Ask the archery enthusiasts and they tell you why you need be a special individual to take to archery. At first, it might appear a bit odd learning the art of using a weapon rendered obsolete by modern technology and the guns. Even the archery equipment has changed a lot with the times. A closer examination will reveal that archery has lots to offer in comparison to other sports. Though the reasons for each individual to like archery may be at variance, the benefits remain common with most of them. In an era where the internet dominates almost every conceivable space, even archery has its own niche. Run a simple search for archery equipment and you will be surprised to see the number of web sites offering a variety of archery equipment, tips, and even tutorials. How can you benefit from the use of archery equipment and archery itself?

1. It is original and novel

Archery stands out as a unique choice among several hobbies. Beyond the scout camps and summer camps, many would not have had any experience with archery or archery equipment. For this singular reason alone, when you start learning the art of shooting like a champion, you will begin to enjoy the sport. Since the modern society has very few people with experience in archery and archery equipment, you will have an absorbing topic of discussion in your social circuits. When you have acquired adequate knowledge and talk about various archery equipment and techniques, you would soon be the centre of attraction.

2. You can try your luck as Robin Hood of modern times

For those with deep rooted belief in traditions, it would be amazing to understand how their ancestors lived testing their luck with only the bow and several arrows. Initially this will be a humbling experience enhancing your respect for your ancestors, and the joy that you can also master the skill should be experienced to believe. Archery equipment of modern times will help compound your joy with its wide array of designs, purpose and sophistication.

3. Physically less demanding

Though you do need a certain degree of physical strength to pitch as an archer, in comparison to other sports, the physical intensity required is significantly lesser. Even some sportspersons who unfortunately lost their legs in other sports have sustained in the sports arena through archery. This relatively lower physical involvement has great attraction for people who do love sports but are not keen in risking injury or sweating it out seriously.

4. Many options

Archery offers several options depending on the degree of your interest and desires. You can choose from target archery, field archery, archery hunting or bowfishing. Target archery will equip you for bulls-eye shooting targets and can lead to competing skills in archery contests. Archery hunting is for those who like hunting as a hobby or even as a profession. Field archery involves shooting at three dimensional targets for earning points at varying distances. The right type of archery equipment helps you excel in all these departments.



By: Jennifer Walterscheit
























About the Author:

One of the most common afflictions of the baby boomer generation is osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). Up to 20 million Americans may suffer from this condition.

OAK develops as a result of degradation of the articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth lining or gristle that covers the ends of the leg bones where they meet to form the knee joint. The cartilage provides a smooth surface for the joint to move and also functions to cushion the knee with impact.

The layer of bone underlying the articular cartilage is called subchondral bone.

Osteoarthritis is a complex process that involves both inflammatory as well as mechanical factors. Initial joint inflammation leads to chemical changes within the cartilage that leads to premature wearing away. When the articular cartilage wears away, the bone underneath is uncovered and rubs against bone. Small bone spurs or osteophytes may form in the joint as a result of mechanical factors.

The primary symptoms of OAK include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Patients may complain of stiffness in the knees with prolonged sitting. They may also experience pain in the knees at night. Occasionally clicking or short term locking may occur.

So what treatments are available now and what is going to be available in the future?

Unfortunately, at the present, most of our treatments currently are aimed at symptom control because we do not yet have therapies that reliably and convincingly slow down or reverse cartilage deterioration.

Physicians may prescribe medicine to help control. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a mild analgesic (pain reliever) with few side effects if the drug is not taken on a chronic basis. Some people may also get relief of pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Other anti-inflammatory medicines such as COX-2 inhibitors don't cause as much stomach upset and other intestinal problems like standard anti-inflammatory drugs do. Insurance companies, though, are reluctant to pay for these since they are more expensive than standard anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medical studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also help people with knee OA. These supplements seem to have nearly the same benefits as anti-inflammatory medicine with fewer side effects. While the research results are mixed, many people find relief with these supplements.

A corticosteroid injection may be prescribed. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines and work very well and very quickly to relieve pain. However, they do have potential side effects and should be used sparingly and cautiously.

Multiple injections of corticosteroids worsens the process of degeneration.

Another potential problem is the invasive nature of corticosteroid injections. Any time a joint is entered with a needle, there is the possibility of an infection. Most physicians use corticosteroid injections sparingly, and avoid multiple injections unless the joint is already in the end stages of osteoarthritis, and the next step is knee replacement.

Another type of injectable medication is hyaluronic acid. Doctors inject five doses into the joint at weekly intervals for a total of five weeks. The medicine helps lubricate the joint, ease pain, and improve a person's ability to get back to the activities they enjoy. Some people have had good results for up to one year after getting these treatments.

Physical therapy plays an important role in the nonsurgical treatment of OAK. Physical therapists teach their patients how to protect the arthritic knee joint. This starts with tips on choosing activities that minimize impact and twisting forces on the knee. People who modify their activities can reduce pain and perhaps slow down the rate of deterioration of knee OA.

Shock-absorbing insoles placed inside shoes can also reduce impact and protect the joint. A cane or walker may be recommended to ease joint pressure when walking. People who walk regularly are encouraged to choose a soft walking surface, such as a cinder or grass track.

A type of knee brace, called a knee unloader brace, can help when OAK affects one side of the knee joint. For example, bowlegs occurs when the inside (medial) part of the knee joint is narrowed. The unloader brace pushes against the outer (lateral) surface of the knee, causing the medial side of the joint to open up. In this way, the brace relieves the pressure and unloads the medial side of the joint. A knee unloader brace can help relieve pain and allow people to do more of their usual activities.

