সোমবার, ৩১ ডিসেম্বর, ২০১২

Personal Development Forum: Self Improvement Tips That ...

Learning about yourself is a team sport. There are great teachers, friends and professionals who can help you analyze your thoughts and explain your feelings. Be nice to your body to better your self improvement. If your body feels you need to eat or drink, you should do it. Meeting your body's needs this way will keep it dependable for years to come. Leading an unhealthy lifestyle will lead to premature aging and illness. You should not shop out of comfort. If you do a hobby versus raising your credit card bill, you won't have to stress over those bills and will have less clutter at home to clean. Exercise even if you are at your ideal weight. There are many different reasons to exercise. When you exercise, your body makes a variety of chemicals that assist in relaxing you. Seek out new challenges. This can create new possibilities in your life. You will see, do and explore more things than you ever thought possible. You may even start a new model by doing something that has never been done before. Rather than following in other people's footsteps, try doing your own thing and forging your own path. Do you drink a lot? Are nicotine or other destructive habits something that harms you? The body is a source of great wonder and is vital to our life, as such respect is what it deserves. You can improve your life by replacing bad habits with good ones. Look at your life, what you are doing that may be harmful, and work on omitting things that need to be removed from your life. Getting healthier is a self improvement step that can have far-reaching positive repercussions. When you are healthy, you feel better and have more energy. Your mind is less cloudy, and you can even gain more free time and cut down on expenses because you won't need to visit the doctor as frequently. Make adopting healthier habits a goal.

Create a personal development plan by determining what your personal values are. If you go against your values, you are shooting yourself in the foot. Instead of this, you should focus your energy on the things that you want to develop that also go along with your own values. This allows you to implement personal and professional changes that will last forever. Are you having a hard time meeting that special someone? Perhaps you should try the Internet. Up to 40% of couples meet over the Internet nowadays. It is possible that certain someone is looking for you. Both sites have their strengths and weaknesses. Try to read encouraging books. Some people may look to a religious text, while others might look for inspiring quotes. You may need help staying on top of life and keeping your mind clear, and a trusted book whose words have meaning to you is a great resource to fall back on. Do you frequently consume alcohol? Do you do other harmful things like smoke cigarettes? Your body should be treated with the utmost respect. Eradicating negative behaviors is key to leading a better lifestyle. Take a hard look at your daily life and find things that could benefit from a positive restructuring.

Personal development starts with leadership. Leadership has many definitions, but many people think of it as "influence." Consider your leadership background. What are the specific incidences that made the biggest influence in your life? How did the events that took place have an effect on you? Evaluate attributes that you possess which contribute to your role as a team player. It is through these questions that you can best determine your role in a team environment. Usually what brings your happy mood down is stress. When stress happens in our minds, it also has detrimental affects on our physical health. To retain clarity of mind and the motivation to work towards our goals, it is critical to banish unnecessary stress from our minds. Each day, take time to quiet your mind and relax. Taking the time to renew your center will help you to find peace within yourself. Understand that there is a divide between where you are and where you wish to go. You need to acknowledge this so you can take your very first step. If you can't figure out what the difference is, chances are you won't find success in reaching your goals. Begin your self improvement with a look at your leadership qualities. When thinking about leadership, think about it in terms of your level of influence on the world around you. Reflect back on your leadership experiences. Are there events that have had major impacts on your life? How have those events changed you? What is the key element that makes you behave as a team player? By carefully evaluating these questions, you can increase your awareness of your ability to function well in a team setting.

Are you an alcohol abuser? Do you make a habit of smoking or engaging in other harmful vices? Our bodies are important to maintain, and should be treated with care. If you want to start improving your life, you have to stop engaging in harmful activities. Consider all of your habits and opt to omit habits from your life that can be described as harmful.

Choose one aspect that you want to improve and put your effort into that. Perhaps there are several areas you want to improve, but focus on just one at a time. Since new habits are most effective when introduced slowly, you are also more likely to having your changes stick around for the long term. Always aim to keep self-discipline a priority as you work on bettering yourself. Make sure that you develop self control skills. Conquer desires of the flesh, such as, overeating, lust, greed and drunkenness. If you can cut out the negative aspects of your personality you'll find your entire being becomes healthier and happier. Anytime and anywhere, be ready for when your ideas strike. Carry paper with you everywhere. Making quick notes about the inspiration as it strikes you will jog your memory and add to the potential that you will later incorporate into a thoughtful creative process.

Find texts and phrases that sooth and encourage you. Some people see it spiritually, whereas others just find it inspirationally. Keeping something on hand that you can revisit when necessary is a great way to improve your mindset, and navigate such situations more effectively.

Be the best you can be at what you are doing! Use your passions to fuel your journey of personal fulfillment. Now, you cannot be the complete best at everything you do, but it does not hurt to try. Trying for greatness helps inspire others to adapt to the same mindset, giving them a boost of self-worth. Do work you enjoy, complete it the best you can, and your self-esteem will grow stronger. Find a variety of ways to keep yourself motivated to improve your life. The work is hard, but the advice to get started can make the work fun.

Source: http://personal-development-forum.blogspot.com/2012/12/self-improvement-tips-that-everyone.html

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Source: http://editypad.posterous.com/personal-development-forum-self-improvement-t

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NBA - Miami s'incline chez les Bucks, Atlanta se rapproche

Le champion en titre Miami a encha?n? une deuxi?me d?faite samedi ? Milwaukee (104-85), alors que les Atlanta Hawks, face ? Indiana, ont remport? leur quatri?me succ?s de suite (109-100).

Le Miami Heat, qui enregistrait le retour de Dwyane Wade apr?s sa suspension d'un match, occupe toujours la premi?re place de la Conf?rence Est, mais voit Atlanta revenir.

Wade et LeBron James, auteurs de 24 et 26 points, n'ont rien pu faire samedi face aux 25 points de Brandon Jennings, aux 19 du S?n?galais Luc Mbah a Moute, et aux 18 de Mike Dunleavy.

De leur c?t?, les Hawks ont r?ussi la passe de quatre, aux d?pens des Pacers et reviennent ? une victoire de Miami.

Les Bulls n'ont pas eu ? forcer leur talent avec la r?ception ? Chicago de la plus mauvaise ?quipe de la NBA, Washington (87-77). Les Wizzards ont ainsi perdu leur neuvi?me match sur leurs dix derni?res sorties.

Toronto a r?alis? le carton de la soir?e face ? Orlando (123-88). Apr?s un d?but de saison calamiteux, les Raptors, 11e de l'Est, sont en forme avec cette septi?me victoire sur les huit derniers matches.

A l'Ouest, Portland est repass? en positif (15 victoires-14 d?faites) gr?ce ? un tr?s bon Nicolas Batum. Le Fran?ais a pass? 22 points (7 rebonds, 8 passes), meilleur marqueur de son ?quipe, pour mener les Trailblazers au succ?s face ? Philadelphie (89-85).

