On June 17 in 1941, WNBT-TV, channel 4 in New York City, was granted the first construction permit to operate a commercial TV station in the United States. WNBT signed on the air on July 1, 1941.
It was owned by Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and later changed its call letters to WRCA. As RCA developed the NBC Television Network and, especially, TV in ‘living’ color in the early 1950s, WRCA, as well as its TV counterpart in Los Angeles, KRCA-TV 4 (channel 4), changed call letters once again. The station became WNBC-TV. On the west coast, KRCA was changed to KNBC-TV.
Both stations remain the flagships of NBC television and are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the television network.
Jun 16, 2011
Charles Dickens
He was the author of numerous classics including Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities, and A Christmas Carol. He attended elementary school until his life took a twist of its own when his father was imprisoned for debt. At age 12, he left school and began working ten-hour days in a boot-blacking factory. Dickens later worked as a law clerk and a court stenographer.
At age 22, he became a journalist, reporting parliamentary debate and covering election campaigns for a newspaper. His first collection of stories, Sketches by Boz (Boz was his nickname), was published in 1836 and led to his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, in March 1836.
At age 22, he became a journalist, reporting parliamentary debate and covering election campaigns for a newspaper. His first collection of stories, Sketches by Boz (Boz was his nickname), was published in 1836 and led to his first novel, The Pickwick Papers, in March 1836.
League of Nations, United Nations, NATO, SCO
The League of Nations was formed after World War I (1914-1919) and was dissolved by the beginning of World War II (1939). It was an intergovernmental organization founded as a result of the Paris Peace Conference that ended World War I, and it was the precursor to the United Nations.
The League was the first permanent international security organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace. It had 58 members. The League's primary goals included preventing war through collective security, disarmament, and settling international disputes through negotiation and arbitration. Germany, under Hitler, withdrew from the League and was followed by other nations. WWII showed that the League had failed its primary purpose, which was to avoid a future world war.
The name "United Nations" was devised by US president Franklin D. Roosevelt following World War II and set up as another world organization for preventing future wars. The United Nations officially came into existence in October 1945, when the Atlantic Charter had been ratified by China, France, USSR, UK, and a majority of other signatories. It has 192 members. The main purposes of the United Nations are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, human rights, social progress and accomplish world peace.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949. The organization constitutes a system of collective defense where its members agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. It has 28 members. The Korean War galvanized the member states, and an integrated military structure was built up under the direction of two US supreme commanders.
The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the world's defense spending. The United States accounts for 43% of the total military spending of the world and the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy account for another 15%.
The six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was set up in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to address religious extremism and border security in Central Asia, and as a security counterweight to NATO that would allow Russia and China to rival US influence in Asia. It is now also looking to cooperate at an economic level. Its membership includes the ex-Soviet Central Asian states and with India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan attending meetings as observers. Its summits bring together an eclectic gathering of world leaders. In a recent summit declaration signed by all the member states, the organization also attacked missile defense programs in another apparent dig at the United States.
According to Defense Secretary Gates this past week, NATO may have a dim future and may no longer be worth the cost to the US.
The League was the first permanent international security organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace. It had 58 members. The League's primary goals included preventing war through collective security, disarmament, and settling international disputes through negotiation and arbitration. Germany, under Hitler, withdrew from the League and was followed by other nations. WWII showed that the League had failed its primary purpose, which was to avoid a future world war.
The name "United Nations" was devised by US president Franklin D. Roosevelt following World War II and set up as another world organization for preventing future wars. The United Nations officially came into existence in October 1945, when the Atlantic Charter had been ratified by China, France, USSR, UK, and a majority of other signatories. It has 192 members. The main purposes of the United Nations are to facilitate cooperation in international law, international security, human rights, social progress and accomplish world peace.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on 4 April 1949. The organization constitutes a system of collective defense where its members agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. It has 28 members. The Korean War galvanized the member states, and an integrated military structure was built up under the direction of two US supreme commanders.
The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the world's defense spending. The United States accounts for 43% of the total military spending of the world and the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy account for another 15%.