For mild cases of knee OA, a heel wedge worn in the shoe tilts the heel. The wedge alters the way the knee lines up, which works like the unloader brace mentioned above to take pressure off the arthritic part of the knee.

Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can improve knee motion. Strengthening exercises for the hip and knee help steady the knee and give additional joint protection from shock and stress. People with knee OA who have strong leg muscles have fewer symptoms.

In some cases, surgical treatment of OA may be appropriate.

Surgeons can use an arthroscope to clean the joint by removing loose fragments of cartilage. People have reported relief when doctors simply flush the joint with saline solution. Removal of torn cartilage can also help with symptoms.

OAK in the medial compartment can lead to bowing of the knee. As mentioned earlier, a bowlegged posture places more pressure than normal on the medial compartment. The added pressure leads to more pain and faster degeneration where the cartilage is being squeezed together.

Surgery to realign the angles in the lower leg can help shift pressure to the other, healthier side of the knee. The goal is to reduce the pain and delay further degeneration of the medial compartment.

One procedure to realign the angles of the lower leg is called a proximal tibial osteotomy. In this procedure, the upper part of the shinbone (tibia) has a wedge cut out, and the angle of the joint is changed. This changes the leg from being bowlegged to straight. By correcting the joint deformity, pressure is taken off the cartilage.

A proximal tibial osteotomy buys some time before a total knee replacement becomes necessary. The benefits of the operation usually last for five to seven years if successful.

A novel alternative is the Orthoglide medial knee implant. Data representing the first complete year of enrollment in the OrthoGlide clinical study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology's annual meeting in Boston, MA. The data was presented by William Arnold, M.D. "The OrthoGlide prospective clinical study has enrolled 92 patients with osteoarthritis of the medial compartment that met the inclusion criteria," said Dr. Arnold. "These patients would have been candidates for an invasive Total Knee Replacement (TKR) procedure. The pain relief experienced by the patients enrolled in this study, along with the return of knee function at one year is similar to TKR results but with a much less invasive procedure."

A total knee replacement is the final solution for advanced knee OA.

Surgeons prefer not to put a new knee joint in patients younger than 60. This is because younger patients are generally more active and might put too much stress on the joint, causing it to loosen or even crack. A revision surgery to replace a damaged prosthesis is harder to do, has more possible complications, and is usually less successful than a first-time joint replacement surgery.

Obviously, the best solution would be to find medications that can slow down or reverse cartilage damage early in the course of the illness.

Some research has focused on the area of cytokines. These are chemical messengers that aggravate inflammation. Evidence exists that blocking cytokines may slow down cartilage loss. In addition, enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors may cause cartilage degradation.

What seem to play a key role in cartilage damage are free radicals. Free radicals literally chew away at cartilage.

A recent Japanese study has shown that a new compound, C60 fullerene, prevents the degeneration of articular cartilage in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

What this compound does is reduces the degradation of chondrocytes, the cells that make up cartilage. "C60 is characterized as a strong radical sponge and potential activity as a free radical scavenger," said lead investigator Dr. Kazuo Yudoh.

Intra-articular injection (injection of the substance into the knee joint) in rabbits with OA significantly reduced articular cartilage degeneration. The effect was dose dependent and the results were superior to those achieved with hyaluronic acid. Moreover, the combination of hyaluronic acid and C60 provided results beyond that achieved with either agent alone.

The study, continued Dr. Yudoh, indicates that "C60 fullerene may be useful as a protective agent against the oxygen free radical-induced pathological features in a variety of diseases." (Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:3307-3318).

Another area of interest is stem cells.

Chondrogen, is an investigational compound that consists of a preparation of adult stem cells that is injected into the knee. To date, in clinical trials, it appears to have produced a significant reduction in knee pain compared with other treatments.



By: Nathan Wei
























About the Author:

By Alain Leveque

Strange times! When folks we hardly know get to rule our lives, well, they do. Every new regime eagerly enacts more laws while rarely repealing old ones. In the bargain, those with delegated authority inevitably stack on more regulations, more ordinances, more rules, and more bylaws too. And to top it off, various lobby groups push for legislation suiting their own ideological slant or self-interest. As the years roll on, and more and more rights are extinguished, more personal liberties trashed, little by little we become surrogates for the worldviews of others.

 

Speaking of others, they’ve surfaced in Rodrigues. Of late, anti-tobacco lobbyists are pressing for a blanket ban on all tobacco-growing on the island. Or more precisely, they want a right possessed and exercised by people throughout recorded human history, taken away from hand-to-mouth dirt farmers. Lobbyists reckon tobacco damages health, and growing it on their doorstep only encourages Rodriguans to smoke. Another contention is that contact with wet tobacco causes dermal absorption of nicotine, leading to nausea, malaise, dizziness, abdominal cramps, respiratory complications and cardiac problems. What's more, citing overseas studies, lobbyists claim that organophosphate based pesticides used in tobacco cultivation trigger depression and suicide in those exposed to them.

 

Let's see. More often than not, heavy long-term smoking kills. No fancy arguments from me. It’s bad. It’s 2008. We know. What, did any of the Rodriguan clan say smoking was good for them? Hmm. Incidentally, heavy long-term consumption of junk food, salt, or grog brings on the eternal cold too. Will our crusading idéologues also picket fast-food outlets and rally to outlaw rum, phoenix beer, and salt?

 

Let’s zoom in on a few realities. Once harvested, tobacco is dried and cured, then sold and shipped to Mauritius. As there are no tobacco factories in Rodrigues, all cigarettes must be imported. Not exactly on our doorstep, is it? Granted, a handful of older Rodriguans still smoke chopped-up dried tobacco leaves, locally known as gro taba.  But besides its choking, harsh aftertaste, gro taba is looked upon as the smoke of the underclass and, for that reason, would-be movers-and-shakers and young go-getters just don't go near the stuff. Hardly tobacco's poster child! At any rate, living next to a brewery does not an alcoholic make.

