Blog of News, Scholarship, Science and Technology

Senate Bill Defies Obama’s NASA Plans

Global — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 06:44:12 +0000

Final Tank Rolls Out The (perhaps) final space shuttle external fuel tank rolls out of Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans on Thursday. The Senate is working on a bill that would roll back some of President Obama’s plans for NASA while adding an extra shuttle flight before the fleet is retired next year. NASA

The space shuttle program ain’t over till Congress says it’s over. A Senate committee is working on a bill that would add an extra shuttle flight next year, as well as defy some of President Obama’s scaled-down NASA plans, the New York Times reports today.

The bill would continue plans to develop the Ares heavy-lift rocket and a program to build a spacecraft that could go beyond low-Earth orbit, the Times reports, quoting David Vitter, R-La., the ranking Republican on the Senate space subcommittee. It could also hamper the growth of the commercial space industry by requiring companies to demonstrate their abilities before they could get delivery contracts.

Like all politics, this is local — the main architects of the pumped-up NASA plans hail from states where space-technology facilities are located. The bill is the result of negotiations among Sens. John D. Rockefeller, D-West Virginia; Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas; Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who flew on the shuttle; and Vitter, whose state is home to a Lockheed facility that manufactures the space shuttles’ orange external tanks.

Under Obama’s proposal, announced in February, NASA would cancel its plans to go back to the moon and instead focus on developing new technologies. The agency would design plans to fly humans to an asteroid around 2025 and Mars 10 years later, and rely on private industry to fly astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station.

Many critics have said the plan leaves NASA bereft of vision, which has long driven the agency’s greatest accomplishments. But there wasn’t much love for the Constellation moon-return/Mars program, either.

After initially canceling it, Obama agreed to keep the Orion crew capsule as a possible escape module for the space station. But the Times reports the Senate bill would restore the program to developing a deep-space vehicle.

The Senate committee will take up the bill next Thursday, the Times says./popsci.com

Windows are open! Windows for Linux

Global — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 02:55:28 +0000

Windows of opportunity, that is. No one can predict history, but when we look back to today, we may see through these windows more clearly. These are windows of opportunity for Linux — windows, ironically, at Microsoft’s (Nasdaq: MSFT) expense.

Economy, customer satisfaction, and technical excellence all present windows that, coyly played by the Linux “collective,” could be the turning point for Linux and Microsoft that changes what today some call “balance” (I don’t!) forever.

The Economy

Two uncertain years have taken their toll on people’s and business’ willingness and ability to budget for new PCs or even upgrade existing Operating Systems. This is golden for Linux since it is free. Not so golden for Microsoft.

Fewer sales of Microsoft’s OS means more opportunity for Linux. Vista, Microsoft’s replacement for XP, was panned by critics as clunky and expensive. Clunky normally wouldn’t stop the Microsoft upgrade cycle, but bad reviews and a soft economy contributed to soft sales. Yes, they were good, but mostly from sales of new PCs with Vista pre-installed. Even with that, the economy took some air out of the normal huge revenues Microsoft may have expected. The needle measuring Microsoft’s momentum has been nudged.

Linux also has a great opportunity in the government sector as the economy plays heavily there. Schools are laying off teachers and slashing budgets. New computers aren’t even on their radar, and a Vista or “7″ update is hardly chump change (disregarding for the moment that old hardware hardly qualifies to sustain Windows 7).

Schools could completely “upgrade” a computer lab for free by replacing Windows with Linux. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) factors in too — and I’m not going to pretend a Linux conversion is free — but when real green dollars are at stake, Linux gets the edge.

Linux offers even greater value factoring in the wealth of free software available. OpenOffice is almost completely Office-compatible, and costs ZERO compared to the US$200-$600 price for Microsoft’s Office suite. When money is tight, this basic right of computing (office suite) for free works to Linux’s advantage. Or users can use other cloud-computing versions of office suites for free too — with Linux! Microsoft’s stranglehold loosens.

It’s possible this window of economic opportunity will remain for the forseeable future. There are articles ([1], [2], [3], et al.) opining the face of the economy may be changed forever. People are more discerning. It no longer holds that to use a computer one must have Windows and Office. A changed economy changes Microsoft’s foothold. Window for Linux.

Customer Satisfaction

Consumers are more technically savvy as each new generation grows up surrounded by technology. They see technology as an extension of their lifestyle and demand more from technology than ever. They’ve seen markets where the norm is choice, (e.g., cellphones, cable, landlines) and expect the same from computers.

