Work Bench Plans - The DIY Build For All Your Projects

Animals are not the only ones that evolve. Tools, too, change. But unlike animals that might change in a regressive way, evolution in tools is one-way: upward. There's a huge difference between today's carpenter tools and those of medieval counterparts.

Things have changed since then and modern carpentry tools do not only make work easier, but also render higher quality carpentry products. Carpentry's tools and process have become scientific through the years, but one thing still remains the same: carpenters need a good space to do perform their skills.

A comfortable space to do your job is indeed essential-whether you're a carpenter or just a home-based handyman. To perform your work comfortably, you need to have a good, solid bench.

But before you get your own bench, you need to really make a feasible, working plan. Most people regret having their current work surfaces because they have not concocted good work bench plans before getting their benches. If you have good work bench plans, then you can be sure that you'll get the exact bench that you need.

So, how do you start a bench plan? When considering bench plans, one should remember that a good work bench will need three basic things:

Large surface
Solid built
Provisions for easy storage of tools
When you either buy or build a bench, make sure that you don't forget about these 3 qualities.

Purpose
Good bench plans also take into consideration the work that will be performed. Most people have the habit of looking at work bench plans in magazines or in the Web. Although there's nothing wrong with this, many eventually end up buying or building the wrong benches because they only cared for the design. Sure, an intricately designed bench may be a good show for your friends, but you may end up unsatisfied when your work surface does not meet your work requirements.

When it comes to bench plans, the most important thing to consider is the purpose of the bench. If you're going to do heavy-duty jobs, then a well-designed but frail bench might not be good for you. On the other hand, a lightly built bench with intricate woodworking may suffice if you will just do simple tasks, such as jewelry or watch works.

Cost
Another thing factor that comes into play in bench plans is the cost. Building a bench is cheaper than buying one. You can buy bench materials (top and bottom planks, front and rear stretchers, front and back legs, screws, side braces, and side rails) for about $50 or less. That's arguably less expensive compared to benches sold in the market, which may cost a hundred or more bucks (depending on the material). You can really save if you build your own work bench, but it will really mean a lot of work for you.

Don't have the skill and the patience to make your own work bench and still looking to save money? Well, you still have the option to order a bench kit online for $79.99 or less. Assembling a bench kit won't require a lot of time, but you still need to put in some effort to build it. If you don't want to put some work or if you have a busy schedule, then your best option is to just purchase a finished work bench.

Purpose and cost-these are the two main factors that people should really take into consideration when drawing up good work bench plans. If you come up with a nice work bench plan, then you can be sure that you'll get the perfect work bench.

Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about home improvement at Home Work Bench, with information on finding the best work bench plans, as well as ideas and discussions that any DIY enthusiast would be interested in.

Valentine's Day Gifts - Top 5 Stuffed Animals

Another Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so what are you getting your sweetheart this year? Many of you have probably already made up your mind to go with the old classic, a stuffed animal. This is a great gift, but there are so many choices. To help you decide, here are the top five picks for most popular plush toy, plus some extra tips to make your Valentine's Day truly special this year!

#5 Stuffed Bunnies

What could be cuter than a cuddly rabbit? A bunny may not be synonymous with Valentine's Day like it is with Easter, but this cute critter is a surprisingly enduring plush toy for any time of the year. Pair the stuffed bunny with a box of chocolates, flowers, jewelry, or some other gift, and you've got a sure-fire winner.

#4 Stuffed Lions

The ferocious lion may not seem like the perfect gift on the sweet and lovey-dovey Valentine's Day, but you'd be surprised! It helps that this animal can easily send a message beyond just that of love. They can show your sweetie that you think they are powerful, beautiful, courageous, or royal, and do it in a way that doesn't require words! Not all of us can handle poetry after all, so why not let the lion do the talking for us? A stuffed lion is a great way to create a unique metaphor that describes your admiration perfectly.

#3 Stuffed Tigers

This can be a particularly great gift for the man in your life. After all, stuffed tigers are powerful, but still soft and cuddly! (Just like your significant other). You could even place the tiger somewhere with a clever message. For example, leave it in their car or have it delivered to their home with a message on it along the lines of "Can't wait to see you tonight, tiger." This could be a fun and flattering way to show that your thinking about him.

#2 Plush Pets

If your sweetie is an animal lover who has a favorite pet, this is sure to be a hit. For example, maybe your girlfriend loves cats. Get her an adorable stuffed cat and sure her that you know her well. To spice things up even more, and impress her with your attention to detail, have the cat hold a bouquet of roses, or a box of gourmet chocolates. Or if the plush cat is small, you could actually hide it in the bouquet of flowers. No matter which way you decide to go, it's sure to make her smile and have an extra special Valentine's.

#1 Teddy Bears

You had to suspect that this classic would be on the list, and it's number one for a reason! No other stuffed animal embodies the spirit of Valentine's Day better than a teddy bear. This classic will never grow outdated. Just imagine pairing it with a box of chocolates or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant. In fact, if you wanted to be more adventurous, you could have the bear hold all kinds of things, such as a ski or hockey tickets. The teddy bear is sure to be the perfect gift.

Make your Valentine's Day one to remember by giving your sweetie one of these popular stuffed animals. After all nothing will warm his or her heart more than a sweet and cuddly plush toy!

Ready for your special day? Then go ahead, find an amazing collection of stuffed lions, plush cats, cuddly teddy bears and all other plush animals mentioned in the article at KCPlush.

Artificial Intelligence, Life and Darwinian Evolution: What Is Life?

What do we mean when, in both formal scientific and folk language, we use the word "life?" What is "life?"

The question may appear trite at first consideration because we all have an instinctual recognition or acknowledgment of being alive. Yet this instinctual notion is a largely unexamined one, as a brief examination will show.

All biological systems are taken, in the formal scientific definition of "life," to be living "things." The notion of a plant as living thing, however, remains to be properly acknowledged in our folk notions of what it means to be "living." Buddhists, for instance, consider it unethical for humans to "kill" other living things for food. Yet, in the scientific definition of the word "life," that is exactly what they do when they eat plants! Is plant life so different from animal life that we may be morally and ethically justified in not reckoning plants as living in our interpretation of the ethical command: "Thou shalt not kill?"

The example of the apparent moral-ethical contradiction in vegetarianism shows why an inquiry into the concept of "life" is important, for it transcends consideration of the distinction between plant and animal life. Are certain forms of lower animal life so unlike human life that we may "kill" without really having "killed?" If certain lower life forms really are not living then where do we draw the line in the Linnaean hierarchy of animal life with regard to the moral-ethical law: "Thou shalt not kill?" At what level in the Linnaean hierarchy does an animal become so living that we become bound, for the first time, by the command not to kill? In considering this question one becomes conscious of the progression of thought that might lead to a conviction that a "subhuman race" might be exterminated without any moral-ethical consequences for the superior race which does the killing. At the extreme end of the scale is the solipsist who considers himself the only "really living," and might, therefore, refuse to consider himself bound by the moral-ethical injunction not to kill in his dealings with other humans. One, in this regard, is forced to infer an underlying solipsistic outlook to the psychology of some prominent figures in history like Hitler, Mohammed and Stalin.

Nature obviously makes no attempt to help us draw a line between the "really living" and the "not really living" in the Linnaean hierarchy of life. All animals are equipped with an instinctual urge to struggle for survival. We might ask--why do animals struggle for survival? Why are animals both "lower" and "higher" intensely preoccupied with the problem of self-preservation? What is the "thing" of value being preserved in the unceasing Darwinian evolutionary hustle for survival? "Life" is our instinctual response to this question. But then, again, we come to the question--what is life? What about "life" is of such value as to compel the struggle for its perpetuation?

The standard approach to defining life, in the biological sciences, would seem, to the spiritually minded, superficial. Life is defined in terms of the primary functions of biological systems. High on the list of life defining biological functions is the power of reproduction or more simply the power of a biological system to replicate its unique order. But to define life in terms of its self-replicating functions would appear to initiate a vicious circle of definition in which life becomes that which replicates life.

Some biologists would argue (reasonably) that we discard the concept of life as incoherent, and that we should seek, rather, to characterize biological systems without any reference to the "incoherent" concept of life. In this approach, we merely describe and study what biological systems do and avoid shrouding the fact of biology in mystical "life" airs. In this sense, a biological system is that which has the capability to perform certain functions, chief amongst which is the capacity to replicate or reproduce its order. But the significant complicating point in this approach is that there would appear to be nothing that biological systems do which cannot be implemented in artificial intelligence systems. This observation leads to the suggestion that our notion of "life" might well be another in our long list of folk misconceptions, for it raises theoretical problems such as what constitutes, for instance, the essential difference between a fully automated, artificial intelligence program driven, self-replicating apache helicopter and a dragonfly, which makes the first biological and the second non-biological. Surely, to think of the distinction between an artificial intelligence helicopter machine and a dragonfly wholly in terms of difference in engineering material (organic vs inorganic) is so superficial that, in the context of the thinking that the notion of life be discarded in scientific thought, the real value emptiness of maintaining distinction between the categories of the biological and non-biological becomes glaring.