 

The assertion that wet tobacco and its pesticides make growers sick, sad and suicidal draws an incredibly long bow. To make ends meet, subsistence farmers have been planting tobacco on small plots of arid land in the villages – without any drama – for generations. Typically, natural fertilizers obtained free or on the cheap are used, but occasionally chemical fertilizers are applied. It is true that tobacco and tomato pesticides contain organophosphate based compounds, which once exposed to air, soil and sunlight degrade rapidly. While it’s not sarin nerve gas, any pesticide, like battery acid or rat poison serves a specific purpose, and most sensible people instinctively know not to drink it. Organophosphate compounds are also found in insecticides, gearboxes, herbicides, paint thinners, cement mix and nail polish removers. In short, they are widely used domestically and industrially.

 

Aha – but the studies! Yes, I recall studies dissecting astrological phenomena, analyzing the Loch Ness monster, and poring over the Roswell Alien’s autopsy. For 1500 years, studies endorsed bleeding patients with leeches. In-depth studies found that artificial sweeteners, red meat, doughnuts, refined sugar, milk, hotdogs, food additives and, far too many others to list here, cause cancer. And, not so long ago avant-garde studies forecasted how the Y2K Millennium Bug would shut the world down. Remember? I do. Yet, had we reverently treated them all as the Dead Sea Scrolls, we'd now be bunkered deep underground with crackpots, eating organic glue.  

Suppose hysteria got the better of common-sense and growing tobacco was proscribed in Rodrigues. Would that reduce demand? Would it stop Rodriguans smoking? What piddling difference would it make? Wouldn't smokers continue buying cigarettes from shops – as they do now? Am I missing something here! Or are lobbyists proposing to restrict cigarette imports as well? Or ration shops? Or are they advocating total prohibition? If not, then, apart from compounding poverty, what else does this inherently paternalistic campaign hope to achieve? Your guess is as good as mine.

 

Already tobacco is taxed to such an extent as to put it almost beyond the reach of the ordinary person. Has that reduced smoking? Nope! To offset the price hike, smokers just puff on cheaper brands, get bigger packs and buy wholesale. All in all, smokers now smoke more. People adapt. Those who can't afford to snort cocaine, sniff petrol. Restriction wouldn’t rein in addiction; it’d push the industry underground and fuel the forbidden-fruit-syndrome, unintentionally making tobacco appear cool. Prohibition would be worse. It’d create lucrative black-market monopolies for organized crime, corrupt police and politicians. Fancy that! And, more disturbingly, it’d force young smokers to mix with recidivists to get a tobacco fix. Basically, instead of being poisoned legally with a cheap regulated poison, smokers would simply be poisoned illegally with an expensive unregulated one.

                                                                                               

800,000 people in Brazil, 16 million in India, 22 million in China, countless millions in Russia, Europe, America, Malawi, and in 120 other countries produce 7 million tonnes of tobacco a year. But lo and behold, it is the poverty-stricken farmers of this small country that zealots want sacrificed on the altar of health evangelism. Simply put: Business as usual for Big Tobacco but bridle the little guy with chains of steel.

 

In a world of blind androids, social engineers could dump identity cards and implant smokers with encoded microchips. Thankfully, we’re not quite there yet. In the main, barring police states, most civilized countries still respect the individual’s free will. There are no prêt-à-porter answers for harmonizing the rights of smokers with those of non-smokers. But even if the jury is still out, it’s important to protect free choice. For if choice dies, the rumored gap between us and laboratory rats narrows. In his eminent book On Liberty, John Stuart Mill gives a hint on the best way forward:

 

The free individual is not accountable to society for his actions in so far as these concern the interests of no person but himself. Advice, instruction, persuasion and avoidance by other people, if thought necessary by them for their own good, are the only measures by which society can justifiably express its dislike or disapprobation of his conduct.

 

Education to dissuade children from taking up smoking, and support for smokers wanting to quit or manage their habits may help – stunts won’t.   

 

Alain L’évêque

 



By: Alain Leveque
























About the Author:

Erawan Shrine also known as Thao Maha Brahma is located at the intersection of Ratchaprasong – a region famous for its shopping hotspots – nestled at Pathum Wan District in Bangkok, Thailand.

Worshipped by Hindu devotees, this shrine houses an imposing golden color statue of Brahma (known as Phra Phrom in Thai), who is considered as the Creator of Hindus. The shrine is surrounded in offerings of vibrant flowers and flower garlands of diverse colors, partly covered in a mist from the burning incense and candles that fills the air with pleasant fragrances.

History of Erawan Shrine dates back to the construction time of Erawan Hotel. The foundation of the hotel was laid on a wrong day, and many unfortunate incidents occurred one after another in a row. An astrologer instructed the authorities to build a shrine dedicated for Brahma to root out the possible bad karma incurred from the mistake.

Hence Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 and the hotel’s construction work was carried out without an issue thereafter. The statue of Brahma is an exclusive creation by the Department of Fine Arts, completed on 9th November 1956.

Currently a new statue is enshrined in the premises, completed in May 2006, made in plaster and a compound of precious metals including gold and bronze. A replica of this statue, made solely in metal, is now preserved at the National Museum. The statue of Phra Phrom at Erawan Shrine consists of four heads facing four directions, enshrined within a four-pillared canopy decorated in exquisite psychedelic motifs and dazzling gold hues.

