An overview of Thomas Young's contributions to the fields of vision and light

Thomas Young was best known as a physician and physicist with a strong interest in sensory perception however he was a man of many interests.  Not only was he a gifted scientist and physician he was also fluent in several languages and studied Egyptology. In 1814 he began to study the Rosetta stone and went on to help translate the language of the ancient Egyptians.

Young made his first notable discovery while still in medical school when he found that the lens of the eye changes shape as it focuses on objects at varies distances. He went on to discover the cause of astigmatism in 1801.

Thomas Young and Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz developed what would become known as the Young-Helmholtz trichromatic theory.  This theory speculated that there were three types of cones in the human retina, which receive color stimulus and transmit it to the brain.  According to their theory each of the three types of cones are sensitive to one of three colors, red, green, or blue. Today our best understanding of the cones is that there are between 6 and 7 million with 64% being sensitive to red, 32% to green and 2% to blue.

Young began his experiments into the phenomenon known as interference in 1801 and this led to his wave theory of light. By splitting a beam of light from a single source and then recombining it he noticed that the light produced dark and light fringes. He concluded that the fringes were the result of the light acting as a wave with the peaks and troughs reinforcing or cancelling out one another.

English scientist did not immediately accept Young’s theory because it defied Newton’s theory of light.  According to Newton’s theory, which was published in 1704, light was made up of particles emitted by their source. Young’s theory began to be more widely accepted after he worked with French physicists Augustin Fresnel and Francois Arago. Fresnel had also experimented with the laws of interference although he achieved little notoriety for his work in optics. He is perhaps best known for developing the compound lens that replaced mirrored lenses in lighthouses. Arago made major contributions to the study of electromagnetism and the phenomenon of magnetic rotation. Along with French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel he discovered the principles governing the polarization of light, a key discovery in establishing the theory of light as a wave.

Young is credited with giving the word energy its scientific significance; he also worked on elasticity, surface tension of liquids and measuring the size of molecules.

Convincing Signs of Global Warming Today

It seems that over the past two hundred years in our rush to the modern age we contributed greatly toglobal warming while doing little to protect our environment. We most now begin to take the necessary steps to slow the process or risk doing irreparable harm to not only ourselves but every living thing on this planet.

In November 2007 the U.N. panel on climate change issued a warning calling on all nations to take immediate action on global warming calling the situation "frightening" "urgent" and "dire'. With carbondioxide levels at the highest they have been in millions of years one of the greatest concerns is that human activity is accelerating the melting of the arctic ice sheets. The arctic ice melt is the most dramatic evidence of global warming and could result in rising sea levels and the flooding of millions of communities along coastlines.

In 2007 the arctic sea ice melt-rate accelerated compared to previous years shattering the record for ice loss in a single season. The remaining ice was 38 percent less than average and 23 percent less then the old record. Satellite photographs showed that the remaining sea ice was also much thinner than normal; this could result in rapid melting and the loss of even more ice. 550 billion tons of ice melted that summer alone. In August 2008 another record was broken when the ice retreated at the fastest rate ever recorded.

Greenhouse gases are necessary because they keep the planet's surface warm enough to sustain life. But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to rise the Earth's temperature is climbing to historic highs. For The past 200 years, our use of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, combined with deforestation has caused the concentrations of heat-trapping gases to increase significantly. These gases prevent heat from escaping, like the glass panels of a greenhouse

The effects of global warming are already being felt around the world say many experts. Birds are laying eggs earlier, plants are blooming earlier, migratory patterns are changing and animals that hibernate are waking earlier in the spring. Many animals are moving to higher elevations than they have in the past as well as moving closer to the north and south poles indicating warmer temperatures. One resent study shows that over 150 species have already been affected and this could easily disrupt the natural connective balance between species and also lead to extinction of many.