Oklahoma City, 2e de la Conf?rence Ouest, et Memphis, 4e, ont r?ussi leur soir?e. Le premier, finaliste de la saison derni?re, s'est impos? facilement ? Houston (124-94), emmen? par un duo Kevin Durant (26 pts)-Russell Westbrook (28 pts) ?lectrique. James Harden, pourtant auteur de 25 points, n'a rien pu faire face ? son ancienne ?quipe.

Les Grizzlies de Memphis, eux, ont battu les Nuggets de Denver (81-72), pour mettre fin ? une s?rie de deux d?faites cons?cutives.

mam/bvo

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Source: http://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/12/30/nba---miami-sincline-che_n_2383550.html

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Lower Your Insurance Rates With One Of These Tips | valttiblogi.com

Posted by mikaza on December 31, 2012 in Business | Short Link

How much would you actually know about Florida motor insurance? A great deal of people can still use more knowledge about Florida car insurance because it?s really a subject that affects us all. Research is always a great input finding the insurance company and policy that?s suitable for you. Insurance protects you during accidents by potentially paying for any damages or another fees, and can even replace a totaled car auto insurance Redington Beach Florida. Don?t allow the myriad of Florida auto insurance choices allow you to get down. There can be so much to take into account and also to choose from. This article can assist you to know very well what your Florida car insurance policy provides for you. But this is going to be insurance through a call center. There are a handful of items that you really need to know about Florida motor insurance however.

With all of the knowledge you are now armed with, you should have a greater insight about Florida car insurance. Having the best website inside the business does definitely not mean a company has the best insurance inside the business. Having a far more experienced driver on your own plan can reduce your premiums. Much like having someone with a good credit rating co-sign financing with you, through an older, experienced driver on your own insurance will bring your repayments down motor insurance premiums concerns and explanations. Pay to your Florida auto insurance coverage in a single payment up front. Find out how much your automobile will probably be worth and calculate everything you pay every year to insure it. Take benefit of this!.

Choices are endless and corporations numerous if this comes to Florida auto insurance. Infractions on your own record can affect your Florida car insurance rates, plus it is possible that there is certainly old or incorrect information on yours. Make sure you notify your insurance right away if this happens. If your insurer offers this kind of deal, be sure to adopt advantage of it.

Discounts on Florida auto insurance coverage are occasionally offered for low mileage drivers. Your insurance company will invariably prorate your coverage and return any unused portion to you, but obtaining that unused portion can be described as a hassle. More importantly, you might be able in order to save a bit money. If you choose a higher deductible, this will mean that you simply pays higher out-of-pocket costs should you are participating in a car accident or should you must file an insurance coverage claim.

If your son or daughter is sharing the family car and moves away to varsity or makes the honor roll, what this means is you can obtain a discount on your insurance. This means some companies also offer a discount if your coverage is paid for ahead of time. Sportier cars or SUV?s can carry higher premiums because they?ve got more liability plus they are generally more costly to exchange or fix after they happen to be damaged.

Though simple, the tips listed above could save hundreds and thousands of dollars per year on expensive Florida auto insurance payments. What?s essential about Florida motor insurance would be to always gain more knowledge concerning the subject, this way you can make knowledgeable decisions. What?s essential about Florida auto insurance is always to always gain in knowledge in regards to the subject, that way you possibly can make well informed decisions. What are you currently to do? In this article, we now have covered some valuable tips that can help. Now you should better be in a position to understand coverage, find affordable rates, keep your loved ones safe and become prepared for just about any losses that may occur.

Tags: Florida car or truck insurance company

Source: http://valttiblogi.com/lower-your-insurance-rates-with-one-of-these-tips/

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রবিবার, ৩০ ডিসেম্বর, ২০১২

Software Development Engineer (SDE) 2 / Microsoft / Vancouver, BC, Canada

Jobs Home > Software Development Engineer (SDE) 2
Software Development Engineer (SDE) 2 Posted Dec 29
  • This employer requests that only candidates in Canada apply to this job.

    You appear to be located in United States, not Canada.

    Please be aware of this if you choose to apply for this job.

Location: Vancouver, CA
Job ID: 818430-98513
Division: Corporate Research & Development

The Startup Business Group (SBG) is a unique group at Microsoft focused on advanced technology. Our mission is to drive
new business value for Microsoft by identifying new business and technology opportunities, building new products, and taking
them to market successfully.
We are working with depth sensors and video cameras taking multiple stereo vision cameras (and other modern technology)
to create new and innovative technologies leveraging computer vision. In collaboration with Microsoft Research (MSR) we
have validated a unique core technology, and are currently refining that technology as we look to develop one or more
disruptive products.
We?re looking for talented Computer Vision developers who are interested in early-stage product development. Ideal
candidates are highly motivated people that excel in entrepreneurial environments, and should be comfortable with most
aspects of computer vision, including: multi-view geometry, feature detection, segmentation, object recognition, image
processing, and image-based rendering.
Requirements:

- MS degree in CS or equivalent, PhD a plus
- 2 years Computer Vision experience
- Outstanding C++ coding skills
- Solid math and statistics background
- Good communication skills

TO APPLY
Click here to apply - Please mention that you saw the job on The Root


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Source: http://jobs.theroot.com/job/software-development-engineer-sde-2-vancouver-bc-canada-microsoft-3c80cd254d/?d=1&source=rss_page

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Senate leaders work to avoid New Year's "fiscal cliff"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and U.S. congressional leaders agreed on Friday to make a final effort to prevent the United States from going over the "fiscal cliff," setting off intense bargaining over Americans' tax rates as a New Year's Eve deadline looms.

With only days left to avoid steep tax hikes and spending cuts that could cause a recession, two Senate veterans will try to forge a deal that has eluded the White House and Congress for months.

Obama said he was "modestly optimistic" an agreement could be found. But neither side appeared to give much ground at a White House meeting of congressional leaders on Friday.

What they did agree on was to task Harry Reid, the Democratic Senate majority leader, and Mitch McConnell, who heads the chamber's Republican minority, with reaching a budget agreement by Sunday at the latest.

"The hour for immediate action is here. It is now. We're now at the point where in just four days, every American's tax rates are scheduled to go up by law. Every American's paycheck will get considerably smaller. And that would be the wrong thing to do," Obama told reporters.

A total of $600 billion in tax hikes and automatic cuts to government spending will start kicking in on Tuesday - New Year's Day - if politicians cannot reach a deal. Economists fear the measures will push the U.S. economy into a recession.

Pessimism about the fiscal cliff helped push U.S. stocks down on Friday for a fifth straight day. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped 158.20 points, or 1.21 percent. Retailers are blaming worries about the "fiscal cliff" for lackluster Christmas season shopping.

Under the plan hashed out on Friday, any agreement between McConnell and Reid would be backed by the Senate and then approved in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives before the end of the year.

But the House could well be the graveyard of any accord.

A core of fiscal conservatives there strongly opposes Obama's efforts to raise taxes for the wealthiest as part of a plan to close America's budget deficit. House Republicans also want to see Obama commit to major spending cuts.

