PASS TIME WITHOUT LAWS & ORDERS

BORACAY ISLAND' THE SOLID TYPICAL PACIFIC ISLAND PARADISE

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Boracay Island is a great place for just lazing around. Seven km long, it is only one km wide at its narrowest point. Boracay's largest villages or barangays are Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-Manoc. A confusing network of paths and tracks connects them, and several smaller hamlets called sitios, so maps of Boracay can only serve as a general guide. Slightly more than half the 5200 population lives in Manoc-Manoc.

There is a beautiful beach on the west coast with very fine white sand, particularly near Balabag. The water is quite shallow, however. For snorkeling the east coast is better but beware of rips. There are scores of little sandy bays scattered around the island; they make an attractive alternative to the ever-popular White Beach.

The atmosphere on Diniwid Beach is also pleasant and peaceful, just to the north of White Beach. There are a few places offering inexpensive accommodation there that would cost twice as much at White Beach. Also well worth the visit is the immaculate Punta Beach.

Boracay is also well known for its now very rare gleaming white puka shells, said to be the best in the world. For years puka shells were dug out of the beach at Yapak and then sold. It's already a fait accompli that large masses of land are soon going to be moved in the north of the island. The most important Philippine property developers, Ayala Land, FiI-Estate and Primetown Property Group have bought up 205 hectares of land. There they intend to build resorts and housing for the better off; construction on the obligatory golf course is already well under way.

Every day seems to be a holiday on Boracay - all you need to do is relax and enjoy yourself. Just get up, make some coffee and decide whether to go sailing, windsurfing or perhaps snorkeling and looking at corals. If you're curious you may get as far as the Caves of the Flying Dogs of Yapak' or Bat Caves (admission P20) on the other side of the island, where there are still fishermen who have nothing to do with tourism, except that they too have to pay higher prices in the stores.

For many people, Boracay is the typical Pacific island paradise. Whether this will change in the foreseeable future depends on how much building development goes on. Which will inevitably change the face of the island Out of all recognition. The new slogan seems to be 'concrete instead of bamboo'. Fortunately, so far most architects have succeeded in designing buildings that do not dominate their environment and fit in with the island around them.

via [boracay]

DARPA teams up with Arteriocyte to create ominous-sounding blood pharming machine for the military

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:16:00 +0000

DARPA’s been running a blood pharming program for quite awhile now, but it’s gotten a real kick start this week with the announcement of a partnership with Cleveland-based biotech company Arteriocyte. Arteriocyte, it seems, has developed a Nanofiber Based System, or NANEX, a technology that enables the production of red blood cells without a donor. The two companies hope research will eventually lead to an “in theatre” blood-making machine for the military. So, if there’s no donor, where do the progenitor cells come from? Well, that’s a little hazy at this point, though Arteriocyte developed the NANEX using “blood of the umbilical cord” (stem cells), but we don’t know what will fuel the final product. Personally, we hope they can squeak out a way to do it using the less controversial “blood of the dragon.”

[Via CNet]

Acne Prevention in Four Ways- Understanding the disease, Preventive diets, Skin cleansing & Hormone regulation

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:11:00 +0000

There are many ways to prevent acne, This section will give you some of recent methods to prevent this disease.1. Understanding the disease (first thing to do to prevent any disease)

Acne vulgaris or common acne (also known as pimple and zits) is a disease of the hair follicle and its associated oil producing sebaceous gland. Teeenagers have overactive hormones, known as androgens. The hormones increase sebum production from the sebaceous glands. This condition makes P.Acnes, (the bacteria) which is a normal resident of the hair follicle increases in number due to the increased sebum.The main cause of acne is the effect caused by increased sebum secretion and the P.Acnes.

2.Preventive diets

Some of people believe that acne is caused mostly from the food. They said that eating chocolates, Nuts, drinking lots of soda cause acne. Back to number 1. The main cause is not the foods. Today, there are lots of acne prevention diets. Although only little credible research providing links between certain food groups and acne, they are still usefull. I don't give kinds of foods to be avoided, but i suggest some foods that might be usefull for acne prevention. Vitamin A and Zinc have helped with acne. Green Tea is believed to lower the androgens level. Fruits rich in antioxidant are very good to prevent acne (colorful fruits and vegetables). I suggest that if you have problems about foods causing acne breakout, you should try to write down the list of the foods, try to reduce the use of the foods, because there are some foods-induced acne type, such as wheat-induced acne, or milk-induced acne.

