An extinct species of scops owl has been discovered in Madeira

Friday, March 23, 2012

An international team of scientists, including some from Majorca and the Canary Islands, have described a new type of fossil scops owl, the first extinct bird on the archipelago of Madeira (Portugal). Otus mauli, which was also the first nocturnal bird of prey described in the area, lived on land and became extinct as a result of humans arriving on the island.

Twenty years ago, the German researcher Harald Pieper discovered fossil remains of a small nocturnal bird of prey in Madeira, which, until now, had not been studied in depth. The international team of palaeontologists has shown that the remains belong to a previously unknown extinct species of scops owl, which they have called Otus mauli.

"It has long legs and wings slightly shorter than the continental European scops owl from which it derives" Josep Antoni Alcover, one of the authors of the study and researcher at the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), a mixed centre of the university of the Balearic Islands and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

The result of the analysis of the proportions of the remains found, which has been published in the journal Zootaxa, reveals that Otus mauli could be a land inhabiting species that ate invertebrates and "occasionally lizards or birds".

"It is likely that their extinction is linked to the arrival of humans and the fauna they brought with them", Alcover explains. He also points out that their disappearance formed part of a pattern of extinction of the island's species, which occurred in virtually all the islands of the world.

According to researchers, amongst the causes of extinction of this scops owl, the destruction of its habitat is highlighted, as Madeira had a lot of serious fires during the seven years that followed the Portuguese arrival. Furthermore, humans brought new birds with diseases that were unfamiliar to the native species, as well as rats and mice that could prey on eggs of animals that had nests close to the ground.

Exclusive to Madeira?

The same or a similar species has been investigated in Porto Santo, another island of the archipelago of Madeira. "This is extremely interesting" the researcher says, "but difficult to assess because the materials found are limited and fragmented".

"If the scops owls of Madeira and Porto Santo were different species, it would mean that the Otus' flying ability is much more limited than continental scops owls. The distance between the two islands would be enough to isolate them" Alcover points out.

The homogeneity of the scops owls' measurements on the two islands, as well as the differences compared to European scops owls suggests that they were genetically isolated from the European populations. The distance between the continent and the island was enough to explain the difference in the species.

On this island they expect to discover new species of birds in the near future "which will report a world that disappeared just a few hundred years ago". "The same thing will happen in the Azores islands where there is already evidence that a scops owl different to the ones in Madeira and Europe that is also extinct" the scientist says.

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FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology: http://www.fecyt.es/fecyt/home.do

Thanks to FECYT - Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology for this article.

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Source: http://www.labspaces.net/118692/An_extinct_species_of_scops_owl_has_been_discovered_in_Madeira

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Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G Review

Introduction:

Do you happen to love the dreamy specs associated with T-Mobile?s version of the Samsung Galaxy S II, but prefer something a bit more form fitting in the hand and less expensive? Well then, the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G might be the device you?re after, not only for the simple reason it?s similar in the specs departments while maintaining a more compact figure, but it?s also going to be trail blazing with its speedy 42Mbps HSPA+ data connectivity. Although it?s technically still a part of the original Samsung Galaxy S line, it should prove to be a smoking addition, so let?s find out if it?s worth picking up.

Design:

In typical fashion, the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G exhibits the usual design characteristics akin to Samsung?s stable ? meaning it?s all-plastic and very lightweight. Interestingly, it actually looks similar to the BlackBerry Torch 9860, because of the way its bezel curves towards its top edge. Even though its overall design isn?t particularly polarizing over other things, above all, we?re fascinated most above its smaller footprint over the previous Samsung Vibrant and Galaxy S 4G, even more when it packs the same 4-inch sized display.

You can compare the Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Donning the usual four capacitive Android buttons, they?re positioned close one another and towards the bottom edge ? thus, causing us to accidentally pressing them at times. Meanwhile, there?s a front-facing camera above the display ready to take 1280 x 960 resolution self-portraits.

On one hand, we like the distinct feel of its volume control, but its dedicated power button is flat to the touch ? albeit, both deliver springy responses when pressed. In addition, we find other customary things around its sides such as its 3.5mm headset jack, microUSB port, microphone, and spring loaded microSD slot.
Knowing that this handset bears some respectable specs, it?s fitting that we find a 5-megapixel snapper with LED flash in the rear ? plus, it?s capable of shooting 720p videos. Prying off its soft touch rear cover, we?re given access to its SIM card slot and 1,750 mAh battery.

Display:

Surely enough, we still can?t get over the fact that this Blaze 4G is packing a 4-inch display, especially when its overall footprint is smaller than the previous models with such screen. Employing a WVGA (480 x 800) Super AMOLED display, we?re naturally entranced by the poppy and saturated colors it?s able to deliver ? while still maintaining clarity thanks to its wide viewing angles. Despite employing a PenTile matrix arrangement, it?s sharp enough to visibly see fine text with relatively few issues. All in all, it?s a beauty, but then again, that?s common thing accompanying this kind of panel.

