abel - March 9, 2021 0
In a stunning move, Twitter founder and CEO Jack Dorsey has put up his first-ever tweet posted on the social media platform for sale...
Wicrypt AMA with COO Toni Dada
Fractal Protocol To Boost UX for Internet Users


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Tiny fraction of people handed COVID-19-related fines in B.C. have paid up | CBC News Loaded
Tiny fraction of people handed COVID-19-related fines in B.C. have paid up
More than 1,150 violation tickets have been handed out for alleged COVID-19 rule-breakers, totalling more than $750,000. But according to ICBC, just 6.1 per cent of provincial and federal fines in B.C. have been paid.
More than 1,150 violation tickets have been handed out for alleged COVID-19 rule-breakers
Rafferty Baker · CBC News · Posted: Feb 20, 2021 4:34 PM EST | Last Updated: February 21, 2021
Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer, has issued various public health orders that have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for rule-breakers, but according to ICBC, just a fraction of those fines have been paid. (Mike McArthur/CBC)
More than 1,150 violation tickets have been handed out in B.C. in the past six months, levying provincial and federal fines for alleged COVID-19 rule-breakers totalling more than $750,000. But according to ICBC, just 6.1 per cent of that amount has been paid.
According to the insurer, which is tasked with collecting fines, between Aug. 21 and Feb. 12, 1,058 provincial violation tickets were issued, including:
170 $2,300 tickets totalling $391,000 to owners and organizers allegedly in contravention of the provincial health officer's order prohibiting gatherings and events.
31 $2,300 violation tickets totalling $71,300 with regard to the food and liquor public health order.
857 $230 tickets totalling $197,110 issued to people who allegedly refused to comply with direction from law enforcement.
ICBC also reported more than $100,000 in fines to 94 people for allegedly violating the Federal Quarantine Act.
British Columbians worst in Canada at following COVID-19 rules all the time, new poll suggests
In total, during a nearly six-month span, $659,410 in provincial fines have been issued, and just $34,967 has been paid, or 5.3 per cent.
The federal fines have been paid at a higher rate — 11.5 per cent — totalling $11,800.
COVID-19 rule breakers rack up almost $500K in fines in B.C.
According to ICBC, an alleged offender has 30 days to dispute a ticket or pay the fine before being deemed guilty, so there's always a gap between the fines issued and those paid.
Last week, Premier John Horgan was asked about the low rate of payment for COVID-19-related fines. He said serious offenders would face criminal charges — not just fines.
"Law enforcement has every intention of pressing charges, and that will lead, of course, to court action," said Horgan. "When people are deliberately disregarding the wellbeing of other British Columbians, we need to have more than just a slap on the wrist, more than just a fine."
Top stories from British Columbia
B.C. hits 1-day record for COVID-19 vaccinations as 6 more people die of the disease
Yes, the pandemic will end — but COVID-19 isn't going away any time soon
Teenager subjected to racist cyberbullying wants parents, schools to fight hate


