Weekend Giveaway NEVERTHELESS, WE PERSISTED

Weekend Giveaway NEVERTHELESS, WE PERSISTED This giveaway of Nevertheless, We Persisted  is sponsored by Penguin Random House. A powerful collection of essays from actors, athletes, politicians, musicians, writers, and teens, including actress Alia Shawkat, poet Azure Antoinette, and many more, each writing about a time when they were held back because of their race, gender, or sexual identityâ€"but persisted. What made them rise up through the hate? How did they break out of societys limited view of who they are and build the beautiful and hard-won lives they live today? With a foreword by Minnesota senator and up-and-coming Democratic party leader Amy Klobuchar, these essays share deeply personal stories of resilience, faith, love, and, yes, persistence. We have 10 copies of Nevertheless, We Persisted to give away to 10 Riot readers! Just complete the form below to enter. Entries are open to residents of the United States (excluding Puerto Rico and all other US territories) and will be accepted until 11:44:59 pm, September 15, 2018. Winner will be randomly selected. Complete rules and eligibility requirements available here. Oops! We could not locate your form.

Moon Jellyfish Facts

The moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) is a common jelly that is easily recognized by its four horseshoe-shaped gonads, which are visible through the top of its translucent bell. The species gets its common name for the way its pale bell resembles a full moon. Fast Facts: Moon Jellyfish Scientific Name: Aurelia auritaCommon Names: Moon jellyfish, moon jelly, common jellyfish, saucer jellyBasic Animal Group: InvertebrateSize: 10-16 inchesLifespan: 6 months as an adultDiet: CarnivoreHabitat: Tropical and subtropical oceansPopulation: AbundantConservation Status: Not Evaluated Description The moon jellyfish has a translucent 10 to 16 inch bell with a fringe of short tentacles. The tentacles are lined with nematocysts (stinging cells). Most moon jellies have four horseshoe-shaped gonads (reproductive organs), but a few have three or five. The bell and gonads may be translucent white, pink, blue, or purple, depending on the animals diet. The jellyfish has four fringed oral arms that are longer than its tentacles. Habitat and Range The species lives in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. It is common along the Atlantic coast of North America and Europe. Moon jellyfish frequent coastal and epipelagic areas (top layer of the ocean) and can survive the lower salinity of estuaries and bays. Diet and Behavior The moon jellyfish is a carnivore that feeds on zooplankton, including protozoa, diatoms, eggs, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. The jelly is not a strong swimmer, mainly using its short tentacles to stay near the water surface. Plankton get trapped in the mucus coating the animal and passed via cilia into its oral cavity for digestion. Moon jellyfish absorb their own tissue and shrink if they are starved. They grow to their normal size when food becomes available. Although water currents group jellyfish together, they live solitary lives. Scientists believe jellyfish may communicate with one another using chemicals released into the water. The jellyfish life cycle includes both sexual and asexual phases. Dorling Kindersley / Getty Images Reproduction and Offspring The jellyfish life cycle has a sexual and asexual component. Each adult (called a medusa) is either male or female. In the open ocean, jellyfish release sperm and eggs into the water. Fertilized eggs develop and grow in the water as planula for a few days before attaching to the sea floor and growing into polyps. The polyp resembles an upside down medusa. Polyps asexually bud off clones that develop into mature medusae. In the wild, Aurelia jellyfish reproduce for several months. Near the end of summer, they become susceptible to disease and tissue damage from the exertion of reproduction and diminishing food supplies. Most moon jellyfish probably live about six months, although captive specimens may live many years. Like the immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii), the moon jellyfish can undergo lifecycle reversal, essentially growing younger rather than older. Conservation Status The IUCN has not evaluated the moon jelly for a conservation status. The jellyfish are abundant, with adult populations spiking or blooming in July and August. The moon jellyfish thrives in water containing a lower than normal concentration of dissolved oxygen. Dissolved oxygen drops in response to increased temperature or pollution. Jellyfish predators (leatherback turtles and ocean sunfish) cannot tolerate the same conditions, are subject to overfishing and climate change, and may die when they mistakenly eat floating plastic bags that resemble jellies.Thus, jellyfish numbers are expected to grow. Moon jellyfish blooms in summer have environmental causes and consequences. Michael Nolan / Getty Images Moon Jellyfish and Humans Moon jellyfish are consumed as food, especially in China. The species is of concern because an overabundance of the jellies significantly decreases plankton levels. People frequently encounter moon jellyfish because of their abundance and preference for coastal waters. These jellyfish do sting, but their venom is mild and considered harmless. Any clinging tentacles may be rinsed off with salt water. The venom may then be deactivated with heat, vinegar, or baking soda. Sources Arai, M. N. A Functional Biology of Scyphozoa. London: Chapman and Hall. pp. 68–206, 1997. ISBN 978-0-412-45110-2.He, J.; Zheng, L.; Zhang, W.; Lin, Y. Life Cycle Reversal in Aurelia sp.1 (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa). PLoS ONE. 10 (12): e0145314, 2015. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0145314Hernroth, L. and F. Grondahl. On the Biology of Aurelia Aurita. Ophelia. 22(2):189-199, 1983.Shoji, J.; Yamashita, R.; Tanaka, M. Effect of low dissolved oxygen concentrations on behavior and predation rates on fish larvae by moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita and by a juvenile piscivore, Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius. Marine Biology. 147 (4): 863–868, 2005. doi:10.1007/s00227-005-1579-8Solomon, E. P.; Berg, L. R.; Martin, W. W. Biology (6th ed.). London: Brooks/Cole. pp. 602–608, 2002. ISBN 978-0-534-39175-1.