At the premises, you can even capture the striking performances of native dancers, clad in ornamental headdresses and costumes. The Erawan Shrine is thronged by Hindu devotees who come to pay their homage, from morning till night. It’s even common to see the passersby bowing their heads as a mark of respect when traveling past this sacred site.

To visit a plethora of attractions in Bangkok including the sacred Erawan Shrine, you can reserve one of the serviced apartments in Bangkok. These luxury apartments in Bangkok deliver numerous services ensuring a cozy, homely ambience for you and your family during your stay in Bangkok. You can also savor scrumptious cosmopolitan cuisine that is exclusively offered at these serviced apartments in Bangkok.



By: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
























About the Author:

Christmas is supposed to be a time of celebration, relaxing and spending time with the family. But often the 'season to be jolly' can descend into a chaotic rush of parties, shopping and buying expensive Christmas Gifts, all of which can be hugely stressful.

So how do you avoid the strain of Christmas Gifts and put your mind (and your bank manager) at ease?

One of the easiest ways in which to stay calm about Christmas Gifts is to plan ahead. This is not to suggest that anyone stockpiles mince pies in August, or that you should dust off that Christmas CD in the middle of March. However, it is easy to pick up small Christmas Gifts throughout the year, without spoiling the festive spirit when it arrives in December. Some websites now sell Christmas Gifts and decorations all year round, with thematically organised sections and categories to find exactly what you're looking for, from toast stamps to Mr & Mrs pillowcases. Shopping for your Christmas Gifts early not only spreads the cost but also means that you can pick up some real bargains outside of the festive season.

Whether on the high street or on the web, keep an eye out for sales. These now occur throughout the seasons as online retailers rise to the challenge of hot competition compounded by the current UK economic climate. As long as you have sufficient storage space for your bargains and you think carefully about your purchases (who really wants flip flops or sunglasses for Christmas Gifts?) then the savings you can pocket could provide a veritable Christmas feast. It is advisable to avoid transient fashion items, as trends change so quickly. If you opt for Christmas Gifts in the form of cosmetics or food, do check with regard to sell by and use by dates. Many people (particularly men) are somewhat bemused by the concept of dates and cosmetics! Follow these simple guidelines and you will find that shopping early online means that you have a huge choice and can easily compare prices at the click of a mouse, thus ensuring that you get the best deal on many of your Christmas Gifts.

If you do buy Christmas Gifts early, keep a list. This makes it much easier to see for whom you have already bought and means that you don't end up buying five Christmas Gifts for Aunty Joan and none for Uncle John. It is also a good idea to keep a note of things that people mention throughout the year. That way, when it comes to buying your Christmas Gifts, they're far more likely to end up with a present they'll actually appreciate and you will save all that heartache deliberating over which comedy gimmick mug to buy. An easy way to do this is to invest in a Christmas planner. This means you can record all your recipes, notes, Christmas Gifts lists, Christmas card lists and store your Christmas gift receipts in one place.

Many people struggle with the cost of Christmas Gifts so in order to minimise strain on the plastic it is best to stick to a strict budget. Remember to include extras such as delivery charges. Christmas cards and wrapping paper costs can soon mount up so factor these in. In truth, much as it is the thought that counts, most of your nearest and dearest would rather you spent your hard earned cash on the Christmas gift itself than on wallpaper quality wrapping and bows that wouldn't disgrace a royal bridesmaid's dress.

Some friends and workplaces even operate a 'Secret Santa' scheme for their Christmas Gifts. Instead of buying presents for everyone, a group of people draw a name out of a hat and buy a gift for that person, up to a pre-agreed limit. This collective approach can be a good method of saving the pennies and further reducing seasonal financial strain. It can also be fun trying to choose an appropriate present for someone that you may not know particularly well. Romance has begun this way.

For a personal touch, home-made Christmas items, particularly a few cards or crackers are often more individual than commercial ones and their creation may even keep the kids entertained for a few hours. It's easy to find online ideas or 'Create Your Own' sets, which come with all the materials, stencils and ideas you will need if you're not predisposed to creativity. If you are shopping for children it might also be useful to get a 'Christmas letter to Santa kit'. Although Father Christmas might have trouble squeezing the pony at the top of the list down the chimney, he may well pick up a few extra ideas for his Christmas Gifts.

However you buy your Christmas Gifts this year, remember to relax and unwind. Sharing a drink with friends, cooking Christmas biscuits with the children, or just phoning an old relative to catch up. Make sure you do something to escape from shopping for Christmas Gifts. It's an old cliché but Christmas should remain a time for good food, fantastic company and shared memories and no amount of panic-bought stocking fillers should ever be allowed to change that.



By: John Smith
























About the Author:

Baby showers are loads of fun, and all you have to do is bring along one of those baby shower gifts that will make the mommy happy. But how do you get the perfect gift?

Baby Shower Gifts For the Mom

If you're in you're twenties, you're likely to be attending more weddings and baby showers. It's a lot easier to buy wedding gifts, but when it comes to the baby shower gifts, you want something special. Who doesn't? But the task can be daunting when you're looking at dozens of colorful baby gifts. You just don't know where to begin looking!

The problem is compounded when you have no baby experience whatsoever. Remember that you can also give the mom a gift to make her feel special, too. Ask your seasoned baby shower friends to help you pick out the gifts that is both practical for baby and mommy.

For the mom, scented bath salts with essential oils will make her feel like a queen when she soaks in the tub. These come in adorable glass heart bottles with dainty organza bows and different scents - jasmine, ocean, green tea, ivory, and white jasmine. You can also go for scented votive candles housed in frosted glass. Your friend can light these up for a relaxing "cuddle time" with her hubby.