Yes, Windows is still the de facto norm, but users are more willing to try alternatives. Linux is emerging as an alternative to Windows for those who can live without some of the mainstream applications not available on Linux (e.g., Photoshop, Exchange).

Users who look may find that Linux will fulfill their computing needs completely and with much more transparency (fewer intrusions by the OS, fewer reboots) and with much more modest processing power requirements. After a few months of “reboot free” Linux, they may not only use Linux, but also spread the Linux word. Window for Linux.

Technical Excellence

All bias aside, I claim Microsoft, Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL), and Linux all offer excellent technology. However, Linux (in my opinion) gets the edge, because it is based on multi-user technology from the ground up (Unix).

Even if an evil payload is delivered to a Linux user, the default environment prevents OS mayhem. Because of Linux’s architectural underpinnings, default access is restricted. A user may gum up his allocated universe, but other users (remember, it’s designed to be multi-user!) remain safe, as does the operating system itself.

This provides more than safety for users and system — an uncompromised system gives the best chance at recovering the compromised user. A compromised Windows user usually means a compromised system.

Linux runs well on modest hardware. Linux allows for configurable graphical interfaces, but those are components on top of the core. Because it’s modular, Linux is infinitely configurable. Linux is fleet-footed technology ready to perform any job.

Technical excellence and superiority is a nuanced discussion beyond the scope of this commentary. Still, Linux easily competes at the big-boy level. You can argue for any of the big players as most excellent, but it doesn’t matter. Linux competes. Window for Linux.

No Time Like Now

Windows are open! (How ironic is that statement?) Whether it’s Linux’s perfect storm of opportunity or simply evolution, Linux’s openings make it unstoppable now more than ever. Consumers mete out dollars more carefully and with more consideration than ever before. When money is tight, people think twice (okay, maybe 1.5 times, but hey! no flow!) about how they spend, or even whether they need to. Linux at no retail cost is an attractive alternative — users are primed to take that second look.

After a couple summers of discontent that was Vista, people look for something better. Vista clunked, Linux shines (my opinion) and users who try Linux may be pleasantly surprised. Part of that surprise is Linux’s technical excellence. It’s seamless, reliable, and a computing workhorse for no-nonsense users.

Open windows may bring a fresh breeze to the Linux world. Open windows may gain purchase for Linux market share. Open windows may tip the balance in ways unknown. It seems like Linux has been at a crossroads forever. Maybe now Linux emerges. It is time./technewsworld.com

Facebook must heed the human element

Global — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:07:29 +0000

Whatever made Facebook think it would be a good idea to have 50 privacy settings with more than 170 options?

According to Gus Hosein, policy chief with the pressure group Privacy International, the blame lies with a failure to think clearly about how users would respond to the system as it grew.

“They were making that mess up as they went along,” Hosein says. “They didn’t realise the human-computer interface (HCI) really matters.”

Rapid rewrite

The complexity of those privacy settings, compounded by company-enforced changes that overrode some user privacy choices, led to a storm of criticism from Facebook members. The company has responded with a rapid rewrite of its privacy controls.

Whether those changes will satisfy disgruntled users remains to be seen, but HCI shortcomings are not unique to Facebook. “It’s a problem for everyone involved in online self-publishing,” Anthony House, European policy manager at Google, told an Index on Censorship meeting in London last month.

Google made a major HCI blunder in February when it glued the Buzz social network onto its Gmail email service. Users who did not opt out when a Buzz introduction screen appeared found that they had become Buzz members – and that long-forgotten email contacts had become “friends”.

“We got that wrong and we learned from it,” says House. “We do need more intuitive human-computer interaction.”

To manage a concept as nuanced as privacy requires a back-to-basics approach to user interfaces, says Ann Blandford, an HCI researcher at University College London. She was surprised to find that a picture she had posted on Facebook ended up searchable in Google Images.

Obscure settings

When Blandford investigated, she found that the meaning of many privacy settings was obscure – something that HCI specialists strive to avoid. Such specialists should be part of every design team from the very start, Blandford says.

Ideally there should be a way to preview your social site as if you were a stranger, a friend, or a friend-of-a-friend – something akin to an out-of-body experience at the desktop, Blandford says. “I want to log in as someone else and look at my online profile to see what I can see of myself.”

“That’s a brilliant idea,” says Hosein. “And it wouldn’t be too challenging to implement, either.”/www.NewScientist.com.

Gateway NV Notebooks Now Offer One-Button Social Networking

Global — Thu, 13 May 2010 09:24:52 +0000

Gateway’s new NV notebooks offer 15.6- and 17.3-inch displays, optional Blu-ray drives, and one-button social networking.

