tips for friendship

1.Not every friend has to bring everything to the table.

It's OK to have a friend who, in your opinion, has some limitations. You can keep a friend who is great about some things, but not about others. It is worth salvaging the friend who has one area that is difficult. If you have to have perfection, you might not have friends.

2.Yes, people can change.

Sometimes your friend really has no idea that there is a problem, and if you don't clue them in, nothing will get better and then you'll want out. Give a friend a chance to make changes, by telling them kindly what is not working so well. They may really thank you later, even if in the short term it is hard.

3.Casual friends can fade away.

If you have tried and it's a no-go, but this person is not close to you or hasn't been around very long ... sometimes the heat of a real breakup just isn't beneficial enough. It may be fine to just “fade away” and leave clear hints that you are not going to stay in the picture.

4.Be honest with your serious friends.

Someone who has been important in your life deserves a real discussion and real honesty. Both parties need to air their opinions and hear that you've valued what was had. It is the mature, adult thing to do and it will benefit you both to have that closure. Don't let your fears of confrontation prevent this from happening.

5.Toxic friends are no good.

A friendship should, for the most part, bring out the best in you. If over time and even with feedback this person brings out your worst or sucks up large quantities of emotional upheaval, then self-preservation comes first. Be clear, be honest and be firm.

3Tips for Married Couples

Since you've probably been making love with each other for a number of years and wonder why you need to read an article about love-making, you may be in for a few surprises if you do.
There might be a few things that you've forgotten along the way and there might be a few things that you might want to try that are new.
So here goes a few love making tips just for you...

1. Make time for love and romance. Time can certainly slip away from you and you can put love making on the back burner, figuring you'll get to it when things calm down. If you're like most people, you have to make time for what's important in your life. If intimate time with your partner is important to you, make time for it. If being spontaneous never seems to work out, schedule a "love date" and then don't allow "life" to get in the way.
2. If you don't feel like making love, say so, but be honest with your partner and yourself why you don't feel like it. Sounds simple but sometimes it isn't. Very often, physical ailments-real or imagined-are allowed to interfere with being intimate. Sometimes you just are too tired and love making is the furthest thing from your mind. Whatever the case, be honest with your partner and then make a "date" when you know that you'll feel better or have more time to devote to each other. Don't use the old "I have a headache" excuse when you are really feeling disconnection from your partner. Deal with the issue and you'll feel better.
3. Focus on each other and not on the kids or your work. Clear your mind from extraneous thoughts, worries and fears when you come together for love-making. If it isn't possible to do that, tell your partner that you need some time and then take a walk to clear your head. You may need to talk about some problem or clear up some issue with your partner. Do it and then focus on how much you love each other.
There are many other things you can do to create more passion in your love making and increase your connection. It takes learning some new skills and creating some new ways of being together.
Susie and Otto Collins are Relationship Coaches and authors who help people create lives that are filled with more passion, love and connection. For more tips on turning up the heat in your love relationship, sign up for their free mini-course.

effect from air pollution

Air pollution can affect our health in many ways with both short-term and long-term effects. Different groups of individuals are affected by air pollution in different ways. Some individuals are much more sensitive to pollutants than are others. Young children and elderly people often suffer more from the effects of air pollution. People with health problems such as asthma, heart and lung disease may also suffer more when the air is polluted. The extent to which an individual is harmed by air pollution usually depends on the total exposure to the damaging chemicals, i.e., the duration of exposure and the concentration of the chemicals must be taken into account.

Examples of short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Other symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and emphysema. In the great "Smog Disaster" in London in 1952, four thousand people died in a few days due to the high concentrations of pollution.

Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly. It is estimated that half a million people die prematurely every year in the United States as a result of smoking cigarettes.

Research into the health effects of air pollution is ongoing. Medical conditions arising from air pollution can be very expensive. Healthcare costs, lost productivity in the workplace, and human welfare impacts cost billions of dollars each year.

Additional information on the health effects of air pollution is available from the Natural Resources Defense Council. A short article on the health effects of ozone (a major component of smog) is available from the B.A.A.Q.M.D.

Effects of Smoking

As a matter of fact, we all know about the ill-effects of cigarette smoke and tobacco use but a smoker really is helpless in front of this menacing addiction. When he has to, he 'will' smoke; the underlying psychology is ‘A fag allows a man’. The ‘Will’ is associated with the short term effects. Let us see the quick-effects of a cigarette smoke that makes a man physically and mentally dependent on it. These immediate effects encourage a smoker to take a fag;

• Nervous system and brain activities are quickened for few minutes by the stimulation caused by smoke.
• One cigarette quickly increases blood pressure and heart beat rate. At the same time blood flow to the body’s end points is reduced giving numbness to the areas like fingers and toes.
• Hunger, taste and olfactory senses are weakened.
• Dizziness is also experienced in many cases.

While the smokers enjoy the short term effects, what about the long-term affects which, most of the time, are irreversible? Smoke actually increases the risk of suffering from life-threatening diseases even if a person quits in the later years of his life. Of course, quitting would at least help to diminish the evil effects of tobacco. Smoking has a permanent effect on the following parts of a human body even if you have smoked for only five years;

• Lungs,
• Heart,
• Eyes,
• Throat,
• Urinary tract,
• Sex organs,
• Women's fertility zone,
• Men's sperm production,
• Digestive organs,
• Bones and joints,
• Skin

The intensity of the irreversible effects of smoke depends on certain factors;

• The quantity of cigarette smoke per day;
• How old was he when he started smoking;
• Number of years a person has smoked;
• Level of resistance to the tobacco chemicals;

Let us understand the effects of smoke one by one:

• Smoking and Atherosclerosis
• Smoking and Osteoporosis
• Smoking and Buerger's Disease
• Smoking and Cataract
• Smoking and Leukoplakia
• Smoking and Peptic Ulcer
• Smoking and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Smoking and Infertility
• Smoking and Thyroid Diseases
• Effects of Smoking on Skin
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Cigarette Smoke Induced Erectile Dysfunction
• Smoking and Cancer
• Smoking Affects: Head 2 Toe

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effect from drughs

Drug abuse is a very common problem in most countries so it seemed like a good topic for a list. This is a list of ten of the most abused drugs and the effects they have on people.

1. Heroin

Heroin is an opiate processed directly from the extracts of the opium poppy. It was originally created to help cure people of addiction to morphine. Upon crossing the blood-brain barrier, which occurs soon after introduction of the drug into the bloodstream, heroin is converted into morphine, which mimics the action of endorphins, creating a sense of well-being; the characteristic euphoria has been described as an “orgasm” centered in the gut. One of the most common methods of heroin use is via intravenous injection.

For the last 4 months, my partner and I have been recreationally using heroin. H became our weekend ritual. Lighting candles, playing music, brie and wine and grapes, reading tarot and finally fucking… for hours on end, the most intense beautiful technicolor sex. Each time we did it we got closer to each other. And each time we did it, we wanted to do it again, and again. We tried saying we’d only do it once every two weeks, but that lasted 6 days. We have rules about how much we do in one night, how late we stay up and so on. So far the rules have kept us safe from addiction. Unless you consider the nagging i-don’t-wanna-go-a-weekend-or-have-sex-without-it feelings. We’ve never run out, although, once we were down to our last little bit and I left the vial open on the night stand. I was reaching for the lube when I heard the most sickening sound, the vial falling over. Turns out, I was mistaken, I had remembered to put the cap back on. But in those few seconds of uncertainty, my girl and I shot each other a look we had never seen before.. Fear.

