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Jun 30

There are almost as many genres of writing as there are authors.  For each author, there is a reason for writing.  This is true for traditional writing mediums (such as books) and new media like blogs as well.  Why authors write and what they choose to write about can be surprising and exciting.  One of the most exciting and boundless writing opportunities is in the area of science fiction.

There are many reasons to write a science fiction blog.  Perhaps the best reason is that the field is far from saturated, on the contrary there are few if any fantastic science fiction websites.  There is some free science fiction out there, but too many of them have bland commentary; they simply expound on what is currently the rage from Hollywood.  Unfortunately the media moguls in Hollywood have terrible judgment in this area.  Why they are ignoring great science fiction short stories from the past century?

Time travel offers a great topic for science fiction short stories.  Time machines, paradoxes, disasters, are all rich fields offering many unique stories.    But what makes a great time travel story?   It’s always about something you never expected such as a butterfly crushed on a boot, or a wife’s murderer who just happens to be a time traveling senator.  In one book messages sent back in time help prevent a global disaster caused by the startup of a new powerful atom smasher.  (Hopefully this is fiction).  What we need is a new time travel science fiction blog.

But aliens and robots truly capture our attention.   People scour the internet for either aliens or robots far more than for free science fiction or science fiction short stories.  Everybody wants a robot butler.  Everybody wants to know if alien abductions are science fact or science fiction.  Have alien robots visited the White House, has an alien ever been elected?  Now that would make a great science fiction blog post.

The time for science fiction is now.  Aspiring writers with a science fiction stories trapped in their heads should come forward and be heard.  People who have always been interested in becoming an author, but have never found the time to get started should start writing today.  There are still so many science fiction stories yet to be told.

Jun 28

Science for SEO is relatively new marketing buzz for relatively old concepts.

There have been various articles written questioning, “Is SEO a science or an art?” True SEO is a combination of both science and art. Thus far, science for SEO has been coined yet not expressed in it’s fullest context.

define science:

A branch of knowledge or study dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.

define social science:

The study of society and social behavior.

define SEO:

The process of improving the volume and quality of traffic to a web site from search engines via natural (“organic” or “algorithmic”) search results.

define art:

The quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. Science for SEO: The Semantic Web

One of the most beautiful reasons to use a computer is for the purpose of gaining an education in areas of interest that, in the past, could only be obtained in an institutional setting. This is not the case today.

The web is filled with forums, blogs, tutorials, white papers and lessons and associates that provide us with educative tools. Never leaving a cup of coffee behind, we have all that we need to secure a secular future for ourselves.

The science behind the semantic web, until recently, has seemed a mystery to the majority. Somewhat fearful, we have falsely believed that it is beyond the average persons understanding, so we allow the schooled ones to lead the discussions. define semantic web:

An evolving extension of the World Wide Web in which the semantics of information and services on the web is defined, making it possible for the web to understand and satisfy the requests of people and machines to use the web content

Understanding quantitative analysis is a sign of certain intellect yet also not required in understanding science for SEO.

Science for SEO: Keyword Research

Thorough keyword research is the very heart of SEO. It includes the variables of competitor research, comparisons of search volume vs. competition, evaluation of trends, consumer rationale and psychology.

Understanding people, language, assessment of needs and demand, desires specific to geographical locations, are all part of keyword research for SEO campaigns. This ultimately entails openness to a degree of social sciences, which many are naturally equipped with, yet may not realize. SEO is embodied by this.

Science for SEO: Copywriting

In the beginning, SEO was most readily defined as a means to optimize a website for visibility in search engine results pages. Thanks to marketing buzz, it has expanded to entail much more.

Over time, we came to understand that visibility is awesome but well written copy is the securer of conversion and ROI. e.g. an attractive title, an alluring call to action within the results description and page content and so on. Drawing the attention of the reader to fine tuned copy that ranks well and appeals to consumer needs is the golden ticket of SEO. Its purpose.

The Art Behind the Science

In order for SEO to be useful, it must entail research, creativity, foresight (predictive thinking), and a degree of scientific capacity which enables us to see the essential pieces of the entire puzzle and to implement them efficiently.