The six-member Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was set up in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to address religious extremism and border security in Central Asia, and as a security counterweight to NATO that would allow Russia and China to rival US influence in Asia. It is now also looking to cooperate at an economic level. Its membership includes the ex-Soviet Central Asian states and with India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan attending meetings as observers. Its summits bring together an eclectic gathering of world leaders. In a recent summit declaration signed by all the member states, the organization also attacked missile defense programs in another apparent dig at the United States.
According to Defense Secretary Gates this past week, NATO may have a dim future and may no longer be worth the cost to the US.
Jun 10, 2011
Happy Friday
Heal the past, live the present, dream the future.
I am healed from last week and living today as I dream about having another Happy Friday!
I am healed from last week and living today as I dream about having another Happy Friday!
Facebook Faces
Did you know Facebook has a feature called 'Facial Recognition' that allows people to tag photos that may contain your face, without your permission? It has been around for a while and this feature is turned on automatically. If you like to be tagged in photos, enjoy. If not, to turn it off:
1 Go to the "Account" tab in the top right hand corner
2 Click on "Privacy settings"
3 Click "Customize settings"
4 Scroll down to "Things others share"
5 Click "Edit settings" next to "Suggest photos of me to friends"
6 Choose "Disable" or "Enable" from the drop down
1 Go to the "Account" tab in the top right hand corner
2 Click on "Privacy settings"
3 Click "Customize settings"
4 Scroll down to "Things others share"
5 Click "Edit settings" next to "Suggest photos of me to friends"
6 Choose "Disable" or "Enable" from the drop down
China Consumes
China consumes 53% of the world's cement. It consumes 48% of the world's iron ore and consumes 47% of the world's coal (more than the rest of the world combined). China is well ahead of the US in the consumption of television sets, refrigerators, and mobile phones. China has become the world's second largest luxury goods consumer with 27.5% of the world's luxury goods. It also consumes 25% of the world's beer.
Jun 9, 2011
Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles
These tiny little things are used in all sorts of things we never hear about, but are changing our lives. Nanotechnology is a broad term that covers many areas of science, research, and technology. In its most basic form, it can be described as working with things that are small. Things so tiny that they can't be seen with standard microscopes. The same stuff that has always been there, but we just couldn't see it.
Here is a comparison - A nanoparticle size is compared to an ant as an ant is compared to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
More relative sizes: (nm is nanometer)
The head of a pin 1,000,000 nm across You can see these with your eyes unaided
The page of a book 100,000 nm thick
A human hair 40,000 nm thick
A red blood cell 7,000 nm across You can see these using a light microscope
DNA molecule 2 nm wide
Most atoms 0.1–0.2 nm
During the next 20 years, nanotechnology will touch the life of nearly every person on the planet. Below is a guide to uses for some of these nano wonders.
Quantum dots - are made of semiconducting molecules, they glow fluorescently and are great at absorbing light. Used for more efficient solar cells and microscopy dyes for cell biology research.
Silica - silicon dioxide nanoparticles enable so-called shear thickening fluid to become stronger on impact. Used for stab-resistant Kevlar for body armor.
Zinc oxide - tiny crystals stop UV radiation and are toxic to microscopic life. Used for UV-resistant packaging, sunscreen, and paint and textiles that inhibit bacteria and fungi.
Nano barcodes - bits of various metals linked into tiny wires make good tags for microscopic things. Used for tracking DNA and cells.
Lithium iron phosphate - particles organize themselves into an anode, which allows batteries to charge and deliver power extremely quickly. Used for electric cars, power tools.
Iron oxide - mini magnets can stick to certain chemicals. Used for steering cancer drugs and genes to targets in the body while minimizing collateral damage. Sometimes smaller is better.
Here is a comparison - A nanoparticle size is compared to an ant as an ant is compared to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
More relative sizes: (nm is nanometer)
The head of a pin 1,000,000 nm across You can see these with your eyes unaided
The page of a book 100,000 nm thick
A human hair 40,000 nm thick
A red blood cell 7,000 nm across You can see these using a light microscope
DNA molecule 2 nm wide
Most atoms 0.1–0.2 nm
During the next 20 years, nanotechnology will touch the life of nearly every person on the planet. Below is a guide to uses for some of these nano wonders.
