I'm cheering for you clever girl
الخميس، 25 ديسمبر 2008
الأربعاء، 24 ديسمبر 2008
fish
Fish are aquatic vertebrate animals that are typically ectothermic (previously cold-blooded), covered with scales, and equipped with two sets of paired fins and several unpaired fins. Fish are abundant in the sea and in fresh water, with species being known from mountain streams (e.g., char and gudgeon) as well as in the deepest depths of the ocean (e.g., gulpers and anglerfish).
Fish are of tremendous importance as food for people around the world, either collected from the wild (see fishing) or farmed in much the same way as cattle or chickens (see aquaculture). Fish are also exploited for recreation, through angling and fishkeeping, and are commonly exhibited in public aquaria.
Fish have an important role in many cultures through the ages, ranging as widely as deities and religious symbols to subjects of books and popular movies in various cultures.
Fish are of tremendous importance as food for people around the world, either collected from the wild (see fishing) or farmed in much the same way as cattle or chickens (see aquaculture). Fish are also exploited for recreation, through angling and fishkeeping, and are commonly exhibited in public aquaria.
Fish have an important role in many cultures through the ages, ranging as widely as deities and religious symbols to subjects of books and popular movies in various cultures.
الاثنين، 22 ديسمبر 2008
Life After High School
"So, what are you doing after graduation?" Many juniors and seniors get bored answering that question over and over. Whether your plans include college, heading straight for the workforce, or taking a year off, here are some practical tips to prepare yourself for the journey.
Going to College
Some people know from an early age exactly what they want to be and how they plan to get there. Rachel's dad is a doctor and his love for his chosen career inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Rachel, who is about to start medical school, said she chose her undergraduate program with the idea of medical school in mind.
Not all of us are so sure of our plans, though, and that's OK too. Many people start off in a liberal arts program in college and then decide on a major after a year or two. (School counselors say that 75% of students change their majors after they enter college.) School is also not just about careers and getting a high-paying job after graduation — it's a place for learning about yourself and the world.
Selecting a School
If college is in your future, you need to plan. Which schools appeal to you? How are you going to pay for your education?
How do you decide on a school when there are thousands to pick from? Start by asking yourself questions about your preferences:
1.What are my strengths?
2.Am I interested in liberal arts or science or business?
3.What kind of learning environment is best for me?
4.Would I be more comfortable in a small school or would I feel confined?
5.Do I want to stay close to home or live far away?
6.Would I prefer to be in a city environment or a small college town?
7.Should I go to a school where athletics are big or where fraternities or sororities rule?
8.Do I like being with people who are mostly like me or do I want to meet a diverse group?
Ask friends and older siblings who are in college about their schools and about other schools they're familiar with. Talk to your school counselor or one of your teachers and go to college fairs when they visit your town.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, ask the schools to send you literature. Visit their websites. When you've whittled your list down to a manageable number, make arrangements to visit. Try to do this when school is in session so you can get a good idea of what life is really like on campus.
And remember: You're not the only one making a decision. Schools are picking from a large pool of applicants. They want to know how well-rounded you are and what makes you stand out from everyone else. They will look at your grade point average, standardized test scores, class rank, personal essay, and your extracurricular activities — so it's important to dedicate time and effort to all these things.
Admissions Options
Most schools offer a range of admissions options. Investigate which of these your favorite schools offer:
Regular admissions means that schools mail their decisions in April.
Rolling admissions means that a school processes applications as they come in; you can apply at any time, but it's best to be early because spots fill up.
The early-decision option is for students who are really sure about the school they want to attend, and who want to know earlier than April if they have been admitted. There's a drawback to applying under an early-decision option, though: You are promising that school that you'll attend if you're admitted.
Some schools offer an early-action option, which means that students can be admitted early but don't have to attend.
Money, Money, Money
Don't cross a school off your list just because the tuition is steep. Ask your school counselor about possible community scholarships. Ask the school's financial-aid office about scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. See if your parents' employers offer scholarships. And check out organizations within your community. An amazing number of college funding sources are out there for students with specific career goals in mind. Your high school guidance counselor should be a good resource for finding these.
To apply for federal aid in the United States, you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, although some schools use their own forms. Check with your school counselor to be sure you've covered all the bases when it comes to financial aid.
Getting a Job
Maybe you've decided that college isn't for you — right now, anyway. If you want to join the workforce, opportunities are out there for people who don't have degrees. One path that some grads take is joining the military or a service corps. Some retail or hospitality industry organizations offer training programs to high school grads. Check out the possibilities in computing, bookkeeping and payroll, or sales.
