
Madame Butterfly
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Posts posted by Madame Butterfly
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Sorry to see that your short stay here hasn't played out well.
I wish you the best.
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I won't print my screen, however the picture below is in the center of my screen.
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love this HP avatar.
May be offensive to some.
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soft green cargo shorts
cream top, floral pattern on it, v neck
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Why skies are blue instead of purple
When seeing colors, physiology is just as important as physics
INTERACTIVE
By Michael Schirber
Updated: 4:18 p.m. ET July 19, 2005
The sky is blue — physicists tell us — because blue light in the sun's rays bends more than red light. But this extra bending, or scattering, applies just as much to violet light, so it is reasonable to ask why the sky isn't purple.
The answer, explained fully for the first time in a new scientific paper, is in the eye of the beholder.
"The traditional way that people teach this subject is that sunlight is scattered — more so for shorter wavelengths than for longer ones," says Glenn Smith, an engineering professor at Georgia Tech. "The other half of the explanation is usually left out: how your eye perceives this spectrum."
While writing a physics textbook some years ago, Smith noticed that physiology usually gets short shrift, even though the spectrum of skylight — when analyzed — is about equal parts violet and blue.
Smith has written an article for the July issue of the American Journal of Physics that puts the physics of light together with the physiology of human vision.
"This is nothing that people who work with eyes haven't known for a long time," Smith told LiveScience. "I just had not seen it all in one place before."
As a common prism reveals, sunlight is made of all the colors of the rainbow. When light from the sun enters Earth's atmosphere, it is scattered, or deflected, by molecules in the atmosphere — primarily nitrogen and oxygen.
Shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered more than longer wavelengths (red and yellow). So as we look in a direction of the sky away from the sun, we see those wavelengths that are bent the most.
The light of day is actually a complex spectrum of many different wavelengths, but it is dominated by light with wavelengths between 400 nanometers (violet) and 450 nanometers (blue). A nanometer is 1 billionth of a meter.
How the eye sees color
The human eye is sensitive to light between roughly 380 and 740 nanometers. On a typical retina, there are 10 million rods for sensing low light levels and 5 million cones for detecting color.
Each cone contains pigments that restrict the range of wavelengths that the cone responds to. There are three varieties of cones for long, medium and short wavelengths.
"You need all three of them to see color correctly," Smith explained.
The peak response for the long cones is at 570 nanometers (yellow), medium at 543 nanometers (green), and short at 442 nanometers (between violet and blue). But the three cones are sensitive over broad, overlapping wavelength ranges, which means two different spectra can cause the same response in a set of various cones.
A good example of this is yellow. There is a certain narrow range of wavelengths that we might call "pure" yellow (or another for "pure" blue, and so on). However, the same set of cones that reacts to a light of pure yellow also responds to the superposition of pure red and pure green light.
The sky's light plays tricks
Two spectra that have the same cone response are called metamers. Smith stressed that this only concerns the neural signal coming out of the eye — long before any processing by the brain.
"In previous research, people excised cones from the eyes of dead people and measured the response to different spectra," he said.
The same "trick" that makes red and green turn into yellow is happening in the sky. But in this case, the sky's combination of violet and blue elicits the same cone response as pure blue plus white light, which is an equal mixture of all the colors.
"Your eye can't tell the difference between that complex spectrum and one that is a mixture of pure blue and white," Smith said.
In other animals, the sky color is undoubtedly different. Outside of humans and some other primates, most animals have only two types of cones instead of three (dichromatic vs. trichromatic).
Honeybees and some birds see at ultraviolet wavelengths that are invisible to humans.
© 2005 Space.com. All rights reserved. More from Space.com.
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Click For SpoilerClick For SpoilerBecause I think, that Dumbledore wouldn't want someone to become a killer. To use an unforgivealbe curse. He wouldn't ask for that. That's not Dumbledore's style. And I don't think that Dumbledore would sacrifice himself for Snape and Draco. Dumbledore is good, but he isn't stupid.It's a war against the greatest terror the wizarding world has ever known. DD would do anything he knew it took to make sure he was defeated.
Yes, I think he would sacrifice himself. I also think he knows he can "choose" to die or be a ghost. DD will be in year 7, of that there is no doubt.