Acer subsidiary Gateway has updated its NV line of notebook computers with two new models with boosted entertainment and social networking capability: a “social networking” button on the models lets users tap into their social networking sites (like Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter) with a single tap to see the latest items and post their own updates.

“Mobile entertainment means something entirely different today than it did just a few short years ago—more often it comes in the form of video clips, photos, and updates on friends’ and fan pages by using popular social networking sites and tools,” said Gateway’s senior product market manager for notebooks and netbooks John Nguyen, in a statement. “The Gateway NV Series notebook line is well-equipped to let customers have quick access to their entertainment and social networks with easy-to-use technology.”

The Gateway NV5 series will feature a 15.6-inch 1,366 by 768-pixel display, while the NV7 will step up to a 17.3-inch 1,600 by 900-pixel display; both will feature high-definition LED-backlit LCD widescreen displays. Both lines will be available with Intel Core or AMD Athlon/Turion processors; they’ll also feature HDMI output for hooking up to a big screen TV, 802.11/b/g/n Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet, and a high-definition webcam. Select models will also feature integrated Blu-ray players for expanded high-def entertainment options. The NV5s will run off integrated graphics, while the NV7s will have an option to step up to ATI Mobility Radeon HD discrete graphics.

The first model in the NV line will be the NV59C09u; it sports the 15.6-inch display, an Intel Core i3 processors running at 2.13 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, a 320 GB hard drive, 4× Blu-ray drive, a multi-in-one media card reader, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, and a 6-cell battery Gateway says will offer up to 4.5 hours of use—it’ll also have a two-year warranty. The NV59C09u will carry a suggested price of $799.99; however, selected NV configurations will run as low as $529.99/src: digitaltrends.com

The University of Rome “La Sapienza” Scholarship

Global — Sun, 09 May 2010 10:44:15 +0000

The University of Rome “La Sapienza” offers twenty three year full-time postgraduate PhD positions with fellowship for attaining the degree of “Dottore di Ricerca” (PhD) in the Doctoral Schools listed in appendix.

Each fellowship amounts to € 19.800,00 per year; this amount includes national insurance contributions (INPS) that fellowship recipients are required to pay (8,91% for 2010).
The fellowship doesn’t cover the annual entrance fee.

The PhD Programme lasts three years and may be extended to a fourth year (without grant), subject to approval by the School authorities. At the end of the first and second year of attendance, students have to be evaluated as proficient according to the rules of the Schools.

Details of School with related disciplines is available at here.

2. Admission requirements

Applications are opened to candidates who:

are not Italian citizens;
are not residents of Italy;
have obtained an academic qualification abroad by a non-Italian institution which satisfies the entrance requirements for admission to the Doctoral Programme, i.e., a degree equivalent to the Italian diploma di laurea/laurea specialistica/laurea magistrale, or expect to obtain it before 31 July 2010. The equivalence of each qualification to the relevant Italian degree will be ascertained (for the sole purpose of this competition) by the Academic Board of the Schools.

3. Selection and admissions

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the documents listed in 5.2. Successful applicants will be assigned to a Doctoral School. Each Doctoral School will decide in which Programme (within those belonging to each School, see enclosure) to enrol the candidate on the basis of both his/her preferences and interests.

4. Attainment of PhD

Students must attend the courses and the seminars offered by their Programme, pass the related examinations, and prepare a PhD dissertation, which must have original results. The PhD title is obtained at the end of the third year after the candidate dissertation and its positive evaluation made by an independent Jury appointed by the Rector. The discussion may be delayed with the approval of the School authorities, but not for more than one year .

5. Applications and deadline

To submit the application candidates should e-mail to the address of the School of their choice (see Schools Directors e-mail list, enclosed):

5.1 a completed and signed application form available on the website page: http://www.uniroma1.it/studenti/laureati/dottorati/default.php
5.2 the following supporting documents:
- a photocopy of their identity card or passport;
  UNIVERSITA’ DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA “LA SAPIENZA”
- Curriculum vitae et studiorum in English;
- a copy of degree certificate and list of exams with marks;
- a declaration of advanced knowledge of English language;
- a report on any research carried out by the candidate (if any);
- a list of publications (if any);
- any further qualification and information the candidate wishes to be taken into account;
- a brief statement explaining his/her Doctoral School choice;
- a description of the candidate’s scientific interests;
- an outline of their short research project (if any).
- two letters of reference by university professors or eminent researchers/experts of equivalent status; such letters must be sent directly to the Directors of the Schools (see e-mail addresses, enclosed).

