The Rise of Wearables

The Rise of Wearables Why carry a laptop, tablet, or even a phone for Internet access when you could log on through your glasses or wristwatch? No longer a solely a futurist trope, electronics and software firms are in a race to develop industry-defining models of what is known as wearable tech or wearables. This disruptive trend may one day render the modern day PC, laptop, tablet, and smartphone obsolete, and make Internet connectivity simply a matter of getting dressed.Wearable technology (wearables) is defined as the integration of computing and wireless technologies with clothing, jewelry and accessories. While more rudimentary forms of wireless tech, such as the calculator wristwatch, have existed since the 1980s, with advances in miniaturizing circuitry and wireless technologies, wearables have significantly increased the existing and potential applications of the concept. © Shutterstock.com | scyther5In this article, we will explore the world of wearable tech, specifically: 1) brief history of wearables, 2) trends and development in wearables, 3) benefits of wearables, 4) applications of wearables, 5) notable current example of wearables, 6) challenges presented by wearables, and 7) the future of wearables.BRIEF HISTORY OF WEARABLESWearable tech may seem like a new phenomenon, but its origins actually lie in the 1960s and 1970s, with wearables designed and used to cheat at gambling. In 1961, MIT professor Edward Thorp created a wearable device to cheat at roulette, and in 1972, Kevin Taft created one to cheat at blackjack. In 1975, the calculator wristwatch was marketed and sold to the public. But wearables did not expand further until 1987, with the advent of the digital hearing aid. As Internet technologies took proliferated throughout the next decade, 1994 saw the invention of the first wireless wearable webcam, 2000 saw the sale of the first Blue tooth headset, and 2006 saw the release of the Nike iPod, which synced iPod user to their movements.TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN WEARABLESThe largest categories of wearables currently on the consumer market are fitness and healthcare monitors. Most new developments center around the type of clothing or accessory, as well as the level of functionality. And fashion designers are beginning to get in on the act, with recent fashion shows incorporating stylish and functional clothing. Wearables research often deals with new materials that may be used to create wearables, such as graphene, a pliable and efficient electricity conductor. Miniaturization plays heavily into wearables, as well for obvious reasons.Experts believe that the market is young and growing. Transparency Market Research, a marketing research firm, predicts that the market will grow to $5.8 billion in 2018 from $750 million in 2012. Juniper Research, another marketing research firm, predicts that the market will grow to 4 19 billion by 2018.However, other experts are concerned about how disruptive wearables will be, as one-third of Americans who own a wearable device, stops wearing it within six months. Some counter this is because the market is still relatively new. Others wonder how devices with less functionality than a smartphone will compete with a smartphone.BENEFITS OF WEARABLESDespite the legitimate concerns, wearables provide users with a number of benefits including:Physical activity and fitness monitoring;Enhanced social networking: through unique wearables user communities, like Google’s “Glass Explorers”, or Fitbit’s active online community;Personal safety: through communications interfaces for emergency usage featured on some wearables;Healthcare monitoring: through monitoring of patient vital signs either in hospital or remotely by specially designed wearables; andGeneral increased wireless connectivity.APPLICATIONS OF WEARABLESWearables have broader applications then just fitn ess and health. And while consumer applications drive the market, many of the design, usability, manufacturing, and production are adaptable to commercial, military, and medicinal applications as well.The Future Of Wearable Technology Commercial Wearable tech has many enterprise-level applications for businesses. An April 2014 survey of businesses indicated that the majority did not plan to implement wearables on an enterprise level, but that even of those that did not, they expected that, if they did, the benefits would include “improved communication, enhanced productivity, and better customer relations.” A recent University of London study confirmed this, concluding, after a month-long experiment, that wearables can boost productivity and job satisfaction in the workplace.Enterprise-level applications include enhancing resource access to, and tracking the whereabouts of, remote workers; enhanced communication (through wireless headsets and wristbands, for moving employees suc h as retail workers); augmented vision (through smart glasses, used for example, in the construction industry, to “see” inside walls); and increased payment options (through a wristwatch, for example). Further wearables have considerable industry-specific applications for uniformed professions, such as law enforcement and emergency medical technicians.But perhaps the biggest benefit of wearables for business is the data that wearables collect. Such consumer information could be invaluable to marketing and sales departments. This application of wearable tech has doubtlessly influenced the entry of large firms, such as Google, Intel, Qualcomm, and Samsung.ConsumerThere are a number of consumer