The Illusion of the “American Dream” - 1408 Words

The phrase â€Å"American Dream† has often been ascribed to the prosperity of the United States, but the explication of this expression lacks consistency amongst the citizens in this country. The diversity of opinions comprised in the American society causes significant variation to the interpretation of this term from person-to-person. An example of these discrepancies is depicted in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. In this play, Miller uses several different characters as a function to illustrate the widespread disparity of beliefs regarding the appropriate philosophy for the pursuit of happiness in America. Willy Loman (the central character in the play) is used to represent a highly capitalistic society. On the other hand, Willy’s son†¦show more content†¦Shipping clerk, salesman, business of one kind or another. And it’s a measly manner of existence†¦ And always having to have to get ahead of the next fella. And still—thatâ₠¬â„¢s how you build a future† (Miller 22). Biff’s statements in this excerpt illustrate how he tried to mimic the example set by his father, but discovered that his efforts gained him no satisfaction. In this passage, Biff also mentions his irritation about the lack of rest given to workers in America: â€Å"To suffer fifty weeks of the year for the sake of a two-week vacation† (Miller 22). It is well known that workers in socialist societies are given more time off a year, in order to rest and refresh their minds and bodies. Consequently, this statement serves to refute Willy’s beliefs, due to his readily apparent exhaustion from an excessive workload over his career. By including this passage early in the play, Miller demonstrates two opposing viewpoints pertaining to certain ideology’s present in the American society. As the narrative progresses, Biff’s beliefs begin to solidify, creating a further rift between himself and his father, w hile also displaying the rift between socialism and capitalism. The culmination of this tension reaches its apex when Biff and his father get into one final argument. Biff conveys his realization that he wants no part of the ruthless world of business: â€Å"Why am I trying to become something I don’t want to be?† (Miller 132). Biff’s statement is emblematic for not only