The deadline for submission of the application and supporting documents above listed is 31 May 2010. The University may exclude at any time candidates lacking admission requirements.

6. General rules

Doctorate fellowships are incompatible with any other one granted by Italian or International subjects. Fellowships cannot be awarded to candidates who have already (either entirely or partially) benefited from a similar grant to attend a PhD Course provided by an Italian University or by an International Institution.

7. Operational indications

The list of winners, and of those who may be considered as eligible if places become free, will be published on the official web-site:
http://www.uniroma1.it/studenti/laureati/dottorati/default.php within 30 June 2010.

Successful applicants will find the indication of the deadline for accepting the fellowship on the above mentioned short list. Further instructions to complete the enrolment in the academic year 2010/2011 will be e-mailed only to the winners successively. Formal certificates of the declared academic qualifications and transcripts of the academic curriculum should be sent upon awarding of the fellowships no later than 10 September 2010.

Application Deadline: 31 May 2010

Web Link

http://www.uniroma1.it/documenti/studenti/laureati/dottorati/2010PhD_Appendix1.pdf

Scholarship on American Indonesian Exchange Foundation

Global — Sun, 02 May 2010 08:43:06 +0000

American Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF)

SCHOLARSHIPS AND RELATED GRANTS TO STUDY AND DO RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

American Indonesian Exchange Foundation is pleased to announce availability of the 2009-2010 Fulbright Scholarships to study in the United States. Grants are competitive, comprehensive, and generally cover tuition and fees, textbook allowance, monthly maintenance, international airfare and health insurance. All disciplines and fields of study are eligible for a Fulbright award, EXCEPT medical filed in patient care or medical training.

Fulbright Scholarships Program:

Master Degree Program
PhD Program
Other Program

FIELDS OF STUDY AND REQUIREMENTS:

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM

Master’s Degree Program

Requirements:

A Sarjana (S1) degree
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
Min. TOEFL score of 550

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

Freeport Master’s Degree Program

Requirements:

Indonesian citizens from Papua who are faculty members at sate or private institutions of higher education
A Sarjana (S1) degree
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
demonstrated committed to the development and service of Papua
Min. TOEFL score of 500

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

Tsunami Relief Initiative Program

Requirements:

Tsunami reconstruction efforts of future relief development activities in Aceh, Nias and northern part of Sumatera
A Sarjana (S1) degree
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
Min. TOEFL score of 520

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

PhD PROGRAM

Presidential Scholarship Program (Ph.D. Program)

Requirements:

Preference will be given to individuals who serve or plan to serve as faculty members of state or private institutions of higher education in Indonesia
A Master’s (S2) degree
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
Min. TOEFL score of 575. A score of 550 will be considered for certain fields

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Doctoral Dissertation Research Program

This research grant is intended to provide U.S. research opportunities to Indonesian university doctoral candidates who are in the final stages of writing their dissertation. The grant duration is for a period of three to six months. Applicants should have a minimum TOEFL score of 575 to participate in this program.

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

Senior Research Program

This research grants benefits Indonesian scholars who have a doctoral degree or equivalent professional qualifications. The grant affords Indonesian scholars the opportunity to conduct research in the U.S. for a period of three to six months. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to conduct research in the U.S.

Dateline: August 31^st, 2008

OTHER PROGRAMS

Foreign Language (Bahasa Indonesia) Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program

The program is for one academic year (9 months) and requires the grantee to teach Bahasa Indonesia at U.S. universities for up to 20 hours per week and to enroll in at least two U.S. studies and/or ESL methodology classes per semester under a full tuition waiver.

Requirements:

- English language Teachers or currently in training to become an English language teacher
- Applicants can be no older than 29 years of age at the time of application
- Min. TOEFL score of 550

Dateline: November 3^rd, 2008

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program for Mid-Career Professionals

Requirements:

Administrators in leadership positions representing either the public or non-provit private sectors, including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) who are committed to public service
A Sarjana (S1) degree
A minimum GPA of 2.75 (4.00 scale)
Min. TOEFL score of 525

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

Visiting Specialist Program

The Fulbright Visiting Specialists Program provides grants for Indonesian scholars and practitioners to conduct intensive three or six week programs of teaching, lecturing and public outreach on topics in Islamic civilization and developments in the Muslim world. Participants may be in field of Islamic and area studies, political science, international relations, business and economics, history, women’s studies, journalism, sociology, religion, literature, anthropology, and the arts.