Shorter winters, earlier spring snow melts and longer hotter summers have scientist believing the effects of global warming are being felt in Montana. Long-term studies have also shown changes in certain plants in Wisconsin and animal hibernation patterns in Colorado. In Alaska the growth of White Spruce trees have been significantly stunted by warming temperatures and in the Arctic the reduced snow fall, less sea ice and freezing rain in winter have led to the appearance of mosquitoes and robins, never before seen in the region.

Nearly half of the total carbon on the earth’s surface is contained in the boreal forests located in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia. Scientists now fear that increasing temperatures and human activities could be releasing this carbon. As carbon is released back into the atmosphere it adds to the greenhouse gases thus increasing the warming effect. The release of carbon has many causes including warmer temperatures leading to permafrost melting, wild fires, rotting trees and pine needles; also construction and deforestation are a big factor. The release of this carbon combined with other pollution results in higher ozone levels which in turn results additional damage to plants affecting their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, in other words, a cycle of increasing climate change.

As we all know the facts can be manipulated to support any theory one would like, “Global warming is caused by human activity”, “it’s just a natural cycle and it is not a threat to humans” or “it’s all a hoax”. The fact remains that in-action based on misguided information will result in catastrophe for future generations; however, if our actions to prevent global warming are misguided we will simply leave a cleaner world.

Peter Hale: I'm Still in Love with My Wife Who Tried to Kill Me

Joanne Hale appeared in Bristol Crown Court for sentencing after being found guilty of attempted murder. Peter Hale, her husband and intended victim, sat quietly only yards from Mrs. Hale as she was sentenced to six years in prison. In an unusual twist, Mr. Hale was not in court to see justice done but to support his wife and attempted murderess.

This unusual story of love, betrayal, and attempted murder began on December 27 2008 when Joanne Hale convinced her husband, Peter, to take a natural aphrodisiac known as "horny goat weed". She then enticed him into a nearby wooded area in Stoke Park, Bristol with promises of sex. Peter Hale stated in Bristol Crown Court that a migraine mask had been placed on him obscuring his vision, he went on to tell the jury: 'It was just a kind of sexual game. I enjoyed the game but I lifted it up because I wanted to see."

After rolling around in the leaves and some flirtatious foreplay Joanne Hale rolled on top of her husband, cut his throat and stabbed him several times. Before she could inflict a fatal wound Hale was interrupted by a passer-by, Timothy Walker, she told him that she had discovered the injured man and would go for help. She then drove to Bristol Parkway railway-station to pick up Philip Sudol, a married postal worker she had met online. The couple had arranged to meet for a romantic encounter. The pair was arrested at Joanne Hale's home later that evening, Sudol apparently had no knowledge of the crime and was later released.

In an unusual display of devotion her husband and victim has been her greatest supporter and ally throughout the trial. Peter Hale has reportedly sent several letters to the court stating that he has forgiven his wife and declaring his love for her.

During sentencing, Justice John Royce said the loyalty and apparent love between the two "produces a serious sentencing dilemma'. He went on to say "this is an extraordinary case, and I hope and trust that when you are released you and Mr. Hale will be together again enjoying a happy life and steer clear of Horny Goat Weed in the future.'

After hearing the sentence Peter Hale told reporters: "I suppose the sentence is the best we could have hoped for. My evidence was very confused and I hope that we have grounds for an appeal. I still love her very much." He went on to say "I am still very much in love with my wife and will certainly be standing by her when she is released."

Joanne Hale, who has reportedly attempted suicide two times since her arrest, must serve at least half of the six-year sentence before she will be eligible for parole. Six years is the minimum sentence allowed by law for the charge of attempted murder.

Peter blew a kiss to Joanne as she was led away to begin serving her sentence.

On the First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me.... A Divorce Gift Voucher?

Lloyd Platt & Company, a London law firm, is offering what could easily be described as the most unusual "must have" gift of the season. For £125 you can give your true love a divorce gift voucher good for one session with an attorney to receive advice pertaining to your potential divorce or possible alternatives.