And I really don't understand, why Snape being evil is such a bad thing. I liked him much better this book, especially in the 2nd chapter. We don't have a childish stupid man any more, we have real good Big Bad with style. I also liked him being the Half-Blood Prince, being more than a Slytherin oddball. Snape being an excellent wizard, having good friends (Narcissa), being rational and funny (2nd chapter) - having other feelings than hatred (loyalty towards the Malfoys), caring about people - even if these people are bad. That was great in this book.
I think that I never thought Snape was good. He's a man of constant conflict.
I think people "love" Snape because:
1. They appreciate the conflicts in him, he's intriguing. He's a good interesting character.
2. They think they can save him if he only loved them. [thinks of all the ridiculous fan fics out there]
3. They like Alan Rickman, so now they like Snape. :lol:
He's still an oddball. He definitely had an interest in potions that went far. Thus in a world and age when fitting in with peers is the norm, he had the strength to follow what was right for him. This made him odd at the time he was at school.
Don't forget DD was a teacher when Snape was at Hogwarts. I'm certain DD understands Snape much better then the rest of us ever will.
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Click For SpoilerWhy are you sure Snape is "really really evil"? -
Aquarius - Water-bearers get into the habit of creating completely self-sufficient lives. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for them to achieve intimacy. Basically, Aquarians are afraid that relationships will compromise their independence. Fortunately, these folks love to experiment. By treating intimacy as an exercise, this sign can relinquish control for the sake of loving relationships.According to this, I'm afraid of intimacy, yet intimacy, deep intimacy is what I"ve always craved. :lol:
I don't think this is accurate for me. However, with the thread UH posted, perhaps I should use Capricorn and see if it suits me better.
Capricorn – This sign is the original workaholic. Many Capricorns fear that poverty will set in the moment they stop toiling. Keeping a gratitude journal can break this terrible habit. The more Capricorn becomes aware of their non-material blessings, the healthier their behavior will become. No more cutting vacations short for the sake of work!If I'm a work a holic, it's not because I want the money, it's because I love my job and I want to get it done right. Perfectionist really. :lol:
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Nobody's perfect — every sign has its vices. Fortunately, astrology provides valuable clues for breaking bad habits. Ending these patterns will help you realize your full potential. Here are some tips for conquering those negative behaviors that get in the way of your ultimate happiness.
Aries – Rams have a habit of pushing to the front of the line, both literally and figuratively. And while this quality has helped Aries get ahead, it can also compromise their relationships. Putting an animal, child or plant in their care can correct the problem. As soon as this sign's nurturing qualities are cultivated, their selfishness will diminish.
Taurus – Bulls love clutter. Being surrounded by all their possessions gives them a sense of security. It also creates headaches, confusion, and chaos. Storage systems that keep their stuff on display will prevent this sign from strewing their stuff all over the house. Stacking baskets, glass jars, and open shelving can promote organization.
Gemini – While bountifully blessed with the gift of gab, Twins are
notoriously bad listeners. A good way to become more attentive is to
practice staying silent. At first, Gemini will have a hard time breaking
the minute mark. Eventually, however, even the biggest blabbermouth will
learn how to button their lips and open their ears.
Cancer – If you've ever wondered how Cancers stay so sweet, take a look at their sugar intake. This sign loves cookies, candy, and ice cream. An occasional indulgence is fine, but too much dessert can take a toll on waist lines and energy levels. What Crabs are really seeking is oral gratification. Sugar-free gum or dried fruit provides a healthy distraction from candy crunching.
Leo – The guy who's sitting next to you in the elegant restaurant, shouting to his personal assistant on his cell phone? Probably a Leo. It's only natural that a sign that is blessed with creativity, charm and wit feels tempted to show off. Actually, this desire to brag is rooted in insecurity. The sooner Lions learn to compliment others, the quicker they'll receive the praise they crave.
Virgo – These nit-pickers sometimes compromise their own pleasure for the sake of perfection. Deep down inside, these folks are really sensualists at heart. They need to learn that it is better to feel good than to look good. Allocating a few minutes each day for fun but messy activities like baking, painting, or sculpting can cure Virgos of their fear of filth.
