Taman Nasional Komodo di Nusa Tenggara Timur, Rabu (16/5/2012), akhirnya resmi ditetapkan menjadi satu dari tujuh keajaiban dunia atau New 7 Wonders of Nature oleh New 7 Wonders Foundation.
"Keberhasilan Taman Nasional Komodo menjadi contoh inspiratif bagaimana sebuah masyarakat dapat bersama-sama berusaha melindungi sebuah spesies yang hampir punah," kata Presiden New 7 Wonders Foundation Bernard Weber dalam rilis persnya.
Weber mengatakan, jumlah suara melalui pesan singkat yang sangat besar menunjukkan bahwa bangsa Indonesia telah mengekspresikan kebanggaan pada warisan alam, yang juga merupakan bagian dari mozaik dunia.
Duta Besar Komodo dan Ketua Dewan Pembina Yayasan Komodo Kita Jusuf Kalla mengungkapkan bahwa proses penetapan Taman Nasional Komodo sebagai "New 7 Wonders of Nature" memakan waktu lebih dari lima bulan untuk klarifikasi dan penghitungan.
"Saya berterima kasih kepada masyarakat Indonesia yang dengan setia telah mengirimkan pesan singkat," kata Kalla.
Selain Taman Nasional Komodo, enam keajaiban lain yang terpilih adalah Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Puerto Princesa Underground River, Table Mountain, dan Amazon (masih dalam proses klarifikasi).
kompas

Gunung Salak merupakan sebuah gunung berapi yang terdapat di pulau Jawa, Indonesia. Gunung ini mempunyai sekitar tujuh buah puncak. Para pendaki biasanya menggunakan Puncak Salak I dan Salak II. Letak geografis puncak gunung ini ialah pada 6°43′ LS dan 106°44′ BT. Tinggi puncak Salak I adalah 2.211 m dan Salak II setinggi 2.180 meter di atas permukaan laut (dpl). Satu puncak lagi dikenal dengan Puncak Sumbul dengan ketinggian 1.926 m dpl.

Gunung Salak dapat didaki dari beberapa jalur pendakian. Puncak yang paling sering didaki adalah puncak II dan I. Jalur yang paling ramai adalah melalui Curug Nangka, di sebelah utara gunung. Melalui jalur ini, orang akan sampai pada puncak Salak II.

Puncak Salak I biasanya didaki dari arah timur, yakni Cimelati dekat Cicurug. Salak I bisa juga dicapai dari Salak II, dan dengan banyak kesulitan, dari Sukamantri, Ciapus.

Jalur lain adalah ‘jalan belakang’ lewat Cidahu, Sukabumi, atau dari Kawah Ratu dekat G. Bunder.

Selain itu Gunung Salak lebih populer sebagai ajang tempat pendidikan bagi klub-klub pecinta alam, terutama sekali daerah punggungan Salak II. Ini dikarenakan medan hutannya yang rapat dan juga jarang pendaki yang mengunjungi gunung ini. Juga memiliki jalur yang cukup sulit bagi para pendaki pemula dikarenakan jalur yang dilewati jarang kita temukan cadangan air kecuali di Pos I jalur pendakian Kawah Ratu, beruntung di puncak Gunung ( 2211 Mdpl ) ditemukan kubangan mata air.Gunung Salak meskipun tergolong sebagai gunung yang rendah, akan tetapi memiliki keunikan tersendiri baik karakteristik hutannya maupun medannya.

Secara administratif, G. Salak termasuk dalam wilayah Kabupaten Sukabumi dan Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat. Pengelolaan kawasan hutannya semula berada di bawah Perum Perhutani KPH Bogor, namun sejak 2003 menjadi wilayah perluasan Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun, kini bernama Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun-Salak.

Menurut Ilmuwan terkenal asal Inggris Alfred Russel Wallace (8 January 1823 – 7 November 1913), Gunung Salak merupakan gunung berapi yang puncaknya terpotong dan bergerigi. Itu menjadi latar belakang yang khas bagi bentangan alam di sekitarnya.

Saat Wallace mengunjungi daerah Bogor dalam rangkaian penjelajahan ilmiahnya, gunung Salak telah memesonakan Wallace. Bahkan tidak hanya Wallace, banyak ilmuan lain yang sangat tertarik dengan keberadaan gunung Salak. Pesona yang ditawarkan gunung Salak tidak terbatas pada keindahan alamnya melainkan juga kenakeragaman hayati, hewani, dan juga keakraban masyarakatnya yang masih masih menyuguhkan kearifan tradisional.
Diantara ilmuawan yang tercatat dalam lintasan sejarah yang tersedot oleh magnet gunung Salak adalah seorang botanis berkebangsaan Swedia Claes Frederic Hornstedt (1758-1809), murid dari Thunberg. Hornstedt mengunjungi Gunung Salak pada tahun 1783. Setelah itu disusul oleh Reinwardt yang mendaki dan melakukan ekplorasi botani di gunung Salak pada tahun 1817.
Sedangkan ilmuwan dari Indonesia yang pernah melakukan ekplorasi di gunung Salak diantaranya adalah; Kuswata Kartawinata yang melakukan penelitian pada tahun 1985 di daerah Awibengkok. Di tahun yang sama, Edi Mirmanto melakukan penelitian ekologi tumbuhan di di daerah Cianten, sedangkan Harry Wiriadinata melakukan ekplorasi taksonomi di koridor antara G. Salak dan G. Halimun pada tahun 1997.