Baby Gewgaws

Still, there is no excuse to forget the baby. You're going to a baby shower, so gifts for the baby should be in your agenda, too. When you get a call to hop to a friend's baby shower, don't just skedaddle to the nearest shop.

Make a mental list of the possible things your friend would need for her baby, but don't dismiss those fancy little gewgaws that can be added to the child's cherished collection such as baby jewelry engraved with the mom's name and the date of the baby shower.

Knowing the parents' lifestyles can help you decide on the gift. If they love to take long walks or nature tripping, how about a baby backpack? Or, if they both love to read, start the baby on a library of nursery rhymes and stories and complement it with a Nursery Rhyme Vintage Keepsake Book Box. That would really stop the moms and dads on their tracks.

Or, you could rally your friends to chip in for a more expensive item like a stroller, a crib, or a changing table. If you're getting baby furniture, go with your friends when getting something for the baby's room. You'll need to have it wrapped prettily (if possible) for the baby shower. Gifts that are gaily wrapped add a touch of glamor and fun to the party, so don't stint on gift-wrapping if you really want to make a statement.

Think Outside the Box

Don't stop at traditional gifts, though. Be creative! How about a compilation of baby recipes bound in a special cover and personalized with the mom's name, the occasion, and the date of the baby shower?

How about giving a gift certificate for both mom and dad to spend time at a spa? They need all the pampering they can get during this time. Waiting for the baby can be a taxing experience, so help them take it easy with creative baby shower gifts.



By: Mandie Klein
























About the Author:

Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi was born into a Bedouin family in the desert area of Sirte in Libya on 7 June 1942. He received a traditional religious primary education before attending a preparatory school in the town of Sebha where he became strongly influenced by the pan-Arab nationalism being espoused by the Egyptian leader, President Gemal Abdel-Nasser. During the Suez crisis of 1956, Gaddafi took part in anti-Israeli demonstrations staged in Sebha, which led to his expulsion from the city. He moved to the coastal city of Misurata where he completed his secondary education whilst beginning to organise an underground revolutionary movement. His increasing radicalism led him to enrolling in the Military Academy at Benghazi in October 1963; in an indication of his future charisma as a leader, he managed to persuade others from the underground movement to enroll in the Academy. In addition, he also encouraged cadets already at the Academy to join him and the members of the underground in forming the central committee of the Free Unionist Officers in 1964. Around this time, Gaddafi also enrolled in the University of Benghazi, to complete his education by achieving a degree in history. On graduatig from the Military Academy, he was appointed to the rank of lieutenant and assigned to the army’s Signal Corps based at Gariunis on the outskirts of Benghazi. Whilst stationed there, he continued to strengthen the power base of the movement, the full network, power and influence of which, only he was completely aware of.

On 1 September, 1969 he led a small group of officers in a bloody coup d’etat against the reigning King Idris I who was on medical retreat on a Greek resort at the time. Gaddafi’s rebels abolished the monarchy and established the new Libyan Arab Republic, in which a Revolutionary Command Council ruled the country with Gaddafi as chairman. Rather curiously, Gaddafi did not promote himself to general of the armed forces but rather accepted a ceremonial promotion from captain to colonel, a rank which he has kept down to the present day. Gaddafi began to develop the mew regime along the lines of the Arab nationalism espoused by Nasser in Egypt. He labelled it as Islamic socialism in which the government controlled larger industry whilst permitting private control over smaller companies, he also imposed a system of strict Islamic morals. Taking a leaf from Mao’s Little Red Book, he outlined his vision, his sagely view of the world and his universal wisdom in the originally titled Green Book which came in three mouth-watering volumes, published between 1975 and 1979. In addition to his literary offering, soon after coming to power, he launched what he termed a cultural revolution in which he strove to eliminate all indications of western culture, mainly focussing on the eradication of the two giant ideologies of capitalism and communism. He believed that once all vestiges of foreign culture were removed, Libyans could build a harmonious and successful society based upon the pillars of Islam and home grown socialism.

Gaddafi stated to the Libyan population and to the wider world that he was creating a direct democracy governed by the people through local popular councils and communes but in reality, the power lay solely with Gaddafi, aided by a small band of trusted advisors. However, Gaddafi insisted that he was implementing democracy in what he coined as Jamahiriya, which could be loosely derived as power for the people by the people. But Libya is no exemplar of democracy, civil liberties are basically non-existent and opposition is simply not tolerated. Gaddafi took on the baton of pan-Arabism from Nasser of Egypt, espousing pan-Arabism, advocating a unity of all Arab states into one Arab nation. In addition, Gaddafi was a supporter of pan-Islamism and advocated a loose union of all Islamic countries and people. In 1972, he proclaimed the Federation of Arab Republics which was to unite Libya, Egypt and Syria but the three countries failed to settle on a specific agreement of how the union would work. A similar proposed merger between Libya and Tunisia failed and would gradually deteriorate into mutual animosity. With the concept of pan-Arabism floundering, Gaddafi compounded relations with his neighbouring states by invading Chad in 1973 resulting from a territorial dispute over the Aouzou Strip. Libya were to retain a presence n Chad until 1994. Gaddafi’s global relations were similarly not the most congenial, his continued support of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and calls for the destruction of Israel, made him public enemy number one with many Western states, most particularly the United States of America.