Dateline: May 31^st, 2008

International Science and Technology Award for Ph.D. Study

The AMINEF is pleased to announce the availability of approximately 40 awards to be completed worldwide under the aegis of International Fulbright Science and Technology Award for Ph.D. study at top U.S. institutions in science, technology, or engineering for the 2008-2009 academic year matriculants.

Requirements:

A Bachelor and/or Master’s degree
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
Undergraduate students who will complete the degree before August 1^st, 2008 may also apply
Min. TOEFL score of 580
Min GRE quantitative score of 700 (GRE test will be requires if selected for nomination)

Dateline: April 15^th, 2008

Community College Summit Initiative Program

This program enables individuals from Indonesia to study at a community college in U.S. to develop professional skills. Eligible fields are Business Management and Administration; Tourism and Hospitality Management; Health Professions, including Nursing; Media; Information technology; Agriculture and engineering science.

Requirements:

Have complete a secondary school education (High School Diploma)
Have relevant working experience
Have English language skills that provide a basis for enrolling in academic coursework following approximately 6 month of intensive English language study in U.S.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.00 scale)
Min. TOEFL score of 500 or TOEIC score 650

Dateline: November 1^st, 2008

International Leadership in Education Program (ILEP)

Requirements:

Secondary-level, full time teachers
Min.ITP TOEFL score of 500

Dateline: May 16^th, 2008

For information, please send E-mail to:

infofulbright_ind@aminef.or.id

Phone: (021) 345 2016

Fax: (021) 345 2050

Office Hours: 8:00 – 16:00, Monday to Friday

Application document can be downloading from:

AMINEF Website: http://www.aminef.or.id

Application and specific questions regarding the application process can be sent to:

AMINEF Office
Gedung Balai Pustaka
Jalan Gunung Sahari raya No. 4
Jakarta 10720
(Only hardcopy application sent directly to AMINEF or via mail. No application sent via e-mail will be accepted).

Scholarship Bristol University International, Postgraduate 2010

Global — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:52:30 +0000

International Taught Postgraduate Scholarships 2010 at Bristol University

There are ten £2,000 scholarships available to international taught postgraduate students (overseas fee payers) from any country.

Applications for September 2010 entry are now open. The deadline for scholarship applications is Friday 28 May 2010, applicants must ALSO apply for an academic place by this date.

Guidelines for applicants and application form.

Founded in 1872, and receiving its Royal Charter in 1909, the University has had plenty of time to build and maintain its strong reputation as a teaching and research institution. If you`d like to know more, we have a brief history of the University online.

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Website link:
http://www.bris.ac.uk/international/fees-finances/io-pgt-scholarships.html

The 10 Most Dangerous Animals in Australia

Global — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:28:49 +0000

As fascinating as Australia might be, the Land Down Under is not without dangers, especially when it comes to the rich fauna. When choosing to travel to Australia, be sure to consider all the continent has in store, especially poisonous or lethal animals.

1. The Box Jellyfish
One of the most extremely lethal animals in the world, and implicitly Australian, often found on the continent. Found on the coast alongside the Great Barrier Reef, the box jellyfish possesses an extremely powerful venom. The stings are terribly painful and often fatal.
Be sure to include a bottle of vinegar in your first aid kit if you’ll be traveling in areas abound with these jellyfish. Vinegar applied for 30 seconds to the sting, then removing the tentacles with a towel, will reduce the damage. But you will need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

2. The Taipan
The taipan is a large, fast and highly venomous snake often found throughout Australia. The taipan has the most toxic venom out of all the species worldwide, has a dark brown color and is often found in sugar fields where it hunts for rats. The snake is usually found in the far north of Australia, in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, where the winter is mild. Taipan’s usually stay away from people but once cornered or threatened, they strike several times.

3. Saltwater Crocodile
The largest living member of the crocodilians and reptiles, the saltwater crocodile can grow up to 18 feet (5.45 meters) in length and is often found in Thailand, Vietnam and Northern Australia. They have been known to take on animals such an adult water buffalo and have often attacked people. It is usually well camouflaged both underwater or on dry land and strikes at an amazing speed. Its most powerful attack – the death roll – consists of grabbing its prey and rolling powerfully until it dies.

4. Blue Ring Octopus
Another serious threat for those that wish to explore the waters of Australia is the blue-ringed octopus – one of the most toxic sea creatures in the world found off the coast of Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Even though the octopus is only the size of a golf ball, there is no known antidote for its powerful venom. It causes motor paralysis, eventually leading to cardiac arrest. First aid treatment consists of pressure on the wound and mouth-to-mouth breathing that can last for several hours.