Construction Management Free Essays

Bonds LaShundra Hines Indiana Wesleyan University Personal Finance BUS 150 Keith Smith July 22, 2009 Construction Management The function of a construction manager is to advise and consult a client or owner concerning the programming and design of a project. This would include cost estimation, coordination of the work schedule , equipment and material deliveries. A concern in the managers advisement and consultation is trade jurisdiction of the various contractors and the activity coordination of the engineers and architect. We will write a custom essay sample on Construction Management or any similar topic only for you Order Now One of the most important functions of a construction manager is to offer critical analysis as it relates to the design, economics, and constructibility being proposed by the architect while always keeping in mind the initial budget and the ultimate goal of providing the best possible facility. Demographics In the analysis of demographics and its impact on commercial spending, consideration should be given to the cause of Dayton residents who flee to neighboring communities,increasing crime rates. The lack of employment opportunities, and the infiltration of less desirable residents who fail to take proper care of their property, are some reasons for this flight,which robs Dayton City limits of responsible consumers whose spending would otherwise enhance retail development and progress. It is true, that those disadvantaged families who have been victimized by alcohol and substance abuse, economic down turns and criminal activity, need decent residents like anyone else. However; given the current economically depressing conditions, law enforcement, city inspectors and other institutional overseers are obliged to be more diligent in minimizing problems that arise under these circumstances. Urban Retail Strategy Proper use of land based resources dictates that urbanism advocates mixed-use development which combines residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational uses, rather than segregating these uses into separate zones or traditional single-use zoning. This strategy also facilitates the presence of a variety of demographic entities as per age, sex, income, etc. These varied consumers would be available in the area of retail development and would also cancel some concerns of isolated criminal activity. Environmental Concerns Asbestos legal firms advertising to represent victims of asbestos contamination , appear hourly on tv commercials. This fact emphasizes that asbestos is still a dangerous threat to the population at large. It is a carcinogenic with a prolong incubation period (30+) years, that incapacitates the lungs and breathing process by the infiltration of hook-like fibers for which there is no cure. The state of Ohio is reminded of the devastation caused by asbestos in the city of Mansfield. Exposure to construction materials that were manufactures there, consisting of asbestos caused the death of workers and their families. This occurred prior to governmental warnings and regulations of asbestos containing materials; and has resulted in a host of multi- billion dollar class-action law suits. Dayton is likewise, littered with older structures and vacant buildings that present a similar threat and must be dealt with in consideration of any urban renewal strategy. Environmental Considerations Type I and type II environmental research and analysis involves a careful walk-thru grid pattern of the land area to investigate the presence of illegal dumping, oil and chemical leakage, the presence of underground utilities and other buried materials. Various municipal departments and the fire department , should be consulted as to the historical use of a particular parcel. The type II process involves the abatement of such research which include taking bulk samples of hazardous materials for lab analysis and later air samples during and after abatement to determine atmospheric quality. For many decades throughout the country we have seen large segments of the general populace favor suburban residency. This same phenomenon has affected the downtown and inner-city areas of the city of Dayton for many of the same reasons: I- The increase of inner-city crime, home invasions, robbery,drug traffic, drive-by shootings. II- Unhealthy industrial environment : violation of EPA(Environmental Protection Agency). Federal standards pertaining to harmful emissions and chemical contamination, as well as accidents due to violation of OSHA(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. III- Atmospheric pollution and traffic congestion. IV- Relocation of business parks and shopping centers to the outgoing suburbs. In the case of Dayton in particular, the demise of NCR, GM, DHL, HEWITT SON FACTORY, have all contributed to massive unemployment and relocation and displacement of the city’s residents. Large National and international retailers and franchises such as Kroger, Wal-mart, McDonald’s have traditionally, perceeded their decisions to locate in a metropolitan area, based upon a impact assessment of the location. Such assessment have been based upon most of the considerations that I have just itemized, and include others such as geographical flood and storm histories, traffic patterns, age, income, and educational demographics and statistical analysis. Judging from this itemized list it becomes obvious why Dayton lacks the presence of some of these franchises in certain areas. My target date for completion of the proposed report shall be 60 days maximum or less after contract award. My recommended fee for completing the requirements of the contract is $175,000( one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars). A lesser amount can be considered by myself as an independent consultant, and in consideration of the city’s budget limitations. A schedule for intermediate reports and presentations shall be available on a bi-weekly time-table. How to cite Construction Management, Essays Construction Management Free Essays CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Chapter 4 Construction contracts. Author: Pawel Kotas, Polska Construction as a service activity having many dimensions. Starting from ideas, thru find funds, investor, design construction, find contractor, phase of construction, meet the requirements which investment needs to be in use and complete facility. We will write a custom essay sample on Construction Management or any similar topic only for you Order Now All these aspects