forehead argumentativeness: April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

'Illumiroom' system is like a Holodeck for your living room

Devin Coldewey , NBC News ? ? ? 2 hrs.

If you've ever wanted a more immersive gaming experience, this prototype from Microsoft Research should pique your interest. It uses a Kinect and a projector to extend the scene from your TV onto the room itself, enabling some mind-blowing effects.

It's called "Illumiroom," and as yet it is only a proof of concept (presented at the Computer-Human Interaction conference in Paris), but the idea is extremely compelling. First, the Kinect does a comprehensive scan of your TV setup ? shelves, wall color, distance and all. The projector can then superimpose an image onto those items, either extending your screen or adding virtual elements to the room itself.

For instance, in a racing game, the projector could show an extended field of view to see if you're being passed, or it could add realistic weather to the room, with snow appearing to fly past the player and even accumulating on the floor and furniture.

It can also modify how the room looks, adding an effect like desaturation and cel shading to real-world objects, or simulating the lighting from the game ? adding virtual shadows and illumination.

No doubt many gamers would love to get their hands and eyes on the system, but it does have downsides. The projector-Kinect setup is expensive, for one thing: A wide-throw HD projector bright enough to work in moderate light could cost thousands of dollars, and even then sunlight makes it all but useless. It may also be difficult to integrate with existing games, and the extra computing power necessary could cause a framerate hit.

It's still a fascinating demonstration, though it's unlikely to figure in Microsoft's new console, due to be unveiled May 21. More info on the Illumiroom and its creators can be found at the Microsoft Research page.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/653377/s/2b526814/l/0L0Snbcnews0N0Ctechnology0Cingame0Cillumiroom0Esystem0Eholodeck0Eyour0Eliving0Eroom0E6C9671363/story01.htm

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Engadget Giveaway: win a 32GB iPad (4th-gen), courtesy of AnchorFree!

We're closing the month out on a solid note: this week's giveaway involves a fourth-generation 32GB iPad. It's made possible by AnchorFree, which is celebrating its Hotspot Shield app for iOS. The VPN client aims to keep your information secure, ensure that your identity is safe and gives you the ability to access blocked sites. If iOS isn't your thing, it's also available on Android, Mac and PC. So take a few seconds and turn in your entry for a chance to win, and good luck!

Note: Please enter using the widget below, as comments are no longer valid methods of entry. The widget only requires your name and email address so we know how to get in touch with you if you win (your information is not given out to third parties), but you will have an option to receive an additional entry by following us on Twitter if you so desire.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/30/engadget-giveaway-anchorfree/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget

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Michael's Genuine Food: Down-to-Earth Cooking for People Who ...

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Source: http://funnyfamilysayings.dnfmoshenwg.com/531/michaels-genuine-food-down-to-earth-cooking-for-people-who/

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Monday, April 29, 2013

Plants moderate climate warming

Apr. 28, 2013 ? As temperatures warm, plants release gases that help form clouds and cool the atmosphere, according to research from IIASA and the University of Helsinki.

The new study, published in Nature Geoscience, identified a negative feedback loop in which higher temperatures lead to an increase in concentrations of natural aerosols that have a cooling effect on the atmosphere.

"Plants, by reacting to changes in temperature, also moderate these changes," says IIASA and University of Helsinki researcher Pauli Paasonen, who led the study.

Scientists had known that some aerosols -- particles that float in the atmosphere -- cool the climate as they reflect sunlight and form cloud droplets, which reflect sunlight efficiently. Aerosol particles come from many sources, including human emissions. But the effect of so-called biogenic aerosol -- particulate matter that originates from plants -- had been less well understood. Plants release gases that, after atmospheric oxidation, tend to stick to aerosol particles, growing them into the larger-sized particles that reflect sunlight and also serve as the basis for cloud droplets. The new study showed that as temperatures warm and plants consequently release more of these gases, the concentrations of particles active in cloud formation increase.

"Everyone knows the scent of the forest," says Ari Asmi, University of Helsinki researcher who also worked on the study. "That scent is made up of these gases." While previous research had predicted the feedback effect, until now nobody had been able to prove its existence except for case studies limited to single sites and short time periods. The new study showed that the effect occurs over the long-term in continental size scales.

The effect of enhanced plant gas emissions on climate is small on a global scale -- only countering approximately 1 percent of climate warming, the study suggested. "This does not save us from climate warming," says Paasonen. However, he says, "Aerosol effects on climate are one of the main uncertainties in climate models. Understanding this mechanism could help us reduce those uncertainties and make the models better."

The study also showed that the effect was much larger on a regional scale, counteracting possibly up to 30% of warming in more rural, forested areas where anthropogenic emissions of aerosols were much lower in comparison to the natural aerosols. That means that especially in places like Finland, Siberia, and Canada this feedback loop may reduce warming substantially.

The researchers collected data at 11 different sites around the world, measuring the concentrations of aerosol particles in the atmosphere, along with the concentrations of plant gases, the temperature, and reanalysis estimates for the height of the boundary layer, which turned out to be a key variable. The boundary layer refers to the layer of air closest to the Earth, in which gases and particles mix effectively. The height of that layer changes with weather. Paasonen says, "One of the reasons that this phenomenon was not discovered earlier was because these estimates for boundary layer height are very difficult to do. Only recently have the reanalysis estimates been improved to where they can be taken as representative of reality."

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Pauli Paasonen, Ari Asmi, Tuukka Pet?j?, Maija K. Kajos, Mikko ?ij?l?, Heikki Junninen, Thomas Holst, Jonathan P. D. Abbatt, Almut Arneth, Wolfram Birmili, Hugo Denier van der Gon, Amar Hamed, Andr?s Hoffer, Lauri Laakso, Ari Laaksonen, W. Richard Leaitch, Christian Plass-D?lmer, Sara C. Pryor, Petri R?is?nen, Erik Swietlicki, Alfred Wiedensohler, Douglas R. Worsnop, Veli-Matti Kerminen, Markku Kulmala. Warming-induced increase in aerosol number concentration likely to moderate climate change. Nature Geoscience, 2013; DOI: 10.1038/NGEO1800

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_science/~3/dddfaVbmvBk/130428144921.htm

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Celebs With Big Shoes To Fill Literally: Celebrities With Huge Feet!

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Source: http://stupidcelebrities.net/2013/04/celebs-with-big-shoes-to-fill-celebrities-with-huge-feet-photos/

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Fins flop, AFC underwhelms

Bang it here for 2013 NFC Draft Grades.