2. Cocaine

Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It is both a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant, giving rise to what has been described as a euphoric sense of happiness and increased energy. It is most often used recreationally for this effect. Cocaine is a potent central nervous system stimulant. Its effects can last from 20 minutes to several hours, depending upon the dosage of cocaine taken, purity, and method of administration. The initial signs of stimulation are hyperactivity, restlessness, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and euphoria. The euphoria is sometimes followed by feelings of discomfort and depression and a craving to experience the drug again. Sexual interest and pleasure can be amplified. Side effects can include twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which usually increases with frequent usage.

The cocaine arrived and we agreed to use it at a time that translated to three and a half hours after I arrived. It cost $60 for what I was told was an eighth of a gram. This seemed rather expensive, but I was assured that it was ‘high quality product.’ I took the line up my left nostril. After about ninety seconds, I felt my heartbeat increase. It was definitely kicking in. I began to worry a bit, as I could feel my heart pounding and my pulse increasing. I finally felt as if it had reached a plateau. My heartbeat became level, albeit still very high. Many people say that one feels euphoria - being invincible and/or the desire to clean the house. I did not feel either of these (and I did remember to think about these things). For me, the positive effects of cocaine came directly from knowing that I had reached a plateau and I was going to be fine. I felt invigorated, yet also very comfortable.

3. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamime, popularly shortened to meth or ice, is a psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug. Methamphetamine enters the brain and triggers a cascading release of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Since it stimulates the mesolimbic reward pathway, causing euphoria and excitement, it is prone to abuse and addiction. Users may become obsessed or perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, hand-washing, or assembling and disassembling objects. Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating and depression-like symptoms, often accompanied by anxiety and drug-craving.

We first smoked meth on New Year’s Eve because we heard it was great for sex. I had to work the next day and so saved some to smoke before work in the morning. When I got home another g was waiting for me and I smoked every day but one until I finally quit three months later. For three weeks we smoked meth with little consequence, then my skin became fragile and in addition to breaking out, started to swell. I was really worried because I was constantly thirsty and drinking water, but I rarely urinated. Then my kidneys started hurting. I had lost twenty pounds in two months and my husband had lost thirty, and we’d read somewhere that rapid weight loss can cause kidney failure. I slept every three or four days for an hour or so and woke feeling rested. I was an hour late for work everyday. My husband wrecked the truck three times. One day I forgot to feed my son. Everything was either the highest of highs or the lowest of lows, no in between existed anymore. We were banned from the sauna at our apartment complex because no one else could use it. Our sweat smelled so strongly of ammonia it burned the eyes, it was caustic, and it burned our skin too. My husband and I haven’t done any drugs at all for four weeks, and things are slowly going back to normal. But I still want it. I can’t sleep tonight because I want it. I wrote this in all honesty mostly to help myself, to remind myself why I don’t want it. And still I want it.

4. Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine, often nicknamed “crack”, is believed to have been created and made popular during the early 1980s . Because of the dangers for manufacturers of using ether to produce pure freebase cocaine, producers began to omit the step of removing the freebase precipitate from the ammonia mixture. Typically, filtration processes are also omitted. Baking soda is now most often used as a base rather than ammonia for reasons of lowered odor and toxicity; however, any weak base can be used to make crack cocaine. When commonly “cooked” the ratio is 1:1 to 2:3 parts cocaine/bicarbonate.

As I held the smoke in for a ten count and exhaled, I thought I felt nothing except a little excitement that was neither bad nor pleasurable. The complete rush some writers have called a ‘whole-body orgasm’ hit me shortly after and I distinctly remember demanding ‘more’ as soon as the realization of heaven-on-earth came. Some people say that the effects of smoking crack lasts 10-15 minutes. For me, it was just a shortest instant of gratification. Everything afterwards was just a great increase in energy and confidence geared towards obtaining more of the drug.

5. LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD, LSD-25, or acid, is a semisynthetic psychedelic drug of the tryptamine family. Arguably the most regarded of all psychedelics, it is considered mainly as a recreational drug, an entheogen, and a tool in use to supplement various types of exercises for transcendence including in meditation, psychonautics, and illegal psychedelic psychotherapy whether self administered or not. LSD’s psychological effects (colloquially called a “trip”) vary greatly from person to person, depending on factors such as previous experiences, state of mind and environment, as well as dose strength. They also vary from one trip to another, and even as time passes during a single trip. An LSD trip can have long term psychoemotional effects; some users cite the LSD experience as causing significant changes in their personality and life perspective. Widely different effects emerge based on what Leary called set and setting; the “set” being the general mindset of the user, and the “setting” being the physical and social environment in which the drug’s effects are experienced.

About ten years ago I bought my third trip from a guy in my home town Norwich (UK) It was a ‘Strawberry’ and I was told it had been double dipped. The guy had a reputation for selling good acid so I happily gave him my cash. I took the single LSD tab in the late morning in a positive state of mind with no worries or anxieties. I began to come up on the acid towards the lunch time. It was to be the first and last time I’d ever trip alone. Outside it was a glorious sunny day but I was happy enough in my temporary sanctuary to even think about going outside. The LSD rush started blazing up my spine and racing through my guts, I felt a little uneasy with it but had enough mind to allow myself to just go with it and wait until the rush plateaued. I was having a wonderful time, watching floral Escher type patterns breathing over my skin. I vaguely recall deciding to go downstairs again for some reason then the next thing I recall was awakening on the floor of the dining room alone. The first thing I noticed was that there were blowflies buzzing around a bowl of catfood on the kitchen floor. I remember feeling perplexed as to why both flies had two bright neon after images in red and blue. Somehow I navigated myself through Norwich during the busy lunchtime shoppers and begun to head in the direction of the city’s central park ‘Chapelfield gardens’. If you could imagine for a moment being surrounded by people in a busy place where their heads had been removed and replaced by Squids and Octopus you might begin to accurately picture the scene confronting me in the park. Everyone had tentacles smothering their faces and dangling down their necks like fleshy snake beards, even the women and children were not exempt from this disfiguration. In retrospect, it was the worst day of my entire life, It was the closest I can imagine to having full blown psychosis.

6. Ecstasy

Ecstasy (MDMA) is a semisynthetic psychedelic entactogen of the phenethylamine family that is much less visual with more stimulant like effects than most all other common “trip” producing psychedelics. It is considered mainly a recreational drug that’s often used with sex and associated with club drugs, as an entheogen, and a tool in use to supplement various types of practices for transcendence including in meditation, psychonautics, and illicit psychedelic psychotherapy whether self administered or not. The primary effects of MDMA include an increased awareness of the senses, feelings of openness, euphoria, empathy, love,happiness, heightened self-awareness, feeling of mental clarity and an increased appreciation of music and movement. Tactile sensations are enhanced for some users, making physical contact with others more pleasurable. Other side effects, such as jaw clenching and elevated pulse, are common.

