Daily Kos: Teachers' Lounge: You want to go to grad school?

First off, I loved graduate school, but not everyone is like me. ?Some of my students think grad school is a way of extending undergrad experiences. ?I have sat down with students several times to tell them I don't think they are good fits for an academic grad program (sometimes these are people who are good fits for professional programs, as they are ones who are interested in the utility of their studies, and want to have a job coming out of it -- I teach art history, and these students are sometimes the ones who should go into museum education or arts administration programs -- using their knowledge and learning how to apply it in a clear way along with apprenticeships/internships built into the program). ?Sometimes I think they might be but their undergraduate grades are not high enough for easy admission. ?In this case, I advise them to get some other experience (other than school) under their belts. ?Someone who has either worked at or volunteered at (in a substantial way) a museum or an arts organization has characteristics and a track record that makes her or him stand out when applying to graduate school, and getting a letter of recommendation from someone other than a professor who can speak to responsibility, reliability, drive, and interest can help a great deal to offset academic concerns. ?

That being said, undergraduate grades can at times be a predictor for graduate performance. ?These grades (particularly in the major) indicate knowledge in the field, dedication to research and writing components required in a discipline, time management abilities, and wiilingness to push through in the hoop-jumping that is a clear part of graduate school as in any job. ?And a letter from a professor who has had you in multiple classes is a good component of your application portfolio.

I write letters for anywhere between three and ten students a year. ?And I am lucky that there aren't more. ?I can thus talk about individual characteristics of a student. ?I don't have a generic letter -- each student gets a base letter that is specific to the skills and desires and strengths and concerns I have for him or her. ?If those concerns are so great that they prevent me from writing a strong letter, I will not agree to write one. ?I have only once told a student after having written several letters that I would not write another one -- that was someone who seemed to suddenly find it difficult to complete assignments in a timely manner (as far as I could tell this was a response to stress, and that is a problem in grad school -- you have to be able to handle adversity and stress that is potentially beyond anything you experience in undergrad). ?There was nothing I was able to find out by asking what was causing it (everything was fine, I was told) -- so I had to respond to what was in front of me.

So if I say I will write one, I will write a good one. ?I will be positive but honest. ?If you have a B average in my classes, I will not say you are the top student I have ever taught. ?It is my word and my university's reputation on the line; if I misrepresent you, it is every student who applies to that university in the future that my recommendation affects. ?I will, however, talk about specific details (papers, projects, interaction with other students, internships, research experiences) that make you particularly desirable as a graduate student in that program. ?

To help me do this, I ask for at least one month's warning for any letter, and preferably a listing of all the graduate schools to which you are applying, organized by deadline, and a brief description of why you want to apply to a specific school, what program you are applying to, and information about a link or a method of submission of the letter. ?I strongly prefer an on-line submission, and if necessary I will send a hard-copy one. ?I will almost never agree to give you a copy of the letter to send yourself. ?This is because I did that for students early on in my teaching, and one decided not to apply to one of the universities but did need a letter for a different one, and she told me about that by taking the letter out of the (sealed, signed across the seal) envelope, and attaching the open letter to my bulletin board along with a note saying "in case you forgot what you wrote, this will help you write me a letter to X university". ?It was a confidential letter (positive, but confidential), and I was furious. ?I wrote the letter, but since then have been really hesitant about handing a sealed letter to a student.

If the letters are to be submitted online, you need to get your application submitted a bit before the deadline because the online submission for letters of recommendation will often not be available to me until after your application is complete. ?And there will often be technical difficulties. ?This fall I did not get a letter submitted by the deadline because of this; I hope it is not held against the student. ?She was annoyed with me (or at least that is the way I read her last email, and she never let me know that the application was complete or anything about how it had been received, and she did not ask for any other letters of recommendation). ?I am sorry for the difficulty, but I didn't see it as my fault (nor was it hers), and I hope I do hear back from her eventually.