Is the concept of "life," after all, a meaningless concept? In examining this question we may ask ourselves, why do systems described as biological struggle for survival? What is so intrinsically valuable about any given biological systems order as to compel the conjuring up of a highly elaborate and sophisticated paraphernalia in promotion of its perpetuation? We find no tendency in nature for the perpetuation of the order of beautiful or "useful" things. The fact that we find such sophisticated mechanisms in biological systems raises significant questions as to the nature of "life."

A useful approach to the problem of "life" is in terms of what may be observed to be incompleteness of biological systems with regard to the question: why do biological systems struggle for survival? If you look up in the sky and see two squadrons of fighter jets in dogfight you assume that there are pilots in the cockpit. If you know that the fighter jets are fully automated you assume that the dogfight is a human quarrel by jetfighter machine proxy! Why? The answer is that with regard to the motivation to quarrel and fight, jetfighters are incomplete. In same sense could it be proposed that, with regard to the struggle for survival, biological systems as organic materials machines are incomplete. Dawkins selfish genes don't explain the problem either, for although DNA molecule obeys the laws of chemistry in its functions, there are no known laws of chemistry which compel DNA to behave the way it does (as illustration, we don't disobey the laws of physics when we build and fly space shuttles to the moon, yet the laws of physics do not fully explain how or why we build spaceshuttles and fly them to the moon). To seek to answer the question, "why do dragonflies struggle for survival and seek mates for sexual reproduction?" by saying that they only seek to perpetuate their genes is to provide an incomplete answer, for we know that information systems have no intrinsic capacity for self-replication or self-perpetuation; a database manager who values the information must take the initiative.

The writer JohnThomas Didymus is the author of "Confessions of God: The Gospel According to St. JohnThomas Didymus." ( http://www.resurrectionconspiracy.com/ ). If you have found this article interesting you are invited to read the article: ARTIFICIAL LIFE, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SENTIENCE: WHY DO WE FEAR DEATH? on his blog http://johnthomasdidymus.blogspot.com/2010/06/artificial-life-artificial-intelligence.html

Style and Evolution

A fashion is no accident. It will always suit the situation, time and place. Fashion is really a matter of evolution. It has a natural life, unlike a fad, which is a stillbirth
--Stella Blum

Style is always evolving. There is no such thing as permanent style, or permanent fashion; if there were, the toga would still be the height of elegance. New styles of dress are always being invented, re-invented, and improved upon.

Animals evolve by passing their genes onto their offspring. Although "time and chance happens to them all," on balance, children who can adapt to their environment survive, and reproduce, more than those who can't. Children with strong immune systems will survive climates where hygiene is low and disease is rampant; intelligent children will prosper in situations where that intelligence is rewarded.

Societies also evolve, at a much quicker pace than species do. Large scale changes, like mass immigration, religious revivals, wars and political movements can dramatically change the nature of a society. These changes are almost always reflected in styles of dress. For example: a century ago, it was considered indecent of women to wear pants. Today, no one in a secular country would give a pants-wearing woman a second glance. This changing of standards reflects the changing role of women, who now have the rights to vote, inherit property, file for divorce, work and serve on a jury (most of which were forbidden a century ago). In pointing this out, we might be putting the cart before the horse, but this sartorial freedom reflects a growing political and social freedom.

Different schools of design, art, literature, architecture and thought can all influence the fashion of the day. Artists like David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Madonna can all inspire long-lasting trends, merely by wearing one odd outfit in one photograph.

Memes

The word "meme" was coined by biologist Richard Dawkins in his book, The Selfish Gene. A meme is any self-replicating unit which can be passed from one mind to another. Ideas, patterns, poems, jokes and religions are all examples of memes. Fashion trends are an excellent example of memes. As Dawkins himself explained in an interview:

[T]here are cultural entities which replicate in something like the same way as DNA does. The spread of the habit of wearing a baseball hat backwards is something that has spread around the Western world like an epidemic. It's like a smallpox epidemic. You could actually do epidemiology on the reverse baseball hat. It rises to a peak, plateaus and I sincerely hope it will die down soon.

Interviewer: What about voting Labour?

Dawkins: Well, you can make -- one can take more serious things like that. In a way, I'd rather not get into that, because I think there are better reasons for voting Labour than just slavish imitation of what other people do. Wearing a reverse baseball hat--as far as I know, there is no good reason for that.One does it because one sees one's friends do it, and one thinks it looks cool, and that's all. So that really is like a measles epidemic, it really does spread from brain to brain like a virus.

People are very good imitators, but they're not perfect imitators, and nothing stops a creative person from taking a nascent style and adding a new twist to it. This twist, or mutation, may become more popular than the original.

Here's an example of how a meme is passed. You see a friend wearing a Hawaiian shirt with dancing crocodiles on it. For some unfathomable reason this shirt piques your fancy. You ask the shirt-wearer, "Where did you get that?" If he says "eBay," you might do a search for a similar t-shirt when you're next at your computer. Because it's such a rare shirt, though, you can't find an exact copy, and settle instead for a similar shirt with dancing walruses on it.

Conscious Evolution

As styles change, it's inevitable that the more impractical, unflattering and ridiculous elements will fall by the wayside. Who hasn't laughed remembering ridiculous fashion trends of yore? From hammer pants to bouffant hairstyles, ridiculous memes eventually wear out their welcome.

It's almost a given that something in your closet right now will be out of fashion in ten years. Baggy jeans, venetian sunglasses, the faux-hawk, emo bangs are all somewhat fashionable now, but hopefully not for long.

Although you don't have to follow every meme like a sheep, it's imperative to at least know what they are. If your fashion sense freezes permanently at age 25, or 30, you run the risk of always looking somewhat anachronistic, which can have serious consequences for your personal life. Try to evolve your style consciously, to reflect your changing self.

This article originally appeared in Enjoy Your Style magazine.

Hi! I'm the managing editor for Enjoy Your Style. I love kitesurfing, drawing, writing essays, interviews and more. Hope you like my work! Enjoy!: )

Evolution and Man

When this world was ready to support life man was no more than a potential animal that was to develop via evolution. It was fifty thousand years ago when man received his subconscious that subconscious was to become his Adviser. Mans conscious mind is a life form from another dimension and that dimension is where we all return to when our body dies; providing we qualify.

Mans subconscious is also a life form from the same dimension but will not return until becoming the Awareness conscious mind of a human This is achieved via reincarnation. As we reincarnate we travel as two persons in one body our awareness conscious mind is one person and our subconscious is the second person. Only our Awareness conscious mind has sensitivity of our body our subconscious does not.

Our subconscious is responsible for our well being and can only communicate with our Awareness conscious self via a dowsing pendulum. A pendulum is a product of nature provided by another dimension as a physical tool for both life forms to communicate with each other. As I type these word my subconscious Adviser is providing the information to my conscious mind.

When I begin typing I am only aware of the subject I am going to write about and as I type information that unfolds is like someone reading a book to me. My subconscious Adviser is my friend and travelling partner and has been since the we both transferred to my body during 1936; the year of my birth.

We all have a travelling partner. Whenever we feel pain our travelling partner does not because he/she is void of sensitivity of our body. This means the advice we receive via a pendulum is not handicapped by our bodies emotions.

Every person that recognizes their subconscious Adviser will receive advice based on both their practical experiences and expertise. People that reject the pendulum are advised by their subconscious Adviser but can only receive information as they think back about their previous activity that is why people are encouraged to meditate because as they meditate they are being advised by their subconscious Adviser.

Working with a pendulum is not for everyone because fear of the unknown prevents a person communicating with their subconscious adviser. Fears within our body have to be released slowly if they are released too quickly the fear can cause a persons body to experience realization of truth that is detrimental to their well being.

If you decide to work with a pendulum and experience fear please do not continue with it because your Adviser will not allow you to receive any information; detrimental to your well being. If you work with a pendulum do not pass it to others until you receive permission from your subconscious Adviser via your pendulum.

We all originate from the dimension of THOUGHTS we are not spirits having a human experience we are THOUGHTS having a human experience. As we work with a pendulum we are helping to develop this world at a faster pace because as we show Care and Consideration for others we are not only progressively achieving our Eager Desires but also helping others contribute to society and reducing anti-social behaviour, which ensures this world develops and maintains its 60% social and 40% anti-social development ratio

Corruption is within us all because we corrupt each other whenever we meet. This means we need to learn how to avoid corrupting each other. For example if I tell you a lie whether intentional or not I have corrupted you, this means as you pass the lie on to others you are corrupting them.

This Article is to help you come to terms with your travelling partner Adviser regardless of your belief in almighty god or not. If you are an Atheist please remember you too have a travelling partner and advises without you knowing. If you decide to work with a pendulum; from time to time you will experience slight realisations of truth.

Learn how to make and work with a pendulum, then learn how to Solve Problems and Achieve your Goals, in a simple logical way. At the same time, as you work with a pendulum, you will be contributing to society, based on your practical experiences and expertise you may have:

[http://jrnjames.co.uk/]

Regards Joseph.

Joseph Robert Neil James.

Warwickshire.

United Kingdom.

Want to Learn More About the Human Mind?