Quantum dots - are made of semiconducting molecules, they glow fluorescently and are great at absorbing light. Used for more efficient solar cells and microscopy dyes for cell biology research.
Silica - silicon dioxide nanoparticles enable so-called shear thickening fluid to become stronger on impact. Used for stab-resistant Kevlar for body armor.
Zinc oxide - tiny crystals stop UV radiation and are toxic to microscopic life. Used for UV-resistant packaging, sunscreen, and paint and textiles that inhibit bacteria and fungi.
Nano barcodes - bits of various metals linked into tiny wires make good tags for microscopic things. Used for tracking DNA and cells.
Lithium iron phosphate - particles organize themselves into an anode, which allows batteries to charge and deliver power extremely quickly. Used for electric cars, power tools.
Iron oxide - mini magnets can stick to certain chemicals. Used for steering cancer drugs and genes to targets in the body while minimizing collateral damage. Sometimes smaller is better.
Eight 7-Eleven Facts
Now for something bigger.
7-Eleven is operated under the Seven-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd.
US headquarters is in Dallas, Texas.
The busiest location Is in Samutprakarn, Thailand.
The largest drink is sells is the Team Gulp at 128 ounces.
It has 39,000 stores globally (more than McDonalds).
It released two propriety wines, Yosemite Road brand, in 2009.
7-Eleven's birthday is on July 11.
All of the stores originally operated from 7 a.m. to 11.p.m.
7-Eleven is operated under the Seven-Eleven Japan Co. Ltd.
US headquarters is in Dallas, Texas.
The busiest location Is in Samutprakarn, Thailand.
The largest drink is sells is the Team Gulp at 128 ounces.
It has 39,000 stores globally (more than McDonalds).
It released two propriety wines, Yosemite Road brand, in 2009.
7-Eleven's birthday is on July 11.
All of the stores originally operated from 7 a.m. to 11.p.m.
Little Rules of Life
Sing in the shower.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
Never refuse homemade brownies.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Plant a tree on your birthday.
Learn 3 clean jokes.
Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
Compliment 3 people every day.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Keep it simple.
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Floss your teeth.
Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.
Overtip breakfast waitresses.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Say, "Thank you" a lot.
Say, "Please" a lot.
Avoid negative people.
Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Carry jumper cables in your truck.
Have a firm handshake.
Send lots of Valentine cards.
Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
Look people in the eye.
Be the first to say hello.
Use the good silver.
Return all things you borrow.
Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.
Keep a few secrets.
Sing in a choir.
Plant flowers every spring.
Have a dog.
Always accept an outstretched hand.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Wave at kids on school busses.
Be there when people need you.
Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the power of love.
Drink champagne for no reason at all.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
Compliment even small improvements.
Keep your promises no matter what.
Marry for love.
Rekindle old friendships.
Count your blessings.
Call your mother.
by H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
Never refuse homemade brownies.
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
Plant a tree on your birthday.
Learn 3 clean jokes.
Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.
Compliment 3 people every day.
Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
Leave everything a little better than you found it.
Keep it simple.
Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.
Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
Floss your teeth.
Ask for a raise when you think you've earned it.
Overtip breakfast waitresses.
Be forgiving of yourself and others.
Say, "Thank you" a lot.
Say, "Please" a lot.
Avoid negative people.
Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.
Wear polished shoes.
Remember other people's birthdays.
Commit yourself to constant improvement.
Carry jumper cables in your truck.
Have a firm handshake.
Send lots of Valentine cards.
Sign them, "Someone who thinks you're terrific."
Look people in the eye.
Be the first to say hello.
Use the good silver.
Return all things you borrow.
Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.
Keep a few secrets.
Sing in a choir.
Plant flowers every spring.
Have a dog.
Always accept an outstretched hand.
Stop blaming others.
Take responsibility for every area of your life.
Wave at kids on school busses.
Be there when people need you.
Feed a stranger's expired parking meter.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Never underestimate the power of love.
Drink champagne for no reason at all.
Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.
Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake."
Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
Compliment even small improvements.
Keep your promises no matter what.
Marry for love.
Rekindle old friendships.
Count your blessings.
Call your mother.
by H. Jackson Brown Jr.
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