If I ask for a copy of your personal statement it means I want to see your personal statement. ?It may be because you are applying to do something that is not a clear outgrowth of your undergraduate work, or it may be because I want to be able to write a letter that supports you in a way that builds off your stated interests. ?What it doesn't mean is that you should send me a copy of your statement a month after the first letter deadlines. ?The letters I have written by that point are of necessity going to be a bit more generic. ?

As letters are written individually, the chance is that if you blow off the semester (usually the first semester senior year) it may be reflected in letters I write for you. ?As you ignore deadlines, stop coming to class, and don't come to meetings that are scheduled, these things reflect on you and may lead me to adjust my evaluation in such categories as "maturity" or "dedication to the field" -- if you show me that you are mature and dedicated to the field, chances are those ratings will be high; if you lead me to question such things, the ratings are almost certain to go down. ?Sometimes there are extenuating circumstances (health or yourself and your family, financial issues, etc.) but I can only evaluate what is before me, and that is what I base my recommendations on. ?

Finally, I would like some acknowledgement of my writing the letters. ?Thank you notes are nice, but not necessary. ?What is really necessary, however, is an indication of where you got in (or didn't) and what, if any, financial/scholarship/assistantship offers were made. ?It helps me to know where you go and why. ?If you decide to not take any graduate school place, even though you have been admitted, I do need to know that, and why you made that decision. ?If I have written 10-15 letters for you and you don't go to any grad school, then you come back to me the next year with a request for more letters, I need to know what is going on. ?That you have decided one year not to go to grad school is fine, and it doesn't prevent me from writing letters. ?But if you can't tell me a reason, it comes across as rather mercurial. ?It may not be, but again, I can only evaluate you by the information that is in front of me. ?And that evaluation is what grad schools are asking me to do in my letters of recommendation.

Oh, and one final final thing. ?If you choose to complain in a letter to the university (such as to the dean, or in the equivalent of an exit interview) how the class you took with me was the worst experience you had as a university student, do not expect that I will not hear about it, or remember it three years later when you want a letter of recommendation to a graduate program. ?And yes, that has happened. ?I chose not to write a letter or recommendation for this student, who had only had the one class with me. ?I said I did not remember her well enough to write that letter of recommendation. ?I figured it was much better for both of us to leave it at that. ?In other words, I was lying. ?I do that, sometimes. ?But I don't do it in letters of recommendation; in those I stand behind what I write.

Source: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/01/26/1182314/-Teachers-Lounge-You-want-to-go-to-grad-school

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Resentment runs deep in Azeri town hit by rioting

ISMAILLI, Azerbaijan (Reuters) - The charred remains of a hotel are the only overt sign of rioting that swept this small Azeri town this week, but the resentment that fuelled the violence is hard to miss.

The Ismailli riot was quashed as quickly by police as other protests in the former Soviet republic but sent a warning to President Ilham Aliyev: Patience is wearing thin with the huge wealth gap a decade after he succeeded his long-ruling father.

Ismailli, with its dreary one-storey Soviet-era buildings, shows no sign of benefiting from the vast oil and natural gas riches that have helped transform parts of the capital Baku into a showcase of shimmering glass and metal where luxury cars cruise next to the Caspian Sea.

Residents of the town of 15,000, about 200 km (125 miles) northwest of Baku, complain of corruption across the tightly controlled country of nine million, an overbearing government and a lack of jobs, money and prospects.

They said Thursday's rioting was spontaneous, caused by anger over what one called the "unacceptable behavior of rich guys from the capital" suspected of involvement in a car accident, but that passions were fed by deep-seated resentment.

"Their behavior was just the last straw and became a reason for the disturbances," said Mamed, a 50-year-old man who declined to give his full name.

Samir, a 26-year-old market stall holder, said: "The people in the leadership of our country care only about their own interests and forget about ordinary people like us."