Libra – Librans gave birth to the term "shopaholic". These folks have every credit card known to man. And while their taste is undeniably impeccable, it can get them in trouble at bankruptcy court. What's really at stake here is a quest for beauty. Enjoying simple but inexpensive pleasures like nature walks and museums can quell the urge to splurge.
Scorpio – Nobody carries a grudge better than this sign. Unfortunately, hanging on to resentments has a way of crowding out love, happiness, and trust. In order for Scorpions to let go of anger, they must first practice self-care. Getting a massage every month or writing in a journal each day will soften this sign's heart and enable forgiveness.
Sagittarius – Archers have a bad habit of telling the truth. And while these folks have the best intentions, that doesn't take the sting out of comments like, "Gee, those pants make you look fat!" or "Were you drunk when you wrote this report?" The best way for Archers to cultivate tact is through prodigious study. Etiquette books will definitely help!
Capricorn – This sign is the original workaholic. Many Capricorns fear that poverty will set in the moment they stop toiling. Keeping a gratitude journal can break this terrible habit. The more Capricorn becomes aware of their non-material blessings, the healthier their behavior will become. No more cutting vacations short for the sake of work!
Aquarius - Water-bearers get into the habit of creating completely self-sufficient lives. Unfortunately, this makes it difficult for them to achieve intimacy. Basically, Aquarians are afraid that relationships will compromise their independence. Fortunately, these folks love to experiment. By treating intimacy as an exercise, this sign can relinquish control for the sake of loving relationships.
Pisces – As a water sign, it's only natural that Pisces finds comfort in liquids. When those liquids have a high alcohol content, problems can ensue. Naturally, a twelve-step program can be of enormous benefit here. Meditation and yoga can help, too, as they allow Pisces to achieve a healthy sense of nirvana. That's all these Fish are really seeking.
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Click For SpoilerFurther evidence that Harry's scar MAY be the horcrux?from lexicon
THE SCAR
"Never wondered how you got that mark on yer forehead? That was no ordinary cut. That's what yeh get when a powerful, evil curse touches yeh -- took care of yer mum an' dad an' yer house, even -- but it didn't work on you, an' that's why yer famous, Harry." (PS4)
Dumbledore looked very intensely at Harry for a moment, and then said, "I have a theory, no more than that ... It is my belief that your scar hurts both when Lord Voldemort is near you, and when he is feeling a particularly strong surge of hatred."
"But ... why?"
"Because you and he are connected by the curse that failed," said Dumbledore. "That is no ordinary scar." (GF30)
I think this is a huge clue, this last quote from Goblet of Fire from Dumbledore.
I wouldn't be surprised if he himself hadn't considered the scar.
Of course I could be wrong. :lol:
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Waiting for the shower to open up so I can get ready for the day.
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Click For SpoilerI was expecting something in regards of a "confession" when DD showed up to pick up Harry and Aunt Petunia would have, out of surprise, said something to show how much knowledge she did have of the wizarding world.I think this may happen in year 7 when Harry sets off to Godrics Hollow.
I also think this will be the time of the "eye" discovery of why it's so important.
I've always held the theory,and have been posting it for several years, that Harry's eye color is from Lily, so therefore his line to Gryffindor goes through Lily, NOT James.
Godric Gryffindor knew what Slytherin was up to, so he did something to protect his family. He did some sort of "bind" on their magic so that Slytherin couldn't wipe his family out. Binding their magic allowed his family to forget their history over time, and brought them safety by being "non registered" and mixing into muggle world.
But every once in a while, those green eyes appear. They show a witch or a wizard who is truly of the line, and are powerfully magic.
In any regard, I think year 7 will show Harry his history, especially since he's going to GH.
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Click For SpoilerI think old saggy face is an excellent actor and his voice is ok, certainly not as good as Sean Connery's or James Earl Jones, but I just don't get the sexy part.Although he did look very good in the dress for the boggart scene!! :lol:
Snape isn't sexy, it's who plays him. :lol:
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soft yellow boxers with light blue flowers on them
light blue tank top
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Click For SpoilerThat's why I asked, there are numerous threads on HP sites with women drooling over Rickman, and completely forgetting what he really is.So, think he's part vampire? :(
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I finished the book last night.My first impression, was thank the lord this book was so much easier to read than Order of the Phoenix. In that regard, I think it was as flowing as Prisoner of Azkaban.