Baltimore Ravens

32. Matt Elam, strong safety, Florida.
56. Arthur Brown, inside linebacker, Kansas State.
94. Brandon Williams, nose tackle, Missouri Southern.
129. John Simon, outside linebacker, Ohio State.
130. Kyle Juszczyk, fullback, Harvard.
168. Ricky Wagner, tackle, Wisconsin.
200. Kapron Lewis-Moore, defensive end, Notre Dame.
203. Ryan Jensen, guard, Colorado State-Pueblo.
238. Aaron Mellette, receiver, Elon.
247. Marc Anthony, cornerback, California.

Overview: The Ravens entered Thursday with an AFC-high 12 picks. They proceeded to replenish a defense picked apart in free agency with first- and second-day value grabs that address immediate needs. Elam and Brown are plug-and-play starters who add physicality up the middle. Experienced covering slot receivers, Elam is an upgrade on outgoing Bernard Pollard, while Brown's game tape was arguably indicative of a top-20 overall player. Williams is a quick-footed 340-pound nose tackle with pocket-pushing ability. Simon draws comparisons to James Harrison as a stubby, if stout rush linebacker prospect with a deceptively explosive first step. Juszczyk, Wagner, Lewis-Moore, and Anthony look like future role players. Mellette was another terrific late-round value pick. Once GM Ozzie Newsome gets left tackle Bryant McKinnie re-signed, the Ravens' 2013 lineups will near completion. And I think the product can be better than what Baltimore put on the field in 2012.

Grade: B+

Buffalo Bills

16. E.J. Manuel, quarterback, Florida State.
41. Robert Woods, receiver, USC.
46. Kiko Alonso, linebacker, Oregon.
78. Marquise Goodwin, receiver, Texas.
105. Duke Williams, safety, Nevada.
143. Jonathan Meeks, safety, Clemson.
177. Dustin Hopkins, kicker, Florida State.
222. Chris Gragg, tight end, Arkansas.

Overview: A high-risk, potentially high-reward draft. Top Bills personnel men Buddy Nix and Doug Whaley deserve kudos for pre-draft misdirection that convinced everyone Ryan Nassib or even perhaps Matt Barkley would be the No. 8 pick. Instead, they traded down to acquire more valuable choices and still came away with real franchise quarterback target Manuel. I'm admittedly skeptical of Manuel's NFL future, but Buffalo's execution was impressive. Woods, Alonso, Williams, and Gragg were solid value selections. The former two can help right away. The jury is out on whether Goodwin upgrades on in-house speedster T.J. Graham. Meeks and Hopkins were suspect picks.

Grade: C+

Cincinnati Bengals

21. Tyler Eifert, tight end, Notre Dame.
37. Giovani Bernard, running back, North Carolina.
53. Margus Hunt, defensive end, SMU.
84. Shawn Williams, safety, Georgia.
118. Sean Porter, outside linebacker, Texas A&M.
156. Tanner Hawkinson, tackle, Kansas.
190. Rex Burkhead, running back, Nebraska.
197. Cobi Hamilton, receiver, Arkansas.
240. Reid Fragel, tackle, Ohio State.
251. T.J. Johnson, center/guard, South Carolina.

Overview: The Bengals have done a great job of value drafting in recent years, and I don't think that changed here. Eifert was an obvious best-available selection and gives Cincy the athletic movement tight end Jermaine Gresham was supposed to be. Bernard should run circles around plodder BenJarvus Green-Ellis in camp, adding sorely needed playmaking ability to the backfield. Hunt is a Combine freak with unimpressive college tape and turns 26 years old before the season, but he couldn't have landed in a better spot. He'll receive Mike Zimmer and Marvin Lewis' tutelage as a developmental project while riding the bench initially behind one of the NFL's top front fours. Williams, Porter, Burkhead, Hamilton, and Fragel could all be contributors within the next year or two. Quarterback remains an issue in Cincinnati, but the rest of the roster is becoming awfully good.

Grade: B

Cleveland Browns

6. Barkevious Mingo, outside linebacker, LSU.
68. Leon McFadden, cornerback, San Diego State.
175. Jamoris Slaughter, strong safety, Notre Dame.
217. Armonty Bryant, defensive end, East Central (OK).
227. Garrett Gilkey, tackle, Chadron State.

Overview: I contemplated factoring Josh Gordon into this grade -- he was a 2012 second-round Supplemental Pick and cost Cleveland its 2013 second-round choice -- but decided against it because the pick was made by a prior regime. New GM Mike Lombardi does deserve credit for the Davone Bess trade, which netted Cleveland a reliable chain-moving slot receiver and all told cost very little. Along the way, the Browns invested in the 2014 draft, acquiring third- and fourth-round picks next year via trades with Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. Mingo was the most naturally explosive edge presence in this draft. McFadden may be stretched covering outside receivers in the NFL, but projects as an upgrade on Buster Skrine at nickel back. Bryant has some upside as a small-school project. Slaughter can be a core special teamer if his Achilles' is right. Lombardi's first draft haul underwhelms on paper, but the Browns can capitalize on his forward-minded thinking next year.

Grade: C

Denver Broncos

28. Sylvester Williams, defensive tackle, North Carolina.
58. Montee Ball, running back, Wisconsin.
90. Kayvon Webster, cornerback, South Florida.
146. Quanterus Smith, defensive end, Western Kentucky.
161. Tavarres King, receiver, Georgia.
173. Vinston Painter, tackle, Virginia Tech.
234. Zac Dysert, quarterback, Miami of Ohio.

Overview: The early rounds of VP of Player Personnel John Elway's third Broncos draft were largely by the book. Perhaps only Webster could be considered a reach, but he was a late third-rounder and adds quality secondary depth. Elway found potential late-round gems. Speed rusher Smith was leading the nation in sacks last year -- including three against Alabama's offensive line -- before tearing his left ACL in mid-November. King won't play right away, but offers starting-caliber potential down the line with 4.47 jets and separation skills. Although inexperienced, Painter is long armed and highly athletic with upside to develop into a starter at tackle or left guard. Dysert was a favorite of Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris, whom I trust. Norris encourages not to be surprised if Dysert eventually overtakes shaky 2012 second-round pick Brock Osweiler behind Peyton Manning.

Grade: B

Houston Texans

27. DeAndre Hopkins, receiver, Clemson.
57. D.J. Swearinger, safety, South Carolina.
89. Brennan Williams, tackle, North Carolina.
95. Sam Montgomery, outside linebacker, LSU.
124. Trevardo Williams, outside linebacker, Connecticut.
176. David Quessenberry, tackle/guard, San Jose State.
195. Alan Bonner, receiver, Jacksonville State.
198. Chris Jones, defensive tackle, Bowling Green.
201. Ryan Griffin, tight end, Connecticut.