Vulkanologi dan geologi
Gunung Salak merupakan gunung api strato tipe A. Semenjak tahun 1600-an tercatat terjadi beberapa kali letusan, di antaranya rangkaian letusan antara 1668-1699, 1780, 1902-1903, dan 1935. Letusan terakhir terjadi pada tahun 1938, berupa erupsi freatik yang terjadi di Kawah Cikuluwung Putri.

Menurut Hartman (1938) G. Salak I merupakan bagian gunung yang paling tua. Disusul oleh G. Salak II dan kemudian muncul G. Sumbul. Sedangkan Kawah Ratu diperkirakan merupakan produk akhir dari G. Salak. Kawah Cikuluwung Putri dan Kawah Hirup masih merupakan bagian dari Kawah Ratu.

Taman Nasional
Keberadaan gunung Salak secara ekologis makin terjaga saja ketika kawasan ini ditetapkan sebagai Kawasan Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun Salak melaui Surat Keputusan Menteri Kehutanan Nomor 175/kpts 11/2003 pada tanggal 10 Juni 2003 seluas 113. 357 hektar.
Perubahan status menjadi Kawasan Taman Nasional merupakan tugas negara untuk melindungi tanah airnya supaya dapat memenuhi hayat hidup orang banyak. Dengan menjadi Taman Nasional yang menjadikan kawasan ini relaitif lebih terjaga akan dapat memenuhi kebutuhan masyarakat terhadap air bersih dan juga menyelamatkan masyarakat dari ancaman yang lebih besar, yakni banjir dan longsor.
Gunung Salak merupakan salah satu dari hulu dua sungai yang sungai yang membelah kota Jakarta dan Tangerang, yakni sungai Cisadane dan sungai Ciliwung. Dengan demikian, bila kawasan gunung Salak tidak rusak maka kawasan ini akan menyerap banyak air yang, di samping dapat menyediakan kebutuhan masyarakat yang tinggal di sekitar gunung Salak juga sekaligus mengurangi volume air yang mengalir ke Jakarta, karena mencegah banjir tidak hanya persoalan hilir melainkan juga hulu.
Keberadaan Taman Nasional atau kawasan konservasi tidak bisa lepas dari masyarakat yang hidup di sekitarnya, yang telah puluhan bahkan ratusan tahun tinggal, menetap, dan memanfaatkan sumberdaya alam yang terdapat di dalamnya. Bahkan dalam paradigma baru pengelolaan suatu kawasan konservasi adalah dengan melibatkan secara aktif masyarakat. Karena memang sejatinya, kehadiran kawasan konservasi, yang relatif baru dibandingkan kehadiran manusia, adalah dapat berperan dalam mensejahterakan masyarakat.

Kearifan Lokal
Masyarakat yang tinggal di sekitar gunung Salak masih memiliki kearifan tradisional, diantaranya berupa pengetahuan tentang pemanfaatan keanekaragaman hayati untuk berbagai kebutuhannya. Tradisi dan pengetahuan lokal mengenai konservasi kawasan merupakan hasil dari interaksi panjang antara manusia dan alam. Dengan demikian dapat dikatakan bahwa setiap masyarakat, atau bahkan mungkin individu, memiliki cara pandang tersendiri tentang keberadaan sebuah Gunung, tergantung pada hasil interaksinya dengan gunung.
Bagi masyarakat Sunda yang tinggal di sekitar kawasan Taman Nasional Gunung Halimun Salak, gunung Salak memiliki makna tersendiri. Gunung diyakini oleh masyarakat sebagai tempat bersemayam dan turunnya para Batara dari Kahyangan, untuk itu masyarakat Sunda klasik Sunda sering menyebut gunung sebagai kabuyutan. Peran gunung sebagai kabuyut dapat dilihat dari cerita-cerita rakyat dan juga tuturan para pini sepuh.
Oleh masyarakat adat yang tinggal di desa Giri Jaya, gunung Salak merupakan kawasan yang penting, karena di gunung salak ini asal usul daerah dan kehidupan tersimpan. Gunung Salak juga menyimpan banyak misteri kehidupan, bagi siapa saja yang dapat menemukan atau mengerti rahasia yang terdapat di gunung Salak akan menjadi manusia arif. Pendapat mereka didasarkan atas tafsirannya mengenai asal nama Salak yang menjadi nama gunung ini. Menurut masyarakat, nama Salak berasal dari Siloka dan salaka yang berarti simbol atau tanda dan juga asal-usul.
Masyarakat adat ini setiap tahunnya sering menggelar acara-acara seremonial tradisi, seperti seren taun, muludan, dan lain-lain. Dalam pelaksanaan seremoni tradisi tersebut, penghormatan terhadap alam, Gunung Salak dalam hal ini dilakukan. Gunung Salak sangat dihormat oleh masyarakat.