When Egypt signed peace agreements with Israel in 1979, Libya sought to ally itself closer with the Soviet Union but rather bizarrely even relations between these two remained fairly cool. Desperate for friends, Gaddafi sought to spread Libyan influence in states with sizeable Islamic populations, called for the creation of a Saharan Islamic state and supported anti-government forces in sub-Saharan Africa. This latter policy rather bizarrely exploded to include almost anybody who requested Libya’s support, there appeared to be no rhyme or reason to Gaddafi’s foreign policy, as groups with ideologies at polar opposites to Libya received help. It was almost like Libya were hell-bent on complete anarchy, willing to prop up anyone that was willing to cause disruption, of course the result was that Libya became more and more isolated in world politics. In response to Libya’s support of international terrorism, the US State Department banned American citizens form travelling to Libya and placed an embargo on the importation of Libyan oil. Following suspicion of Libyan involvement in the bombing of a Berlin nightclub in 1986 which resulted in the deaths of US servicemen, President Reagan ordered bombing raids on Libya. The raids included the bombing of Gaddafi’s residence which resulted in the death of his one year old daughter. Gaddafi, however was far from bowed, he was implicated in the bombing of a Pan-Am Flight over Scotland which resulted in the deaths of all onboard and eleven people on the ground. His refusal to allow the extradition of two Libyans who were accused of planting the bomb resulted in economic sanctions being placed on Libya for the entirety of the 1990s by the United Nations.

It took the intercession of South African President Nelson Mandela and UN Secretary Kofi Annan, for Gaddafi to agree to a compromise, he handed over the two suspects to the Netherlands to face trial under Scottish law. One of the men was acquitted but the other Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi’s was convicted which subsequently led to Libya writing to the families of the victims and officially accepting responsibility and agreed to pay compensation of $2.7 billion to the families. As a result of this offer, the United Nations lifted it’s economic sanctions on Libya. The apology marked the beginning of Gaddafi’s attempts to improve his standing in world politics, following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, he firmly denounced al-Qaeda. Many theories have being proffered as to the reasons behind Gaddafi’s sudden turnaround, but probably the one that is most generally accepted is that it was born out of economic necessity. Sanctions had been crippling Libya and coupled with the drop in oil prices, they forced Gaddafi to start building bridges with the West. However, other realities most likely influenced his change in policy, such as the complete failure of his earlier policies - pan-Arabism had failed, pan-Islamism had failed, the international armed groups Libya had supported had not benefited Libya in anyway and the Soviet Union had fallen apart. Simultaneously to his rapprochement with the West, Gaddafi emerged as a prominent figure in African politics, he is an influential figure in the African Union and is viewed by many on the continent as a humanitarian as he donates huge amounts of aid to sub-Saharan states. However, his desire for control has reared it’s controversial head once again as rather than be magnanimous about his new role, he has assigned the title of King of Kings of Africa upon himself which has rankled a few brows.

 

 



By: Russell Shortt
























About the Author:

Window Terminology

Aluminum-clad windows and doors:

Windows or doors of wood construction covered on the exterior with extruded (EAGLE windows) or roll-formed aluminum. Has a factory-applied finish to deter the elements. The extruded aluminum adds structural capabilities to the product and helps eliminate warping and damage through handling.

Anchor strip:

Board around a window frame nailed to house framing. It also serves as windbreak. In newer windows, anchor strip may be plastic or metal.

Angle brace:

Wood member nailed across window frame at upper corners while frame is in a squared position in order to maintain squareness before installation.

Argon:

An odorless, colorless, tasteless, nontoxic gas that is six times denser than air. Replacing the air between two panes of glass with argon gas reduces temperature transfer, making the surface of the glass inside the house closer to the inside temperature.

Astragal:

The center member of a double door, which is attached to the fixed or inactive door panel.

Apron:

Inside horizontal trim located under the window stool at the bottom of a unit.

Auxiliary frame window:

EAGLE’s version of a fixed, direct set window frame where glass is set directly into a frame without a sash. Is used in the creation of geometric and radius windows.

Awning window:

Hinged at the top, this window has a single sash that swings outward from the bottom.

Backband (also Backbend):

Millwork around outside edge of the window casing, usually installed when the casing consists of flat boards.

Balance:

Device for counterbalancing a sliding sash, usually associated with a double-hung window, so sash may be held open at any given position. Usually a system of cords, weights, springs, spiral devices or block and tackle hardware.

Barn sash:

Plain sash for farm or cottage, used as a fixed, sliding, or casement window; generally installed in a rough frame for utility or temporary structures.

Basement window (also sash, cellar sash):

Wood or metal in-swinging sash that is hinged at either the top or bottom.

Bay window:

A composite of 3 or more windows that project out from the wall. Usually consists of one large center window with two flanking fixed or operating windows at 30, 45, or 90 degree angles to the wall.

Bead (also bead stop; stop):

Wood strip against which a swinging sash closes, as in a casement window. Also, a finishing trim at the sides and top of the frame to hold the sash, e.g., a fixed sash or a double-hung window sash.

Bedding:

Method of glazing in which a thin layer of putty or glazing compound is placed in the glass rabbet, the glass pressed into the bed, the glazier’s points (metal tabs) driven, and the sash is face-puttied over the points.

Bottom rail:

Bottom horizontal member of a window sash.

Bow window:

A composite of 3 or more windows in a radial or bow formation. Typically consists of casement win¬dows both fixed and operating assembled at 10 degree angles from the wall.

Boxed mullion:

Hollow mullion between two double-hung windows to hold sash weights.

Box-head window:

Window made so the sash can slide vertically into the wall space above the header.

Brickmold:

Standard outside casing around the window to cover the gap between the window frame and the opening. Nails are driven through the molding to install the window to the framed opening.

Cabinet window:

Projecting window for the display of goods, as in a retail store.

Cameo window:

Fixed oval window, generally with surrounding moldings and ornaments, often found on Colonial Revival Houses.

Caming (Cames):

Lead strips which bond small pieces of decorative glass in windows.

Cap:

Decorative molded projection, or cornice, covering the lintel of a window.