wearables currently on the market, ranging from smart wristwatches to smart contact lenses to sensor-integrated clothes. Examples include XOEye’s XOne camera glasses; CSR’s smart jewelry, which can be worn around the neck and blinks when the wearer receives a phone call; SafeNecklace, wh ich can monitor kids during field trips; OMSignal’s spandex shirt, which can monitor a wearer’s vital functions Lumo’s posture correcting belt, the Bluetooth LumoBack belt; the Pebble Steel smartwatch, on which the wearer can receive text messages and emails; and Sensoria’s electronic anklet which tracks the wearer’s speed and distance, just to name a few. There are even electronic tattoos under development. However, the consumer market for wearables is extremely fragmented.Military © Flickr | PEOSoldierOne wearables enthusiast is the U.S. military, which sees the technology providing enhanced efficiency for soldiers. Wearables that can monitor the vital signs of soldiers can be the difference between life and death. Other wearables, in the form of helmets, overlay information over a soldier’s eyes to increase their awareness of their surroundings. An example of this is the Aviation Warrior, a wearables system developed by Raytheon, which includes a helmet, wrist display and portable computing device, all designed to provide the soldier with as much information as possible about who is on the battlefield in real-time.The military is not limited in the scope of its wearables-related thinking to soldiers. Under development is a wearable that can “translate” the actions of military animals. The system is known as FIDO (facilitating interactions for dogs with occupations”), and after training, the dog could activate different sensors to activate different t hings, for example a tug to issue a beep to indicate the presence of an explosive.MedicalAnother early adopter of wearables is the medical community, many members of whom are interested in miniature wearables for healthcare monitoring. One such wearable is MC10’s ultra-thin Biostamp, which, when affixed to the body, can monitor heart rate, temperature and other vital statistics, and can send that information wirelessly back to doctors. Others include a bandaid by medical sensor company Corventis that monitors heart conditions; a muscle contraction sensor by TMG that measures muscle fatigue; and a “smart” insole by Moticon for use in patient analysis, monitoring, and rehabilitation.Wearables have further applications in clinical practice, such as the 9Solutions IPCS, a device that tracks medical staff and equipment in real-time.OtherOther applications of wearable tech include, but are not limited to recording car accidents for insurance purposes; law enforcement surveillance; m apping terrain for outdoor activities in real-time; and serving as memory aids.NOTABLE CURRENT EXAMPLES OF WEARABLESWhile there are many, many players in the wearables market, a few standout.Top 5 Wearable Tech So Far Google Glass © Flickr | Ted EytanPerhaps the most buzzworthy wearable in recent years has been Google Glass, a headset that can be fitted with prescription frames, that provides users with wireless connectivity, apps, and other features available on the android operating system. In 2013, a limited run was manufactured, distributed, and priced at $1,500 a piece. As of August 2014, it is available to anyone who wants one, but Google has indicated to journalists that it is not a fully formed consumer product yet.During its short life, Google Glass has proven itself to be an object of excitement, curiosity and scorn. Many tech enthusiasts praise the functionality and design, as well as its light weight, but many others who encounter users, are put off by it because of privacy concerns, and the perception of intrusiveness. Technical complaints involve the limited battery life, unreliable voice recognition for anything other than navigation, issues conforming to the vision needs of certain users, and generally underdeveloped software.Fitbit © Flickr | US CPSCA recognized brand in the fitness wearables category, the firm Fitbit sells several models of smart wristbands that tracks your physical activity, and transmits this information, wirelessly, to your smartphone or tablet app. It is compatible with devices running iOS or Android OS, and can send notifications when a wearer have achieved or missed a fitness goal. It has proven to be popular, largely within the fitness enthusiast market. It does have a number of direct competitors in addition to the basic pedometer, a number of smart wristbands by different manufacturers that track physical activity, differentiated by design, metrics, and usability. Fortunately for Fitbit’s competitors, following wearer complaints that the Fitbit Force caused skin rashes, the company recently recalled the product (controversy has continued with delays in the issuance of recall checks). This is illustrative of one of the challenges presented to wearables manufacturers â€" ensuring tha t the device works safely on the human body.Others © Flickr | Karlis DambransOther notable wearables on the market include:The Martian Notifier, Pebble Watch, and Samsung Gear 2 Neo, three different smartwatches with varying levels of smartphone functionality;The Fitbit Zip, Basis Band, Jawbone Up24, and Withings Pulse O2: different smart physical activity trackers for the fitness enthusiast; andAiQ’s smart shirts, such as the BioMan t-shirt with smart sleeves that monitor the wearer’s vital signs; the SolarMan vest that can capture and store solar energy and use it to recharge a wearer’s