3. Skin cleansing

Skin cleansing is the effective way to prevent the P.Acnes activity. Cleanse your skin regularly, but don't do it so often. The skin produces its greatest volume of sebum and oil at approximately 1 to 2 o'clock in the afternoon and its least volume in the middle of the night. You can cleanse your skin with face-soap, neutral Ph. Don't scrub your skin if it has active acne. Change your face towel regularly, since it colects bacteria. Don't forget about your helmet, bandana,pillowcases, and hats.

4. Hormone regulation

the simplest thing about hormone regulation is 'avoid stress'. When under stress the body produces hormonal steroids, such as cortisol, that has same activities with other hormonal steroids (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, etc.) these chemicals target the skin in a disruptive manner.

There are many different methods to prevent acne, i suggest to do the 4 things above, first. Then about acne treatment, if acne does occur, better to see your doctor. The use of anti acne-agents, such as Benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, have serious side effects for your skin. In summary, Acne is preventable disease. There are many acne prevention methods available today. You can do things which suit you best. But remember, the good preventive method is the one that needs no drug or chemical use.

via [preventdoctor]

Stem Cell, multi cellular organisms, regenerate themselves through cell division, think human embryo

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:18:00 +0000

Stem Cell technology become one promising chance to cure many human diseases. Stem Cell technology belongs to not only doctors or medical researchers, but many people from many different fields. From zoologists to politicians, they all talk about this recent discovery that might change the face of medical world.

What does actually stem cell mean?

Stem cells are cells that found in most, multi cellular organisms, and they have ability to regenerate themselves through cell division, and differentiate into other cell types. The two main types of stem cells are embryonic and adult stem cells. The differences between them are in a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues, in adult stem cells, they act as a repair system for the body, but can't differentiate into all kinds of human's cells.

One great debate about stem cell technology is about the embryonic stem cell. It's because starting a stem cell line, requires human embryo destruction or furthermore, human cloning just to make the embryo. Many countries are against this issue. In 2004, Indonesia has come to a uniform decision that they are against the human cloning, and stem cell technology that uses living creatures, such as an embryo. And recently, Indonesia has implemented this technology for curing patients with coronary heart disease.
Nowadays many researchers has developed the use of adult stem cell technology, and implemented it to many medical therapy, such as congenital heart diseases, alzheimer, parkinson, and many others.In recent studies, scientists have observed stem cells acting as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing swelling and even scarring when administered to injured tissue. That's why stem cell technology can be used to treat people with stroke, or diabetes, and many more diseases. And they all sound very promising, though the journey of the stem cell technology still needs many years to be proved.

via [preventdoctor]

Colorado Divorce 2008 Filing Fees Increase

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:54:00 +0000

New Initial Colorado Divorce Filing Fees

As of July 1, 2008, Colorado divorce laws have again raised filing fees in all Colorado divorce and family law cases.

Total filing fees (with taxes, so-called "stabilization fees" and court security fees) for pleadings that commence a new Colorado divorce or family law case are now:

Type of Colorado Divorce \| Family Law Case	Filing Fee ($)
Colorado divorce (dissolution of marriage)	$220
Colorado legal separation or annulment (declaration of invalidity)	$220
Colorado child custody allocation of parental responsibilities	$212

As a result, Colorado couples filing their Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) together with both parties signing a single pleading as "Co-Petitioners" (as our mediation clients generally do) will now pay a total of two hundred twenty dollars ($220) in fees and taxes. Couples filing a Petition for Legal Separation together will also now pay a total of two hundred twenty dollars ($220) in fees and taxes.

New Divorce & Family Law Modification Filing Fees

The new 2008 Colorado divorce laws also increase filing fees for motions to modify or change previous Colorado family law or divorce orders. Sometimes called "post-decree" or "after divorce" motions, these include requests of the court to modify child support, spousal maintenance, parenting time and allocation of parental responsibilities.

Colorado family law courts are now required by Colorado law to charge a one hundred five dollar ($105.00) filing fee in these divorce or family law cases.

New Divorce Orders' Certification Fees

Ordinary copying fees remain fixed at 75 cents (75¢) per page ($1.50, if double-sided), but certification of any court document has been raised to twenty dollars ($20.00).

via [colaradodivorce]

The Pyramid at Chichén Itzá (before 800 A.D.) Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:44:00 +0000

MEXICO

Chichén Itzá, the most famous Mayan temple city, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization. Its various structures - the pyramid of Kukulkan, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners – can still be seen today and are demonstrative of an extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition. The pyramid itself was the last, and arguably the greatest, of all Mayan temples.

via [7wonders]

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:01:00 +0000

Ha Long Bay (Vietnamese: Vịnh Hạ Long) is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Quảng Ninh province, Vietnam. The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.