Amazing that the human brain and mind is so vastly evolved and yet, what do we really know about it? Not as much as we should considering that without it, we are not much in the way of a viable life-form. Perhaps it is for that reason that it is my contention that everyone should learn more about the brain and mind they own. So, I'd like to start by recommending a very good book to you:

"The Mind" by Anthony Smith (Author of 'The Body'); Viking Press, New York, NY; 1984

This author has written so many great books that it is no wonder that this particular book was so incredible. You see, previously he had written;

• Blind White Fish in Persia


• Sea Never Dry


• High Street Africa


• Throw Out Two Hands


• The Body


• The Seasons


• The Dangerous Sort


• Mato Grasso


• Beside the Sea


• Good Beach Guide


• The Human Pedigree


• Animals On View


• Wilderness


• A Persian Quarter Century


• A Sideways Look

The book starts out with large chapters on Evolution, Animal and human anatomy and how the body and brain grow together. He also discusses the entire process of brain formation as we believe it to be at the scientific level. He also explains how damage brains are caused during these growth periods. He then puts all this together and shows how our brain works and how consciousness occurs and is used.

But he hardly stops there as he gets into memory, abilities, and use of the senses. He even discusses how human brain abilities and anomalies take place, how super IQ is formed and what happens during malformation and damage. He discusses the reptilian section or old brain and how some of the brain therapies were archaic in nature such as shock therapy, lobotomies, drug use and many others.

This is a great book and it ought to be read before one goes and start reading all the latest research papers on fMRI scans and the future of human-computer interfaces. Please consider this great book for your personal library.

"Lance Winslow" - Lance Winslow's Bio. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/.

A Useless Animal

Have you ever thought you are a useless animal?
You do practically nothing or exceptionally well
You are bent upon creating nonsense and virtual hell
Who will come to you for all this things to tell?

It is not confined to one single person
We go on spoiling the things without any reason
When there can be vast sand timely change in the seasons?
Is there any scope for us to act different and commit arson?

We eat, indulge in marry making and spend the day
We are practically spent over and lost on the way
We simply look at the sky for help with bright ray
How can it happen when you are not sure of how to say?

It demands care all the time for relatives and friends
You can't live in isolation only to meet ends
You love the dear ones at home and outside
Try to create close infinity with bond and confide

Love is seasonal fruit and in times available
If you show it with sincerity then you will be able to
Cultivate the friendship for all times to come
Praise from all quarters and you will be welcome

Try to reach out to each and every one in your circle
How flowers look beautiful in colors like red.pink and purple?
It is our duty to spread fragrance with some purpose
Life may look beautiful and meaningful thus

We can't spent the life animals even though are quite useful
We should be free enough to think twice before being called fool
It is of no use that we are termed or called under that context
We got to prepare ourselves for the next possible test

We are human beings and may err sometimes
We may be cautioned and warned many times
It is quite natural to follow suit and amend
It may be nice to find us comfortable t the end

Throw open all the doors and wait for change
Face all the difficulties and possibly manage
Try for everything which you can have and arrange
It will be definitely a good beginning on your page

How can we make it worth while and enjoy?
Why not we render happiness and joy?
We are human beings so naturally react
It is not impossible for us to fairly act

We are social animal and have to live among
No one is perfect and we may sometime go wrong
It is still possible to compromise and act in fairness
Everything can be tackled with wisdom and coolness

hasmukh amathalal

The Evolution of Weapons - The Sword

The medieval time period within European countries is certainly largely responsible for shaping key modern developments which have proven vital to Europe's identity even in today's world. Art, literature and music all benefited from pivotal changes which famously influenced cultures across the continent. Likewise so did the world-class technologies which included adjustments to designs in the weaponry which was customary at the time. Short and sharp Romanesque daggers became sleeker, but still retained their slender appealing shape. Moreover not only did they keep but they heightened the quality of the handling of the sword, making it more lightweight and as a result swifter and therefore far more lethal. Nevertheless, these changes still did not compromise the popularity of this particular sword, but instead transformed it into the latest advancement in hand held weaponry.

Our fascination with weaponry has indeed continued and perhaps even increased since. How many people out there are always searching for twentieth-century weapons and defense mechanisms, such as machine guns, gas masks, grenades and tanks? Of course these are far easier to get hold of than items from far and distant centuries. This has meant that old weapons have become highly collectible pieces, and moreover it could actually make some of them quite valuable. So why do we have such an obsession with weapons? And why are we so keen on medieval weapons in particular? I thought I'd spend some time considering some of the possible answers to these questions.

Throughout history mankind's survival has depended on its ability to defend itself. Whether this has been shielding ourselves from the harsh elements, other animals or indeed other people, the nature of the world we live in has conditioned us to develop ways of protecting ourselves from attack. Alongside this, our need to sustain ourselves and therefore hunt, find shelter and protect our offspring has compelled us to compete with fellow animals for the safest places to stay, most lucrative places to find food, and indeed defend our young by whatever means possible from hungry predators and aggressive neighbors. Arguably our first weapon was our own skills in fighting, including basic punching, scratching, biting, and the like. But soon man turned towards items which would have been at his disposal at the time to help him firstly defend himself, and secondly attack his opponent. While this would have begun with rocks and sticks, it eventually developed to using sharp objects and even fire to inflict as much pain and cause as much damage as possible.

Once we became sophisticated enough to see the value in sharpening rocks and stones, it was only a matter of time before the basic sword took shape. Starting with heavy wooden swords, which were clunky and difficult to handle, over the centuries and the development and widespread use of metalwork, swords were able to become more efficient, as they were now lighter, sharper and more durable. Although this was the case for a while before the medieval period, it was then, with its numerous battles across the continent, that skills in sword fighting became highly important and therefore popular. It is for this reason that sleek and attractive swords have become associated with medieval times, and likewise the vibrant and complex history of the time has made medieval weaponry, especially swords, such popular collectibles today.

Christopher JG is a weapons enthusiast who has established an impressive collection of swords and daggers. His passion has lead to the impressive range of medieval sword available at mymedievalweaponstore.com

Mind Challenging Sixth Grade Science Projects

For several parents, sixth grade science projects can be hard to come up with. You have to divide your kid's ability to conduct experiments with the need to make them more challenging so that he will try to accomplish more, display more, and find out more about the world around him. Additionally it does aid in your parent-child relationship if you can get closer over a science project.

Well, why look all over the place for your kid's science projects when you can see some of the most superb ideas here? Just pick one that best suits your kid's ability, interest and schedule as well as your budget. Indeed, you might have to invest some money on sixth grade science projects or any other grade school level science projects as well.

Potato Battery

For the kid who likes electric things, the potato battery would be a great suggestion. You do not have to invest too much money on this project because you will only require one large potato, a small piece of steel wire, a piece of copper wire and a voltmeter.

To begin, the steel and copper wires are snugly placed nearly 2 inches apart and 2 inches deep into the unpeeled potato. Next, connect the steel wire to the negative connecter while the copper wire goes to the positive connector of the voltmeter. This most likely will get a reading of 1/4 to 1/2 volt.

Next, begin changing the spots, depths and distance of the wires. You may note the changes in power generation that occur with altering these variables on a potato. Alternatively, you can use other kinds of root crops such as sweet potato and taro to make a comparison.

The specific aim of this easiest of sixth grade science projects is to see what elements can affect power generation from a staple crop in our diet. Certainly, your kid might find out how to get more energy from other root crops.

Animal Comparison Tests

If your kid likes animals, you may urge him to make animal comparison tests. This is assuming that your kid can handle hamsters and rats not only in the physical but in emotional terms as well.

You can assist your kid to construct a maze made with wood and paint. That way he can have animals dashing through it to determine which one can finish the maze the quickest. The comparisons can be between species (rats and hamsters), between sexes (male and female guinea pigs) and between ages (baby and adult mice).

The goal of the experiment is to see the things that may influence the intelligence of the animals that are being studied. You can assist your kid in finding scientific studies that back up this experiment. Just make certain that the hamsters and rats can find a happy place to live once the project is completed.

You might wonder how the above mentioned sixth grade science projects challenge the mind. Consider it this way: The potato battery experiment will urge him to seek facts about other sources of energy other than fossil fuel. The animal comparison tests will inspire him to find other differences and likenesses in animal behavior a long time after the school science fair has ended.

For more mind challenging Sixth Grade Science Projects and step-by-step instructions, visit http://www.Easy-Kids-Science-Experiments.com. Be sure to check out our site for tons of simple science projects elementary science experiments, middle school, and high school science.

© Copyright 2010. Feel free to reprint this article on your site as long as the article is not modified in any way and the resource information (about the author) is listed as above.

Human and Animal Reasoning and Similarities

Are humans so special and divine as depicted in religious doctrine? Or are humans and their brains built to function and reason similar to that of all higher order mammals and animals? The question itself is not new, indeed it has been discussed by philosophers throughout time. Even in our present period many seem to enjoy the subject, especially as we try to figure out exactly how the human mind works and thus relate that with the inner workings and reasoning abilities of animals.