electronic devices; and the ArmorMan pullover that stiffens to protect the wearer.CHALLENGES PRESENTED BY WEARABLESDespite the number of players in the wearables markets and the optimism of market analysts, widespread adoption of wearables remains a challenging proposition for a number of reasons including privacy issues, consumer reticence, and both design and standardization issues.PrivacyThere are severe privacy considerations concerning w earables, which must be addressed within the contexts of various national and local legal frameworks. Fundamentally, what controls exist to ensure that people are not using wearables to surreptitiously record others or copyrighted material?Notably, a user of Google Glass, who had the device integrated with his prescription glasses, was arrested and detained in January of 2014 by federal law enforcement official on suspicion that he had recorded a movie he had just watched (he had not). As media accounts indicate, agents who repeatedly questioned him and asked him to demonstrate the devices usage, did not fully understand the device and were unprepared to enforce relevant laws.While this user did not surreptitiously record material, and while Google Glass has restricted its authorized apps from incorporating facial recognition functionality, a determined do-it-yourselfer can incorporate these features into their device. This reality adds to the perception of the intrusiveness of head sets and other wearables that incorporate recording technology, and heightens consumer hesitance to use the product.Consumer reticenceWidespread adoption of wearables is further constrained by 1) the limited consumer awareness of the products currently on the market; 2) the limited number of products currently on the market; and 3) hesitation among some consumers to increase their connectivity. Regarding the latter, some people will undoubtedly just want clothes to just be clothes. The aforementioned privacy concern, coupled with public accounts of overzealous law enforcement regarding the Google Glass, adds to consumer reticence.Further, fashion is an important aspect of wearables adoption: people will not adopt wearables if it aesthetically displeasing or uncomfortable. And many technology firms are struggling with the perfect mix of form and function.The average consumer may wonder why they should be interested in wearables. After all, they have smartphones, which in many cases, have more functionality than the average wearable. In the first quarter of 2014, 300 million smartphones were shipped, compared to only 2.8 million wearable devices.Other challengesAs a practical matter, wearables are limited by the size, shape, and form of the wireless technology incorporated into the clothing item, as well as the maximum life of the battery that powers it. Materials must be flexible and pliable enough to conform to a body part or body type. Wearables must also be able to operate safely on the human body, a moving and perspiring environment subject to the elements. Display quality is also in issue in the sunlight; poor visibility will turn off consumers. And batteries should have an appreciable life â€" a tall order for most wearables.Many current applications cannot yet be manufactured at a high volume for a low price point, making cost a further challenge. Standardization is another key challenge. While major software firms like Google are players in this space, there are a number of smaller competitors as well, each with their own operating parameters.Further, security is a challenge that cannot be overstated. A recent study by IT firm Symantec found:“…’security risks in a large number of self-tracking devices and applications,’ including the finding that ‘all of the wearable activity-tracking devices examined, including those from leading brands, are vulnerable to location tracking.’THE FUTURE OF WEARABLESBeyond the realms of fitness, tech enthusiasts, medical/healthcare and military gear, the future of wearables remains to be seen. The market could very well endure some consolidation, with a few major players emerging. But a compelling consumer wearable model â€" a reason to connect clothing, a reason to, ostensibly, do away with the smartphone, and a reasonable price point â€" has not yet emerged. Wearables may yet remain a niche product, albeit a growing one, as new technologies emerge.The Internet of Things (IoT) â€" the e ver-increasing trend of connecting physical objects to the Internet may drive the growth of wearables. It may be that consumers, buying into the growing smart home trend and living in municipalities that are increasingly interconnected (“smart cities”), may decide they simply want everything connected. And advances in the technology may eliminate safety and aesthetics as concerns. Privacy remains a significant hurdle; how it is addressed by national and local governments will have a significant impact on consumer adoption.But no matter how widespread consumer wearables become, commercial, medical and military wearables have a bright future. And with both the growing market and the lucrative pot of big data that wearables create, it’s a near-certainty that firms will continue to develop, introduce, and refine consumer wearable products and brands vigorously.The Creators Project Make It Wearable  SeriesEpisode 1 Human Communication Episode 2 Human Health Episode 3 Human Expr ession Episode 4 Becoming Superhuman Image credit:  Flickr | PEOSoldier, Flickr | Karlis Dambrans under Attribution 2.0 Generic.  Flickr | Ted Eytan under Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic.

