Pagepersonnel: 八月 2011

2011年8月19日星期五

What Is the Crown Court?

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The United Kingdom's Crown Court has more than 90 locations throughout England and Wales. Its primary purpose is to handle crimes of a serious nature. Cases are often sent by the magistrates' courts, the lowest courts in England, to the Crown Court because of the severity of the offense. The Crown Court oversees juvenile and adult cases, which are heard by a 12-person jury and a High Court judge. There is a hierarchical judge system within the court consisting of three types of judges, but most cases are heard by the High Court judge. The High Court of England has limited control over the Crown Court, mostly because of the time it takes to appeal to this higher court, so it chiefly acts own its own accord. The Crown Court was established by the Courts Act of 1971 in an attempt to improve the U.K.'s judicial system by replacing a disorganized series of smaller courts. The disorganization was because of the many jurisdictions and the rotation of High Court judges to hear individual cases. The courts located throughout England and Wales now have their own judges and no longer have a need for a rotating judge circuit. Juveniles who go before the Crown Court as opposed to the Youth Court often have committed heinous crimes, such as homicide or indecent assault. There is a small selection of cases that are actually sent to the Crown Court under certain guidelines. Some of these guidelines include cases not applicable for a summary trial, a trial heard by the magistrates' court, a youth case that is too serious to be heard in a lesser court and indictable-only cases, which are criminal cases with indisputable evidence. The Crown Court is a constituent of the Supreme Court of Judicature in England and Wales. One example of an extreme case of the Crown Court is a high-profile case that created a media frenzy in 2010. On 21 December 2010, Stephen Griffiths, who was nicknamed "The Crossbow Cannibal," was sentenced to life in prison by the Leeds Crown Court for murder, dismemberment and cannibalism.

What are X-rays?

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X-rays are a form of invisible, high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength of x-rays is between 10 and 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to a frequency of 30 PHz to 30 EHz. X-rays are very small and energetic. They are produced by accelerating electrons at a metal target. X-rays are used in various medical applications, especially for imaging. X-rays were a hot topic for research in the late 19th century, and various famous inventors worked on them, including Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Tesla was the first to inform the scientific community of the biological hazards of x-rays. The biggest contributor to x-ray research was Wilhelm R?ntgen, who won the first Nobel Prize in Physics for his work. Although the term "x-rays" was only meant to be a placeholder, the name stuck, much to R?ntgen's chagrin. In some languages, x-rays are actually referred to as R?ntgen rays. His landmark paper in the field was titled "On a New Kind of Radiation." Because of the tiny wavelength of x-rays, they are useful for imaging small structures, such as individual molecules. This research field is known as x-ray crystallography, which was responsible for uncovering the physical structure of DNA, among other achievements. Today it is frequently used to image the molecular structure of complex proteins. Sometimes x-ray imaging is used to investigate paintings which have been painted over. Their most prominent use is probably to image bones to discover whether they are actually broken or not. X-rays are a carcinogen, so use of them for medical purposes should be kept brief.Under special circumstances, such as in a dark room and looking directly down a cathode ray tube, x-rays are visible to the human eye. It is not known whether this is the eye directly perceiving the rays, or from a secondary effect such as the creation of luminescent sparks in the eyeball. In any case, this fact about x-rays is not widely publicized, likely because it would be dangerous to test it very extensively.

What is Archaeology?

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Archaeology is the discipline of excavating old artifacts and buildings to learn more about human history. It is often considered a type of science, though it is based more on interpretation and cross-comparisons than hypothesis-making and experimentation. Archaeology is an imperfect discipline, as excavations only recover a small percentage of the original artifacts, and different researchers may have conflicting interpretations of the evidence unearthed. Despite this, we have been able to learn a tremendous amount about human history and prehistory through archaeology.Modern humans have been around for at least 200,000 years, but archaeology has unearthed facts about our even older ancestors, such as members of the species Homo habilis and Homo erectus. These species colonized portions of Eurasia over two million years ago, leaving behind simple stone tools along the way. Much more recently, only 50,000 years ago, modern humans spread across Eurasia, leaving much more complicated tools in their wake. Thanks to archaeology (as well as fossil excavations), we have a good handle on when these events occurred and in which regions. Modern archaeology dates only to the early 19th century. Since then, some of the most interesting archaeological finds have been: the discovery of Ancient Egyptian, Mayan, and Chinese royal tombs, complete with tonnes of artifacts, meant to accompany kings into the afterlife; remains of settlements that indicate Vikings made it to the Americas as early as the year 1000, nearly 500 years before Columbus; remnants of prehistoric settlements under the North Sea (adjacent to the UK), from times when the world's sea levels were lower; sunken Spanish galleons in the Atlantic Ocean carrying gold, silver, and emeralds worth as much as ten billion dollars, and more. The discipline of archaeology has been dramaticized in movies such as Indiana Jones and games like Tomb Raider. Younger archaeologists often cite these as inspiration for entering the field.

