There is a common misperception that scientists are not interested in UFOs. It is often debated that if there really was something to this, then scientists would be looking into it. The reality is that not only are scientists interested, they have been the main proponents of this subject since the beginning of modern UFO research.
When the public started to take notice of high profile UFO sightings beginning in the 40’s, the Air Force was on point to investigate the phenomena. They started several projects, all culminating into the Air Force’s largest UFO investigation called Project Blue Book. To help them in their investigation they hired astronomer, Dr. J. Allen Hynek.
Hynek was not enthusiastic about the subject at the time. He was quoted as saying “the whole subject seems utterly ridiculous”. He then went on to explain away the incredible sightings that continued to be reported by credible people. One of his most infamous debunkings was in March of 1966, when hundreds of witnesses in Michigan reported sightings over a two day period. Hynek suggested that some of these could have been due to swamp gas.
Eventually, after reviewing enough of these cases, Hynek began to believe that there actually was something more to the UFO mystery. He began disagreeing with the Air Force’s conclusions on some cases, and once Project Blue Book was closed, was an open advocate of the need for further research into the issue. In an interview in the 80’s Hynek had said that he became frustrated with the Air Force pressuring him to come up with quick prosaic answers to sightings instead of allowing him to conduct proper investigations.
To further scientific studies into UFOs Hynek started the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). He also went on to consult Steven Spielberg on his movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The title of the movie was based on a classification system that Hynek had developed for UFO sightings.
Hynek’s story is important because here we see that the first scientist tasked with the job of researching UFOs , once provided the evidence, became so interested that he devoted much of his life’s work to the effort. Although, Hynek started one of the first and most important UFO research organizations, his wasn’t the first, nor was it the first to be started by scientists.
It’s arguable as to which of the UFO research organizations was the most important, but another one of the top three was the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). It was founded in 1956 by physicist Thomas Townsend Brown. Brown researched electromagnetism, radiation, field physics, gravity, and other cutting edge technologies. Among the organizations he worked for was the National Defense Research Committee and the Office of Scientific Research and Development.
Brown believed that some of the research he was involved with may shed light on the type technology being applied by UFOs. His organization, NICAP, went on to include many notable members and advisors, including retired and active military personnel. After Brown, one of the most prominent Directors was retired USMC Major Donald Keyhoe. Keyhoe then recruited the help of one of his Naval Academy colleagues, Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter. Among other accolades, Hillenkoeter was the first director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Hillenkoeter was openly critical of the Air Force’s handling of the UFO situation, as can be seen in his famous quote in the New York Times, “Behind the scenes, high-ranking Air Force officers are soberly concerned about UFOs. But through official secrecy and ridicule, many citizens are led to believe the unknown flying objects are nonsense.”
The third large UFO organization from the early years was the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), started in 1952 by electrical technician, Jim Lorenzen along with his wife Coral. Over time they collected a long list of scientific consultants, including atmospheric physicist Dr. James McDonald, professor in hydraulics engineering Dr. James Harder, and psychologists Dr. Leo Sprinkle.
By the late 50’s there were three organizations with respected scientific members investigating UFOs. To add to this scientific endeavor, in 1969 the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) annual meeting included a panel discussion of scientists on UFOs. This was all in the beginning of UFO research, and scientific interest continues to this day.
Over time these three organizations either lost steam, or shut down completely. So in 1969 many of APRO’s members went on to found the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), which is currently largest UFO organization in the U.S. MUFON was founded by Walt Andrus, who had a long career as an educator and manager in technology, along with engineer John Schuessler, and Dr. Allen Utke.
John Schuessler is a retired aerospace engineer, who spent 36 years working for the Human Space Flight program. He was a Director and Project Manager for Space Shuttle Flight Operations, and received the NASA Public Service Medal for leadership on his role in the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.
Among the many scientists that make up the membership of MUFON are prominent researchers such as physicist Stanton Friedman, optical physicist Dr. Bruce Maccabee, aeronautical engineer Dr. Bob Wood, and professor of physics Dr. Jack Kasher. I’m sure I am neglecting to mention many others, as there are an abundance of dedicated scientists aiding in MUFON’s efforts.
Physicist Stanton Friedman is probably the most well known scientist in UFO research. He has been featured on countless documentaries and news stories on this subject.