Temuan Arkeologis
Terlepas dari benar tidaknya pendapat masyarakat tentang makna gunung Salak, yang pasti hal tersebut adalah anggapan yang ada dan tetap hidup di masyarakat, dan itu adalah sah-sah saja. Namun yang pasti, di Gunung Salak ditemukan penemuan arkeologis berupa bebatuan yang berbentuk Punden Berundak dari masa neolithikum atau zaman batu baru di daerah Bogor. Tempat penemuan arkeologis itu sampai sekarang masih terjaga dan terawat dengan baik. Masyarakat meyakini bahwa di tempat tersebut pada masa lalu adalah pusat kekuasaan Sunda pada zaman baheula.
Sedangkan di daerah Girijaya juga selain terdapat batuan berupa Punden Berundak, walau lebih kecil dari yang terdapat di Bogor. Punden berundak yang terdapat di Jalur Girijaya, bila kita hendak mendaki puncak gunung Salak ini, dipercaya juga sebagai petilasan dari Eyang Santri ketika beliau berkhalwat.
Di daerah ini juga terdapat makam yang diyakini oleh masyarakat sebagai makam keramat. Pada malam hari, terutama malam-malam tertentu yang menurut anggapan masyarakat memiliki nuansa spiritual kuat, maka makan ini akan penuh dikunjungi oleh peziarah. Makam ini merupakan makan Eyang Santri yang menurut penuturan juru kunci serta keturunannya adalah seorang Waliyullah (kekasih Allah). Eyang Santri adalah seorang putra keraton Solo yang lari dari kehidupan Keraton karena tidak puas dengan kebijakan yang diambil oleh keraton. Beliau lebih memilih berjuang melawan Belanda dan dakwah agama Islam.
Eyang Santri juga, menurut penuturan cucu-nya adalah seorang yang penting dalam perjuangan kemerdekaan. Beliau salah seorang yang membantu pendanaan Sumpah Pemuda serta menjadi inspirasi Bung Karno dalam penamaan Marhaen. Eyang Santri adalah sosok petani kecil yang ditemui Bung Karno ketika ia jalan-jalan di daerah Pasundan.

Makna Puncak
Dengan perspektif berbeda, seorang Arkeolog dari UI, Aris Munandar, berdasarkan penelitiannya pada masyarakat adat yang terdapat di Sindang Barang, Bogor, berpendapat bahwa kedua puncak yang terdapat di gunung Salak memiliki makna yang berbeda bagi masyarakat yang masih berpegang pada tradisi dan masih terpengaruh oleh ajaran Hindu. Munadar lebih lanjut mengatakan bahwa Puncak Gajah ditafsirkan sebagai tempat bersemayamnya arwah raja-raja Sunda Kuno yang telah ngahyang. Sedangkan puncak Keramat ditafsirkan sebagai tempat persemayaman para Hyang, dewata Sunda Kuno, serta Raja-raja kerajaan Sunda.
Selain itu, masyarakat juga menganggap bahwa gunung Salak sebagai sebagai Paku Jagat atau Paku Tetenger bagi Pakuan Pajajaran. Mungkin sama dengan Merapi bagi masyarakat Jogja. Sedangkan bagi masyarakat Islam yang berkutat pada pencarian spiritualitas, diyakini bahwa di puncak keramat terdapat satu makam dari tokoh penyebar agama Islam yang berasal dari Cirebon, yaitu KH Hasan Basri yang bertugas menyebarkan agama Islam ke daerah Sunda seperti di Bogor, Sukabumi, Pelabuhan Ratu, dan Cianjur. Puncak Salak juga dianggap sebagai temapt berkumpulnya ghaib-ghaib Suci, seperti wali songo, dan lain-lain.
Sebagian masyarakat juga menganggap bahwa terdapat tiga pilar utama berupa gunung yang menopang kehidupan masyarakat Sunda, yakni Gunung Salak, Gunung Gede, dan Gunung Pangrango. Masyarakat menafsirkan ketiga gunung ini sebagai simbol dari huruf alif, lam, ha, ketiga kata ini yang kalau digabungkan akan menjadi satu kata, yaitu ilah yang berarti Allah atau Tuhan.
Sebagian masyarakat juga percaya bahwa tafsir dari ketiga hurup Arab tersebut adalah sebagai simbol dari ajaran kebaikan. Gunung Salak adalah simbol dari alif (huruf pertama dalam abjad Arab) yang berarti hubungan vertikal. Sedangkan Gunung Pangrango adalah simbol dari lam dan Gunung Gede simbol dari ha.
Jadi mari kita peihara gunung, karena di tempat tersebut antara konservasi, tradisi, mitos, legenda, kepercayaan, dan juga daerah yang bisa memenuhi hajat hidup orang banyak membaur menjadi satu.
Sumber : setialesmana.blogdetik.com

Gunung Salak kini menjadi buah bibir. Gunung yang terletak di Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat itu kembali ramai dibicarakan setelah pesawat Sukhoi Superjet 100 yang ditumpangi oleh 45 orang jatuh di lerengnya.

Banyaknya kecelakaan yang terjadi di Gunung Salak, semakin menguatkan mitos bahwa gunung berapi ini angker. Terlebih, sebagian warga setempat ada yang masih percaya bahwa Gunung Salak adalah tempat yang suci, tempat terakhir kemunculan Prabu Siliwangi, raja Padjajaran, kerajaan Hindu terakhir di Jawa Barat.

Penelusuran merdeka.com, sebuah pura juga dibangun di lereng Gunung Salak. Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkarta Tamansari Gunung Salak ini konon dibangun sebagai penghormatan terhadap Prabu Siliwangi dan para prajuritnya yang menghilang di Gunung Salak dan menjelma menjadi macan.

Masyarakat sekitar juga sering menemukan hal-hal gaib di kawasan Gunung Salak ini yang berhubungan dengan Prabu Siliwangi. Sebelum membangun pura ini pada 1995, umat Hindu terlebih dahulu membangun candi dengan patung macan berwarna putih dan hitam. Di lokasi inilah, diyakini Prabu Siliwangi menghilang dan berubah wujud menjadi macan.