Overview: Perhaps no AFC team found a better first-round fit than Hopkins in Houston. A Roddy White-type talent, Hopkins is a pro-ready bookend for X receiver Andre Johnson, playing Z and in the slot. Hard-hitting, trash-talking Swearinger will be a third safety as a rookie, but adds special teams value and could grow into the Texans' next Glover Quin. Williams is an athletic, finesse right tackle prospect capable of putting immediate pressure on inconsistent starter Derek Newton. An LSU base 4-3 end, Montgomery is a questionable schematic fit for Houston's 3-4 but was a value pick. Williams is undersized but wildly explosive off the age. Quessenberry is another zone-blocking prospect. I liked the late-round stab at Jones, who dominated the MAC last season.

Grade: B

Indianapolis Colts

24. Bjoern Werner, outside linebacker, Florida State.
86. Hugh Thornton, guard, Illinois.
121. Khaled Holmes, center, USC.
139. Montori Hughes, defensive tackle, Tennessee-Martin.
192. John Boyett, safety, Oregon.
230. Kerwynn Williams, running back, Utah State.
254. Justice Cunningham, tight end, South Carolina.

Overview: Keep in mind Colts GM Ryan Grigson also surrendered a 2014 fourth-round pick in the trade up for Hughes early in round five. I'm surprised Grigson mortgaged part of his future for a small-schooler with a checkered character background. Not only is Werner an odd fit for Chuck Pagano's 3-4 defense, but his tendency to give up on plays after initially being blocked was disconcerting on game film. Contrary to popular belief ? which may be racially driven -- the player's motor is an issue. I liked the Thornton pick, but not Holmes. I didn't love many of Grigson's free-agency moves or his draft as a whole, and this grade will be low. But the 2012 NFL Executive of the Year has earned every ounce of the benefit of the doubt. The Colts have a top-15 roster a year after going 2-14, thanks in large part to Grigson's scouting. He knows more than me.

Grade: C-

Jacksonville Jaguars

2. Luke Joeckel, right tackle, Texas A&M.
33. Johnathan Cyprien, strong safety, FIU.
64. Dwayne Gratz, cornerback, Connecticut.
101. Ace Sanders, receiver, South Carolina.
135. Denard Robinson, running back, Michigan.
169. Josh Evans, free safety, Florida.
208. Jeremy Harris, cornerback, New Mexico State.
210. Demetrius McCray, cornerback, Appalachian State.

Overview: Rookie GM Dave Caldwell inherited one of the league's most talent-starved rosters from annual draft-misser Gene Smith. Caldwell's approach was to simply land good football players, which makes sense because Jacksonville doesn't have many of them. Joeckel and Cyprien were widely considered first-round locks before the draft, and I thought press-corner Gratz was a sleeper for the top 32. The Robinson pick may be laughed at in some circles, but he has a genuine chance to be the Jaguars' running back of the future. Maurice Jones-Drew is coming off major foot surgery and entering a contract year. Evans was a solid late value pick; he has centerfielder range and was an excellent player overshadowed by Matt Elam at UF. The Jags still have a laundry list of needs -- pass rusher and quarterback most glaring among them -- but from all indications Caldwell is off to a strong start. Jacksonville still has a long way to go before becoming a competitive team.

Grade: B-

Bang it here for 2013 NFC Draft Grades.

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: B+

Buffalo Bills

Grade: C+

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B

Cleveland Browns

Grade: C

Denver Broncos

Grade: B

Houston Texans

Grade: B

Indianapolis Colts

Grade: C-

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: B-

Kansas City Chiefs

1. Eric Fisher, left tackle, Central Michigan.
63. Travis Kelce, tight end, Cincinnati.
96. Knile Davis, running back, Arkansas.
99. Nico Johnson, inside linebacker, Alabama.
134. Sanders Commings, cornerback, Georgia.
170. Eric Kush, center, California (PA).
204. Braden Wilson, fullback, Kansas State.
207. Mike Catapano, defensive end, Princeton.

Overview: GM John Dorsey and coach Andy Reid entered the draft without a second-round pick following the Alex Smith trade. Their failed Branden Albert trade bid ensured it stayed that way. Kansas City still drafted left tackle Fisher with the first pick and plucked day-one talent Kelce at the beginning of round three. Their draft dropped off precipitously from there. Selecting workout warrior running back Davis over Johnathan Franklin was one of the worst picks of the 2013 draft. If Davis' college tape means anything for his NFL future -- and I believe it does -- he won't be long for the league. Johnson is a two-down role player and special teamer at best. Commings has been billed as a physical press corner, but I watched his tape and found him to be allergic to contact. The Catapano pick offered late-round value, but otherwise I was unimpressed by this eight-man haul.

Grade: C-

Miami Dolphins

3. Dion Jordan, defensive end, Oregon.
54. Jamar Taylor, cornerback, Boise State.
77. Dallas Thomas, guard/tackle, Tennessee.
93. Will Davis, cornerback, Utah State.
104. Jelani Jenkins, inside linebacker, Florida.
106. Dion Sims, tight end, Michigan State.
164. Mike Gillislee, running back, Florida.
166. Caleb Sturgis, kicker, Florida.
250. Don Jones, safety, Arkansas State.

Overview: GM Jeff Ireland was pick-rich after unloading Brandon Marshall and Vontae Davis -- two premier NFL starters -- for pennies on the dollar. Those bad trades are factored into Miami's grade. After more trades, the Fins wound up turning the two Marshall third-rounders into Michael Egnew, B.J. Cunningham, blocking tight end Sims, and part of the deal that brought underwhelming corner prospect Davis. For Vontae, they got Taylor straight up. Jordan has a chance to be the best player in this draft class. I like Taylor. Gillislee could be a year-one upgrade on Daniel Thomas if he demonstrates consistency in pass protection. Jones has starter measurables and offered value at the tail end of day three. But Ireland can't be let off the hook for his past talent-shaving trades just because he snuck them into last offseason. The Fins are still paying the piper, and after nauseatingly producing four consecutive losing seasons Ireland has cost himself all possible benefit of the doubt.

Grade: D+

New England Patriots

52. Jamie Collins, defensive end, Southern Miss.
59. Aaron Dobson, receiver, Marshall.
83. Logan Ryan, cornerback, Rutgers.
91. Duron Harmon, safety, Rutgers.
102. Josh Boyce, receiver, TCU.
226. Michael Buchanan, defensive end, Illinois.
235. Steve Beauharnais, inside linebacker, Rutgers.

Overview: The Patriots entered the draft with just five picks and did well to maneuver down the board, picking up more chances to improve their roster. Collins is an underrated, explosive edge rusher. Dobson had the best hands of any receiver in the draft. Boyce can really run, and Buchanan is talented enough to develop into an eventual NFL contributor. Ryan will play on special teams and may eventually push slot cornerback Kyle Arrington for snaps. The Patriots drafted several solid prospects and could get surprise impact from some members of the group, but New England is a win-now team and I'm not confident this draft will help them get where they want to be in 2013.