Ha Long Bay is in northeastern Vietnam, from E106°56' to E107°37' and from N20°43' to N21°09'. The bay stretches from Yên Hưng district, past Hạ Long city, Cẩm Phả town to Vân Đồn district, bordered on the south and southeast by the Gulf of Tonkin, on the north by China and on the west and southwest by Cát Bà island. The bay has a 120 kilometre long coastline and is approximately 1,553 square kilometres in size with 1969 islets. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site includes 434 km² with 775 islets, of which the core zone is delimited by 69 points: Đầu Gỗ island on the west, Ba Hầm lake on the south and Cống Tây island on the east. The protected area is from the Cái Dăm petrol store to Quang Hanh commune, Cẩm Phả town and the surrounding giants zone.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:54:00 +0000

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located about 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The National Park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the northern coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. It is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park, or St. Paul Underground River. The entrance to the Subterranean River is located a short hike from little town of Sabang. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.

The park features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. Until the 2007 discovery of an underground river in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula^[1], Puerto Princesa's underground river is reputed to be the world's longest.

The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain-to-the-sea ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.

It was inscribed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999.

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:43:00 +0000

As the Ganges brought to life the ashes of Bhagiratha’s ancestors, so all Hindus believe that if the ashes of their dead are deposited in the river, they will be ensured a smooth transition to the next life, or freed from the cycle of death and rebirth. Hindus may travel great distances to scatter the ashes of loved ones in the Ganges. Hindus also believe that the Ganges’ divine waters purify those who immerse themselves in her. It is even said that a single drop of Ganges water, carried by the wind over a great distance, can cleanse a lifetime of sins. In cities along the river, daily dips are an important ritual among the faithful. Many cities are considered sacred and serve as pilgrimage sites: Gangotri, where the river originates from a glacial cave; Sagar Island, where the Ganges drains into the sea and once restored the ancestors of Bhagiratha; Varanasi, the holiest of cities along the river’s course and the most auspicious place to die; and Allahbad, the site of the most important festival in the Hindu religious calendar, Kumbh Mela. In 2001, some 20 million people bathed in the Ganges at Allahbad at the most auspicious moment of this festival.

The Pure Ganges River

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:36:00 +0000

Winding 1,560 miles across northern India, from the Himalaya Mountains to the Indian Ocean, the Ganges River is not a sacred place: it is a sacred entity. Known as Ganga Ma—Mother Ganges—the river is revered as a goddess whose purity cleanses the sins of the faithful and aids the dead on their path toward heaven. But while her spiritual purity has remained unchallenged for millennia, her physical purity has deteriorated as India’s booming population imposes an ever-growing burden upon her. The river is now sick with the pollution of human and industrial waste, and water-borne illness is a terrible factor of Indian life. But the threat posed by this pollution isn’t just a matter of health—it’s a matter of faith. Veer Badra Mishra, a Hindu priest and civil engineer who has worked for decades to combat pollution in the Ganges, describes the importance of protecting this sacred river: “There is a saying that the Ganges grants us salvation. This culture will end if the people stop going to the river, and if the culture dies the tradition dies, and the faith dies.”

In a country where practically everything in nature is venerated, the Ganges is most holy. Considering the magnitude of her life-sustaining force, it’s no wonder: her mighty course from the mountains to the sea creates a river basin 200 to 400 miles wide that supports nearly half a billion people. According to Hindu mythology, the Ganges was once a river of heaven that flowed across the sky. Long ago, she agreed to fall to earth to aid a king named Bhagiratha, whose ancestors had been burned to ash by the angry gaze of an ascetic they had disturbed during meditation. Only the purifying waters of Ganges, flowing over their ashes, could free them from the earth and raise them up to live in peace in heaven. So that the earth would not be shattered by the impact of her descent, Lord Shiva caught Ganges in his hair as she cascaded down from heaven to the Himalyas. Ganges then followed Bhagiratha out of the mountains, across the plains to the sea, where she restored his dead ancestors and lifted them to paradise.

Visit Sundarban, Save Sundarban, Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:12:00 +0000

The Sundarbans are the largest littoral mangrove belt in the world, stretching 80km (50mi) into the Bangladeshi hinterland from the coast. The forests aren't just mangrove swamps though, they include some of the last remaining stands of the mighty jungles which once covered the Gangetic plain. The Sundarbans cover an area of 38,500 sq km, of which about one-third is covered in water. Since 1966 the Sundarbans have been a wildlife sanctuary, and it is estimated that there are now 400 Royal Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.

The park is also home to sea gypsy fishing families who catch fish using trained otters. To see this pristine environment, you need to get a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Khulna. With permit in hand, it's possible to hire a boat from Mongla or Dhangmari to get you to Hiron Point. From Hiron Point you will have to hire a guide to take you into the park.