Kenapa memilih di lokasi itu dibangun pura? Konon, pada tahun 1981 silam, tempat tersebut dikenal sebagai Batu Menyan. Batu menyan ini setiap harinya mengeluarkan asap. Konon masyarakat sekitar setiap hari melihat cahaya putih, dan sinar terang dari angkasa, kemudian turun ke batu.

Dengan mitos tersebut, tak heran Gunung Salak jadi terkenal angker. Banyak pendaki yang hilang lantaran tersesat. Selama ini, tak sedikit pendaki Gunung Salak mengaku ada yang mendengar gamelan atau pun melihat penampakan-penampakan mahluk halus saat mendaki Gunung Salak. Para pendaki pun disarankan untuk tidak mengucapkan kata-kata kotor atau kasar selama perjalanan. Tujuannya untuk menghindari gangguan 'lelembut' penunggu Gunung Salak.

Tak sedikit pula terjadi kecelakaan pesawat yang jatuh di Gunung Salak. Kecelakaan ini pun disangkut-pautkan hal-hal gaib, termasuk kecelakaan pesawat Sukhoi Superjet 100.

Gunung Salak adalah gunung berapi yang mempunyai beberapa puncak, di antaranya Puncak Salak I dan Salak II. Letak astronomis puncak gunung ini ialah pada 6°43' LS dan 106°44' BT. Tinggi puncak Salak I 2.211 m dan Salak II 2.180 m dpl. Ada satu puncak lagi bernama Puncak Sumbul dengan ketinggian 1.926 m dpl.
Sumber : merdeka.com

Lokasi Gunung Salak Bogor

Lihat Peta Lebih Besar

Dubai memang terkenal negara kaya dan selalu membuat obsesi yang sangat muluk tentang hal-hal yang mewah dan mahal.
Kali ini adalah Mesin ATM Emas yang diciptakan oleh Thomas Geisler dan mesin ini dapat mengeluarkan koin emas dan emas batangan. Emas ini dapat digunakan sebagai souvenir yang bagus untuk para tamu.
Tetapi untuk tahap awal, ATM Emas ini hanya dapat menerima mata uang lokal, namun nantinya akan dapat dimodifikasi agar dapat menggunakan kartu kredit. Mesin ATM ini juga dilengkapi dengan sistem komputer yang terus-menerus memantau harga emas di pasar dunia saat ini. Harga emas akan mengalami perubahan dan akan berubah mengikuti harga pasar setiap 10 menit…








sumber: yepiye.wordpress.com

The straight facts about the drugs and illegal substances most frequently abused by youth and adults alike, empower the individual and enable him to make his own informed decision about drugs, their risks and the role they should or should not play in his life. In this society, one is bombarded by falsehoods and mixed messages about drugs and so it is important to be armed with the truth. A person is then able to chart his own course through the morass of misinformation.

Facts About Marijuana (Cannabis and Hashish)

The Truth about Joints dispels the false propaganda that cannabis is “not as bad” as other drugs and provides accurate information about the real dangers of marijuana and hashish.
Street names for Marijuana:  weed, skunk, pot, hash, grass, thai stick, gold seel, sensi, chronic, blow, smoke, green, solid
Cannabis is usually rolled up in a cigarette called a joint or a nail. It can also be brewed as a tea or mixed with food, or smoked through a water pipe called a bong.

Sixty percent of teenagers in drug treatment programmes are there because of marijuana. According to a National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, children who frequently use marijuana are almost four times more likely to act violently or damage property. They are five times more likely to steal than those who do not use the drug.

Marijuana is often more potent today than it used to be. Growing techniques and selective use of seeds have produced a more powerful drug. Correspondingly, there has been a sharp increase in the number of marijuana-related emergency hospital visits by young pot smokers.

Because a tolerance builds up, marijuana can lead users to consume stronger drugs to achieve the same high. When the effects start to wear off, the person may turn to more potent drugs to rid himself of the unwanted conditions that prompted him to take marijuana in the first place.

Marijuana itself does not lead the person to the other drugs: people take drugs to get rid of unwanted situations or feelings. The drug (marijuana) masks the problem for a time (while the user is high). When the “high” fades, the problem, unwanted condition or situation returns more intensely than before. The user may then turn to stronger drugs since marijuana no longer “works.”

Short-term Effects of Marijuana:

They suffer loss of co-ordination and distortions in their sense of time, vision and hearing. Other effects are sleepiness, reddening of the eyes, increased appetite and relaxed muscles. Heart rate can speed up. In fact, in the first hour of smoking marijuana, a user’s risk of a heart attack increases at least five-fold. School performance is reduced through impaired memory and lessened ability to solve problems.

Long-term Effects of Marijuana:

Long-term use can cause psychotic symptoms. It can also damage the lungs and the heart, worsen the symptoms of bronchitis and cause coughing and wheezing. It may reduce the body’s ability to fight lung infections and illness.

