Category: News

The past week has been really bad for me.  I’ve been in a lot of pain and the fatigue has taken control of my life. I have lived with these disorders for 26 years.  You’d think that I’d be accustomed to it by now.  Well…think again.  I guess, in a way, I’m used to it but, I don’t like it and I’ll never accept it.
I don’t like not being in control.  I’m a very independent, strong-willed person.  I fight these disorders every step of the way.  Prayer is one of my best defenses.  I know that God can’t take away all of my pain. When I pray for God’s help, I don’t ask him to take my disorders from me.  I ask him to help me understand and deal with them.  I do find a lot of comfort from prayer.  It’s one way to help keep a positive frame of mind.  When I pray or read the Bible I feel much better mentally which, in turn, does a world of good for my physical well-being.
There are other steps that I take to help me deal with the pain.  I take pain medications  as needed and muscle relaxers.  Hot baths help for a little while.  Heat is always a good thing when I’m in pain. I can’t remember one day when I didn’t have pain.  I try to avoid using my pain medication at all cost. Sometimes, when the pain is too bad, I relent and take my Tramadol.  For me, Tramadol doesn’t take the pain away; it merely lessens it to a dull roar.  However, I’m afraid to move on to something stronger.  I  really don’t want to become addicted to anything.
The fatigue, on the other hand, is more extreme lately now that the sun has decided to take a vacation.  When the cold, wet weather rears it’s ugly head my pain and fatigue become almost unmanageable.  I haven’t been able to have any semblance of a normal sleep pattern for quite some time now.  Of course, I couldn’t tell you what an average, normal sleep schedule entails. I’ve tried taking sleeping pills to regulate my sleep but, to no avail.  The first time that I took them I had an episode of amnesia.  That was not fun at all.  Now, I just sleep when I’m tired.  I would just like to have a normal sleep pattern like everyone else. 
My normal sleep schedule is so sporadic that I can’t remember what day it is or what time of day it is.  For example:
Yesterday I fell asleep at 1:30 in the afternoon and slept until 6:00 that evening.  I spent time making sure that my children were fed, cleaned, and sent to bed.  I was so exhausted that I thought I’d go to bed and sleep some more.  So, by midnight, I retired to my bed and slipped into a dreamless slumber.  This morning I was awake by 5:00.  School was canceled today so the kids romped around the house making a complete mess. After dealing with the little tornadoes that swept through my house, I was so exhausted that I had to lie down again.  So, at 1:00 pm I lay down AGAIN.  My better half took care of the kids and supper whilst I had no clue of what was going on around me.  By 8:30, I woke up to the phone ringing.  Every time I wake up from a nap,  I’m totally exhausted no matter how much sleep that I’ve had. 
I have to force myself out of bed all the time.  If I don’t  then I’ll continue to sleep for 12 hours at a time.  When you have children, that option is not possible.  I try to do most of my sleeping during the day when the kids are in school and then at night when they are in bed.  Sometimes that doesn’t work.  My fatigue is in control of when and how long I sleep. 
I would do almost anything be have a normal life.  I want to be able to go outside and run with my children, go for long walks, work a normal job, and so many other things that I can’t do right now.  Unfortunately, there is no cure for Fibromyalgia.  So, until that day comes, this is where you’ll find me venting about my disorders.

Panic-selling in Dubai-related credit has spilled over into the debt of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, as well.

Thing is, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are far different animals. One is swimming in capital while the other's solvency is in question. As shown below, the debt burden of Dubai is far worse than that of the United Arab Emirates as a whole. According to Morgan Stanley, the UAW has a lower debt burden than oil-rich Saudi Arabia even!

Thus bond manager giant PIMCO has realized that spill-over panic-selling in the debt of Dubai's rather rock-solid neighbors is a buying opportunity. As efficient as some people like to think markets are, this is yet another example of how during periods of panic they clearly aren't. PIMCO will likely make a killing.

Bloomberg: Pacific Investment Management Co., which runs the world’s biggest bond fund, is buying the debt of Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Co., said Michael Gomez, co-head of emerging markets at the fund manager.