What is Life Support?

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Life support refers either to medical intervention used to sustain an individual’s life or to specialized equipment that provides appropriate environmental conditions to sustain many lives, such as in a submarine, airplane, or space craft. In a medical situation, life support involves any number of medical techniques and paraphernalia used to keep a person alive if he is unable to survive on his own. Some examples of life support include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), feeding tubes, intravenous fluids, mechanical respiration, heart and lung bypass instruments, defibrillation equipment, and renal dialysis. In most cases, a person who requires life support is unconscious.A person in need of life support may have suffered a serious traumatic injury, such as a car accident, a debilitating stroke or heart attack, or any number of vital organ failures. Some people feel very strongly against the use of life support and issue a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. Sometimes, life support is only necessary for a temporary period of time, but in some cases, such as when a person is in a coma, life support may be used for years. These cases are often heart wrenching for families and a source of disagreement as to whether or not the person should remain on life support indefinitely. Many people refer to the decision to discontinue life support as pulling the plug. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has developed a life support system, called the environmental control and life support system (ECLSS), that is used in space stations. This system is made up of highly specialized equipment that works to provide oxygen, water, and stable air pressure and temperature. This equipment also removes carbon dioxide and volatile gases from the air and filters out particulates and microorganisms. Life support systems that are used on earth as a control for environmental conditions are found on commercial airplanes, submarines, and other vehicles where hostile conditions cannot sustain human life.

What is a Letter of Credit?

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A letter of credit is a letter from a bank guaranteeing that a buyer's payment to a seller will be received on time and for the correct amount. In the event that the buyer is unable to make payment on the purchase, the bank is required to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase. A letter of credit is often abbreviated as LOC or LC, and is also referred to as a documentary credit. The parties to a letter of credit are usually an applicant who wants to send money, a beneficiary who will receive the money, the issuing bank and the advising bank. Letters of credit are often used for international transactions to ensure that payment will be received. They have become an important aspect of international trade, due to differing laws in each country and the difficulty of knowing each party personally. The bank also acts on behalf of the buyer, or holder of the letter of credit, by ensuring that the supplier will not be paid until the bank receives confirmation that the goods have been shipped. A letter of credit is often confused with a bank guarantee, which is similar in many ways but not the same thing. The main difference is the bank's position relative to the buyer and seller of a good or service in the event of the buyer's default of payment. With a letter of credit, a seller may request that a buyer provide them with a letter obtained from a bank which substitutes the bank's credit for their client's. In the event of the borrower defaulting, the seller can go to the buyer's bank for the payment. Instead of the risk that the buyer will not pay, the seller only faces the risk that the bank will be unable to pay, which is unlikely. This means that if the applicant obtaining the letter of credit fails to perform his or her obligations, the bank must pay. The letter of credit can also be the source of payment for a transaction, meaning that an exporter will get paid by redeeming the letter of credit. A letter of credit is less risky for the merchant, but even riskier for a bank.

How Do I Become a Paleontologist?