Facts about Ecstasy

The Truth about Ecstasy reveals the dangers of this “new” designer drug. Its dangers have been known for decades, only its name changed.
Street names for Ecstasy: E's, pills, brownies, Mitsubishi's, Rolex's, Dolphins, XTC.
Ecstasy is usually taken orally in pill, tablet or capsule form. Taking more than one at a time is called “bumping.”
Ecstasy is a synthetic drug made in a laboratory. Makers may add anything they choose to the drug, such as caffeine, amphetamines and even cocaine. Ecstasy is illegal and has effects similar to hallucinogens and stimulants. It is addictive. The pills are of different colours and are sometimes marked with cartoon-like images. Mixing ecstasy with alcohol is extremely dangerous and can be lethal.
The simulative effects of drugs like ecstasy enable the user to dance for long periods, and when combined with the hot, crowded conditions found at raves, can lead to extreme dehydration and heart or kidney failure.

Short-term Effects of Ecstasy:

• impaired judgment
• false sense of affection
• confusion
• depression
• sleep problems
• severe anxiety
• paranoia
• drug craving
• muscle tension
• involuntary teeth clenching
• nausea
• blurred vision
• faintness and chills or sweating.

Long-term Effects of Ecstasy:

Prolonged use causes long-lasting and perhaps permanent damage to the brain, affecting the person’s judgment and thinking ability. Some young people have died after using ecstasy only once.

Facts About Cocaine

The Truth about Cocaine describes this drug, once the favorite of corporate executives and entertainment personalities, now a deadly street killer.
Street names for Cocaine: charlie, white, marching powder, coke, C, Percy, snow, toot. For crack – rocks, wash, stones, pebbles, base, freebase

Cocaine and crack cocaine can be taken orally, through the nose (snorted), itravenously, or, in the case of crack, through inhalation of the fumes from heating it.

The terms used to describe ingestion include chewing, snorting, mainlining or injecting and smoking.

The word cocaine refers to the drug in a powder (cocaine) form and a crystal (crack) form. It is made from the coca plant and causes a short-lived intense high that is immediately followed by strong feelings of depression, edginess and a craving for more.

Short-term Effects of Cocaine:

Cocaine causes a short-lived intense high that is immediately followed by the opposite — intense feelings of depression and edginess and a craving for more of the drug. People who use it often don’t eat or sleep properly. They can experience greatly increased heart rate, muscle spasms and convulsions. The drug can make people feel paranoid, angry, hostile and anxious, even when they aren’t high.

Long-term Effects:

In addition to those already mentioned, cocaine can cause irritability, mood disturbances, restlessness, paranoia and auditory hallucinations. Tolerance to the drug develops so that more is needed to produce the same “high.”

Coming down from the drug causes severe depression, which becomes deeper and deeper after each use of the drug. This can get so severe that a person will do almost anything to get the drug—even commit murder. And if he or she can’t get cocaine the depression can get so intense it can drive the addict to suicide.

Heroin Facts

The Truth about Heroin details the countless ways people can fall into the trap of this deadly substance.
Street names for Heroin:  smack, brown, gear, darks, horse, H, B's, skag

Heroin is usually injected, snorted or smoked. It is highly addictive. Heroin enters the brain rapidly but makes people think and react slowly, impairing their decision-making ability. It causes difficulty in remembering things.

Injecting the drug can create a risk of contracting HIV, hepatitis and other diseases caused by infected needles. These health problems can be passed on to sexual partners and newborns. Heroin is one of the three most frequently cited drugs in drug abuse deaths. Violence and crime are linked to its use.

Short-term Effects:

Abusers experience clouded mental functioning, nausea and vomiting. Awareness of pain may be suppressed. Pregnant women can suffer spontaneous abortion. Cardiac functions slow down and breathing is severely slowed, sometimes to the point of death.

Long-term Effects:

Scarred and/or collapsed veins, bacterial infections of the blood vessels, heart valves, abscesses and other soft-tissue infections, and liver or kidney disease. Lung complications may result. Sharing of injection equipment or fluids may result in hepatitis B and C, HIV and other blood-borne viruses.

Crystal Meth (Methamphetamine)

The Truth about Crystal Meth describes this drug’s devastating effects and how, in as little as one weekend, it can destroy a life.

Street names for Crystal Methamphetamine: tina and christine, p's, ice, speed, glass, yaba.

Crystal meth and meth is inhaled or smoked. Low doses are in pill form.

Crystal meth is a colorless, odorless form of methamphetamine. It resembles small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes. On the street, it is known as “ice,”“crystal,” “glass” and other names. It is a highly powerful and addictive man-made stimulant that causes aggression and violent or psychotic behavior. Many users report getting hooked (addicted) from the first time they use it. It is one of the hardest drugs to treat.

Short-term Effects of Crystal Meth:

Negative effects can include disturbed sleep patterns, hyperactivity, nausea, delusions of power, increased aggressiveness and irritability. Can cause decreased hunger and bring on weight loss. In higher doses has a greater “rush,” followed by increased agitation and sometimes violence. Other effects can include insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and increased aggression. Can cause convulsions leading to death.

Long-term Effects of Crystal Meth:

Increased heart rate and blood pressure, damage to blood vessels in the brain, leading to strokes or irregular heartbeat and cardiovascular collapse or death. Can cause liver, kidney and lung damage. There are strong indications that users suffer brain damage, including memory impairment and an increasing inability to grasp abstract thoughts. Those who recover are usually subject to memory gaps and extreme mood swings.

“Crystal meth was my drug of choice, but there were others too — cheap, easy to get, easy to become addicted to and, of course, easy to use. I tried it once and BOOM! I was addicted. One of the main things that this affected was my music career. I had a great band and played great music and had great members who weren’t only band members but best friends. That all changed when I started using meth.”