Sitting comfortably in our cosy living room, Café del Mar and similar CDs playing in the background, we began at 8 pm. I swallowed one white tablet with water. Over the next hour nothing much happened except that I found myself talking quite openly and confidently with the others, moving very easily into interesting conversations. This was a little unusual for me as I am normally quite shy and overly self-conscious in social situations and it takes me a while to loosen up. The next thing I experienced was a striking shift in my visual perception. I don’t mean a hallucination or a distortion, but a wonderful step up in the aesthetic quality. For a moment it was like being in one of those nostalgic TV ads where the world looks all gold and sepia. ‘Everything’s gone amber!’ I blurted. But then I found that my vision was becoming beautifully enhanced. It made my normal visual experience seem like cheap, fuzzy CCTV footage in comparison. Now I was seeing the world anew in sharp, lush, top-quality Technicolor! I also began to move in time to the music. The music! Oh, the music! Wow! It sounded so good, so organic! The uplifted state stayed with me and took a long time to fade — at least a couple of weeks. It had unleashed in me a rush of joy that was still accessible when I focused on it weeks later.

7. Opium

Opium is a resinous narcotic formed from the latex released by lacerating (or “scoring”) the immature seed pods of opium poppies (Papaver somniferum). It contains up to 16% morphine, an opiate alkaloid, which is most frequently processed chemically to produce heroin for the illegal drug trade. Opium has gradually been superseded by a variety of purified, semi-synthetic, and synthetic opioids with progressively stronger effect, and by other general anesthesia. This process began in 1817, when Friedrich Wilhelm Adam Sertürner reported the isolation of pure morphine from opium after at least thirteen years of research and a nearly disastrous trial on himself and three boys.

I remember that what I smoked was much easier to smoke than marijuana. There was no burning in my throat nor in my lungs. I took a very large, smooth hit. Smoking it like marijuana, I held it in for about 10 or 15 seconds and let it out. It didn’t taste like marijuana, I remember the taste being rather faint. It actually tasted and smelled like incense. I was very surprised to suddenly find myself on the floor, in the dark, with a crowd of people surrounding me. Apparently I had fainted and fallen to the ground, but I hadn’t noticed. The high itself is rather hard to describe. It was much more intense than marijuana. It felt heavy, like my whole body was being impacted… but it also felt very clear and refined at the same time. As I made my way towards the bathroom the drug began to kick in again. My steps kind of faded away and it felt like I was just floating over to the bathroom. The scary thing was though, that I was having trouble seeing. My vision was fading. Distinct figures melted into shadows and everything had a sparkle to it. All of a sudden, everything felt really good. I couldn’t stop smiling. Everything was profound in a very positive way, especially the music since it resonated everywhere. It was a very abstruse experience. I imagine that I was coming down at this point, an hour had surely past by because the band was building a climax to end their first set. I went along with the crowd and made my way outside. The fresh air was wonderful. The cool air seemed to wrap around my body. A slight breeze on the back of my neck sent chills that rapidly multiplied throughout my body.

8. Marijuana

Cannabis, known as marijuana in its herbal form, is a psychoactive product of the plant Cannabis sativa. Humans have been consuming cannabis since prehistory, although in the 20th century there was a rise in its use for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. It is estimated that about four percent of the world’s adult population use cannabis annually. It has psychoactive and physiological effects when consumed, usually by smoking or ingestion. The minimum amount of THC required to have a perceptible psychoactive effect is about 10 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. The state of intoxication due to cannabis consumption is colloquially known as a “high”; it is the state where mental and physical facilities are noticeably altered due to the consumption of cannabis. Each user experiences a different high, and the nature of it may vary upon factors such as potency, dose, chemical composition, method of consumption and set and setting.

After taking that first hit, and not feeling the effects within a minute (holding it in for a minute, and then waiting a little bit after exhaling) I decided, well I better hit this again, harder if I can. I took just as large of a hit, and again held it in for longer than a minute. I let my brother know I was really starting to feel something now and I don’t think I liked it all. It snuck up on me really bad, and I still had no idea what to expect. I wanted him to be quiet. Laying down was not helping, so I got back up. I went back to the garage and tried to explain to everyone ‘I am totally fucked up. This is scary!’ I was rationalizing everything tremendously, but it was SO intense! And it was only getting more intense faster! I didn’t know what to expect, I was sinking within myself, accelerating downward like into the depths of my own oblivion. I was a novice, I had no idea what to expect, and the world had become out of synch, the talking of my brothers, his friend, all ridiculous and extremely annoying. I became amazingly irritable and wanted them to leave me alone or not talk in my presence. They did not understand or appreciate my fear, and they began to get loud again. I ran upstairs to my parents bed and laid down with some wistful hope that I could wait out this storm.

9. Psilocybin Mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms (also called psilocybian mushrooms) are fungi that contain the psychedelic substances psilocybin and psilocin, and occasionally other psychoactive tryptamines. There are multiple colloquial terms for psilocybin mushrooms, the most common being magic mushrooms or ’shrooms. When psilocybin is ingested, it is broken down to produce psilocin, which is responsible for the hallucinogenic effects. The intoxicating effects of psilocybin-containing mushrooms typically last anywhere from 3 to 7 hours depending on dosage, preparation method and personal metabolism. The experience is typically inwardly oriented, with strong visual and auditory components. Visions and revelations may be experienced, and the effect can range from exhilarating to distressing. There can be also a total absence of effects, even with large doses.

I had acquired about 8 grams of dried mushrooms and some liquid psilocybin equivalent to another 5 grams of powdered mushrooms. I swallowed the liquid first, on an empty stomach of course. I could feel a slight sensation after about 10-15 minutes. Then I added the powder to some water in a mug and swallowed that also. I then sat by the camp fire, listening to the wind in the trees while I contemplated what was about to happen. After about 45-50 minutes I heard a ‘voice’ calling to me. It wasn’t audible in the normal sense - it came from inside my own mind! Then I was gone - out of this world. I escaped into what I perceived to be the outer boundaries of my mind or my imagination. This placed presented itself as a natural forest with low light. Here I met the owner of the aforementioned voice - the Mushroom Goddess. She took the form of a white, strapless, ankle-length dress, standing side-on from me. For about the next two hours I dialoged with her, becoming totally bewitched by her charm, her wit, her intelligence, her knowledge, her unconditional affection for me and her seemingly infinite perspective. I have come to think of her as my other-worldly girlfriend.

10. PCP

PCP (Phencyclidine) is a dissociative drug formerly used as an anesthetic agent, exhibiting hallucinogenic and neurotoxic effects. It is commonly known as Angel Dust, but is also known as Wet, Sherm, Sherman Hemsley, Rocket Fuel, Ashy Larry, Shermans Tank, Wack, Halk Hogan, Ozone, HannaH, Hog, Manitoba Shlimbo, and Embalming Fluid, among other names. Although the primary psychoactive effects of the drug only last hours, total elimination from the body is prolonged, typically extending over weeks. PCP is consumed in a recreational manner by drug users, mainly in the United States, where the demand is met by illegal production. It comes in both powder and liquid forms (PCP base dissolved most often in ether), but typically it is sprayed onto leafy material such as marijuana, mint, oregano, parsley or Ginger Leaves, and smoked. PCP has potent effects on the nervous system altering perceptual functions (hallucinations, delusional ideas, delirium or confused thinking), motor functions (unsteady gait, loss of coordination, and disrupted eye movement or nystagmus), and autonomic nervous system regulation (rapid heart rate, altered temperature regulation). The drug has been known to alter mood states in an unpredictable fashion causing some individuals to become detached and others to become animated.