Squeezed between Iran and Russia, mainly Muslim Azerbaijan is a transit hub for U.S. troops based in Afghanistan - a role its critics say limits Western powers' willingness to sanction Baku over human rights abuses and concerns about democracy.

Azerbaijan also supplies energy to Europe and Western oil companies who are involved in bringing Caspian oil through the Caucasus country would be concerned by any widespread violence and instability. But few would expect that to happen now, months before a presidential election due in October.

"I don't believe that this situation can spread to other regions as there is no basis for that," Ali Akhmedov, deputy chairman of the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party, told a meeting with residents on Friday.

"And it's not linked to this being an election year. There are just some destructive forces inside the country who are interested in the destabilization of the situation, but they are weak."

STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS MEET

The Chirag Hotel was a target of the rioters because it was owned by the driver involved in the car accident. His wealth and brash behavior had long upset the locals, some residents said.

All that is left of the hotel now is some burnt black walls. It was set ablaze by a crowd of 3,000 after a mass brawl that started after the owner drove his car into an electricity pole and was suspected of being drunk.

Overt displays of wealth, common among the lucky few who have struck it rich across the former Soviet Union, breed discontent among those at the other end of the scale who are just struggling to make ends meet.

"Our main problem is unemployment. There are no jobs at all and local government does not do anything to help us," said a 57-year-old woman who identified herself only as Elmira.

She has made her living at the local fruit and vegetable market since the closure of the tobacco factory where she used to work.

Her state pension is 200 manats, 80 manats of which she pays for electricity and other public services. Her disabled husband receives a minimum pension of 70 manats, and her two sons are unemployed.

Samir, the market stall holder, said he used to work in a shop in Baku but had returned to his native town two years ago after losing his job in the capital.

"I earn about 300 manats ($375) each month, but how can you live on this money with wife and a kid," he says.

ALIYEV DYNASTY

Aliyev was assured of the presidency by being nominated as the ruling party's candidate by his father, Heydar, in 2003. Heydar Aliyev had ruled Azerbaijan as Communist Party chief in Soviet times and returned as president in 1993, two years after the Soviet Union collapsed.

Ilham Aliyev is expected to win a presidential election in October but, despite the lack of an obvious alternative, is sure to do his utmost to prevent protests spreading.

Young Azeri opposition activists posted a message via Facebook calling for a protest in Baku on Friday in support of Ismailli residents, but later postponed it until Saturday without giving a reason.

Mass protests are rare and are usually quashed quickly by police in Azerbaijan. Riot police also managed quickly to disperse a protest last March in the town of Quba, 170 km (100 miles) north of Baku, after several hundred residents demanded the resignation of its mayor.

Local authorities and officials who arrived in Ismailli from Baku met residents on Friday to try to keep a lid on discontent.

Nizami Alekperov, the local governor, dismissed calls for his resignation during this week's protests and made light of the rioting.

"Such incidents spoil the image of our region, which is becoming an attractive tourist destination," he said.

(Writing by Margarita Antidze and Timothy Heritage; Editing by Jon Hemming)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/resentment-runs-deep-azeri-town-hit-rioting-185130945.html

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Mommypage Learn How to Balance It All with Nicole D. from ?Tiny ...

Tell us more about yourself, your site, and your family.

I am a mother to four ? two boys and two girls, ranging in age from 15 months to 13 years . My husband is a supportive, albeit sports-obsessed, P.E. teacher. Together we are raising our noisy brood in Annandale, VA. After my second child was born in 2006, I decided to leave my job in public relations/communications and stay home, but I still needed to earn an income. This is when I opened my home-based daycare and discovered that there is an amazing secret society that forms when you put a few toddlers and preschoolers together. ?I love what I do, even though it isn?t always easy balancing everything. Anyone who says raising a family is easy is probably lying. Embracing our imperfections and letting go of our mother?s guilt is the key to surviving it all. Tiny Steps Mommy is where I write about all of this ? parenting, children, families, daycare, and surviving the chaos one tiny step at a time.