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The paleontologist contributes to understanding of the world in the distant past, by evaluating primarily animal/plant fossils. Given the importance of this study, it’s easy to assume that people can simply go to a university and get a paleontology degree, but most colleges don’t have this degree. Instead, people study in fields like zoology, geology or biology to become a paleontologist. Those interested in this field may help themselves by starting studies as early as high school.In the high school setting, the student who wants to become a paleontologist should plan to get very strong grades in all math and science courses. These backbone classes are essential for studying at the college level. When possible, taking advanced placement (AP) course in the sciences and in calculus is recommended, since these will shave off some of the first year college requirements and allow students to study at a more advanced level. It’s not a bad idea in high school or college to talk to some paleontologists about the career and what it entails. The best resources for this are usually natural history museums or colleges. Particularly at museums, a paleontologist might be willing to have a student helper for a few days, weeks or months. This can help people determine if they really want to become a paleontologist. With that goal in mind, the student will progress to college, and again will probably not major in paleontology but will state one of the majors mentioned above. To determine which major is most appealing, students should reflect upon what they might like to do when they become a paleontologist. If interest is in animal fossils, studies in zoology or biology are probably more appropriate, for instance. In all college programs at all study levels, students should look for a program that will offer classes in paleontology as part of their major. In college, there may be opportunities to do actual field work with professors or others. People might participate in digs or other work. These programs may be offered during summer months, accommodating student schedules. Any available internships are well worth exploring for the person who wants to become a paleontologist, and participation may be useful in applying to graduate school. Some paleontology jobs are open to people with an undergraduate degree, but many more are available to those who pursue studies at the master’s or doctorate level. Most people who become a paleontologist have a master’s degree at the very least, and more of them may possess a PhD. The work available with only a bachelor’s degree is probably as assistant to paleontologists who have higher degrees. It’s recommended people plan on going to graduate school if they want a more active role in this profession. Once school is completed, people will have likely established some degree of reputation through publishing or by making contacts in the field, and they can begin this work in a variety of ways.

How Do I Become a PACU Nurse?

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Post anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses provide care for patients just after the patients have come out of surgery. PACU nurses might do tasks such as monitoring patients' breathing, giving medications, taking blood pressure, putting bandages on the patient, or keeping records of the patients' progress. If you aspire to become a PACU nurse, you will generally need a college degree.You could get an associate's degree in nursing to become a registered nurse (RN). Granted, if you hope to become a PACU nurse, it might be more helpful for your long-term career aspirations if you get a bachelor's degree in nursing; this degree will typically make you eligible for nursing jobs with more responsibility and a higher rate of pay. Also, the bachelor's degree in nursing demonstrates to prospective employers that you are serious about pursuing nursing long term. The nursing degree will usually include courses such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, nutrition, nursing fundamentals, and physical assessment. Also, there will be supervised practicum experiences in addition to the academic coursework. The practicum experience is considered an essential part of nurse training because the practicum experiences enable you to gain experience in doing the types of activities that nurses do. You will typically apply for your first job as a nurse during the final semester of college. Most likely you will be able to find a nursing job via contacting the career services department, doing online job search, or asking nursing professors if they are aware of any open nursing positions. If you aspire to become a PACU nurse, keep in mind that your first job will not necessarily involve PACU nursing. In fact, your first job may be as a critical care unit (CCU) nurse or an emergency room (ER) nurse. Of course, if you wish to become a PACU nurse, being a CCU or ER nurse will give you the necessary experience to be able to eventually apply for a PACU nurse job. It helps to have good listening skills if your goal is to become a PACU nurse. After surgery, the physician will typically explain the patient's status. At that time, it is essential that a PACU nurse listen and understand everything the physician says so that the best possible post-surgery treatment can be provided. After working for a few years as a PACU nurse in a hospital, a PACU nurse has a number of career options. For instance, a PACU nurse could go back to school to get a master's degree in nursing so he or she could qualify to become a nurse supervisor or other health care administrator in a hospital setting. Or, a PACU nurse could pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing to qualify to teach nursing classes at a college. By contrast, a PACU nurse could choose to go to work for a staffing agency as someone who specializes in recruiting PACU nurses for hospital jobs.

How Do I Become a News Broadcaster?