are associated with large amounts of documents, permits. In this essay will be described various types of contracts between the investor and the contractor. Contract is an agreement between two or more parties to do something for a consideration establishes the basis for a contract. Because of business aspects of contracts problems can be solved in the court. Then the most important questions are: * Who are parties to a contract? * What are promises? * Other aspects of the contractual agreement. Construction contracts structure the way in which construction is purchased. There are variety between construction purchasing system and buying something in a store for instance mobile phone or sofa. When we have the finished product available for our inspection, we can decide whether it meets our requirements. Since the final product is available, we can purchase it from a single store. With the construction it works different. The facility is purchased before it is „manufactured† based on set of drawings and work descriptors. Finally item requires the purchaser to coordinate many entities to include: * Designers * Contractors * Subcontractors and vendors Major construction contract types The most widely used format of contract is the competitively contract. In public sector it is almost the only way to perform investment. The two main categories of competitively bid contracts are stipulated-sum contract and he unit-price contract. Both names refer to the method of quoting the price of work. Another contract format is the negotiated contract. In this way it is investor who after checking the strengths and weakness of the contractor’s proposal select the executor of the contract. This format is not the best option for public projects because favoritism can play a major part in determining which contractor is chosen. The factor that affect whether a contractor can be considered responsible. * Technical competence and experience Current financial position based on the firm’s balance sheet and income statement * Bonding capacity * Current amount of work under way * Past history of claim litigation * Defaults on previous contracts The major advantage which is essential for public work is that all bidders are treated equally and there are no favorites. That is very important because the political influence or another pressure can bias the selection of contractor. While construction contracts serve as a means of pricing construction, they also structure the allocation of risk to the various parties involved. The owner has the sole power to decide what type of contract should be used for a specific facility to be constructed and to set forth the terms in a contractual agreement. It is important to understand the risks of the contractors associated with different types of construction contracts. Lump sum contract In a lump sum contract, the owner has essentially assigned all the risk to the contractor, who in turn can be expected to ask for a higher markup in order to take care of unforeseen contingencies. Beside the fixed lump sum price, other commitments are often made by the contractor in the form of submittals such as a specific schedule, the management reporting system or a quality control program. If the actual cost of the project is underestimated, the underestimated cost will reduce the contractor’s profit by that amount. An overestimate has an opposite effect, but may reduce the chance of being a low bidder for the project. Unit price contract In a unit price contract, the risk of inaccurate estimation of uncertain quantities for some key tasks has been removed from the contractor. However, some contractors may submit an â€Å"unbalanced bid† when it discovers large discrepancies between its estimates and the owner’s estimates of these quantities. Depending on the confidence of the contractor on its own estimates and its propensity on risk, a contractor can slightly raise the unit prices on the underestimated tasks while lowering the unit prices on other tasks. If the contractor is correct in its assessment, it can increase its profit substantially since the payment is made on the actual quantities of tasks; and if the reverse is true, it can lose on this basis. Negotiated contracts An owner can enter into contract with a constructor by negotiating the price and method of reimbursement. This type can during the contract enter into fixed-price or unit –price contract. * Cost Plus Fixed Percentage Contract For certain types of construction involving new technology or extremely pressing needs, the owner is sometimes forced to assume all risks of cost overruns. The contractor will receive the actual direct job cost plus a fixed percentage, and have little incentive to reduce job cost. Furthermore, if there are pressing needs to complete the project, overtime payments to workers are common and will further increase the job cost. * Cost Plus Fixed Fee/ Variable Percentage Contract Under this type of contract, the contractor will receive the actual direct job cost plus a fixed fee, and will have some incentive to complete the job quickly since its fee is fixed regardless of the duration of the project. However, the owner still assumes the risks of direct job cost overrun while the contractor may risk the erosion of its profits if the project is dragged on beyond the expected time. When the fee is paid as a variable percentage the contractor agrees to a penalty if the actual cost exceeds the estimated job cost, or a reward if the actual cost is below the estimated job cost. * Target Estimate Contract This is another form of contract which specifies a penalty or reward to a contractor, depending on whether the actual cost is greater than or less than the contractor’s estimated direct job cost. Usually, the percentages of savings or overrun to be shared by the owner and the contractor are predetermined and the project duration is specified in the contract. Bonuses or penalties may be stipulated for different project completion dates. * Construction Management In construction management type contracts, one form is retained to coordinate all activities from concept design through acceptance of the facility. The firm represents the owner in all activities. It is the easiest way to construct the facility, but because of the fact that there must be employ addition company taking care about everything the price can be higher, and it might be easy way for the management companies to fool the investor. Bibliography: Construction Managment J. F. Collins How to cite Construction Management, Papers