Recently in an online think tank this subject came up and was explored by a couple of members. It was reasoned that perhaps the conclusions we reach from a scientific perspective are our own worst enemy in finding the reality to the answers we seek. One think tank member stated: "Under the circumstances, when the topic of human, animal reasoning comes up, I noticed a great deal of people show limitations to literary boundaries during there arguments. What I mean is, if we "as humans" create a linguistic determination and classification of an item, we often find ourselves modeling our arguments and figures by this definition. for example: We eat, sleep and breath, therefore we are animals. (very simplified)"

I totally agree with your comments. For example:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Negotiating-on-Common-Ground&id=73083

http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-All-the-Debate-on-Lift-and-the-Principles-of-Flight&id=70230

Now then for a human mind to really work to its best ability it must go past the "brainwashing" of education and forced learning. This in my opinion is because humans too readily accept these "limitations of literary boundaries" or definitional arguments. Some others say that without them we could not think beyond, as we would be scattered in thought and too random to stay focused. Yet, if all things are inter-connected and since humans have large brains and can keep track of it, then why not encircle an issue rather than confining thought into a box. Thus the comments about thinking outside the box or definitional confines which are defined by others and too easily accepted by minds willing to be confined, as if you accept to think in the box as a "follower" you have indeed made a choice, albeit a bad one. If this is your comment you are correct as humans do that way too often and fail to often see the forest for the trees. And the think tanker takes this one step further and asks the question in this next statement; ". . .our own literary definitions often bind or restrict our reasoning abilities when evaluating abstract problems."

In fact this maybe our biggest hang up to finding the answers we seek in this realm; well that along with the religious enculturation, which is force-fed into our society, which is also keeping us from considering such things. What do you think about this issue or do you dare? If so, consider this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Evolution of Man - The Best Thing Until Sliced Bread

How, why and when humans started evolving on earth is a topic of great debate and discussion around the world, and has been for centuries, as evidence of early man can often be limited and even contradictory in what it suggests. However, if man developed through literally millions of years of evolution, then fast-forward hundreds of thousands of years to when early-man started to realise the skills he would need to gain in order to survive. It is this extended period of self-realisation that many have called the true evolution of man, as, without it, humans probably would not have last for long.

All evidence of early man points to the fact that humans used to live in a far warmer climate than we are largely living in today. If all human kind did indeed originate in what is now Africa and disperse around the globe from there, the need for mankind to develop some key survival skills is understandable. The first of these would undoubtedly have been fire. The concept and danger of fire would have been known to man since the very earliest of times, when random lightening strikes would have shown its destructive nature without giving man the chance to harness its energy just yet. In many ancient European caves though, not only were charcoal drawings found on the walls, but charred animal bones were discovered; showing that fire has been in use for hundreds of centuries. How man came to use fire will always be unknown, but you can imagine that perhaps an old, dry tree was struck during a lightning storm, creating a large, warm fire. From this man probably started their own smaller fires which they would have had to have kept burning for a long time if they wished to stay warm. Likewise, the discovery of striking flint to make sparks would have been a fortunate accident too; cave men probably noticed sparks when they were walking in the dark, as certain stones struck each other.

With fire would have come many benefits, from warmth to a larger and more nourishing diet, and even protection from wild animals. Man would have taken all of these benefits and developed them further, making the most of his new found knowledge. As the climate started to cool, or as man travelled further north or south from the equator, man would have at some point started to wear clothing to stay warm when fire wasn't readily available. How on earth could anyone accurately say when this was? Well one method that has been researched extensively is to simply carry out a genetic analysis of the common human body louse, as the louse largely lives in clothing, as the human body is so sparse of hair. This louse apparently dates back 540,000 years, so this is one theory of when mens clothing began.

Finally, man would have invented, or rather discovered, the wheel. From artefacts discovered, it is believed that the wheel was first discovered or widely used in Mesopotamia - what is now Iraq - up to 4000 BC. At some stage, man, after just dragging and carrying heavy supplies around, would likely have realised that rolling rocks along tubular tree branches was far easier, and from there developed the wheel.

Daniel Collins writes on a number of topics on behalf of a digital marketing agency and a variety of clients. As such, this article is to be considered a professional piece with business interests in mind.

The Roots of Human Suffering and the Wise Solution

Human ignorance is so huge that we cannot determine or describe it and the knowledge humanity has accumulated over the years is not enough to solve our problems. Our world is a place where we suffer very much because the conditions of life for the biggest part of our population and the environmental conditions of our planet after the destruction we caused are more than unbearable.

Because of the way we have constructed our world and organized its functionality, we can only suffer living here. We are certainly too ignorant and unable to manage our own lives and the world we have created and live in reflects our incapacity.

Recent scientific discoveries show us clearly that:

o The human being is too wild and violent because his conscience has not been completely developed.

o Our planet's age cannot justify the appearance of life by chance because the possible combinations essential for the formation of the necessary molecules that could permit the existence of life had to take much more time until they could succeed, if this process was done solely by chance.

o There is a specific program in the mechanism through which each animal learns anything, which manages its movements according to the stimuli of the environment it receives, which is always active and determines the animal and human behaviour.

o Since the human being is determined by behavioural programs similar to that of wild animals that kill their prey for food, and since human behaviour is too violent, we have to come to the conclusion that the human being is too wild, even though he believes he is civilized.

o The inherent behavioural programs that allow each organism to survive in a hostile environment are inherited and very well programmed to function perfectly from the first time of the organism's life, what can only be explained if we would assume the existence of a very wise brain that would prepare and organize the functionalism of these programs.

o The infinite variation of animal and vegetable life in our planet is completely unexplainable. There is no scientific explanation that can justify such big and beautiful variety of animals and plants, which cannot be a product of chance. It was undoubtedly created by a genius; otherwise we would not have more than one variation for species. As a matter of fact, if the organic realm was a product of a disorganized evolution, the variations in animals and plants would be quite similar in many points, while we cannot even count how many completely different variations of animals and plants we have on Earth.

o Deciphering our dreams' messages according to the scientific method of the psychiatrist and psychologist Carl Jung, we realize that they are produced and directed by a genius with saintly characteristics, who is always trying to help us develop our human conscience and prevent the wild part or our conscience to destroy this human part through craziness.

All these statements indicate to us that we are very naïve if we imagine that our conscience was developed suddenly in our own planet.

Darwin's theory about selective evolution was already outdated a long time ago by many scientific experiences that showed the biologists clearly that if the organism was not very well prepared in order to be able to evolve until certain point, it would never reach that point. So, animal evolution in our planet was very well programmed, like everything else here.

All these statements together mean that our planet was created and organized by a genius, because he had to transform our wild, evil and violent character in human character. We can deduce that this was the way he found to transform our evil conscience in a sensitive conscience, so that he could eliminate the terror that results from violence and immorality. The antidote against these horrors is compassion, comprehension, sincerity and goodness; in other words, everything we learn in our religious lessons when we are children, no matter to which religion we belong.

Probably, the human being had to learn what is wild by observing the other wild animals so that he could realize how wild he is himself. Probably the explanations for all the unexplained phenomena fit together and they will finally give us the complete image of the reality we ignore. This way, we'll understand why we live here and what we have to do in order to be happy, instead of suffering so much.

Knowledge and wisdom can surely cure humanity's depression, solving all the problems that had no solution when we were completely ignorant and couldn't see the obvious truth!

Prevent Depression and Craziness through the scientific method of Dream Interpretation discovered by Carl Jung and simplified by Christina Sponias, a writer who continued Jung's research in the unknown region of the human psychic sphere.

Learn more at: http://www.scientificdreaminterpretation.com and http://www.booksirecommend.com

Click below to download your copy of the Free ebook
Beating Depression and Craziness

3 Million Years

3 million years of evolution has produced an animal whose natural environment probably consisted of walking the distance of a full marathon each and every single day. Now take that animal (also known as a "human being"), and stick him in a small cage, rob him of natural sunlight, make him sit in a chair all day and feed him a steady supply of chemicals and refined foods.

Is it any wonder that 60% of North Americans are over weight? Described by the World Health Organization as an "escalating epidemic", obesity is "one of the greatest neglected public health problems of our time with an impact on health which may well prove to be as great as smoking." Being overweight leads to many serious medical problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many other health related issues.

An unnatural sedentary lifestyle causes chemical imbalances in our bodies which can lead to a host of psychological problems. Population studies have shown an inverse relationship between physical activity and depression, and there is evidence that active people who become inactive are more at risk of depression that those who remain active. According to a study from Duke University, aerobic exercise was MORE effective than antidepressant drugs in treating depressive symptoms in three study groups.

The cause of the obesity epidemic and skyrocketing rates of depression is obvious in my opinion. We need to become reacquainted with our "natural environment". Break out of your cage. Get outside and get ACTIVE! Ride your bike, run, walk, swim, climb - whatever it takes.

Greg is a Motivational Speaker

About Greg Kolodziejzyk: Greg Kolodziejzyk is a Motivational Speaker , and successful software entrepreneur who holds 2 Guinness world records for the most distance traveled by human power in one day on both land and on water. Greg has also completed over a dozen Ironman triathlons including qualifying for and competing at Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

Amazing Animals

Animal life is an interesting subject. It is amazing to know that there are more than 545 types of butterflies. There is also data about extinct animals and evolution in animals that shows improvement in their genetic structure. Some animal's live in a herd like the elephants, boars, wild dogs or wolves. Predators usually live in small groups. There are solitary animals like the Tasmanian devil that is carnivores and survives on any food.