Talk to your school counselor or a favorite teacher about the job market in your area. Make sure your parents' friends know you're looking. Scour the classified ads in the newspaper and do some Internet research. Most large companies list their job openings on their websites.
Don't overlook trade opportunities. Matt studied industrial engineering in college. Halfway through the first year, he decided school just wasn't working out, although he stayed for the full year. So he transferred into an apprenticeship program to become an electrician. "Sometimes you feel that society says you have to go to college, especially if you're a good student, and I went through that battle in my head," says Matt. "But I knew I had to figure out what was right for me. And now that I have, I don't regret my choice at all."
Taking Time Off
For some people, the prospect of starting college, especially going away to school, is scary. It's probably the first time that you'll be totally responsible for your own schedule. What if you intend to go to college but just don't feel ready to start yet — for whatever reason — and you don't want to take on a full-time job after graduation? You might want to take a year off to pause and regroup. This practice is common in some countries, like the United Kingdom, where it's called a "gap year."
Taking time off doesn't mean you should ignore the idea of applying to college. In fact, you may want to consider making your college plans before you become involved in other things, especially if you'll be traveling. Apply to schools and make your choice, then ask for a deferred admission. Rachel took a year off and worked in New York City between college and medical school. She says that she had to be extremely well organized about planning for med school so she didn't miss any of her deadlines. "Not only did I have to apply to schools and make plans to take my MCAT exams, I also had to make all my living arrangements and other plans for my year off!"
Even if you decide not to apply to college, it can be a great idea to take a year to do something you may not have an opportunity to do again. Lots of volunteer organizations would welcome your time and energy and would provide you with a wonderful learning experience.
If you take a year off you'll learn some great life skills — like living on a tight budget! Plan how you'll pay your way while you're traveling or doing volunteer work. Can you live at home or with friends? Get a part-time job?
Talking to Your Parents
What if your post-graduation plans differ from what your parents have in mind? Talk openly with your parents about your plans — both for the short term (like what you want to do next year) and the long term (what you think you'd like to do in life). If your parents want you to go to college but you don't feel you're ready or that college is right for you, explain why.
"My parents were a little concerned that I wouldn't follow through on my plans for medical school if I took a year off," says Rachel. "But I explained how I was worried I'd burn out if I spent all that time in school — I just felt I needed a break to do something different. I think that when they saw all the planning I put into my medical school applications, they were reassured!"
Getting Advice
Even if your parents are cool, they probably don't know everything. For school and career guidance, visit your school counselor and talk with adult friends (for example, godparents or friends of the family). Make an effort to talk to people in the fields that interest you. If you think you want to be an accountant, call some accountants and ask them about their work. Most people are flattered to get calls like this, and they'll usually take the time to talk to a student.
Whatever you choose to do now does not have to be what you do forever. You can always go back to school or change a career path — lots of people do.
"So, what are you doing after graduation?" Many juniors and seniors get bored answering that question over and over. Whether your plans include college, heading straight for the workforce, or taking a year off, here are some practical tips to prepare yourself for the journey.
Going to College
Some people know from an early age exactly what they want to be and how they plan to get there. Rachel's dad is a doctor and his love for his chosen career inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Rachel, who is about to start medical school, said she chose her undergraduate program with the idea of medical school in mind.
Not all of us are so sure of our plans, though, and that's OK too. Many people start off in a liberal arts program in college and then decide on a major after a year or two. (School counselors say that 75% of students change their majors after they enter college.) School is also not just about careers and getting a high-paying job after graduation — it's a place for learning about yourself and the world.
Selecting a School
If college is in your future, you need to plan. Which schools appeal to you? How are you going to pay for your education?
How do you decide on a school when there are thousands to pick from? Start by asking yourself questions about your preferences:
1.What are my strengths?
2.Am I interested in liberal arts or science or business?
3.What kind of learning environment is best for me?
4.Would I be more comfortable in a small school or would I feel confined?
5.Do I want to stay close to home or live far away?
6.Would I prefer to be in a city environment or a small college town?
7.Should I go to a school where athletics are big or where fraternities or sororities rule?
8.Do I like being with people who are mostly like me or do I want to meet a diverse group?
Ask friends and older siblings who are in college about their schools and about other schools they're familiar with. Talk to your school counselor or one of your teachers and go to college fairs when they visit your town.
Once you've narrowed down your choices, ask the schools to send you literature. Visit their websites. When you've whittled your list down to a manageable number, make arrangements to visit. Try to do this when school is in session so you can get a good idea of what life is really like on campus.
And remember: You're not the only one making a decision. Schools are picking from a large pool of applicants. They want to know how well-rounded you are and what makes you stand out from everyone else. They will look at your grade point average, standardized test scores, class rank, personal essay, and your extracurricular activities — so it's important to dedicate time and effort to all these things.