Obviously the wizarding world is at war but it isn't as dark as people were predicting.
Thoughts about what things mean.
Click For SpoilerAre you sure you want to do this?Click For SpoilerHorcruxes. As soon as I finished this chapter I felt that Harry's scar may be one. Especially since Dumbledore said not all 7 had been made at the time Harry's parents were married. I think this adds to the prophecy and she's made a way for him to survive in book 7. His "death" at battle with Voldemort will really be Voldy killing a part of himself and Harry will live.
Also, isn't it obvious that one of them is at Grimwald place? From Lexicon, an inventory of things they found there in book 6.
The Drawing Room
The curtains of the drawing room were infested with Doxies and the writing desk had a Boggart in it. A nest of dead Puffskeins was found in the sofa. A tapestry hangs on the wall showing the Black family tree. There are dirty, glass-fronted cabinets on either side of the mantlepiece which contain a variety of sinister and Dark Magic items which didn't seem to want to leave their shelves. These include:
rusty daggers
claws
coiled snakeskin
tarnished silver boxes engraved in unknown languages
a fancy crystal bottle with a opal stopper filled with blood
biting silver snuffbox, which holds Wartcap Powder
many-legged tweezer-like instrument which scuttles like a spider
music box that makes everyone fall asleep
locket that no one can open
ancient seals
dusty box containing an Order of Merlin First Class given to Sirius' grandfather for Services to the Ministry
large golden ring with a Black family crest
family photos in silver frames
Snape: Big deal, he's the half blood prince. It means nothing really. You knew that once that book was found, that it was Snapes and therefore it was him.
However, I don't believe that he's evil.
I'm positive Dumbledore knew exactly how he was protecting Draco, and all the conversations between them. I think the look of hate on his face was more the hate that he was put into such a situation.
Snape will return in year 7, he will die, and he will die vindicating himself and showing why Dumbledore trusted him.
Dumbledore: Oh I hate to say this, especially since those silly girls who posted those threads, "sirius isn't dead" all over Harry Potter websites of OotP.
That said, there's a small part of me that wonders if this potion that DD took while in the cave may be able to save him, kind of like in "The Mummy" movies. Oh how ridiculous I feel for saying that.
I don't think that's the end of DD though. His portrait is still hanging in Hogwarts, though Harry swears he isn't returning. Did he choose to be a ghost? Will Fawkes return to Harry, showing some sort of help from DD from beyond?
It seems Harry swearing NOT to go back to Hogwarts is a very good opening for his obtaining Grimwald Place and spending time there in year 7.
Over all, the best book since Azkaban.
Click For SpoilerExcellent theory regarding Harry's scar! I hadn't thought of that, but what an excellent tie-in. Did you notice that there was only one mention of the scar in this entire book? I really like this theory.As to DD dying ... not surprised. I more or less expected it in the last book, but then Sirius bit the dust. You know, in OotP I was so exhausted by the time Jo finally killed off Sirius, I just didn't care.
This time around I actually cried .... more for Snape being the one to kill him than for DD actually dying.
And I'm sorry, I think you are wrong about Snape. If he were truly on DD's side and killed him because DD asked him to do it and understood he was only protecting Draco, then why did Snape stupefy Professor Flitwick? Why did Snape not simply hide Draco somewhere in the castle after DD was killed and then join the other Order members in fighting off the Death Eaters? I don't think that a "good" Snape would have allowed a group of Death Eaters to penetrate Hogwarts in the company of a WEREWOLF who particularly likes to bite children.
And DD had a solution for saving all of the Malfoys ... If he and Snape were really on the same page, I would have thought that option would have been decided upon as a course of action when things came to a head. Not "kill me when Draco fails to do so and then run off with those nutters."
Rowling thinks she is writing a children's book (even though I'd bet most of her fans are over the age of 20). I think this particular plotline has resolved itself in a very straightforward manner. She has misdirected us for 6 books over Snape's allegiance ... unfortunately, I think that this was the big "reveal" for this book, Snape's swan song if you will. Oh, we'll see him again and Harry is going to kick his rear in Book 7, but there is no redemption nor explanation for Snape's behavior other than he has been evil the entire time.