Stanford Professor of astrophysics, Peter Sturrock convened what is known as the Sturrock Panel in 1996. His colleague Dr. Jacques Valle had written books on UFOs, and after reviewing them he agreed that the subject was worthy of scientific study. He felt that there was a problem with scientists understanding the UFO phenomena. At the time Laurance Rockefeller was also taking an interest in UFO research. Rockefeller agreed to fund a gathering of a group of UFO researchers to present their evidence to a panel of unbiased scientists. They included in their conclusions that “It is desirable that there be institutional support for research in this area.”
In 1995 real estate developer Robert Bigelow created the National Institute for Discover Sciences (NIDS). Bigelow grew up in Las Vegas while the atom bomb was being developed, and remembers his family reporting many UFO sightings. Since then he has had an interest in getting to the root of the issue. He started NIDS and hired scientists to investigate anomalous phenomena including UFOs.
NIDS was disbanded in 2004 when Bigelow refocused his energy on space technology and started a company called Bigelow Aerospace. He However, he did not abandon the search for UFO truth. Bigelow Aerospace works with MUFON and just recently it was announced that the FAA will make Bigelow Aerospace their official UFO reporting center for commercial pilots.
Some of the scientists involved with NIDS projects were Dr. Colm Kelleher, Dr. Jacques Vallee, Dr. Christopher Greene, Dr. Roger Leir, Dr. Hal Puthoff, Dr. John Alexander, and astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell. Molecular Biologist, Dr. Colm Kelleher still organizes investigations for Bigelow Aerospace’s current UFO investigations.
In 2008, the Society for Scientific Exploration included UFOs in their 2008 annual meeting in Boulder, CO. Among the featured speakers to cover the subject were, Dr. Bob Wood, Dr. John Alexander, Dr. Simeon Hein, Dr. Shelley Tanenbaum, and Dr. Claude Swanson. The ex-minister of Defense for Canada, the honorable Paul Hellyer also addressed the SSE at this meeting calling for an end to UFO secrecy.
Another well know scientist that is often seen in the media and has been including this subject in his lectures is theoretical physicist, Dr. Michio Kaku. He can be seen on many recent documentaries regarding incredible cutting edge breakthroughs in technology. He is a major contributor to string theory. In his latest book, Physics of the Impossible, he covers the idea of advanced civilizations. He categorizes them based on the levels of technology they may have obtained. Currently humans only rate as a type 0.
Beyond astrobiology, Dr. Kaku has stressed in many interviews the need to take UFOs seriously. He notes that even in programs, such as the Air Force’s Project Blue Book, there are a small percentage of sightings that could not be explained. When given the thousands of reports received, this represents a large amount of unknowns. Theoretical physicists believe travel at vast distances over short times is possible, that along with the ongoing discovery of planets that could harbor life, it is not such a stretch to think that a more advanced civilization is checking us out.
It is true that there are no large scientific institutions or universities taking on this subject. This is most likely the reason why people believe that scientists are not interested. Getting a scientific institution interested in this subject would probably lead to astonishing breakthroughs in this field, and with continued interest by respected high-profile scientists, we may see that happen in the near future.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Coca-Cola close to buying bottling unit
Coca-Cola is close to buying the North American operations of its largest bottler, Coca-Cola Enterprises, for between $13-15bn, in a dramatic reversal of a strategy the soft-drink maker had embraced for more than 20 years.
Coke’s possible reunion with CCE, which went public in 1986, mirrors the steps PepsiCo took last year to snap up its largest bottlers. And like PepsiCo’s deals with Pepsi Bottling Group and Pepsi Americas, the CCE acquisition would grant Coke greater flexibility and control in how it distributes sodas and non-carbonated beverages to different retail customers.
Coke’s US bottlers are handling an increasingly broad range of small brands, including tea, juices and enhanced water, as well as its established soda brands.
As part of the proposed deal, CCE would in turn acquire Coke’s bottling businesses in Scandinavia and Germany, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The up to $15bn that Coke will likely pay for the North American business includes debt, according to the people.
Discussions between the two companies had continued late Wednesday, and the possibility remained that the talks could end without a deal, the people said.
Coke and CCE could not be reached for comment on the discussions.
CCE’s shares surged more than 25 per cent in late trading. Coke slipped less than 1 per cent in after-hours trading.