Why did you decide to start your site?? What has been your favorite part about blogging?

In March 2012, I started my blog Tiny Steps Mommy as an outlet for me to express my thoughts and keep my writing skills fresh. I have always loved writing. It is my passion. Yet for many years I put it on the back burner because I didn?t think I had the time. I discovered that I could make the time by giving up a little sleep and a lot of television. Amazingly, I do not miss watching TV and I feel more energized than ever because I am doing something that feels fulfilling. I also discovered that other people are actually reading my writing, which feels great. It is a great confidence booster when you pour your heart into writing something and then people you don?t even know say that you have touched them, or that they relate to you. I think this may be my favorite part of blogging ? making an impact.

How do you balance your daycare and spending time with your family?? What advice can you give to other busy moms?

The reason I started my daycare was to be home with my family. Even though my daycare is open 52.5 hours every week (five days a week) and I am working much more than I did in an office, I never feel like my job is getting in the way of spending time with my family. I manage this by incorporating my children into everything I do with the daycare ? it truly is a family business. This does not mean it is always easy, especially when my children are tired of sharing my attention. My last two children were born into this world where there are ?friend? days (weekdays) and ?non-friend? days (weekends). It is their normal. I have to admit though that in the evenings, I need some non-child time, which is why I depend heavily on my husband to manage the evening/bedtime routine. Having a supportive and hands-on partner is critical to surviving. My best advice to busy parents (which is every parent) is to take some time for you and accept the help of others when it is offered (don?t be afraid to ask either). Also, if your partner or someone else helps, then do not micromanage the way he or she does things, because that may be the last time help is offered. Help is help.

What is it like having four children?? How do you manage taking care of everyone?

My husband and I both grew up in large families. To us a noisy home is a happy home, which is why being a party of six feels absolutely right. Our biggest challenge is making sure we parent to the personalities of each child. Similar to teachers who have to teach based on the different learning styles of their students, parents have to parent to the unique personality of each child. A one-fits-all method does not work. The tricky part is customizing your parenting, while being fair to all. We are not perfect and neither are our children. I think once you accept this, it makes everything a little easier.

What are a few things you?ve learned from motherhood?

• I am going to make mistakes.
• My children are going to make mistakes.
• There are not enough hours in a day to get everything done.
• It?s okay not to keep up with the laundry.
• You have to be flexible and roll with the unexpected.
• Children grow fast, so enjoy every moment you can.
• Laughter is the best medicine.
• Hug, hug, hug, and then hug again.

What are your top 5 favorite things to do with your family?

1. Snuggle in bed and tickle and laugh
2. Visit playgrounds and play tag
3. Curl-up and watch a family movie
4. Reading books together
5. Go on nature walks (mini adventures)

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Site | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Email: nicoledash@gmail.com

Source: http://www.mommypage.com/2013/01/learn-how-to-balance-it-all-from-nicole-d-from-tiny-steps-mommy/

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Fetal exposure to tributyltin linked to obesity

Jan. 24, 2013 ? Exposing pregnant mice to low doses of the chemical tributyltin (TBT) -- which was used in marine antifouling paints and is used as an antifungal agent in some paints, certain plastics and a variety of consumer products -- can lead to obesity for multiple generations without subsequent exposure, a UC Irvine study has found.

After exposing pregnant mice to TBT at low concentrations, similar to those found in the environment and in humans, researchers observed increased body fat, liver fat and fat-specific gene expression in liver and stem cells in mouse "children," "grandchildren" and "great-grandchildren." The "children" were exposed as embryos, while the "grandchildren" may have been exposed as germ cells within the "children." The "great-grandchildren" had never been exposed to TBT. Such effects without exposure are termed transgenerational and thought to be permanently transmitted to future generations.

