Chriss Street: Egypt Joins The Arab Winter

Egypt has went through major convulsions these past couple weeks--millions demonstrating against President Morsi, and the recent demand by Egypt's military that Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood had 48 hours to basically "get their act together".  As would be expected, Morsi didn't meet their demands, and the military removed him from office.

I have watched the situation in Egypt with interest and concern. It has a population of 90 million people--with 6.76 million in Cairo alone, and another 10 million in the immediate outskirts. As such Cairo is the largest city in Africa, and Egypt has the largest populations of any Arab country.

While Hosni Mubarak was no angel, he was favorably disposed towards the U.S.  As we all know, he was removed from office, and Egypt held democratic elections in which Mohammed Morsi was elected. Though he claimed to be working for all Egyptians, he quickly aligned himself with the Muslim Brotherhood (if he wasn't already), and started to consolidate power. He dissolved the country's Supreme Court, and granted to himself sweeping powers that no longer required legislative review before enactment.

Morsi also showed his vehement anti-Semitism when he referred to Jews as being descended from apes and pigs...

Many people that originally voted for Morsi have come to regret it. They have now come together in a major movement to bring about change in the Egyptian government.

President Obama applauded the Egyptian elections, and, arranged to let Egypt have a number of M-1 Abrams tanks (the toned-down export version and F-16 jets--1.2 billion dollar's worth.

This worries me, as it provides a serious upgrade to Egypt's weaponry, which could be used against Israel, or against an nation transiting the Suez Canal into the Arabian Sea--remember that Egypt controls the Suez Canal.

What worries me more is that President Obama recently offered to send Morsi a crack team of experts to deal with large demonstrations, urban unrest, etc... hmmm.... I don't remember the President doing the same for Mubarak, so that shows you which side he's rooting for.

Many may say that we shouldn't interfere with a democratically-elected leader as that is what the people want.  I would agree... to a point:

1. Hitler was a democratically-elected leader, and when other countries intervened, it cost millions of lives and millions in treasure to stop him.

2. President Obama has already intervened...

A major risk at play is that if Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood are completely cut out of Egypt's government, they may resort to armed struggle en masse.

Anyway, I think you'll find Chriss Street's article compelling...

Smitty

Chriss Street: Egypt Joins the Arab Winter

A Bored Farmer, A Barn Full of Stuff, and A Welder...

I don't know if a farmer actually did this, or someone just built a vehicle with a distinctly rural theme, but it's innovative and amusing either way.

Smitty

When you live on a farm you learn to

"make do" with whatever you find in the barn!!

This is the exact and perfect example of why

we save everything.

This car has been built with all of the junk

laying out back in the pile, and under the work

bench, and stuffed in the rafters.

All this guy needed was a little time on his hands.

Spotted in Cannon Falls , MN on 5/23/12 Its a car? or a truck?

Milk can fuel tank; radiator from a Minneapolis-Moline tractor. The GM Small Block V-8 is probably the most modern thing on the... er... car... or whatever it is!!!

 

Check out the gearing wheel....What do you see?

Dash is a crosscut saw blade with handles attached - tractor hand brake - tachometer - 2 mirrors mounted on horse shoes and big truck turn signal switch mounted on left - single wiper motor

How many men who grew up on a farm are now thinking, "Why didn't we do that? " (Because most farmers are too busy to put the time into something like this--Smitty)

 Milking machine tank on top of aircleaner, and a washtub fan shroud.

 What looks like a hopper to a seed drill protects the headlight, while a "knuckle-buster" wrench forms the bracket for the headlight adjuster.

 Rear seating straight from the "two-holer" with protective covers. Seat backs from the legs of a New Home treadle sewing machine, with a singletree for a headrest.

 The rear lamp frame built with saw blades and a chicken feeder box - manure spreader drive is still intact - horse shoe door hinges, with vintage wood doors.

 

Tractor seats with hayfork backs - seat belts - tractor tool box behind driver seat - gear shift beside hand brake - stereo & CD player on dash blade - the drive chains are still on the floor board. He did put in seat belts so he must be street legal... I hope...

Heat Stroke--Serious and May Be Fatal

Here is the information on Heat Stroke.  Some of the information is the same as Heat Exhaustion as it generally is the precursor to Heat Stroke. One other thing to bear in mind... pets can suffer from these problems too.  In really hot weather, bring them in the house if possible, or ensure they have plenty of shade and water.

I encourage you to visit the Web MD Website--they have a lot of good information on all types of medical problems, with illustrations and pictures as well.

Smitty

Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment 

--from WebMD

Web MD Heat Stroke Symptoms and Treatment

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke -- also known as sunstroke -- you should call 911 immediately and render first aid until paramedics arrive.
Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes.
Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.
Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures -- usually in combination with dehydration -- which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. But fainting may be the first sign.
Other symptoms may include:

• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

First Aid for Heat Stroke

If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately call 911 or transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at least a cool, shady area -- and remove any unnecessary clothing.
If possible, take the person's core body temperature and initiate first aid to cool it to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If no thermometers are available, don't hesitate to initiate first aid.
You may also try these cooling strategies:

• Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.
• Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.
• Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath.

If emergency response is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for additional instructions.
After you've recovered from heat stroke, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities.