Grade: C-

New York Jets

9. Dee Milliner, cornerback, Alabama.
13. Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle, Missouri.
39. Geno Smith, quarterback, West Virginia.
72. Brian Winters, guard, Kent State.
141. Oday Aboushi, tackle, Virginia.
178. William Campbell, guard, Michigan.
215. Tommy Bohanon, fullback, Wake Forest.

Overview: The fact that the Jets surrendered Hall of Fame talent Darrelle Revis for the 13th pick (and a 2014 third-rounder) is factored into their grade. GM John Idzik was still savvy enough to pull off a productive trade of his own, sending pick No. 106 to the Saints for new feature back Chris Ivory. Rather than adhere to a position-specific strategy, Idzik made selections working straight down his board. Milliner and Richardson upgrade the pass defense. Smith was the Jets' No. 1-rated quarterback and figures to start over David Garrard as a rookie. (Mark Sanchez will be released.) Winters is a highly impressive prospect and probable Week 1 starter at right guard. Aboushi, Campbell, and Bohanon may amount to mid- to late-round throwaways, but the Jets got better in this draft with five starting-caliber talents, including Ivory. Revis' loss still keeps their grade in check.

Grade: C+

Oakland Raiders

12. D.J. Hayden, cornerback, Houston.
42. Menelik Watson, tackle, Florida State.
66. Sio Moore, linebacker, Connecticut.
112. Tyler Wilson, quarterback, Arkansas.
172. Nick Kasa, tight end, Colorado.
181. Latavius Murray, running back, Central Florida.
184. Mychal Rivera, tight end, Tennessee.
205. Stacy McGee, defensive tackle, Oklahoma.
209. Brice Butler, receiver, San Diego State.
233. David Bass, defensive end, Missouri Western.

Overview: The Raiders essentially came away from GM Reggie McKenzie's first draft with a goose egg and signed several 2012 free-agent busts, from Mike Brisiel and Dave Tollefson to Shawntae Spencer and Ron Bartell. He also traded for Matt Flynn, which is not a solution for Oakland's long-term quarterback woes. Entering the draft, I worried McKenzie was simply struggling to identify talent. This haul eased some concerns. The Hayden and Wilson picks stand out as quality value additions of potential franchise changers. Wilson doesn't have the greatest arm and isn't the most accurate thrower, but he was the best quarterback in the draft in terms of pocket toughness. And that trait can take a signal caller a long way. I wouldn't be surprised if he started over Flynn this year. Kasa, Murray, and Bass were worthwhile late-round stabs. Watson will probably start at right tackle as a rookie, which is where he played last year at Florida State. I like Moore as a prospect, but didn't understand the fit. The Raiders are still desperate for pass rushers.

Grade: B-

Pittsburgh Steelers

17. Jarvis Jones, outside linebacker, Georgia.
48. Le'Veon Bell, running back, Michigan State.
79. Markus Wheaton, receiver, Oregon State.
111. Shamarko Thomas, strong safety, Syracuse.
115. Landry Jones, quarterback, Oklahoma.
150. Terry Hawthorne, cornerback, Illinois.
186. Justin Brown, receiver, Oklahoma.
206. Vince Williams, inside linebacker, Florida State.
223. Nick Williams, defensive end, Samford.

Overview: There's a lot to like about this draft on paper. Just keep in mind Pittsburgh sent a 2014 third-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for No. 111. Hard-hitting Thomas was a value there, but may only help on special teams for the next year and is a tight-hipped safety prospect, which is why he was available in round four. Jones and Bell are day-one starters, while Wheaton should have every opportunity to win a job in three-receiver sets as the "X" when Emmanuel Sanders kicks inside to the slot. Vince Williams is a physical inside thumper. Nick is built ideally to play five-technique end in Pittsburgh's 3-4 defense and has developmental athleticism. Hawthorne was once a projected future first-rounder. Jones has a great arm and quick release, though he'll have to improve his in-pocket courage to pan out. I think the Steelers added good football players and can expect immediate impact from two to three acquisitions, but giving up next year's third-rounder is still bothersome when the team cannot be sure Thomas will be a productive NFL player.

Grade: C+

San Diego Chargers

11. D.J. Fluker, right tackle, Alabama.
38. Manti Te'o, inside linebacker, Notre Dame.
76. Keenan Allen, receiver, California.
145. Steve Williams, cornerback, California.
179. Tourek Williams, outside linebacker, FIU.
221. Brad Sorensen, quarterback, Southern Utah.

Overview: Rookie GM Tom Telesco's first draft netted just one clear-cut value pick in Allen. More disturbingly, Fluker was the only front-five addition to arguably the NFL's worst offensive line. Telesco has been praised for stealing Allen in round three, but I'm not sure that pick helps the offense whatsoever if Philip Rivers isn't protected. And pass protection was Fluker's weakness in college, surrendering 5.5 sacks and 15.5 more hurries last season. He can be made to look silly by speedy edge rushers. The Williamses bring to the table athleticism and core special teams value, but neither projects as a future NFL starter. Sorensen is coming off a disappointing senior season at a small school. Te'o can be a solid two-down inside linebacker if protected by massive defensive tackles, but wasn't worth the trade up, which cost San Diego the Nos. 45 and 110 overall picks. I just find it shocking that Telesco showed so little urgency about upgrading his offensive line.

Grade: D

Tennessee Titans

10. Chance Warmack, guard, Alabama.
34. Justin Hunter, receiver, Tennessee.
70. Blidi Wreh-Wilson, cornerback, Connecticut.
97. Zaviar Gooden, outside linebacker, Missouri.
107. Brian Schwenke, center, California.
142. LaVar Edwards, defensive end, LSU.
202. Khalid Wooten, cornerback, Nevada.
248. Daimion Stafford, safety, Nebraska.

Overview: The players acquired look impressive at first glance, but dig deeper and there are concerns about the class as a whole and the costs to put it together. In the trade up for Hunter, Tennessee surrendered pick Nos. 40 (Tank Carradine) and 216 (Charles Johnson), on top of a 2014 third-round pick. All that for a six-spot jump in round two, which netted a receiver with great physical gifts but suspect hands. It was a steep price. Warmack adds needed power to the Titans' line, but was a largely ineffective second-level blocker at Alabama due to limited movement skills. He's a phone-booth player entering a zone scheme. Schwenke and Gooden stand out as value picks, but Tennessee did little to upgrade its porous pass defense and still needs to get more physical on Jerry Gray's side of the ball. Regardless of draft results, Jake Locker's third-year progress -- or lack thereof -- will determine whether or not the Titans field a competitive 2013 football team. And it'll probably determine Gray, GM Ruston Webster, and coach Mike Munchak's future in Nashville.