These findings demonstrate that early-life exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds such as TBT can have permanent effects on fat accumulation, gene expression and stem cell programming without further exposure, said study leader Professor Bruce Blumberg with the UC Irvine Departments of Developmental & Cell Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering.

The study appeared online Jan. 15 in Environmental Health Perspectives, a publication of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences.

Human exposure to TBT and related organotins can occur in a variety of ways. TBT contaminates particles derived from such products as shower curtains, vinyl flooring, carpet fibers, polyurethane foams, mold-resistant paints and other consumer products, where it is used as an antifungal agent. As a result, noteworthy levels of TBT have been reported in house dust, which may be particularly relevant for young children who can spend significant time on floors and carpets.

Although TBT is now largely banned for use in marine hull paints, it remains pervasive in the environment, and people can be exposed by ingesting TBT-contaminated seafood. Organotins may also leach into liquids that come into contact with organotin-containing plastic pipes, containers and packaging materials.

Blumberg categorizes TBT as an obesogen, a class of chemicals that promote obesity by increasing the number of fat cells and the storage of fat in existing cells or by altering metabolic regulation of appetite and satiety. He and his colleagues identified TBT as an obesogen in a 2006 publication and showed in 2010 that TBT acts in part by modifying the fate of mesenchymal stem cells during development, predisposing them to become fat cells.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of California - Irvine.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Raquel Chamorro-Garc?a, Margaret Sahu, Rachelle J. Abbey, Jhyme Laude, Nhieu Pham, Bruce Blumberg. Transgenerational Inheritance of Increased Fat Depot Size, Stem Cell Reprogramming, and Hepatic Steatosis Elicited by Prenatal Obesogen Tributyltin in Mice. Environmental Health Perspectives, 2013; DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205701

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/~3/mNTx2QccY3c/130124163412.htm

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Microsoft reports Q2 2013 earnings: posts record revenue of $21.5 billion, $6.38 billion profit (update)

This isn't the end of earnings season, but this is the final member of the unholy trinity. Microsoft is reporting that during the second quarter of its 2013 financial year it set a revenue record by raking in $21.5 billion. Of that $6.38 billion was pure profit, lining shareholder's pockets to the tune of $0.76 per share. While EPS was down year-over-year, net income was up dramatically from $5.87 billion a year ago and $5.31 billion last quarter. The Windows division accounted for roughly $5.9 billion of Redmond's revenues, up 24 percent from a year ago, largely thanks to the release of Windows 8. That division is also home to the Surface, which still hasn't seemed to gain much traction with consumers. Interestingly, while Windows was surging, its business division was suffering a not inconsequential drop off -- seeing revenues fall 10 percent to $5.7 billion year-over-year. But the Server & Tools department also helped offset some of those declines, with revenue jumping up 9 percent to $5.19 billion.

In a sign that it might be time for a bit of a console refresh, the Entertainment and Devices division saw revenues continue to sink, despite the strong holiday sales. While the $3.77 billion in revenue was a stark increase over Q1's paltry $1.95 billion, it's still a 7 percent fall from the same time period last year. Thankfully, its Online Services continued to grow, reaching $869 million in revenue -- an 11 percent growth year-over-year, and a sign that it's various web services aren't sinking ships. Most notably ad revenue was up 15 percent thanks largely to an increase in revenue-per-search.

Revenue growth over Q2 2012 wasn't huge, but it was certainly notable and net income didn't drop dramatically. And, perhaps most importantly for investors, results were pretty much inline with Wall Street expectations. It's also worth noting that some revenue has been deferred, $1.3 billion to be exact, thanks to various upgrade offers and video game deals -- though, the company did report previously deferred revenues due to pre-sales of Windows 8. There's PR after the break but, if you want to dig through all the detailed tables of financial data you'll have to hit up the source link. And check back in for updates when the earnings call gets under way at 5:30PM ET.