When I was taking the drug, I used very small amounts. The effect was incredibly pleasant and social, so much so that me and my friends all used it instead of booze for almost a year. I couldn’t dance for shit on the stuff (I’d get stumbly and actually fell on my ass on the dancefloor once) but the physical sensations and mental pictures were really fun. It is quite different from any psychedelic visuals or even Ketamine visuals…more like rolling through old film footage. To be honest, I liked it more than my experiences on Ketamine. PCP can make one nearly impervious to pain at high doses. Because of this, PCP can make things seem like a good idea that otherwise wouldn’t (leading to the stories of people leaping out of windows, etc.) I experienced very confusing physical reality when really high on it, like being unable to discern the difference between walking up stairs and down them, or standing still and walking. This could lead to very unusual behaviour.

about of tiger

A. Size
1. Tigers are the largest living species of cat.
2. The head and body length of tigers varies from 1.4 to 2.8 m (4.6-9.2 ft.). Tail lengths vary from 0.6 to 0.95 m (2-3.1 ft.). (2)
3. The largest tigers are found in the north, gradually becoming smaller in the south.
a. The Siberian tiger is the largest subspecies. Males weigh 180 to 306 kg (397-675 lb.), and females weigh 100-167 kg (221-368 lb.). (1)
b. Bengal tigers are slightly smaller, with males weighing 180 to 258 kg (397-569 lb.) and females weighing 100 to 160 kg (221-353 lb.). (1)
c. The smallest living subspecies is the Sumatran. Males weigh 100 to 140 kg (221-309 lb.) and females weigh 75 to 110 kg (165-243 lb.). (1)
4. Tigers are sexually dimorphic (males and females are distinctly different in appearance). Adult males of all subspecies are larger than adult females, and the males grow a well-defined ruff of hair around their necks. (2)
B. Body
1. A tiger's body is built for capturing and killing large prey through stealth and sudden attack. (2)
2. Powerful limbs and a flexible backbone enable tigers to quickly chase and catch prey over short distances. Tigers can cover up to 10 m (33 ft.) in a single leap. (1)
a. A tiger's hindlimbs are longer than the forelimbs, an adaptation for jumping. (8)
b. The forelimbs and shoulders are well-muscled, and the forelegs can twist inward, enabling the tiger to grab and hold large prey. (2)
3. A tiger's feet (paws) have soft pads, and long, sharp, retractile claws.
a. The underside of the paws have soft pads which allow tigers to quietly stalk their prey. Unlike humans who are flat-footed, tigers walk on their toes. (3)
b. The forefeet have five claws which are used for attacking prey or other tigers. The first claw, called a dew claw, is vestigial (reduced in size) and does not reach the ground. Tigers keep the foreclaws sharp by scratching them on "scratching posts" such as tree trunks.(3)
c. The hindfeet have four claws. The hindclaws are occasionally used to help bring down large prey, and in defense against other tigers.
d. Tigers seldom climb trees, but are capable of doing so with the help of their front and back claws. (1, 3)
e. When not in use, each claw is retracted (by ligaments) into a sheath of skin, which protects it from excessive wear. To extend the claw from the sheath, muscular action is needed to straighten the last toe bone and pull the claw forward. (3)
C. Head
1. A tiger's head is rounded and shortened, and the eyes face forward.
2. The jaws are short and powerful, and generally contain 30 teeth.
a. Incisor teeth help to grab hold of prey as well as pull meat off bones.
b. Canine teeth are used for biting and killing.
c. Premolars and molars are used for tearing and chewing. The carnassials of cats (the fourth upper premolar and the first lower molar on each side of the jaw) are the most scissorlike of all carnivores. They function like knife blades to slice meat.
d. Dental formula for tigers: I=3/3, C=1/1, P=3/2, M=1/1

D. Hair and coloration
1. Hair, or coat color, in tigers ranges from yellow to reddish-ochre.
a. Tigers in northern areas, like Russia and northern China, are usually lighter in color than tigers in southern areas, like Malaysia and Sumatra. (2)
b. In general, Siberian tigers have light yellow coats; Bengals, lightish-yellow to reddish-yellow; Indo-Chinese and South Chinese, reddish-orange; and Sumatrans, reddish-ochre. (2)
2. A tiger's coat is transversely marked with black, brown, or gray stripes. This distinctive color pattern is a type of disruptive coloration; the stripes help to conceal a tiger in tall vegetation by visually breaking up the shape of the body. (2)
3. Tigers can be identified by the stripe patterns on their faces and bodies, which are unique to each tiger. Tigers may also be identified by their paw prints, or pugmarks. Because pugmarks of the same tiger may look different in varying soil types, only tigers with foot peculiarities can be reliably identified by their prints. (9)
4. A tiger's underside is white or creamy, the tail is ringed, and the ears are black with a white central spot. When one tiger threatens another, it twists its ears so that the backs face forward, prominently displaying the white markings. (1, 3, 14)
5. The length and thickness of a tiger's coat varies according to geographic latitude. Tigers living in cold climates, such as Russia, grow thick, shaggy coats in winter. Tigers in warmer climates have short, dense coats. (2)
6. Tigers with white coats are rare in the wild. White tigers are leucocystic (white with sparse coloration), having blue eyes and gray to brown stripes. True albinos have no pigmentation. (7)
a. White-coated tigers were first observed in India around the turn of the century. Animals having this unusual recessive trait grow faster and are larger in size than the average yellow-colored tiger. These characteristics may have surfaced due to inbreeding in over-hunted and fragmented populations. (7)
b. Though impressive in coloration and stature, white tigers are at a disadvantage in the wild. White coats make it difficult for these tigers to blend into their natural environment and conceal themselves from potential prey. They can also be seen more easily by human hunters.
c. In 1951, the Maharajah of Rewa India captured a Bengal white tiger cub to live at his palace. This male tiger, named Mohan, was eventually bred with a yellow-colored female. A union with one of his yellow-colored daughters produced white offspring. (7)
d. Most white tigers in zoological parks are descendants of Mohan. Another lineage of white tigers comes from the mating of two tigers at the Hawthorn Circus in Illinois, one Siberian and one of unknown origin, that both carried the white-color gene. (2, 7)
7. Black or melanistic tigers have reportedly been seen in the wild, but their existence has never been confirmed. Sightings of partially melanistic, bluish tigers, have also been reported, but skeptics feel these were probably orange-colored tigers covered with mud. (2)
E. Life Span
In the wild, tigers probably live about 15 years. Tigers in zoos have lived 16 to 18 years, and one Siberian tiger lived 26 years. (2)