Marsupials are animals that carry their young ones in a pouch. They have a very small gestation period and the mother continues to feed the baby even when it is fully grown. The common marsupials are the kangaroo, opossum, koala and the wallaby. The platypus is an amazing marsupial animal as it lays eggs and yet belongs to the mammal group. Terrapin which is seemingly similar to a turtle has thinner shells and webbed feet. The unique feature of a terrapin lies in the diamond shaped back.

Meerkat is another amazing animal that braves the sultry tropical weather. They live in burrows and feed themselves on insects and snakes. Their burrows are similar to a labyrinth which they build with their claws as a group activity. The heart of the blue whale weighs about 600 kilograms and this is a huge animal. The humpback whale is a good singer and sings for about twenty minutes. They feed in summer and live on the conserved fat during winter.

It is interesting to note that the opossum can grasp objects with its tail. Opossum has a unique way to pretend itself as being dead and hence save itself from the enemy. Almost up to thirteen babies are carried by a mother opossum in her pouch. Antelopes have specialized hooves to help them prevent from sinking in snow or mud. There are different types of antelope's like the bongs, charusingha or the Oryx.

Porcupines belong to the rodent specie and are of varied types. The quills of the porcupine are used in self defense as they detach easily and remain fixed on the attacker. They are generally terrestrials but some also reside on trees. Hybrid varieties named as Zorse is the result of cross breeding between a horse mare and a male zebra. The genetic base remains equine but the physical characteristics tend to involve the two animals.

So, if you want to read more facts about animals or learn some of its amazing facts then visit these links.

Animals in Danger

Scientists nowadays have been keeping a close eye in different species of animals because of the climate change that we are experiencing right now. Since 2003, they even recorded a decline in the population of Atlantic animals like puffins which estimated to more than 30 percent decline. With the problems that we are encountering now, scientists tried using very highly effective technologies to track the causes behind the decline of the population of such animals like the puffins. Puffins are seabirds that are almost similar with the penguins in terms of shape and color that must have been caused by convergent evolution.

But it is not only the focus of the scientists. Scientists or even biologists have a big responsibility to our nature and the surroundings. They keep on protecting and saving on the lives of every organism for a higher expectancy on the growth of the population of animals which had declined these years. Scientists have recently tracked two kinds of turtles off the west coast of Africa. They were rescued and brought to a place where they belong. These turtles were classified as leatherback turtles that could be probably listed in one of the endangered species today. Highly developed technology helps track animals who are in danger and not in its proper movement. This technology is the satellite transmitter that precisely tracks of the animals' movements.

Despite of the global warming, there are also new species that pop out. A new species of a pygmy sea cow was discovered which was thought to be extinct. It is one of the first fossil mammal species found in Madagascar. The fossil was said to be found about 80 million years ago. With the extinction of other species, a new set of species will soon be discovered. This could be one of the changes and evolution we are experiencing now or in the near future.

Nicole has been writing article online about proper dog care and home-remedies for nearly two years now. Her most recent website about Kirby vacuum bags provides different vacuum products such as Kirby vacuum belts that can make household chores easier to do.

The Marriage of Creation and Evolution - How it All Began

The following is an attempt to briefly explain my own radical theory on the beginnings of humankind. Please note that this is one of any number of theories that a wandering mind may stumble upon, while trekking upon the wide-open, Candy Land trail of Truth. As Buddhists and hillbillies say, "It's all relative." I have kept myself open to all possible outlets of this relative Truth, whether it be a culture, an experience, a religious movement, a personal experience, etc. By doing so, I have been able to assemble conclusions that go beyond what society self-servingly spoon feeds the masses, to a sense of personal spiritual awareness. And yet, I still don't know diddly-daddly! HAHAHEEHAEHHEAEHAHEHEH!!!!! (Lunatic laugh).

To begin with, a definition of "God" is in order. As far as I've concluded, God is the ineffable awareness present within the matrix of energy which encompasses All. Fair enough.

In the beginning there was void. God breathed. This represents the Big Bang. Then came the creation period of the Bible. This describes the forming of the Earth over a length of time. "Seven days of creation" simply represents a number of Earth transformations that enabled life to flourish - the waters, the firmament (sky), and so on. The Bible be representin'!

During this drawn out span of time, evolution occurred. If man evolved from an animal, be it fish, bird, or ape, eventually he began to stand more and more erect. There came a time when the spine vertically aligned - bridging Heaven and Earth. The energy centers of the body, the chakras, kick in. The meridians and central nervous system operate at full capacity.

The first ones to experience this event are identified as primordial man and woman, also known as Adam and Eve. No longer were they conscious beings ruled by instinct. They were now conscious of consciousness, aware of their awareness. Hey, we're naked!!! This is what truly distinguishes man from beast.

As far as the Big Bang theory is concerned, scientists inform us that the Universe is currently in a constant state of expansion. It is postulated that one day we will reach critical mass, and the Universe will begin contracting. Eventually, everything will return to an infinite point - the void. This, my friends, is the Universe exhaling and inhaling. The breath of God! It boggles the mind to wonder how many Universal breaths have come and gone before us, throughout infinity.

I've arrived at my own, and heard, many other fascinating theories on primordial man. I decided to throw out the heaviest first. Many Muslims believe that the apple with which Eve tempted Adam was oral sex. Another very appealing idea is that the Earth was seeded with humans from an extraterrestrial source. This would render us a cosmic ant farm, with God (or Gods) being project manager. It would be a more befitting definition of "Intelligent Design".

One day, I shall expound on my personal favorite, which identifies the forbidden fruit as the amanita muscaria - a magic mushroom.

Author: Skot McCall - For more mystical musings visit my Vibration Creation blog at: http://vibrationcreation.blogspot.com/

Tiwanaku Alien and Evolution

It was mentioned on a biology blog that archaeological engravings from the Tiwanaku civilization in Bolivia are unlikely to be depicting an ancient astronaut for the reason that, even with an aquatic tail, the creature still looks too much like a human. The underlying argument was that the evolution of life forms is so diverse that it is highly unlikely an alien would come out looking even remotely like us. In essence, this is the opposite side of the pendulum to Hollywood's consistent imaging of aliens as humanoids.

The biologist ignored the decorative and symbolic imagery added by the Tiwanaku artists and did not consider the given premise of an aquatic alien inside helmeted spacesuit. I have to assume, therefore, the biologist noted that the creature had two arms and two eyes, and since humans have two arms and two eyes, the biologist concluded that this cannot be an alien.

What should intelligent aliens look like? Or, to phrase it another way, what should we expect interstellar travelers who come here to look like? This is not a complete unknown. If the aliens are capable of interstellar travel, they obviously achieved higher technology. What is necessary to achieve technology? My opinion on this is that to achieve technology, a life form would need a complex brain and the ability to see and manipulate objects. This implies eyes, fingered appendages, and perhaps a head relatively large compared to overall body size. The Tiwanaku alien has all these features.

The biologist might counter that the issue is not that aliens have eyes, but the number of eyes. Here on Earth, higher animal forms evolved with two eyes. For example, mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and insects all have two eyes, but on another planet the number of eyes would be different. There, perhaps, the life forms would randomly have one, three, four, or even ten eyes. Is that true? Is the number of eyes a random event in the evolutionary process?

Astronomers searching for extraterrestrial intelligence are looking for planets similar to Earth regarding temperature and chemical composition because they know life evolved here, so it is logical to assume that life might also evolve on other similar planets. Likewise, with similar planetary history, we might expect the evolutionary process on those other planets to progress similarly to how it progressed here.

Question: Was the evolution of animal life with two eyes on Earth a random event, so much so that we should expect extraterrestrial life to have a different number of eyes? I think not. Why? It is called natural selection or survival of the fittest. Two eyes are the minimum required to give depth perception and concentrated focus. Perhaps early on Earth there were animals with five or ten eyes, but with a brain too small to orientate five directions, such species quickly became extinct. Only two eyes survived. Should we expect something radically different on another Earth-like planet? No. It is reasonable to expect intelligent aliens to have two eyes, just like humans.

It is also reasonable to expect alien life forms to be imaginable from the diversity of life forms we see on Earth, past and present. The Tiwanaku alien has features similar to a fish (fish mouth that seems to be breathing inside a water-filled helmet), features similar to a lobster (sea creature with two forward appendages for manipulating objects), and features similar to humans (large head and fingered upper appendages). Only four fingers are depicted in the Tiwanaku drawings, versus our five, but this easily falls within evolutionary feasibility. The alien's three-pod aquatic tail is also an imaginable evolutionary development.

I think the biologist's appreciation for the potentially enormous diversity of life forms in the universe is admirable. For those life forms that develop higher technology, however, it is likely, not unlikely, that they will have something in common with humans.