This, of course, is just my opinion. I am still reeling from that fact that Snape was the trigger man ... sickened really. He has always been one of my favorite characters ... it's going to suck to see Alan Rickman offing Michael Gambon on screen.
I'm going to go back to wailing and gnashing my teeth now .... :(
Click For SpoilerWell JK herself said not to like Snape so much when OotP was released, and thus she knew this was happening.
Can I ask, is it Snape you like or Alan Rickman? :huh:
DD pleads with Snape.
He has revulsion and hatred etched in his face.
Why?
Because DD knew all along about the unbreakable vow. He and Snape we in communication about everything.
He had to see the possibility of this and he told Snape to keep his cover so that OotP could still gain info on Voldy.
I'm sorry you're so revulsed.
I've always hated Snape. Hated L. Malfoy too until I saw Jason Isaacs in that blonde wig of his!!! :(
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Nope, can't stand the stuff.
I have a cup of cold caffine every morning to help me get going.
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Hugh Grant has always had amusing stories about her boyfriends, I wonder what he might say about this one.
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I love Sandra Bullock.
I wish her luck and much happiness in this marriage.
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white bikini with red poppies
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fuming
trying to relax before I blow a blood vessel
needing a new life
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I finished the book last night.
My first impression, was thank the lord this book was so much easier to read than Order of the Phoenix. In that regard, I think it was as flowing as Prisoner of Azkaban.
Obviously the wizarding world is at war but it isn't as dark as people were predicting.
Thoughts about what things mean.
Click For SpoilerAre you sure you want to do this?Click For SpoilerHorcruxes. As soon as I finished this chapter I felt that Harry's scar may be one. Especially since Dumbledore said not all 7 had been made at the time Harry's parents were married. I think this adds to the prophecy and she's made a way for him to survive in book 7. His "death" at battle with Voldemort will really be Voldy killing a part of himself and Harry will live.
Also, isn't it obvious that one of them is at Grimwald place? From Lexicon, an inventory of things they found there in book 6.
The Drawing Room
The curtains of the drawing room were infested with Doxies and the writing desk had a Boggart in it. A nest of dead Puffskeins was found in the sofa. A tapestry hangs on the wall showing the Black family tree. There are dirty, glass-fronted cabinets on either side of the mantlepiece which contain a variety of sinister and Dark Magic items which didn't seem to want to leave their shelves. These include:
rusty daggers
claws
coiled snakeskin
tarnished silver boxes engraved in unknown languages
a fancy crystal bottle with a opal stopper filled with blood
biting silver snuffbox, which holds Wartcap Powder
many-legged tweezer-like instrument which scuttles like a spider
music box that makes everyone fall asleep
locket that no one can open
ancient seals
dusty box containing an Order of Merlin First Class given to Sirius' grandfather for Services to the Ministry
large golden ring with a Black family crest
family photos in silver frames
Snape: Big deal, he's the half blood prince. It means nothing really. You knew that once that book was found, that it was Snapes and therefore it was him.
However, I don't believe that he's evil.
I'm positive Dumbledore knew exactly how he was protecting Draco, and all the conversations between them. I think the look of hate on his face was more the hate that he was put into such a situation.
Snape will return in year 7, he will die, and he will die vindicating himself and showing why Dumbledore trusted him.
Dumbledore: Oh I hate to say this, especially since those silly girls who posted those threads, "sirius isn't dead" all over Harry Potter websites of OotP.
That said, there's a small part of me that wonders if this potion that DD took while in the cave may be able to save him, kind of like in "The Mummy" movies. Oh how ridiculous I feel for saying that.
I don't think that's the end of DD though. His portrait is still hanging in Hogwarts, though Harry swears he isn't returning. Did he choose to be a ghost? Will Fawkes return to Harry, showing some sort of help from DD from beyond?
It seems Harry swearing NOT to go back to Hogwarts is a very good opening for his obtaining Grimwald Place and spending time there in year 7.
Over all, the best book since Azkaban.
No One Is To Blame
in Off Topic Discussions
Posted
As someone who works with children on a daily basis, I can absolutely say that unless this child had issues that weren't discussed, this was the child's fault.
A 6 year old knows better than to play in the street, a 12 year old is in middle school and should know the rules of the road.
The parents may be neglegent, but did they tell him to go into the street?
Most likely they felt confident the child knew the rules associated with roads.