Casement:

A window with side hinges that cranks outward from either the right or left.

Casement operator:

A hardware device used to operate a casement window to any open position.

Casing:

Molding or trim available in many widths, thicknesses and profiles applied to the frame around a window or door to cover the space between the window frame and wall.

Center-hung sash:

A sash that pivots on pins in the middle of the sash stiles and sides of the window frame to allow access for cleaning from the inside.

Check rail:

On a double-hung window, the bottom rail of the upper sash and the upper rail of the lower sash, where the lock is mounted.

Chicago window:

A large fixed sash flanked by a narrow, often mov¬able, sash on either side. First used by Chicago School architects in the late l9th and early 20th Century.

Circle top:

A generic term referring to a variety of window units with one or more curved frame members, often used over another window or door.

Cladding:

Usually an aluminum or vinyl material fixed to the outside faces of wood windows and doors to provide a durable, low-maintenance surface.

Clerestory window:

A venting or fixed window in the upper part of a lofty room that admits light to the center of a room.

Colonial windows:

Windows with small rectangular panes, or divided lites, designated as l2-lite, 16-lite and so on.

Combination window unit (also combination storm sash and screen:

Window assembly containing a half screen and two glass storm panels; in summer the bottom storm panel is stored in the top frame, exposing the screen panels.

Condensation:

The deposit of water vapor from the air on any cold surface whose temperature is below the dew point, such as a window glass or frame that is exposed to cold outdoor air. Is controlled by limiting the amount of humidity inside of a room relative to the outdoor temperature.

Corner window:

Two windows meeting at a corner of a structure.

Coupled window:

Two separate windows separated by a mullion. Also called a double window.

Cottage double-hung window:

A double-hung window in which the upper sash is shorter than the lower sash.

Crank handle:

A handle that attaches to an awning or casement operator, used to open the venting window.

Diffusing glass:

Glass with an irregular surface for scattering light; used for privacy or to reduce glare.

Diocletian window:

Semi-circular window divided by wide mullions into three lights (lites). This ancient Roman style was later used by Palladio in the 16th century. Also called a Therm. Used in Classical Revival buildings of the early 1900s.

Dormer window:

A space which projects from the roof of a house, usually including one or more windows.

Double-hung window:

A window with two vertically moving sashes, each closing a different part of the window.

Double windows (also double glazing):

Two windows, such as a regular window plus a storm sash; also an insulating window with air space between glass panes.

Drip cap:

Horizontal exterior molding to divert water from the top casing so water drips beyond the outside of the frame.

Drop window:

Vertical window in which the sash can descend into a cavity in the wall below the sill.

Extension blind stop:

Molded window frame member, usually the same thickness as the blind stop and united with it, thus increasing the width of the blind stop, in order to close the gap between the window frame and the rough opening in the house frame. Used to attach the window frame to the wood framing. Also known as blind stop extender or blind casing.

Extension casement hinge:

Hinge for a casement window which provides clearance for cleaning the two sides of the sash from the inside.

Extension jamb:

A board used to increase the depth of the jambs of a window frame to fit a wall of any given thickness.

Extrusion:

A form produced by forcing metal or vinyl through a die. Window and door frames are often clad with extrusions.

Eyebrow windows:

Low, inward-opening windows with a bottom-hinged sash. Usually attic windows built into the top molding of the house, the units sometimes are called “lie-on-your-stomach” windows or slave windows. Often found in Greek Revival and Italianate houses.

Face glazing:

Common glazing set with putty in a rabbetted frame.

Fanlight (also sunburst light; fan window; circle-top transom):

A half-circle window over a door or window, with radiating bars.

Fenestration:

The arrangement, proportioning and design of windows and doors in a building.

Finger-jointing:

A wood end-joint formed by a set of interlocking fingers, coated with adhesive and meshed together under pressure.

Fire window:

Window with fire-endurance rating specified for the location.

Fixed light (also fixed sash):

Window or sash which is non-operative or non-venting.

Foil:

Lobe on a leaf-shaped curve formed by the cusping

of a circle or arch. The number of foils involved is indicated by a prefix, e.g., tre-foil (3); quatre-foil (4), etc. Foils are found in windows of Gothic Revival churches and houses.

Folding casement:

Casement windows hinged together so they may fold into a confined space.

Frame:

An enclosure or combination of parts which surround a window sash or door panel.

French sliding doors:

A sliding door which has wider panel members around the glass, thus giving it the appearance of a hinged French door.

French window:

Two casement sash hinged on the sides to open in the middle; sash extends to the floor and serves as a door to a porch or terrace.

Geometric window:

A fixed framed window made up of 2 or more angles (i.e., pentagon or trapezoid).

Georgian window:

A double-hung window.

Glazing:

The glass panes or lights in the sash of a window. Also the installation of glass in a window.

Glazing bead (also glass stop):

Removable trim that holds glass in place.

Glazing clip:

Metal clip for holding glass in a metal frame while putty is applied.

Glazing channel:

Groove cut into sash for acceptance of glass.

Glazing gasket:

Special extruded plastic shape for attaching window glass to metal or masonry wall openings. It also serves as a cushion and insulator.

Gothic-head window:

Window topped with a pointed arch.

Grille (or muntin bar):

Usually removable for easy cleaning, grilles give the appearance of a divided window pane.

Guillotine window:

The first double-sash window, with only one movable sash and no counterweights or balancing system. A peg was inserted through a hole in the movable sash and into a corresponding hole in the frame. Its tendency to come slamming down led to the colorful name.

Hanging sash (also hung sash):

Sash hung on a cord connected to a counterweight.

Head casing:

Top or upper member of any element or structure. In windows, it refers to the top of the frame.