Updates:

5:36PM CFO, Peter Klein says that 60 percent of computers worldwide are running Windows 7 while the company has managed to push out 60 million Windows 8 licenses.

5:40 Microsoft doesn't seem particularly worried about the declining PC market as Windows revenues outpaced sales of x86 machines by a significant margin.

5:45 Windows Phone sales were four times what they were last year.

5:53 Microsoft stands by its story that Surface is "just one part of the Windows 8 story." Though, it did say that it will "expand retail distribution and availability" so don't expect the in-house slate to go quietly into that good night.

Show full PR text

Microsoft Reports Record Revenue of $21.5 Billion in Second Quarter
Strong business demand and key product launches drive record revenue.

REDMOND, Wash. - Jan. 24, 2013 - Microsoft Corp. today announced quarterly revenue of $21.46 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2012. Operating income, net income, and diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $7.77 billion, $6.38 billion, and $0.76 per share.

These financial results reflect the net deferral of revenue for the Windows Upgrade Offer, Office Upgrade Offer and Pre-sales, and the Entertainment and Devices Division Video Game Deferral, partially offset by the recognition of previously deferred revenue for Windows 8 Pre-sales. The following table reconciles these financial results reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to non-GAAP financial results. We have provided this non-GAAP financial information to aid investors in better understanding the company's performance.

"Our big, bold ambition to reimagine Windows as well as launch Surface and Windows Phone 8 has sparked growing enthusiasm with our customers and unprecedented opportunity and creativity with our partners and developers," said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer at Microsoft. "With new Windows devices, including Surface Pro, and the new Office on the horizon, we'll continue to drive excitement for the Windows ecosystem and deliver our software through devices and services people love and businesses need."

The Windows Division posted revenue of $5.88 billion, a 24% increase from the prior year period. Adjusting for the net deferral of revenue for the Windows Upgrade Offer and the recognition of the previously deferred revenue from Windows 8 Pre-sales, Windows Division non-GAAP revenue increased 11% for the second quarter. Microsoft has sold over 60 million Windows 8 licenses to date.

"We saw strong growth in our enterprise business driven by multi-year commitments to the Microsoft platform, which positions us well for long-term growth," said Peter Klein, chief financial officer at Microsoft. "Multi-year licensing revenue grew double-digits across Windows, Server & Tools, and the Microsoft Business Division."

The Server & Tools business reported $5.19 billion of revenue, a 9% increase from the prior year period, driven by double-digit percentage revenue growth in SQL Server and System Center.

"We see strong momentum in our enterprise business. With the launch of SQL Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012, we continue to see healthy growth in our data platform and infrastructure businesses and win share from our competitors," said Kevin Turner, chief operating officer at Microsoft. "With the coming launch of the new Office, we will provide a cloud-enabled suite of products that will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility."

The Microsoft Business Division posted $5.69 billion of revenue, a 10% decrease from the prior year period. Adjusting for the impact of the Office Upgrade Offer and Pre-sales, Microsoft Business Division non-GAAP revenue increased 3% for the second quarter. Revenue from Microsoft's productivity server offerings - collectively including Lync, SharePoint, and Exchange - continued double-digit percentage growth.

The Online Services Division reported revenue of $869 million, an 11% increase from the prior year period. Online advertising revenue grew 15% driven by an increase in revenue per search.

The Entertainment and Devices Division posted revenue of $3.77 billion, a decrease of 11% from the prior year period. Adjusting for the Video Game Deferral, the division's non-GAAP revenue decreased 2% for the second quarter. Xbox continues to be the top-selling console in the United States. During the quarter, Microsoft launched Windows Phone 8 with a broad array of carriers and devices.

Business Outlook

Microsoft reaffirms fiscal year 2013 operating expense guidance of $30.3 billion to $30.9 billion.