Tips on Being a Good Visitor

Visitors to a healthcare facility play an important role in guarding patient safety. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) offers simple tips to be a good visitor. Sanitize hands before and after visiting The soap and hand sanitizer in patient rooms are for everyone – wash or sanitize your hands when entering and leaving the room of the person you are visiting to avoid bringing in and carrying out germs. Insist that healthcare providers do the same before caring for your loved one. Clean your hands after sneezing, coughing, touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, after using the restroom and before and after eating and drinking. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve, and do not sit on patient beds or handle their equipment. Read and follow any instructions posted outside the patient’s room.
Stay home if you are sickDo not visit the hospital if you are sick or have had any ill symptoms within the last three days including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever (or feeling feverish), uncontrolled cough or rash.
Check first before you bring food, send flowers or take the kidsWhile flowers, young visitors and home-baked goodies spread cheer, they may not be allowed, so check with the nurse first. Most hospitals prohibit flowers in intensive care units. If you change the water in a vase of flowers, be sure to wash your hands afterward. Bringing food is risky because the patient may be on a special diet or the food could spoil and make the patient sick. Likewise, check with the healthcare facility about the rules for children visiting. If you bring youngsters, don’t let them play on the floor or bed and have them wash their hands as they enter and leave the room. Make sure the child is free from symptoms of infection (e.g., runny nose, sore throat, rash, cough, etc.)
Special precautionsIf the person you are visiting is on “Isolation Precautions,” talk to the nurse before entering the room to find out what steps you will have to take, such as wearing a mask or other protective clothing. Also ask for any educational materials that may be available.
Don’t contribute to the clutterLimit the patient’s personal items. Less clutter eases the critical job of cleaning hospital rooms. Keep patient items off the floor and away from waste containers.
Visiting more than oneIf you are visiting multiple patients (for instance, if you are a pastor), sanitize your hands before and after seeing each patient. Do not share the communion cup and lay the wafer on a paper towel (not directly on the patient’s table.) Visit the person in isolation last and follow the precautions specified.
Back at homeKeep the patient healthy back at home. Follow discharge instructions and eliminate germs from the patient’s environment by using disinfectants, such as sprays and wipes, to clean hard surfaces often. Ask for special instructions if the patient had a drug-resistant infection such as MRSA or C.

Tips for Traveling

For detailed information about steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, see How to Have a Safe Trip. Meanwhile, here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer:
Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at . This will help us contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.
Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.
Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.
Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.
Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.
Contact us in an emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.

Arts and Architecture in Nepal

Speckled with numerous exemplary works of art and architecture, Kathmandu Valley stands a testimony to ancient Nepal's inclination toward the aesthetics. Several monuments in the Valley have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the only World Heritage Site outside the Valley in South Nepal.Like architecture, most artwork of Nepal is based on religion. Artworks range from the famous Buddhist Thanka and Newari Paubha paintings to the traditional crafts of woodwork and metal. Other art include literature, theater, music and dance, mirroring the different stages of Nepali society.

Nepali art has been deeply influenced by religion since very early times. Early art of Nepal can be seen as stone sculpture and temple architecture. Other art include Newari Paubha and Tibetan Thanka paintings, wood and metal crafts, ceramics and clay pots, textiles, paper, Tibetan carpet, music and literature. Contemporary Nepali art represents two distinct segments, traditional idealistic paintings and the contemporary western style works. The contemporary painting is specially noted for either nature based compositions or compositions based on Tantric elements or social themes. Nepali painters have also earned international reputation for abstract works based on these themes.

Kathmandu Valley houses a number of museums and art galleries displaying art work of the past and present. Some are: The National Museum at Chhauni, Museums at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Museum of Natural History at Swayambhu, National Library at Puchowk, Kaiser Library at Thamel, National Birendra Art Gallery at Naxal, Asa Archives at Tangal, National Art Gallery at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, National Woodworking Museum at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bronze and Brass Museum at Bhaktapur, Nepal National Ehnographic Museum at Bhrikuti Mandap. Museums outside the Kathmandu Valley are such: Dhakuta Museum, Hattisar Museum in Bhimphedi, Mustang Eco Museum in Jomsom, Tharu Cultural Museum in Thakurdwara and International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.

8 SIMPLE RULES FOR TEACHERS

Principles of Accounting has the reputation of being a "hard and boring" course. It is difficult to motivate students to invest the time and effort necessary to succeed in the course. To meet this challenge, we have assembled a list of eight simple rules for keeping students focused and motivated. These rules are not original, and they aren't just for those of us who teach accounting classes. Indeed, most of these time-honored suggestions apply to any course students find hard and boring, and we think that makes them broadly applicable.

Rule 1: Emphasize the most critical concepts continuously. Reiterate these concepts in lectures and assignments throughout the course. Include questions relating to these critical subjects on every exam, thus rewarding students for learning, retaining, and, hopefully, applying this knowledge in a variety of contexts.

Rule 2: Provide students with a "visual aid" when possible to explain abstract concepts. A significant proportion of today's students are visual learners. For these students, a simple diagram or flowchart truly can be more valuable than a thousand words in a text or a lecture.

Rule 3: Rely on logic when applicable. Point out to students which information is merely "fact" that must be memorized and which course material is based upon "logic." Show students how to employ logical thinking to learn and retain new information. For example, in the double-entry bookkeeping system, "debits" equal "credits," and debit entries cause assets to increase. These are "facts" or features of the system; they are not based on logic. However, once the student accepts the system, logic can be used to operate within the system. Continuing the example, if debit entries increase assets, it is logical that credit entries will cause assets to decrease.

Rule 4: Use in-class activities to reinforce newly presented material. After a new concept or subject has been presented via text reading, lecture, or class discussion, allow the students to put the concept into action by completing an in-class assignment. These assignments can be short, but they must be developed to ensure that the students understand the critical concepts underlying the new material. Typically, the most learning takes place when the students are permitted to work in small groups, to refer to their text and notes, and to ask questions of the instructor while completing the assignment. If these in-class assignments are part of the course grading scheme, class attendance also improves.

Rule 5: Help students create a "link" when teaching something new. If the student can "link" the new material to something already learned, the odds of learning the new material are greatly increased. Examples of possible links include: prior material learned in this course (e.g., the critical concepts described in Rule 1), material learned in prerequisite courses, and "real-life" experiences of the students outside the classroom.

Rule 6: Recognize the importance of vocabulary in a course. Students often struggle with new vocabulary in many courses, especially introductory ones. To succeed in these courses, students must become comfortable with the new terminology. As subjects are presented, new and/or confusing terms should be identified and introduced to the students. Present "real-world" definitions and alternative terminology, in addition to textbook definitions. One way to help students assimilate the course vocabulary is to create a "living" glossary on the instructor's website where new terminology is added, explained, and illustrated throughout the course.

Rule 7: Treat students with respect. Patronizing behavior may be expected in primary school teachers, and :drill sergeant" strategies may be effective in military book camps. However, most college student will not respond well to these techniques. Give students their dignity, and they will give you their best efforts.

Rule 8: Hold students to a high standard. If students are not required to maintain a specified level of learning and performance, only the most highly motivated students will devote the time and effort necessary to learn. In contrast, maintaining high standards not only will motivate student learning, it will also be the source of student feelings of accomplishment when those standards are met.

Each of these rules can help motivate even the most lethargic student, but Rule 7 and 8 are the most important. If students are not treated with respect and held to a high standard, scrupulously following the first six rules will have much less impact and might end up being an exercise in futility.

Tips for Students

1. Have a Positive AttitudeApproach the big test as you'd approach a giant jigsaw puzzle. It might be tough, but you can do it! A positive attitude goes a long way toward success.

2. Make a PlanThe week before the test, ask your teacher what the test is going to cover. Is it from the textbook only? Class notes? Can you use your calculator? If you've been absent, talk to friends about material you may have missed. Make a list of the most important topics to be covered and use that as a guide when you study. Circle items that you know will require extra time. Be sure to plan extra time to study the most challenging topics.

3. The Night BeforeCramming doesn't work. If you've followed a study plan, the night before the test you should do a quick review and get to bed early. Remember, your brain and body need sleep to function well, so don't stay up late!