Best Non-Profit Management Schools

The Leading Factions Within Islam - 860 Words

The differentiation in ideology of the leading factions within Islam, ironically, has introduced a unifying political philosophy into the region, Islamism. The concept of Islamism defines the governing body’s political claim as a biased interpretation of Koran and its employment of force to vindicate revolutionary violence in the name of Islam (Arjomand Web). The political theory inadvertently ferments political tension by dividing Islam itself within a categorized system (Armojand Web). A similar form of classification was experienced by Iran during the 1970’s and the 1980’s which led to religious factions such as Sunni and the Shia resolving to violence in order to solve long-lasting cultural differences (Tibi Web). The facts assert that even minuscule neighborhoods were divided into Sunni and Shia territories with frequent emigration of a minority group to claim the region (Gosh Web). The historical trend of violent resolution is also eluded to by Khaled Hoss eini in his literary works via repeated instances of horrendous domestic strife by the male members of the family in order assert superiority through violence (Hosseini, Thousand 89). The â€Å"†¦sociopolitical and economic†¦Ã¢â‚¬  stances of independent Islamic state induce religious vows into such chaotic instances through Sharia law in order to accomplish personal gains of a political movement through military actions against the alleged enemies (Tibi Web). The regional tensions mentioned have additionally been directlyShow MoreRelatedThe Political Opposition Of Executions1618 Words   |  7 Pagestelevision to spying for the Soviet Union and to espionage, deceit, and treason. Possibly because of Soviet intervention, none of the leading members of the party was brought to trial or executed, although the leaders remained in prison. Many rank and file members, however, were put to death. By 1983 Bazargan s IFM was the only political group outside the factions of the ru ling hierarchy that was permitted any freedom of activity. Even this group was barely tolerated. For example, the party headquartersRead MoreThe Roman Empire And The Byzantine Empire767 Words   |  4 PagesRoman Empire was divided into two parts. The Western half, ruled by Rome, fell to the tribal Germanic peoples in the 5th century. The Eastern half, known as the Byzantine Empire, until it began to decline in power, the Byzantine Empire was one of the leading civilizations in the world. The first Christian emperor became sole ruler of the Roman Empire. He set up his colony of Byzantium. The city, renamed Constantinople after its founder, It became the capital of the Byzantines after the Roman Empire wasRead MoreThe Transformation of Islam and Judaism and the Introduction of Mysticism in the Early Modern World1272 Words   |  5 PagesIslam and Judaism were comparable religions both before and after the early modern era. Jews and Muslims believed in the same God and recognized ea ch other’s prophets. Both even denied the resurrection of Jesus, which was a strong bonding factor in a time of impending Christian dominance. During the early modern period, it was not uncommon for Jews and Muslims to interact with one another. Jews even lived in Muslim lands to flee from Christian prosecution and forced conversion. Jews and Muslims,Read MoreThe Islamic State : An Accident Of History1579 Words   |  7 Pageskillers who walk its streets. The Islamic State is a highly noticeable but private organization. Despite the enormous amount of publicity and analysis it has produced since 2011, valid facts concerning its leadership and structure outlast few and far within. The picture is covered by the misleading propaganda of the State itself and by the doubtful accounts of people who pretend to be familiar with it. It is a shift that has expedited fast along the route from terrorism through insurgency towards proto-statehoodRead MoreThe Black Civil Rights Movement Essay1088 Words   |  5 Pagesthe civil rights movement in the 1950s. By 1950 the civil rights movement became a mass movement; this was because for the first time there was cross-class collaboration and wide geographic support. This became possible because of factions such as the NAACP who realised they had to take segregation head on because change would not come about if they did not and there was an alteration in mentality of black Americans. One reason for the change in mentality happened becauseRead MoreEssay on Religions of the World1608 Words   |  7 Pages and practices† (â€Å"Religion† Def.2). With such a large amount of religions today, religion is widely variegated, usually with divisions in each one. Despite the large amount of religions, I will only be covering only three religions: Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. Christians are those who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came down to earth from Heaven in order to save humanity from its’ sins. The reason for Jesus dying for the human race is traced back to the beginning of time, inRead MoreThe Sunni