Ms Lloyd Platt, senior partner at the firm, told the Telegraph: "We hope through the vouchers that we can offer clients all the practical options available to them - divorce being only one of the options." The firm has reportedly sold over 50 vouchers in the run up to Christmas.

Lloyd Platt & Company may have stumbled into a gold mine for the New Year; Family law practices across the UK are reporting a spike in new consultations to discuss filing for divorce. One UK law firm expects January to be one of the busiest periods ever recorded for divorce. Family law specialist, Shelley Hesford, told the Guardian: "People have been battling to keep marriages intact, but many have simply cracked and crumbled under the relentless pressure of recession. People see the Christmas break as a hiatus in their lives during which they can end one chapter and try to start the next."

Quickie Divorce Ltd, a firm specializing in divorce in the fast lane, has had to triple their workforce over the past year to keep up with demand. Their director, Adrian Hill told Wales Online: "Last year we had 15,000 people request one, whereas this year we've had around 25,000 - that's an 80% increase. Just a year ago we had five members of staff, now we have 14 just to cope with the demand." Their success has been credited to the emulation of celebrities.

The divorce gift vouchers have not been without criticism, some of which includes treating divorce like buying a handbag and an "ambulance chasing" technique for divorce lawyers.

Despite the criticism the vouchers may just be a hit, they are catching on with everyone from friends using them as a suggestion to wives husbands and mistresses. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few mother in laws giving them as a present to their married children.

It appears that the divorce gift voucher can take its rightful place at the top of the list of unusual Christmas gifts. Some other contenders are: Squirrel Feet Earrings, the Fetus Cookie Cutter, and the Decapitated Teddy Bear Lamp.

Who Are The Homeless?

For many of us there is the stereotypical image of a homeless man forever etched in our mind, this image is often of a lazy, dirty, drunken panhandler standing on the corner of any city street asking for a handout. Based on this misguided yet common misconception we might not ever see the real faces of homelessness, listen to thevolunteers in New York or hear the first hand accounts from Dallas. We might not take the time to learn the truth about homelessness in our own community.

In America we have what are commonly referred to (if referred to at all) as the hidden homeless. The hidden homeless represents a large portion of the homeless population however; in most cases we will not see them or in many cases even hear about them. To dispel the myth we should ask ourselves one important question: who are the homeless?

Inherent in the nature of homelessness is an inability to accurately determine the exact numbers, the estimates below represent the best efforts of The National Coalition for the Homeless and The National Coalition For Homeless Veterans.

Children

A 2003 report from National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty reported that 39% of the homeless population was minors under the age of 18, 42% of these were under 5 years old. In addition, 5% of the urban homeless population was comprised of unaccompanied minors.

Families

Families with children make up an estimated 23% of the homeless population, they also currently represent the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. At the 2008 conference of mayors those with current data reported an increase in families requesting food assistance for the first time, the increase was most notable among working families.

Veterans

Although there is no national databank tracking homeless veterans the Veterans Administration estimates that on any given night there are 131,000 veterans homeless. Nearly twice that many will be homeless at some point Over the course of a year. To put these numbers in perspective, an estimated one out of three homeless men are veterans, this represents 23% of the total homeless population in America.

Victims of domestic violence

In 2005 the U.S. Conference of Mayors surveyed 24 cities to determine what role domestic violence plays in homelessness. 50% of the cities surveyed reported that domestic violence was a primary cause of homelessness. On a national level the situation is much worse with an estimated 50% of homeless women and children becoming homeless as a result of an attempt to escape domestic violence.

The mentally ill

According to the 2008 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress an estimated 26% percent of the homeless living in shelters suffered from severe mental illness.

Working homeless

The number of working homeless has been on the rise over the past few years, in 2005 the estimated number of homeless persons who were employed was 13%; this number has now grown to around 25% in the 24 cities surveyed. It is believed that on a national level the percentage of employed homeless persons may be much higher. Insufficient wages, lack of affordable housing, and foreclosures (including foreclosure of rental property) has contributed to the number of people who are employed but homeless.