Grade: C-

Source: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/43164/174/draft-2013-afc-draft-grades

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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Chevron resumes operations in unit closed by fire

RICHMOND, Calif. (AP) ? Chevron has resumed operations in a unit at its Bay Area refinery that was shut down after a massive fire last year.

Company officials said during a conference call with analysts Friday that crews had begun feeding crude oil through the unit knocked out by the Aug. 6 fire.

Chevron's chief financial officer, Patricia Yarrington, says the unit at Richmond is expected to be fully operational during the second quarter.

Both Chevron and government investigations have determined that corrosion in a pipe caused a leak that sparked the fire, sending a plume of black smoke over nearby areas.

Since the fire, the refinery had been operating at about 60 percent capacity until very recently. The factory wasn't processing crude oil and instead was being used to blend gasoline.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chevron-resumes-operations-unit-closed-fire-211906438.html

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Former ?90210? Star Ian Ziering Welcomes Baby Girl On Special Day

Former “90210″ Star Ian Ziering Welcomes Baby Girl On Special Day

Ian Ziering and wife Erin Ludwig pics Ian Ziering and his wife Erin Kristine Ludwig welcomed their second daughter on their first daughter’s birthday, two years to the day later! Ian’s wife Erin gave birth to baby Penna Mae Ziering, who is the baby sister of their two-year-old daughter Mia Loren. Ian Ziering, 49, said of the crazy coincidence, “We didn?t plan ...

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Source: http://stupidcelebrities.net/2013/04/former-90210-star-ian-ziering-welcomes-baby-girl-on-special-day/

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Team of rivals: Italy, finally, forms new government (+video)

Center-left leader Enrico Letta will be Italy's new prime minister, after his party formed a coalition government with former Premier Silvio Berlusconi's conservatives.

By Frances D'Emilio,?Associated Press / April 27, 2013

Italian Premier-designate Enrico Letta speaks at the Quirinale Presidential Palace in Rome, Saturday, April 27, 2013. Italy has finally has a new government, a coalition of Berlusconi's forces and center-left rivals who forged an unusual alliance.

(AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

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Center-left leader Enrico Letta forged a new Italian government Saturday in a coalition with former Premier Silvio Berlusconi's conservatives, an unusual alliance of bitter rivals that broke a two-month political stalemate from inconclusive elections in the recession-mired country.

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The daunting achievement was pulled off by Letta, who will be sworn in as premier along with the new Cabinet on Sunday at the presidential Quirinal Palace.

Letta, 46, is a moderate with a reputation as a political bridge-builder. He is also the nephew Berlusconi's longtime adviser, Gianni Letta, a relationship seen as smoothing over often nasty interaction between the two main coalition partners.

Serving as deputy premier and interior minister will be Berlusconi's top political aide, Angelino Alfano. He is a former justice minister who was the architect of legislation that critics say was tailor-made to help media mogul Berlusconi in his many judicial woes.

The creation of the coalition capped the latest political comeback for Berlusconi, a former three-time premier who was forced to resign in 2011 as Italy slid deeper in to the eurozone's sovereign debt crisis.

On Monday, Letta is expected to lay out his strategy to Parliament, ahead of required confidence votes from the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

"We negotiated for the formation of the government without throwing up any stop signs," Berlusconi to told one of his TV networks. "That's how we contributed to forming a government in short time" after Letta was tapped Wednesday.

Berlusconi, a fervent anti-Communist, views Italy's left as a personal nemesis, and Letta's Democratic Party has some of its roots in what was the West's largest Communist Party.

Letta expressed "sober satisfaction over the team we put together and its willingness" to form a coalition.

Only a few weeks earlier, the head of the Democrats, Pier Luigi Bersani, resigned from the party post in humiliation and he refused Berlusconi's offer for a "grand coalition" and futilely tried to form a government without the center-right. Letta was a Bersani loyalist.

Bersani hailed the coalition formula as a "necessary compromise" that gives the country "freshness and solidarity."

The No. 3 bloc in Parliament, the anti-establishment 5 Star Movement, is led by comic Beppe Grillo, who ruled out any alliance with the largely sullied political class that has ruled Italy for decades.

President Giorgio Napolitano, who tasked Letta with creating a government out of bitter rivals, called upon the coalition partners to work "in a spirit of absolute, indispensable cohesion" as they work for sorely needed political and economic reforms.

The 87-year-old head of state sounded almost breathless as he expressed confidence the rivals could work together "without conflict or prejudices to find the right solutions" to the country's pressing economic and political problems.

Napolitano didn't name the challenges, but they include fighting unemployment, especially for young people, and corruption sullying much of the political class.

Napolitano said: "It was and is the only possible government," and one "whose formation couldn't be delayed further, in the interest of our country and of Europe."

He reluctantly agreed to be re-elected by Parliament earlier this month for another seven-year term because of the political instability.

Italy's economy is No. 3 among eurozone members, and financial markets have been anxiously watching to see if an effective government could be formed to carry on with outgoing Premier Mario Monti's efforts to keep the country from sliding into the eurozone's sovereign debt crisis.

Some Italian political observers have predicted such a hybrid government might last only a few months of Parliament's five-year term, before collapsing in squabbling.

But the fear of elections, especially after the lightning-quick rise of comic Grillo's grassroots movement, could prove to be strong glue.

Giovanni Orsina, deputy director of LUISS university's school of government in Rome, ventured that Letta's new coalition could "last more than we expect, 18 to 24 months, more or less."

The history professor cited "lack of alternatives, and because I believe Parliament's members are not particularly eager to get back to the polling booth and face new elections."

Voters, fed up with new and higher taxes, including a despised property tax revived by Monti, rejected his severe austerity policies.

The small centrist party created in time for the election by Monti, an economist and former European Union commissioner, will participate in the coalition, although Monti won't be in the Cabinet, which is heavy on two novelties ? a large presence of female ministers and Italy's first black minister.

A native of Congo, Cecile Kyenge is a doctor who will serve as minister of integration. Proposals to make it easier for Italy' growing immigrant population to become citizens have gone nowhere in Parliament amid fierce opposition from the anti-immigrant Northern League party. The party, a Berlusconi ally, isn't in the new government.

Prominent among the women in the Cabinet is Emma Bonino, a former EU commissioner and Radical Party leader who will serve as foreign minister. Olympic gold medal kayaker Josefa Idem was tapped as minister of equal opportunity and sports.

Letta comes from a moderate wing of the left-rooted Democratic Party that is close to the Vatican. Since Parliament always includes an array of lawmakers enjoying good ties to the politically influential Catholic church in Italy, this was one more qualification on Letta's bridge-building resume.