Source: http://www.phonearena.com/reviews/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Blaze-4G-Review_id2983

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Overall yogi kava tea benefits

Model of teas are available in differing types. A number of the kind of tea is yogi kava tea as it contains natural chemicals that alter the mood of the individual. It is vital to make use of care when drinking this type of tea due to its possible intoxicating effects. Taking precautions is among the best ways to prevent any possible intoxicating effects that you might get once you drink this tea. For example, individuals about the island of Kava, use the drink during religious events and other events. This drink is highly addictive in reality there are some who become addicted and quite often drink it even in activities. Other formats are can be utilized in this plant aside from tea because kava root is quite powerful. Yogi tea is one of the better brands at the moment to get potent kava tea.

Source: http://www.ladirectmag.com/food-and-drink/overall-yogi-kava-tea-benefits/

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Boat Insurance | and Life Insurance

Watercraft Insurance Whether you use your boat to fish or cruise, we know it must be pretty difficult to picture your life without it. Lamoreaux Insurance Agency can provide you with information to help you choose the best coverage for your watercraft insurance policy. Watercraft insurance covers many kinds of boats, so even if you?re looking for specific coverage?like personal watercraft insurance, jet boat insurance, sailboat insurance, fishing boat insurance, or house boat insurance you can be certain we will provide you with the best protection available. bradlamoreaux.com

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Source: http://andlifeinsurance.com/boat-insurance/

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Apple's nano-SIM proposal draws fire from Motorola, Nokia, RIM

Giesecke & Devrient's nano-SIM design is fueling quite the standards battle over in Europe, with Apple sitting in one corner, and the troika of Motorola, Nokia and RIM looming in the other. That's according to the Financial Times, which reports today that Cupertino is leading a charge to push its own nano-SIM proposal through Europe's standards body, ETSI, much to the chagrin of its competitors. According to FT's sources, Apple's version of the nano-SIM would call for a "drawer" to protect it, much like the designs already featured in the iPhone and iPad. Though the standard would be available to all manufacturers under license, there's a lingering fear that Apple may eventually own all the patents pertaining to its proposal. Plus, its rivals would have to re-engineer their handsets to meet Apple's proposed design, even though Nokia claims its solution offers "significant technical advantages." ETSI is slated to vote on the proposals next week, but FT claims that the company has already garnered support from most of Europe's providers. Just to be sure, though, Cupertino is applying to become the largest voting member at ETSI, and is looking to register a full six European subsidies under its name. Each subsidy can wield up to 45 votes, meaning that if approved, Apple would overtake Nokia as the organization's largest voting body. Nokia, for its part, has filed a document in protest.

Apple's nano-SIM proposal draws fire from Motorola, Nokia, RIM originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/apple-nano-sim-motorola-nokia-rim-standard/

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Vets face another battle: Finding a job

Ralph Orlowski / Getty Images

The unemployment rate for 18- to 24-year-old veterans who have served since Sept. 11 was 30.2 percent in 2011.

By Allison Linn

The job market in this country has been gradually improving, except for some veterans: A new report finds that the situation has actually gotten a little?worse for recent veterans who are trying to find work.

The unemployment rate for veterans who have served since Sept. 11 was 12.1 percent on average in 2011, according to a government report released Tuesday. That?s slightly higher than in 2010, when the average unemployment rate for the year was 11.5 percent.

That?s the opposite of how it is for nonveterans. The unemployment rate for nonveterans averaged 8.7 percent in 2011, down from 9.4 percent in 2010.

The situation is especially dismal for young vets. The unemployment rate for 18- to 24-year-old veterans who have served since Sept. 11 was 30.2 percent in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. For 25- to 34-year-old veterans from that era it was 13 percent.

Unemployment is a particular problem for those veterans who have served since Sept. 11. The unemployment rate for all veterans, including those who served in previous conflicts, averaged 8.3 percent in 2011, down just slightly from 8.7 percent a year earlier.

Experts say young veterans are at a disadvantage in part because they have been serving in the military while other young people were going to college or a trade school and making connections in their field of choice.

These more recent vets also may be finding that the skills they learned in the military don?t translate directly into a new job because they lack the certification or training that they need to do the same job in civilian life.

In general, the unemployment rate for younger workers also has been higher than for older workers over the past few years.

Private groups, government agencies and some elected officials have been working to smooth the path for young veteran jobseekers. It?s a problem that?s expected to get worse as more troops withdraw from the Gulf and the military grapples with budget cutbacks.

