Archive for February, 2010

Bachelor in Science Major in Marine Biology

If you plan to finish a bachelor’s of science in Marine Biology, it is important that you attain the total credit required first, as well as all other requirements. Colleges and universities may have different subjects and topics covered, but the core is still very much the same. You can start by asking for the course perspective or inquiring online. Here is the breakdown.

Lower Division Requirements

There are 124 semester credits required to finish Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. General education common core consists of about 45 semester credits at least. You should first complete the general education common core having one course in every of the 15 common core categories, together with 2 cross-theme requirements. You should check for eligible courses for every requirement for a complete description of the general education program. You may not apply for more than 2 courses having the same alpha toward the common core requirements. You can check and review all the HPU alphas.

Some of the courses needed for the major can also be applied to the general education course, which increase the number of unlimited elective credits available. The possible overlaps are shown parenthetically after the course name in the lower division major requirements list. You should talk to the person in charge or inquire online to know more about the prerequisites and to avoid any further conflict in the future.

The Major Requirements

Major requirements in the lower division consist of 46 to 48 semester credits. Inclusions are General Biology I, General Biology I (Laboratory), General Biology II (Global Systems A), General Biology II (Laboratory), General Chemistry I (Global Systems C), General Chemistry I (Laboratory), General Chemistry II, General Chemistry II (Laboratory), Oceanographic Field Techniques, Geological, Chemical and Physical Oceanography, Geological, Chemical and Physical Oceanography (Laboratory), Marine Biology, Marine Biology (Laboratory), Statistics, Calculus I, Calculus II, Freshmen Science Seminar, College Physics I, College Physics I (Laboratory), College Physics II, College Physics II (Laboratory), General Physics I, General Physics I (Laboratory), General Physics II and General Physics II (Laboratory).

Upper Division Requirements

The general education for the upper division consists of 7 semester credits. Upper division research and writing consist of 4 credits, while upper class citizenship requirement consists of 3 credits. The requirements include Comparative Animal Physiology, Comparative Animal Physiology (Laboratory), Evolutionary Genetics, Marine Invertebrate Zoology or Vertebrate, Marine Invertebrate or Vertebrate Zoology (Laboratory), Ecology, Ecology (Laboratory), Cell and Molecular Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology (Laboratory), Fundamental Organic Chemistry, Descriptive Regional Oceanography, Marine Ecology, Marine Ecology (Laboratory), Marine Biology Seminar, Plant Biology, Plant Biology (Laboratory), Biometry, Natural History, Cell and Molecular Biology, Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology (Laboratory), Organic Chemistry I, Biochemistry I, Environmental Chemistry, Honors Research and Practicum. Geology course and math course in the upper division may also be taken upon approval.

The Unrestricted Electives (0 Semester Credits)

Major in Marine Biology adds up to 124 credits total, so there are no additional credits needed. Further studies may be taken by the student at his or her discretion.

Biofuels are a Green Energy Source

Biofuels are also a green energy source. It has been around for a very long time and lately, people are beginning to take notice.

Liquid biofuel which is the one used in cars is a natural and renewable domestic fuel that can only be used for diesel engines. This can be made from vegetable oils mostly soy and corn. The nice thing about it is that it contains no petroleum, is nontoxic and biodegradable.

By fueling up with biofuel, you decrease the pollutants in the air because it does not emit anything. Right now, it is the only fuel approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), passed every Heath-Effects Test of the Clean Air Act and meets the requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

One example of this is biodiesel which is made from alcohol like methanol and a chemical process that separates glycerine and methyl esters (biodiesel) from fats or vegetable oils. Aside from methanol, some countries have also experimented with corn and sugarcane to create their own version of biofuel.

Glycerine is a common products and this is used in making toothpaste and soap. Since it is quite new, the process of converting it is quite expensive and right now, this is still much more expensive per gallon compared to petroleum.

But if you look at what you pay for it, the returns are huge because you get to do your share to preserve a cleaner environment, an improvement in air quality and a reduction of cancer-causing agents.

A cheaper and primitive way to make bio-diesel is by collecting cooking oil and then processing it. This may not good your car’s engine so be careful if you decide to use it.