Pimco added to its holdings of securities sold by governments and companies in the region as the Dubai debt crisis slashed prices of bonds sold by its state-controlled companies to record lows.

...

“We’re coming in and buying,” said Gomez, who is based at Pimco’s main office in Newport Beach, California, in an interview with Bloomberg Television. “In any selloff, we’ll be accumulating even more. We think they’re cheap.”

Join the conversation about this story »

See Also:

• Dubai World To Sell Overseas Assets, Retain Private Equity Arm
• Creditors Gave Billions To Dubai, With Just Barren Land As Collateral
• Times Of London Censored Again In Dubai After Ruling Sheikh Is Called A "Benign Dictator"

A steadily growing movement has begun around the world,  in an effort to help transform the unique attributes of high-functioning autistic adults into sought-after job skills. This movement would also, some proponents say, make use of a large portion of the population that has been completely ignore up till now.

The company Specialisterne in Denmark makes it common practice to train people with autism as specially skilled employees. They are sent out as hourly consultants to companies to complete data entry, assembly work and other tasks that many workers tend to find tedious and repetitive. Founded in 2004 by businessman Thorkil Sonne, the father of an autistic son, the company now has 50 employees, 75 percent of whom are autistic.

More recently in the United States, the non-profit Chicago company Aspiritech has launched a pilot program for the training of high-functioning autistics as testers for software development companies. Their first client is mFluent, an iPhone application company near Chicago. Aspiritech states that those who are autistic have a talent for spotting imperfections and thrive on this predictable, monotonous work. Courtesy of msnbc.msn.com

It really was just a couple months ago that the Royal Mail in the UK was using a copyright claim to stop websites from offering public postal code data. It made no sense that such data should be proprietary, and it appears that, finally, UK officials are realizing this. Starting next year, the UK will free up postal code data so that anyone can use it. There are still some questions as to how this will be done, but it’s a huge step forward from shutting sites down to actually freeing up the data.

Permalink | Comments | Email This Story

Eco Factor: Spongy devices detect leaks in water pipes and fix them.

The World Bank estimates that on an average about 88 billion liters of water is lost through urban pipes each day due to hairline cracks in water pipes, in both rich countries and the developing ones where every drop counts. Israel-based Curapipe is looking for an answer in “little pigs,” spongy devices that can detect leaks and fix them.

(more…)

Standard in higher design quality instead of “do-it-yourself”

Every safety guard of a machine or plant is, besides a safety switching system, equipped with a control panel, by means of which the operator can at least activate the emergency stop, on/off and reset functions. Usually, these control panels are manufactured by the machine builder according to the “do-it-yourself” principle. Especially for small quantities or in companies with their own auxiliary equipment production department, which only manufacture small series, this is a highly uneconomical operation, which does not always produce the desired result from the technical or aesthetical point of view.

The Schmersal Group felt a need for standardisation in this field and therefore has developed a modular system of control panels, which can be configured according to the user’s needs. The first configuration level of this system will be presented at SPS/ IPC/ DRIVES 2009. The basis of this module is a slender, shock-resistant enclosure, which can be quickly and smoothly fitted onto the customary aluminium profile system used in mechanical engineering and can accommodate four control elements. As the control elements are regarded, the user can choose from a comprehensive range of illuminated pushbuttons, selector switches, signalling devices with LED, key-operated switches and standard-compliant emergency stop control devices.

All control elements have the same contacts. In this way, the user can choose their position on the control panel depending on the individual requirements. Also for the labels, which are applied in labelling areas with plastic cover, the user has freedom of choice.

In the course of the development, the Schmersal engineers have interviewed many customers about the desired features and functions, which such control panel should include. The results of these surveys have been integrated in the design of the BDF series. The most wanted features appeared to be a comprehensive choice of control elements and smooth fitting. Many users also preferred that the label was not applied to the switch itself, but in a separate labelling area.