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Thanks to the simplicity and availability of internet-related features such as podcasts, webcasts, RSS feeds, and personal blogs, virtually anyone can become a news broadcaster. Being a citizen journalist brings great satisfaction for many, but there’s one drawback. Most individuals engaged in these activities are not paid. For those wishing to move into traditional news broadcasting, and receive monetary compensation for their efforts, the options still revolve heavily around TV and radio. Breaking into either of these industries will require quite a number of years of formal education, training, internships, and practical experience. Also needed, are interpersonal skills that exceed those of the average individual. Being a news broadcaster is not a career for the introvert.The most important requirement one must have in order to enter news broadcasting is a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. That degree should be either in communications or journalism, with a specialty in the broadcast area. However, such a degree does not guarantee a job. More and more, prospective news broadcasters need to specialize. This is due to the fact that the industry itself is specialized. A news broadcaster might report hard news or current events, or she might be the sports anchor. A news broadcaster’s beat might cover entertainment, weather, editorial commentary, or human-interest stories. Thus, depending upon one’s preference, it is wise to take courses in economics, business, political science, physical education, or meteorology. Further, companies seeking to hire a news broadcaster will look at independent initiative. A prospective employee will have been involved in volunteer groups that highlighted her public speaking abilities, social skills, and leadership. Also, the would-be news broadcaster must be an excellent writer, with a firm grasp of grammar. The reason for this, especially in smaller markets, is that news broadcasters often write their own scripts. In many cases, they also assist in composing advertising copy for sponsors. The best chance of becoming a news broadcaster is to be multi-faceted. Those who have learned how to edit video footage or radio interviews are valuable to the firm. In the same vein, it is a good idea to understand the workings of camera equipment, to be able to work not only in front of the camera, but behind it as well. Many television and radio stations will offer internships to college students whose major has a broadcast focus. Usually these are unpaid positions, though some companies will offer a small stipend or assistance with educational costs. If offered an internship, one should jump at the chance. Those who perform well are often the first ones to be offered a job upon graduation.

How Do I Become a Neuropsychologist?

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A neuropsychologist is a type of psychologist who focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. A person who wants to become a neuropsychologist usually has to graduate from high school and not only pursue a college education, but also complete graduate school. Typically, a person who wants to become a neuropsychologist works to earn at least a master’s degree. Most, however, pursue doctoral degrees instead. Additionally, an aspiring neuropsychologist may seek certification in the field, which may involve demonstrating that he has met the certifying organization’s training requirements and passing an exam. The job duties a neuropsychologist has often depend on where he works. For example, many neuropsychologists spend their time studying the brain in laboratory settings. These professionals may study not only how the brain works in healthy individuals, but also how certain drugs and conditions affect the brain’s functioning. Others in this field may work with a medical team in a hospital or other medical setting, helping physicians with patients who have neurological conditions. Some may even provide expert testimony in court cases. A person who wants to become a neuropsychologist often starts preparing during his high school years. Taking advanced math and science courses can help him to prepare for college work, and anatomy classes may give him a head start on studying the various parts of the brain. Composition classes, debate clubs, and public-speaking activities may also prove helpful for a person who wants to become a neuropsychologist. Such classes and activities can help him build the type of written and verbal communication skills that are so important in this career. Once in college, a person who wants to become a neuropsychologist usually earns a bachelor’s degree in a major such as psychology or biology. Some even pursue pre-medicine majors. An individual in this field may then go on to pursue a master’s degree in psychology, focusing on neuropsychology for this degree. In most cases, however, a person interested in the career seeks a Doctor of Philosophy degree in neuropsychology instead. Often, doctoral programs that prepare a person to become a neuropsychologist last for three to seven years. During this time, an aspiring neuropsychologist usually studies brain function and anatomy as well as a range of injuries and diseases that cause neurological problems. A person preparing for this career may also learn how to give and evaluate tests of brain function. Following doctoral study, a person who wants to become a neuropsychologist may work to gain hands-on experience in the field. For example, he may secure an internship that allows him to work with and learn from experienced neuropsychologists. Finally, an aspiring neuropsychologist may seek certification by passing an exam and submitting to an evaluation of his work. Certification may not be required, but many employers prefer job applicants who are certified.

How do I Become a Paramedic?