5. Stone Fish
Known as the most venomous fish in the world, the stone fish lives on the bottom of the reefs, camouflaged as a rock. It lives above the Tropic of Capricorn but can be found in the Queensland Great Barrier Reef as well. It’s venom comes from the dorsal area, that is lined with 13 spines, causing shock, paralysis and tissue death depending on the severity of the sting. First aid consists of immobilizing the venom by bandaging the affected area then applying a hot compress. The pain is said to be so excruciating that it lead to amputating the affected limb.

6. Red Back Spider
This species found all over the continent is Australia’s most famous deadly spider. The red striped spider has a neurotic venom that induces severe pain, however, deaths are rare. Thousands of people are bitten but only approximately 20% of the victims require treatment. Generally, the children and the elderly are the most exposed to the spider’s threat. This is one of the few spider species that displays sexual cannibalism while mating.

7. Brown Snake
There are several types of brown snakes but the Pseudonaja is the genus commonly found in Australia. Known as one of Australia’s most deadly creatures, the brown snake has a venom which quickly kills if it goes untreated. Even young snakes are capable of delivering a fatal bite to humans.

8. Tiger Snake
The tiger snake is another of the many venomous snakes found Australia, particularly in the southern regions. The striped snakes are not generally aggressive and retreat whenever they have the chance. The tiger snake is known as one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Although anti-venom is readily available, mortality rates are around 45% if the bite is left untreated. In most states, the species is protected and any harming or injuring lead to a fine of up to $4,000.

9. Great White Shark
This exceptionally large shark known as the white death is known as world’s largest known predatory fish. They can be found in great numbers on the southern coasts of Australia and, even though they have often been depicted as fatal to humans, they do not target them as a prey. Many of the attacks we’re not fatal, the shark only performing test-biting, out of curiosity. Humans are not a good meal, considering the shark’s slow digestion compared to the human’s muscle to fat ratio.

10. Funnel Web Spider
The darkly colored spiders resembling tarantulas have fangs and chelicerae with ample venom glands, that can even penetrate fingernails or shoes. They can be found in the eastern coast of Australia, New South Wales, Victoria or Queensland. First aid consists of applying a bandage and wrapping the bitten limb. As with other spiders, the main treatment is the anti-venom.

What’s going to happen On December 2012

Global — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 01:22:55 +0000

Mayan People
Mayan people who live near the amazon river in south America predict that earth’s civilization will end on 21 December 2012. Many experts believe that on 21 December 2012, there will be a major catastrophe in the earth. It is based on the research by John Major Jenkins about Mayan calender. Actually Mayan tribe has two calender. One calender signs the end of their civilization and the others, according to experts, signed the end of Human Civilization. After Observing the calender, researching their cultures and converting year date and month, The calender is found to end in 21 December 2012 (The date of Winter solstice). It’s not only Mayan who predicts that earth’s civilization is going to end at 21 december. Many Tribes around the globe have the same prophecy.

The Hopy tribe
Hopi tribe is an Indian. actually Indian in America is divided into several tribes and Hopi is just one of them. According to Hopi, earth had changed its civilization four times. Their legend about the origin of beings is almost the same as the Bible said. The world where the first being lived is called the first world and the people is called the first people. Then, many people from this first world forgot about Sotuknang (the God who created this earth including four cluster of human, red, yellow, white and black) and The Almighty. The first world roasted and vanished in a great fire. a few people who has great morality enter the second world. although it’s not as beautiful as the First, the Second is also wonderful. Slowly, egoism rised and they started to forget about the Almighty. The second world is frozen by the Almighty. The remnant continue in the third world. The people in the third world also like the before. only minorities who believe in God. Then The Almighty punished them by cascading water and flooded the earth. The Minorities then continue in the fourth world.

Hopi Tribe had ever made a holy promise,”We will always act as Your will forever. especially for hopis, God’s Teachings is everlasting.”

According to some experts who have studying this prophecy for years, they believed that the Hopi’s prophecy indicates that the world will end around 2012.

Nostradamus
Nostradamus Prophecy is the world’s bestselling books after Bible. Some Experts also believe that Nostradamus also mention the end of the world at 2012.

Eqyptian
Archaeolog believe that the scriptures encarved on the wall of Giza (Pyramid in Egypt) is a prophecy carved by the prophet at that time to warn us about the danger we will face. that’s why the scriptures was design in a special way that they would hold out for thousands of years.