Shia Conflict Essay1341 Words   |  6 Pagessects of Islam and both have a historical based conflict going back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad and how Muslims should be governed. This conflict has caused tensions and violence to flare up throughout Islamic history. This conflict has carried into modern times and has becoming a rallying point for Muslim people calling for change with their government and across the Middle Eastern region. The Sunni Shia conflict is major division within Islam that has and continues to shape Islam and theRead More Politics and Religion of Iran Essay1039 Words   |  5 Pagesis a duality and question of power between the main religious leader and the political leader. The supreme religious l eader, as opposed to the political leader, according to the Iranian Constitution, is specifically charged with various duties as leading the television and radio network to appointing personnel to the hugely powerful Guardian Council, which can overrule the parliament at will and dismiss the elected officials assuming power of the supreme command over the armed forces (Mackey, 149-151)Read MoreAshes Of Ham The Muslim Brotherhood1992 Words   |  8 Pagesthe evolution of the Muslim Brotherhood and their ideology. The first section, Politicizing Islam, focuses on the framework of political Islam up to 1963 that allows for the development of the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood and their early days. The second section entitled The Islamic Opposition to Ba’athism, goes in depth into the political, economic, and ideological subtleties fueling opposition between Islam and the Syrian Ba’ath party. The proceeding third segment, The rise of Jihadism in later 1970sRead MoreAshes Of H am The Muslin Brotherhood1987 Words   |  8 Pagesthe evolution of the Muslin Brotherhood and their ideology. The first section, Politicizing Islam, focuses on the framework of political Islam up to 1963 that allows for the development of the Syrian Muslin Brotherhood and their early days. The second section entitled The Islamic Opposition to Ba’athism, goes in depth into the political, economic, and ideological subtleties fueling opposition between Islam and the Syrian Ba’ath party. The proceeding third segment, The rise of Jihadism in later 1970s

Nineteen Eighty-four and Treasure Chest Free Essays

We came up with some good things for the treasure chest this morning (our most clever Stasiland ideas), but I keep thinking of more! These are the kind of things that I would put in my treasure chest. * Anna’s interest in understanding WHY people might choose to work for the Stasi (and by default what she learns by interviewing Stasi men). She needs to gain insight and make sense of it – and thus we go on this journey with her. We will write a custom essay sample on Nineteen Eighty-four and Treasure Chest or any similar topic only for you Order Now   The sense that everyone has a story and was impacting by this regime * The need for many of the characters to come to terms with the past (Vergangenheitsbewaltigung) and how some are still stuck with the Mauer im Kopf. Link to this the Germans not being sure of what to do with the past as well. Think about the Hitler bunker example. * The fact that the Stasi controlled through fear, but could not completely control the populace by dictating what was popular (the Lipsi, the Black Channel) * Parallels to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four and the term Orwellian to describe the Stasi’s level of surveillance.   The significance of Julia who keeps coming into Anna’s apartment and removing things. Like the Communists when they took over Germany, but also symptomatic of her inability to settle. Much like Miriam who needs to live in a space which is open. * An exploration of how humanity can treat each other in inhumane ways. Questioning how this was possible after the atrocities of the Nazis. * A need to link passages to other stories in the text * â€Å"I don’t want to be German any more† * Anna’s clear disapproval of Ostalgie * Her use of various German stereotypes, possibly even her liking of theSticklebrick nature of the language. How to cite Nineteen Eighty-four and Treasure Chest, Papers

The Pathogenesis, Etiology, and Clinical Manifestation of Cushings Syndrome Essay Example

The Pathogenesis, Etiology, and Clinical Manifestation of Cushings Syndrome Paper Cushings syndrome is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the bodys tissues to high levels of cortisol. It is also called hypercortisolism. Cushings syndrome is relatively rare, commonly affecting adults aged 20 to 50. About 10 of every million people are affected every year. Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and maintains the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. It is secreted by the adrenal glands (located above the two kidneys), under the control of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Cortisol controls the tendency of the immune system to cause inflammations, particularly in joints, and also has a role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels, and regulates the utilization of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats by body tissues. Cortisol also plays a very significant role in allaying stress. Increased levels of cortisol are normally found in persons whose bodies are constantly subjected to stress, such as athletes and women in last months of pregnancy. People suffering from alcoholism, depression, malnutrition, and panic disorders also have elevated cortisol levels. Cushings syndrome can be caused by overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, although this form of the syndrome is quite rare. This can be caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland that releases increased amounts of the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) into the blood. This causes the adrenal glands to produce excess cortisol. Over 80% of persons with this form of the syndrome, known as Cushings disease, are women. The production of excess cortisol by the adrenal glands can also be caused by tumors on the adrenal glands themselves, which may be benign or cancerous. We will write a custom essay sample on The Pathogenesis, Etiology, and Clinical Manifestation of Cushings Syndrome specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Pathogenesis, Etiology, and Clinical Manifestation of Cushings Syndrome specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Pathogenesis, Etiology, and Clinical Manifestation of Cushings Syndrome specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Most of these cases involve non-cancerous tumors of adrenal tissue, called adrenal adenomas, which release excess cortisol into the blood. Persons with this form of the syndrome have an average age of 40. Tumors on other parts of the body can also cause the adrenal glands to produce extra cortisol. This condition is known as ectopic ACTH syndrome. Half of all cases are caused by lung tumors. Men comprise 75% of persons with this form of the syndrome. More commonly, the cause of Cushings syndrome is the prolonged intake of synthetic cortisol (hydrocortisone), which is usually taken to treat inflammation and allergies. Comparison of old and recent photographs will often show a significant difference in the appearance of persons with Cushings syndrome, particularly on the face and neck. A person with Cushings syndrome usually will experience rapid weight gain and will exhibit the peculiar characteristics of a rounded face, and with fat concentrated on the trunk and the face, with limbs remaining thin. Children with Cushings syndrome will also exhibit slow growth. Also, atrophy of the skin occurs; the skin bruises easily, and healing is slow. Other symptoms are: chronic weakness, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, excessive hair growth on the face, stretch marks on abdomen, thighs, breasts, and arms, infertility, reduced libido, irregular (or stopped) menstruation in females, and erectile dysfunction in males. Psychological disorders usually also manifest, such as depression, irritability, and panic attacks. A person with Cushings syndrome can also develop resistance to insulin, leading to diabetes. Routine laboratory tests on on persons with Cushings syndrome commonly include high white blood cell counts and high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, Cushings syndrome will cause continued fatigue, weakness of the muscles, osteoporosis (weakened bones), slow skin healing, and increased susceptibility to infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. References Raff, H. , PhD Findling, J. W. , MD (2003). A Physiologic Approach to Diagnosis of the Cushing Syndrome. Annals of Internal Medicine. 138(12):980-989. Paul Margulies, M. D. Cushings Syndrome: The Facts You Need to Know. National Adrenal Diseases Foundation. Retrieved February 14, 2006, from http://www. medhelp. org/nadf/diseases/cushings. htm

Space Tornadoes - Seen in Space or from Space

Space Tornadoes - Seen in Space or from Space Space tornadoes is a weather term that can have 2 different meanings. A space tornado can mean a tornado that occurs in outer space or it can mean terrestrial tornadoes that can be seen from space. Keep in mind that only terrestrial tornadoes on Earth are technically classified as a real tornado. Cosmic Tornadoes from Young Stars Solar Windstorm Tornadoes auroras New research from the University of California has made detailed measurements of these space tornadoes, also known as substorm current wedges. According to a National Geographic News story, space tornadoes kick-start terrestrial auroras. The University of California team has discovered that space tornadoes form at least every three hours and take just a minute to reach the ionosphere. Tornadoes from Space weather satellites Weather on Other Planets Hows the Weather on Other Planets? is an excellent site to tour the typical weather on other planets. For instance, the temperature on Venus, with an intense greenhouse effect, can reach 900 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also tour the 1,00 mile per hour winds on the planet Saturn.