If you are skeptic about biodiesels, studies have shown that its performance on the road is just as good as petroleum in terms of power to efficiency, hauling and climbing. You can use this in its pure form or blend with petroleum fuel. The most common mix in the market is 20/80 and is referred to as “B20.” This means that 20% is biodiesel and the remainder is 80%. Another version is the E85 which is fuel composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

The best part about using biodiesel is that you only have to make a few changes in your engine to be able to use it. Aside from making the car run, it also helps clean the engine. If you are concerned that this will void the warranty of your vehicle should there be a problem, don’t worry because it doesn’t. In the US, B20 is the most common one available but there are only a few gas stations that carry it.

When car’s first rolled out in the beginning of the 20th century, Henry Ford planned to make these vehicles especially the Model T’s run using ethanol. Tests have even shown that these may also run using peanut oil.

This never materialized because huge oil deposits were discovered and diesel was cheap. It was only when our demand for oil increased in the 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s and in the early part of this year that people began to realize that to reduce our demand for foreign oil that we should try using biodiesels and other forms of alternative energy.

Is it too late? Not yet because there is still time to use biofuels and others as green energy sources.

Earth Hour

Created to promote awareness of the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, EarthHour.org used the simple action of turning off the lights in Sydney, Australia for one hour on March 31, 2007 to call attention to Global warming.

Over 2.2 million residents and in excess of 2100 business turned off their lights for one hour; the results were a 10.2% reduction in energy in the city.

Armed with this knowledge, the organization went around to globe to spread the word and to arrange for Earth Hour to take place in cities all over the world.

On March 29, 2008, major cities, including Dubai, San Francisco, Bangkok, Chicago, Tel Aviv, Manila, Copenhagan and Toronto participated in Earth Hour. Savings varied from city to city, but the end result was an approximate savings of 8.4%.

In Bangkok electricity usage was decreased by 73.34 megawatts which, over one hour, is equivalent to 41.6 tons of carbon dioxide.

Earth hour is about awareness. If every person remembered to shut off lights in empty rooms at home or in the office, took a slightly shorter shower and walked to the coffee shop instead of driving, it would make a difference in our demand for electricity.

If businesses turned off copiers and computers at night instead of leaving them on standby power, the savings would add up, not only for the environment but for their checkbooks as well.

Mark your calendar for March 28, 2009 and join the fight against global warming. Together, we can make a difference.

Caring For A New Tattoo

When you finally decide to get a tattoo, the first thing you’ll need to do is find a reputable tattoo artist. Most tattoo artists have several designs that you can pick from. If you don’t find anything you like, you can always ask him to make a custom tattoo. You should always be careful in what you choose, as you’ll have the tattoo for the rest of your life. The design is very important, although not nearly as important as taking care of it.

Good tattoo artists will also clean and apply antiseptic ointment to your tattoo as they create it. Expert artists know that this helps keep the tattoo healthy. Once the tattoo is finished, the artists will wipe it down, clean it off good, and apply another coat of antiseptic ointment. Once the ointment has been applied, he will put a piece of soft tissue or cellophane over the tattoo.

Once the tattoo is finished, the artists should tell you how to take care of your new tattoo. Some of the better artists will talk to you and give you a detailed sheet with all of the information you need. If you went to a tattoo artist who didn’t explain this to you, you may be wondering just what you should do. Taking care of a tattoo isn’t hard – as long as you know what you can and can’t do.

When you first get home with your new tattoo, you should never hop right in the shower. You should keep it dry for the first few days, but also clean it every few hours. Before you touch the tattoo or clean it, you should always make sure that your hands are clean. If you keep your hands clean, you won’t have to worry about an infection.

You’ll also want to visit your local drugstore and purchase a tube of A&D ointment. A&D ointment is the best to use. A&D will keep your tattoo clean and shiny and should be used for the first few days. Once the ointment starts to dry on the tattoo, you should wipe the old application off and apply some more. Don’t rub it too hard, or you could damage the healing process. For the first few days, you should avoid using soap as well.