4. The Morning of the TestDid you know that you think better when you have a full stomach? So don't skip breakfast the morning of the test. Get to school early and do a ten-minute power study right before the test, so your brain is turned on and tuned up.

5. Test TimeBefore the test begins, make sure you have everything you'll need - scratch paper, extra pencils, your calculator (if you're allowed to use it). Understand how the test is scored: Do you lose points for incorrect answers? Or is it better to make guesses when you're not sure of the answer? Read the instructions! You want to make sure you are marking answers correctly.

6. Manage Your TimeScan through the test quickly before starting. Answering the easy questions first can be a time saver and a confidence builder. Plus, it saves more time in the end for you to focus on the hard stuff.

7. I'm Stuck!Those tricky problems can knock you off balance. Don't get worried or frustrated. Reread the question to make sure you understand it, and then try to solve it the best way you know how. If you're still stuck, circle it and move on. You can come back to it later. What if you have no idea about the answer? Review your options and make the best guess you can, but only if you don't lose points for wrong answers.

8. Multiple-Choice QuestionsThe process of elimination can help you choose the correct answer in a multiple-choice question. Start by crossing off the answers that couldn't be right. Then spend your time focusing on the possible correct choices before selecting your answer.

9. Neatness CountsIf your 4s look like 9s, it could be a problem. Be sure that your writing is legible and that you erase your mistakes. For machine-scored tests, fill in the spaces carefully.

10. I'm Done! Not so fast - when you complete the last item on the test, remember that you're not done yet. First, check the clock and go back to review your answers, making sure that you didn't make any careless mistakes (such as putting the right answer in the wrong place or skipping a question). Spend the last remaining minutes going over the hardest problems before you turn in your test.

Eco-Friendly Personal Care Products

One way to be kind to Mother Nature is by using eco-friendly personal care products. Many of these products frequently use organic and natural ingredients, biodegrade quickly and completely, use eco-friendly packaging, don’t test on or use animal products, and are often safer and gentler for us to use. In addition, environmentally friendly companies pay close attention to their impact on the planet through the lifecycle of their products including manufacturing, use, and even disposal. By buying green you are helping to protect the world, and all the creatures that live in it, for future generations.

Below is a list of eight green personal care products that live in the bathroom. Don’t see one of your favorite products here? Please add a comment at the end of the article and share your great find with fellow eco-minded gals!

1. ToothpasteTom’s of Maine brand toothpastes. A favorite among eco-friendly shoppers, they come in eleven flavors, ranging from traditional peppermint to exotic apricot, use only natural ingredients, use recycled packaging, and give 10% of profits as well as 5% of paid employee time to communities. Other brands that sell eco-friendly toothpastes are: Burt’s Bees, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Nature’s Gate, and The Natural Dentist.

2. DeodorantTom’s of Maine Natural Long Lasting Deodorant. It really does the trick; plus it is aluminum free, comes in an unscented version, and the plastic bottle is recyclable, to boot! It has even won Natural Health Magazine’s Natural Beauty Award. Other green deodorants on the market are made by Alba, Aubrey Organics, Burt’s Bees, and Crystal Body Deodorant.

3. SoapPangea Organics Indian Green Tea with Mint and Rose Petal Soap. The name alone conjures up images of a hot, relaxing, aromatic bath. Pangea’s products are made from organic ingredients, have no synthetic preservatives, no GMO’s, and no petrochemicals or parabens. The product biodegrades within 48 hours and its packaging is 100% post-consumer material so you can even compost it in your garden. Pangea’s soap won the Best Green Product of the Year at the 2005 Natural Products Expo East. Other brands selling green soap bars are: Burt’s Bee’s, Kiss My Face, and Dr. Bonner’s Magic Soap (certified Fair Trade).

4. ShampooAvalon Organics Rosemary Volumizing Shampoo. Avalon Organics has committed to removing parabens from all their formulas as part of their Consciousness in Cosmetics mission, and they use organic essential oils for fragrance. For other brands of eco-friendly shampoos that are gentle, safe, fragrant, and effective, check out: Alba, Aubrey Organics, Burt’s Bees, Weleda, and Shikai.

5. ConditionerBurt’s Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Conditioner. Through their Greater Good Foundation, Burt’s Bees has commit to pledge at least 10% of all of their online sales to their “well-being” partners, such as Habitat for Humanity and The National Arbor Day Foundation. Their packaging uses the highest levels of Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) materials and is designed to be recyclable and have the lowest impact on the environment possible. Even more impressive, they are committed to the highest standards of free trade and working conditions in the sourcing of their products and never test ingredients or products on animals. Other brands that make green conditioners include: Alba, Avalon Organics, Aubrey Organics, Earth Science, Weleda and Shikai.

6. RazorsThe Preserve Double Razor, made by Recycline, is a great alternative to disposable razors. It has all the functions of a standard razor, but its handle is made from 100% recycled plastic, including Stonyfield Farm yogurt cups. Even better, the handles can be recycled again! Plus, the handle works with blades from many other brands. This is a super easy way to cut down on sending one more item to your local landfill.

7. LoofahsLoofah Art Natural Loofah Scrubbers from EcoBags. It’s important to keep your skin in tip-top shape and exfoliating is a great way to do this. A way to “green” your exfoliating routine is to use natural products like loofahs, a climbing vine related to gourds and cucumbers, and the only plant source of sponge. Loofahs are natural and biodegradable, so they’re that are good for your skin and good for the planet.

8. Feminine Care ProductsNatracare panty liners, pads, and tampons. These products are made from chlorine-free, natural materials derived from ecologically managed forests and are over 95% biodegradable and compostable. Seventh Generation makes chlorine-free and organic cotton feminine care products as well.If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area a wonderful place to purchase green products is Elephant Pharmacy. They provide testers, making choosing a new product less of a guessing game. Pharmaca is another fun store where you’ll find an impressive selection of green products. By using earth-friendly personal care products, you will be doing good deeds every day!

Katrina Kaif Biography

Born on July 16th, 1984; Katrina Kaif is one of eight siblings, all girls, from a mother who is a Caucasian of British Nationality, and a father who was formerly from Kashmir, India, but who has since acquired British citizenship.
Katrina grew up in Hawaii, but was brought up in London, UK. She started modeling accidentally when she was in Hawaii at the tender age of 14, when she was approached for a jewelry campaign. Thereafter she continued modeling in London.
Continuing to model was the reason she got her break in a Bollywood movie "Boom" offered by none other than film-maker Kaizad Gustad.
She was flooded with modeling assignments the minute she set her foot on Indian soil, especially with her innocent expressive face, hour-glass figure, and drop-dead gorgeous looks.
Professionally she started off as a model with photographer Atul Kasbekar, and upon being accepted, she received offers from LG, Cola, Fevicol, Lakme, & Veet. It was the Lakme commercial that got her noticed. She retained Matrix as her Manager to accept work on her behalf and at the price she deserved.
Moving to a different culture and country was not much of a shock for her, as she states that no matter where you come from, the bottom line is that everyone wants to be loved, respected, and cared for.
Unlike other artists from foreign lands, Katrina did not experience any difficulties in getting a visa and getting it extended in India.
Although linguistically challenged, Katrina puts on a bold face and states that other Bollywood artists like Sridevi, who did not know Hindi, did get offers from Bollywood film-makers, and she is no different. She is taking Hindi and dancing lessons to fit in with the Bollywood culture. She likes to display a picture of her learning Kathak dancing where she used to dance 7 hours a day non-stop.
Despite her soft gorgeous looks, she is not easily intimidated, but admits that she is very emotional, almost an incurable romantic, wears comfortable non-revealing clothes when at home, hates to do her hair, and above all dislikes make-up. She admitted to being lonely in the beginning, but now she has several nice friends to hang out with.
Although her first movie "Boom" was panned by the critics and shunned by the audiences, two other Telugu movies "Malliswari" and "Pidugu" did get her noticed. She grossed Rs.70 lakhs for Malliswari - making her top the list of the highest paid actresses during a South Indian movie debut.
Not done with South Indian movies, she has been signed in a Tamil movie "Bheema" opposite National Award Winner Vikram.
She's been voted recently as the lady with the most luscious lips in the film industry
She has received good reviews for her part in "Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya", as well as a brief appearance in "Sarrkar".