Head flashing:

Flashing installed in a wall over a window.

Header:

Supporting member or beam above window opening which transfers building weight above to the supporting wall structure on each side of the window.

Head jamb (also head):

All of the horizontal members that make up the top of the window or door frame.

Hinged French doors:

Hinged door(s) which have wider panel members around the glass.

Hit-and-miss window:

Two-part window with the lower sash containing movable ventilation panels.

Hopper light (also hopper vent and hopper ventilator):

Inward-opening ash hinged at the bottom.

Impact resistant glazing:

Glass specifically manufactured to withstand impacts from airborne objects or forced entry. Usually a type of laminated glass often used in coastal areas impacted by hurricanes.

Insulating glass:

A combination of 2 or more panes of glass with a hermetically sealed air space between the panes. The space may be filled with an inert glass such as argon.

Interior glazes:

Glazing installed from inside of the building structure.

Jal-awning window (also awning window):

Windows with several out-swinging, awning type units that pivot near the top of the glass and operate in unison.

Jalousie:

A shutter-type window with slats, which are either fixed or adjustable.

Jalousie windows (also louvered windows):

A window composed of overlapping narrow glass, metal, or wooden louvers, operated with a crank handle for adjusting the louver angles.

Jamb:

The vertical members at the side of the window or door frame.

Jamb depth:

Width of the window frame from inside to outside.

Jamb liner:

The plastic or metal track installed in the jambs of the window in which the window sash slide.



By: Charlie McCurry
























About the Author:

There comes a time when most people get the urge to take their muscle car to the drag strip to see what she will do in a quarter mile run. Drag racing can be an inexpensive and fun way to enjoy your car. It can also get quite competitive, especially if you and your friends start racing for bragging rights.

Having the right set of tires on your car is one of the most crucial aspects to successful drag racing. So much of a car's ET, or elapsed time, is based on its performance in the initial 60 feet of the race. You will notice that on the time slip that you get at the end of each run, there is a line dedicated to the 60 foot time telling you how many seconds it took you to reach that marker. This measurement is a great method of determining how much traction your car is getting on the hole-shot.

The quicker your car can get off the line, the faster the run will be. This is where tire selection comes into the picture. If you have ever seen a slow-motion video of a funny car or top fuel dragster launching at the strip, then you might have noticed that the huge rear tires actually seem to sag and bow under heavy acceleration. This wrinkling in the sidewall of the tire occurs so that the maximum size contact patch can be maintained while all of that power is applied at once.

You might be wondering how the tires on an 8000 horsepower drag car are relevant to your situation. The key is understanding that allowing the sidewall of a tire to deform slightly helps increase overall traction when launching. What this means in practical terms is that low-profile tires do not make good drag tires and since their sidewalls are far too thin to deform, instead of gripping they often spin or chatter when power is dumped to the rear axle.

Since dedicated drag racing tires, called slicks, do not have any tread (just an ultra-sticky rubber compound), they are not safe for every day driving, especially in the rain. The best option when it comes to drag tires that you can drive safely to the track and then back home again are drag radials. Drag radials are tires with enough tread to handle reasonably wet conditions, but still have the majority of the tire smooth and sticky for maximum traction. They are also designed to be rigid enough for safe highway use, but when a deflated to a lower pressure, their sidewalls can wrinkle in a similar fashion to true slicks.

Drag radials are an excellent option to dramatically improve your traction out of the hole, and speed up your 60 foot times. Many people say that a drag race is won or lost in those crucial first few seconds, and this type of tire can help keep you on the winning end of that equation more often than not while still letting you drive home safely at the end of the evening.



By: Justina Mathews
























About the Author:

Keratoconus is a rare condition. Keratoconus is a condition of the eye meaning conical conea. The cornea is the major focussing surface of the eye. Keratoconus may occur in one eye only initially but most commonly affects both eyes with one eye being more severely affected than the other. Both males and females are equally affected. As the disease progresses, the cone becomes more pronounced, causing vision to become blurred and distorted. Keratoconus is sometimes an inherited problem that usually occurs in both eyes. The weakening of the corneal tissue that leads to keratoconus may be due to an imbalance of enzymes within the cornea.

This imbalance makes the cornea more susceptible to oxidative damage from compounds called free radicals, causing it to weaken and bulge forward. Keratoconus may be associated with allergy or possibly have a genetic component. Keratoconus rarely appears in an individual until puberty or beyond. Keratoconus is not usually visible to the naked eye until the later stages of the disease.  In severe cases, the cone shape is visible to an observer when the patient looks down while the upper lid is lifted.  When looking down, the lower lid is no longer shaped like an arc, but bows outward around the pointed cornea. 

Risk factors Keratoconus comprise oxidative injure and weakening of the cornea include an inherited predisposition, explaining why keratoconus frequently affects more than one member of the similar family. Keratoconus is also related with overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, excessive eye rubbing, a history of poorly fit contact lenses and chronic eye irritation. The primary treatment for patients with keratoconus is to fit rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. In about 10% to 20% of keratoconus patients the cornea may become extremely steep, thin and irregular or the vision cannot be improved sufficiently with contact lenses.

Some people with keratoconus can't endure a rigid contact lens, or they reach the point where contact lenses or additional therapies no longer provide acceptable vision. The cornea may then need to be replaced surgically with a corneal transplant or graft. A surgical treatment involving riboflavin and UV light has been proposed. With this treatment, the corneal epithelium is first removed, and the corneal stroma is subjected to riboflavin and exposed to UV light. Radial keratotomy is a refractive surgery procedure where the surgeon makes a spoke-like pattern of incisions into the cornea to modify its shape.



By: Juliet Cohen
























About the Author: