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d like wildfire over Indonesia. Again, activities that did not account for sustaining nature caused a delayed backlash that whipped havoc over Indonesia’s society. Accounting for both direct deaths from the blaze and indirect deaths from the lingering smokey haze, 100,000 people were estimated to have died from the disaster. The economic impacts were just as cutting. The estimated cost of these fires for Indonesia, due to humanitarian aid and loss of productive land, was around $1.6 billion. Sustainable business case study three: Dhaka garment factory collapse On April 24th, 2013, the factory known as Rana Plaza in Dhaka cracked and shuddered under the weight of its workers and machines. The Bangladeshi factory, serving the fast fashion industry, had its workers stitching and sewing over twelve hours a day, to take home as little as ~$50 a month each. Structural cracks in the eight-story commercial building were reported, causing the closure of shops in its lower floors. The garment factory owners ignored warnings of potential collapse and ordered workers to continue as normal. Only hours after the cracks appeared, the entire building crumpled, killing 1,138 workers and injuring 2,600. The world’s attention turned to the human cost of cheap, fast fashion. Brands associated with the Rana Plaza such as Mango, Primark, and H&M suffered both financially and in reputation. By short-cutting their business’ social responsibility, these fashion companies paid an economic price in the long-run, having to fork out $21.5m to the Rana Plaza Trust Fund. The disaster brought about a campaign concerning fashion retailers and the often unfair treatment of their workers. Sustainable business case study four: Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign As counter-intuitive as this advertisement may seem, the crux of Patagonia’s message is strong: do not take unless you truly need. Founded by Yvon Chouinard, a strong environmental activist, Patagonia puts the environment at the forefront of its business operations. The social impa

nings of potential collapse and ordered workers to continue as normal. Only hours after the cracks appeared, the entire building crumpled, killing 1,138 workers and injuring 2,600. The world’s attention turned to the human cost of cheap, fast fashion. Brands associated with the Rana Plaza such as Mango, Primark, and H&M suffered both financially and in reputation. By short-cutting their business’ social responsibility, these fashion companies paid an economic price in the long-run, having to fork out $21.5m to the Rana Plaza Trust Fund. The disaster brought about a campaign concerning fashion retailers and the often unfair treatment of their workers. Sustainable business case study four: Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign As counter-intuitive as this advertisement may seem, the crux of Patagonia’s message is strong: do not take unless you truly need. Founded by Yvon Chouinard, a strong environmental activist, Patagonia puts the environment at the forefront of its business operations. The social impacts of doing so are substantial. Honesty in its campaigns means Patagonia gains trust from its consumers. Taking a charitable sentiment by investing in the environment builds a strong brand that people will support, and often pay more to do so. Patagonia’s healthy environmental stance has positive social effects for the company, creating a firm foundation of brand evangelists. In addition, the company has only a 4% employee turnover due to its strong brand message and good working conditions. The environmental and social sustainable actions of Patagonia contribute to the company’s economic success. In 2017 Patagonia obtained $209 million in revenue, and it continues to use its increasing profit to strengthen its environmental and social mission. The short term benefits of a sustainable business From the above case studies, it is evident that long-term success and unsustainability are mutually exclusive. But what about the short-term benefits of sustainability? Let’s take the business mentioned in the last cas

cts of doing so are substantial. Honesty in its campaigns means Patagonia gains trust from its consumers. Taking a charitable sentiment by investing in the environment builds a strong brand that people will support, and often pay more to do so. Patagonia’s healthy environmental stance has positive social effects for the company, creating a firm foundation of brand evangelists. In addition, the company has only a 4% employee turnover due to its strong brand message and good working conditions. The environmental and social sustainable actions of Patagonia contribute to the company’s economic success. In 2017 Patagonia obtained $209 million in revenue, and it continues to use its increasing profit to strengthen its environmental and social mission. The short term benefits of a sustainable business From the above case studies, it is evident that long-term success and unsustainability are mutually exclusive. But what about the short-term benefits of sustainability? Let’s take the business mentioned in the last case study – Patagonia – as an example. Adopting sustainable actions heightens Patagonia’s brand value, thereby providing them with loyal customers who are willing to financially support a brand which aligns with their own ethics and values. In fact, 81% of consumers suggest they will make a personal sacrifice to address social and environmental issues. For Patagonia, this is a huge short-term economic advantage. The short-term benefits of sustainable actions don’t end with heightened brand value and the acquisition of loyal, well-paying customers, either: - Being a sustainable business can help you when bidding for contracts from governmental or corporate bodies who work with sustainability. - Focusing on sustainability allows you to scrutinize your overall business functions – specifically, where you are wasting time, effort, and money. For example, by incorporating environmental accounting procedures, you can reduce your energy costs. By improving your workplace environment, you will reduce employee turnover,

e study – Patagonia – as an example. Adopting sustainable actions heightens Patagonia’s brand value, thereby providing them with loyal customers who are willing to financially support a brand which aligns with their own ethics and values. In fact, 81% of consumers suggest they will make a personal sacrifice to address social and environmental issues. For Patagonia, this is a huge short-term economic advantage. The short-term benefits of sustainable actions don’t end with heightened brand value and the acquisition of loyal, well-paying customers, either: - Being a sustainable business can help you when bidding for contracts from governmental or corporate bodies who work with sustainability. - Focusing on sustainability allows you to scrutinize your overall business functions – specifically, where you are wasting time, effort, and money. For example, by incorporating environmental accounting procedures, you can reduce your energy costs. By improving your workplace environment, you will reduce employee turnover, save money, and benefit from increased productivity, engagement, and innovation. Ultimately, being a sustainable business won’t just result in benefits that take years upon years to reap; there are plenty of short-term advantages that directly result in profitability. How you can be a sustainable business In this post, we have considered what business sustainability is, and how a sustainable business is made up of three different principles. We have also seen why business sustainability is needed, and considered the negative impacts of being unsustainable, in addition to the positives that being a sustainable business brings. Now we’ll look at how you can do your bit to help create a more sustainable business, and how Process Street can help you achieve your sustainability goals. How to use Process Street to help you become a more sustainable business As a piece of business process management (BPM) software, Process Street has targeted common business procedures and looked at how they can be made more sustai

save money, and benefit from increased productivity, engagement, and innovation. Ultimately, being a sustainable business won’t just result in benefits that take years upon years to reap; there are plenty of short-term advantages that directly result in profitability. How you can be a sustainable business In this post, we have considered what business sustainability is, and how a sustainable business is made up of three different principles. We have also seen why business sustainability is needed, and considered the negative impacts of being unsustainable, in addition to the positives that being a sustainable business brings. Now we’ll look at how you can do your bit to help create a more sustainable business, and how Process Street can help you achieve your sustainability goals. How to use Process Street to help you become a more sustainable business As a piece of business process management (BPM) software, Process Street has targeted common business procedures and looked at how they can be made more sustainable. We provide advice, information and template resources to facilitate you in reaching your sustainability goals. For example, use Process Street’s environmental accounting template to make your accounting processes more sustainable. Save money by doing so and support a healthy active workforce by implementing schemes such as the cycle to work scheme. Below are some of Process Street’s resources to help you get started and become more sustainable in your business operations. - 12 Inspection Checklists to Maximize Safety in the Work Place - Office Safety Inspection Checklist - Hotel Safety Inspection Checklist - What is IS0 31000? Getting Started With Risk Management - ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Audit - Warehouse Safety Checklist - 5 Free ISO 14001 Checklist Templates for Environmental Management - Environmental Accounting Internal Audit - Hotel Sustainability Audit - What is Workplace Diversity? Improving Diversity in the Workplace (8 Free Templates) - How to Build Better Employee Acco

nable. We provide advice, information and template resources to facilitate you in reaching your sustainability goals. For example, use Process Street’s environmental accounting template to make your accounting processes more sustainable. Save money by doing so and support a healthy active workforce by implementing schemes such as the cycle to work scheme. Below are some of Process Street’s resources to help you get started and become more sustainable in your business operations. - 12 Inspection Checklists to Maximize Safety in the Work Place - Office Safety Inspection Checklist - Hotel Safety Inspection Checklist - What is IS0 31000? Getting Started With Risk Management - ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Audit - Warehouse Safety Checklist - 5 Free ISO 14001 Checklist Templates for Environmental Management - Environmental Accounting Internal Audit - Hotel Sustainability Audit - What is Workplace Diversity? Improving Diversity in the Workplace (8 Free Templates) - How to Build Better Employee Accountability with Processes - How to Get, Process and Act on Employee Feedback - Why You Should Unleash Team Collaboration and How to Do it Our templates have the following features to provide you with an excellent BPM tool: - Dynamic task due dates so no task is ever left incomplete. - Stop tasks that ensure task order. - Integrations with other pieces of software so you can synchronize your processes. - Conditional logic to create a dynamic process that caters to your specific needs. - Task assignment so that you can assign the relevant team members to specific tasks. Business sustainability is becoming increasingly important - Unsustainable actions and long-term business success are mutually exclusive. - Sustainable actions can provide short-term benefits as well as a myriad of long-term benefits. - Our economy is enveloped within our society; a society that is encased within our environment in a nested-dependencies model. - It is our environment that deals the ultimate trump card. Environmental changes will

untability with Processes - How to Get, Process and Act on Employee Feedback - Why You Should Unleash Team Collaboration and How to Do it Our templates have the following features to provide you with an excellent BPM tool: - Dynamic task due dates so no task is ever left incomplete. - Stop tasks that ensure task order. - Integrations with other pieces of software so you can synchronize your processes. - Conditional logic to create a dynamic process that caters to your specific needs. - Task assignment so that you can assign the relevant team members to specific tasks. Business sustainability is becoming increasingly important - Unsustainable actions and long-term business success are mutually exclusive. - Sustainable actions can provide short-term benefits as well as a myriad of long-term benefits. - Our economy is enveloped within our society; a society that is encased within our environment in a nested-dependencies model. - It is our environment that deals the ultimate trump card. Environmental changes will ripple down to society and finally our economy. Focusing on the final bullet point, it is becoming more and more important for companies to adopt sustainable actions. With looming climatic changes, mass overexploitation of resources, habitat destruction, and extinction, we are pushing environmental conditions to their limits. But by taking a precautionary principle and adopting sustainable actions, you can help both your business and the environment to thrive. We’d love to hear about the different ways you are sustainable in your business operations in the comments, and any questions you have regarding business sustainability. Who knows, you may even get featured in an upcoming article!

ripple down to society and finally our economy. Focusing on the final bullet point, it is becoming more and more important for companies to adopt sustainable actions. With looming climatic changes, mass overexploitation of resources, habitat destruction, and extinction, we are pushing environmental conditions to their limits. But by taking a precautionary principle and adopting sustainable actions, you can help both your business and the environment to thrive. We’d love to hear about the different ways you are sustainable in your business operations in the comments, and any questions you have regarding business sustainability. Who knows, you may even get featured in an upcoming article!

Beverly Gaventa has spent her career gleaning what we can get from these ancient texts. For historical purposes, there really is nothing quite as useful for understanding early Christianity – the first generation of early Christianity – than the letters of Paul. They are the first evidence we have. When I talk with students, I often start with First Thessalonians, which is a tiny little letter and easier to understand than most of Paul’s. And they give us a little glimpse of what he was thinking and concerned about with a particular group in Thessaloniki – probably the earliest evidence of any sort we have for Christianity. Of course, the letters are biased in a certain way – everything that we do is biased, none of us can speak from a perspective other than our own. But Paul’s letters still give us some insight. For example, we can learn from First Thessalonians that this group was mostly composed of Gentiles, people who weren’t Jews. We can learn that it’s a city phenomenon; that people worked; we can learn something about their social status. We can deduce some things about what might have attracted them to Christianity. It is sometimes frustrating, because you’d like to know more. That’s why people like me get into this business. A very famous New Testament scholar wrote some generations ago: “You have to forgive us, we only have so many pages of Greek New Testament, you have to forgive us if we think we can hear the grass grow and the bedbugs cough.” So, sure, it gets to be frustrating; but then that’s the way historical work always is, especially when you’re dealing with ancient texts.

Who needs coffee in the morning when you can just shine an orange light in your eyes? A team of European scientists has shown that exposure to an orange light improves alertness and cognitive brain function. Light, both natural and artificial, affects our circadian rhythms, causing alertness and sometimes upsetting our sleep patterns. Scientists believe this physiological interaction with light acts through the body’s photoreception system, which relies heavily on a recently discovered light-sensitive cell or photopigment called melanopsin found within the eye. These cells work separately to the rods and cones needed for vision. Previous research on animals in the last few years has shown that, if melanopsin is absent, non-visual functions are disrupted. Their built-in biological clock becomes deregulated and ‘free runs’ independent from day-night cycles, and light no longer has a stimulating effect. Researchers from the University of Liège, Belgium, and INSERM Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, France, wanted to find out how melanopsin affects the human brain, what effect different wavelengths of light had on melanopsin and how this influences executive brain responses – cognitive brain functions such as anticipation, working memory, sequencing (breaking tasks into smaller units and ordering them), problem-solving and decision-making – and alertness. The researchers put 16 young and healthy test subjects through a week of regulating their sleep/wake patterns (with approximately 8 hours of sleep each night). On the days of the experiment, participants arrived 2 hours after waking and were exposed to white light for 5 minutes to standardise their light history. The subjects than underwent consecutive and identical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, during which they performed a simple auditory detection task and a more difficult auditory working memory task while continuously exposed to the same test light (green light at 515 nm). Just over an hour before each recording, the subjects were exp

wanted to find out how melanopsin affects the human brain, what effect different wavelengths of light had on melanopsin and how this influences executive brain responses – cognitive brain functions such as anticipation, working memory, sequencing (breaking tasks into smaller units and ordering them), problem-solving and decision-making – and alertness. The researchers put 16 young and healthy test subjects through a week of regulating their sleep/wake patterns (with approximately 8 hours of sleep each night). On the days of the experiment, participants arrived 2 hours after waking and were exposed to white light for 5 minutes to standardise their light history. The subjects than underwent consecutive and identical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans, during which they performed a simple auditory detection task and a more difficult auditory working memory task while continuously exposed to the same test light (green light at 515 nm). Just over an hour before each recording, the subjects were exposed to 10-minute blasts of either blue (at 461 nm) or orange light (at 589 nm – strictly speaking, quite a yellowy orange light). They were blindfolded at all times when not undergoing light exposures or their scan and brain tasks. The researchers were able to show that executive brain responses were influenced by the wavelength of the light to which individuals were exposed some 70 minutes prior to each recording. Prior exposure to the longer wavelength orange light enhanced the subsequent impact of the test light – the subjects showed greater brain activity in several regions of the frontal lobes related to alertness and cognition – while prior exposure to the shorter wavelength blue light had the reverse outcome. “This wavelength-dependent impact of prior light exposure is consistent with recent theories of the light-driven melanopsin dual states. Our results emphasize the critical role of light for cognitive brain responses and are, to date, the strongest evidence in favour of a cognitive role for melano

osed to 10-minute blasts of either blue (at 461 nm) or orange light (at 589 nm – strictly speaking, quite a yellowy orange light). They were blindfolded at all times when not undergoing light exposures or their scan and brain tasks. The researchers were able to show that executive brain responses were influenced by the wavelength of the light to which individuals were exposed some 70 minutes prior to each recording. Prior exposure to the longer wavelength orange light enhanced the subsequent impact of the test light – the subjects showed greater brain activity in several regions of the frontal lobes related to alertness and cognition – while prior exposure to the shorter wavelength blue light had the reverse outcome. “This wavelength-dependent impact of prior light exposure is consistent with recent theories of the light-driven melanopsin dual states. Our results emphasize the critical role of light for cognitive brain responses and are, to date, the strongest evidence in favour of a cognitive role for melanopsin, which may confer a form of ‘photic memory’ to human cognitive brain function,” write the researchers in their published paper. In a press release from INSERM, the researchers write, “Ultimately, these findings argue for the use and design of lighting systems to optimize cognitive performance.” Given melanopsin’s cognitive effects, perhaps the concept of ‘smart’ lighting systems in schools and universities has a whole new meaning. The research was published online ahead of print on 10 March 2014 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Chellappa, S.L., Ly, J.Q.M., Meyer, C., Balteau, E., Degueldre, C., Luxen, A., Phillips, C., Cooper, H.M. and Vandewalle, G. (2014). Photic memory for executive brain responses. PNAS (In press): 1320005111v1-201320005. Published online ahead of print 10 March 2014. www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/03/07/1320005111.abstract

psin, which may confer a form of ‘photic memory’ to human cognitive brain function,” write the researchers in their published paper. In a press release from INSERM, the researchers write, “Ultimately, these findings argue for the use and design of lighting systems to optimize cognitive performance.” Given melanopsin’s cognitive effects, perhaps the concept of ‘smart’ lighting systems in schools and universities has a whole new meaning. The research was published online ahead of print on 10 March 2014 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Chellappa, S.L., Ly, J.Q.M., Meyer, C., Balteau, E., Degueldre, C., Luxen, A., Phillips, C., Cooper, H.M. and Vandewalle, G. (2014). Photic memory for executive brain responses. PNAS (In press): 1320005111v1-201320005. Published online ahead of print 10 March 2014. www.pnas.org/content/early/2014/03/07/1320005111.abstract

About Forensic Dentistry As we enter a new millennium, society is faced with fresh challenges in every conceivable area. Despite leaps in modern technology, medical breakthroughs and the geographical changes that the last century has brought, crime still persists in all aspects of our lives. Violent and heinous activities that shatter the lives of victims, friends and families occur everyday. The apprehension and subsequent prosecution of the perpetrator(s) is essential to maintain law and order. Through the specialty of forensic odontology, dentistry plays a small but significant role in this process. By identifying the victims of crime and disaster through dental records, dentists assist those involved in crime investigation. The most common role of the forensic dentist is the identification of deceased individuals. Dental identification takes two main forms. Firstly, the most frequently performed examination is a comparative identification that is used to establish (to a high degree of certainty) that the remains of a decedent and a person represented by antemortem (before death) dental records are the same individual. Information from the body or circumstances usually contains clues as to who has died. Secondly, in those cases where antemortem records are not available, and no clues to the possible identity exist, a postmortem (after death) dental profile is completed by the forensic dentist suggesting characteristics of the individual likely to narrow the search for the antemortem materials. Dental identification of humans occurs for a number of different reasons and in a number of different situations. The bodies of victims of violent crimes,, fires, motor vehicle accidents and work place accidents, can be disfigured to such an extent that identification by a family member is neither reliable nor desirable. Persons who have been deceased for some time prior to discovery and those found in water also present unpleasant and difficult visual identifications. Dental identifications have always played a key role

remains of a decedent and a person represented by antemortem (before death) dental records are the same individual. Information from the body or circumstances usually contains clues as to who has died. Secondly, in those cases where antemortem records are not available, and no clues to the possible identity exist, a postmortem (after death) dental profile is completed by the forensic dentist suggesting characteristics of the individual likely to narrow the search for the antemortem materials. Dental identification of humans occurs for a number of different reasons and in a number of different situations. The bodies of victims of violent crimes,, fires, motor vehicle accidents and work place accidents, can be disfigured to such an extent that identification by a family member is neither reliable nor desirable. Persons who have been deceased for some time prior to discovery and those found in water also present unpleasant and difficult visual identifications. Dental identifications have always played a key role in natural and manmade disaster situations and in particular the mass casualties normally associated with aviation disasters.

in natural and manmade disaster situations and in particular the mass casualties normally associated with aviation disasters.

Seven point framework aims to improve government use of automated or algorithmic decision-making systems. According to recent surveys by the EU and the British Computer Society, there is a distinct distrust in the regulation of advanced technology. A review by the Committee on Standards in Public Life found that the government should produce clearer guidance on using artificial intelligence ethically in the public sector. Automated decision-making refers to both solely automated decisions (no human judgement) and automated assisted decision-making (assisting human judgement). Current guidance can be lengthy, complex and sometimes overly abstract. Decision-makers should not assume that automated or algorithmic decision-making is a ‘fix-all’ solution, particularly for the most complex problems. Therefore, the new seven point framework has been published with the aim of helping government departments with the safe, sustainable and ethical use of automated or algorithmic decision-making systems. It has been developed in line with guidance from government (such as the Data Ethics Framework) and industry, as well as relevant legislation. Government departments should use the framework with existing organisational guidance and processes. The framework sets out common risk areas: When departments use automated decision-making in a service, they should consider the following seven points: The framework includes practical examples and case studies in certain sectors, such as healthcare, policing and fintech.

The Bodleian Library at Oxford University has a manuscript with the earliest image of English people playing something that looks like cricket. It dates from 1344 CE. One of the players is a woman. She actually looks rather more proficient, preparing to release the ball underarm, than the batsman who seems to have made up his mind to swipe it one-handed on the full with an early version of a reverse sweep. Women have been part of the story of English cricket for nearly seven hundred years since. But for half of those years they were invisible. A historian, Dr. Rafaelle Nicholson, has uncovered their story in an excellent book Ladies and Lords: A History Of Women’s Cricket In Britain. She relates it to the entire social, economic and cultural history of women in Britain. One finds many echoes of the story of women’s cricket in Pakistan, and perhaps in every country. England’s women cricketers did not face the intense struggle experienced by the pioneering Khan sisters of Karachi, which I was privileged to hear from them at first hand. But England’s women also had to battle against prejudice and neglect. Until very recently, they never got paid and met all their expenses, including overseas tours, without sponsorship or support. They were expected to be grateful to men, especially husbands and employers, for the chance to play at all. They endured mockery, even from experienced cricket journalists who should have known better. Women disappeared from the records and images of English cricket for four centuries until in 1744 CE a local newspaper published an account of an all-women’s match between two rural villages. Other such games attracted crowds and sponsorship – and gave rich men another outlet for betting. But then Victorian men decided that women should not play sport but watch themselves play it. Medical “experts”, including Britain’s best-known doctor, W G Grace, told them, on no evidence, that cricket was dangerous for their delicate constitutions especially their ability to bear children. In this W G igno

from them at first hand. But England’s women also had to battle against prejudice and neglect. Until very recently, they never got paid and met all their expenses, including overseas tours, without sponsorship or support. They were expected to be grateful to men, especially husbands and employers, for the chance to play at all. They endured mockery, even from experienced cricket journalists who should have known better. Women disappeared from the records and images of English cricket for four centuries until in 1744 CE a local newspaper published an account of an all-women’s match between two rural villages. Other such games attracted crowds and sponsorship – and gave rich men another outlet for betting. But then Victorian men decided that women should not play sport but watch themselves play it. Medical “experts”, including Britain’s best-known doctor, W G Grace, told them, on no evidence, that cricket was dangerous for their delicate constitutions especially their ability to bear children. In this W G ignored the early cricket training he and his brothers received from their mother, Martha, and indeed the cricket played by his two daughters at school. Eventually private girls’ schools gave some experience of cricket to pupils from wealthy families. Some enjoyed it so much that they formed their own clubs to continue playing matches in adult life, mostly on private grounds in country houses. One of the leading female players of late Victorian times was Lucy Ridsdale. Her future husband fell in love with her when she scored a fifty in one such match. He was Stanley Baldwin, who would become a Conservative Prime Minister three times in the 1920s and 1930s – and President of the MCC. A generation later, Betty Archdale, who would become the first England women’s captain, grew up with a very different political outlook. Her mother was a militant campaigner for votes for women: young Betty helped her to throw stones through the windows of government buildings and leading gentlemen’s clubs. Public education expanded g

red the early cricket training he and his brothers received from their mother, Martha, and indeed the cricket played by his two daughters at school. Eventually private girls’ schools gave some experience of cricket to pupils from wealthy families. Some enjoyed it so much that they formed their own clubs to continue playing matches in adult life, mostly on private grounds in country houses. One of the leading female players of late Victorian times was Lucy Ridsdale. Her future husband fell in love with her when she scored a fifty in one such match. He was Stanley Baldwin, who would become a Conservative Prime Minister three times in the 1920s and 1930s – and President of the MCC. A generation later, Betty Archdale, who would become the first England women’s captain, grew up with a very different political outlook. Her mother was a militant campaigner for votes for women: young Betty helped her to throw stones through the windows of government buildings and leading gentlemen’s clubs. Public education expanded greatly in early twentieth-century Britain, for girls as well as boys, but very few girls in state schools got any chance to play it. Some enlightened factory owners provided cricket facilities for their women workers but generally English women’s cricket remained the preserve of wealthy English women with supportive husbands. It had no encouragement or even recognition from the MCC or the English counties, and not until 1926 did English women’s cricket acquire its own administration. The Women’s Cricket Association had a deeply conservative outlook on dress and deportment for women players – and for years it would oppose any form of payment to them, even support for travel expenses on the overseas tours which started in the 1930s. The formidable Marjorie Pollard was a strong enforcer of its codes as a leading player and organizer over nearly thirty years, but in many ways she was a modern figure, especially in her recognition of the power of the media to promote cricket. She produced a regular magazine, Women

reatly in early twentieth-century Britain, for girls as well as boys, but very few girls in state schools got any chance to play it. Some enlightened factory owners provided cricket facilities for their women workers but generally English women’s cricket remained the preserve of wealthy English women with supportive husbands. It had no encouragement or even recognition from the MCC or the English counties, and not until 1926 did English women’s cricket acquire its own administration. The Women’s Cricket Association had a deeply conservative outlook on dress and deportment for women players – and for years it would oppose any form of payment to them, even support for travel expenses on the overseas tours which started in the 1930s. The formidable Marjorie Pollard was a strong enforcer of its codes as a leading player and organizer over nearly thirty years, but in many ways she was a modern figure, especially in her recognition of the power of the media to promote cricket. She produced a regular magazine, Women’s Cricket, and became the first woman anywhere in the world to become a radio commentator on cricket. The Second World War brought millions of English women out of home into the services and factories – but it did not make much difference to women’s cricket afterwards. Another major expansion of state education continued to exclude cricket for girls, so just as before most women players, especially on England international duty, were privately educated with the time and the means to play as amateurs. This was reinforced by public policy in the 1970s and 1980s. Although successive governments decided to promote sporting activity for women they all assumed that women were not interested in team games and instead promoted activities like swimming, keep-fit classes and dancing. Moreover, when laws were introduced to provide equal pay for women and outlaw sex discrimination these excluded cricket. To this day it is lawful in England to pay a female cricketer less than a male one of similar skill. However, two pos

’s Cricket, and became the first woman anywhere in the world to become a radio commentator on cricket. The Second World War brought millions of English women out of home into the services and factories – but it did not make much difference to women’s cricket afterwards. Another major expansion of state education continued to exclude cricket for girls, so just as before most women players, especially on England international duty, were privately educated with the time and the means to play as amateurs. This was reinforced by public policy in the 1970s and 1980s. Although successive governments decided to promote sporting activity for women they all assumed that women were not interested in team games and instead promoted activities like swimming, keep-fit classes and dancing. Moreover, when laws were introduced to provide equal pay for women and outlaw sex discrimination these excluded cricket. To this day it is lawful in England to pay a female cricketer less than a male one of similar skill. However, two post-war great players broke the mould of genteel women amateurs grateful to play cricket on terms set by men. The all-rounder Enid Bakewell had a better Test match batting average than Javed Miandad (although from only 12 Tests, which were much rarer than men’s in her time and have become much rarer now.) A miner’s daughter, Enid was fortunate and unusual in being introduced to cricket at her state school. She was even more unusual in identifying as a socialist and a feminist. Rachael Heyhoe, later Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, was the first England women’s cricketer to become a household name. As a campaigner for women’s cricket and, especially, payments for women cricketers, and one who embraced the media and commercial sponsorship, she was a dramatic, modernizing, one-woman force. She never feared to confront the Establishment in both men’s and women’s cricket. Later in life she joined the Establishment herself as the first female cricketer to become a member of the House of Lords. Often called the W G Grace of wome

t-war great players broke the mould of genteel women amateurs grateful to play cricket on terms set by men. The all-rounder Enid Bakewell had a better Test match batting average than Javed Miandad (although from only 12 Tests, which were much rarer than men’s in her time and have become much rarer now.) A miner’s daughter, Enid was fortunate and unusual in being introduced to cricket at her state school. She was even more unusual in identifying as a socialist and a feminist. Rachael Heyhoe, later Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, was the first England women’s cricketer to become a household name. As a campaigner for women’s cricket and, especially, payments for women cricketers, and one who embraced the media and commercial sponsorship, she was a dramatic, modernizing, one-woman force. She never feared to confront the Establishment in both men’s and women’s cricket. Later in life she joined the Establishment herself as the first female cricketer to become a member of the House of Lords. Often called the W G Grace of women’s cricket, she will follow Grace in having gates named after her at Lord’s. In the late 1990s under government pressure, the WCA dissolved itself and women’s cricket was subsumed into the England and Wales Cricket Board. As with similar mergers in other countries including Pakistan this change had big consequences. English women’s cricket gained huge new resources, which finally allowed England’s top women cricketers to become the first in the world to get paid as full-time professionals. But there are still regrets among women cricket players and supporters that English women’s cricket is no longer run by women who knew it and loved it and that they have been replaced almost entirely by white middle-aged male strangers. Around the same time, women finally broke into the bastion of the MCC, at the direction of an enlightened President, Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, the former Hampshire captain. Long waiting lists (the current time is 29 years!) have ensured that it is still dominated by male members. Lord’s did

n’s cricket, she will follow Grace in having gates named after her at Lord’s. In the late 1990s under government pressure, the WCA dissolved itself and women’s cricket was subsumed into the England and Wales Cricket Board. As with similar mergers in other countries including Pakistan this change had big consequences. English women’s cricket gained huge new resources, which finally allowed England’s top women cricketers to become the first in the world to get paid as full-time professionals. But there are still regrets among women cricket players and supporters that English women’s cricket is no longer run by women who knew it and loved it and that they have been replaced almost entirely by white middle-aged male strangers. Around the same time, women finally broke into the bastion of the MCC, at the direction of an enlightened President, Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie, the former Hampshire captain. Long waiting lists (the current time is 29 years!) have ensured that it is still dominated by male members. Lord’s did not stage a women’s match until 1976 and the present fixture list is virtually a male preserve. This may change under Claire Connor, former England women’s captain, as the first female President. T20 has given English women’s cricket a huge stimulus, especially the proliferation of overseas T20 competitions, which has given the best women players new earning opportunities. The advent of “double headers” – top grade men’s and women’s T20 matches played on the same day – forced the media to show and report women’s cricket seriously. Coverage, spectatorship and above all participation in English women’s cricket have risen exponentially in just the last five years. Improved playing standards, international success, above all the World Cup victory in 2017 followed by millions on television, have made the game commercially attractive. The top players such as Sarah Taylor, widely recognized among the best wicketkeepers in the world, female or male, have gained name recognition and good incomes from playing and produ

not stage a women’s match until 1976 and the present fixture list is virtually a male preserve. This may change under Claire Connor, former England women’s captain, as the first female President. T20 has given English women’s cricket a huge stimulus, especially the proliferation of overseas T20 competitions, which has given the best women players new earning opportunities. The advent of “double headers” – top grade men’s and women’s T20 matches played on the same day – forced the media to show and report women’s cricket seriously. Coverage, spectatorship and above all participation in English women’s cricket have risen exponentially in just the last five years. Improved playing standards, international success, above all the World Cup victory in 2017 followed by millions on television, have made the game commercially attractive. The top players such as Sarah Taylor, widely recognized among the best wicketkeepers in the world, female or male, have gained name recognition and good incomes from playing and product endorsements (although still unequal to men’s). But there are clouds over England women’s cricket as over men’s and indeed over cricket worldwide. Linked barriers of class and race continue to make the game far more accessible to white privately educated girls than to minority ethnic girls and those from low-income families in state schools. Moreover, there is a rural-urban divide: the clubs with thriving women’s and girls’ teams tend to be concentrated in the countryside and suburbs rather than inner cities. There are major worries too about the survival of long-form cricket for English women. It was in trouble before the pandemic and since then financial imperatives have generated even greater focus on T20, the form which makes far and away the most money. The career of Heather Knight, the present England women’s captain, gives a vivid illustration of the trend. She recently completed 200 international appearances – but just eight of them were women’s Test matches. Richard Heller’s latest book The Prison

ct endorsements (although still unequal to men’s). But there are clouds over England women’s cricket as over men’s and indeed over cricket worldwide. Linked barriers of class and race continue to make the game far more accessible to white privately educated girls than to minority ethnic girls and those from low-income families in state schools. Moreover, there is a rural-urban divide: the clubs with thriving women’s and girls’ teams tend to be concentrated in the countryside and suburbs rather than inner cities. There are major worries too about the survival of long-form cricket for English women. It was in trouble before the pandemic and since then financial imperatives have generated even greater focus on T20, the form which makes far and away the most money. The career of Heather Knight, the present England women’s captain, gives a vivid illustration of the trend. She recently completed 200 international appearances – but just eight of them were women’s Test matches. Richard Heller’s latest book The Prisoner Of Rubato Towers is an increasingly crazed account of lockdown life in London without cricket.

er Of Rubato Towers is an increasingly crazed account of lockdown life in London without cricket.

Posted by Jamie Canterbury on June 18, 2018 • flint and steel In the late 19th Century the government passed the homesteading act and really fueled the desire for Americans to get their own little piece of this nation. So, families packed up important tools, like their guns, tools, flint and steel all began migrating west. Most Used Tools As you can imagine the hammer was worth its weight in gold. This metal, bludgeoning tool was used to do all sorts of things from fixing the wagons to plunging stakes. Without a quality hammer, it was back to putting in nails with rocks. It is said that a pioneer wouldn’t go a day without using his hammer for at least one task. To limit the weight in the wagon, pioneers would often remove the handles of their tools and make new ones when the stopped at their next camp. Flint and Steel A frequently used fire starter was flint and steel. These pioneers would have likely had a fire every day if not several times a day when they were on the trail. This fire would be integral to sanitizing water and cooking food. It might also be a means of keeping warm, depending on the time of year. The interesting part about the pioneer’s fires was that they used brush, cow pies and fat to sustain fires because parts of the trail were very low on wood. Still, without that flint and steel they weren’t getting a spark! They also were big proponents of the cotton-based char cloth to start fires. Just like in survival today, the pioneer's knife was an important part of daily life. While most would assume that this knife was used for all sorts of activities, it was primarily used to slice meats and cut things that required the finesse of a sharp blade. They might have also kept a couple of knives for different tasks. In most cases they would have had a knife for working wood and surely a knife, that was kept razor-sharp, for cutting meats and slicing. Additionally, while flint and steel were ideal for starting fires, knives would also spark a flame for these settlers. The shotgun protected the pioneers

anitizing water and cooking food. It might also be a means of keeping warm, depending on the time of year. The interesting part about the pioneer’s fires was that they used brush, cow pies and fat to sustain fires because parts of the trail were very low on wood. Still, without that flint and steel they weren’t getting a spark! They also were big proponents of the cotton-based char cloth to start fires. Just like in survival today, the pioneer's knife was an important part of daily life. While most would assume that this knife was used for all sorts of activities, it was primarily used to slice meats and cut things that required the finesse of a sharp blade. They might have also kept a couple of knives for different tasks. In most cases they would have had a knife for working wood and surely a knife, that was kept razor-sharp, for cutting meats and slicing. Additionally, while flint and steel were ideal for starting fires, knives would also spark a flame for these settlers. The shotgun protected the pioneers and their families. This was also the best way they could provide viable fresh meat for their party. The shotgun would be their best method for hunting big game like bison and deer. They would then be able to cook this big game using flint and steel to spark a fire; any remaining parts animal, such as the fur, would be used for clothes or other necessities. Our ancestral pioneers were promised land and some even gold if they picked the right plot of land. Not to mention the incredible gift of solitude surrounded by some of the most beautiful surroundings on the planet. With little more than a few tools, such as flint and steel, they undertook the most incredible journey. There is a lot for us to learn from these early settlers of the west as survivalists hone their skills today.

and their families. This was also the best way they could provide viable fresh meat for their party. The shotgun would be their best method for hunting big game like bison and deer. They would then be able to cook this big game using flint and steel to spark a fire; any remaining parts animal, such as the fur, would be used for clothes or other necessities. Our ancestral pioneers were promised land and some even gold if they picked the right plot of land. Not to mention the incredible gift of solitude surrounded by some of the most beautiful surroundings on the planet. With little more than a few tools, such as flint and steel, they undertook the most incredible journey. There is a lot for us to learn from these early settlers of the west as survivalists hone their skills today.

During the Iron Age, the Cairns Broch—a tower-like stone building of monumental proportions—dominated the landscape of Windwick Bay, a rocky cove in the Scottish archipelago of Orkney. Equal parts house, fort and status symbol, the broch stood at the center of an ancient settlement until some point between the later 1st and mid-2nd century A.D., when it was sealed and subsequently abandoned. Today, the broch continues to stand over the Cairns region of South Ronaldsay. This month, researchers from the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute announced two singular discoveries made during ongoing excavations at the site: a 2,000-year-old wooden bowl likely used to serve food or drink, as well as strands of human hair dating to the same Iron Age period. The Scotsman’s Alison Campsie reports that both the hair and bowl were found in “The Well,” a subterranean chamber of the broch. According to the UHI Archaeology Institute’s blog, the underground space is exceptionally well preserved, boasting an intact roof and stone-cut steps leading down into the heart of the chamber, which is filled with muddy silt. The chamber appears to have been sealed in an anaerobic state, or without oxygen, meaning that bacteria were unable to damage the items. Given that the chamber was sealed around the same time the broch was abandoned, the archaeologists believe their finds date to the later 1st through mid-2nd century A.D.; however, they plan on conducting radiocarbon dating tests to determine if the items are even older than estimated. Martin Carruthers, UHI lecturer and excavation director, tells Campsie that the team unearthed about 20 strands of hair, with more likely hidden in muddy soil samples still to be analyzed. “It looks like human hair,” Carruthers says. “It is pliable, if you blow on it, it moves. It is shiny, dark and measures around [three to four inches] long, so potentially it records eight to 10 months of information about diet and the conditions people were living in.” Although the team has prev

ng an intact roof and stone-cut steps leading down into the heart of the chamber, which is filled with muddy silt. The chamber appears to have been sealed in an anaerobic state, or without oxygen, meaning that bacteria were unable to damage the items. Given that the chamber was sealed around the same time the broch was abandoned, the archaeologists believe their finds date to the later 1st through mid-2nd century A.D.; however, they plan on conducting radiocarbon dating tests to determine if the items are even older than estimated. Martin Carruthers, UHI lecturer and excavation director, tells Campsie that the team unearthed about 20 strands of hair, with more likely hidden in muddy soil samples still to be analyzed. “It looks like human hair,” Carruthers says. “It is pliable, if you blow on it, it moves. It is shiny, dark and measures around [three to four inches] long, so potentially it records eight to 10 months of information about diet and the conditions people were living in.” Although the team has previously recovered human remains—mainly teeth—from the site, the hair represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle and health of the broch’s inhabitants. As Richard Gray wrote for the Telegraph while reporting on the discovery of 200,000-year-old hair back in 2009, soft tissue such as hair, skin and muscle typically doesn’t survive longer than a few hundred years. In 2015, Kelly Knudson, an associate professor at Arizona State University who analyzed 2,000-year-old hair found on Peruvian mummies, further explained to New Historian’s Adam Steedman Thake that “we can use hair to look at diet because, quite simply, we are what we eat. By looking at how far the hair is from the scalp, we were able to look at what they were eating in particular weeks or months before they died.” The Cairns archaeologists’ other significant find, the 2,000-year-old wooden bowl, is the oldest of its kind found in Orkney thus far. According to the Independent’s Chiara Giordano, the team has dubbed the bowl the “Cai

iously recovered human remains—mainly teeth—from the site, the hair represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle and health of the broch’s inhabitants. As Richard Gray wrote for the Telegraph while reporting on the discovery of 200,000-year-old hair back in 2009, soft tissue such as hair, skin and muscle typically doesn’t survive longer than a few hundred years. In 2015, Kelly Knudson, an associate professor at Arizona State University who analyzed 2,000-year-old hair found on Peruvian mummies, further explained to New Historian’s Adam Steedman Thake that “we can use hair to look at diet because, quite simply, we are what we eat. By looking at how far the hair is from the scalp, we were able to look at what they were eating in particular weeks or months before they died.” The Cairns archaeologists’ other significant find, the 2,000-year-old wooden bowl, is the oldest of its kind found in Orkney thus far. According to the Independent’s Chiara Giordano, the team has dubbed the bowl the “Cairns Cog” in honor of the region’s traditional wedding cog, an alcoholic drink passed around in a wooden vessel at marriage receptions. “In appearance, the bowl is similar in shape to certain of the pottery vessels of the period, and in particular it looks like the sort of vessel we suspect to have been used for serving food or drink,” Carruthers explains in a statement. “Its round base makes you think that it would have been required to be constantly held when full, and perhaps used socially, passed around from hand to hand, person to person.” The alderwood bowl measures nearly 12 inches across and features an outward-facing rim, globular body and rounded base. Although the bowl split at some point in its millenia-long history, it remained held together by the subterranean chamber’s muddy silts. In addition to the bowl and hair, UHI archaeologists discovered an array of ancient artifacts at the Cairns site, from pieces of wood that mirror modern-day tent pegs to preserved plant fibers likely woven by human ha

rns Cog” in honor of the region’s traditional wedding cog, an alcoholic drink passed around in a wooden vessel at marriage receptions. “In appearance, the bowl is similar in shape to certain of the pottery vessels of the period, and in particular it looks like the sort of vessel we suspect to have been used for serving food or drink,” Carruthers explains in a statement. “Its round base makes you think that it would have been required to be constantly held when full, and perhaps used socially, passed around from hand to hand, person to person.” The alderwood bowl measures nearly 12 inches across and features an outward-facing rim, globular body and rounded base. Although the bowl split at some point in its millenia-long history, it remained held together by the subterranean chamber’s muddy silts. In addition to the bowl and hair, UHI archaeologists discovered an array of ancient artifacts at the Cairns site, from pieces of wood that mirror modern-day tent pegs to preserved plant fibers likely woven by human hands and a glass bead. “There is still much work to do in The Well, and there are other amazing remains to be recovered from the silts there, as well as across the site,” the UHI blog states. “The excavations are ongoing and more waterlogged items are likely to be raised during that time. The next steps will be to conserve and assess the objects.”

nds and a glass bead. “There is still much work to do in The Well, and there are other amazing remains to be recovered from the silts there, as well as across the site,” the UHI blog states. “The excavations are ongoing and more waterlogged items are likely to be raised during that time. The next steps will be to conserve and assess the objects.”

Morse's 1837 telegraph receiver prototype, built with a canvas-stretcher. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Institution Archives A crowd of hushed spectators packed into the small red factory house at the Speedwell Ironworks in Morristown, New Jersey, unsure of what to expect next. Samuel Morse, along with his colleagues Leonard Gale and Alfred Vail, had packed over two miles of wire into the building, attempting to demonstrate to the public that his strange new invention could be used to transmit messages over long distances. Finally, the inventors manipulated a primitive transmitter, and a receiver scratched Morse’s simple message—”A patient waiter is no loser”—via a code of lines and curves. On this day in 1838, the small group of onlookers saw something special: the first-ever public demonstration of the telegraph. Of course, as with all technological breakthroughs, the development of the telegraph had started years earlier, says curator Harold Wallace of the American History Museum. But unlike many other inventions, the telegraph was the result of an unusual mix of personal circumstances, artistic influences and pure happenstance. For the first four decades of his life, Morse was first and foremost an artist. “He was a painter of modest renown,” says Wallace. “Not top tier, perhaps, but his name was known.” Morse was first provoked to think about communications technology because of a tragedy: in 1825, while painting the portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette in Washington, D.C., he received a letter indicating his wife was sick. By the time he reached his home in New Haven, Connecticut, she had already been buried. Stricken by grief, he vowed to develop a faster way to send messages in such crucial circumstances. For several more years, Morse struggled in vain to succeed in the art world, but in 1832, serendipity intervened. On a transatlantic voyage, returning home from study in Europe, he met Charles Thomas Jackson, a Boston physician and scientist, who showed him a rudimentary electromagnet he had devised.

inventions, the telegraph was the result of an unusual mix of personal circumstances, artistic influences and pure happenstance. For the first four decades of his life, Morse was first and foremost an artist. “He was a painter of modest renown,” says Wallace. “Not top tier, perhaps, but his name was known.” Morse was first provoked to think about communications technology because of a tragedy: in 1825, while painting the portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette in Washington, D.C., he received a letter indicating his wife was sick. By the time he reached his home in New Haven, Connecticut, she had already been buried. Stricken by grief, he vowed to develop a faster way to send messages in such crucial circumstances. For several more years, Morse struggled in vain to succeed in the art world, but in 1832, serendipity intervened. On a transatlantic voyage, returning home from study in Europe, he met Charles Thomas Jackson, a Boston physician and scientist, who showed him a rudimentary electromagnet he had devised. Morse became convinced that he could somehow send a message along a wire by opening and closing an electrical circuit, which could be recorded by an electromagnet on a piece of paper via a written code. Back in the U.S., he moved forward with his idea, meeting with Joseph Henry, another scientist working in electromagnetism—and the man who would later become the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in 1846. “He met with Henry, who explained how the electromagnets worked and showed his experimental ones,” says Wallace. “And if you look at the electromagnets—the ones Morse uses, and the experimental ones from Henry—it’s obvious they’re the same design. He’s definitely riffing off of Henry, as far as the electromagnet, which is one of the most important pieces of the apparatus.” Morse returned to his New York apartment and, in 1837, he crafted a primitive telegraph receiver—now part of the Smithsonian’s collections and currently on display at the American Art Museum—that was able to register and reco

Morse became convinced that he could somehow send a message along a wire by opening and closing an electrical circuit, which could be recorded by an electromagnet on a piece of paper via a written code. Back in the U.S., he moved forward with his idea, meeting with Joseph Henry, another scientist working in electromagnetism—and the man who would later become the first secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in 1846. “He met with Henry, who explained how the electromagnets worked and showed his experimental ones,” says Wallace. “And if you look at the electromagnets—the ones Morse uses, and the experimental ones from Henry—it’s obvious they’re the same design. He’s definitely riffing off of Henry, as far as the electromagnet, which is one of the most important pieces of the apparatus.” Morse returned to his New York apartment and, in 1837, he crafted a primitive telegraph receiver—now part of the Smithsonian’s collections and currently on display at the American Art Museum—that was able to register and record the fluctuations in an electrical circuit. “The most interesting thing about the prototype is that he took an artist’s canvas stretcher and made it into a telegraph receiver,” Wallace says. “So right there, you can see the shift from painter to telegrapher, all in one piece.” With a means of recording electromagnetic signals theoretically in place, Morse worked with Gale, Vail and others over the next several years to improve the system and make it practical for use over far distances, incorporating Vail’s transmitter key and a code of dots and dashes, which of course would become known as Morse Code. Despite these improvements, the group had some difficulty convincing others that telegraphy was a worthy investment. “It was not difficult to convince people at the time that it was potentially useful,” Wallace says. “What really was the hard sell that Morse and others had to make was whether it could be practical. Could you create wires miles and miles long and send a signal through them?” To raise capital f

rd the fluctuations in an electrical circuit. “The most interesting thing about the prototype is that he took an artist’s canvas stretcher and made it into a telegraph receiver,” Wallace says. “So right there, you can see the shift from painter to telegrapher, all in one piece.” With a means of recording electromagnetic signals theoretically in place, Morse worked with Gale, Vail and others over the next several years to improve the system and make it practical for use over far distances, incorporating Vail’s transmitter key and a code of dots and dashes, which of course would become known as Morse Code. Despite these improvements, the group had some difficulty convincing others that telegraphy was a worthy investment. “It was not difficult to convince people at the time that it was potentially useful,” Wallace says. “What really was the hard sell that Morse and others had to make was whether it could be practical. Could you create wires miles and miles long and send a signal through them?” To raise capital for long-distance lines, he turned to the U.S. government, and after a small-scale demonstration with wires strung between different committee rooms within the Capitol, he was awarded $30,000 to build a 38-mile line from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. On May 1, 1844, Morse’s communication device was finally met with wide scale public enthusiasm, as the Whig Party’s presidential nomination was telegraphed from Baltimore to D.C. far faster than a courier could have traveled. Later that month, the line was officially opened for public use—with a message quite a bit more well-known than that of the the earlier Speedwell Ironworks demonstration. This, too was recorded on a strip of paper, which now resides in the American History Museum’s collections. Short yet meaningful, the bible quotation set the stage for the approaching age of electronic communication: “What Hath God Wrought.” Text: Joseph Stromberg

or long-distance lines, he turned to the U.S. government, and after a small-scale demonstration with wires strung between different committee rooms within the Capitol, he was awarded $30,000 to build a 38-mile line from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. On May 1, 1844, Morse’s communication device was finally met with wide scale public enthusiasm, as the Whig Party’s presidential nomination was telegraphed from Baltimore to D.C. far faster than a courier could have traveled. Later that month, the line was officially opened for public use—with a message quite a bit more well-known than that of the the earlier Speedwell Ironworks demonstration. This, too was recorded on a strip of paper, which now resides in the American History Museum’s collections. Short yet meaningful, the bible quotation set the stage for the approaching age of electronic communication: “What Hath God Wrought.” Text: Joseph Stromberg

The SAT is a college entrance exam that many colleges and universities in the United States use as part of the college admissions process. Looking for basic information about the SAT test format? We've got it! The SAT is a standardized test that measures a student's skills in three core areas: Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. Students in grades 11 and 12 take the SAT so that they can submit their scores to colleges as part of the college application process. The SAT is composed of three main sections — Math, Evidence-Based Reading, and Writing. There is an optional 50-minute essay*, and total testing time with the essay is 3 hours and 50 minutes. The breakdown of each remaining section can be found in the table below. *In January 2021, the College Board announced that they will be discountinuing the optional SAT essay section after the June 2021 administration. StudyPoint is a national leader in one-to-one, in-home test prep and academic tutoring. The test-taking techniques and strategies taught in our SAT tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admission to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor, or any other type of academic tutoring, StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information. StudyPoint offers private, in-home SAT, PSAT, ACT & SSAT tutoring. Our staff also includes expert math, science, foreign language, and writing tutors. Our newsletter is designed to offer you grade- and season- specific information that will help you navigate and stay on top of the college admissions process. We need high school graduation year to provide you with timely, relevant information. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you'd like to learn more about one of our programs or are ready to enroll your child in tutoring, please contact us. Our E

T tutoring and ACT tutoring programs enable students to earn higher test scores and gain admission to competitive colleges and universities. Our expert subject tutors and personalized lesson plans help students earn better grades and become happier, more confident students. Whether you're looking for a math tutor, or any other type of academic tutoring, StudyPoint can help. To learn about tutoring programs in your area, feel free to contact us for more information. StudyPoint offers private, in-home SAT, PSAT, ACT & SSAT tutoring. Our staff also includes expert math, science, foreign language, and writing tutors. Our newsletter is designed to offer you grade- and season- specific information that will help you navigate and stay on top of the college admissions process. We need high school graduation year to provide you with timely, relevant information. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you'd like to learn more about one of our programs or are ready to enroll your child in tutoring, please contact us. Our Enrollment Consultants are experts in their fields and would be happy to help with recommendations for tutoring programs, courses of study, standardized tests, and admissions support. Thank you for your interest in our programs! You can expect one of our Enrollment Directors to be in touch within one business day. If you have an urgent tutoring need, you can reach out to a member of our staff directly at 1-87STUDYPOINT (1-877-883-9764). We are certain we can be a resource for you and your family this school year, and we look forward to speaking with —The StudyPoint Staff privacy seriously. None of this information will ever be shared or sold.

nrollment Consultants are experts in their fields and would be happy to help with recommendations for tutoring programs, courses of study, standardized tests, and admissions support. Thank you for your interest in our programs! You can expect one of our Enrollment Directors to be in touch within one business day. If you have an urgent tutoring need, you can reach out to a member of our staff directly at 1-87STUDYPOINT (1-877-883-9764). We are certain we can be a resource for you and your family this school year, and we look forward to speaking with —The StudyPoint Staff privacy seriously. None of this information will ever be shared or sold.

When a fire broke out in 58-year-old Sim Buay Piak’s Tampines flat last year, firefighters had to struggle to get through stacks of hoarded items that towered to the ceiling. When they finally got to Sim, it was too late to save the elderly man and he was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. In 2019, at least two other similar cases of extreme hoarding have appeared in the news. One involved another elderly man in Bedok North who was discovered among mounds of rubbish only after a neighbour complained of a strong stench. We hear of it only seldom. Yet the hoarding behaviour may be more prevalent in Singapore than we think. In fact, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) estimates that one in 50 Singaporeans will display hoarding behaviour during their lifetime. While it is the individuals that suffer from hoarding behaviour, there are potential ramifications for the community at large. When items clutter up at home and spill into shared corridors, they become an obstruction to neighbours, attract pests and in some cases, become a dangerous fire hazard. Considering the potential harm caused to the individual and society, what can we do to help curb the phenomenon and how can we better support sufferers? Spotlight on hoarding Hoarding refers to an excessive acquisition of objects and inability to part with apparently valueless possessions. It has been classified as a pathology in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and is known to manifest with other psychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. However, not all hoarding behaviour is pathological. As a field study conducted by Lin Sng Hock, a PhD student in Gerontology from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) shows that the factors underlying the condition are varied and complex. Many hoarders attach ‘saving’ and ‘sentimental’ value to the items that they collect. The ‘saving’ value they attach refers to their belief that the items will one day come in useful, and hence it would be

nd in some cases, become a dangerous fire hazard. Considering the potential harm caused to the individual and society, what can we do to help curb the phenomenon and how can we better support sufferers? Spotlight on hoarding Hoarding refers to an excessive acquisition of objects and inability to part with apparently valueless possessions. It has been classified as a pathology in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and is known to manifest with other psychiatric conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. However, not all hoarding behaviour is pathological. As a field study conducted by Lin Sng Hock, a PhD student in Gerontology from the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) shows that the factors underlying the condition are varied and complex. Many hoarders attach ‘saving’ and ‘sentimental’ value to the items that they collect. The ‘saving’ value they attach refers to their belief that the items will one day come in useful, and hence it would be wasteful to discard them. As for ‘sentimental’ value, items take on heavy emotional significance, making it difficult for hoarders to throw them away. There is also evidence that ethno-cultural factors may predispose people to think and feel this way. In Chinese culture for example, the emphasis on thriftiness normalises the behaviour of holding on to items that were achieved through hardship. Additionally, socioeconomic factors also play a role. Childhood deprivation and emotional insecurity born out of difficult livelihoods can manifest in hoarding behaviours. One of the study’s subjects, an elderly lady, regards stuffed toys – which are still wrapped in their original plastic bags – among her prized possessions. She notes that growing up in a poor family meant her mother could never afford to buy stuffed toys. Hence, the plush toys she collected has grown in emotional value. Seniors are particularly susceptible to hoarding tendencies as ageing often causes support circles of friends and family to shrink,

wasteful to discard them. As for ‘sentimental’ value, items take on heavy emotional significance, making it difficult for hoarders to throw them away. There is also evidence that ethno-cultural factors may predispose people to think and feel this way. In Chinese culture for example, the emphasis on thriftiness normalises the behaviour of holding on to items that were achieved through hardship. Additionally, socioeconomic factors also play a role. Childhood deprivation and emotional insecurity born out of difficult livelihoods can manifest in hoarding behaviours. One of the study’s subjects, an elderly lady, regards stuffed toys – which are still wrapped in their original plastic bags – among her prized possessions. She notes that growing up in a poor family meant her mother could never afford to buy stuffed toys. Hence, the plush toys she collected has grown in emotional value. Seniors are particularly susceptible to hoarding tendencies as ageing often causes support circles of friends and family to shrink, leaving seniors in greater social isolation. In Lin’s study, all the interviewees were living alone and had little to no social support to speak of. Finally, hoarding is known to be a chronic and progressive condition – life events and ageing-associated factors may introduce stressors and increase the severity of hoarding. As clutter builds up, hoarders are more likely to experience cognitive indecisiveness – paralysing them and their ability to decide what, in their vast collection, to discard. Community-based approach to building awareness needed There is more than one way to treat hoarding behaviour, and much of it depends on whether it stems from an underlying mental health issue. In such cases, treating the issue can sometimes reduce the person’s hoarding tendencies. For example, psychotherapy – specifically cognitive behavioural therapy – is increasingly recognised as an effective treatment. However, if the underlying factors of poverty and social isolation are not treated, hoarders can very easily fall

leaving seniors in greater social isolation. In Lin’s study, all the interviewees were living alone and had little to no social support to speak of. Finally, hoarding is known to be a chronic and progressive condition – life events and ageing-associated factors may introduce stressors and increase the severity of hoarding. As clutter builds up, hoarders are more likely to experience cognitive indecisiveness – paralysing them and their ability to decide what, in their vast collection, to discard. Community-based approach to building awareness needed There is more than one way to treat hoarding behaviour, and much of it depends on whether it stems from an underlying mental health issue. In such cases, treating the issue can sometimes reduce the person’s hoarding tendencies. For example, psychotherapy – specifically cognitive behavioural therapy – is increasingly recognised as an effective treatment. However, if the underlying factors of poverty and social isolation are not treated, hoarders can very easily fall back into old habits. This calls for a community-based approach aimed at alleviating these factors. To this end, Singapore has established a Hoarding Task Force that brings together the expertise and respective powers of multiple agencies such as the Ministry of National Development (MND), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Housing Development Board (HDB) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Other agencies like the National Environment Agency, People’s Association, Institute of Mental Health and the Singapore Police Force will also play a part in this task force. Led by HDB, which will be coordinating responses from relevant agencies, the task force relies heavily on grassroots organisations and volunteers to tackle the problem of hoarding. While it serves as a useful first port of call to report cases of hoarding, greater awareness among members of the community must prevail to bring more cases to light. We should also look at the Habitat for Humanity Singapore,

back into old habits. This calls for a community-based approach aimed at alleviating these factors. To this end, Singapore has established a Hoarding Task Force that brings together the expertise and respective powers of multiple agencies such as the Ministry of National Development (MND), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), Housing Development Board (HDB) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Other agencies like the National Environment Agency, People’s Association, Institute of Mental Health and the Singapore Police Force will also play a part in this task force. Led by HDB, which will be coordinating responses from relevant agencies, the task force relies heavily on grassroots organisations and volunteers to tackle the problem of hoarding. While it serves as a useful first port of call to report cases of hoarding, greater awareness among members of the community must prevail to bring more cases to light. We should also look at the Habitat for Humanity Singapore, a non-profit organisation, which runs Project HomeWorks. The initiative is aimed at improving the living conditions of the elderly, sick and disabled in one- and two-room rental flats in Singapore. They deal with two to three cases of hoarding every month, going in to check up on hoarders regularly and respectfully helping them to clear clutter. More resources could be channelled into a similar volunteer-run group dedicated to the issue of hoarding alone. Hoarders need compassion and understanding to thrive Clearly, hoarders do not engage in such behaviour with the intention of causing harm to others. Hence, to help seniors with this condition thrive, we need to approach them with greater understanding and compassion, especially in our attempts to alleviate the poverty, isolation and loneliness underpinning their hoarding tendencies. The path to helping people overcome their hoarding behaviours is one paved with great care and sensitivity. We can all play a part. This article has been adapted from an end-of-c

a non-profit organisation, which runs Project HomeWorks. The initiative is aimed at improving the living conditions of the elderly, sick and disabled in one- and two-room rental flats in Singapore. They deal with two to three cases of hoarding every month, going in to check up on hoarders regularly and respectfully helping them to clear clutter. More resources could be channelled into a similar volunteer-run group dedicated to the issue of hoarding alone. Hoarders need compassion and understanding to thrive Clearly, hoarders do not engage in such behaviour with the intention of causing harm to others. Hence, to help seniors with this condition thrive, we need to approach them with greater understanding and compassion, especially in our attempts to alleviate the poverty, isolation and loneliness underpinning their hoarding tendencies. The path to helping people overcome their hoarding behaviours is one paved with great care and sensitivity. We can all play a part. This article has been adapted from an end-of-course assessment: “Ageing in Multicultural Contexts” by Lin Sng Hock, a PhD student in Gerontology with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

ourse assessment: “Ageing in Multicultural Contexts” by Lin Sng Hock, a PhD student in Gerontology with Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

Dambadeniya is the third kingdom of Sri Lanka. It was situated in the Udukaha Western Korale of the Dambadeni Hatpattu in the Kurunegala district. As a result of the invasion of Rajarata by the Indian invader Kalinga Magha, the natives of the country were confronted with an unstable political atmosphere. At first, this place was chosen as a center to establish his leadership by Vijayabahu Ill in 1232 A.D. Parakramabahu ll, Vijayabahu IV, and Buwanekabahu I was the successors of Vijayabahu Ill who was ruling Dambadeniya. All these rulers belonged to the Dambadeni dynasty. Though Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa kingdoms survived for a long time, Dambadeniya was held as a kingdom only for about forty years from 1232 to 1272 A.D. Even within this short period Dambadeniya acquired a prominent place as a center of royalty. Dambadeni rulers were successful in winning all three foreign invasions carried out respectively by Kalinga Magha from South India, Chandrababu from East Asia, and Pandya from South India. As a kingdom associated with several important occurrences of the country’s history, it is important to study the historical significance of the Dambadeniya kingdom. Below are the Kings who were ruling in Dambedeniya:- King Vijayabahu III is the first king of the Dambadeniya kingdom. Native Sinhalese began to move to the South or Maya rata because of the tough Tamil ruler Kalinga Magha who was ruling Polonnaruwa. While he was the king of Polonnaruwa, King Vijayabahu III was successful in ascending the throne of Dambadeniya. He was successful enough to convey the tooth relic and Lord Buddha’s alms bowl to Dambadeniya from it’s hiding place in Kotmale. His reign was largely spent reconstructing the shattered Buddhist infrastructure of the Sinhalese. The Vijayasundararama temple at Dambadeniya was used as the tooth relic shrine in the Dambadeniya era. After King Vijayabahu III his elder son Parakramabahu became the king of Dambadeniya and he rescued Polonnaruwa from Kalinga people by 1244 AD. He was given a nickname as “

dom associated with several important occurrences of the country’s history, it is important to study the historical significance of the Dambadeniya kingdom. Below are the Kings who were ruling in Dambedeniya:- King Vijayabahu III is the first king of the Dambadeniya kingdom. Native Sinhalese began to move to the South or Maya rata because of the tough Tamil ruler Kalinga Magha who was ruling Polonnaruwa. While he was the king of Polonnaruwa, King Vijayabahu III was successful in ascending the throne of Dambadeniya. He was successful enough to convey the tooth relic and Lord Buddha’s alms bowl to Dambadeniya from it’s hiding place in Kotmale. His reign was largely spent reconstructing the shattered Buddhist infrastructure of the Sinhalese. The Vijayasundararama temple at Dambadeniya was used as the tooth relic shrine in the Dambadeniya era. After King Vijayabahu III his elder son Parakramabahu became the king of Dambadeniya and he rescued Polonnaruwa from Kalinga people by 1244 AD. He was given a nickname as “Kalikala Sahithya Sarvagnana Panditha Parakramabahu”. It was given because he was a great poet and was very experienced in literature. Kavi Silumina is one of his great creations. Then he renounced his throne in favor of his eldest son Vijayabahu and he was sent for the completion of the recovery of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura areas. King Vijayabahu IV became the sole king after his father King Parakramabahu’s death. But he could carry the crown only for two years because he was assassinated by his general Mitta. The next king of the country was king Vijayabahu’s younger brother Buwanekabahu but he moved the capital from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa. Thus marking the end of the Dambadeniya kingdom with the end of King Vijayabahu IV ‘s reign. There were some specific coins used in the Dambadeniya era. Those were used in the reigns of king Parakramabahu II, King Vijayabahu IV, and King Buwanekabahu respectively. The name of the relevant king appears on each coin and those are written using Brahmee letters. Dambaden

Kalikala Sahithya Sarvagnana Panditha Parakramabahu”. It was given because he was a great poet and was very experienced in literature. Kavi Silumina is one of his great creations. Then he renounced his throne in favor of his eldest son Vijayabahu and he was sent for the completion of the recovery of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura areas. King Vijayabahu IV became the sole king after his father King Parakramabahu’s death. But he could carry the crown only for two years because he was assassinated by his general Mitta. The next king of the country was king Vijayabahu’s younger brother Buwanekabahu but he moved the capital from Dambadeniya to Yapahuwa. Thus marking the end of the Dambadeniya kingdom with the end of King Vijayabahu IV ‘s reign. There were some specific coins used in the Dambadeniya era. Those were used in the reigns of king Parakramabahu II, King Vijayabahu IV, and King Buwanekabahu respectively. The name of the relevant king appears on each coin and those are written using Brahmee letters. Dambadeniya was maintained as a Kingdom only for a short period from 1232-1273. Yapahuwa became the capital with the end of the Dambadeniya era. Claim listing is the best way to manage and protect your business. Singup to our Newsletter and recieve amazing information about the attractions, Things to Do, Travel Deals, Hotels, Dining options and many more Links For Business Owners

iya was maintained as a Kingdom only for a short period from 1232-1273. Yapahuwa became the capital with the end of the Dambadeniya era. Claim listing is the best way to manage and protect your business. Singup to our Newsletter and recieve amazing information about the attractions, Things to Do, Travel Deals, Hotels, Dining options and many more Links For Business Owners

Weather forecasts in the US could be in trouble, as the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – the guys in charge of flogging off the wireless spectrum for the 5G network to be developed – are being warned by meteorologists that it could make weather reports around the world. It’s a tough situation for the FCC, as the feds now have to decide whether accurate weather forecasting or a faster mobile phone signal is more important. Meanwhile, 5G bods around the world could soon be facing a similar conundrum. The acting chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Neil Jacobs, took to Capitol Hill on Thursday last week to say that interference from 5G phones could hit weather reports, making them 30 percent less accurate. This is quite a substantial change, Jacobs said to the House Subcommittee on the Environment: “If you look back in time to see when our forecast scale was roughly 30 percent less than today, it was 1980.” This was reported by WIRED, who have dug a little more into what this means. Related: What is 5G? When asked for examples, Jacobs suggested that the reduction in capabilities could lead to inaccurate predictions of storm paths, and even two or three fewer days of preparation time for coastal residents faced with hurricanes. The reason behind it is a real moment of weird science: water vapor emits a very faint signal at the 23.8 GHz frequency. Meteorologists monitor this using satellites. Now, the FCC began auctioning off its 24GHz frequency band to wireless carriers around the world, faced with objection from NOAA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the American Meteorological Society. The 24GHz band is pushing pretty close to the magic 23.8 GHz the weather bods need. Related: 5G Smartphones And the NOAA reckon that interference to its satellites from 5G could result in a 77 percent loss in data. While the FCC could switch to a different bandwidth, the FCC has already planned 5G auctions for frequencies close to the ones used to detect atmospheric

at this means. Related: What is 5G? When asked for examples, Jacobs suggested that the reduction in capabilities could lead to inaccurate predictions of storm paths, and even two or three fewer days of preparation time for coastal residents faced with hurricanes. The reason behind it is a real moment of weird science: water vapor emits a very faint signal at the 23.8 GHz frequency. Meteorologists monitor this using satellites. Now, the FCC began auctioning off its 24GHz frequency band to wireless carriers around the world, faced with objection from NOAA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the American Meteorological Society. The 24GHz band is pushing pretty close to the magic 23.8 GHz the weather bods need. Related: 5G Smartphones And the NOAA reckon that interference to its satellites from 5G could result in a 77 percent loss in data. While the FCC could switch to a different bandwidth, the FCC has already planned 5G auctions for frequencies close to the ones used to detect atmospheric temperature (50.2 – 50.4 GHz), rain and snow (36 – 37 GHz) and clouds and ice (80-90 GHz) so the problem isn’t a simple fix. This will come to the world stage in October, with a world radio conference taking place in October for nations around the world to come together and hash out the interference level. However, while countries with milder weather might be okay, places dealing with dangerous weather could have a tough dilemma on their hands: do they want the fastest possible internet or accurate weather predictions

temperature (50.2 – 50.4 GHz), rain and snow (36 – 37 GHz) and clouds and ice (80-90 GHz) so the problem isn’t a simple fix. This will come to the world stage in October, with a world radio conference taking place in October for nations around the world to come together and hash out the interference level. However, while countries with milder weather might be okay, places dealing with dangerous weather could have a tough dilemma on their hands: do they want the fastest possible internet or accurate weather predictions

The Death of Moses 1Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4And the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, 6and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 9And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel. No Sermons were found for this passage. No Series were found this for passage. Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

US Pharm. 2018;43(9):14. National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data indicate that 15.5% of all women who intend to become pregnant are infertile (unable to conceive after 1 year of trying) and 6.7% of married women aged 15 to 44 years are infertile. Fecundity is impaired (i.e., physical difficulty in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to live birth) in 12% of women, regardless of marital status, and in 23.6% of married childless women. Prevalence: The NSFG reported that from 2011 to 2015, among women aged 15 to 44 years, the percent distribution of those who were childless was 45.1%, and that of women who were involuntarily childless (physically unable to have children) was 2.1%. According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, couples aged 29 to 33 years with normal-functioning reproductive systems had a 20% to 25% chance of conceiving in any given month, and after 6 months of trying, 60% of couples conceived without medical assistance. Treatment: For the period from 2011 to 2015, the NSFG reported that 11.9% of women (7.3 million) aged 15 to 44 years received infertility services from healthcare professionals. The types of services provided were advice (6.3%), medical help to prevent miscarriage (5.4%), testing (5.2%), ovulation drugs (4.2%), and artificial insemination (1.4%). Among infertile women, 44% sought medical intervention and 65% gave birth. Approximately 85% to 90% of female infertility cases were treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. Fewer than 3% needed advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to the CDC’s report on assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rates, live birth rates per fresh nondonor embryo transfers were 38%, 32%, 23%, 14%, 7%, and 3%, respectively, in women aged <35, 35 to 37, 38 to 40, 41 to 42, 43 to 44, and >44 years. Of the 263,577 ART cycles performed in 2016, 25% resulted in 65,996 live births (i.e., deliveries of 1 or more infants), 29.2% resulted in 76,930 live-born infants, and 25% (65,840) were perform

d that 11.9% of women (7.3 million) aged 15 to 44 years received infertility services from healthcare professionals. The types of services provided were advice (6.3%), medical help to prevent miscarriage (5.4%), testing (5.2%), ovulation drugs (4.2%), and artificial insemination (1.4%). Among infertile women, 44% sought medical intervention and 65% gave birth. Approximately 85% to 90% of female infertility cases were treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. Fewer than 3% needed advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). According to the CDC’s report on assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rates, live birth rates per fresh nondonor embryo transfers were 38%, 32%, 23%, 14%, 7%, and 3%, respectively, in women aged <35, 35 to 37, 38 to 40, 41 to 42, 43 to 44, and >44 years. Of the 263,577 ART cycles performed in 2016, 25% resulted in 65,996 live births (i.e., deliveries of 1 or more infants), 29.2% resulted in 76,930 live-born infants, and 25% (65,840) were performed with the intention of freezing the embryos for the future. Demand for ART has doubled over the last decade, and currently 1.7% of all infants born every year are conceived via ART. Emotional Impact of Infertility: Fewer than 50% of women who could benefit from medical/behavioral services received such services. In couples diagnosed with female factor infertility, wives experience significantly more depression than their husbands. Compared with women who conceive naturally, those who conceive after IVF have greater pregnancy-specific anxiety, poorer quality of life, less depression, similar self-esteem, more positive attitudes toward pregnancy demands, and higher levels of maternal-fetal attachment. To comment on this article, contact [email protected].

ed with the intention of freezing the embryos for the future. Demand for ART has doubled over the last decade, and currently 1.7% of all infants born every year are conceived via ART. Emotional Impact of Infertility: Fewer than 50% of women who could benefit from medical/behavioral services received such services. In couples diagnosed with female factor infertility, wives experience significantly more depression than their husbands. Compared with women who conceive naturally, those who conceive after IVF have greater pregnancy-specific anxiety, poorer quality of life, less depression, similar self-esteem, more positive attitudes toward pregnancy demands, and higher levels of maternal-fetal attachment. To comment on this article, contact [email protected].