Talks between Obama and Republican House Speaker John Boehner collapsed last week when several dozen Republicans defied their leader and rejected a plan to raise rates for those earning $1 million and above.

A Democratic aide said Boehner stuck mainly to "talking points" in Friday's White House meeting, with the message that the House had acted on the budget and it was now time for the Senate to move.

TALKS ON 'BIG NUMBERS'

The two Senate leaders and their aides will plunge into talks on Saturday that will focus mainly on the threshold for raising income taxes on households with upper-level earnings, a Democratic aide said. Analysts say both sides could agree on raising taxes for households earning more than $400,000 or $500,000 a year.

The pair will also discuss whether the estate tax should be kept at current low levels or allowed to rise, the aide said.

Democrat Reid warned of tough talks.

"It's not easy, we're dealing with big numbers, and some of that stuff we do is somewhat complicated," he said.

McConnell described Friday's White House summit, also attended by Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, as "a good meeting."

"So we'll be working hard to try to see if we can get there in the next 24 hours. So I'm hopeful and optimistic," he said.

If things cannot be worked out between the Senate leaders, Obama said he wanted both chambers in Congress to vote on a backup plan that would increase taxes only for households with more than $250,000 of annual income.

The plan would also extend unemployment insurance for about 2 million Americans and set up a framework for a larger deficit reduction deal next year.

There are signs in the options market that investor fear is taking hold. The CBOE Volatility Index, or the VIX, the market's favored anxiety indicator, has remained at relatively low levels throughout this process, but it moved on Friday above 22, the highest level since June.

But some in the market were resigned to Washington going beyond the New Year's Day deadline, as long as a serious agreement on deficit reduction comes out of the talks in early January.

"Regardless of whether the government resolves the issues now, any deal can easily be retroactive. We're not as concerned with January 1 as the market seems to be," said Richard Weiss, a senior money manager at American Century Investments.

Another component of the "fiscal cliff" - $109 billion in automatic spending cuts to military and domestic programs - is set to kick in on Wednesday.

S&P rating agency said on Friday the fiscal cliff impasse did not affect the U.S. sovereign rating.

That lifted the immediate threat of a downgrade from the agency, which cut the United States' triple-A rating in August, 2011 in an unprecedented move after a similar partisan budget fight.

(Additional reporting by David Lawder, Thomas Ferraro, Rachelle Younglai and Mark Felsenthal; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Peter Cooney)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/senate-leaders-last-ditch-fiscal-cliff-effort-012150621--business.html

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Star treck: Newlywed Kate Winslet to celebrate wedding in space

Published: 29 December, 2012, 19:39

British actress Kate Winslet (L) and her boyfriend Ned Rocknroll. (Reuters / Siu Chiu)

The 'Titanic' star received the once-in-a-lifetime wedding gift from her husband's millionaire uncle. Kate Winslet is set to travel to space after Richard Branson presented the actress with a $200,000 ticket on his Virgin Galactic suborbital vehicle.

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Winslet wed Ned Rocknroll, the Virgin magnate?s nephew earlier this month, during a secret ceremony in New York, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Accrding to The Sun, Winslet was presented with this pricey gift after last year she helped save the tycoon?s mother from a blaze when his multi-million Carribean villa caught fire, trapping people inside.

That was the time when Kate met her future husband, Ned Rocknroll,who works part-time for Virgin Galactic.

"I'm not sure she wants to go on a one-way trip to Mars, but she wants to go into space," The Daily Telegraph quotes Richard Branson as saying.

Over 500 people, including actor Ashton Kutcher, have already purchased tickets for a space ride on the Virgin vehicle. Prominent British cosmologist Stephen Hawking also received a gift ticket to space from Branson.

The vehicle is now undergoing flight-testing at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California, The Sun says.

Source: http://rt.com/art-and-culture/news/winslet-wedding-gift-space-081/

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শনিবার, ২৯ ডিসেম্বর, ২০১২

social media: Facebook Shares Fall Briefly Amid Report of Instagram Quitters

social media: Facebook Shares Fall Briefly Amid Report of Instagram Quitters
Instagram may or may not have lost some users over the last week, depending on whom you ask, which caused Facebook?s stock to fall briefly on Friday.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GearFactor/~3/ePJ8gQhL2vY/

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To The Day She Died, Jean Harris Denied - CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBS 2) ? She was seen as both the scorned woman who wanted vengeance, and the woman caught up in a tragic accident.

Jean Harris, the convicted killer of the ?Scarsdale Diet? doctor, died Sunday at an assisted living facility in New Haven, Conn., at the age of 89, CBS 2?s Sean Hennessey reported.

The story of the scorned lover killing her cheating partner attracted headlines around the world, yet Harris never wanted the spotlight, and went to her grave insisting she never murdered anyone.

?I feel beyond the question of a doubt that in spite of the terrible tragedy and my involvement in it, I am innocent,? Harris once said.

It was March of 1980 when Dr. Herman Tarnower, founder of the famous ?Scarsdale diet,? was shot four times in the bedroom of his Purchase, N.Y., home. Harris and Tarnower had been lovers for years, but the doctor refused to marry her, and, in recent years, he?d been seen with a much younger woman. As the doctor lay dying in his bed, police spotted Harris driving away.

She later told investigators: ?I did it ? I?ve been through so much hell with him. He slept with every woman he could.?

A jury found her guilty of murdering Tarnower. At sentencing, she addressed the court, telling the judge, ?I did not murder Dr. Tarnower. I loved him very much. No one in the world feels his loss more than I do. I?m not guilty.?

The former head mistress of an exclusive girls? school served a dozen years at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Inside, she counseled female prisoners, organized the prison library and tutored inmates pursuing their high school degrees. She was released from prison in 1993 when then-governor Mario Cuomo granted her clemency. Once free, Harris set up a foundation that raised millions of dollars for scholarships for children of women in prison in New York state and pushed her case that she did nothing wrong.

?I think it?s very important to prove that. It?s important to me. It?s important to my family,? Harris said.

Two movies were made about Harris and what she went through. She spent many of the later years living along a river in New Hampshire.

The following is an excerpt from ?The Art of Justice: An Eyewitness View of Thirty Infamous Trials,? by courtroom artist Marilyn Church and veteran CBS 2 reporter Lou Young:

Often described as ?prim,? Jean Harris was the most unlikely of murder defendants.? Police first laid eyes on the slender, middle-aged, headmistress from a Virginia school for girls, driving away from Dr. Herman Tarnower?s home in upscale Westchester County, New York; She claimed she was going for help because the phone was dead.? ?There?s been a shooting,? she told arriving officers.? Inside the house they found Tarnower, the 69-year-old bachelor and author of ?The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet? bleeding through his pajama tops from multiple bullet wounds. A recently fired .32 caliber revolver was in Harris? glove compartment.? The murder trial that followed was like looking inside a broken heart.

It?s a story of love gone sour.? The divorced Harris and Tarnower had been seeing each other for 14 years and in the winter of 1980 he was moving on to someone new, a lab assistant in her late 30?s.? The cultured, class-conscious Harris apparently fell into full emotional collapse over the development.? At trial she became a surrogate for every discarded wife, every ageing girlfriend, and every middle-aged woman who has watched her mate drift off into the orbit of a younger lover.

The 57 year-old murder defendant found herself in the witness stand ten months after the shooting, offering a physically small presence as she explained her version of events: the tragic result, she said, of her decision to commit suicide and her former lover?s attempt to intervene.? She admitted, writing a long letter to Tarnower in which she referred to her rival as ?a psychotic slut,? then making the five-hour drive up from Virginia with the loaded revolver in her purse. Her nocturnal visit to Tarnower?s home, she insisted, was intended to provide ?a few quiet minutes with Hy,? before the end.? She says she intended to leave then kill herself but claimed things changed when she found her rival?s negligee in the doctor?s bedroom.? There was an argument, a struggle over the weapon as she tried first to put it to her head, then wrestled with Tarnower for it as it fired again and again. She even described a final conversation with her victim as she helped him to the bed telling him the phone she?d tried to use to call for help had gone dead.? ?You?re probably right,? she quoted him as saying then adding her own observation: ?It was the only civil thing he said to me that night.?? The doctor died from his wounds at a local hospital.

There were nearly a hundred witnesses called in the case, but one in particular seemed to catch Harris in a lie. Juanita Edwards was an accidental witness to a telephone call Harris made to Tarnower the day he was killed.? A patient of the famous diet doctor, Edwards remembered overhearing parts of a heated exchange on a phone that had been left off the hook in an examining room.? The faint voices, she said were clearly angry.? She remembered references to lying and cheating and Tarnower demanding hours before his death ?Goddamn it Jean, I want you to stop bothering me!? Harris said the phone call was to apologize for a letter she?d mailed to him and claimed the conversation ended with an invitation for her to come spend the weekend in Westchester that coming spring.? So, something didn?t fit.

Yes, Jean Harris claimed she still loved the diet doctor, and continued to harbor memories of his affections for her.?? In his closing argument defense lawyer Joel Aurnou quoted poetry of love lost and insisted convicting his client of murder would be a final insult to the victim. ??Don?t say he died of as a result of homicidal rage, of some sordid affair,? he pleaded.? ?Restore the dignity of Dr. Tarnower, who died trying to save Jean Harris.?

Aurnou?s own attempt to save Harris would ultimately fail because the jury didn?t buy it.? Perhaps they remembered too well the closing argument of prosecutor George Bolen.? ?Try pulling the trigger,? he suggested.? ?It has 14 pounds of pull.? Just see how difficult it would be to pull double-action, four times by accident.?? It was too difficult apparently.

The jury deliberated eight days before marching into the courtroom in White Plains, New York chilling the defense table by staring straight ahead, refusing to look the correctly dressed defendant in the eyes.? There were tears among the defense team and Jean Harris spoke softly to her attorney before being led away. ?Joel,? she said I can?t sit in jail.?

In the twelve years she spent in the New York State Prison system, Jean Harris wrote three books filed multiple appeals and survived two heart attacks. She spent most of that time at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, which is only a short drive from the scene of the crime. She was the quintessential model prisoner, working with the infant children of her fellow inmates and continued to gather supporters long after the publicity of the trial died away. She was freed after Governor Mario Cuomo commuted her sentence down to 15 years to life (from 25 to life) so she could become eligible for parole three years early. Several clemency requests had been rejected, but the Governor finally relented after receiving a petition with thousands of signatures in a campaign lead by her two sons. There was increasing concern about her failing health.? The day she resumed life as a free woman, she was recovering from coronary by-pass surgery.

For the woman known back at the Madeira School for girls as ?Integrity Jean,? it seemed fitting but still, somehow incomplete.? She had testified years before that no one really knew her.? ?In Westchester,? she said I was a woman in a pretty dress going to dinner with Dr. Tarnower.? In Washington, I was a woman in a pretty dress who was a headmistress.? I was not sure who I was.?? She thought some more and added, ?I was a person sitting in an empty chair.??

Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below ?

Source: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/12/28/to-the-day-she-died-jean-harris-denied-killing-the-scarsdale-diet-doctor/

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Rover gets set for Martian road trip

Since captivating the world with its acrobatic landing, the Mars rover Curiosity has fallen into a rhythm: Drive, snap pictures, zap at boulders, scoop up dirt. Repeat.

Topping its to-do list in the new year: Set off toward a Martian mountain ? a trek that will take up a good chunk of the year.

The original itinerary called for starting the drive before the Times Square ball drop, but Curiosity lingered longer than planned at a pit stop, delaying the trip.

Curiosity will now head for Mount Sharp in mid-February after it drills into its first rock.

"We'll probably be ready to hit the pedal to the metal and give the keys back to the rover drivers," mission chief scientist John Grotzinger said in a recent interview at his office on the sprawling NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory campus, 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of downtown Los Angeles.

The road trip comes amid great expectations. After all, it's the reason the $2.5 billion mission targeted Gale Crater near the Martian equator. Soaring from the center of the ancient crater is a 3-mile-high (5-kilometer-high) peak with intriguing layers of rocks.

Curiosity's job is to figure out whether the landing site ever had the right environmental conditions to support microbes. Scientists already know water flowed in the past, thanks to the rover's discovery of an old streambed. Besides water, life as we know it also needs energy, typically provided by the sun.

What's missing are the chemical building blocks of life: complex carbon-based molecules. If they're preserved on Mars, scientists figure the best place to hunt for them is at the base of Mount Sharp, where images from space reveal hints of interesting geology.

It's a six-month journey if Curiosity drives nonstop. But since scientists will want to command the six-wheeled rover to rest and examine rocky outcrops along the way, it'll turn into a nine-month odyssey.

Drill, rover, drill
Before Curiosity can tackle a mountain, there's unfinished business to tend to. After spending the holiday taking measurements of the Martian atmosphere, Curiosity gears up for the first task of the new year: Finding the perfect rock to bore into.

The exercise ? from picking a rock to drilling to deciphering its chemical makeup ? is expected to last more than a month.

  1. Space news from NBCNews.com

    1. The night sky's top sights for 2013

      Science editor Alan Boyle's blog: The coming year could bring brilliant cometary fireworks as well as eclipses, meteor showers and more. But there's also the potential for disappointment.

    2. Get your fill of the year's final full moon
    3. Mars rover snaps amazing self-portrait
    4. Astronaut's song marks a space milestone

"We have promised everybody that we're going to go slowly," said Grotzinger, a geologist at the California Institute of Technology.

Curiosity's low-key adventures thus far are in contrast to the drama-filled touchdown that entranced the world in August. Since the car-sized rover was too heavy to land using a parachute and airbags, engineers invented a daring new way that involved lowering it to the surface by cables. The risky arrival proved so successful and popular that NASA is planning an encore in 2020.

Curiosity joined another NASA rover, Opportunity, which has been exploring the Martian southern hemisphere since 2004. Opportunity's twin, Spirit, stopped communicating in 2010.

After nailing the landing, Curiosity fell into a routine. The first month was dominated by health checkups ? a tedious but essential prerequisite before driving. A chemistry laboratory on wheels, it's the most high-tech spacecraft to land on another planet, so extra care was taken to ensure its tools, including its rock-zapping laser and robotic arm, worked.

Once it got the green light, it trundled to a waypoint that's home to three unique types of terrain to perform science experiments. Every time Curiosity roves, it leaves Morse code tracks in the soil, providing a visual signal between drives. The dots and dashes spell out JPL, short for Jet Propulsion Lab, which built the rover.

Postcards from Mars
So far, its odometer has logged less than a mile. Despite the slow going, scientists have been smitten with the postcards it beamed home, including a stylish self-portrait and tantalizing glimpses of Mount Sharp.

Huge expectations weigh on the mission with NASA balancing the need to feed the public's appetite while pursuing discoveries at its own pace. Last month, the space agency quashed Internet speculation that Curiosity had detected complex carbon compounds in a pinch of Martian soil by issuing a statement ahead of a science meeting where the team was due to present the latest findings.

American University space policy professor Howard McCurdy said Curiosity is currently in a transition, caught between the landing that went viral and the scientific payoff that's expected at Mount Sharp.

"It is interesting, but slow," he said in an email. "I expect public interest will rise as the rover gets closer to its destination."

Curiosity's prime mission lasts two years, but NASA expects the plutonium-powered rover to live far longer. A priority for its human handlers is to learn to operate it more efficiently so that it becomes second nature. Before heading to Mount Sharp, engineers plan a software update to Curiosity's computers to fix remaining bugs.

"We'll need to be pretty careful," project manager Richard Cook said of the upcoming drive. "We may find terrain that we're not comfortable driving in, and we'll have to spend time driving around stuff."

More about Mars:

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/50319003/ns/technology_and_science-space/

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শুক্রবার, ২৮ ডিসেম্বর, ২০১২

President signs 2013 social insurance, health insurance budgets ...

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Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite has signed into law next year?s budgets of the State Social Insurance Fund (Sodra) and the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund.

Although Sodra?s budget deficit was decreasing little by little, the authorities should continue to spare no efforts in order to balance the revenues and the expenditures of the fund, a press release from the President?s Office quoted Grybauskaite as saying.

The state leader urged to address unemployment problems effectively and to launch a substantial pension reform. She pointed out that the mechanism of compensating the pensioners and the disabled for the reduction of benefits during the crisis had not been established as yet.

The Constitutional Court has stated that the state shall provide fair compensation for the losses that resulted from the reduction of pensions.

The 2013 Sodra?s budget projects 9.679 billion litas (EUR 2.8 b) in revenues and 11.363 billion litas in expenditures. The revenues and the expenditures of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund should reach 4.122 billion litas and 4.122 billion litas, respectively, according to its budget law.

Source: http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/26029/president-signs-2013-social-insurance-health-insurance-budgets-into-law-201226029/

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Democrats Seek the Holy Grail of Gun Control (Powerlineblog)

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Source: http://news.feedzilla.com/en_us/stories/politics/top-stories/273413010?client_source=feed&format=rss

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Ophthalmology Doctors Advice for Healthy Eyes

In order to maintain the health of human eyes, doctors of ophthalmology advise patients to practice preventative care. Once injuries or illnesses have occurred, ophthalmologists are called on to diagnose and treat the conditions. If individuals take steps to protect their eyesight, they may eliminate many problems that could occur otherwise.

Ophthalmologists are eye doctors who went to medical school. They treat more serious situations than the optometrists who typically screen patients for vision deficiencies. One step toward keeping the eyes healthy is by having an examination before issues arise. These baseline screenings can notice the earliest developments before they turn into full-scale challenges. Once the baseline exam has been completed, regular checkups should follow, as needed. A typical eye exam time frame for patients with no problems is every one or two years. If there are signs of trouble, the checkups should be more frequent. Individuals who are in high-risk categories such as patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of glaucoma, cataracts, or other diseases should go more frequently.

Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and cigarette smoking all affect vision and health of eyes. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, turnip greens, chard, and others are especially helpful because they contain high vitamin content. A balanced diet with plenty of Vitamin C, E, and Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial. Exercise helps blood flow and keeps immune systems functioning optimally. It also alleviates stress, which can affect eye health. Smoking cigarettes is bad for the whole body and the eyes are no different. Cataracts and AMD age-related macular degeneration are more likely to occur in smokers than non-smokers.

Protect your eyesight in the sun, at the workplace, and on the athletic field. Doctors of ophthalmology advise individuals to make it a regular practice to wear UVA and UVB protective sunglasses when they are outside or driving a vehicle. Sunlight can lead to cataracts, especially in green or blue-eyed individuals. Workers who use tools or substances that could damage eyes should wear masks and protective eyewear. Hockey players, baseball players, and any athlete that could receive a flying ball or puck to the face should wear protective eyewear, as well.

With so many people working on computers these days, eyestrain is becoming more prevalent. In order to protect oneself from this, a 20/20/20 rule should be followed. This is to look up from the screen every twenty minutes to a distance approximately twenty feet away for twenty seconds. Following this rule will keep eyes seeing 20/20 for years into the future.

Many patients opt for contact lenses over eyeglasses. This is fine as long as the contacts are properly worn and kept sterile. Sloppy contact hygiene can lead to infections. It?s imperative to follow directions for care to the letter. Using spit to clean your lens is a bad decision. Wearing them longer than directed can lead to pain and even blindness.

By following the preventative advice of doctors of ophthalmology, individuals can keep their eyes healthier and trouble at bay. Regular checkups by optometrists or ophthalmologists can keep small problems from turning serious.

In Brooklyn Ophthalmology doctors can help you keep your eyes healthy and your sight good. For more information about how a doctor could benefit you, visit http://www.brightoneye.com.

Source: http://www.articlesrx.com/ophthalmology-doctors-advice-for-healthy-eyes/10162

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Red Sox get All-Star closer Hanrahan from Pirates

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2012, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh. The Red Sox have acquired the All-Star closer from the Pirates in a six-player deal trade on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The Red Sox also received infielder Brock Holt, but gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2012, file photo, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh. The Red Sox have acquired the All-Star closer from the Pirates in a six-player deal trade on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. The Red Sox also received infielder Brock Holt, but gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

In this July 7, 2012, photo, Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants in Pittsburgh. A person familiar with the talks says the Pirates and the Boston Red Sox are close to completing a trade that would send Hanrahan to Boston for a handful of prospects. Pittsburgh would ship Hanrahan and another player to the Red Sox in exchange for four players, (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

(AP) ? If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer.

In the first of his two All-Star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game.

"When people look back on me as a Pirate, that's the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade.

People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran.

"It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batter's box against Joel Hanrahan."

Now American League hitters will see what it's like.

Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands.

The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. The reported $9.5 million deal was contingent on Drew passing a physical. The former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback broke his ankle in 2011.

"We feel that he's going to be fully healthy for us," O'Halloran said.

The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross.

Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves.

The six-year veteran will take over the closer's role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury.

In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games.

Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," O'Halloran said.

The Red Sox's search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season.

Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumors involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and it's a huge sports city."

In six seasons, 2 1/2 with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, he's 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings.

Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics.

"I don't think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training."

Hanrahan said he's never been to Fenway Park, but O'Halloran doesn't think he'll have trouble adjusting to the American League.

"Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said.

Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September.

Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. Sands and DeJesus were obtained in a trade that sent Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Aug. 25.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-12-27-BBO-Pirates-Red-Sox-Trade/id-daaf2b6b91574170b2210f9ae2fb7539

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The Five Best Blogging Software Platforms for Small Business ...

Posted by Kasey Jones on Thursday, December 27, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

Many small business owners today aren?t familiar with the various blogging platforms, but are considering a blog for their companies. An essential component of online marketing, blogs make it possible to engage with your target audience. If you are a business owner who is unfamiliar with the platforms available to you, we?ve compiled a list of those that are easy to use and make content presentation easy. In terms of internet marketing, our favorites are listed below.

WordPress ? One of the most popular content management systems (CMS) today, WordPresss is a free open-source blogging platform that?s highly customizable and SEO friendly, making it easy for those new to blogging to use. If you have an existing company website, WordPress easily integrates so that you can add a blog without any technical skills. WordPress makes easy work of uploading images, adding blog posts, editing, and more.

Blogger ? Blogger, owned by Google, has been around nearly since blogging began and is still a good choice for bloggers today. Another free blogging platform, Blogger is safe, offers some good-looking free templates that are customizable and is easy to use. User-friendly and easy to add new posts to or edit, Blogger has become more SEO friendly and offers tools to help you design your template.

Tumblr ? Another free blogging platform, Tumblr encourages interaction similar to that you find with social media, and is amazing for SEO because it offers tons of opportunity for social sharing. Known widely for its micro-blogging capabilities, Tumblr allows users to make small ?mini? posts either in visual or text format. The amazing thing about Tumblr is that users can ?share? your posts or blurbs, then others share those users? shares, literally creating a whirlwind of activity.

TypePad ? Exceptional customer service, simplicity and security are a few features you will find with TypePad, a great choice for amateur bloggers. This highly functional blogging platform offers unmatched support when you have questions, step-by-step tutorials and intuitive software that makes simple work of getting your blog going in no time. TypePad offers different packages from basic to premium, each offering its own features. Unlike with some other blogging platforms, TypePad?s customer service typically responds within 24 hours when you open a help ticket.

Movable Type ? Another CMS (content management system) similar to WordPress, Movable Type offers free and paid versions, simple design customization and plug-ins that make enhancing your and your reader?s experience easy. Another plus ? making your blog mobile-friendly is easy which is essential considering almost everyone uses an iPhone, smartphone or other mobile device today. Movable Type lets you easily manage content and develop an interactive, engaged community. Built in RSS, plenty of tools to invite your readers to participate.

These are some of our best picks for small business owners who are considering a company blog. Today, consumers like to see the more personal side of the companies they buy from; blogging makes it possible to interact and engage with customers old and new.

Kasey Jones is a contributing writer for The KC Techgregator , an RSS blog aggregator for all of Kansas City?s best Tech, Startup, SEO, Internet Marketing, Web Design & Development and Social Media Marketing Blogs.

Source: http://championseoconsulting.com/blog/2012/12/the-five-best-blogging-software-platforms-for-small-business-online-marketing/

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বৃহস্পতিবার, ২৭ ডিসেম্বর, ২০১২

Three Afghans dead in new blast at U.S. base in Afghan east

KHOST, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A suicide bomber killed three people in an attack on a U.S. base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, the same base that is believed to be used by the CIA and which a suicide bomber attacked three years ago killing seven CIA employees.

The Afghan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack in the eastern town of Khost, saying they had sent a suicide bomber driving a van packed with explosives to the base.

"The target was those who serve Americans at that base," said Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Afghanistan's NATO-led force said the bomber did not get into the base nor breach its perimeter. Police said the three dead were Afghans who were outside the base, which is beside a military airport.

The al Qaeda-linked Haqqani network, widely regarded as the most dangerous U.S. foe in Afghanistan, is active in Khost province, which is on the Pakistani border.

After more than a decade of war, Taliban insurgents are still able to strike strategic military targets, and launch high-profile attacks in the capital, Kabul, and elsewhere.

Three years ago, an al Qaeda-linked Jordanian double-agent killed seven CIA employees and a Jordanian intelligence officer in a suicide bombing at the same base in Khost, known as Forward Operating Base Chapman.

It was the second deadliest attack in CIA history.

Afghan police official General Abdul Qasim Baqizoy, the Khost police chief, said no CIA agents were hurt on Wednesday.

Afghan authorities are scrambling to improve security across the country before the U.S. combat mission ends in 2014.

Besides pressure from the Taliban, U.S.-led NATO forces also face a rising number of so-called insider attacks, in which Afghan forces turn their weapons on Western troops they are supposed to be working with.

On Monday, an Afghan policewoman killed a U.S. police adviser at the Kabul police headquarters, raising troubling questions about the direction of the war.

It appeared to be the first time that a woman member of Afghanistan's security forces carried out such an attack.

On Tuesday, Afghan officials said the woman has an Iranian passport and moved to Afghanistan 10 years ago. There was no suggestion that Iran was involved in the attack on the American.

Officials suspect she may have been recruited by al Qaeda or the Taliban, and had intended to also kill Afghan police officials.

(Reporting by Elyas Wahdat; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Robert Birsel)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/explosion-afghan-city-khost-taliban-target-u-043617090.html

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বুধবার, ২৬ ডিসেম্বর, ২০১২

Cold Weather and Your Pets | Alaska Dog Works

Being Alaskan?s we are a hardy bunch. Our pets are too. But do you know how to protect your furry friends when the temperature drops? During cold weather months, it?s always a good idea to take extra precautions when it comes to the well-being of your pets. Here are some guidelines for when the temperature drops:

  • Make sure all pets have a warm place to sleep in the house, off the floor and away from drafts. Kittens and older cats will appreciate a heated pad or bed (readily available at pet supply stores).
  • Don?t leave tiny, short-haired, or very young or old dogs outside without supervision. Warm sweaters or doggy coats will keep them comfortable on walks. Long-haired, larger dogs and those with double coats (like the Nordic breeds) may enjoy the cold and snow, but they, too, should live primarily indoors with the family.
  • Dogs that spend time outdoors need plenty of fresh water available. They can?t burn calories without water, and if they can?t burn calories, they can?t keep warm. Also, use a tip-resistant, ceramic or hard plastic water bowl rather than a metal one; when the temperature is low, a dog?s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
  • Keep your dog?s coat well groomed. Matted fur won?t protect her from the cold.
  • After a walk, wipe her feet, legs and stomach area to prevent ingestion of salt or dangerous chemicals. For your own walkways, use a pet-friendly ice-melt product.
  • Never let dogs off leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Make sure they are always wearing ID tags and are microchipped for an extra measure of protection.
  • Check your garage and driveway for antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Wipe up any spills right away. Better yet, use pet-safe antifreeze, which is made with propylene glycol. If ingested in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife or your family.
  • Never leave a pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
  • If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on your car hood or honk the horn before starting the engine. In their search to stay warm, outdoor cats often take refuge next to a warm car engine or tire.
  • Keep snow from piling up high next to your fence. A packed snowdrift will provide a boost for dogs to escape the confines of your yard.
  • Consider the amount of exercise your dogs receive during colder weather, and adjust their food supply accordingly. Inside and lazy? Less food. Outside and active? More food may be needed to produce more body heat. Consult your veterinarian to be sure.