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Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are a vital part of getting health care to people who need it. Paramedics are at the highest rung of EMT training, and capable of providing a wide number of medical interventions designed to stabilize patients while they are brought to a hospital. Paramedics work on ambulances, helicopters, and in emergency rooms to assist in providing care. Although becoming a paramedic requires extensive training, depending on which level you intend to certify to, the work is very rewarding. Individuals interested in becoming a paramedic should be aware that because emergency services operate on 24 hour schedules, they may find themselves with irregular job schedules. The work is varied, but can also be very emotionally draining, especially in areas with high incidents of injury. Competition for positions as a paramedic varies, but tends to be the most intense in urban areas, which pay their paramedic staffs better. To be a paramedic, you must be physically fit. Paramedics often extract patients from physically demanding situations, and must be able to lift and carry a substantial amount of weight. In addition to the weight of the patient, paramedics also carry heavy bags of gear to treat patients. If you are a paramedic on an ambulance, you will also have shifts driving the vehicle, which requires special training for safety. Becoming a paramedic begins with the training. Standards for training vary from state to state, but generally begin with EMT-1, which is first responder training. EMT-1s can provide limited patient interventions, take vital signs, and offer basic life support including administration of oxygen and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). EMT-1s cannot administer injected medications. EMT-2s and EMT-3s can offer more life support services, as well as offering injected and oral medications. A paramedic, or EMT-4, has the highest level of training. Paramedics are able to provide advanced life support, interpret diagnostic equipment, use medical devices which assist in breathing, and use stomach suction equipment. The range of drugs they can use under the direction of a physician is more broad. Becoming a paramedic reflects an advanced level of training and field work. Training to be an EMT begins in the classroom, where courses range from a few weeks for EMT-1s to full two year programs for some paramedics. In the classroom, students learn about anatomy and physiology. They also learn about how to intervene in medical emergencies, what sort of drugs they can use to assist patients, and how to handle a wide variety of social situations which may accompany medical emergencies. After a set amount of classroom training, trainees are permitted to ride along in ambulances, where they observe and assist with patient care. After training, an examination is administered. A successful pass results in certification as a paramedic. Paramedics can work in a wide variety of environments, or can go back to school for further training. Some paramedics decide to pursue careers as doctors, nurses, or hospital supervisors. The range of opportunities for certified paramedics is wide, and employment is available all over the United States. A career as a paramedic, as in many fields of health care, can be very rewarding.

2011年8月16日星期二

What does it Mean to "Cut Your Teeth on Something"?

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We all have to start somewhere, and that's the philosophy behind the phrase cut your teeth. To cut your teeth on something means to gain your first significant experience. If you are a trained chef, for example, you might say you cut your teeth flipping hamburgers when you were a teenager. If you are a computer expert, you could claim that you cut your teeth working on the first Apple II PCs. Whatever your field of expertise may be, you most likely "cut your teeth" working with less sophisticated equipment at an early age. The expression cut your teeth most likely evolved from the sometimes painful realities of human dental development. Many young adults experience an eruption of third molars known as "wisdom teeth". Sometimes the eruption, or cutting, of these wisdom teeth is a relatively painless experience, but other times a painful crowding situation arises. These extra teeth may have to be surgically removed if their presence becomes problematic. Because the eruption of wisdom teeth or "eye teeth" often coincides with a young adult's first real work experience, the association between the two rites of passage most likely seemed inevitable. Cutting your teeth on a particular machine or entry-level project may or may not be a satisfying experience at the time, but it often prepares you for more challenging duties. A professional chef in training, for example, may start out making salads or appetizers at a small restaurant. The job itself may be very demanding or repetitive or tedious, but if the chef should ever have to fill in for a missing salad maker years later, he or she would have the necessary skills to do it. By cutting your teeth on basic equipment and procedures, you often develop a sense of mastery, which could prove useful as your career advances.

What Does "Ex Rel" Mean?

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The phrase "ex rel" is an abbreviated version of the Latin phrase ex relatione, which means “by the relation of.” As a legal term, "ex rel" is used to indicate that a case is being brought by a plaintiff at the request of or in the interest of another party. The phrase is the procedural equivalent of “on behalf of” or “for the use of.”The individual with a vested interest in the case is called the relator. A typical ex rel case would be filed by a representative of the government, acting on the behalf of a private citizen as the relator. The case is based on information provided by or that pertains to the relator. In the United States, ex rel cases are commonly filed by the state’s Attorney General or, at the federal level, by the U.S. Department of Justice. When citing an ex rel case, the plaintiff is listed first, followed by the phrase "ex rel," and then the name of the relator. For example, the 1938 U.S. Supreme Court case Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada was filed by the State of Missouri on behalf of the individual Lloyd L. Gaines. Ex rel cases can be civil or criminal. They usually are brought when the interests of the individual closely align with the interests of the government or the public. Cases involving whistleblowing and civil rights cases are often filed as ex rel cases.Although it is less common, ex rel cases can also be filed by individuals or groups on behalf of another individual. These cases typically are filed on the behalf of a relative or someone who has a contractual interest in the case. For example, in a 2005 appeal made to the U.S. Supreme Court, Schiavo ex rel. Schindler v. Schiavo, the plaintiff, Terry Schiavo, was listed as incapacitated, and the case was filed at the instigation of and for the benefits of her parents, Robert and Mary Schindler.