For many who are homeless and unemployed it is not out of a desire to remain unemployed, these people will often find themselves in a position of having to choose between looking for a job or insuring food and shelter for the immediate future. Shelters and food services for the homeless are usually on a tight schedule, attempting to go to a job interview or even starting a new job can result in losing your only sources of food and shelter. If you accept a job offer, in most cases it will be two weeks or more before you receive your first paycheck. The question now becomes how do you survive until Payday?

Examining the Heritage High School shooting

On Thursday May 20, 1999 at around 8:15 AM Cecil Brinkley, Heritage High School’s Assistant Principal, found himself in a uniquely terrifying situation for which his years in education could not have prepared him. Brinkley was face to face with a scared and desperate 15-year-old student who had put the barrel of a handgun into his mouth as he knelt on the front lawn of the school.

The student, Thomas (TJ) Solomon, Jr., was described as a pleasant 15-year old boy who attended church regularly and was a boy scout. Thomas was a sophomore at Heritage High School in Conyers, Georgia and had recently broken up with his girlfriend. Before May 20, 1999 we could have easily described him as just another typical teenager.

The course of events that led Solomon and Brinkley to this point had begun early that morning when TJ stole a 22-caliber rifle and a 357-handgun from his stepfather’s gun cabinet. He rode the bus to school as usual; the only thing different was the rifle he had concealed inside his pant leg and the handgun in his backpack.

At around 8:03 AM TJ walked into the students common area where hundreds of students gathered before school began, he had a determined look that would later be described by one student as a “hate look” on his face. Seconds later shots rang out, many students mistakenly believed they were hearing firecrackers exploding. Tj continued to fire randomly into the crowd. One witness described TJ as having a dazed look on his face. The attack was described as appearing almost reluctant. TJ did not aim the rifle at anyone nor did he chase anyone, he was literally shooting from the hip and aiming low.

After firing a dozen rounds, TJ fled the commons dropping his rifle as he exited the building. Once outside witnesses say he pulled the handgun from his backpack, dropped to his knees, and put the barrel in his mouth as if he intended to commit suicide.

Assistant principal Cecil Brinkley began to talk to the young gunman, as he did TJ took the gun from his mouth, began to cry, and repeated the words “I’m so scared” over and over. TJ surrendered his weapon and was taken into custody by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s department.

In all, six students were injured in the shooting, Brian Barnhardt, age 16, Stephanie Laster, age 15, Jason Cheek, age 17, Cania Collins, age 15, Drake Hoy, age 18, and Ryan Rosa, age 18. Although Stephanie Laster was seriously injured there were no fatalities.

Could his shooting have been prevented? Did anyone take Thomas Solomon Jr seriously before the shooting began? Did he give any of the warning signs that should have given away his state of mind?

After being released from the hospital shooting victim Ryan Rosa told Time"He'd be the last person I'd think would do something like this, he was normal. Just like me." Rosa also said that Jason Cheek had repeatedly picked on TJ, presumably because he was a quiet kid who didn’t fit into Jason’s “click”. Cheek denied picking on TJ. Donald A. Peccia, the Superintendent of the Rockdale County Public Schools,said:''The disciplinary record would not indicate he had been any significant trouble, We had no reason to suspect this student at all.''

Other students and friends painted a different picture. One account indicates that as late as Wednesday TJ indicated that he wanted to commit suicide; he wasn’t taken seriously because “a lot of kids say that”. Testimony given at his trial revealed that TJ had bragged about how he could do better than Columbine, and he had said that it should have happened at Heritage High School long ago.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, a letter written by TJ revealed teenage despair. In the letter TJ expressed his loyalty to the trench coat mafia, a group of social outcast at Columbine. The letter also stated that he would be laughing at his victims as they drop to their knees praying for their lives. Three pages of bomb-building instructions were also found in his room.