As they are a separate unit, which is not linked to a door-handle or the safety switchgear, the control panels can be installed in the most favourable position as ergonomics is regarded. The panels can even be fitted on top of each other or side by side.

At SPS/ IPC/ DRIVES, the Schmersal Group will present multiple configuration variants of the BDF series. In Hall 9, booth 460, Schmersal will also present many safety switchgear innovations as well as total systems for machine safety on an exemplary assembly plant, which is normally used in the Wuppertal production.

HaydonKerk Motion Solutions™, a premier manufacturer of linear motion products, offers the Kerk RGS® linear slide assembly combined with the Haydon™ MotoDrive™ PDE Actuator. The integrated linear slide, stepper motor, and electronic drive assembly combines both Kerk and Haydon technology in a single unit.

The Kerk RGS linear slide features a standard wear-compensating, anti-backlash driven carriage to ensure repeatable and accurate positioning. All moving surfaces include Kerkite® high performance polymers running on either Kerkote® or Black Ice™ TFE coatings, providing a strong, stable platform for a variety of linear motion applications.

The Haydon MotoDrive is an integrated linear actuator and electronic drive designed to operate with optically isolated inputs of pulse, direction and enable signals. The MotoDrive is programmable for micro-stepping ranging from full step mode to 64 micro steps per full step. Step resolution ranges from 200 full steps per revolution to 12,800 steps per revolution when micro-stepping. With a supply voltage of 12 to 42 vdc, the MotoDrive Actuator functions with a run current programmable at HaydonKerk up to 2.6 Arms per phase. The drive direction is enabled with logic level voltage, and is activated using +5 vdc. When operated at ground potential, the drive executes a retract move of the actuator.

By combining components into a complete optimized assembly, HaydonKerk is able to reduce risk, increase safety, and improve integration for the OEM or end user resulting in a lower overall system cost. To find out more, contact HaydonKerk Motion Solutions at [email protected].

About HaydonKerk Motion Solutions
HaydonKerk Motion Solutions is the joining of two world class brands in the field of linear motion; Haydon™ and Kerk®. Together, the company now offers a broad range of precision linear motion products. Recognized as a leading manufacturer of stepper motor based linear actuators, rotary motors, lead screw assemblies, and linear rail and guide systems used in niche market applications, HaydonKerk Motion Solutions offers high performance with its range of reliable, precise designs. HaydonKerk Motion Solutions has developed industry-renowned brands built upon its technical innovation, versatility, customization, product durability, and dedicated customer service.

An Ishida Fresh Food Weigher (FFW) is delivering the ideal solution for the packing into trays of two diverse products for the retail market – grated beetroot and half and quarter pears – at Hot Cuisine, a Belgian specialist supplier of freshly prepared meals, soups and meal components.

The FFW is part of a specially devised packing line designed and installed by Ishida’s agent in Belgium BRN. In addition to the FFW, the line comprises a tray denester, chain-and-peg conveyor, infeed elevator, and mobile weigher gantry.

The grated beetroot was previously packed using a volumetric filler, while the pear segments were packed by hand. Key requirements for the new line were to reduce giveaway on, as well as to increase throughput for the pears and achieve a tidier packing operation for the beetroot. Beetroot is manually fed onto an existing conveyor, which is controlled by the new BRN line. The conveyor takes the product to a grater, from where it is fed onto the infeed conveyor, which moves the beetroot to the top of the fresh food weigher.

The Ishida FFW features a linear design with hoppers fed by linear vibratory feeders from the infeed table. An operator is stationed at the infeed table and evenly distributes product to each of the hoppers. The weigher operates like a traditional multihead weigher, calculating the best combination of hoppers whose combined weight comes closest to the required target weight, to deliver fast throughput and maximum accuracy. Scraper type hoppers ensure a clean and complete evacuation of the product portions at each weighing cycle.

The weigher is synchronised with the chain-and-peg conveyor and discharges the weighed product into trays that have been automatically denested and presented underneath the weigher. A special dipping funnel guides the product into the trays to minimise spillages. The filled trays are then transported to a tray sealer.

The pears are placed directly onto the infeed conveyor. The remainder of the operation is the same as for the beetroot but the line also incorporates special drainage features to remove excess juice during the weighing and filling operation. After filling, an extra station on the exit chain-and-peg conveyor allows syrup to be added before the trays are sealed.

The line is packing trays in 250g and 400g sizes. Top speed is around 35 packs per minute.

Hot Cuisine is delighted with the new line, particularly the reduction in giveaway for the pears.

Master Bond’s newly developed EP42HT2ND2 has a paste like consistency and facilitates the adhesive’s application when bonding vertical surfaces. This no-run two part epoxy fully complies with the testing requirements for USP Class VI biocompatibility. EP42HT2ND2 cures readily at ambient temperatures and exhibits superior thermal stability for service up to 230°C It forms high strength bonds that are unaffected by sterilization processes such as radiation, ethylene oxide, chemical sterilants and steam along with outstanding resistance to inorganic and organic acids, alkalis and organic solvents

The cured biocompatible epoxy adhesive is an excellent electrical insulator with a volume resistivity greater than >1014 ohm-cm. While EP42HT-2ND2 is a superior adhesive, sealant and coating, it is also castable to thicknesses exceeding 2-3 inches. A post cure of 95-130°C for 2-3 hours enhances physical properties including heat resistance. As a no drip formulation EP42HT 2ND2 provides a precise and clean bonding solution for the vertical surface set ups often found in medical assemblies.
About Master Bond’s Medical Adhesives:
Master Bond is a premier medical grade adhesives manufacturer offering an extensive line of medical device adhesives, sealants and medical coatings. One and two-part medical adhesive systems specifically designed for use in both disposable and reusable medical devices stand up to standard disinfectants and sterilization procedures. Medical epoxy systems meet USP Class VI biocompatibility standards.

Contact: Sheila Frankel: Phone: +44-207-100-7251 Fax: 44-207-060-0628 E-mail: [email protected]
# # #

Eco Factor: Renewable energy-powered facility has a living façade.

Ryuichi Ashizawa Architects are proposing a sustainable facility for Asakusa, a renowned tourist area in Tokyo, which will feature a living façade and will generate renewable energy for all its power needs. Dubbed the Asakusa Tree, the facility will be used as a center for tourist and culture in the area.

(more…)

I sometimes wonder if shopping online is really more eco-friendly than running out to the store. Sure, you can often find more green products online than you can in your local stores, but what about the emissions of shipping? According to Reusablebags.com, e-commerce is earth-friendly:

“Shipping 10 pounds of packages by overnight air — the most energy-intensive delivery mode — uses 40 percent less fuel than driving roundtrip to the mall. Ground shipping by truck uses just one-tenth of the energy of driving yourself.” – Center for Energy and Climate Solutions

All products, even the ones you find in your local store, come from a warehouse. When you shop online you cut out one trip the items you purchase have to make – rather than shipping from the manufacturer to the warehouse to the store they’re shipped straight from the warehouse to you. Not only do you reduce the amount of energy and resources used in transporting the items, but you also cut out the need to light, heat, cool and run a brick and mortar store.

Think of it this way- shopping online is like carpooling, your package shares a ride with hundreds of other packages rather than hundreds of people driving to several different stores.

I think one exception to this information is if you are already going to a store for multiple items, then it only makes sense to buy what you need there instead of ordering online. For example, there are a lot of wonderful natural beauty products online, but I would rarely order them if I can find a comparable product at the coop where I am already buying my organic groceries.

Eco Factor: Concept shopping cart harvests kinetic energy to provide electricity.

In the future your shopping spree would be getting a whole new dimension, as it might help in generating renewable energy for the store. Industrial designers Kitae Pak and Inyong Jung are working on a concept shopping cart that can carry your purchases and generate renewable electricity by harvesting kinetic energy.