After 5 – 6 days, you can quit using the ointment. A&D ointment will keep your tattoo healthy, which you’ll notice the first time you apply it. After you stop using it, you should use an unscented body lotion. You want to avoid body lotions that have scents, as they can easily irritate the tender skin that resides under your tattoo.

After you have used the lotion for a few days, you can stop using it. Most tattoos, after they have healed, tend to leave a scab in some areas. If your tattoo has a scab, you should be careful when you try to pick it. If you aren’t careful, you could end up damaging your design. The best thing to do is you have a scab is to leave it alone. You can put A&D ointment on it if you want, as most of the time a scab will itch.

A tattoo can be a great thing to have providing you take care of it. Tattoos will stay with your for the rest of your life, unless you choose to get them surgically removed. Taking care of your tattoo now will keep it healthy and infection free in the long run. If you follow the above advice on how to take care of your tattoo – you won’t have anything to worry about.

Buying Folk Art Paintings

Buying folk art paintings has become a passion of mine. I’ve been looking for them everywhere it seems. I found a bunch of folk art paintings recently and I am having trouble deciding which one to buy.

There was a folk art painting by Rev. Howard Finster that is titled Howard in 1944. This is an all enamel folk art painting that was painted in 1988. The smile on this portrait is very engaging and makes me smile just as big.

I am also really taken by a folk art painting that was painted by painter Bill Dodge in Oct 1962. The title of the painting is First Trolley To Van Nuys. The painting is on board and depicts the center of town with all the people in town. They are in the windows and on the street. The town market, bakery, Hotel Van Nuys, an ice cream parlor and the Wing Lee Laundry are all depicted in vibrant color. The women in the foreground are against the Trolley and their signs say “Ban the Monster” and “Keep Van Nuys rural”.

Thomas Chambers is one of America’s foremost folk artists. I found a piece by him that I just don’t like very much. It is a bit austere for my tastes. The subject is a fishing scene with villagers and boats. I don’t think that I will purchase this folk art painting because I just don’t like it.

There was a folk art painting I found called Alligator Fisher that was painted in 1940 that I really like. The blue of the bayou is very calming and the trees give it a very Southern feel. There is a swamp house in the painting and I like this one very much. It reminds me very strongly of Louisiana.

My mother started this passion of mine for folk art paintings. She had a folk art painting by John Roeder in our parlor growing up. I used to spend hours just staring into it. The trees were so relaxing to lose myself in. I have asked her to give me this wonderful folk art painting many times, but she says that I will have to wait until after her funeral!

I found one folk art painting during my journey that I felt sad every time I looked at. The name of the painting is A Letter from My Mother. The look in the girl’s face is so serious and sad. I have no idea where this folk art painting should hang. The painting itself is magnificent; it just makes me feel sad.

There is a whole subset of folk art paintings that represent black Americana. I don’t usually buy any of these pieces as they don’t speak to my experience. I did find one piece that I purchased for a collector friend of mine that loves this type of art. The folk art painting had a whimsical feel to it and a woman relaxing in a hammock. He hung this in his hallway and has loved it for a long time.

My brother likes folk art paintings as much as I do. He prefers animals to be the subjects of paintings he purchases. I found a lovely clouded leopard folk art painting for him last Christmas and he has asked that I keep my eyes open for more like it. He said that he will buy any art I find for him because he trusts that I know and understand his tastes.

I have kept my eyes open for animal themed folk art paintings for my brother, but I just can’t seem to find any as nice as the leopard that I got for him. The grand extent of animal themed folk art paintings I’ve found recently was a painting of two owls on a limb and I know that he would not like it. Ever since we were kids, owls totally freak him out.

Basics Of Buying Art: Whether You’re A Pro Or Not

Buying and collecting art intelligently can be done by anyone. That’s right, anyone. You do not need to have experience in collecting art, previous knowledge about the art business, or even a degree in art history. The truth is, all you’ll need is love for and appreciation of fine art; plus a yearning to collect; lastly, willingness to learn a some simple techniques that would help you evaluate any kind of art work coming from any period of history, whomever the artist is and whatever his or her nationality is.

Anything Goes

Although you might read some specific suggestions and recommendations describing specific works of art, you should take note that there is really no right or wrong kind of art and that there’s no right or wrong method to collect or buy art.