Wal-Mart Stores’ emergence as the dominant retailer, new trends in consumer tastes and the onset of hundreds of new beverage brands have chipped away at the benefits Coke and PepsiCo enjoyed in keeping their biggest bottlers at arms’ length.
The separation gave bottlers little incentive to take risks with new products, and left the two sides haggling over how to share sales.
Coke holds a 35 per cent stake in Coca-Cola Enterprises, which also bottles and distributes Coke in parts of western Europe, including the UK.
CCE is the largest of a patchwork of 74 different US bottlers that buy soda syrup from Coke and then bottle and distribute the finished drinks, usually delivering directly to stores. It handles around 42 per cent of Coca-Cola’s sales of soda concentrate in the US, while its North American business accounts for around 72 per cent of its total revenues of $21bn.
The deal would mark a dramatic shift in Coca-Cola’s strategy under Muhtar Kent, its chief executive, who is himself a veteran of the company’s bottling system.
Mr Kent and his predecessor Neville Isdell have devoted considerable energy to improving Coke’s sometime troubled relations with its bottling partners, and resolving tensions over product pricing, marketing coss and other issues.
He had previously argued that using so called ”equity” bottling entities such as CCE, Coca-Cola Femsa in Latin America and Coca-Cola Amatil in Eastern Europe and Asia as well as fully independent bottlers gave it an enhanced ability to respond to local markets.
But the move to acquire CCE’s North American business follows PepsiCo’s decision to take control of its two largest North American equity bottling groups – Pepsi Bottling Group and Pepsi Americas – in a $7.8bn deal that is expected to close shortly.
PepsiCo argued that direct control would enhance it ability to coordinate bottling and distribution of its increasingly wide range of soft drinks and snacks in the important US market.
Coke’s US bottlers are also handling an increasingly broad range of small brands, including tea, juices and ehanced waters, as well as its established sparkling soda brands.
The move is also likely to simplify the operations of the company’s sales to the food service business, where restaurant operators are currrently serviced by a mix of wholesalers, bottlers and direct company sales
Coke’s possible reunion with CCE, which went public in 1986, mirrors the steps PepsiCo took last year to snap up its largest bottlers. And like PepsiCo’s deals with Pepsi Bottling Group and Pepsi Americas, the CCE acquisition would grant Coke greater flexibility and control in how it distributes sodas and non-carbonated beverages to different retail customers.
Coke’s US bottlers are handling an increasingly broad range of small brands, including tea, juices and enhanced water, as well as its established soda brands.
As part of the proposed deal, CCE would in turn acquire Coke’s bottling businesses in Scandinavia and Germany, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. The up to $15bn that Coke will likely pay for the North American business includes debt, according to the people.
Discussions between the two companies had continued late Wednesday, and the possibility remained that the talks could end without a deal, the people said.
Coke and CCE could not be reached for comment on the discussions.
CCE’s shares surged more than 25 per cent in late trading. Coke slipped less than 1 per cent in after-hours trading.
Wal-Mart Stores’ emergence as the dominant retailer, new trends in consumer tastes and the onset of hundreds of new beverage brands have chipped away at the benefits Coke and PepsiCo enjoyed in keeping their biggest bottlers at arms’ length.
The separation gave bottlers little incentive to take risks with new products, and left the two sides haggling over how to share sales.
Coke holds a 35 per cent stake in Coca-Cola Enterprises, which also bottles and distributes Coke in parts of western Europe, including the UK.
CCE is the largest of a patchwork of 74 different US bottlers that buy soda syrup from Coke and then bottle and distribute the finished drinks, usually delivering directly to stores. It handles around 42 per cent of Coca-Cola’s sales of soda concentrate in the US, while its North American business accounts for around 72 per cent of its total revenues of $21bn.
The deal would mark a dramatic shift in Coca-Cola’s strategy under Muhtar Kent, its chief executive, who is himself a veteran of the company’s bottling system.
Mr Kent and his predecessor Neville Isdell have devoted considerable energy to improving Coke’s sometime troubled relations with its bottling partners, and resolving tensions over product pricing, marketing coss and other issues.
He had previously argued that using so called ”equity” bottling entities such as CCE, Coca-Cola Femsa in Latin America and Coca-Cola Amatil in Eastern Europe and Asia as well as fully independent bottlers gave it an enhanced ability to respond to local markets.