?Our veterans have made sacrifices on behalf of the nation, and I ask all employers to renew their commitment to veterans, because the best way to honor our veterans is to employ them. No veteran should have to fight for a job at home after fighting to protect our nation,? Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said in statement Tuesday.

Related:

TODAY sponsors job fair for veterans

Defense cutbacks worry some military families

We are the median: Living on $50,000, military-style?

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Source: http://lifeinc.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/20/10775742-many-recent-vets-face-another-battle-finding-a-job

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Holistic Healing for MS | Health and Fitness

The ability of the human body to maintain health and overcome illness is among nature?s most remarkable gifts, but sometimes it gets overwhelmed and help is needed. There are a multitude of healing systems out there so it can be confusing to find the ones that work best for you. We are all individuals and what helps one person to recover might do nothing for another with the same illness. The key is to be open minded and go with what feels right for you.

I experienced this for myself in 2001, when I was diagnosed with MS and had problems walking, lifting my arms, sitting and concentrating. I was terrified at the prospect of ending up in a wheelchair, so I dedicated myself to doing whatever it took to regain my health. The first step was to learn all that I could about nutrition because your body is only as healthy as what you put into it. Gentle Qi Gong exercises several times a day helped to get the life force flowing from within, and when I got stronger daily walking allowed me to connect with the serenity of Nature.

Releasing and letting go of emotional and mental baggage also played an important role in my recovery as did maintaining a positive outlook. I researched, learned and practiced numerous healing methods so that I could find the ones that worked for me. All of this helped to restore me to complete well-being in less than one year, and today I enjoy hiking, jogging, dancing, and feeling incredibly grateful for my recovered life.

Studying and using so many healing methods- first on myself and later on friends and clients ? I have come to appreciate the great potential of energy medicine which is an innovative blend of ancient wisdom with contemporary non-invasive healing techniques. Norman Sheally, M.D., President of the American Holistic Medical Association says that, ?Energy medicine is the future of all medicine.? Over the years I have created a special blend of these methods and exercises which work in harmony to restore the body and the mind to their natural balance.

One of my favorite modalities is Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) which is a powerful practice that works mostly with the three main energy systems of the body: the meridians, the chakras, and the aura. The meridians are invisible channels that carry energy in and through every part of your body. The chakras are concentrated energy centers that correspond to specific organs and distinct aspects of your personality. The aura (scientists call it the biofield) is a multilayered shell of energy that emanates from your body and interacts with the environment. EEM uses techniques from various natural healing traditions to restore and maintain your body?s flow, harmony and health. It does this through tapping, massaging, connecting acupoints, balancing chakras, weaving the bio-field and other exercises. All of these are designed for specific energetic effects and together they strengthen the immune system, release stress, sharpen the mind, balance your hormones and ease pain.

A simple EEM exercise that you can try right now will boost your energy in a healthier and more effective way than having a cup of coffee. It?s called ?Tapping the Thymus? which is a gland located in the middle of your chest. Tap on the center of your sternum (also known as the ?Tarzan Spot?) for 30 seconds while breathing deeply in through the nose and out through the mouth. The benefits of this exercise include not only stimulating your overall energy, but also activating your immune system and increasing your strength.

Concentrating on the physical body alone for healing is often not enough because unresolved conflicts in the emotional and mental bodies can drain away your vital life force. Releasing past hurts through forgiveness and learning to really love and honor yourself are extremely important for overall well being.

A wonderfully effective tool for accomplishing this is EFT (Emotional Freedom Therapy) which is a powerful process that has proven itself successful in many scientific studies. It works on a variety of health and emotional issues, even those that have been resistant to other methods. It can be learned and applied rapidly which has contributed to its popularity among millions of people.

The way that it works is quite simple: you tap with your fingertips on specific meridian points to input kinetic energy into your system and at the same time you think about and voice the specific problem that you are working on. This combination of tapping the energy meridian and voicing the problem works to clear the ?short circuit? ? the emotional block ? that is disturbing your body?s bio-energy system.

Your body is a miracle. It is comprised of about 50 trillion cells which work together tirelessly every minute of the day performing the countless complex tasks that keep you alive and well. This cosmic dance is beautifully designed to maintain optimum health and overcome any form of illness.

The goal of Holistic Healing is to enhance this natural process by focusing on your body as a living system of energy with powerful healing capacity. You maximize this capacity by actively participating in your own wellbeing and listening to the wisdom of your heart which will keep you on the path toward health and happiness.

There is a kind and benevolent force in the Universe that is always there? when you reach out it will always reach back to you.

Sabina Brownstein 2011

Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/6551422

Source: http://medicaltips.biz/2012/03/20/holistic-healing-for-ms/

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