Lab Report The Stroop Effect. Sample

Lab Report: The Stroop Effect. Paper The Strop Effect suggested that the word meanings were extracted when the participants were not attempting to process it. The original Strop Effect was illustrated using color. Flowers et al. Developed another version of the Strop Effect in 1979. Instead of using color the new version was illustrated using numbers. The task was to say aloud the number of characters, which appeared. These characters appeared in both numerical and image format. Therefore the participants found it very difficult to resist saying the number they saw rather than the number of characters which appeared. The current study was a partial representation of the Flowers et al. Study. Method: The experimenter first of all instructed the participants to turn on the computer. The participants were then asked to open the necessary file. Instructions appeared on the screen describing to the participants what was going to happen next. The participants were instructed to place four fingers on the keys 1 to 4 along the top of the keyboard. Participants were then told to illustrate using the numbers 1 to 4 how many figures appeared on the screen at a time and not to be distracted by the shape of the figures. We will write a custom essay sample on Lab Report: The Stroop Effect. specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Lab Report: The Stroop Effect. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Lab Report: The Stroop Effect. specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The figures were displayed in both numerical and pictorial form. The participants were then instructed by the experimenter to record their individual results. Results: In order to calculate the results a binomial test was used. A binomial test is one, which uses two categories. In this case the categories used were the number of participants who were faster at * and the number of participants who were faster at numbers (view table 1). N the number of participants was 24 and k the least occurring alternative was equal to 1 . The statistical tables were then consulted ND the results were found to be consistent. The result of the experiment was very significant with P (the level of significance) equal to 0. 000. Table 1: No. Of participants faster at * and number faster at numbers Faster at Faster at numbers 23 Discussion: The current study was a partial representation of the Flowers et al. Study conducted in 1979. It was clear from the results that the participants hesitated when numbers rather than figures appeared on the screen. In fact 23 of the participants were quicker at identifying the * where as only 1 participants was quicker at identifying numbers. Even though the result of the experiment was significant there were some limitations. Most of the participants had to share a computer. This meant that the participants were put under pressure as they were being watched during the course of the study. Also due to the lack of computers a lot of the participants were talking while the experiment was being conducted. This made it hard for the participants to concentrate. Noise could also be heard coming from the hall which once again lead to a lack of concentration. If this study was to be conducted again the following changes would be made.