To add mystery to the Heritage High School shooting, TJ reportedly had at least basic shooting skills and knowledge of the weapons in his stepfather’s gun cabinet. With this in mind the questions remain: Why did he not aim the weapon? Why did he appear to shoot low? Why did he choose the lowest caliber weapon to fire into the crowd yet save the largest for himself? Who did TJ really believe would die that day?

Reflections on Benazir Bhutto's assassination

On October 18, 2007 hundreds of thousands gathered in the streets of Karachi, the stronghold of Pakistan's People's Party, to greet Benazir Bhutto as she returned home following 8 years of self-imposed exile. The celebration was soon brought to an abrupt end by a bomb attack targeting Bhutto's convoy. Although Bhutto was unharmed the blast, that occurred around midnight, resulted in the death of 139 bystanders and injured nearly 400 more. Bhutto refused to be deterred by this initial attempt on her life.

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Benazir Bhutto had served twice as the Pakistani prime minister between 1988 and 1996. She had returned home in an attempt to win a third term. She aligned herself with long time political adversary, Nawaz Sharif, after vowing not to make any deals with President Musharraf. Sharif was also a former prime minister,

The worst fears of many of her supporters became a reality on December 27, 2007. Benazir Bhutto was killed in a shooting/suicide bombing attack while leaving a political rally in the city of Rawalpindi. The attacker fired gunshots at Bhutto's vehicle as she left the rally, she ducked for cover, and he then detonated a bomb.

At least 16-20 bystanders were killed in the blast, reports indicated that body parts were scattered across Liaqat Bagh Park where Bhutto had just spoken. Police quickly cordoned off the area as rescue workers rushed to the aid of the injured. Bhutto was later pronounced dead at Rawalpindi General Hospital.

As news of Bhutto's death reached her supporters who had gathered at the hospital they began smashing glass doors and throwing rocks at cars. In Rawalpindi, her supporters burned election posters and attacked police who were forced to flee the area. In Peshawar, outraged supporters raised anti-Musharraf banners while in Karachi thousands gathered in the streets.

Outside of the hospital, Nawaz Sharif told supporters "I assure you that I will fight your war from now on.... Benazir Bhutto was also my sister, and I will be with you to take the revenge for her death." He went on to say he shared the grief of the entire nation.

"We are shocked. We are stunned. Every single one of us is mourning the loss of our leader," said Javaid Manzoor, president of the PPP party.

The attack sparked international outrage as well. U.S. President George Bush said, "The US strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. We stand with the people of Pakistan in that struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with a democratic process."

The UN Secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said, "I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible."

Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who had met with Bhutto earlier on Thursday, said, "She sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region."

Further condemnation came from a host of other countries including China. The Vatican has also condemned the attack.

Pervez Musharraf reportedly called an emergency meeting after the bombing and later asked all Pakistanis to remain calm "so that the evil designs of terrorists can be defeated," according to state TV.

Bhutto and other Musharraf opponents had recently accused him of planning to "rig" the elections as radicals had said they would disrupt the voting.

Bilawal Bhutto, son of Benazir Bhutto, later told reporters "We have lost our best hope but not our only hope," The death of Benazir Bhutto most certainly deepened the political divide in Pakistan.

The Benefits of Conservation Tillage

At the Fourth World Congress on Conservation Agriculture in New Delhi, India the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization stressed the importance of moving away from the conventional intensive farming methods in use today. Shivaji Pandey, Director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization stressed the need for change saying:

 

“The world has no alternative to pursuing sustainable crop production intensification to meet the growing food and feed demand, to alleviate poverty and to protect its natural resources, Conservation agriculture is an essential element of that intensification.”

 

Over-plowing, over-fertilizing, over-irrigating, and extensive use of pesticides results in environmental damage. These intensive farming methods are intended to increase production but actually harm the ecosystem and eventually results in lower production.