Everyone has the freedom to collect whatever it is that they feel like collecting and buy whatever pieces they feel like buying. It doesn’t really matter whenever and wherever you feel like purchasing art, for whatever reason, and for how much you feel like spending on the purchase. As a result, the following tips are not for everyone, but are typically designed for those who want to spend their money wisely on worth it pieces.

If you happen to be one of those people, then here are some tips on how you can be a better art collector.

Four Way Questions On Buying Art

If the time comes that you see a piece that you want, whether it be a painting, sculpture or a print, there are generally four questions that you should ask yourself to start your decision making.

Who’s The Artist?

To answer this, you have 2 reliable sources: spoken and written information. Spoken info usually comes from the artist himself, gallery exhibiting the piece or the dealer. It can also com from other collectors, friends, family, and other people that are familiar about the art or the artist being considered. On the other hand, written info could come in a number of forms like artist career resumes, gallery exhibit catalogues, art reference books and exhibition reviews. How Important Is It?

This could be answered by simply looking at as many possible pieces done by the artist. Try to be familiar with the range of the artists’ art and see where that particular piece falls. You can start by asking the seller to show you a number of pieces done by the artist, whether original, in print, or in photographs. Also try to see works from all periods of the artist’s career; doing this can teach you a lot about the artwork and the artist at hand.

Where Has It Been?

Third, it’s also important to know where that particular piece of art has been. This is done by accumulating all incidental information about the piece. It’s similar to making a biography of the piece, from its birth, which is the artists’ completion of it, up until the present day.

This can be helpful since good provenance and documentation can increase an artwork’s desirability, collectability, and market value. Having a good provenance in the art world is analogous to having good pedigree in the pet world. For example, if a painting was exhibited at a notable and important art show, then it is more collectible than a similar painting that wasn’t; just the same with awards and prizes.

Is The Price Fair?

For this question, it doesn’t really matter what the piece’s value may be in the future, since nobody can really answer that. What you should want to know is whether the piece is fairly priced today or not. This is a very important question, because just like other services or goods, art can sometimes come overpriced.

Art Auctions: Art Deco

In the field of modern art, art deco plays a large and impressively lavish role. The strong colors and sweeping curves lend art deco the trademark boldness that expressed much of the progress and modern advances of the twentieth century. Art auctions around the world still move many art deco pieces of various kinds. If you’re interested in collecting art deco, there are many art auctions both online and off that deal primarily in art deco.

In the twentieth century the decorative arts converged in what is known as the art deco movement, which grew to influence architecture, fashion, the visual arts as well as design. The term ‘art deco’ was derived from a World’s Fair held in Paris, France, called the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in the year 1925.

Though the movement and term comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the term was not widely used until the late 1960s. Especially pre- World War I Europe influenced the art deco movement, though many cultures influenced and were influenced by this art movement. Much of the world was experiencing similar shifts in modern technological advances.

For the most part, the art deco movement was brought about and inspired by the rapid advances of technological and social facets of the early twentieth century. As culture responded to these increasingly changing times, the art deco movement was an outgrowth of these modern phenomena.

Art deco is considered generally to be an eclectic type of decorative modernism that was influenced by a variety of artists and particular art forms. Art deco includes furniture, metalwork, clocks, glasswork and screens as well as paintings and other fine art types of pieces.

The art deco style is known for its lavishness and epicurean flairs that are attributed to the austerity of culture brought about by World War I. Strong patterns and bold colors and shapes were used, as were many particular motifs used universally.

For example, the sunburst motif was used in everything from the Radio City Music Hall auditorium, images of ladies’ shoes, the spire of the Chrysler Building and several other pieces of art, architecture and design. Other ubiquitous motifs found in art deco were stepped forms, the zigzag, chevron patterns and sweeping curves.

In the West, art deco lost its steam around the Second World War, but continued to be used all the way into the 1960s in colonial countries such as India, where it served as a gateway to Modernism. Then in the 1980s art deco made a comeback in graphic design. Art deco’s association with 1930s film noir led to its use in both fashion and jewelry ads.