— Brad

LSD Facts

The Truth about LSD: Popularized in the 1960s, this drug is making a comeback among younger abusers, and this site shows why youths must say “No” to it.

Street names for LSD:- trips, acid, blotter, cheer, dots, drop, flash, hawk, L, lightening flash, liquid acid, Lucy, micro dot, paper mushrooms, rainbows, smilies, stars, tab, trips, tripper, window.
LSD is sold in tablets, capsules or in liquid form. It is commonly added to absorbent paper and divided into small decorated squares. Each square is a dose.

LSD is still one of the most potent mood-changing chemicals and poisonous substances on Earth. It is manufactured from a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. Its effects are unpredictable. A tiny amount can produce 12 hours or more of effects.

Short-term Effects:

Dilated pupils, higher body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, dry mouth and tremors. People can experience severe, terrifying thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear of insanity and death and feelings of despair while using LSD.

Long-term Effects:

Flashbacks, or recurrences of parts of the “trip” experienced long after the drug was taken and the effect apparently worse.

Oxycodone (Painkillers) Facts

The Truth about Painkillers: these medicinal drugs trap tens of thousands seeking relief from pain and discomfort.
Street names for Oxycodone: • Oxy 80s • Percs • OxyCotton • Oxycet • Hillbilly heroin
Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller. It is the principal ingredient found in Oxycontin, Percocet and Percodan. It is a legal narcotic drug available by prescription to treat severe pain. In pill form it is a controlled-release medication. When the drug is abused, it is crushed and snorted, chewed or mixed with water and injected — eliminating the time-release factor and providing a quick and intense rush to the brain. As powerful as heroin, Oxycodone affects the nervous system the same way.

Short-term Effects:

Common side effects include constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating and weakness.

Long-term Effects:

Chronic use can result in increased tolerance so that higher doses are taken to experience the initial effect. Over time, the drug becomes addictive, causing withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. These symptoms include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes and involuntary leg movements.

Ritalin Methylphenidate Information

The Truth about Ritalin
Called “kiddie cocaine” when sold on the streets, prescription stimulants destroy young lives daily.
Street names for Ritalin: • Diet Coke • Rids • Kiddy cocaine • Skittles • R-Ball • Smarties • Vitamin R • Poor man's cocaine
Ritalin is the common name for methylphenidate, classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II narcotic — the same classification as cocaine, morphine and amphetamines. It is abused by teens for its stimulant effects.
While the law forbids unrestricted distribution of these powerful stimulants, the sad fact remains that these substances are freely available almost anywhere. “Kiddie cocaine,” as it has been called, is handed out like candy. In some schools as many as 20 percent of the students take Ritalin regularly.

Short-term Effects:

Its severest effects include nervousness, insomnia, pulse changes and heart problems. In June 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that Ritalin and its sister drugs may cause visual hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, psychotic behavior, as well as aggression or violent behavior. Hazards multiply as users up their quantity, grind and snort it, liquefy or inject it, and use it along with ecstasy and other drugs. Abuse in larger doses puts stress on the heart, which can be fatal, and injection causes serious damage to the lungs and eyes.

Long Term Effects:

The manufacturer says methylphenidate is a drug of dependency. Children on stimulant medications have twice the future rate of drug abuse. One-third of all child anorexia (eating disorders) are linked to use of this drug, as are symptoms of obsessive compulsive behavior — within the first year of use.

A Texas researcher has also found that after only three months of Ritalin use, one out of twelve children treated with it had genetic abnormalities associated with an increased risk of cancer.

At one time or another, most drivers encounter unsafe road conditions. Hazards can appear in many different forms; for instance, poor weather, drunk drivers, and simple human error can all complicate an otherwise uneventful journey. On the other hand, sometimes the condition of the road itself can put your life in jeopardy.

Being on the road at 3.15 a.m. to drive 450 kms was not in my plans for the weekend. I had been looking forward to a relaxing couple of days to allow me to recharge my batteries in readiness for the busy week ahead that lay ahead of me.

My eldest son, Simon and a group of his good friends were heading off for a week at the snowfields, however, due to last minute issue with their transportation; I willingly offered to help out and provide the extra car that was required to ensure that everyone got to the drop off point near the snow fields, so that they could then enjoy their weeks break snow boarding and skiing.

As I set out on my early morning journey the only thing I could think about at that time was that no sooner had I arrived and then said my goodbyes, I would be on the road again to make the trip back home, in total a round trip of 900 kms in just on 10 hours.

Although I was only to happy to make the trip, the thought of such a long drive in one day was a daunting one, particularly as I was looking forward to that much required time to relax.

Over the years I have come to realise that in life often events happen to challenge you and that they often don't reveal their real purpose at the time. As I was to discover over the next 10 hours, this was not to be the case on this occasion.

The drive to our destination was punctuated with the mandatory refresher and comfort stops, an early morning breakfast in a highway petrol station that could be best described as filling but far from nutritious, the dawning of a new day, coupled with patches of fog, mist and light rain which typifies a winter's morning as you get closer to the snow fields.

As we drove, Simon and I talked a little about his week's break and a host of what may have seemed unimportant and rather minor subjects, however, it was great to have this time with him as we very rarely spend five continuous hours in each others company, other than in the days when we played Saturday afternoon cricket together.