The lens is a normally clear structure that acts as a focusing device for the images projected on the retina in the back of the eye. Cataracts are opacities that develop in the lens, preventing image projection, which can eventually lead to vision loss. Veterinary Referral Center (VRC) is welcoming Dr. Zachary Badanes, who is reestablishing our hospital’s ophthalmology service. Since cataracts are a fairly common eye issue, knowing more about the condition can help you recognize signs in your pet. Cataract causes in pets The lens is composed of thin, clear, highly organized protein fibers. A cataract causes a permanent change, transforming the clear protein to a milky, white opacity. Numerous conditions can result in cataract development, including: - Genetics — The most common cause of cataracts in dogs is a genetic predisposition. Hereditary cataracts have been identified in several dog breeds, including the Afghan hound, bichon frise, Boston terrier, Chesapeake Bay retriever, German shepherd, golden retriever, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. - Diabetes — About 75 percent of diabetic dogs develop cataracts. When the dog’s blood sugar rises, the sugar level in the eye fluids also increases. The lens absorbs this excess sugar, which ultimately results in cataract formation. Early referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is the best way to manage these dogs. - Geriatric — As pets age, the proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, resulting in cataract formation. - Inflammation — Cataracts can occur when inflammation breaks down the proteins and fibers in the lens. - Trauma — If the capsule that encloses the lens is disrupted, the immune system recognizes the lens proteins as foreign, and attacks, resulting in inflammation and potential cataract formation. - Congenital — Some pets are born with cataracts. - Dietary deficiencies — Amino acid deficiencies, including histidine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and arginine, have been linked to cataracts. - Toxins — Certain toxins, including ketoconazole a

ver, Labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. - Diabetes — About 75 percent of diabetic dogs develop cataracts. When the dog’s blood sugar rises, the sugar level in the eye fluids also increases. The lens absorbs this excess sugar, which ultimately results in cataract formation. Early referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist is the best way to manage these dogs. - Geriatric — As pets age, the proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, resulting in cataract formation. - Inflammation — Cataracts can occur when inflammation breaks down the proteins and fibers in the lens. - Trauma — If the capsule that encloses the lens is disrupted, the immune system recognizes the lens proteins as foreign, and attacks, resulting in inflammation and potential cataract formation. - Congenital — Some pets are born with cataracts. - Dietary deficiencies — Amino acid deficiencies, including histidine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and arginine, have been linked to cataracts. - Toxins — Certain toxins, including ketoconazole and disophenol, have been linked to cataracts. - Electric shock — The exact cause is unknown, but receiving an electric shock can cause cataracts. Cataract signs and diagnosis in pets A cataract causes the lens in the center of your pet’s eye to appear white, gray, or cloudy. Cataracts can affect only part of the lens, or the entire structure. The opaque area impedes normal image formation, and causes vision loss. Pets are exceptionally good at adapting to vision loss, especially if the loss is gradual. This means you may not realize your pet has developed a cataract until you see the changes in their eyes, at which point the cataract may be advanced. Advanced cataracts often incite more inflammation inside the eye, which can decrease your pet’s eligibility for cataract surgery. Having a veterinary professional regularly monitor your pet’s eyes is the best way to detect cataracts early, when they can best be managed. If your pet has developed a cataract that causes vision loss, our ophthalmology department wil

nd disophenol, have been linked to cataracts. - Electric shock — The exact cause is unknown, but receiving an electric shock can cause cataracts. Cataract signs and diagnosis in pets A cataract causes the lens in the center of your pet’s eye to appear white, gray, or cloudy. Cataracts can affect only part of the lens, or the entire structure. The opaque area impedes normal image formation, and causes vision loss. Pets are exceptionally good at adapting to vision loss, especially if the loss is gradual. This means you may not realize your pet has developed a cataract until you see the changes in their eyes, at which point the cataract may be advanced. Advanced cataracts often incite more inflammation inside the eye, which can decrease your pet’s eligibility for cataract surgery. Having a veterinary professional regularly monitor your pet’s eyes is the best way to detect cataracts early, when they can best be managed. If your pet has developed a cataract that causes vision loss, our ophthalmology department will assess whether they are a good candidate for cataract surgery. Diagnostics include: - Blood work — Screening blood work will be performed, to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia. - Ultrasound — An ocular ultrasound will be performed to assess the back of your pet’s eye, since an advanced cataract makes visualization difficult. - Electroretinogram (ERG) — An ERG measures the retina’s electrical activity in response to a light stimulus, assessing your pet’s retina health. Pets who have retinal degeneration or retinal detachment are not typically good surgery candidates, as cataract removal is unlikely to restore their vision. - Tonometry — Your pet’s eye pressure will be evaluated, to determine if they are affected by glaucoma. Pets who have glaucoma may not be good candidates for cataract surgery. Cataract medical management in pets The primary goal when medically managing a cataract is to maintain the pet’s comfort, and manage inflammation to prevent secondary complications, such

l assess whether they are a good candidate for cataract surgery. Diagnostics include: - Blood work — Screening blood work will be performed, to ensure your pet is healthy enough to undergo general anesthesia. - Ultrasound — An ocular ultrasound will be performed to assess the back of your pet’s eye, since an advanced cataract makes visualization difficult. - Electroretinogram (ERG) — An ERG measures the retina’s electrical activity in response to a light stimulus, assessing your pet’s retina health. Pets who have retinal degeneration or retinal detachment are not typically good surgery candidates, as cataract removal is unlikely to restore their vision. - Tonometry — Your pet’s eye pressure will be evaluated, to determine if they are affected by glaucoma. Pets who have glaucoma may not be good candidates for cataract surgery. Cataract medical management in pets The primary goal when medically managing a cataract is to maintain the pet’s comfort, and manage inflammation to prevent secondary complications, such as lens luxation and glaucoma. Medical management cannot restore vision, but for pets who are not surgery candidates, this approach is the best way to keep their eyes pain-free. Regular monitoring by a veterinary professional is important to evaluate for secondary complications. Potential long-term management protocols can include topical lubricants to maintain corneal health, and possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to manage inflammation. Other medications will be needed if your pet develops glaucoma. Cataract surgery in pets Surgery is the only vision-restoring option to manage cataracts, and involves a process called phacoemulsification, in which special surgical equipment uses sound waves to break apart the lens. The pieces are then removed from the lens capsule, and an artificial lens is implanted. Cataract surgery is approximately 90 percent successful, and pets who have early stage cataracts typically experience fewer complications and have better outcomes. After surgery, pets usually stay one n

as lens luxation and glaucoma. Medical management cannot restore vision, but for pets who are not surgery candidates, this approach is the best way to keep their eyes pain-free. Regular monitoring by a veterinary professional is important to evaluate for secondary complications. Potential long-term management protocols can include topical lubricants to maintain corneal health, and possibly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to manage inflammation. Other medications will be needed if your pet develops glaucoma. Cataract surgery in pets Surgery is the only vision-restoring option to manage cataracts, and involves a process called phacoemulsification, in which special surgical equipment uses sound waves to break apart the lens. The pieces are then removed from the lens capsule, and an artificial lens is implanted. Cataract surgery is approximately 90 percent successful, and pets who have early stage cataracts typically experience fewer complications and have better outcomes. After surgery, pets usually stay one night in the hospital, and they will wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from rubbing their eyes. You will need to administer three to four topical eye medications to your pet for several weeks. Initially, the drops should be given four times a day, with the frequency decreasing over time. Dr. Badanes will need to reevaluate your pet at one week, three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months after surgery, and potentially more frequently, if complications occur. Possible complications include: - Retinal detachment — The retina lies along the back of the eye, and is important for normal vision. Retinal detachment occurs when the retinal layer separates from the back of the eye. This can cause permanent vision loss, but this complication is not common after cataract surgery. - Glaucoma — Glaucoma occurs when inadequate fluid drainage causes increased pressure inside the eye. Topical medications can control ocular pressure. - Chronic inflammation — Some inflammation is expected after cataract surger

ight in the hospital, and they will wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from rubbing their eyes. You will need to administer three to four topical eye medications to your pet for several weeks. Initially, the drops should be given four times a day, with the frequency decreasing over time. Dr. Badanes will need to reevaluate your pet at one week, three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months after surgery, and potentially more frequently, if complications occur. Possible complications include: - Retinal detachment — The retina lies along the back of the eye, and is important for normal vision. Retinal detachment occurs when the retinal layer separates from the back of the eye. This can cause permanent vision loss, but this complication is not common after cataract surgery. - Glaucoma — Glaucoma occurs when inadequate fluid drainage causes increased pressure inside the eye. Topical medications can control ocular pressure. - Chronic inflammation — Some inflammation is expected after cataract surgery, but persistent inflammation requires long-term management. Cataracts can significantly affect a pet’s vision, but when caught early and managed appropriately, their vision can be salvaged. If you think your pet may have cataracts, contact our VRC team, so Dr. Badanes can evaluate your pet and determine whether they are a good cataract surgery candidate.

y, but persistent inflammation requires long-term management. Cataracts can significantly affect a pet’s vision, but when caught early and managed appropriately, their vision can be salvaged. If you think your pet may have cataracts, contact our VRC team, so Dr. Badanes can evaluate your pet and determine whether they are a good cataract surgery candidate.