Today art deco is revered by many and dismissed as old news and overly gaudy by others. Though it undoubtedly played a major role in art history, as with most art, individual taste frames the individual’s interpretation and like or dislike of art deco styles.

Art deco is one of the most well known art movements. This is mostly due to its wide base of influences and influenced art forms and cultures. Since much of the world was experiencing many of the same advances in technology and mass production, many of the same ideas and symbols were relevant in various parts of the world.

Alternative Foods For Tropical Fish

Feed flakes, dried foods and pellets are all conventional feeds used by many aqua culturists, however, some of them are venturing into alternative fish food for tropical fish. There could be many reasons; however, it could be either to slash cost or to vary the nutritional diet of the fish.

You can look for alternative food for tropical fish in the grocery department and it is also cheaper than the traditional fish foods you can purchase from pet stores as well as more nutritious for your tropical fish. However, you should remember that flake foods and other forms of manufactured food for tropical fish have been formulated to contain all the nutritional requirement of your fish. Thus, it is okay to venture into alternative foods, but do not feed your tropical fish with this kind of foods entirely. You should go for variety instead. Food purchased in the grocery, on the other hand, might not suit your fish needs.

The kind of food suitable for your tropical fish is based on what specie you are maintaining. What is appropriate for a carnivorous tropical fish might not be appropriate for an herbivore. You can tell the difference with these tropical fish but you have to consider which of these foods are appropriate for the tropical fish you keep.

You can find a long list of alternative foods in the vegetable section of the grocery. These items are mostly suitable for omnivores and herbivores but can also be a variety for some carnivorous fish.

Lettuce is a preferred food for most tropical fish species. You can prepare lettuce easier to consume for the tropical fish by boiling. Most catfish varieties prefer this food. However, some may find it hard to submerge the lettuce bits to the bottom of the aquarium where it can be consumed by the catfish. You can solve this problem by putting a small rock on a broad part of the lettuce to keep it submerged. Never leave the lettuce under the water for too long as it can also pollute the fish tank.

Peas are also given to tropical fish. Most hobbyists would freeze the peas, however before they give them to the fish, defrost them first.

Brussels sprouts are also great for some varieties of catfish. They are submerged to the bottom of the fish tank, which makes it easier for the fish to consume them and can be left in the water longer, even overnight.

Rice is also great for tropical slugs and snails, which also like boiled pasta.

For carnivorous tropical fish, you can look for some food items in the grocery and one of the best foods for predatory fish are shrimps.

Frozen shrimps can be an excellent alternative to flakes and very preferred by most tropical fish varieties. You should defrost the shrimp before you give them and it is also suggested that you chop the shrimps into considerable chunks, especially if your fish are too small to consume the big shrimps. A common inquiry is whether to use shrimps with the natural shell. Shrimp shells can often cause digestive problems, so if you have time you can take out the shell. However, it is not fatal, and if you have chopped the shrimps into smaller parts, it will be digested by the tropical fish anyway. Larger carnivorous fish are more suited to digest shrimp shells than a small herbivore fish. It is better to feed herbivore fish shrimps to add variety since they normally get this as a part of their diet while feeding on plant foods.

The Scruffy Little Hunter Dog: Border Terrier

The Border terrier got its name from the area called Cheviot Hills, which is actually near the border of England and Scotland. This is where these dogs were made to attack and terminate predatory foxes.

They have wiry coat that is why they normally appear as scruffy. However, this scruffiness is an attention-grabber that is why owners do not forget to hug their little ball of energy.

The following are some of the basic facts breeders would really love to know about Borders:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: indoors (highly recommended); outdoors (fenced yard)

Coat: wiry and short; double coated

Colors: tan, red, grizzle and tan, and/or blue and tan

Height: between 11 and 16 inches

Weight: between 11 and 16 pounds

Temperament:

Naturally,

• they are scruffy, hard and bold hunters
• they are active as puppies but mellow down as they mature
• they are not friendly with rabbits, rats, hamsters, and even birds
• they are economical to feed
• their activity die down when left alone all day as they really love to please people especially their owners

When properly trained,

• they can get along with the household cats but not with cats in the neighborhood
• they may even catch a burglar
• they may lose timidity when accustomed to active environments

Breeders should note of the following health issues:

• Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome or CES, also called as “Spike’s disease”, which is a hereditary, neurological, metabolic and muscle disorder that is sometimes confused with canine epilepsy
• Cataract, or loss of transparency of one or both lenses of the eyes
• Cryptorchidism, wherein testicles do not descend into the scrotum
• Deafness
• Skin problems and a few skin allergies

Care and Exercise:

• Their coat needs weekly brushing.
• They should be professionally groomed at least twice a year.
• They should bathe only when necessary since they shed little to no hair. Their physique requires a regular exercise routine which includes a daily play time while on leash.
• They should be on leash while walking in public places because of their hunting instincts.

Origin/History:

The exact origins of Border terriers are obscure but many breeders accepted the story that the variety was developed in the Cheviot Hills area, which is near the border of Scotland and England. The Borders have been used as hunters of rabbits and hares. They can even keep up with running horses with their short yet sturdy legs. They were also used by farmers to lure predatory foxes into their dens before killing them.

They were also trained to hunt otters, marten, and even fierce badgers. Like most terriers that were once molded as hunters, they also evolved as pets and became lovely, friendly, and loyal companion dogs. They also take part in dog shows and they can easily grab their audience attention with their agility, appearance, and bright disposition.

The breed was registered by the British Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Club ten years after.

At present, Borders are highly favored as companion dogs and pets due to their adaptability, friendliness, and winning personality. Nonetheless, they can be reliable when it comes to tracking down vermin. In fact, some of their esteemed talents include hunting, guarding the family, and performing tricks and sports that require competitive obedience.

Like most terriers, you can be rest assured to have a loyal and bright companion dogs if you give your attention and affection to a Border. You can be sure that they can definitely drive away your bore!

Guidelines in Getting the Perfect Pet

Seeing animals at pet shows and looking at how amazing they are would really melt one’s heart. The thought of having a pet crosses your mind and you remember that your children have been asking you to get one for months already. Suddenly, the idea of giving one as a present seems wonderful. Tempting as it is, don’t get a pet based on whims. Look for the perfect pet for your kids. Keep in mind that having a pet entails a lot of responsibilities. One should be well prepared before acquiring. The reason why some people could not continue with the task and end up relinquishing their pets to humane shelters is because they have undermined the duties that come with it. Avoid this eventuality from happening by bracing yourself to the challenge. Fulfilling the necessary preparations will definitely be of enormous help in ensuring that the pet will be taken care of and that it is provided with a happy home.

1. Ask your children why they want a pet.

Unfortunately, some people acquire a pet for the wrong reasons. It is the most important question to ask. Most of the time, their reason for wanting a pet will give you an idea of what type of pet they are looking for.

2. Ask your children what kind of pet they want.

Prior to adopting a pet, ask your kids what kind of animals they like best so you would not inadvertently bring home something that might end up scaring them. Discuss with them what they find endearing about the pet of choice and what would make them dislike it. It is imperative that you know what the child’s expectations are.

3. Research on the pet your kids want.

First, explore whether the animal of choice will best suit your children’s personality as well as the entire family’s lifestyle. Doing some research and finding factual data will save you from so much trouble in due course. Having comprehensive information about the pet your children want to have will give you ten steps ahead. Educate yourself well in order for you to have sufficient knowledge to impart to your kids. Read books or search the internet about the animal itself and the proper care it would require. Do some inquiry and ask for feedback from those who are in the know.

This includes breeders, veterinarians, rescue group volunteers, and pet owners themselves. Each one of them has their own perspective which may allow you to see things in a different light. It would be very beneficial to talk to people who have actual experience in taking care of that particular animal. The greater the number of people you interview, the more information you get before making the final decision.

4. Make sure the whole family is ready.

Once an animal is brought to the home, changes will surely occur. Pet care will inevitably soon become a part of your family’s ongoing obligations. Things like cleaning up the pet’s poop, its cage, including bathing and feeding the animal. Regardless of how mature a child is, constant supervision and guidance should be provided. As a parent you are expected to become the back up whenever something comes up which is beyond your child’s ability to handle.

Hopefully, the four points given above would be of assistance to you in finding the perfect pet for your kids.