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The 1979 Files, Volume 1
September 01, 2009 | Comments (0) | by Wolter
Ah, 1979. I have nothing but the fondest memories of that year. Probably because the only memories I have of that year are vague ones about seeing the Star Wars reissue in the theater and getting a puppy for Christmas. But as I've gotten older, I've realized that 1979 was pretty much the watermark for Music That Is Designed to Make Wolter Happy. Which therefore makes 1979 the Artistic High Mark of Human Culture.
Bear with me on that.
I know you're going to talk about the prevalence of shitty disco and bad chart music. But know this: since the 60s ended, every year's top 40 and dance music has been crappy. That's what top 40 and dance charts are for, and it can be safely ignored. Also, I should cop to the fact that unlike bartender Chip Wesley (who could probably write a top 100 albums for every year TMS has been around), I own maybe 25 albums recorded in the 21st Century. Of which I regularly listen to about 3.
So with this, the first in a potential running series of articles (we'll see how much steam I have on this) highlighting the achievements of this underrated year, I'll start with an obvious choice:
Gang of Four – Entertainment
Leave it four very Caucasian Marxists from Leeds to take funk, remove the sexy from it, add political sloganeering and guitar noise (and just a slice of dub-reggae production), and create a masterpiece of angular, quasi-danceable, post-punk manifestos. This album is the aural equivalent of a slow building mental breakdown, except halfway through the process you realize that going crazy was probably the sanest thing you've ever done.
From the plodding, spaciously-claustrophobic opening track ("Ether") to the final ominous, noise-droned anti-love song ("Anthrax"), which on one channel has Jon King chanting neurotic lyrics about his aversion to love, while on the other channel, guitarist Andy Gill casually and clinically analyzes why bands record shallow songs about love, not a note is wasted. Gill's scraping guitar often sounds like it's spilled across Dave Allen and Hugo Burnham's muscular rhythm section, only to coalesce into a tight, noisy lockstep that shows he knew what he was doing all along.
God, I love this album. Sure, the lyrics are mostly sloganeering, but so are all political songs. The unreconstructed angry leftist in me eats up songs decrying the Great Men Theory of history ("Not Great Men"), Patriotism and Militarism ("Guns Before Butter"), and the commodification and work-induced regimentation of every waking moment of our lives ("Return the Gift," with the insistent, chilling chant of "Please send me evenings and weekends."). But the bitter, alienated cynic in me can latch on to the anti-Romanticism of the aforementioned "Anthrax" (a case of which King compares falling in love to catching), and the jaundiced view of sexual relationships found in songs like "Damaged Goods" and "I Found That Essence Rare," (which reminds us that the bikini is named after an atoll decimated by atomic testing – "She doesn't think so, but she's dressed for the H-Bomb.").
Before you start sneering, "Jeez, Wolter…that sounds really fun. Why don't I just open a vein instead," I need to point out that this album rocks. Hard. Sure it's angular and dissonant, but it's also danceable and funky as hell (in a funhouse-mirror sort of way). And it has a long reach: Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers has said that hearing Entertainment! changed the way he viewed playing bass guitar, and a slew of the stronger Punk/Hardcore/Independent bands of the past 30 years have followed Go4's lead, which is especially clear in the way both 80s SoCal stalwarts The Minutemen and 90s post-hardcore legends Fugazi incorporated their guitar vs. rhythm section arrangements. And I'm not even going to spend more than a sentence saying that Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, et al, have more or less made careers out of re-hashing Go4 songs, in the same way that Enemies of TMS Oasis have done with the Beatles and their contemporaries.
Top this off with provocative cover art about Cowboys and Indians that can be interpreted as a slam on historical Colonialism, the unspoken media presentation of racial and cultural issues in simplistic terms, or simply emblematic of the album's relentless assault on the exploitation, commodification, and dehumanization of modern society (repackaged as entertainment, no less), and you have one hell of a party.
If these adjective-vomiting histrionics have somehow inspired you to check out this album, I strongly suggest the Rhino reissue, which has the entire Yellow Ep as well as 4 other bonus tracks (including a surprisingly faithful live cover of "Sweet Jane") tacked on to the end.
Tune in next time, when I will probably review an album with tits on the cover.
Posted in: Music, The 1979 Files, Wolter
Top 10: Top 10 Plays, Number Eight
On the bright side of things...
Essential Halloween Movies
Bears Recap: Week 3
Mathematical Elimination Fever - CATCH IT!
Top 10: Top 10 Plays, Number Nine
Top 10: Top 10 Plays, Number Ten
TMS Cy Young Predictions
Overrated: Fireworks
Childhood Favorites: Legos
TMS Booze Project Guide to Mixed Drinks: Classics ...
I'm Not Sayin', I'm Just Sayin'
The Fantasy Hangover: Week 2
Wrigleyville Bar Project: Wrigleyville North
F%*k 2009 Anyway
TMS No Longer Supports: Milton Bradley
Jeremy Piven Career Status Update
Season Premiere Roundup
The TMS Guide to Hot Sauces
Overrated: UFC
The Stupid, It Burns
War Criminal: Ed Hardy/Christian Audigier
Chicago Cubs Fashion: Hats Edition
Horror Movies You Should Watch But Probably Won't ...
Death League Update: Patrick Swayze
Unsticking the Craw
Cubs of Yore: Mickey Morandini
Probable / Questionable / Out
TMS Banter: the Food Edition
2009 Season Review in Haiku
Tuesday Afternoon Heresy
"Wrigleyville" Bar Project: Driftwood
Sleeping With The Enemy, from A to Z
War Hero: Lime Juice
College Football? Jigga What?
Koyie Hill Appreciation Society: 50 Hits & Counting
TMS Booze Project: Vodka Infusion Special
TMS Beer Project: Part One of the New Glarus 12 Pa...
The Jason Marquis Effect
Cubs Win! Time for Chili!
If I had a Time Machine . . .
You Know How I Know You're Old?


As people – customers, consumers, prospects – use ever more digital channels and devices in their interactions with brands and organizations, there is an exponential attention for digital customer experience.
New World Quality Report shows testing isn't just about functionality anymore.
Enterprises around the world have dramatically ramp-up their adoption of digital strategies, which makes testing and quality assurance (QT) more important to IT than ever.
Digital Customer Experience is the primary differentiator for success.
As the digital world evolves with the arrival of new devices, options and channels, so is Digital Customer Experience Testing.
With sensors embedded everywhere, the world is becoming increasingly connected. From toothbrushes and thermostats, to security systems, appliances and other emerging connected devices, the app ecosystem is moving beyond computers, tablets and smartphones to just about every connected device you can imagine.
To ensure your devices and apps stand up to real world situations and maintain their high level of quality no matter what they're put through, you need to move a portion of your testing out of the lab and into the wild with the poor connectivity and less-than-stellar conditions found in the the real world.
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