The father of three sons, he lives in Rome's working-class Testaccio neighborhood. When he was tapped by Napolitano on Wednesday, he drove his own car to the Quirinal Palace, in what was seen as a photo opportunity gesture to Italian taxpayers who widely despise the huge fleet of luxury cars that shuttles around ministers and lawmakers.

In 1998, when he was 32, Letta became the youngest minister in Italy's history when he served as minister for European policy for then-Premier Massimo D'Alema, an ex-Communist leader. Letta seemed a natural for that post. He spent his childhood in Strasbourg, home to the European Parliament, and studied international law before jumping into politics.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/WJ77Gys4ack/Team-of-rivals-Italy-finally-forms-new-government-video

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Saturday, April 27, 2013

Obama's Syria caution shows Washington uncertainty

Secretary of State John Kerry and national intelligence advisers arrive on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, April 26, 2013, to update members of the House on Syria's alleged use of poisonous gas in its ongoing civil war. U.S. intelligence has concluded with "varying degrees of confidence," that the Syrian government has twice used chemical weapons in its fierce civil war, the White House and other top administration officials said Thursday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of Calif. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, April 26, 2013, after a closed-door briefing by Secretary of State John Kerry and national intelligence advisers on Syria's alleged use of poisonous gas in its ongoing civil war. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., walks to a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, April 26, 2013, with Secretary of State John Kerry as he and national intelligence advisers came to the Capitol to update members of the House on Syria's alleged use of poisonous gas in its ongoing civil war. U.S. intelligence has concluded with "varying degrees of confidence," that the Syrian government has twice used chemical weapons in its fierce civil war, the White House and other top administration officials said Thursday. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

White House press secretary Jay Carney briefs reporters at the White House in Washington, Friday, April 26, 2013. Carney began the briefing by answering a question regarding the conflict in Syria.(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama's cautious response to Syria's likely use of chemical weapons reflects a lack of agreement in Washington over aggressive military intervention, but lawmakers in both parties fear that inaction could embolden not only Syrian President Bashar Assad but U.S. foes as well.

The White House cautiously acknowledged that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons, most likely the agent sarin, in the two-year civil war that has killed more than 70,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

Obama has declared that the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons would cross a "red line" for a major military response, but the administration made clear Friday that even a quick strike wasn't imminent as they try to corroborate the information.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said the prospect of the use of chemical weapons in Syria is "gravely serious," but he insisted the administration needed more evidence to bolster its intelligence assessments.

"This is not an airtight case," he said. "We do have some evidence, but we need to build on that."

Emerging from a closed-door briefing with Secretary of State John Kerry on Capitol Hill, House Republicans and Democrats expressed uncertainty about the appropriate next step as the Obama administration considers limited military options.

No lawmaker pressed for a U.S. military invasion after more than 10 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It is such a muddled picture," said Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "I think probably we should be asking the U.N. to be involved. I think perhaps that's in the making."

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the senior Democrat on the House intelligence committee, was among many lawmakers who called for a cautious approach to Syria even as they acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

"We want to do everything we can to avoid putting boots on the ground," he told reporters. The U.S. should work with other countries to stabilize Syria and ensure its chemical weapons are kept out of the hands of terrorist groups, he said.

"I don't think that we, just as the United States, want to go in to another war," Ruppersberger said.

Obama's vow that Syria's use of chemical weapons would elicit a strong response and the administration's latest caution raise questions about Obama's definition of a red line. The U.S. credibility and international authority are on the line in the administration's handling of Syria, and the message it sends to Assad and rogue nations such as North Korea and Iran.

"There's no question that when the United States takes a position that this crosses a line that our failure to respond has implications," said Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I think the president was saying the use of chemical weapons is a game changer. I think most people agree with that. So that if we in fact determine that chemical weapons were used, I think the expectation is that we and the coalition and others take some action."

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., wondered whether the red line is "turning into a pink line."

In Syria, officials rejected the U.S. intelligence assessment and denied that it had used chemical weapons.

Pressed on the response, State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said: "If the regime has nothing to hide they should let the U.N. investigators in immediately so we can get to the bottom of this."

The White House faces a limited choice of military options to help the rebels oust Assad.

Arming the rebels runs smack into the reality that a military group fighting alongside them has pledged allegiance to al-Qaida. Establishing a no-fly zone poses a significant challenge, as Syria possesses an air defense system far more robust than what the U.S. and its allies overwhelmed in Libya two years ago.

The next move on Syria was high on the agenda for Obama's meeting Friday with King Abdullah II of Jordan, as the U.S. ally has struggled with the influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees escaping the Syrian violence. Vice President Joe Biden and Abdullah discussed the best path to "a peaceful, democratic post-Assad Syria where moderates are empowered" on Thursday.

"I think it's important for the administration to look for ways to up the military pressure on Assad," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

One of the most powerful of the rebel groups in Syria is Jabhat al-Nusra, which recently declared its affiliation with al-Qaida. Last December, the State Department designated the group a terrorist organization, and the administration's opposition to directly arming the Syrian opposition stems from concerns about the weapons ending up in the hands of Islamic extremists.

Arming the rebels, said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is a "lot harder that it was before."

"We've gotten to the point now where the opposition has been affected by the radicals," Graham said in an interview. "Right weapons in right hands is the goal. The second war is coming. I think we can arm the right people with the right weapons. There's a risk there, but the risk of letting this go and chemical weapons falling into radical Islamists' hands is the greatest risk."

Several lawmakers, including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., have called for the U.S. to create a narrow, safe zone inside Syria, along its border with Turkey.

Either a safe zone or a no-fly zone would require neutralizing Syria's air defenses. According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War, Syria's largely Soviet-era air defense system includes as many as 300 mobile surface-to-air missile systems and defense systems, and more than 600 static missile launchers and sites.

"You can establish it (safe zone) by taking out their aircraft on the ground with cruise missiles and using the Patriot (missile) also. No American manned aircraft in danger," McCain said.

The U.S. has taken only minimal military steps so far, limiting U.S. assistance to nonlethal aid, including military-style equipment such as body armor and night vision goggles.

The U.S. has deployed about 200 troops to Jordan to assist that country's military, and participated in NATO's placement of Patriot missile batteries in Turkey near the border to protect against an attack from Syria.

In testimony to Congress last week, Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was asked whether he was confident that U.S. forces could secure the chemical weapons caches within Syria.

"Not as I sit here today, simply because they've been moving it and the number of sites is quite numerous," Dempsey said.

___

Associated Press Intelligence Writer Kimberly Dozier and AP writer Richard Lardner contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-04-26-US-US-Syria/id-cf583eaf34da4fb1accb8c10264b1002

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The pride of Africa - Montreal Gazette

?I wanted all four corners, plus the centre, of Africa to be represented,? Gis?le Kayembe says.