Webcast Details

Peter Klein, chief financial officer, Frank Brod, chief accounting officer, and Chris Suh, general manager of Investor Relations, will host a conference call and webcast at 2:30 p.m. PST (5:30 p.m. EST) today to discuss details of the company's performance for the quarter and certain forward-looking information. The session may be accessed at http://www.microsoft.com/investor. The webcast will be available for replay through the close of business on Jan. 24, 2014.

Adjusted Financial Results and Non-GAAP Measures

For second quarter fiscal year 2013 GAAP revenue, operating income, and earnings per share growth included the net deferral of revenue for the Windows Upgrade Offer, the Office Upgrade Offer and Pre-sales, and the Entertainment and Devices Division Video Game Deferral, and the recognition of previously deferred revenue for Windows 8 Pre-sales. These items are defined in our Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended December 31, 2012. In addition to these financial results reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we have provided certain non-GAAP financial information to aid investors in better understanding the company's performance. Presenting these measures without the impact of these items gives additional insight into operational performance and helps clarify trends affecting the company's business. For comparability of reporting, management considers this information in conjunction with GAAP amounts in evaluating business performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Filed under: Misc, Microsoft

Comments

Source: Microsoft

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/24/microsoft-reports-q2-2013-earnings/

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Cybersex- Greg Densem | FMST 316: Human Sexuality ? Blog II

Cyber sex is a virtual encounter between two or more people connected via the internet.? These people send each other sexually explicit messages and/or images to stimulate and achieve satisfaction.? A majority of the time, cybersex takes place in a chat room with the participants describing in detail their sexual fantasies.? In return, the participants will try to fulfill their partners fantasies through text and image and sometimes video.

Cybersex is indulged in by many different people.? Some people are in relationships but are physically separated.? Some people are trying cybersex with complete strangers they meet online and some even go outside their relationships and have cybersex with an additional partner or stranger online.

Some believe that there are advantages to the world of cybersex.? It can let people live out fantasies without the risk of STD?s.? On the other side people with STD?s can live out fantasies without the risk of giving someone an STD.? As said before it allows couples to connect when they are geographically separated and strengthen their relationships.? Some say it is easier than finding a sexual partner.? Everyone has their own opinions.

The disadvantages are looked at as follows.? You never know who you are talking to for one.? Some believe it is a form of cheating or adultery.? It can lead to personal neglect, psychological disorders, depression, and more because you can actually become addicted.

I have no experience in this area and I have a strong belief that my girlfriend would consider cybersex with someone else cheating. ?What do you guys think about cybersex in general?

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Source: http://blogs.ubc.ca/fmst316b/2013/01/23/cybersex-greg-densem/

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Canadian police in Algeria to investigate gas plant attack

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian police are in Algeria looking for evidence that Canadian citizens were involved in last week's attack and hostage-taking at a desert gas plant, a government official said on Thursday.

Around 70 people died when Algerian troops stormed the plant and ended the siege on Sunday. Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said a Canadian gunman, identified only as "Chedad," had coordinated the operation.

"I can confirm that they are on the ground," the official told Reuters when asked whether members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police were in Algeria.

The official declined to give more details. A spokeswoman for the Mounties said she could not comment.

On Tuesday Canada said diplomats were in Algeria seeking evidence that Canadians were involved.

One European official and one former senior European counter-terrorism official said they understood there was information confirming that at least one Canadian was among the hostage takers.

Ottawa says it has received no proof from Algerian authorities that this was the case.

But the European sources said they did not believe the initial Algerian claim that a Canadian may have served as leader of the militants who took the hostages.

One of the European sources said multiple survivors of the incident reported one of the militants spoke English with either an English or North American accent.

European officials said it was highly unlikely that a British person was among the attackers.

Canadians suspected of ties to North African Islamic militants historically have come from French-speaking Quebec, not from English-speaking Canadian provinces.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa and Mark Hosenball in Washington; Editing by Xavier Briand)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/canadian-police-algeria-investigate-gas-plant-attack-202149845.html

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