By Gersiane De Brito, from Fortaleza, Brazil, referring to Tiwanaku engravings displayed at http://www.crypticthinking.com/tiwanaku_aquatic_alien.html and http://www.crypticthinking.com/tiwanaku_flying_aquatic_alien.html

Paintings - Beginning, Evolution and Popularity

Painting was the earliest art form which man took interest in. Certain cave paintings done in the prehistoric era in France, Mexico and India bear the testimony of this fact. The sketches made by the prehistoric people in the cave paintings of Bhimbetka and Adamgarh in India are clearly visible even today and the colors applied are fresh and lively. Human disposition has always traversed the surrounding regions like moors, meadows, hills, rivers, seas, skies, clouds, people, animals, birds and so many other things. The colorfulness and the vibrancy of the surroundings inspired man to recreate the magic pf nature on the rocks, caves, walls, canvas, paper, cloths and various other surfaces. To give variety to the paintings created, man used various media like oil colors, water colors, pastel colors, naturally available colors and many more.

Painting art form produced some phenomenal and outstanding artists. Some great painters of all times are Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci, Mansoor, Michelangelo, Van Gogh, Dali, Pablo Picasso and M. F. Husain. These masters of painting specialized in different styles of paintings. During thousands of years' existence of painting art form, hundreds of different styles of paintings emerged. Though only few of them became hugely popular around the world.

Some of the most popular painting styles or school of paintings are Constructivism, Fauvism, Classicism, Abstract Art, Aboriginal Art, Aestheticism, Art Brut, Art Nouveau, Baroque, Byzantine Art, Cubism, Dada, Dragging, Encaustic, Paintings, Expressionism, Gothic Paintings, Impressionism, Mannerism, Marbling, Minimalism, Modernism, Neoclassicism, Orientalism, Primitivism, Ragging & Stippling, Realism, Spattering, Surrealism, Symbolism, Theorem Paintings And Wood Graining .

Tribal paintings and folk paintings have always had a distinct tinge in them. They have always attracted an art admirer for their simplicity, natural colors and locally existing themes. In India, several tribal and folk painting traditions have existed since very old times. Some renowned tribal and folk art forms are Madhubani paintings of Mithila, Bihar; Warli paintings of Thane, Maharashtra; Pata Chitra of Puri, Orissa; Phad paintings of Rajasthan etc.

For comprehensive information on paintings and related topics, please visit Ethnic Paintings

Rajneesh Dubey is Content Coordinator for http://ethnicpaintings.com. This website gives you comprehensive informations on painting history, development, trends, popular painting styles, great painters, famous paintings, painting galleries and museums, painting tips, painting classes. In other words, this website is a treat to painting freaks.

The FrontierVille Guide - Wild Animals, Crops, and Farm Animals

In FrontierVille, there are three different categories of things you should focus a lot on. These categories are: wild animals, farm animals, and crops. There are currently four different wild animals in FrontierVille but you can surely expect more as the game progresses. So far, FrontierVille has included the Grizzly bear, the fox, the groundhog, and the grass snake. These animals appear when you do a certain action. The Grizzly bear normally appears when you start chopping down an oak or pine tree. The fox appears randomly. The groundhog appears when you harvest or plant trees and crops while the grass snake appears when you clear rocks and skeleton remains. These wild animals are annoying to deal with, especially in the beginning. They take up one to five energy points to clobber or to get rid of. This is annoying in the beginning because you have very little energy points to start off with. However, if you have a few energy points to spare then clobber them away. These wild animals get you a lot of experience points, gold coins, and food. You can also collect items which are based on wild animals collections. For example, if you complete the grizzly bear items collection then you can gain 50 experience points (this may change at a later date as FrontierVille is still adjusting a few features here and there).

The next important aspect of FrontierVille is the crop. Like FarmVille, there are many different types of crops you can grow and harvest. Each crop has different costs, bonuses, and profit margins. For example, the clover is the cheapest you can grow and it only takes five minutes before you can start harvesting them. Unfortunately, they do not give you much in return. As your game progresses, you want to target crops like peanuts in high yield. You can gain a lot of profit at the end which is useful because there are some missions which require you to earn 100,000 to 200,000 coins. In the beginning, trees are pretty good to start off with. You just need to plant them once and then you can continue to harvest them as much as you want. Like the wild animals, you can also collect collection items and get bonus experience points.

Finally, farm animals are just as important as crops. You have to feed them a few times before they reach their full potential. You can continue to feed and receive bonus from farm animals. At the moment, there horses, oxes, chickens, geese, and cows.

FrontierVille is a great game to play on Facebook. If you want to read more about FrontierVille tips then feel free to check out our unofficial Facebook community.

History and Origin of Miniature Schnauzers

The Miniature Schnauzer (pronounced as Miniature SCHNOW-zer) is a compact robust dog. It is naturally small in size, has whiskers, shaggy beard, and arched spiking eyebrows. This squarely proportioned breed also has long mustache that is regularly sheared to play up with its figure. It has a firm sinewy hair coat. Its hair coat colors vary from black, salt and pepper, to white or black and silver coat. Its salt and pepper or gray shade is the outcome of distinctive dark and light clustering of each hair. This dog's tail is typically curtailed and its frontal legs are neatly straight. The miniature schnauzer's head is long with a black nose and egg-shaped, dark eyes. Its v-shaped ears naturally fold frontward or shorten to a point. It usually weighs thirteen to fifteen pounds and stands from twelve to fourteen inches. The Schnauzer's size enables it to adjust to both small urban districts and country boroughs.

Personality

The miniature schnauzer is a fantastic companion and family pet. It is an affectionate dog who likes to be around people including kids. Some can be suspicious and aloof with strangers, yet the majority enjoys being with a group. It is docile, smart, bouncy and a good watch dog. It is likely to bark often, but it's not as irritating as one imagines.

Origin and History

The actual origin of the Miniature Schnauzers is quite unclear, though speculations declare that the German Terrier, Wolfspitz, and black Poodle are the dog breeds that possibly have took part in the first evolution of the Miniature Schnauzer. This breed was nurtured by means of breeding the Standard Schnauzer with several small dogs, probably with Affenpinschers and Poodles. These dogs were largely employed for hunting, droving, pulling farm carts, stock tender, as well as watching kids and herds. They have a somewhat distinctive personality than other terriers.

In 1492, Albrecht Durer crafted a painting called "Madonna with the Many Animals". In this masterpiece, a Schnauzer was portrayed as a domestic buddy. All Schnauzers are believed to have developed in Bavaria and Wurttemberg kingdoms. The Miniature Schnauzers became recognized in Germany as "kinder watchers" and was chiefly utilized to look after children and farm animals. Eventually, these dogs were also utilized to catch mice since they're good at it in addition to its petite stature which was ideal to slip into snug areas to seize mice.

In those days, the German Pinscher and Schnauzer were of similar breed with only distinction is by their fur. Wire-haired dogs were dubbed as "schnauze" which means "beard". Smooth coated ones were called "pinschers". These two dog types were born in the same brood.

Before the year 1910, the Schnauzer is only recognized in Germany. However following World War I, it grew to be admired all over the globe. In the course of the war, giant schnauzers were espoused as messengers and police. In 1925, the Schnauzer was transported to the United States America and was categorized under the Terrier Group. The next year, they were recognized by the American Kennel Club and became famous in the country as well as other parts of the world.

The schnauzer is categorized into three separate breeds and sizes--the Miniature Schnauzer, Giant Schnauzer and Standard Schnauzer. The Standard Schnauzer is the earliest, archetype breed while the Miniature Schnauzer is considered the smallest and newest breed. The chic Miniature Schnauzer now belongs to the top 10 of the most prevalent dog breeds in the States.

For more information on History and origin of the miniature schnauzers and Temperament Of the Miniature Schnauzers please visit our website.

Evolution, Creation and Adam and Eve, Part 1

The debate over Evolution, Creation and Adam and Eve is one of my least favorite topics. That's because I've accepted the theory of evolution ever since fourth grade, when it was first explained to me in science class by a Dominican nun.

As a result, debating evolution feels a lot like debating the Pythagorean theorem: It's something I studied 40 years ago... long ago accepted... but makes my head hurt even thinking about.

This is one of the many differences between Catholics and Protestants, I've found. Catholics rarely if ever think about evolution. For Protestants, it's one of their favorite subjects, a principal "litmus test" for theological orthodoxy in many churches.

It took the agnostic New Testament scholar Bart Ehrmann nearly 20 years of rigorous graduate education before he could finally come to accept what I learned in fourth grade: that human beings have existed on the earth for hundreds of thousands of years... and their physical bodies likely developed out of more primitive animal forms.

When I was in high school, one of my Jesuit teachers showed me a copy of Pope Pius XII's encyclical Humani generis in which the pope explained that "the doctrine of evolution, insofar as it inquiries into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter" is not incompatible with Christian faith as revealed in the Biblical texts. Here is the key section (36):

For these reasons the Teaching Authority of the Church does not forbid that, in conformity with the present state of human sciences and sacred theology, research and discussions, on the part of men experienced in both fields, take place with regard to the doctrine of evolution, in as far as it inquires into the origin of the human body as coming from pre-existent and living matter - for the Catholic faith obliges us to hold that souls are immediately created by God. However, this must be done in such a way that the reasons for both opinions, that is, those favorable and those unfavorable to evolution, be weighed and judged with the necessary seriousness, moderation and measure, and provided that all are prepared to submit to the judgment of the Church, to whom Christ has given the mission of interpreting authentically the Sacred Scriptures and of defending the dogmas of faith.