What is a Catwalk?

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A catwalk, in its most basic form, is any narrow platform on which people may walk. In this context, a catwalk may be found anywhere and can be anything. As a matter of fact, the name catwalk has been given to such things as suspended footbridges, mountain trails, and piers. A catwalk can also mean pedestrian bridges perched atop busy streets (also called skyways), service and control platforms found in large theaters from which the lights and sounds can be controlled, and even the gun bridge on a whaling ship. Recently, however, the word "catwalk" has taken on a much more specific image in our collective imaginations. As understood in the vernacular, it is generally meant as a long and narrow stage on which a person walks to display articles of clothing. This stage is usually elevated and may be flanked by seats on either side, usually reserved for an audience. The catwalk is kept narrow so that the clothes and accessories being exhibited can be observed more closely. A catwalk may also be called a runway, and is an indispensable part of any fashion show. The term "catwalk" is believed to have originated from bridges that used to connect adjacent buildings, especially during construction or structural repair. These narrow walkways could rise quite high up above the ground and were designated the name "catwalk" not because of the presence of cats, but because of the cat's agility as well as its ability to land unharmed from relative heights. Because of the limited width and the height of these platforms, it was said that only a cat could walk the length of the platform with out trepidation. The word "catwalk" entered the popular lexicon around the late 1800's. It made its first appearance in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1885.

What is a Euphemism?

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A euphemism is a word or phrase used to mask a rude or offensive concept. These figures of speech provide a technique to avoid taboos by being polite. Many euphemisms are so common, that we don't even recognize them as such. Perhaps the best way to learn about euphemisms is to investigate some clever examples: We are experiencing heavy casualties (many soldiers are being killed) There is a logjam in the river (constipation) Downsizing, rightsizing or laying off (getting rid of employees) Praying to the porcelain altar (vomiting into the toilet) If something happens to me (if i die) Sanitation Worker (trash collector) Unplanned landing (plane crash) Mal de mer (seasickness) They usually fall into one of the following categories: Abbreviations: B.O. (body odor), W.C. (toilet) Foreign words: faux (fake), or faux pas (foolish error) Abstractions: before i go (before i die) Indirections: rear-end, unmentionables Longer words: flatulence, perspiration, mentally challenged Technical terms: gluteus maximus Mispronunciation: darn, shoot Cacophemism or dysphemism are the opposites of euphemism. A dysphemism is an offensive substitute of something inoffensive. Let us consider a lazy person who is watching television, for example; he may euphemize his behavior by saying that he is 'recuperating from work'. A correlated dysphemism, or insulting substitute would be 'couch potato'.

What is GPS?

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GPS stands for the Global Positioning System. It refers to a system of satellites and receivers that allow people and devices to pinpoint their precise location on the earth. The heart of the system relies on 24 satellites that orbit the earth twice per day. Devices that are equipped with GPS equipment receive transmissions from at least a few of the satellites and are able to discern very precise positioning data.The first GPS satellite was launched in 1974 and the 24th was launched in 1994. The system is operated by the United States Department of Defense and use of the system is free for anyone. New satellites are periodically launched to replace aging ones. As the technology has improved, the cost of GPS devices has plummeted while the accuracy has increased. Small portable GPS receivers have become very affordable, and the accuracy is amazing. Accuracy varies based on various factors, but it can be as good as a few meters! Land-based supplemental devices can be used to improve accuracy if higher precision is required. The application of the GPS is very broad, and as the prices come down the number of uses is increasing. Portable GPS devices are used by fisherman and hikers to help them navigate in the wild. Many new cars are being equipped with GPS systems to help drivers with navigation. The military uses GPS to guide cruise missiles to pre-specified targets. For a new activity inspired by GPS, you can read out our answer to: What is geocaching? On 2 May 2000, the Department of Defense switched off selective availability (SA) which made GPS readings less accurate. They reserve the right to turn it back on during national crises and the like, but for the most part GPS devices are now about 10 times more accurate than they were when selective availability was turned on!