Risk Factors for Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is most likely to affect older people who live in apartments or homes lacking air-conditioning or good airflow. Other high-risk groups include people of any age who don't drink enough water, have chronic diseases, or who drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Heat stroke is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your body's ability to cool itself.
The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that exposure to full sunshine can increase the reported heat index by 15 degrees.
If you live in an urban area, you may be especially prone to develop heat stroke during a prolonged heat wave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the "heat island effect," asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures.
Other risk factors associated with heat-related illness include:
Age. Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people.
Health conditions. These include heart, lung, or kidney disease, obesity or underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn, and any conditions that cause fever.
Medications. These include antihistamines, diet pills, diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, seizure medications (anticonvulsants), heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors, and medications for psychiatric illnesses such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine also are associated with increased risk of heat stroke.
People with diabetes -- who are at increased risk of emergency room visits, hospitalization, and death from heat-related illness -- may be especially likely to underestimate their risk during heat waves, according to a recent study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting by researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Weather Service.
Check with your doctor to see if your health conditions and medications are likely to affect your ability to cope with extreme heat and humidity.

Preventing Heat Stroke

When the heat index is high, it's best to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you must go outdoors, you can prevent heat stroke by taking these steps:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.
• Drink extra fluids. To prevent dehydration, it's generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. Because heat-related illness also can result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
• Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors.The general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, you should consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Reschedule or cancel outdoor activity. If possible, shift your time outdoors to the coolest times of the day, either early morning or after sunset.

Other strategies for preventing heat stroke include:

• Monitoring the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain very light-colored urine.
• Measuring your weight before and after physical activity. Monitoring lost water weight can help you determine how much fluid you need to drink.

Avoid fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat-related illness. Also, do not take salt tablets unless your doctor has told you to do so. The easiest and safest way to replace salt and other electrolytes during heat waves is to drink sports beverages or fruit juice.
Check with your doctor before increasing liquid intake if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention.
If you live in an apartment or house without fans or air conditioning, try to spend at least two hours each day -- preferably during the hottest part of the day -- in an air-conditioned environment. At home, draw your curtains, shades, or blinds during the hottest part of the day, and open windows at night on two sides of your building to create cross-ventilation.
If you're a senior who either can't afford to buy or run an air conditioner, check with your local Area Agency on Aging for programs that can assist you. One such program is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Recognize and Avoid Heat Injuries--Heat Exhaustion

We had record heat here in Utah this last week. It hit 105 degrees at least 3 days in a row, and a solid week of 100+ degree weather.  In stark contrast, it's been a frigid 95 degrees these past few days, with "thunder bumpers" (sudden, drenching thunderstorms) each afternoon... go figure, Utah weather being what it is.

As part of our weekly safety meeting at work, I prepared some information on Heat Injuries--specifically Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  Many people don't know the difference, but Heat Exhaustion can quickly lead to Heat Stroke, and Heat Stroke is a medical emergency that can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death...

Anyway, I thought I'd share them with you. I'll post the information on Heat Stroke in a separate Post.  My source is WebMD.

Smitty

HEAT EXHAUSTION

From WebMD http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/heat-exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after you've been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have become dehydrated.
There are two types of heat exhaustion:

• Water depletion. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.
• Salt depletion. Signs include nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps, and dizziness.

Although heat exhaustion isn't as serious as heat stroke, it isn't something to be taken lightly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Confusion
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Rapid heartbeat

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

If you, or anyone else, has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it's essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.
Other recommended strategies include:

• Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol).
• Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.

If such measures fail to provide relief within 30 minutes, contact a doctor because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
After you've recovered from heat exhaustion, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities.

Risk Factors for Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your body's ability to cool itself.
The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that the heat index is even higher when you are standing in full sunshine.
If you live in an urban area, you may be especially prone to develop heat exhaustion during a prolonged heat wave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the "heat island effect," asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher nighttime temperatures.
Other risk factors associated with heat-related illness include:

• Age. Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people.
• Certain health conditions. These include heart, lung, or kidney disease, obesity or underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn, and any conditions that cause fever. People with diabetes are at increased risk of emergency room visits, hospitalization, and death from heat-related illness and may be especially likely to underestimate their risk during heat waves.
• Medications. These include diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, some heart and blood pressure medications, and medications for psychiatric conditions.

Check with your doctor to see if your health conditions and medications are likely to affect your ability to cope with extreme heat and humidity.

Preventing Heat Exhaustion

When the heat index is high, it's best to stay inside in air conditioning. If you must go outdoors, you can prevent heat exhaustion by taking these steps:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
• Drink extra fluids. To prevent dehydration, it's generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. Because heat-related illness also can result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
• Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors. The general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, and consider adding another eight ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, you should consume another eight ounces of water every 20 minutes even if you don't feel thirsty.

Avoid fluids containing either caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat exhaustion. If you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention, check with your doctor before increasing liquid intake.

Norman Schwarzkopf on Leadership

General Norman Schwarzkopf was the Allied Commander for the first Gulf War in 1991.  He received a classical schooling at a Swiss boarding school, served as an Infantry leader in Viet Nam, where he was severely wounded, and proved an able "fighting general" in the Gulf War that complemented General Colin Powell's political deftness.

I came across this quote the other day, and puts into perspective the difference between most politicians, and a true leader...

Smitty