The key point for Catholics, the pope explained, is that human beings are all descended from a real, historical, single human pair (called in Hebrew ha-adam and Hava, Adam and Eve ), however they may be conceived.

Theologically, this belief is known as monogenism, the view that human beings are descended from a single couple.

Ironically enough, scientists in the 1950s were leaning toward another viewpoint, that of polygenism, the belief that the human race developed from many different independent groups. I have to admit, to my teenage mind, the theory of polygenism seemed much more plausible. After all, doesn't it make more sense that there were many different groups of primates all over the world and humans "evolved" independently from those groups?

Nevertheless, I've never had any problem believing in both the Genesis account of creation and in various scientific theories of evolution. Neither of the twin fundamentalisms in this debate -- that of some evangelical Protestants or that of atheist scientists like Richard Dawkins -- appealed to me.

Pope Pius XII's explanation made perfect sense to me: The first 11 chapters of Genesis, the pope explained, do not conform "to the historical method used by the best Greek and Latin writers or by competent authors of our time" yet constitutes history in "a true sense." The inspired text, he added, "in simple and metaphorical language adapted to the mentality of a people but little cultured, both state the principal truths which are fundamental for our salvation, and also give a popular description of the origin of the human race and the chosen people."

Precisely: Genesis is...
(1) a "popular description of the origin of the human race," using
2) "simple and metaphorical language," that nevertheless contains
(3) "principal truths which are fundamental for our salvation."

Robert Hutchinson is an author and award-winning essayist who writes frequently about eastern and western philosophy, politics and contemporary spirituality. He lives with his wife and five children in a small beach town on the west coast. For a free copy of Hutchinson's new e-book, Mating in Captivity: The Lost Art of Marrying Well, visit his website at RobertHutchinson.com

Snow Leopard Gecko - Evolution and Art of Morphing

The Snow leopard gecko is a new morph from the original leopard gecko that we have come to know about. Interestingly, more and more enthusiasts have taken interests and join the move to cultivate other varieties and produce new types. There have been several of these morphed geckos that are out there in the market. And they continue to produce and come up with more interesting and remarkable pieces. So, how did snow leopard gecko came to be? And aside from the snows, how are other morphs of gecko came about?

The history of leopard gecko reveals that during the animal trade in the 1700s, many exotic animals from Asia, Africa and other continents were shipped to the United States. Because there were no international rules and regulations on how these animals were imported and shipped, they were not segregated from each other. Such is the case that most of these animals inadvertently cross-bred resulting to the creation of new morphs. "Morphing" or "morph" is the act of breeding two different or the same breed of geckos in the hope of arriving at a new kind of breed. However, people have seen the opportunity over the idea of gecko morphing that through continuous trial and error, new breeds emerged in the market. These breeds do not only satisfy the visual hunger of gecko-lovers elsewhere. It has intensified interest on how to go about with morphing to get your desired gecko look.

Snow leopard geckos are one of the new morphs that have been introduced in the market today. The snows were line-bred low color geckos, wherein two low-color geckos were bred together. From their babies, the best low-colored babies were selected and so on until they reach a point where the skin achieved the color desired, which is white and black, while the eyes are also black. There will still be taint of yellow on various parts of the white skin. It was in 2004 when a breeder named John Mack made the first successful breed of the snows, thus the reptile gained popularity and had been known as Mack Snow.

The morph was a co-dominant trait. When you breed a white to a colored gecko, it is possible that the half of the offspring will be whites and the other half will be normal. The offspring from this breeding will carry one copy of the snow gene. Furthermore, when you breed two whites together, it is possible that they will have a Super Snow. These types are totally white and black (no yellow pigmentation) and their eyes are jet black. There are other types of morphing that are being done to further promote the different varieties of geckos. From the basic feature of normal geckos, breeders are slowly trying to outdo each other by creating new strands of these lizards for the market.

Snow leopard geckos are results of the evolution from the desert-loving nocturnal creatures from Southern Central Asia to the new and unique breeds of geckos that are being sold in the market today. In the natural world, evolution happens when an organism, trying to cope with the demands of his environment, transforms to something different from its original state. However, in this case, the deliberate morphing being done by breeders to geckos are not because of their inability to cope, but rather superficial and decorative. Regardless of the reason, the deliberate cross breeding to morph present varieties to how we'd like their products to be should be done carefully; elevating the physiology of the new breeds rather than making them suffer in the end.

Lily Green has been caring for Leopard Geckos for over 15 years. It is her passion to share her knowledge through her writing with other owners. If you wish to read additional Snow Leopard Gecko info or get a copy of her FREE 'Leopard Gecko Care' mini-course feel free to visit her site at Caring for Leopard Gecko

Problem With Man - Decreasing Testosterone Because of Micro Evolution

Before the increase in technology, there was a simple system that seemed to work.
The irony is that along with our growth in knowledge, when it comes to technology, we have become far more foolish when it comes to the dispensation of humanities survival. Long ago, Man was the hunter and provider of food, having to be strong to defeat a mighty mammoth, or to defend his tribe (women and children) against invaders and wild animals. Mans' testosterone levels had to be high, for he was relied upon more for his strength and agility then for his technical skills.

The Woman was the nurturer, the one who cared for the children, keeping them fed, warm, and fit. Her estrogen level had to be higher for the care she provided for her family. She kept the camp or cave comfortable for the children and the Man who was the bringer of the food and protector of her and her children. Women would also gather fruit and vegetables to provide more nutrients than just the protein of the kill the Man would bring home. Women nurtured the children, who would grow up in a world where they would endure so much, while men killed and fought for the survival of the tribe. Man and Woman relied upon each other and brought a kind of balance to their children who also grew up to follow the same system. This is the way it potentially worked for the most part in the days before technology. Today things have changed, and there is a problem because of this change. The problem is that there is a decrease in Men (necessary providers), hence a decrease in testosterone, hence a severe loss of balance. An estimated 24.7 million children (36.3%) live absent their biological father. --Source: National Fatherhood Initiative, Father Facts, (3rd Edition): 5.

According to 72.2 % of the U.S. population, fatherlessness is the most significant family or social problem facing America. --Source: National Center for Fathering, Fathering in America Poll, January, 1999. The decrease in Father figures is worse in recent years than it was after WW1, where the lack of fathers in Germany resulted in the young men following Adolf Hitler, and being more susceptible to his promises and apparent care for them as they saw him as a father figure.
These recent generations of young men who grow up without a Father have also joined the ranks of men who have abandoned their children, or men who don't know how to properly be there for their children even when they are in their lives. The increase in single mothers has brought about the change in evolution (micro evolution), which we have been recently experiencing.
(Microevolution is the occurrence of small-scale changes in allele frequencies in a population, over a few generations, also known as change at or below the species level.

These changes may be due to several processes: mutation, "natural selection", gene flow, genetic drift and nonrandom mating.) Since there are fewer men (apparently) needing to be Fathers/Providers for their tribes, the women have taken over both roles, as provider and nurturer. So as the rule of micro evolution teaches us, humanity has had to adapt and the result (because of what nature sees as a major change) is the decrease of testosterone, and the decrease of Men. Nature sees that men are no longer as necessary as they were in the past, for the Woman has had to evolve and be Man instead. My obvious theory is that the continuing decrease of fathers/real men (necessary providers) has resulted in the evolutionary change, which is the steady decrease of testosterone in men.

In men testosterone builds muscle, enhances sex drive, elevates the mood, prevents osteoporosis and increases energy. Men's testosterone levels have been decreasing since the 1980's. Apparently, the levels dropped by one percent each year from 1987 to 2002.The researchers postulate that a decrease in testosterone levels may be caused by obesity or cigarette smoking. Note (The increase in victims of ovarian cancer may be because of the increase of testosterone in women.) Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays an important role in maintaining bone and muscle mass. Low testosterone levels have been linked to health problems, including lowered libido and diabetes. Over the past two decades, levels of the sex hormone in U.S. men have been falling steadily, a new study finds. According to the FDA (food and drug administration), more than four million men experience low testosterone levels. Around 95% of them fail to seek any treatment, often because they just take the sign as a normal part of getting older.

So because nature sees that Man is no longer needed to provide for the women and children, and Man chooses not to provide when he could, the whole world will have to change, or "evolve". Testosterone will continue to decrease, men will become weaker with each passing generation, and women will become stronger.

The reason we have become far more foolish when it comes to the dispensation of humanities survival is because the majority of men do not want to be men anymore. Many have become lazy, depending on technology to survive, caring only about himself or his mommy, (who was both the nurturer and provider for him). On an average the male sex does not know how to be a man, does not know how to provide for or protect the women and children, so nature has decided that they are not as necessary.

Our present way of doing things, our present system is not working, so I suppose the best that we can do is start with ourselves and our own families.