As I left to make the return trip back home, I had a strange sense of loneliness which quickly disappeared as I concentrated on driving through some very heavy early morning fog. Within an hour I was through the fog and had a clear open road ahead of me, so I engaged cruise control and spent the next four hours listening to some of my favourite CD's.

When I was younger I did a lot of country driving on my own and I often used this time to think about big picture stuff as well as issues and challenges I had in my business or personal life, many of which would be clarified and to a certain extent resolved, during these lengthy times of solitude inside my car.

On this day, I rekindled something from those years of driving long distances on my own, for by the time I had reached home I had developed and set out a plan of action in my mind for one very important issue I had to deal with in the week ahead. Surprisingly after my long trip home I was mentality refreshed and energised, even though I was physically tired and knew that I would sleep well that evening.

I am reminded of the quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, 'Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.'

What this unplanned trip to the snowfields had given me were two unexpected but very timely lessons, the first being that we all need to and benefit from spending quality time with our family, loved ones and friends.

The second lesson was that a change in your environment, no matter how temporary, can in itself provide you with the opportunity to look at something from a different perspective and come away with a resolution, as well as be refreshed and energised.

I look forward to my next unexpected event and many more opportunities to spend quality time with those who are important to me and make my life more rewarding.

Inspired by a trip to the snow fields with my son and the need for some refreshed thinking
Written by Keith Ready