10 Unique Animal & Wildlife Species – Pictures

Global — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:08:33 +0000

There are millions of identified species inhabiting the great planet of earth. Evolutionary traits have given each individual organism a purpose and method for

survival. Different animal species thrive in different habitats and they adapt based on the geography, population, and climate of the region. Lately, different animal populations have become threatened by weather changes, disease, human hunting, and poaching. I love to look at pictures and learn about various creatures in this world. I have gathered some of my favorite pictures of animals and included a short description on each./src: thenatureanimals.c

10. American Beaver

The American Beaver is a semi-aquatic species of rodent living in Canada, the United States, and parts of northern Mexico. It was introduced in the most southern province of Argentina, Tierra del Fuego and has since adapted, expanded, and evolved into its natural environmental form. The beaver is the largest rodent found in the United States and second largest in the world. The largest being the South American capybara. It has a scent gland that admits an oily substance known as castoreum, which is used to waterproof its fur.

The beaver has the ability to see underwater. There are 25 different subspecies of the American Beaver. These animals are usually active at night and are rarely seen by people. They prefer to stay in the water and can remain submerged for more then 15 minutes. Beavers construct their homes out of sticks, twigs, and mud in lakes, streams, and tidal river deltas. They are well known for building damsacross streams, which can be a problem for land owners.

9. African Wild Dogs
African Wild Dogs are carnivorous mammals found in the savannas and lightly wooded areas of Africa. They are a member of the Canidae family and have a Bite Force Quotient of 142, which is amongst the highest rating given to any creature. African Dogs run in packs and they have separate male and female hierarchies. The animals kill ratings are better then any other species, 80% of all hunts end in a kill. They are quickly becoming an endangered species and population numbers are drastically dropping with the biggest cause of this problem being habitat loss and hunting.
These dogs are internationally loved and the Botswana Wild Dog Research Project is one of the longest running and most influential predator research projects. They are extremely sociable and family oriented animals.

8. Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle is a bird a prey found in North America. It has been recognized as the national bird of the United States. The Bald Eagle is the largest raptor in North America and has a wingspan averaging 180-234 centimeters. They can fly to an altitude of 10,000 feet and can reach speeds of 30-35 mph. They are strong swimmers, have 7,000 feathers, and a lifespan of around thirty years. This eagle was an endangered species in the 1990’s, but has since expanded its breeding population. They prefer a habitat near seacoasts, rivers, large lakes, oceans, and other large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish and other prey. They are usually found in places with little human activity, but can readily be seen in many areas of the U.S. and Canada. These eagles are truly beautiful creatures and watching them soar is a magical experience.

7. Otters

Otters are semi-aquatic mammals and are part of the family Mustelidae. There are thirteen different species and an almost worldwide distribution. Some of the specific types of otters include the Sea otter, Eurasian otter, Spotted-necked otter,Northern river otter, Giant otter, and the African clawless otter. They mainly feed on aquatic animals and routinely stay home in their surrounding habitat. Ottershave long and slim bodies with short limbs, webbed paws, sharp claws, and a muscular tail.They also have an insulated under-fur, which helps trap a layer of air and keep them dry and warm under water. They must eat 15% of their bodyweight in food each day and usually display short whiskers. Some species of otter are endangered today, but as a whole they have come a long way since they were hunted, trapped,and almost brought to extinction by fur traders.

6. Hyacinth Macaws

Hyacinth Macaws are the largest flying parrot species in the world and are native to central and eastern South America. These are extremely smart and popular birds. Their immense popularity as pets is damaging the breeding population and a bird can fetch around $10,000 American dollars. Hyacinth Macaws have a very strong beak for eating their natural foods. They feed on palm, pine nuts, coconuts, macadamia nuts, fruits, vegetable matter, and various types of hard nuts and seeds. These birds are among the smartest species in the world. They can easily be trained to mimic human speech, identify objects, shapes, colors, and numbers, understand the difference between big and small, over and under, and even form small sentences. Hyacinth Macaws are an endangered species, but measures are being taken by many conservationists, including programs at the Minnesota Zoo with BioBrasil and World Wildlife Fund.