 

Conservation agriculture on the other-hand focuses on a minimal amount of soil disturbance, permanent soil cover and crop rotations. Conservation farming supports profitable farming and addresses environmental concerns and sustainability.  This eco-friendly method has been tested and proven to work in a wide variety of agro-ecological zones and farming systems.

 

Conservation tillage is an important step in conservation agriculture as a whole. When using this method the farmers allow the majority of natural plant life (grass, weeds, cover crops etc) to remain on top of the soil instead of tilling them under. The desired crops are integrated directly into the existing plant life or planted in narrow tilled rows.

 

Some of the immediate benefits of using this method for farmers are a reduction in energy, time and labor requirements for field preparation. Tractor fuel is the single largest expense associated with conventional farming, conservation farming reduces fuel usage by as much as 60%. It is also not uncommon to see labor reductions of 50-60%.

 

Long-term savings are realized through reduced equipment and maintenance cost. Conventional farming methods require moldboard plow, chisel plow, disk, rotary tiller, spring or spike tooth harrow, field cultivator, row crop cultivator, planter, tractor, and sprayer. Straight no-till farming requires only a tractor, planter, and an herbicide sprayer.

 

Environmental benefits include improved water retention, reduced soil loss, and the natural regeneration of the soil.

 

The soils natural ability to hold water is increased while loss due to run off and evaporation is decreased. The decreased water loss results in more drought resistant crops, reduced need for irrigation, and increased water conservation.

 

Soil and nutrients are lost due to wind and water erosion in plowed fields. Maintaining as little as 30% ground cover has been shown to reduced soil erosion by as much as 60%. Reduced erosion has also been shown to reduce the amount of fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides in surface water.

 

Additional benefits include the return of benifiall insects and larger amounts of organic matter returning to the soil. Insects such as earthworms increase the water flow through the soil by creating micro pores during the course of their natural activities. Decomposed organic mater in the soil gives it the proper consistency to allow water, oxygen and carbon dioxide to easily flow through it as well as adding carbon, which promotes the growth on beneficial bacteria.

 

An excellent example of conservation farming can be found in Zambia; in 1999 the government endorsed this method as a national policy after finding that small-scale farming was in crises. Conventional farming methods had led to decreased production, dependency on food aid, food insecurity, and deforestation. Currently over 120,000 farmers in Zambia have adopted this method successfully; the goal of the government is to convert 250,000 farms by 2011.

Report Denies That Ceylan Önkol was Killed By a Mortar Blast

The Village of ?enlik in Diyarbak?r province Turkey

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On September 28 Ceylan Önkol went out to tend the family sheep as her mother prepared macaroni for her. According to villagers there was a sound in the air followed by an explosion, shortly thereafter Ceylan (whose ages been reported as 12 and 14) was found dead with her midsection shredded. Body parts were scattered over 150 m with some landing in the branches of nearby trees. Despite the massive damage to her midsection witnesses say her legs and feet as well as her arms, hands and head were relatively uninjured.

The authorities were contacted and the family waited at the scene for what they expected to be military security forces, a doctor, and the local prosecutor. Security forces did not arrive, after six hours of waiting the family was informed that the doctor and prosecutor would also not be coming because they feared for their safety. The village Imam had been instructed to take photographs of the scene and the family was asked to gather the girl’s remains and bring them to the police station in Bingöl province where an autopsy could be performed. According to local protocol the prosecutors should have conducted the autopsy at the scene.

Önkol’s brother, R?fat Önkol said:

“The village headman called; we wanted soldiers and the prosecutor. The prosecutor said he could not come because it was not safe. Soldiers did not come either. The prosecutor told the imam to take pictures.”

According to the Human Rights Association, a local NGO, the prosecutor did arrive three days later to conduct an investigation; they went on to say that this might have only been in response to public pressure.

Ceylan Önko's mother said:

“My Ceylan was torn to pieces. Why was my child killed for no reason? Who is going to answer for this?”

It has also been reported that not only did the prosecutor not properly conduct the autopsy but also the doctor who did allowed janitors to participate.