Sundarbans is home to many different species of birds, mammals, insects, reptiles and fishes. Over 120 species of fish and over 260 species of birds have been recorded in the Sundarbans. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangeticus) is common in the rivers. No less than 50 species of reptiles and eight species of amphibians are known to occur. The Sundarbans now support the only population of the Estuarine, or Salt-Water Crocodile (Crocodylus parasus) in Bangladesh, and that population is estimated at less than two hundred individuals.

Here land and water meet in many novel fashions, Wildlife presents many a spectacle. No wonder, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or the crocodiles basking on the river banks. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the darking glades where boisterous monkeys shower Keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the former. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonder for which they all crave.

It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, theses monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

This is indeed a land for the sportsmen, the anglers and the photographers with its abundance of game, big and small, crocodile, wild boar, deer, pythons, wild-birds and above all the Royal Bengal Tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful, For the less adventurously inclined, there are ducks and snipes, herons and coots, yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around at will to refresh their mind and feast their eyes with the rich treasure that nature has so fondly bestowed.

General Information

AREA: Nearly 2400 sq. miles or 6000 sq. km.

FOREST LIMITS: North-Bagerhat, Khulna and Sathkira districts : South-Bay of Bengal; East-Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and West-Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Wildlife photography including photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wildlife viewing, boating inside the forest will call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood-cutters and honey-collectors, peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the riverine beauty.

FAMOUS SPOTS: Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provide opportunities for wild tracking.
Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer.

Dublar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze.

Means of Communication: Water transport is the only means of communication for visiting the Sundarbans from Khulna or Mongla Port. Private motor launch, speed boats, country boats as well as mechanised vessel of Mongla Port Authority might be hired for the purpose. From Dhaka visitors may travel by air, road or rocket steamer to Khulna - the gateway to the Sundarbans. Most pleasant journey from Dhaka to Khulna is by Paddle Steamer, Rocket presenting a picturesque panorama of rural Bangladesh. Day and night-long coach services by road are also available. The quickest mode is by air from Dhaka to Jessore and then to Khulna by road.

Journey time: It varies depending on tides against or in favour in the river. Usually it takes 6 to 10 hours journey by motor vessel from Mongla to Hiron Point or Katka.
Accommodation Inside the forest

Hiron Point : Comfortable three-storied Rest-House of the Mongla Port Authority. Prior booking is to be made.

Katka : Forest Department Rest-House located here. Prior booking essential.
Journey by Rocket Steamer to Mongla and Khulna

Minimum Journey time is 22 Hours for Mongla and 24 Hours for Khulna from Dhaka.

Entry Permission: Prior permission must be obtained through written application from the Divisional Forest Office, Circuit House Road, Khulna (Phone 20665, 211731) to visit the Sundarbans. Required entrance fees for visitors, vessel or boat payable at the relevant forest station/range office.

Fee for Commercial Photography
Movie Tk. 5,000.00 per role exposed
Video Tk. 4,000.00 per Cassette
Still Tk. 1,000.00 per role exposed

Guided Tours: Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation & other tour operators offers all-inclusive guided package fours from Dhaka to Sundarbans and return during the tourist season (October to March).

Climate: Climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The annual rainfall average between 65" and 70". During ebb-tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide (30 miles and hour) the entire territory of the forest floats on water.

Life in Forest: Only means of transportation inside the forest is boat. There is no road, no trail of a path anywhere. The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals others live on boats. In the chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen (living with families on boats) catching fish with the help of trained offers. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest where fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months (mid Oct. to mid Feb.) to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting of all activities is presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.

Flora and Fauna: The Sundarbans is endowed by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a wonderful place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there are a wide variety of wildlife for which the Sundarbans is so famous
Visit to the Forest

Permission from the Division Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful.

Tourist season & Shooting: Best time to visit the Sundarbans is from November to March. Exciting honey collection season is during April-May. Hunting is prohibited by law in the country for the preservation of wildlife. Certain species of birds, however, can be shot with prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer, Khulna, (Phone : 20665 & 21173).

Visit to the Forest: Permission from the Division Forest Officer, Khulna is required to visit to the forest. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insectrepellent cream, drinking water, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber soled boots etc. are to be carried with the tourist. It will be wise to take the help of an experienced guide to make the journey fruitful.

Meet Cox's Bazar, Travel Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Techno News) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:45:00 +0000

Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea-food--this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest (120 kilometers.) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist sport in the country.

Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, the leading seaport of Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.

Other attractions for visitors are conch shell market, tribal handicraft, salt and prawn cultivation.