A Level

After high school, further education becomes a serious question with confusing options. Schools rarely guide or educate you on your choices once SLC is over. First there was ISc, IA, ICom and IEd from Tribhuvan University. Then there was +2 from Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB), which a large number of students joined because of its revised and improved syllabus. Many even studied under India's Central Board of Secondary Education and some joined A Level.
Budhanilkantha School was the first to introduce O/A level studies in Nepal in 1985 after Cambridge University, UK approved it as an independent centre. In 1987, having run Ordinary Level (O level) for two years, it introduced A Level. "Only a few SLC graduates were selected for O Level, then they went on to study A Level," says NP Sharma, the school's principal. Budhanilkantha School did not just pioneer in providing internationally recognised courses but also set a landmark for producing the highest number of toppers. Only last year, it produced five A Level Nepal toppers.

But what is A Level? It is an Advanced Level GCE (General Certificate of Education) qualification, which is equivalent to a two-year intermediate level study in Nepal. GCE is run under Cambridge International Examination (CIE) Board. It is a part of University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), now known as Cambridge Assessment. Upon completion of the two-year A Level course, you can join a Bachelors programme directly. As Laba Prasad Tripathi, spokesperson of Ministry of Education (MoE), says "The course is recognised in all Nepali universities and there is no problem with its equivalency." As per the Directory of Recognition and Equivalence of Educational Qualifications, grades A, B, C are recognised by TU as distinction, first division and second division respectively. Grades D and E are recognised as third division. A certificate that shows your results in grades instead of numbers is globally accepted. At present, A Level is taught in 160 countries with a variety of 70 subjects.

"In A level, you have to appear in four subjects, of which only General Paper (English) is mandatory," says Anup Adhikari, exams manager at the British Council. "Students can choose to study as per their preferences, like Physics, Sociology, Business Studies, Thinking Skills together," he adds. In +2 or other intermediate studies, subjects to be studied are prescribed and students don't have much choice. The MoE and the British Council are the authorised bodies providing licenses to schools and colleges who want to offer A levels. "The exam questions are sent from UK," says Adhikari, "The British Council just administers them." A student can sit for the exams either in May/June or October/November, which Adhikari believes helps students to prepare well in advance. He also assures that the exams are conducted fairly.

PRATEEK RAJBHANDARI
Cambridge University and the MoE have set some standards for the schools and colleges providing GCE courses. The institutes must be well equipped with libraries, science and computer labs, playground etc. The guidelines insist that the tutors hold a Masters' degree and there must be a Teacher's Support Site with broadband connection. If officials from MoE and BC find institutes operating without fulfilling these criteria, their licenses could be seized and the institutes shut down.

"We recently closed down four colleges as they did not meet the criteria," says Adhikari.
Principal of Chelsea International Academy, Sudhir Kumar Jha claims that his college has all that's required to run A level courses. "We have the best teachers available in the Valley, most of them are A-level graduates," he says. The college was established just last year but it produced O level topper Raghu Aditya who scored 3As and 2Bs. Raghu says, "I didn't like the SLC pattern which has a fixed syllabus and students can easily pass if they study by rote." An A level student, Raghu keenly analyses and tries to understand all his subjects. Though O level is banned by the Nepali government, the course is recognised elsewhere in the world.

Studying A level is expensive as the exam fees alone cost up to Rs 5,800 per subject, plus heavy admission and monthly fees. But Raj Laxmi Golchha, chairperson of Kritika Education Foundation in Biratnagar which introduced A-level course this year, says, "I don't understand why colleges in Kathmandu charge heavy fees." The Foundation charges a monthly fee of Rs 3,500 for science subjects and Rs 3,000 for management courses, while some colleges in Kathmandu charge nearly Rs 8,000-10,000 per month. She adds, "Everyone can't afford to go to Kathmandu for higher studies where living expenses are even higher."

Cosmos International Academy in Pokhara is another college outside the Valley that's catering to a large number of Pokharelis who aspire to go abroad after the completion of their course. Tej Bahadur Gurung, executive director of Cosmos says, "Some colleges and universities abroad don't ask for TOEFL and IELTS result if you show your A Level grades."

Prabin Chandra Subedi, an A-level graduate from Orient College whose application has been accepted by Lee University in America shares similar thoughts: "The grades I obtained helped me get through to a good university." This fact is made more apparent by Nelish Pradhan, last year's world topper in Sociology from Rato Bangla. University of Richmond, where he applied, sent him plane tickets so he could fly out for an interview and back. Says Anup Adhikari: "Some colleges and universities even waive fees for A-level graduates."

To maintain the standard in A-level teaching schools and colleges, Cambridge Educator's

Association Nepal (CEAN) was recently formed. The association's president Bishwo Nath Prajapati says that interaction among teachers of various institutes providing A level were lacking before. "Now, we want to focus on quality education by training teachers through local trainers," he adds. Currently, the British Council invites teachers from Cambridge University to train various teachers of A-level teaching schools and colleges. With the teachers keeping updated, the students are sure to benefit.

SAT and ACT Test-Taking Tips

1. Be Equipped On the night before the test you should gather everything you'll need: the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2 pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a watch, and a high-energy snack.

2. Don't Cram You've worked hard. The best thing to do the evening before the test is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've perfected the skills. Now it's time to get in test mode -- calm, rested, confident, and ready.

3. Dress in Layers The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be comfortable to do your best.

4. Arrive Early You may want to scope out your test location before test day to ensure that you know where you're going. Getting to the test should be the least of your concerns.

5. Don't Spend too Much Time on One Question Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Instead, move on to greener pastures. You can come back to hard questions if you have time at the end of a section.

6. Don't Look for Unscored Questions/Sections The experimental section on the SAT is well-camouflaged. Sometimes the ACT contains experimental questions that are scattered throughout the sections. Do your best on every question--that way, you're covered.
7. Keep Track of Where You Are in a Section On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set may be correct. Obvious choices near the end of a set are often booby traps.

8. Guess Aggressively If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT. On the ACT, students aren't penalized for guessing. Only the correct answers count toward their score, so it is better to guess than leave a blank.