Source: http://alaskadogworks.com/2012/12/cold-weather-and-your-pets/

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Getting into Shapes: From Hyperbolic Geometry to Cube Complexes

A proof announced in March resolved the last of 23 questions about 3D shapes posed in 1982 by mathematician William Thurston, marking the end of an era in the study of "three-manifolds"


hyperbolic geometry Figure 3. When viewed through the lens of hyperbolic geometry, all the fish are the same size. The curves that run along the fishes? spines are hyperbolic straight lines, or "geodesics." Image: Illustration: Douglas Dunham, University of Minnesota Duluth

From Simons Science News (find original story here).

Thirty years ago, the mathematician William Thurston articulated a grand vision: a taxonomy of all possible finite three-dimensional shapes.

Thurston, a Fields medalist who spent much of his career at Princeton and Cornell, had an uncanny ability to imagine the unimaginable: not just the shapes that live inside our ordinary three-dimensional space, but also the far vaster menagerie of shapes that involve such complicated twists and turns that they can only fit into higher-dimensional spaces. Where other mathematicians saw inchoate masses, Thurston saw structure: symmetries, surfaces, relationships between different shapes.

?Many people have an impression, based on years of schooling, that mathematics is an austere and formal subject concerned with complicated and ultimately confusing rules,? he wrote in 2009. ?Good mathematics is quite opposite to this. Mathematics is an art of human understanding. ? Mathematics sings when we feel it in our whole brain.?

At the core of Thurston?s vision was a marriage between two seemingly disparate ways of studying three-dimensional shapes: geometry, the familiar realm of angles, lengths, areas and volumes, and topology, which studies all the properties of a shape that don?t depend on precise geometric measurements ? the properties that remain unchanged if the shape gets stretched and distorted like Silly Putty.

To a topologist, the surface of a frying pan is equivalent to that of a table, a pencil or a soccer ball; the surface of a coffee mug is equivalent to a doughnut surface, or torus. From a topologist?s point of view, the multiplicity of two-dimensional shapes ? that is, surfaces ? essentially boils down to a simple list of categories: sphere-like surfaces, toroidal surfaces, and surfaces like the torus but with more than one hole. (Most of us think of spheres and tori as three-dimensional, but because mathematicians think of them as hollow surfaces, they consider them two-dimensional objects, measured in terms of surface area, not volume.)

Thurston?s key insight was that it is in the union of geometry and topology that three-dimensional shapes, or ?three-manifolds,? can be understood. Just as the topological category of ?two-manifolds? containing the surfaces of a frying pan and a pencil also contains a perfect sphere, Thurston conjectured that many categories of three-manifolds contain one exemplar, a three-manifold whose geometry is so perfect, so uniform, so beautiful that, as Walter Neumann of Columbia University is fond of saying, it ?rings like a bell.? What?s more, Thurston conjectured, shapes that don?t have such an exemplar can be carved up into chunks that do.

In a 1982 paper, Thurston set forth this ?geometrization conjecture? as part of a group of 23 questions about three-manifolds that offered mathematicians a road map toward a thorough understanding of three-dimensional shapes. (His list had 24 questions, but one of them, still unresolved, is more of an intriguing side alley than a main thoroughfare.)

?Thurston had this enormous talent for asking the right questions,? said Vladimir Markovic, a mathematician at the California Institute of Technology. ?Anyone can ask questions, but it?s rare for a question to lead to insight and beauty, the way Thurston?s questions always seemed to do.?

These questions inspired a new generation of mathematicians, dozens of whom chose to pursue their graduate studies under Thurston?s guidance. Thurston?s mathematical ?children? manifest his style, wrote Richard Brown of Johns Hopkins University. ?They seem to see mathematics the way a child views a carnival: full of wonder and joy, fascinated with each new discovery, and simply happy to be a part of the whole scene.?

In the decades after Thurston?s seminal paper appeared, mathematicians followed his road map, motivated less by possible applications than by a realization that three-manifolds occupy a sweet spot in the study of shapes. Two-dimensional shapes are a bit humdrum, easy to visualize and categorize. Four-, five- and higher-dimensional shapes are essentially untamable: the range of possibilities is so enormous that mathematicians have limited their ambitions to understanding specialized subclasses of them. For three-dimensional shapes, by contrast, the structures are mysterious and mind-boggling, but ultimately knowable.

Source: http://rss.sciam.com/click.phdo?i=901500740cab35b7cd6bea14064c850d

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Year In Review: 12 Highlights From The Philadelphia Dining Scene ...

What a whirlwind year it's been for Philadelphia's dining scene, with a series of sensational openings, revitalizations, accolades and chef imports. There's even more to be excited about for next year. Pictured, clockwise from top left: Fette Sau in Fishtown, Chinatown's Hop Sing Laundromat, the newly expanded Brauhaus Schmitz and the renovated Le Bec-Fin. (Photo credits, clockwise from top left: Danya Henninger courtesy Drink Philly, Robert Neroni courtesy Hop Sing Laundromat, courtesy Brauhaus Schmitz, courtesy Le Bec-Fin)

When it comes to food, Philly?s got it covered. In 2012 we welcomed lots of great new bars and restaurants that have proved to be well worth the anticipation.

Philly restaurants have cleaned up in the awards and accolades department and our favorite chefs have been featured left and right.

But all of that?s not to say that 2013 won?t be just as exciting for the local restaurant scene.

Next year, some of the city?s favorite restaurants are expanding, new restaurants are opening and transports are setting up shop within the city limits.

Below, a look back at 12 Philadelphia dining highlights from 2012 and 13 we?re looking forward to for 2013:

12 in 2012

1. Fette Sau: Thanks to a partnership between Stephen Starr and Brooklyn Restaurateur Joe Carroll, Philadelphia gets a taste of NYC?s prized BBQ spot, Fette Sau. Using all local meats and smoking them in house, this place puts up some serious competition for best BBQ in the city. The down-home vibe and extensive bourbon menu add some leverage, too.

2. Le Bec-Fin: The reinvention of what some have called the country?s best French restaurant was one of the year?s most exciting (and relieving) success stories. The service is still impeccable, the food excellent, the atmosphere elegant ? but it?s all just a little bit more accessible.

3. Brauhaus Schmitz expands and adds Wursthaus Schmitz in Reading Terminal Market: Nothing wrong with plattering up Parma ham and Spanish lomo, but the latest trend in Philly kitchens is do-it-yourself (DIY) sausages, terrines and p?t?s. Meat eaters have already pounced on the German-style Wursthaus Schmitz in the Reading Terminal Market, a spinoff of South Street?s Brauhaus Schmitz, offering the restaurant?s acclaimed homemade sausages, salads, pretzels and sandwiches such as the Bavarian, complete with bauernwurst, horseradish mayo, Bavarian coleslaw and crispy fried onions. The restaurant?s South Street home base also expanded into to accommodate 2,000 additional square feet of space, and 10 more taps.

4. Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Lounge: The opening of Philadelphia?s first new hotel in Old City?s Historic District in years also brought two new bar/restaurants to Independence Mall: Red Owl Tavern, helmed by Chef Guillermo Tellez of Square 1682 fame, and the super chic Stratus Rooftop Lounge.

5. Pizza Brain and Little Baby?s Ice Cream: Fishtown artist Brian Dywer, aka Pizza Brain, joined by a few of his pizza obsessed friends, has amassed a Guinness World Record holding 1,000-piece collection of pizza memorabilia. And you can check it out for yourself at the world?s very first pizza museum, right here in Philadelphia, complete with artisanal pizza restaurant. Right next door is Little Baby?s headquarters, letting Philadelphians enjoy the gourmet, milky goodness of their delicious ice-cream year-round. With crazy good flavors like Earl Grey Sriracha, Chai Coconut, Thai Peanut and even Pizza (paying homage to their pizza museum neighbors at Pizza Brain), this place is a hit for good reason.

Check out the rest of our 2012 highlights, plus 13 food stories we?re excited about for 2013, below.

6. Federal Donuts opens a second location: Next time you think about ?Running on Dunkin,? think again. Philadelphia?s new Federal Donuts now has a downtown location in addition to the Pennsport spot. With cool creations like maple bacon, strawberry fennel, turkish mocha, spicy PB&J and the Korean-style chicken and donuts, these guys are definitely upping the deep-fried ante.

7. Rittenhouse Tavern: Rittenhouse Square?s east stretch along 18th Street is one of the best dining corridors in the city, featuring Parc, Rouge and Devon plus a. kitchen and Serafina right across the street. Joining the cadre this year was the Rittenhouse Tavern, a brand new venture replacing Gardenia inside the Philadelphia Art Alliance featuring a quaint courtyard out back for outside dining sheltered by trees, the perfect compromise for dining on the Square without all the hustle and bustle.

8. Vernick: When a Jean-Georges Vongerichten prot?g? returns home to his native city after a blistering career in top restaurants around the world, Vernick Food & Drink is born. The new casual bistro from Chef Greg Vernick features urbane-yet-homey offerings like potato ravioli with braised lamb and long beans. It?s received across-the-board flattering reviews. For good reason.

9. Hop Sing Laundromat: The unmarked storefront of Chinatown?s mysterious speakeasy Hop Sing Laundromat belies the liquid delights within, which pay spirited tribute to the storming of Normandy, the first African-American woman doctor and the late author David Foster Wallace, among others.

10. Morgan?s Pier: A beer garden at the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge, Morgan?s Pier offers 20 draft beer and easygoing eats like corn-and-blue-crab fritters, blackened tuna burgers and fried-chicken tacos, along with Little Baby?s Ice Cream, Federal Donuts and a packed schedule of live music.

11. Shake Shack opens: Shake Shack finally made its way to Philadelphia this year. It was a pretty huge story for the Philadelphia dining scene, and the city at large. The 20th and Sansom spot is stocked with Philly-specific custard flavors, addictively juicy burgers, fries, hot dogs and more. Even after more than six months open, lunch lines still stretch around the corner. They must be doing something right.

12. Alla Spina opens: Marc Vetri?s newest restaurant, Alla Spina, opened on North Broad Street and like the rest of his restaurants in the city, it did not disappoint.

13 in 2013

1. Serpico: Finally, Peter Serpico, of New York?s Momofuku fame, will be opening up an eponymously named eatery on South Street with the help of Stephen Starr.

2. Noord: A Dutch BYO from Chicago chef Joncarl Lachman is slated to open on Tasker Avenue in East Passyunk.

3. Sophia: Also in South Philly, one-time local chef Chris Lee will be developing a new concept where Salt and Pepper currently stands. Lee returns to the city after a highly touted stint in New York.

4. Ramen Revolution: 2013 may well be the year of the noodle. After decades of a relatively ramen-free existence, Philly?s got a whole slew of new Japanese style joints: Nom Nom, Hiro Ramen House, Terakawa Ramen, Green Wasabi and more. For 2013, there will be no more running around to find Cheu Noodle Bar, as the popular Philly pop-up has secured a spot in Midtown Village.

5. Volver: Jose Garces will be opening a street-level restaurant at the Kimmel Center called Volver. The restaurant is set to open in spring 2013.

6. Honey?s Sit ?n Eat: At last, 2013 should see the opening of Honey?s Sit ?n Eat?s second location, at 21st and South. The Northern Liberties favorite will be bringing their tasty comfort food to eager Graduate Hospital brunchers after much anticipation.

7. Joe: One of the Big Apple?s favorite coffee shops, Joe, is coming to two spots in Philadelphia in 2013, in Rittenhouse Square and University City.

8. Metropolitan Cafe: Metropolitan Bakery will be opening a sit-down cafe a stone?s throw from their current location in Rittenhouse Square. The cafe will be full of tasty baked goods, soups, a full espresso bar and more.

9. Talula?s Daily : The folks at Talula?s Garden will be opening up Talula?s Daily right next door to the restaurant?s Washington Square spot. Talula?s Daily will be a market full of all of the same types of things that make Talula?s Garden awesome, but with an urban and high-end general store twist.

10. Boot & Saddle: South Broad Street?s Boot & Saddle will reopen in 2013, thanks to Avram Hornik and team. The bar will serve as a live music venue in South Philly. R5 Productions will book live acts at the establishment.

11. Dolphin Tavern: Avram Hornik?s Four Corners Management will also be resurrecting the recently closed Dolphin Tavern. Expect the South Philly spot to open its doors once again in 2013.

12. Mac?s Tavern Rittenhouse: Now you can get your It?s Always Sunny on in two different Philly bars. Mac?s Tavern will soon be extending beyond Old City, opening a second location on Chestnut Street near Rittenhouse Square.

13. Philadelphia Live Arts Building Restaurant: The old high pressure fire service building at Columbus Boulevard and Race Street has recently obtained a liquor license and will soon be the Philadelphia Live Arts? fantastic new home. The building will boast a 225-seat theater, an outdoor area and a 2,000 square-foot restaurant and bar. Another snazzy addition to the revitalized Delaware River Waterfront.

Source: http://www.uwishunu.com/2012/12/year-in-review-12-highlights-from-the-philadelphia-dining-scene-in-2012-and-13-food-stories-were-excited-about-for-2013/

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