5. Red Panda

The Red Panda or Firefox is a mostly herbivorous mammal found in the Himalayas, Bhutan, southern China, Pakistan, India, Laos, Nepal, and Burma. It is a small creature and only slightly larger then a house cat. They are an extremely endangered species with fewer then 2,500 mature individuals. The main cause of this is habitat fragmentation due to geological processes and human activity in the area. The Red Panda has its own independent family iluridae, which is part of a trichotomy similar to skunks, raccoons, and weasels. It is not a bear like the Giant Panda.
Red Panda’s are specialized as a bamboo feeder. They usually live high in the mountains and forests. They are crepuscular, which means active at dawn and dusk. This animal spends a lot of time in the shade and can’t tolerate temperatures over 25°C. They are extremely acrobatic animals and spend most of their time in trees. Red Panda’s are solitary animals and usually seek a partner only for mating.

4. Siberian Huskies

Husky is a general term used to describe several breeds of dog. Siberian Huskies are a medium sized dense coated working breed noted for incredible strength and stamina. They originated in the cold terrain of eastern Siberia and are considered great pets. The breed was imported to Alaska during the Nome Gold Rush and
from there spread into Canada and other areas of the United States. They are noted for their wolf-like appearance and unique eye color combinations. One eye may be brown and the other blue, that in normal for this breed. Siberian Huskies are very dominant and stubborn animals and do well with good training programs. They are smart dogs and have a lifespan of 12-15 years. The dog’s passion is to run and perform in sled dog racing competitions.

3. Eurasian Eagle Owl

The Eurasian Eagle Owl is a species of horned owl native to much of Europe and Asia. It is a powerful bird and the world’s second largest owl, with the Blakiston’s Fish Owl being slightly bigger on average. This owl has a wingspan averaging 138-200 cm and measures 58-75 cm long. It feeds on small mammals, but can kill
prey the size of a fox or small deer. This species is largely nocturnal and inhabits mountains and forests, usually with in cliffs and rocky terrain. They build their nests on the cliff edges and have a lifespan of around 20 years, although larger species can live up to 60 years.
Eagle Owls have often been observed living in many European cities. In one case, an owl caused havoc in the crowded Helsinki Olympic Stadium during the European Football Championship qualification match between Finland and Belgium. The match ended up being interrupted for six minutes. Eurasian Eagle Owls have a steady breeding population, but are diminishing in some areas of the world. They are truly beautiful creatures.

2. Lynx

A lynx is any of four different medium-sized wild cats. Lynx have short tails and a characteristic patch of black hair on tip of their ears. They have long whiskers and padded paws for walking in the snow. Lynx are not very good hunters and often struggle to find enough nourishment. The Bobcat and Canadian Lynx are the
smallest species, with the Eurasian Lynx being the largest. They are solitary animals, but will occasionally travel in packs. Lynx feed on a range of animals, including white-tailed deer, reindeer, chamois, snowshoe hares, fish, fox, sheep, squirrels, mice, and various species of birds.
They live in high altitude forests, are skilled tree climbers, and talented swimmers. The Eurasian Lynx ranges from central and northern Europe across Asia. Recently it was considered extinct in many areas and successfully reintroduced to the wild in Slovenia and Croatia. The Canadian Lynx breeding population is abundant in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. The Iberian Lynx is almost extinct and any poaching of these animals is a serious crime. The lynx is the national animal of the Republic of Macedonia and Romania.

1. Sun Bear

The Sun Bear is a species found primarily in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is the smallest member of the bear family, standing approximately 4 ft. tall. The animal has large paws with naked soles, small round ears, and they are excellent climbers. These bears have a short stouts and use their long slender
tongue to extract honey from beehives. Sun Bears have a wide diet ranging from lizards, birds, and other mammals, to fruit, eggs, termites, the young tips of palm trees, berries, sprouts, and various insects. They are primarily nocturnal creatures and do not hibernate.
There has been a steady decline in the Sun Bears breeding population, mainly due to poaching and their categorization as “nuisance bears.” The bear has loose skin on its neck, which allows it to turn and bite a formable attacker. Recently, they have been bred to become house pets in many areas of Asia.

Blog of News, Scholarship, Science and Technology

Senate Bill Defies Obama’s NASA Plans

Related Posts :

Windows are open! Windows for Linux

Customer Satisfaction

Technical Excellence

No Time Like Now

Related Posts :

Facebook must heed the human element

Rapid rewrite

Obscure settings

Related Posts :

Gateway NV Notebooks Now Offer One-Button Social Networking

Related Posts :

The University of Rome “La Sapienza” Scholarship

Related Posts :

Scholarship on American Indonesian Exchange Foundation

Related Posts :

Scholarship Bristol University International, Postgraduate 2010

Related Posts :

The 10 Most Dangerous Animals in Australia

Related Posts :

What’s going to happen On December 2012

Related Posts :

10 Unique Animal & Wildlife Species – Pictures

Related Posts :