SEO will grow and expand as people grow and expand. Its core is the ability to understand connect, and efficiently communicate with people. Without this, it would be useless.

What IS Science for SEO?

Artistic combination of computer and social sciences to enhance search engine visibility and secure consumer conversion.

Jun 27

Hands-on science products are both fun for children and highly educational. There are many science products and supplies available on the internet and finding these science products isn’t difficult. You can simply perform a search online for the topic you are interested in. Through this search, you can identify products that will teach children about different aspects of physical science and the world that we live in.Most of the science products that you will find do come with specific directions on how to perform the experiment and will also come with explanations to account for the outcome. This explanation is what makes these science products so effective for teaching children. These science products allow your children to learn about the world around them and understand why things work the way they do, by taking advantage of other people’s discoveries. Of course you will be able to draw some your own conclusions from the experiments as well.These projects often are connected to specific aspects of science and you will be able to select the category or topic that you wish to cover before choosing a project. Most websites will have the projects broken down so you can merely choose the topic you wish to cover and then will show you the list of possible science products that you can purchase to create a corresponding experiment. Some of the more common topics would include magnetism and electricity, electrostatics, simple circuits, density and thermal expansion. Of course the topic you choose should be age appropriate. There would be no sense in trying to teach a first grader the laws of quantum physics, when they don’t have the background to understand it.An example of one of these science products would be a floating and spinning magnet. This is a very popular science product for children, and explains a great deal about magnetic fields. The reason it is so popular is it meets more desires than simply the desire to learn. The magnet seems to float on air, almost as if by magic. Children are excited to know exactly why the magnet will float and are eager to touch it and play with it. This of course will lead to better learning, because children who have a hands-on learning environment will ultimately learn more than children who are taught using a text book.Most science products will require some degree of setup and pre-planning to use. Teachers and parents are rewarded for these efforts though, because the enjoyment that children experience in this type of learning environment will inevitably lead to a better understanding of the scientific principles involved. This allows children to see that learning doesn’t always have to be tedious. Indeed, it can be quite fun and exciting. Interactive science products will help open children’s eyes to the world around them and give them a better understanding of physical science.

Jun 27

Everyone who has ever been to a science fair has seen the boring old science display like the baking sodaeruption or the paper universe, which have existed as favorites of some adults for what feels like generations. These styles of experiments are very simple and easy for the parents, however they are incredibly poor choices for the kids who must participate. What do they have to learn from them?

These basic experiments are the style of experiments that are so well-known that even the children understand what is going to occur before it does. When that occurs, then the children are not going to be learning much at all. Science fair judges have gotten bored with these types of presentations, and that is a tremendous problem for students and parents who endeavor to win prizes in their science fair competition. When it’s all said and done, this style of presentation is only really good for the parents who are helping out their kid, and it may come as a surprise to learn that these varieties of projects are not particularly cheap!

What you need to establish is a unique science fair experiment, or at least a project that beats those repetitive projects. In addition to helping your child achieve more, a better science fair project can give the child an increased chance of becoming the winner of the the competition. More often now than in previous years, these exhibitions provide a scholarship{{{, and even those competitions that do not provide one can certainly point to a science scholarship when your child is the appropriate age to enroll in a college. Those science fairs which do not typically from time to time lead to a science scholarship later on down the line. This can be a nice opportunity, and in addition to the high marks, the understanding, and the experience your child is receiving with their entry, it gives you, the parent, a great reason to try and do something special.

I’m sure that you’re asking yourself what type of original science experiments are recommended? The net seems like a excellent first alternative, but given the prevalence of use, one can be certain that state-wide science fairs will include a similar exhibit, especially if you found your idea from a well-known science fair blog. Even in a smaller science fair, or an in-class science fair, you would have to presume that there are one or two parents and students who are using the same sources which you have. Don’t forget to include the judges and teachers, either. They can spot a duplicate project a mile away. These duplicate projects are trouble from the teachers and judges, as this approach negates the whole purpose of science fairs: creating a scientific plan. The people who run these conventions are hoping for the participants to create something unique, on your own. In addition, you have to think about what kind of experience your child is going to have. A competition is their opportunity to show their own creativity, and plucking an easy or inexpensiveproject borrowed of an internet site isn’t helping them learn.