How Do I Become a Medical Office Manager?

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A medical office manager runs a large or small medical office, overseeing the staff, handling business affairs, working with physicians and more. If you want to become a medical office manager, a four-year degree often is required, and sometimes a master's degree is desired. Your studies might be focused in health services, business administration or a related field. Previous experience working in a medical office is often desired, and some smaller physicians' offices might not require degrees if you have demonstrated on-the-job training in the field. Completion of a certificate program in medical office management can be helpful, especially in a tight job market where you will be better off with more education and experience. Even if you have prior office management experience, certification demonstrates that you understand the intricacies and issues unique to a healthcare practice. An example of a certificate program is the medical office manager certificate offered by the Practice Management Institute, an educational organization for medical office professionals. Good medical office managers often are highly valued members of medical practices, and some physicians credit them with greatly improving efficiency. The duties of a medical office manager vary depending upon the individual physician and practice, but if you become a medical office manager, you might be expected to hire and manage personnel, oversee billing to patients and insurance companies and be responsible for marketing and business development. To excel in the varied role of medical office manager, it will be helpful to have have experience in progressively responsible office administration positions and to have a well-rounded education that includes classes in management, marketing and accounting. Other attributes that might be required if you want to become a medical office manager include understanding medical terminology and having experience with medical coding. Knowing specific software typically used in the medical industry might be required. Examples of medical software include Medisoft and Medical Manager. No matter whether you have specific medical software experience, being computer proficient and knowing basic software packages typically used in office environments is important. Qualities that will benefit you in your goal to become a medical office manager include strong leadership ability and decision-making skills. The ability to quickly solve problems is important in a busy medical practice. Good communication skills are important, because you will need to interact with physicians, nurses and other healthcare personnel as well as patients. Having an empathetic personality to work with patients who have possible health and financial problems can also benefit you as a medical office manager, as will having the assertiveness to follow up on unpaid patient bills and deal with insurance companies.

How Do I Become a Medical Insurance Coder?

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Healthcare information is a growing field and qualified professionals are highly sought after individuals. There are several steps one must take to successfully become a medical insurance coder. These steps begin with training and certification.Medical insurance coders process claims so that doctors and healthcare facilities can be properly reimbursed by insurance companies. They assign codes to various medical procedures to help control costs and minimize fraudulent claims. In many smaller facilities and doctors' offices, medical billing and coding are combined into one job, while in larger facilities there is often a team in place whose sole function is coding.A person who wants to become a medical insurance coder should have a high school diploma and a basic understanding of computers at a minimum. A basic understanding of computer programs and keyboarding is extremely important in becoming a productive medical coder. Those who feel they are lacking in basic computer skills should begin by taking a few general office technology or keyboarding courses to familiarize themselves with the technology used by medical coders on a daily basis. The next step to become a medical insurance coder is to locate a coding program that will result in earning a coding certificate. Typically, these programs take anywhere from 12-24 months to complete. Programs that offer very short completion times are generally not accredited. There is very little on-the-job training done in the medical insurance coding field, so a thorough education is vital to securing employment. There are hundreds of coding programs available to choose from, both on-campus and online, but not all are accredited. In the United States, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) maintains strict standards coding programs must abide by in order to earn and maintain their accreditation. It is advisable to choose an accredited program if at all possible, as it will open up many more career opportunities than graduating from a non-accredited program. Joining a regional or national association can provide numerous networking and learning opportunities. In the US, there are several medical insurance coding associations such as AHIMA, the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Association of Clinical Coders and Auditors (AACCA). Many of them offer student memberships, often at a discounted rate. When studying to become a medical insurance coder it may be very helpful to join one of these professional organizations or subscribe to their publications to get a better idea of what coding is all about. Once a coding certificate has been earned, the job hunt begins. Facilities of all types and sizes have a need for medical insurance coders so there may be many options available to choose from when applying. Many coding programs and schools offer application assistance to their graduates, so it is always advisable to check with the program coordinator first. Many healthcare facilities promote from within, and medical insurance coders may be promoted to supervisory or quality control positions, or even other higher-paying healthcare documentation positions once a proven record of quality work has been established.

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