Definition and Examples of Dysphemisms in English

Definition and Examples of Dysphemisms in English Dysphemism is the substitution of a more offensive or disparaging word or phrase for one considered less offensive, such as the use of the slang term shrink for psychiatrist. Dysphemism is the opposite of euphemism. Adjective: dysphemistic. Though often meant to shock or offend, dysphemisms may also serve as in-group markers to signal closeness. Linguist  Geoffrey Hughes points out that [a]lthough  this linguistic mode has been  established for centuries and the term dysphemism was first recorded in 1884, it has only recently acquired even a specialist currency,  being  unlisted in many general dictionaries and reference books (An Encyclopedia of Swearing, 2006). See Examples and Observations  below. Also, see: CacophemismConnotations and DenotationsCursingHow to Flatter an Audience With Euphemisms, Dysphemisms, and DistinctioPejorative LanguagePropagandaSwear Word EtymologyFrom the Greek, a non word Examples and Observations When applied to people, animal names are usually dysphemisms: coot, old bat, pig, chicken, snake, skunk, and bitch, for example.Euphemisms and Dysphemisms for DeathThere is virtually no aspect of human experience free from dysphemism. . . .Death generates such typical  euphemisms as to pass away, to pass on, to depart this life, go to ones Maker, and so on. Parallel dysphemisms would be to snuff it, to croak, and to push up daisies, since these allude graphically and cruelly to the physical aspect of death, down to breathing ones last, the death rattle, and being reincorporated into the cycle of nature.(Geoffrey Hughes,  An Encyclopedia of Swearing. Routledge, 2006)Dysphemisms and Stylistic DiscordSpeakers resort to dysphemism to talk about people and things that frustrate and annoy them, that they disapprove of and wish to disparage, humiliate and degrade. Curses, name-calling and any sort of derogatory comment directed towards others in order to insult or to wound them are all examples of dysphemism. Exclamatory swear words that release frustration or anger are dysphemisms. Like euphemism, dysphemism interacts with style and has the potential to produce stylistic discord; if someone at a formal dinner party were to publicly announce Im off for a piss, rather than saying Excuse me for a moment, the effect would be dysphemistic.(Keith Allan and Kate Burridge, Forbidden Words: Taboo and the Censoring of Language. Cambridge University Press, 2006) Gratuity and TipI used to think gratuity was a euphemism for tip until I discovered that I had got it the wrong way round, and that tip was a dysphemism for gratuity. . . . Gratuity is much older than tip, and originally meant a gift made to anyone, including an equal.(Nicholas Bagnall, Words. The Independent, December  3, 1995)Dysphemisms and SlangWhen we think of euphemisms, we think of words that are substituted because their connotations are less distressing than the words they replace. In slang you frequently have the opposite phenomenon, dysphemism, where a relatively neutral word is replaced with a harsher, more offensive one. Such as calling a cemetery a boneyard. Referring to electrocution as taking the hot seat would be another. . . . Even more dysphemistic would be to fry.(Interview with J. E. Lighter, American Heritage, October  2003)Dysphemisms in ContextA jocular approach to death is only dysphemistic if the Hearer can be expected to regard it as offensive. For inst ance, if a doctor were to inform close family that their loved one has pegged out during the night, it would normally be inappropriate, insensitive, and unprofessional (i.e., dysphemistic). Yet given another context with quite a different set of interlocutors, the same expression could just as well be described as cheerfully euphemistic.(Keith Allan and Kate Burridge, Euphemism and Dysphemism. Oxford University Press, 1991) Pronunciation: DIS-fuh-miz-im Also Known As: cacophemism