Here are some facts about the negative effects of a lack of men/fathers: Children who were part of the "post war generation" could expect to grow up with two biological parents who were married to each other. Eighty percent did. Today, only about 50% of children will spend their entire childhood in an intact family. --Source: David Poponoe, American Family Decline, 1960-1990: A Review and Appraisal Journal of Marriage and Family 55 (August 1993).
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With the increasing number of premarital births and a continuing high divorce rate, the proportion of children living with just one parent rose from 9 percent in 1960 to 28 percent in 1996. Currently, 57.7 percent of all black children, 31.8 percent of all Hispanic children, and 20.9 percent of all white children are living in single-parent homes. --Source: Saluter, Arlen F. Marital Status and Living Arrangements: March 1994., US Bureau of the Census, Current Population Report. p28-484. Washington, DC: GPO, 1996. US Bureau of the Census. Statistical Abstract of the United States 1997, Washington, DC: GPO, 1997.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states, "Fatherless children are at a dramatically greater risk of drug and alcohol abuse" --Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Center for Health Statistics. Survey on Child Health. Washington, DC, 1993.
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Children growing up in single-parent households are at a significantly increased risk for drug abuse as teenagers. --Source: Denton, Rhonda E. and Charlene M. Kampfe. "The relationship Between Family Variables and Adolescent Substance Abuse: A literature Review." Adolescence 114 (1994): 475-495.
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Children who live apart from their fathers are 4.3 times more likely to smoke cigarettes as teenagers than children growing up with their fathers in the home. --Source: Stanton, Warren R., Tian P.S. Oci and Phil A. Silva. "Sociodemographic characteristics of Adolescent Smokers." The International Journal of the Addictions 7 (1994): 913-925.
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Children in single-parent families are two to three times as likely as children in two-parent families to have emotional and behavioral problems. --Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Center for Health Statistics."National Health Interview Survey." Hyattsville, MD, 1988.
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Three out of four teenage suicides occur in households where a parent has been absent. --Source: Elshtain, Jean Bethke."Family Matters: The Plight of America's Children." The Christian Century (July 1993): 14-21.
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In studies involving over 25,000 children using nationally representative data sets, children who lived with only one parent had lower grade point averages, lower college aspirations, poor attendance records, and higher drop out rates than students who lived with both parents. --Source: McLanahan, Sara and Gary Sandefur. Growing up with a Single Parent: What Hurts, What Helps. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1994.
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Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. --Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Center for Health Statistics. Survey on Child Health. Washington, DC; GPO, 1993.
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School children from divorced families are absent more, and more anxious, hostile, and withdrawn, and are less popular with their peers than those from intact families. --Source: One-Parent Families and Their Children: The School's Most Significant Minority. The Consortium for the Study of School Needs of Children from One-Parent Families. National Association of elementary School Principals and the Institute for Development of Educational Activities, a division of the Charles f. Kettering Foundation. Arlington, VA 1980.
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Children in single parent families are more likely to be in trouble with the law than their peers who grow up with two parents. --Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. National Center for Health Statistics. National Health Interview Survey. Hyattsville, MD, 1988.
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Adolescent females between the ages of 15 and 19 years reared in homes without fathers are significantly more likely to engage in premarital sex than adolescent females reared in homes with both a mother and a father. --Source: Billy, John O. G., Karin L. Brewster and William R. Grady. "Contextual Effects on the Sexual Behavior of Adolescent Women." Journal of Marriage and Family 56(1994): 381-404.
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A white teenage girl from an advantaged background is five times more likely to become a teen mother if she grows up in a single-mother household than if she grows up in a household with both biological parents. --Source: Whitehead, Barbara Dafoe. "Facing the Challenges of Fragmented Families." The Philanthropy Roundtable 9.1 (1995): 21.
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Americans unresolved father problems.

Over half of Americans agree that most people have unresolved problems with their fathers. Cumulatively, 55.6% agreed with this statement, up from 54.1% in our 1996 poll. More non-whites (70.4%) than whites (56.3%) were in agreement. Interestingly, the generation who has experienced more father absence, 18- to 24-year-olds, displayed the highest level of agreement (67.2%). Income was also a differentiating factor: of the respondents making $25,000 or less, 70.1% agreed, compared to only 48.0% among those who make more than $50,000. Source National Center for Fathering 1996.

L.L Brunk

Merino Sheep Shearing

Vegans have a deep respect for all living creatures. Not only do they avoid meat like vegetarians do, but they also avoid eggs, yeast, milk, and honey, believing that no living thing should suffer just to feed them.

To many people, a vegan diet is considered to be very extreme. It is true that the vegan lifestyle can be restricting, but the cause is very noble. Vegans make their food choices around the avoidance of causing suffering to any living thing wherever they can.

Many vegans take their commitment to this cause well beyond their food choices. True vegans will prevent animal death and suffering in any capacity. For example, a vegan who has made this commitment would not even wear wool.

Most vegans are opposed to the way scientists have altered the natural evolution of animals for the sake of human products. Over the years, sheep have been bred to generate large amounts of wool. Merino sheep, for example, would be half of their own weight without all that wool.

Because the Merino sheep have far more wool than they need to keep warm, many of them actually die of heat exhaustion. After Merino sheep are sheared, many of them then freeze to death with none of their own wool to stay warm.

The wool shearing process is not a pleasant one for the sheep. Almost one-fourth of the wool we get from sheep is so close to their skin that it is actually torn, not cut, off of them. This wool is referred to as 'skin wool.'

If you have adopted a vegetarian lifestyle out of a desire to reduce animal suffering, you may want to consider the vegan lifestyle. Chances are, the clothing you are wearing is causing animal suffering.

Ethical choices will vary from person to person. Some believe that wearing animal products is alright, while others do not. The important thing is to be aware of the products you buy so that you can stick to your own ethical code.

Get information on remote computer access. Read more about them at http://remotecomputeraccess.org.

Evolution Theory and the Cure of Diseases That Cannot Be Cured, Like Cancer

When we interpret our dreams according to the scientific method of dream interpretation that exactly translates the symbolic meaning contained in the dream scenes and images into words and sentences that we can understand, we have a totally different vision of the human evolution on our planet.

The unconscious mind that produces our dreams is an ancient human conscience that has attained sanctity and works like a protector inside us, helping us develop our intelligence, while we eliminate our wild side, which is still alive inside our brain and psyche.

We realize that we are in fact idiots that don't use the biggest part of our brain, which contains too much absurdity, violence, hate, and immorality, and this is why we need the guidance and the psychotherapy of the wise unconscious mind in our dreams.

The unconscious mind shows us that all animals, plants and everything that composes our planet were created with the purpose to transform our wild nature into a human one.

This is why diseases work like psychotherapy too, punishing the human being for his mistakes; at the same time they help him discover the spiritual reality, which is as important as the material one, or they prevent graver mistakes.

Also, this is why we can have information about many things only by observing the symbolism of the reality where we live, like we interpret our dreams: the unconscious mind is everywhere, and uses everything to show us the bitter truth of our basic necessity of therapy and mental development, protecting us from all dangers with the notion we acquire by translating the symbolism of our daily reality, the same way we are protected with the notion we acquire by translating our dreams.

The unconscious mind is in fact an organ directed by a superior mind, like a computer inside everyone, producing dreams and sending us symbolic signs in our objective reality, in order to protect our mental health and help us evolve.

This superior mind could be named God, especially because of its saintly characteristics.

However, God is not like human beings imagine. His sanctity doesn't forgive the human sins without demanding perfection, and this is why human beings suffer through many ways on Earth, which they have transformed into a hell with their crimes.

God's punishment has the effect of a surgical operation that tries to cure our psyche first of all, so that we may win the battle against our absurd wild side.

Therefore, diseases that have no cure, like cancer, can be miraculously cured if the patient follows the directions given to him or her in his dreams. Depending on his dedication, he will be able to overcome everything, understand why he had to pass through suffering, and how he can find peace, health and happiness.

Religiosity will help him very much too, independently of his religion. All religions help the human being transform his psyche, becoming more sensitive and sensible.

However, with the translation of his dreams he has the advantage to clearly understand what to do, while the various religions of our world have been distorted by human selfishness.

Dream translation according to the scientific method is a revolutionary way one has to be in contact with God and predict the future, solving problems that seemed to be impossible to be ever solved, and discovering the cure for diseases that could not be cured.

Many people have attacked this theory of evolution with various arguments, however there are many scientific evidences that clearly prove and confirm it, like the discoveries of the biologist and behaviorist Konrand Lorenz and of many other biologists who affirm that Darwin's theory of evolution was incomplete, and that there are many phenomena that can only be explained if we admit the existence of a superior brain, which would organize and prepare the perfect functionalism of all animals and plants on our planet.

Christina Sponias continued Carl Jung's research into the human psyche, discovering the cure for all mental illnesses, and simplifying the scientific method of dream interpretation that teaches you how to exactly translate the meaning of your dreams, so that you can find health, wisdom and happiness.
Learn more at: http://www.scientificdreaminterpretation.com
Click Here to download a Free Sample of the eBook Dream Interpretation as a Science (86 pages!).