Photograph by: Marie-France Coallier , The Gazette

MONTREAL - Gis?le Kayembe is being courted.

?Montreal is trying to seduce me. We?ll see if I fall amoureuse,? said the lively Congo native and ? as of 2011 ? U.S. resident who visited our city for the first time last spring to cover the Vues d?Afrique film festival.

?Radio Okapi, a UN radio station, asked me to open the event in Montreal,? she said. ?There was a film by Thierry Michel, L?Affaire Chebeya, a documentary that had been banned in the Congo. Politicians were implicated in the death of a human rights activist. It was a delicate situation. Chebeya?s widow was present at the screening. I came as a journalist.?

Something must have clicked. By the end of the year, Kayembe was Vues d?Afrique?s programming director. The 29th edition of the festival runs Friday to May 5, boasting more than 100 films from 30 countries touching on various facets of the African experience.

?I really worked on the diversity (of the lineup),? Kayembe said. ?It?s true that in previous years, other programmers did the same; but I really wanted people to see Africa?s diversity through the films ? so that they don?t feel like it?s a festival for Maghreb, or Creole countries or Central African countries only. I wanted all four corners, plus the centre, of Africa to be represented.?

Mission accomplished. This year?s Vues d?Afrique takes a wide-angle look at life in Africa and the diaspora: from opening film Kinshasa Kids (in Lingala with French subtitles), Belgian director Marc-Henri Wajnberg?s tale of a bunch of Congolese street children who form a rap group; to Kedach Ethabni (Combien tu m?aimes, in Arabic with French subtitles), Algerian-French director Fatma Zohra Zamoum?s story of a boy who is sent to stay at his grandparents?s house after his parents fight; Flora Gomes?s La R?publique des enfants (English with French subtitles), a Portuguese-French-Guinea-Bissau co-production about a fantasy country populated only by children, co-starring Danny Glover as a benevolent elder; Deported (Expuls?s, in English, French and Creole with French subtitles), Rach?le Magloire and Chantal Regnault?s documentary on delinquent youth sent back to Haiti from Canada and the U.S.; Robert Mugabe ? What Happened? (English with French subtitles), British filmmaker Simon Bright?s doc on the Zimbabwe leader?s reign; and Post-9-11: Peur, col?re et politique (English with French subtitles), Quebecer Nadia Zouaoui?s look at how the U.S. Muslim community has been affected by the fallout from the 2001 World Trade Centre attacks.

Kayembe grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she worked for seven years for Radio Okapi as a production assistant, programmer and producer, among other titles. In 2010, she was hired by the communications department of Coop?rative Technique Belge, a Belgian development agency ? her last job before moving to Atlanta. She?s also an actor who has worked for and participated in various theatre and music festivals. Vues d?Afrique is her first film fest. So far so good.

?It?s a new challenge,? she said. ?Every day is exciting. There are many things to learn.?

The first thing she has learned ? a little too well ? is not to pick favourites. As we talked about the festival lineup, Kayembe wouldn?t choose highlights or even insinuate a preference for one film over another.

?I recommend all the films,? she said diplomatically. ?And while it?s true that I have my coups de coeur, they?re all worth seeing ? from documentaries to short films and fiction features.?

She did comment on a few films, with a little prodding and the disclaimer that ?this is my point of view, not as programming director.?

Of Kinshasa Kids, which features rising Congolese actor Rachelle Mwanza (star of Quebec director Kim Nguyen?s Oscar-nominated Rebelle) in her first acting role, she said: ?The message is very strong. It?s fiction-documentary. These kids are really from the street, so there?s not a lot of scripted scenes. He?s following their everyday life, and their will to do something with their lives.?

The reality of African children is one of the inadvertent themes of this year?s festival, with several films touching on the topic from different angles; others include Didier Mauro?s ?coles en Ha?ti (in French and Creole, with French subtitles); and Montrealer Catherine Mullins?s Rayons d?espoir (Rays of Hope, in English with French subtitles), the sequel to her 2005 film Orphans of AIDS.

Other themes include: political leaders (Christophe Cupelin?s Capitaine Thomas Sankara, in French; Thierry Michel?s Mo?se Katumbi: foot, business et politique, in French; and Marie-Claude Dupont?s Demokarasi, in French and Kirundi with French subtitles); and the Arab Spring (Ibrahim El Batout?s Winter of Discontent, in Arabic with French subtitles; and Nadia El Fani and Alina Isabel P?rez?s M?me pas mal, in French and Arabic with French subtitles).

Though Kayembe isn?t yet ready to call herself a Montrealer, she has committed to stick around for the festival?s 30th edition next year. She sees Vues d?Afrique as a vital link between her current home and her homeland.

?It?s important that Montrealers, and people who attend the festival, be aware of what?s happening, that they discover Africa and participate in the exchange, to understand how people live there.

?For African immigrants, it?s a way to reconnect; there?s a pride in it. Vues d?Afrique is the biggest, oldest festival of its kind in North America.?

Vues d?Afrique runs Friday to May 5 at Excentris, 3536 St. Laurent Blvd. (except Friday?s opening film, Kinshasa Kids, at the Imperial Theatre, 1432 Bleury St.). Tickets available at Excentris, from 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call 514-847-2206.

For more information, visit vuesdafrique.com or cinemaexcentris.com

tdunlevy@montrealgazette.com

Twitter: @tchadunlevy

? Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

Source: http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/Vues+Afrique+director+sees+festival+forum+discover/8295225/story.html

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NGS Family History Conference: Exhibitor Profile-FamilySearch

FamilySearch?Helping people discover, preserve, and share family connections

FamilySearch is enhancing its offering to help more people discover, preserve, and share priceless family history findings and connect families across generations. Stop by the FamilySearch booth at NGS to learn about some of the new tools and the existing features that have made FamilySearch one of the most popular destinations for family history research. A few of our new tools include:

FamilySearch Family Tree: An easy way to organize your findings, see what others have discovered, collaborate with family on shared lines, and preserve your genealogy for generations to come.

Photos and Stories: A place to upload, share, and connect photos and stories with current and future generations.

Interactive Fan Chart: A new way to view ancestors and descendants, share the joy of genealogy with family, find gaps in your research, and make plans for next steps.

Of course, at FamilySearch you?ll still enjoy:

Billions of Free Online Records:? World?s largest collection of free family history and genealogy records from over 100 countries.

Largest Online Genealogy Reference Library: FamilySearch Research Wiki is an online encyclopedia that offers research guidance and a place to share your knowledge.? Includes over 600 informative classes to watch at your own convenience.