The family, local media, and NGOs believe that a mortar round, possibly fired from a nearby military base, hit Ceylen. This is primarily based on the reports of the noise in the air before the explosion and the lack of injuries to her upper and lower body.

As of October 11 it was being reported that the case was being investigated as a terror crime, however, the final report found otherwise. The results of the official investigation were released this week and deny the claims that a mortar round hit Ceylan. The investigation has concluded that she detonated unexploded ordnance that had been left in the area at some previous time.

The family and NGOs alike have questioned the results of this investigation due to the initial lack of response, unorthodox autopsy, and the pattern of injuries. The Human Rights Association has gone so far as to say that they believe she may have been targeted:

"Due to the Forensic Examination Record Ceylan Önkol was not badly injured at her head, her arms and her legs. Whereas when stepping on a mine or another explosive, bad injuries of the legs would eminently occur. If a found explosive sets off because it was monkeyed with, serious injuries of the arms in particular would occur. However, according to the forensic examination record, serious injuries of Ceylan Önkols abdomen caused her death."

"It is possible that an explosive hits the abdominal region. That is to say, the explosive has to be fired from somewhere, targeting Ceylan Önkol".

As many as 40 NGOs and other organizations have joined in a campaign demanding that the details of the investigation be released.

The Great Wall Of Jerusalem, 3700 year old wall discovered

On the slope of the Silwan Valley archeologist have made an an amazing discovery, a 26 foot high, 79 foot long section of a wall built from giant boulders weighing as much as 4-5 tons each. The wall is believed to date back 3700 years.

Archeologist have been digging at this site since 1995, they are amazed by this discovery not only because of the discovery itself but the fact that the ancient Canaanites (believed to have built the wall) could have accomplished such a feat.

The excavation’s director, Ronny Reich, said:

“To build straight walls up 8 meters…I don’t know how to do it today without mechanical equipment, I don’t think that any engineer today without electrical power could do it,”.

The wall is believed to have been built to help protect a natural spring that supplied water to the people of Jerusalem. It is also believed that the wall could have been connected to a fortress that possibly stood at the top of the hill.

Archeologist say that this discovery could be the tip of the ice burg and plan to continue their work at the site.

 

Cambodia: One Dead and Six Ill after Eating Poisonous Frogs

For many in the village of Mondul 3 in Siem Reap Cambodia poverty is a way of life, for Sov Soparath this poverty ended in tragedy. Sov and friends caught and ate brown frogs after a heavy rain, 2 hours later Sov was dead and his brother was in critical condition at Kantha Bopha Children's Hospital. Two other children and three adults were also treated at Siem Reap Provincial Hospital and recovered.

Sov's family could not afford the price of a funeral or a coffin; he was laid to rest in a coffin made from a wooden table. The News Hope Community center paid $250 for the funeral and held an email fundraiser for the family, they raised over $1000. They plan to use the money to restore the family’s home that is in need of major repairs; they also plan to pay for an education for Sov's younger brother.

Kerry Huntly, director of the community centers told the Phnom Penh Post that this is not the first time someone has been poisoned by eating frogs:

"About three months ago, two little army girls, one 3-year-old and one 5-year-old, caught a frog ... grilled it, ate it and were severely sick. At one stage, the younger girl was not expected to survive, but she pulled through."

"This is what happens when you have poverty like this. This lot here don't have a choice when it comes to food, and they'll eat anything. They also eat ants that sometimes make them sick."

According to New Hope 78 percent of the people in Siem Riep earn less than $2 per day, 45% of the children 5 years old and younger suffer from malnutrition, many children survive on rice water, salt and the frogs and ants they catch. Mothers who are to malnourished to produce breast milk will sometimes be forced to feed their babies rice water. In many cases the family may be forced to give their children away to someone that can provide a better life for them.

Sov's homemade coffin was carried through the streets on a cart before the funeral to warn others about the dangers of eating the poisonous frogs.