Admissions Options
Most schools offer a range of admissions options. Investigate which of these your favorite schools offer:
Regular admissions means that schools mail their decisions in April.
Rolling admissions means that a school processes applications as they come in; you can apply at any time, but it's best to be early because spots fill up.
The early-decision option is for students who are really sure about the school they want to attend, and who want to know earlier than April if they have been admitted. There's a drawback to applying under an early-decision option, though: You are promising that school that you'll attend if you're admitted.
Some schools offer an early-action option, which means that students can be admitted early but don't have to attend.
Money, Money, Money
Don't cross a school off your list just because the tuition is steep. Ask your school counselor about possible community scholarships. Ask the school's financial-aid office about scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans. See if your parents' employers offer scholarships. And check out organizations within your community. An amazing number of college funding sources are out there for students with specific career goals in mind. Your high school guidance counselor should be a good resource for finding these.
To apply for federal aid in the United States, you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, although some schools use their own forms. Check with your school counselor to be sure you've covered all the bases when it comes to financial aid.
Getting a Job
Maybe you've decided that college isn't for you — right now, anyway. If you want to join the workforce, opportunities are out there for people who don't have degrees. One path that some grads take is joining the military or a service corps. Some retail or hospitality industry organizations offer training programs to high school grads. Check out the possibilities in computing, bookkeeping and payroll, or sales.
Talk to your school counselor or a favorite teacher about the job market in your area. Make sure your parents' friends know you're looking. Scour the classified ads in the newspaper and do some Internet research. Most large companies list their job openings on their websites.
Don't overlook trade opportunities. Matt studied industrial engineering in college. Halfway through the first year, he decided school just wasn't working out, although he stayed for the full year. So he transferred into an apprenticeship program to become an electrician. "Sometimes you feel that society says you have to go to college, especially if you're a good student, and I went through that battle in my head," says Matt. "But I knew I had to figure out what was right for me. And now that I have, I don't regret my choice at all."
Taking Time Off
For some people, the prospect of starting college, especially going away to school, is scary. It's probably the first time that you'll be totally responsible for your own schedule. What if you intend to go to college but just don't feel ready to start yet — for whatever reason — and you don't want to take on a full-time job after graduation? You might want to take a year off to pause and regroup. This practice is common in some countries, like the United Kingdom, where it's called a "gap year."
Taking time off doesn't mean you should ignore the idea of applying to college. In fact, you may want to consider making your college plans before you become involved in other things, especially if you'll be traveling. Apply to schools and make your choice, then ask for a deferred admission. Rachel took a year off and worked in New York City between college and medical school. She says that she had to be extremely well organized about planning for med school so she didn't miss any of her deadlines. "Not only did I have to apply to schools and make plans to take my MCAT exams, I also had to make all my living arrangements and other plans for my year off!"
Even if you decide not to apply to college, it can be a great idea to take a year to do something you may not have an opportunity to do again. Lots of volunteer organizations would welcome your time and energy and would provide you with a wonderful learning experience.
If you take a year off you'll learn some great life skills — like living on a tight budget! Plan how you'll pay your way while you're traveling or doing volunteer work. Can you live at home or with friends? Get a part-time job?
Talking to Your Parents
What if your post-graduation plans differ from what your parents have in mind? Talk openly with your parents about your plans — both for the short term (like what you want to do next year) and the long term (what you think you'd like to do in life). If your parents want you to go to college but you don't feel you're ready or that college is right for you, explain why.
"My parents were a little concerned that I wouldn't follow through on my plans for medical school if I took a year off," says Rachel. "But I explained how I was worried I'd burn out if I spent all that time in school — I just felt I needed a break to do something different. I think that when they saw all the planning I put into my medical school applications, they were reassured!"
Getting Advice
Even if your parents are cool, they probably don't know everything. For school and career guidance, visit your school counselor and talk with adult friends (for example, godparents or friends of the family). Make an effort to talk to people in the fields that interest you. If you think you want to be an accountant, call some accountants and ask them about their work. Most people are flattered to get calls like this, and they'll usually take the time to talk to a student.
Whatever you choose to do now does not have to be what you do forever. You can always go back to school or change a career path — lots of people do.
الجمعة، 19 ديسمبر 2008
Time Wasters
PUZZLESNumber LogicCaught up in the current Sudoku craze? This site offers a hefty supply of puzzles to tackle. Work independently or compete head-to-head against other registered users. There are three levels of difficulty; the site will time you (there's a pause button if you need to take a breather) and, if you wish, "validate" your answers (and highlight any mistakes). You don't have to sign in to use the site — but you do if you want your scores recorded.
CELEBRITY GOSSIPTMZKudos to these newshounds who broke the Mel Gibson story. TMZ is the place to go when you need a shot of entertainment and celebrity news; its "gotcha" style reminds us of The Smoking Gun. Scroll down to the bottom of the home page for links to the latest posts on some of the other "hot blogs" in the celeb category, including "L.A. gossip rag" Defamer and the more media-centric, Manhattan-based Gawker. Got more time to kill? Pink Is the New Blog dishes with flare. (Full disclosure: TMZ.com is part of AOL, which is owned by the same company that owns Time.com.)
MOOD LIFTERCute OverloadBecause sometimes you just need to look at pictures of kittens. Or farm animals. Or hedgehogs. This popular blog provides a daily dose of cute imagery, found somewhere on the Internet or emailed in by a fan. Browse categories ("Pocket Pets," "Cats N Racks") or follow the site's links to more cuteness at sites like Baby Animalz.com and Pandafix .
PAINTINGJackson Pollock by Miltos Manetas Here's a place where you can indulge your inner abstract expressionist: move your mouse to splatter virtual paint and click to change the color. To create a hard copy, right-click on the "canvas" and select Print.
FREE GAMESShockwaveYou'll find a variety of ways to procrastinate here — there are games you can play by yourself, and multiplayer games; flash games you play inside your browser, and games you download. You can browse by category or search by keyword (check out Loop, under Adventure). If you don't already have the latest Shockwave Player installed on your computer, you'll be prompted to download it.
MONSTER MASHYu-Gi-Oh GrooveHere's one for the kids: a site that features characters from the popular anime world of Yu-Gi-Oh, doing something they don't ordinarily do: dance. It's silly and fun — you mix and match the music and moves. Developer Timothy Harris photographed the actual toys in various poses to create the stop-motion animations. Best feature: though sponsored by Mattel, there's not an ad or corporate logo in sight.
الاثنين، 15 ديسمبر 2008
Tar: (القطران)
is a viscous black liquid derived from the destructive distillation of organic matter. Most tar is produced from coal as a byproduct of coke production, but it can also be produced from petroleum, peat or wood.
Rainforests;(الغابات المطيرة)
are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 1750–2000 mm (68-78inches).
Global warming:(الحترار العالمي)
is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation.
الاثنين، 8 ديسمبر 2008
السبت، 6 ديسمبر 2008
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (Arabic ‘Īd ul-’Aḍḥā) or the Festival of Sacrifice is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims and Druze worldwide in commemoration of the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
The devil tempted Ibrahim by saying he should disobey God and spare his son. As Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and instead provided a lamb as the sacrifice.
This is why today all over the world Muslims who have the means to, sacrifice an animal (usually a goat or a sheep), as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to God. The meat is then shared out with family, friends (Muslims or non-Muslims), as well as the poor members of the community. (Islam names Ishmael as the son who was to be sacrificed, whereas the Judeo-Christian name Isaac).
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from the Quran.[1] (Muslims in Iran celebrate a third, non-denominational Eid.) Like Eid el-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khuṭba).
Eid al-Adha annually falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar. The festivities last for two to three days or more depending on the country. Eid al-Adha occurs the day after the pilgrims conducting Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.
Eid al-Adha
What is Eid al-Adha
At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2008, Eid al-Adha will begin on approximately December 8th, and will last for three days.
At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2008, Eid al-Adha will begin on approximately December 8th, and will last for three days.
What does Eid al-Adha commemoratr?
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.
الجمعة، 5 ديسمبر 2008
apple
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. The tree is small and deciduous, reaching 3 to 12 metres tall, with a broad, often densely twiggy crown.The leaves are alternately arranged simple ovals 5 to 12 cm long and 3–6 centimetres broad on a 2 to 5 centimetres petiole with an acute tip, serrated margin and a slightly downy underside. Blossoms are produced in spring simultaneously with the budding of the leaves. The flowers are white with a pink tinge that gradually fades, five petaled.The fruit matures in autumn.The center of the fruit contains five carpels arranged in a five-point star, each carpel containing one to three seeds.
The tree originated from Central Asia, where its wild ancestor is still found today. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples resulting in range of desired characteristics. Cultivars vary in their yield and the ultimate size of the tree, even when grown on the same rootstock.
At least 55 million tonnes of apples were grown worldwide in 2005, with a value of about $10 billion. China produced about 35% of this total. The United States is the second leading producer, with more than 7.5% of the world production. Turkey, France, Italy and Iran are among the leading apple exporters.
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