One can visit the library for books, or looking at downloadable ebooks as well. These sources are in general the best places for pre-made examples since there is more variety of choices, along with a smaller amount of people will have access to each one, minimizing the chances of seeing a duplicate project.

Have your child invent their own experiment, or if this plan does not work for them, have the child add their own unique twist to some small aspect of an interesting and more unique science project you have found in your research. You can borrow a little bit of ideas from the internet, especially from the “members only” websites that have very high quality experiments, and books or suggestions with more original ideas, but ensure to supplement them with an idea of your own!

If your child is in need of help with their science experiment ideas and you lack computer and spreadsheet knowledge or scientific knowledge, don’t be afraid to look an expert for help. A majority of those members only internet sites offer very helpful bonuses like ready-to-go charts, graphs and spreadsheets for your and your child’s use. You should get help from online tutors, who are usually going to be chemistry majors in college who can help you out with a little simple recommendations.

Jun 27

If science is your child’s much loved subject in the school, then it would be very worthful if you enroll him or her in any of the best science camp during summer vacation. By this way they can learn lots of many interesting things and work on entertaining science projects as the summer months take form. Is there a better way to take pleasure in a summer vacation than to spend it doing what you love the most? By the school year out of their way, your son or daughter will be capable to focus on the fun and challenges that are awaiting him or her at a science camp well designed with science oriented folks in mind. This would also give your children a chance to meet and work together with other young people who also have the same science on the brain.

Science camps are offered for children of all ages-starting from primary school age and up to college age. There is even some existing for kids as small as young as four who already show enthusiasm towards the regulation of science. As many think science camp is not like a customary summer camps. Most of them are day camps which mean that children attend the class throughout the weekday hours and then go home. In that manner it is much similar to the set up of a regular school day, but with much more fun! There are also camps offering overnight camps also.

It is very important to do your research inorder to find out which science camp will be the best suited for your child. Some camps of this type are about science in general and they teach a common overview of a number of the various sciences while others will focus on more specified areas, such as fresh water biology classes where children will learn the importance of water and how to conserve it for future use. Or else there are camps that teach geology where kids can understand many interesting facts about formation of rocks and how earthquakes are occurring etc.

Some areas host a science camp with the aim of dedicating to science fiction lovers. If your son or daughter is keenly interested in archeology it will be worth your while to look forward into this type of science summer camp, which guarantees to keep the kids entertained over the summer. The main positive part of these science-oriented camps is that kids learn a lot while they are having fun. The two when integrated together means that everybody wins, the science, the instructor and the parents. Overall a science camp is an outstanding way to learn about your beloved subject. It is also a means to meet others who divide your interests and interact with one another. The next science club that will start up at your child’s school may be started by a student who enjoyed the camp very much that he or she sought to share it with others all through the school year.

Jun 27

It’s important for kids to get involved in science from an early age, as exposure to scientific ideas and the world of exploration as soon as possible is the best way to foster a love for learning in your children that will last a lifetime. At the same time, scientific knowledge is cumulative, so kids have to start with a solid foundation if they are to develop the necessary scientific skills to succeed in school, and perhaps in a future career. Of course, when doing science projects with kids the most important thing to remember is to have fun! Youth science fair projects aren’t meant to transform your child into a scientist – they are meant to get the creative juices flowing within your child and help him or her continue to explore the natural world and make use of the imagination.
So where do you find ideas for science projects, if you want to get your child started on something at home? Luckily, these days you don’t have to look far to find science projects for your children – simply do an online search and you should be able to find tons of websites containing information and ideas pertaining to science fair projects and science for children in general. These websites list science projects and tell you exactly how to do them and what to do, so the process of helping your child discover science or prepare science fair projects for school is made easy.
In the past, it was easy for parents to become frustrated when helping kids with homework and coming up with ideas for science fair projects – now it’s easy to help them out and you don’t have to be a science whiz yourself! And if your child demonstrates a natural interest in science, it’s even more important that you encourage it from an early age. Whether or not you have to do a project for school, or complete a homework assignment, kids getting involved in science at home is a great idea!
In fact, doing their own science experiments at home is a great way to supplement the regular educational exposure your kids get during the day in the classroom. And if you home school your children coming up with fun and educational science experiments that are easy to recreate at home is the perfect way to help your kids exercise their minds and learn about science while having a lot of fun at the same time.
When you set up science projects for your kids to do at home, it makes learning fun – this will carry over to the child’s classroom experience and may even improve their grades overall. Of course, that is not the main goal of doing science experiments at home. Again, do these projects with your children as a fun activity and the learning will spring from that organically. Specifically, when searching for science projects for your kids to do at home it’s a good idea to find something your children, and maybe even their friends, will enjoy. Figure out what interests your child and go from there. Involving them in the process will help them naturally discover where their interests are and what type of experiments they’ll gain the most from.
You can find the instructions for these experiments for free, although you will have to purchase some basic supplies in most cases. At the same time, materials used in most of these projects are relatively inexpensive and not difficult to find.

Jun 27

What Exactly Are the Behavioral Sciences?The behavioral sciences fall somewhere between social sciences and natural sciences, absorbing some components of each. It’s a big category, so it typically gets broken down into two smaller ones: Neural-Decision Sciences and Social-Communication Sciences.Neural-Decision Science studies the relationship between biology and decision-making, and disciplines in that field include psychology, ethology, psychobiology, social neuroscience, and management science. Social-Communication Science focuses on communication. Specifically it deals with how both language and communication can affect the individual, relationships, and social interaction in general. A common discipline in this field is anthropology, but other disciplines include organizational behavior and behavior finance. What Can You Do With a Behavioral Sciences Degree?Here are just some of the careers you can choose to pursue and, briefly, what’s involved in each:Anthropology: Anthropologists study the physical, social, cultural development, and behavior of human beings. Within anthropology several specialties exist such as sociocultural, linguistic, or biophysical. A bachelor’s degree in the behavioral sciences can be a strong starting point to continue on to a master’s degree or PhD in anthropology. Ethology: A zoological science, ethologists study animal behavior, specifically instinctual rather than learned behavior. Ethology, as a part of behavioral science, instead looks at instinctual behavior in humans. FBI Behavioral Science Unit: You can work for the FBI with a degree in this field. It typically does involve criminal profiling, made popular by TV and films, but it also has several other components, including studying the behavior of criminals in general and even working to better the operational effectiveness of the FBI itself. Psychology: Since psychologists study human behavior, it makes sense that this field fits neatly within the behavioral sciences category. To become a practicing psychologist, you almost always need to have a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or PhD. All states traditionally require psychologists who see patients to have a license or certification. Sociology: Sociologists look at society and social behavior. Sociology examines groups and organizations, different cultures, and social institutions. A master’s degree or PhD. in sociology is usually necessary, but majoring in behavioral sciences at a university can provide a solid educational beginning. Interestingly, significant job growth has occurred in surprising areas that either didn’t previously exist or weren’t traditionally linked with the behavioral sciences: Neuromarketing: This new field uses neuroscience to study consumer behavior, but it’s extremely small in the private sector at this time.Public-Opinion Research: Behavioral science can better explain influences on public opinion and how it forms. Health Education/Public Health: Behavioral science comes into play here in helping people make healthier choices for themselves. This can often involve community-wide education initiatives on topics as diverse disease prevention, nutrition, drugs and alcohol abuse, or even the quality of life for senior citizens.Job Prospects and Salaries for Behavioral ScientistsSalaries vary throughout behavior sciences, however in 2007 these occupations earned the following annual median salaries: • Sociologists: $61,140• Anthropologists: $53,080• Clinical Psychologists: $62,210• Health Educator: $42,920With so many career options, you should have plenty of job prospects with a behavioral science degree.

Jun 26

How much TV are we really watching?

If you are a male over 65 with a high school education, then the answer is… that you’re not reading this article because you are watching TV right now.

Jun 26

With a foreword by Member Professor Peter Stewart, this magisterial work is a greatly extended version of the author’s earlier book Mirages in Western Science Resolved by Occult Science. The breadth of coverage and depth of thought are truly remarkable as the work of a single scholar. Edi has studied the detail and relationships of many different disciplines and integrated them into an overarching view of the relationship between Western science and occult insight or gnosis. Network readers will be familiar with the background of much of the material presented here as a development of the original work of HP Blavatsky. Both Theosophists and early members of the SPR felt that a marriage between science and mysticism was eminently possible, and that science did not have to entail an exclusively materialistic world view.

As we know, the quest and the struggle continue after 130 years. Edi makes his own position clear when he writes that ‘Occult Science is not bent on toppling, but rather on uplifting Western science to an even nobler position, by using examples from Western science itself to show how it is rooted in the deeper substratum of Occult Science and Philosophy.’ One needs to remind oneself that the word

science is derived from the Latin ‘scientia’, meaning knowledge in a wider sense.

The book falls into three major parts: an exposition of Western science, and especially its findings on cosmology, consciousness, sound and light. The second part treats the different methodological approaches of Western science and occult science, while the third part is a detailed exposition of the tenets of occult science and the ways in which it can underpin and extend the understanding of modern physical science. Edi is a very clearly aware of the intrinsic limitations of modern science as an approach based on quantification and which does not have a coherent account of the subjective nature of consciousness.

He shows how the mind is used within this structure of argument effectively to deny itself, and draws attention to the importance of presuppositions, criticising, for instance, the assumption that realism can be equated with reality. The essential distinction between the two approaches is that scientific truth is acquired from without and is utterly different from spiritual truth revealed from within. It is the distinction between observation and participation. The author’s discussion of this point would have benefited from some references to the work of Ken Wilber, who analyses the question of

intersubjective verification of mystical insights. However, he does draw usefully on the work of Paul Brunton.

The second part begins with a discussion of the nature and structure of the Divinity, which contains some brilliant analysis of such concepts as manifestation in relation to limitation and form, and the emergence of duality and diversity within the framework of the unity of existence. He rejects the notion of a personal God who created the universe at a particular time, arguing that the universe is not separate from God, but an organic or bodily expression of deity itself. Divine action is manifested through the harmonizing principle of karma.

The principal duality responsible for manifestation is explained in terms of Shiva or divine consciousness and Shakti or divine power, a structural duality that can be found at every level of existence. This topic, as with many others, is amply illustrated by means of extensive charts. I found Edi’s definition of substance somewhat unusual, as he defined it as the ‘subjective, noumenal term applied to the formmaking or vehicle-providing principle of which the object of realisation is Matter.’ The function of this within Western thought would be equivalent to a morphogenetic field. Matter remains a vehicle for manifestation.

This section also contains a very useful discussion of the relationship between light and consciousness. There is an extensive chapter on various ways in which issues within modern science are resolved through occult science. This takes the form of a proposition, followed by an elucidation from Western science and a resolution using the principles of occult science.

The main proposition of the book is that at the root of the physical universe is Consciousness or Mind – hence efforts to detect such a reality by purely physical means will never be successful. Deep self-knowledge is a prerequisite to inner insight, which stands as complementary to the outerdirected methods of modern science. Edi is highly critical of the onesidedness of a purely quantitative approach, and of the ways in which scientism castigates those who do not follow its dictates. Vast though the range of the book is, the principal focus on Theosophical writings means that the works of other perennial philosophers receive little or no attention: Nasr, Schuon, Guenon, Coomaraswamy and Ken Wilber for example.

I also felt that the rhetorical device, used twice, of a dialogue between the archetypal sceptical scientist (ASS) versus an occultist, wise and learned (OWL) lowered the tone, even if it provided some amusement. Occultists and perennial philosophers can also be rigid and dogmatic. However, these are small reservations in relation to such a profound work, which will repay close study.

Jun 24

North West Science and Technology has led to many cutting edge scientific breakthroughs, such as Britain’s first aeroplane, the birth of the first test tube baby, splitting the atom, and the world’s first computer. Science and Technology is continuing to develop rapidly in this region, and many global brands, ranging from medical research to military aircraft have significant research and design facilities in the North West. Over 25% of the region’s £106 billion economy comes from Science and Technology companies.

1. North West universities play a key role in Science and Technology, and have a combined turnover of over £1.2 billion, almost 1% of the region’s total economy. Leading companies, including those in the Aerospace Business, automotive supply and manufacturing companies, nuclear energy and medical research are closely linked to North West universities. More than 50,000 North West students graduate every year, including 25,000 with life science degrees. Over 69,000 science students are trained every year.

2. The Aerospace Business in the North West has a turnover of £6 billion, and is responsible for producing military and commercial aircraft and components which are used both in the UK and exported worldwide. Extensive R&D programmes ensure that the latest technologies are available to create the most advanced planes in the world. Countries all over the world rely on the North West Aerospace Business for their military and commercial aircraft requirements

3. The Chemistry Industry plays a vital role in the North West, and sales of chemicals contribute over £10 billion to the economy, equating to approximately 20% of the UK chemistry industry. Approximately 220,000 people are employed in this sector. In 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that as part of the Technology Programme, one of the 19 new Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in Chemistry in the North West. KTNs help to share knowledge and research between businesses, academic institutions such as universities, and trade associations.

4. The North West and Cumbria in particular, is widely acknowledged as the centre of the UK Nuclear Energy industry, and is home to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The research and development work done in this region has led the Government to conclude that utilising nuclear energy is part of a viable solution to meeting the energy needs of the UK.

5. There are over 50 research institutes, many of them multi-institutional, as well as traditional R&D departments. The North West is home to the Research and Development departments of several of the worlds leading companies, and business R&D investment in this region is greater than in any other part of the world except Asia. Recent reports show that 4 of the top 10 companies by R&D spending have significant facilities in the North West. Pharmaceutical development, including the largest cancer drug research centre in the UK, Aerospace Businesses, manufacturers of consumer products, as well as the Chemistry Industry and Nuclear Energy are well represented in the North West.

6. The North West’s seven science parks are home to many knowledge-based companies in diverse industries ranging from providing education to Nuclear Energy and decommissioning. Strong links to universities as well as research institutes and centres of knowledge, in the UK and abroad, help to ensure that Science and Technology in the North West is second to none.

7. Dedicated Strategic Science and Technology sites have been set up throughout the North West, and Manchester is aiming to become one of the UK’s first six Science Cities by 2015.

Manchester Science Park is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence, and is one of the most successful of its kind. Tenants include specialists in healthcare, telecoms, and digital media.

The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading companies in diverse industries ranging from healthcare research to business support services. The nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the best-resourced science facilities in the UK.

Liverpool Science Park, right in the centre of Liverpool, is the fastest growing science park in the UK, and contains computer games, website design and software companies as well as solicitors specialising in intellectual property and technology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home to the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which is set to become the leading biopaharmaceutical design centre in Europe, and helps to create and develop new medicines

West Cumbria Science Park, near Whitehaven, has over 60 companies on site, ranging from ecology to engineering, many of which are involved in the Nuclear Energy Industry.

A Science Park in Lancaster is scheduled for development this year, and will be located close to the top-ten ranked university. This exciting new project will combine the renowned academic knowledge and resources of the University with local businesses know-how and the Lancaster Environment Centre.

8. With Manchester recently voted the most creative city in the UK, and Liverpool’s reputation as one of the leading cities for computer game design, the North West is at the forefront of new technologies as well as traditional Science and Technology. The use of ICT in education, website design and internet technologies, TV and film production, as well as other media industries, is all flourishing in the region, thanks to Science and Technology.

9. As well as looking to the future, the region’s scientific history is preserved through museums such as the World Museum in Liverpool, Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, and Wigan Pier. Visual displays as well as hands-on activities, demonstrations and different media show how Science and Technology has changed our lives, from mechanising everyday tasks to revolutionising manufacturing methods.

10. As well as the outstanding Science and Technology facilities, the North West is a popular business location thanks to its fantastic infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international airports, and a great motorway system, the North West is closer than you may think. In addition, the North West has many Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty and the standard of living is high.

There has never been a better time to see how North West Science and Technology can help you.

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