But the move to acquire CCE’s North American business follows PepsiCo’s decision to take control of its two largest North American equity bottling groups – Pepsi Bottling Group and Pepsi Americas – in a $7.8bn deal that is expected to close shortly.
PepsiCo argued that direct control would enhance it ability to coordinate bottling and distribution of its increasingly wide range of soft drinks and snacks in the important US market.
Coke’s US bottlers are also handling an increasingly broad range of small brands, including tea, juices and ehanced waters, as well as its established sparkling soda brands.
The move is also likely to simplify the operations of the company’s sales to the food service business, where restaurant operators are currrently serviced by a mix of wholesalers, bottlers and direct company sales
How Does A Radio Antenna Work
Antenna is very essential for a radio. The air surrounding us in very silent. The activities that are electromagnetic cannot be captured by the ears of normal human being. All the waves including the one from TV, radio, communication through wireless and even transmissions of the internet are in this environment where we all live, sleep and eat. The human body is not affected by this kind of electromagnetic waves. And hence it does not have the capability to sense its travel. So it is very essential to use a device that could capture all these signals. But how do auto radio antennas work?
But what exactly is known by a radio antenna. A device which is is used for capturing this waves which wander the air surrounding us is known as an Antenna. An antenna has a tubular structure which is generally made up of stainless steel. Most of these antennas are generally telescopic. They can change their length and height as they wish. Longer antennas and lower frequency broad casts are required for transmission of AM radio.
The mechanism in which this works is so simple. Its just like how to turn the dial for selecting the type of music which you would like to be played in your system. There are many stations when you tune some may be very strong but some may be weak. On turning the dial you can see the signal fade in or fade out. There is specific license for all the radio stations to work on. It is given by the FCC.
The olden model cars still have a antenna which resembles the one that can be seen in the old hand usage type of radio. They are made up of thick and long steels rather than a small thin one being used these days. They are also very strong and heavy. In the case of self radios that are self contained there is same location for both this and then the tuner of the radio but this is not the case with new age cars.
A connection should be established between this antenna and the tuner. So for that one needs to use a very thick wire that can be buried in the body of the car. There should be absolutely no interference as with any phone or any other connections. There is automatic powering system in few types of antennas. Through the tubes of the antenna one can use a small motor that can be useful in operating a small strip of gears which are very simple in usage. There are many new types introduced in the market. These days steel of paper thickness is also available in the market.
A very important caution to be taken is to fold the antenna as much as possible before sending it to any kind of wash or for service. Because that may cause any kind of breakage or repair to it leading to a problem in reception of signals.Hence one must know how do auto radio antennas work?
But what exactly is known by a radio antenna. A device which is is used for capturing this waves which wander the air surrounding us is known as an Antenna. An antenna has a tubular structure which is generally made up of stainless steel. Most of these antennas are generally telescopic. They can change their length and height as they wish. Longer antennas and lower frequency broad casts are required for transmission of AM radio.
The mechanism in which this works is so simple. Its just like how to turn the dial for selecting the type of music which you would like to be played in your system. There are many stations when you tune some may be very strong but some may be weak. On turning the dial you can see the signal fade in or fade out. There is specific license for all the radio stations to work on. It is given by the FCC.
The olden model cars still have a antenna which resembles the one that can be seen in the old hand usage type of radio. They are made up of thick and long steels rather than a small thin one being used these days. They are also very strong and heavy. In the case of self radios that are self contained there is same location for both this and then the tuner of the radio but this is not the case with new age cars.
A connection should be established between this antenna and the tuner. So for that one needs to use a very thick wire that can be buried in the body of the car. There should be absolutely no interference as with any phone or any other connections. There is automatic powering system in few types of antennas. Through the tubes of the antenna one can use a small motor that can be useful in operating a small strip of gears which are very simple in usage. There are many new types introduced in the market. These days steel of paper thickness is also available in the market.
A very important caution to be taken is to fold the antenna as much as possible before sending it to any kind of wash or for service. Because that may cause any kind of breakage or repair to it leading to a problem in reception of signals.Hence one must know how do auto radio antennas work?
Be Wary of Hype When Searching For Best Midpriced Wrinkle Creams
An internet search for the best midpriced wrinkle creams returns some interesting results, like natural plant stem cells. Wonder how that works?
According to the advertising claims, stem cells extracted from a rare type of apple or apple tree (the claim is rather vague) rejuvenate the skin’s own stem cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, while reducing sagging. Presumably, the cream works by stimulating the production of new cells.