This story appeared in InspirEmail No 89 - July 17, 2006

Sukhoi Superjet 100 is a new aircraft family allowing its passengers to experience the mainline level of comfort.
The fuselage cross-section increases the aisle width up to 20.08”, offering optimal aisle height combined with five-abreast seat configuration. The height of the ceiling totals 83.46”, while each seat is 18.31” wide.
The four-abreast seat configuration results in a true business class providing every passenger with the equal level of comfort.
The passengers enjoy easy and comfortable access to overhead bins which comfortably swallow standard roll-aboard bags (IATA approved hand luggage; maximum 24"x16"x10"). SSJ100's spacious overhead bins can be perfectly suited for outer garments and coats (from raincoats to Alaska coats) regardless of the season or region.
Super Technologies:
The leading-edge technologies, being the core ingredient of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Project, penetrate its every stage – from design and development to final assembly, delivering a modern, economically efficient and globally marketable aircraft.
SSJ100 is easy and safe to pilot. The cockpit design features a “passive” side stick and “active” engine control levers. The Human Centered Design concept perfectly arranges the control levers and on-board equipment. SSJ100 can be landed by one pilot only. Dark and Quiet Cockpit offers precise, convenient and reliable piloting of Sukhoi Superjet 100.
Optimal piloting in automated mode together with the failure-safe flight control system ensure additional fuel efficiency and improve flight safety. The remote control system (RCS) is based upon three two-channel upper level computers (PFCU – Primary Flight Actuator Control Unit) adding two-channel lower level computers (ACE – Actuator Control Electronics). PFCU’s process command signals coming from the cockpit, autopilot and avionics. Besides, it optimizes piloting performance in all flight modes. The unsurpassed functionality of PFCU results from Sukhoi Design Bureau’s experience in development of FBW systems with automatic limitation of ultimate and operational flight parameters in manual and automatic control modes. Solid reliability of the aircraft systems and pilot induced failure proof functionality increase flight safety. Sukhoi Superjet 100 is sure to become the first regional aircraft, enjoying such advanced control system features. In case of in-flight system failures, the RCS switches to the standby control circuit offering piloting characteristics similar to those of manual flight mode.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 features fully electronic fly-by-wire control system for piloting, landing gear extension and retraction, and a break system to prove its high maintainability and weight perfection.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 failure-safe FBW architecture means no more mechanical redundancy. The horizontal stabilizer is also controlled by fly-by-wire, leading to stabilizer optimal size and reduction of aerodynamic and trim resistance. Sukhoi Superjet 100 is algorithmically protected against tail/runway collision induced by pilot.
The THALES designed avionics open architecture is based on the integrated modular technology. This helped to decrease the number of structure modules by 15% and to facilitate maintenance procedures.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 is equipped with the built-in failure detection system able to find any failure including those at the LRU level of any major aircraft system. Moreover, the basic configuration of avionics offers wider functionality, including triple ultra-short-wave communication system with ACARS function, the second generation T2CAS system designed to prevent collision as well as the IIIA ICAO category approach capabilities.
Each aircraft is powered by the new SaM146 engine developed by PowerJet to meet the highest performance and eco requirements. Snecma Moteurs and NPO Saturn?s distinct experience and perfect synergy produced a hi-tech result by applying the CFM56 & Tech56 technologies when creating an engine distinguished for its excellent performance.
A strong focus was put on engine maintainability. Now the blades can be replaced with engine on the wing. Owing to the new modular design, the engine employs 20% less parts, which significantly streamlines maintenance operations.
The double-bubble fuselage expanded “life space” for each passenger up to 0.885 m3 and increased the height of the cargo compartment up to 1014 mm.
It is obvious that leading-edge technologies applied in design & development demand state-of-the-art technologies in production.
The new technologies introduced at SCAC's production sites are: automatic riveting and high-speed part machining, information environment, embracing design, production and supply into common environment, airframe jigless assembly with laser positioning, manufacturing of wing panel and wing coupling to the fuselage with no manual adjustment.
Super Economics:
The SSJ100 aerodynamic configuration is specifically optimized for high cruise M-speed. That is why speed increase does not lead to a dramatic increase in fuel consumption. When compared with its rivals bound to fly at M 0.75 – 0.76 to stay in economic mode, SSJ100 has higher cruise speed.
SSJ100’s enhanced take-off and landing performance along with all-weather operation, wide range and passenger payload capabilities make SSJ100 an efficient route developer. This offers airlines freedom in route and schedule planning.
Super economics results from crew training cost reduction when operating different types of the SSJ100 aircraft as a single fleet. Furthermore, this advantage stems from easy-to-reach maintenance zones, 20% reduction in the number of modular engine components (SaM146) and 10% cutback in fuel consumption.
Sukhoi Superjet 100 offers 10% decrease of operation costs due to its weight perfection, economic fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs.
Energy saving all-LED passenger cabin lightning helps airlines decrease maintenance costs on lighting.
The dimensions of the cargo compartment completely meet the challenging requirements of trade unions regarding the work of ground personnel.
While Sukhoi Superjet 100 belongs to the regional class, its long-range (LR) version can effectively operate on a number of mainline routes.
Super Fuel Efficiency:
Fuel efficiency is secured by the third generation supercritical airfoil wing and excellent local aerodynamics. All this combined with perfectly balanced aircraft control laws in autopilot mode add to fuel consumption savings. Weight perfection and the SaM146 engine, tailored for this aircraft family, reduce fuel consumption per seat by 10% compared to its rivals. Super Green:
Noise and emissions levels of SSJ100 meet the strictest ecological demands and surpass the highest existing and future ICAO requirements.
Super Team:
Production sites: Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Novosibirsk, Voronezh.
SSJ100’s airframe parts are manufactured at our production facilities located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur (KnAAPO) and Novosibirsk (NAPO), while the technologically advanced production site in Voronezh (VASO) provides us with aircraft parts made of composite materials.
SCAC’s branch in Komsomolsk-on-Amur is responsible for final assembly, flight tests, aircraft acceptance and delivery center operation.
Strategic partner – ALENIA AERONAUTICA
In June 2007, Sukhoi Company, the Italian Finmeccanica Group, Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company and Alenia Aeronautica signed a General Agreement to establish a Strategic Partnership. It outlined the scope of cooperation within the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Project and foundation of a joint venture.
This Agreement stipulates that Alenia Aeronautica is entitled to acquire 25% + 1 share in the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company (subject to the governmental approval). Furthermore, the Agreement outlines the terms of the Italian participation in program financing of no less than 25%.
The completion of the acquisition of 25% + 1 share in the SCAC capital was announced on April 7, 2009. The value of the stock acquired by Alenia Aeronautica is of USD 183 mln (138 mln euro). This agreement makes the Sukhoi Superjet 100 Program the most relevant aviation partnership between Russia and Europe ever seen.
In 2007 Finmeccanica’s company Alenia Aeronautica and Sukhoi Holding formed SuperJet International, a joint venture (51% - Alenia Aeronautica, and 49% - Sukhoi Holding) based in Venice, responsible for marketing, sales and aircraft delivery in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Japan and Oceania as well as for worldwide logistic support for the Sukhoi Superjet 100 regional aircraft family. This enterprise is expected to produce the synergy effect and to efficiently promote Sukhoi Superjet 100 family in mature markets. In addition, it will offer aircraft customization for western customers and a full package of aftersales support throughout the world.
Risk-sharing partner – SNECMA
The development and production of the SaM146 engine applicable for the entire aircraft family is provided by PowerJet. It is an equally joint venture of Snecma, a globally recognized engine manufacturer, NPO Saturn, a Russian aircraft engine producer. In May 2007 NPO Saturn’s test bench launched a series of tests destined to appraise the performance of the third SaM146 engine. Owing to the state-of-the-art technologies of the engine, all aircraft of the family go beyond the ICAO current and perspective noise and emission requirements.
Consultant – BOEING
Throughout the history of Russian commercial aviation, Sukhoi Superjet 100 appears the first aircraft ever designed with due consideration of requirements and demands of potential worldwide operators.
Under the long-term cooperation Agreement signed on December 19, 2002, Boeing consults the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company in the field of marketing, design and manufacturing, certification and quality system, supplier management, and after-sales support.
Contributed by Boeing, the idea of step-by-step project management was fully explored and translated into business reality by SCAC. Specifically, we sustain the project flow when any succeeding stage depends on successful accomplishment of the previous milestone goals. The Technical Board comprised of SCAC and Boeing’s representatives as well as of the PowerJet consultants monitors the Program and makes final decisions on stage execution.
Aircraft Main System Suppliers:
Avionics – THALES
Control systems – LIEBHERR
Environmental control system – LIEBHERR
Landing gear – MESSIER DOWTY
Fuel System – INTERTECHNIQUE (ZODIAC)
Interior – B/E AEROSPACE
Fire protection system – AUTRONICS (CURTISS WRIGHT)
Oxygen system – B/E AEROSPACE
APU – HONEYWELL
Crew seats – IPECO
Hydraulic system – PARKER
Electrical system – HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND
Engine vibration sensors – VIBRO-METER
Wheels, brakes - GOODRICH
Super Commonality:
Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft family enjoys 95% commonality in airframe, wing, propulsion system, cockpit and main systems. Passenger capacity is increased by insertions within the central part of the fuselage that lengthen the passenger cabin.
High level of commonality fosters training, maintenance and repair cost reduction when operating different types of the SSJ100 aircraft as a single fleet.