Free, Personal Help:? FamilySearch or research-specific help online, on the phone, and in over 4,600 local Family History Centers worldwide.

Visit booth #105 to see these new and enhanced FamilySearch features in action!? http://www.familysearch.org.

Exhibitor Profile-FamilySearch

Source: http://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/2013/04/exhibitor-profile-familysearch.html

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Ecology buys time for evolution: Climate change disrupts songbird's timing without impacting population size (yet)

Apr. 25, 2013 ? Songbird populations can handle far more disrupting climate change than expected. Density-dependent processes are buying them time for their battle. But without (slow) evolutionary rescue it will not save them in the end, says an international team of scientists led by the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) in Science this week.

Yes, spring started late this year in North-western Europe. But the general trend of the four last decades is still a rapidly advancing spring. The seasonal timing of trees and insects advance too, but songbirds like Parus major, or the great tit, lag behind. Yet without an accompanying decline in population numbers, it seems, as the international research team shows for the great tit population in the Dutch National Park the Hoge Veluwe.

"It's a real paradox," explain Dr Tom Reed and Prof Marcel Visser of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. "Due to the changing climate of the past decades the egg laying dates of Parus major have become increasingly mismatched with the timing of the main food source for its chicks: caterpillars. The seasonal timing of the food peak has advanced over twice as fast as that of the birds and the reproductive output is reduced. Still, the population numbers do not go down." On the short term, that is, as Reed, Visser and colleagues from Norway, the USA, and France have now calculated using almost 40 years of data from this songbird.

The solution to the paradox is that although fewer offspring now fledge due to food shortage, each of these chicks has a higher chance of survival until the next breeding season. "We call this relaxed competition, as there are fewer fledglings to compete with," first author Reed points out. Out of 10 eggs laid, 9 chicks are born, 7 fledge and on average only one chick survives winter. That last number increases with less competitors around.

This is the first time that density dependence -- a widespread phenomenon in nature -- and ecological mismatch are linked, and it is a real eye-opener. Reed: "It all seems so obvious once you've calculated this, but people were almost sure that mistiming would lead to a direct population decline."

The great tits that lay eggs earlier in spring are more successful nowadays than late birds, which produce relatively few surviving offspring. This leads to increasing selection for birds to reproduce early. But the total number of birds in the new generation stays the same. "That is the second paradox," the researchers state. "Why are population numbers hardly affected, despite the stronger selection on timing caused by the mismatch? The answer is that for selection it matters which birds survive, while for population size it only matters how many survive. Visser: "The mortality in one group can be compensated for by the success in another. But this stretching, this flexibility, is not unlimited."

The mismatch between egg laying period and caterpillar peak in the woods will keep growing, and so will the impact following the temporary rescue, as long as spring temperatures continue to increase. "The density dependence is only buying the birds time, hopefully for evolutionary adaptation to dig in before population numbers are substantially affected," according to Visser. The new findings can help to predict the impact of future environmental change on other wild populations and to identify relevant measures to take. Even rubber bands stretch only so far before they break.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_environment/~3/uKfjHEgIXbM/130425142348.htm

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Friday, April 26, 2013

Tried And Tre Methods For Effectively Dealing With Snoring ...

Author: Said Mohamed Ereg | Total views: 74 Comments: 0
Word Count: 749 Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 8:28 AM

Some people don't like talking about their snoring. If you are self-conscious about how much you snore, this article is was meant for you.

Snoring can also be a sign of a serious condition known as sleep apnea. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include constantly waking up gasping for air, constant fatigue, impaired concentration, and failure to breathe when sleeping. Sleep apnea not only messes with your life on a daily basis, but it increases the possibility of contracting vascular disease.

A slight amount of honey is great before sleep to reduce snoring. Honey has been shown to help open airways. This can help you breathe better. You will find that your snoring has decreased dramatically.

Snorers may see a benefit from using a humidifier in the evening before bed. The advantage of humidifiers is that they encourage moisture in your lungs and throat, which clears air passages for easier sleep breathing.

If you suffer from snoring, you may wish to purchase nasal strips to use while sleeping. Nasal strips keep the nostrils open and maximize air flow through your nasal passages. This will radically reduce your snoring.

Wear nasal strips at night. They might make you look a bit silly, but they do a great job at opening up your nasal passageways. Nasal strips pull your nasal passages open, and keeps them in this postion for optimal airflow. They do not contain any kind of medications and everyone can use them.

If your snoring is really concerning you, consider eating a little bit less before you actually go to sleep. When you're stomach is full, it pushes upon your diaphragm. This will reduce your breathing capacity and increase your snoring. Try to have dinner finished by seven or eight P.M.

The first step to curing yourself of snoring is to discover the cause of your snoring. For instance, there are medical problems, including sleep apnea, that can cause snoring. The only way to diagnose these is to see your doctor and begin treatment. In fact, it could even get worse.

Many people have found that sleeping in an upright position helps to combat snoring. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow or two. The pillows will help prevent nasal discharge from accruing in the nasal passages and will instead force the discharge into the lungs. This can prevent snoring.

Keep your BMI at it's optimum level to reduce snoring. While being overweight doesn't necessarily cause snoring, extra fat in the neck region can place additional pressure on the airways, which can cause snoring. You may find that your snoring problem improves when you lose excess weight.

Ironically, sleeping pills can cause you to snore and refraining from using them can reduce the amount that you will snore. One of the things that sleeping pills do is relax your muscles. The muscles that work to keep your nasal passages open will relax and cause your passages to become narrower. This will cause you to snore in your sleep.

It is possible to stop snoring by making a face like a fish. Repeatedly making these faces can make your throat and facial muscles stronger. To perform the exercise, keep your mouth closed as you suck in, causing your cheeks to contract inward. Then, move your lips just like a fish would. To be effective, this exercise should be repeated several times each day.

Keep your nasal passages open to prevent snoring. A nose that is clogged or constricted in another way can cause you to snore. If you are sick, use things like neti pots, steam showers, vapor rubs, and humidifiers to open your airways. You can also try nasal strips, which lift the nose open and allow more air to pass through.

Make sure that you are hydrated so that you can prevent snoring. Your mucus becomes thicker when you're dehydrated, leading to clogged airways and snoring. It is recommended that you get at least 64 ounces of water per day to reduce snoring.

Now that you've reached the end of this article, you know that there are some things that you can do to lessen the effects of snoring. You should always persevere and keep trying the tips you have learned from this article to help alleviate you snoring problem, and soon you will see positive results.

Said EregnnEreg2002@gmail.comnnhttp://www.empowernetwork.com/makemoneynow.php?id=dhagoole

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Source: http://www.content4reprint.com/health/tried-and-tre-methods-for-effectively-dealing-with-snoring.htm

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