9. Be Careful Filling in the Answer Grid Make sure you're filling in answers next to the right numbers.

10. Relax Your attitude and outlook are crucial to your test-day performance. Be confident.

2008 Fire Season

Provincial PerspectiveAviation and Forest Fire Management (AFFM) reports that the 2008 forest fire season was the slowest on record in Ontario for the past 50 years both for numbers of fires and the area burned. There were 341 fires in Ontario during the forest fire reporting season from April 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008 burning 1,316 hectares.Regardless of the 2008 fire season being a wet one, from year-to-year both the weather and receptivity of forest fuels to ignition and fire spread can change quickly and result in conditions which are highly conducive to fire starts. AFFM continues to maintain preparedness levels, including forest fire fighting staff in place, aircraft positioned, base support services and supplies/equipment ready to address the risk of such a change. During the fire season firefighters and water bombers remained on alert in areas of greatest risk of fire.On average, fire management expends $119 million per year. Every year is different as a result of variability in fire occurrence and fire behaviour. Fire operating expenditures have ranged from $65 to $175, annually over the past ten years. The 2008 fire operational spending is approximately $85 million.Preparations continue for the 2009 forest fire season with equipment repair and aircraft maintenance as well as staff training and upgrading.Aviation Services highlights the Canadian International Air Show.One major highlight from the 2008 fire season had AFFM Aviation Services returning to the Canadian International Air Show during the Labour Day long weekend after an absence of several years. Two water bombers and a helicopter provided water bombing demonstrations to show southern Ontario residents the capabilities of the provincial aircraft and their air crews. AFFM’s performance was the talk of the show.Although it may not have been busy in Ontario, some of our FireRanger crews were sent to a couple of the western provinces to assist with their situation.
Regional PerspectiveThe West Fire Region had 218 fires and 1,215 hectares burned this fire season while the East Fire Region had 111 fires that burned just over 98 hectares. The 2008 fire season also marked some significant events, including confirmation that there are massive areas of forests damaged by past weather events and insect infestations that will pose a fire management challenge in coming years.In the West Fire Region particularly, the beneficial aspect of fire in ecosystem renewal was a dominant feature in fires this season. The quiet season allowed numerous opportunities for the fire program to venture into its ecological mandate of the beneficial use of fire in the forest ecology. There were several instances were fires were monitored on islands and in provincial parks to fulfill their ecological benefits.The summer provided excellent opportunities for FireRanger crews from both regions to maintain many skills.Crew safety and training audits were held and values protection exercises were conducted with crews involved in the strategic setup and operation of sprinklers systems. FireRangers and Air Operations were involved with advanced training in all areas including fire investigation, mutual aid with municipal and rural volunteer fire departments, fire assessment, air attack simulation, and hover exits to name a few.When FireRangers weren’t busy fighting fires or honing their skills, they spent time assisting with flood relief, storm clean-up as well as helping Ontario Parks with various tasks.AFFM prides itself on the advancement of a first class FireSmart program where fire staff visit cottage associations and attend outdoor and tradeshows to provide education on how to be FireSmart. Fire staff from the Sudbury district spent an afternoon with the Sans Souci Copperhead Cottage Association near Parry Sound to talk to them about fire prevention and control, what cottage owners can do to protect their cottages, properties and surrounding areas.In both regions there has been a great deal of advancement in replacing the aging capital infrastructure. In the Sioux Lookout district, the opening of the Pickle Lake staff quarters was celebrated along with the completion of a new warehouse and the start of a new forest fire management facility in Hearst. The fire program has also launched several green initiatives in 2008 in order to continue to reduce its impact on the environment.In the West Fire Region, a quick strike air attack was provided to the Province of Manitoba and a training mission with a CL-415 water bomber and a birddog was conducted in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The aviation program also was able to assist the Canadian and U.S. military with engine changes in Dryden and Thunder Bay.Pembroke Fire Management Headquarters staff had the honour and privilege to attend the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in September. About 300 firefighters, including forest firefighters attended the ceremony.Planning is ongoing in preparation for future challenges to the fire program including climate change adaptation, changes in forest fuels related to insect and weather damage and dealing with escalated fire conditions.

Five Texture Tips of photoshop

When it comes to 3D artwork, textures can make or break the realism of the finished product. This article offers five tips for squeezing the most mileage out of your texturing efforts. Although these tips will be relevant no matter what apps are in your toolkit, this article makes special mention of the popular seamless texture editor Genetica

1. When in doubt, add more detail

Our brains are most at ease when they are flooded with more information than they could possibly process. In the natural world materials are covered with folds, cracks, blemishes, and grit. And no matter how close you look, more detail reveals itself all the way down to the microscopic level. Make no mistake, our brains filter most of this information out so that our conscious mind can focus on the important stuff. Nevertheless, experienced texture artists have noticed that our brains expect multiple layers of detail before a material is accepted as realistic--whether or not the conscious observer ends up noticing most of it.Here's the interesting bit: It often doesn't matter what detail you add. In many cases it's the mere presence of additional detail that increases the feeling of realism. An artist working on a rusty metal texture, for example, can increase realism by carefully layering in photos of wood, rocks, and grounds. As long as the colors of each layer are adjusted appropriately, your brain will usually accept the added detail as proof of realism without questioning the original source.Layers of detail, such as this peeling effect, are easy to add in Genetica.While adding more layers in Photoshop will often do the trick, Genetica offers an interesting alternative to this process. Genetica's node-based interface makes it especially easy to experiment with various combinations of detail by retaining each operation as a discreet stage in the process of making the texture. In addition, Genetica contains tools for automatically adding various types of detail that would be hard to produce otherwise.

2. Work in a resolution-independent environment

There's nothing more frustrating than realizing you already made the perfect texture for your image, only to discover that resolution requirements have increased over the past couple years enough to make your original work obsolete. Working in a resolution-independent environment can save you from this headache.

Photoshop artists often guard against ever-inflating resolution requirements by working at resolutions that are much higher than currently needed. Genetica solves the problem in a more resource-friendly manner by describing all aspects of your materials in a sophisticated procedural format. As well as enabling resolution-independence, Genetica's texture format allows a number of edits that would otherwise be impossible, such as the ability to zoom out of a texture and have additional detail automatically added around the edges, or the ability to re-randomize the texture.

Textures in Genetica are inherently resolution-independent.

3. Build a library of reusable texture components

One of the most powerful parts of a texture artist's toolkit is the library of texture components that he has assembled over the years. Traditionally this has meant a collection of photographs of various interesting materials that can be combined in various ways. Genetica takes this a step farther by allowing artists to edit and reuse almost any aspect of a Genetica texture. For example, the ripples used to make a water material can be copied and adjusted to generate a wood grain instead. Or a filter built within Genetica that adds a gritty dust layer to an image can easily be reused to add grime to a number of surfaces.

A library of components can speed up your work. Here, Genetica was used to apply the same grime filter to three materials. View

4. Don't wait until later to make your effect maps

If you're working in 3D, creating specialized effect maps for each texture, such as bump and specular maps, is a vital part of squeezing every last bit of realism out of your scene. However, extracting appropriate effect maps after you've already finished and flattened your texture can be exceedingly difficult. Decide ahead of time which effect maps you are likely to need, and create them as you make the texture itself. Genetica can assist in this area by creating effect maps for you automatically.

Genetica will automatically create the effects maps needed for photorealistic results.

5. Don't start from scratch

Before starting work on a new material, search for previous work that may be of help. Everyday materials such as metal, rock, and wood are common in texturing, making it likely that you'll be able to find something that is similar to what you need. In addition, Genetica comes with over 500 texture presets, each full of components that can be reassembled into new materials.