There are several complexes that have been proven to stimulate the production of new skin cells. One of them is a bioactive protein called Functional Keratin. Derived from sheep’s wool, it has been shown to increase skin cell proliferation by as much as 160% after only three days of use.
The company that makes the apple-based product does not provide research results or links to studies. They do have a doctor’s recommendation, which is pretty easy to come by.
In the US, the FDA attempted to have the term “doctor recommended” legally defined, but they were unable to do so. As it is with advertising terms like “natural” and “hypoallergenic”, they might mean something, but they might not.
Another quick search for the best midpriced wrinkle creams revealed a product that retails for $279.99 per ounce. Is that mid priced?
There is no doubt that the creams being sold in discount department stores for $5 or $10 are a waste of money, regardless of how little they cost. But, is it really necessary to pay nearly $300 a month for younger looking skin?
If that’s the case, it’s safe to say that most people couldn’t fit that into their budget. If they could, they would probably check out the latest injectable solutions available from their local cosmetic surgeon or day spa.
There are effective products on the market for the face and body, costing around $30 per ounce. It isn’t always the ingredients that are responsible for high price.
In many cases, it is the advertising and marketing dollars that turn the best midpriced wrinkle creams into unaffordable, over-priced products. Many companies are willing to spend more on advertising than they are on research and development. If you see a product advertised on TV or promoted by a famous celebrity, you can bet that the customer pays for that advertising.
Of course, word of mouth advertising is not enough for most companies to survive. But, the internet has allowed some companies to keep down their advertising costs and provide the best midpriced wrinkle creams. It just takes a little effort to find them.
The things you want to look for are proven ingredients, such as coenzyme Q10 in the nano-emulsified form and bioactive keratin. Just those two ingredients would be effective, but a few companies go even further.
Just remember, if the label says to discontinue use in case of irritation, redness or itching, then the product contains known allergens, irritants or toxins. You don’t need those and you won’t find them in something that is actually one of the best midpriced wrinkle creams. Irritating ingredients won’t do the repair work.
According to the advertising claims, stem cells extracted from a rare type of apple or apple tree (the claim is rather vague) rejuvenate the skin’s own stem cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, while reducing sagging. Presumably, the cream works by stimulating the production of new cells.
There are several complexes that have been proven to stimulate the production of new skin cells. One of them is a bioactive protein called Functional Keratin. Derived from sheep’s wool, it has been shown to increase skin cell proliferation by as much as 160% after only three days of use.
The company that makes the apple-based product does not provide research results or links to studies. They do have a doctor’s recommendation, which is pretty easy to come by.
In the US, the FDA attempted to have the term “doctor recommended” legally defined, but they were unable to do so. As it is with advertising terms like “natural” and “hypoallergenic”, they might mean something, but they might not.
Another quick search for the best midpriced wrinkle creams revealed a product that retails for $279.99 per ounce. Is that mid priced?
There is no doubt that the creams being sold in discount department stores for $5 or $10 are a waste of money, regardless of how little they cost. But, is it really necessary to pay nearly $300 a month for younger looking skin?
If that’s the case, it’s safe to say that most people couldn’t fit that into their budget. If they could, they would probably check out the latest injectable solutions available from their local cosmetic surgeon or day spa.
There are effective products on the market for the face and body, costing around $30 per ounce. It isn’t always the ingredients that are responsible for high price.
In many cases, it is the advertising and marketing dollars that turn the best midpriced wrinkle creams into unaffordable, over-priced products. Many companies are willing to spend more on advertising than they are on research and development. If you see a product advertised on TV or promoted by a famous celebrity, you can bet that the customer pays for that advertising.
Of course, word of mouth advertising is not enough for most companies to survive. But, the internet has allowed some companies to keep down their advertising costs and provide the best midpriced wrinkle creams. It just takes a little effort to find them.
The things you want to look for are proven ingredients, such as coenzyme Q10 in the nano-emulsified form and bioactive keratin. Just those two ingredients would be effective, but a few companies go even further.
Just remember, if the label says to discontinue use in case of irritation, redness or itching, then the product contains known allergens, irritants or toxins. You don’t need those and you won’t find them in something that is actually one of the best midpriced wrinkle creams. Irritating ingredients won’t do the repair work.
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