(more…)

General Mills announced today a public commitment to reduce sugar in cereals advertised to children to single-digit grams of sugar per serving. The initiative is in place and progress has been made, the company said, “with further reductions to continue until single-digit levels are reached on all cereals advertised to children.”

“Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only five percent of the sugar in children’s diets,” said Jeff Harmening, President of General Mills’ Big G cereal division. “Still, we know that some consumers would prefer to see cereals that are even lower in sugar, especially children’s cereals. General Mills has responded – and we are committing to reduce sugar levels even more.”

General Mills has been reducing sugar in cereals advertised to children, while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain. “We have already made meaningful changes across our cereal portfolio,” noted Harmening, “and we have reached and exceeded our original goals. So today we are strengthening our goal – by publicly committing to further reduce to single-digit levels of sugar per serving every cereal advertised to children under twelve.”

The company’s commitment is among the most aggressive goals advanced in the food industry. The initiative will extend globally to 130 countries, with Cereal Partners Worldwide – the global cereal joint venture in which General Mills is a partner – adopting similar commitments.

General Mills has led numerous health and nutrition initiatives in cereal. The company was a pioneer in fortifying cereals with vitamins and minerals, and continued its leadership by fortifying its entire line of children’s cereals with calcium and vitamin D in 2008. Read more…

Eco Factor: Zero-emission canal boat powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

The first-of-its-kind hydrogen fuel cell-powered canal boat has made its debut cruise. The zero-emission canal boat emitted only water vapor as it sailed through Amsterdam’s centuries-old canals. Dubbed the Nemo H2, the boat can carry about 87 people and runs on a system that mixes hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity and water.

(more…)

Eco Factor: Solar-powered water purification system.

The World Health Organization estimates that over one billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, and rely on purification that involves boiling water with firewood, which increases greenhouse gas emissions.

(more…)

Heads up, PlayStation 3 owners! The latest PS3 system software update is now live and is ready for download.
 
 
 

When I first saw this new carrier, I was intrigued, so the nice folks at Sheraton Luxuries were kind enough to send me one to test out. I’ve been using it for transport to the vet, and not only am I a fan, but my cats are, too.

The Sheraton Luxuries pet carrier is made of sturdy plastic with a large top that hinges open for easy loading. The sturdy lock snaps into place with a loud click so you know it’s secure. Two nice handles make it easy to carry and the side slats allow for plenty of light and air circulation while kitty is inside. The carrier measures 16″ x 11 5/8″ x 10 1/4″, the perfect size for small to medium cats. Simba, who weighs about 10 lbs., is shown here modeling the Sheraton Luxuries carrier.

The Sheraton Luxuries carrier is available in sky blue, lavender, spring green, and orange and sells for $27.99 US. Each carrier comes with a plush liner.

ENTER TO WIN!

One lucky winner is going to receive an orange Sheraton Luxuries carrier. Just leave a comment on this post to enter. The winner will be chosen in a random drawing on December 16. One entry per person. This giveaway is limited to addresses in the US only.

Youngsters usually enjoy the study of weather, reading about it, viewing videos, performing experiments and finding out why things happen, especially violent incidents like tornadoes and hurricanes. 

Enjoying the rain image: sxc.hu

 During my substitute teaching recently, I spent three days with a second grade class,  and they were focusing on weather in reading, science, math, art  and writing. 

We read Tomi de Paola’s The Cloud Book and discussed the various types of clouds described.  They drew pictures and did a math paper about clouds.  Then they began making a cloud booklet, using worksheets their teacher had provided.    Some of the students became so enthusiastic, they wanted to create their original cloud booklet when they had free time.

We watched a video on weather, learned about tornadoes and hurricanes, blizzards, frost and snowflakes and weather myths.  (A book we didn’t read, but which I would have used if the teacher had been out longer, is Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin.  This is about the man who first photographed snowflakes.)  Some of the youngsters cut out snowflakes, an activity the art teacher also did with them later that day.

I found this unit so interesting that I’m developing  one to use with youngsters when I teach and to provide material for home schoolers.

Post from: Blisstree

Weather Activities for Kids