Word Choice is Critical

Word Choice is Critical Words have power. To quote Rudyard Kipling, Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind. As with any drug, words must be used carefully, with forethought and precision. Joseph Joubert said, Words, like glass, obscure when they do not aid vision. As writers our goal is to convey meaning or illicit feelings in our readers, to clarify rather than obscure. Therefore our word choice is critical.Word choice involves several considerations. Perhaps the most obvious of these is grammar. It is common today to hear entertainers and other public figures use poor grammar, or use a word incorrectly based on some new slang definition. This has become so pervasive that many have adopted the same speech style without even realizing it. It might be a matter for debate whether such a slovenly attitude toward the rules of language is ever acceptable in spoken communication. For written forms of communication, the issue is less ambiguous. While it may be acceptable when writing dialogue in works of fiction, in most forms of writing it is inappropriate. In the same way, words or expressions that are offensive to a particular racial, religious, ethnic, or other groups should be avoided. A word of caution is in order in this regard. Even if you would never even consider the use of anything offensive in your writing, you might still give offense. Many expressions have double meanings, one of which is rude or vulgar. Are you aware of these? If there is even a chance that something might be understood in the wrong way, its best to choose a different expression.Problems with grammar can also arise out of ignorance. It can be argued that literacy is on the decline, and has been for many years. Sadly, this seems to have affected every facet of society, including those who make their living as manipulators of the written word. In addition, many find themselves asked to express their ideas in a foreign language, often English. This can be a challenge. Even when a writer spea ks the second language well, the formal structure required of the written language is stricter and the audience is usually less forgiving. If you belong to either of these groups, what can you do? In a word, read. Read everything that you can get your hands on in that language (obviously trying to choose things that are well written). This is the same principle used when initially learning a language, total immersion. It is the same way that a baby learns to speak. However, when applying this method as an adult, there is a difference. A baby starts from scratch. As an adult with poor grammar, you have to first break your bad habits. One way to accomplish this is to notice the differences in the way you construct sentences compared to the way theyre constructed in what you read. Look at sentences the way a carpenter looks at a house. Dont just look at the whole, see the pieces. Dont just hear the meaning conveyed, peer beneath the surface at the structure. This means slowing down, an alyzing every word and its place in the sentence. The best way to do this is by reading out loud. Reading out loud can help you to feel the rhythm and flow of the words, allowing you to eventually make them your own.Another aspect of sentence structure is sentence length. In general, short, simple, concise sentences are more effective than long, complicated, run-on sentences. They have an immediate impact. If you want to make an important point, put it in a short sentence. State it simply. If you do, your readers will remember it. Several short sentences in a row can also be very effective, like multiple quick punches from a boxer. Of course, some of this effectiveness is lost if every sentence you write is short. Variety increases readability.This is also true for individual words. Instead of always saying that the weather was cold, why not say that it was chilly, frosty, icy, wintry, or glacial? Instead of saying that the man was fat, why not say that he was plump, chubby, stout, or portly? And instead of saying that the new analytical method was more effective, why not say that it was more efficient, successful, useful, or valuable? Using a variety of synonymous words helps to keep your readers interested in what you are saying. It can also do more than this. The English language has a rich vocabulary. Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings. Similar is the key word in this definition. Whats the difference between being stout and chubby? Is there a difference? As a writer, youd better know.In addition to its denotation or dictionary definition, what connotation is conveyed by a word? What feelings does it evoke? For example, the words house and home can both be defined as the structure where a person or family lives, but at the end of a long day, to which would you rather return? Heres a more personal example - which would you rather be, slim or thin? Thin or skinny? Skinny or emaciated? Emaciated or skeletal? These words mean basically th e same thing, but the subtle differences in connotation can add shades of color to your writing. Be aware of these shades of color; your word choice will influence the emotions of your readers. Direct this influence by a conscious and careful selection. Instead of saying that the hero walked out of the room, why not say that he stormed out? Instead of saying that the words were painful, why not say that they tore into her heart? And instead of saying that the car crashed, why not say that it was crushed like an empty beer can?Of course, while an expanded vocabulary is laudable, one must nevertheless remain circumspect that the objectives of ones written communiquà © not become ensconced in nebulousness and obfuscation. Why are you writing? Ultimately, whatever youre writing, your goal is communication. Your vocabulary should serve that goal. Your writing should not simply be a canvas for your vocabulary; your vocabulary should serve as a palette with which you paint a clear picture in your writing. Throwing words into your writing that your readers are unlikely to understand is like an artist throwing paint on a canvas at random; individual spots of color may arouse curiosity, but the overall impression will be one of confusion. The first sentence in this paragraph is an example. Congratulations if it made perfect sense to you, but be aware that most readers will find similar sentences frustrating if you insist on writing them. Ernest Hemingway once commented on this subject. He said, Poor Faulkner. Does he really think big emotions come from big words? He thinks I dont know the ten-dollar words. I know them all right. But there are older and simpler and better words, and those are the ones I use. So use the best words for the job, ones that put your reader in the picture but allow him to understand what hes seeing once he gets there.Its bad enough to use words that your readers dont understand, using words that you dont understand is worse. If you do so, you r readers will lose respect for you. This is especially a problem with non-fiction since they will begin to wonder whether the accuracy of your writing can be trusted.Words are tools. You might say that they are the only tools that every living person in the world uses on a daily basis. Learn to use them well. Learn what each tool does and how it can be employed most effectively. Learn the subtle differences between similar tools and how to select the correct one for the job. Learn what combination of tools will be most effective at accomplishing your objective, conveying ideas, feelings, and shades of meaning to your readers, helping them to become immersed in your story, to comprehend your technical writing, and, always, to remember what you have written. By choosing your words carefully and using them with skill, you will become a craftsman who can be proud of your finished product.

The Myth About Learning How to Make Ricin from the Internet

The Myth About Learning How to Make Ricin from the Internet As the story unfolds about the man associated with the ricin found in the Las Vegas hotel room, questions arise as to what he was doing with the ricin and the castor beans. The answers to those question are unknown. It is not even certain the man knew about the ricin in the room. Since he remains in a coma, those questions will have to wait. What We Know So far we know the occupant of the hotel room who was hospitalized for respiratory problems was a 57-year-old-man. There were three pets found in the room. One pet is deceased, apparently due to lack of food and water and not from ricin poisoning. The other two animals are fine. According to a CNN report, in addition to a vial containing ricin, the room also contained castor beans, guns, and an anarchist type textbook.   Bad Advice When I started writing about the chemistry behind AMCs Breaking Bad tv show, I learned that it really is true you can learn how to make crystal meth from instructions freely available on the Internet. Would anyone want to use those instructions? Id hope not... I tried to describe all the reasons making meth is dangerous to yourself and others. The question has arisen as to whether a person could learn to make ricin from information freely available on the internet. Im not going to give you a definitive no since I didnt follow every single link on the subject, but I will say the top links that supposedly tell you how to purify ricin using lye and acetone contain many factual errors. Probably the only good advice given in the instructions is to remove the coat from the seeds. Also, any website that tells you ricin can be obtained from castor oil is wrong. Castor oil is essentially free from the toxin. If you are a terrorist or looking to purify the toxin for other purposes, youre a stu pid terrorist if you think instructions posted on the web by an anonymous source are reliable or that duplicating erroneous instructions across multiple websites magically makes the instructions correct. Can you learn how to make ricin from a Google search? I didnt see any accurate instructions. Can you poison yourself with castor beans? You could, but you can poison yourself with rhubarb or death cap mushrooms, too. In my opinion, ricin is sensationalized because its so very toxic. Would I stay in the Las Vegas hotel room after they clean it up? No. Am I worried about wackos suddenly making ricin because its newsy? No. Even if they wanted to, the instructions are not readily available.Update on Ricin in Las VegasRicin Found at a Las Vegas MotelRicin RCA from Castor Beans | What You Need to Know about Chemical Weapons