HTML and CSS - The Comprehensive Guide

 

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Web developers, this is your comprehensive guide to mastering HTML and CSS! Start by learning how to format text and structure web pages using HTML. You'll explore the basic structure of an HTML document before diving into forms, hyperlinks, embedding multimedia, and much more. Then, enhance your web pages with CSS: create cohesive designs with selectors, the box model, cascading styles, and inheritance. Complete your client-side development skills by diving into JavaScript. With clear examples throughout, you’ll quickly gain proficiency in HTML and CSS.

Key topics covered:

1) HTML syntax and structure

2) Common HTML elements

3) Working with tables, links, and images

4) HTML forms

5) CSS selectors

6) Cascading and inheritance

7) The CSS box model

8) Using CSS preprocessors

9) Designing responsive layouts

10) Testing and debugging

11) Introduction to JavaScript

12) Working with Ajax

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Designing Teaching Strategies E-Book

 

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The U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have recently launched a $50 million initiative to enhance research on early childhood cognitive development. One of the key areas requiring further exploration is the education and professional development of teachers. In response, Doug Greer has written a book that addresses effective teaching methods, curriculum design, and supporting educators in implementing modern, research-based instructional materials.

The book offers valuable insights for trainers, current teachers, supervisors, and policymakers. For teacher trainers, it outlines strategies for motivating, mentoring, and guiding in-service teachers to adopt scientifically supported teaching methods. For active teachers, it provides advice on delivering personalized instruction in classrooms with diverse learning and behavior challenges, implementing school programs to reduce vandalism and truancy, and creating curricula that promote functional knowledge rather than passive learning.

For policymakers and supervisors, the book emphasizes assessing the effectiveness of curricula in achieving national assessment standards. Greer’s work has been highly influential, and he was recently honored with the APA’s Fred S. Keller Award for Distinguished Contributions to Education. School programs using the approaches discussed in the book have demonstrated learning outcomes four to seven times greater than those of traditional programs (see www.cabas.com). The book includes research-backed strategies for teaching students of all abilities, integrating special education students in general classrooms, enhancing overall teaching practices, and monitoring and motivating teacher performance.

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WHY DO BALETE TREE SCARY?

 The balete tree (sometimes spelled balite or banyan) is considered scary and mystical in many cultures, particularly in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. This fear stems from a combination of folklore, mythology, and its eerie physical appearance. Here’s why the balete tree is often associated with fear:

1. Association with Supernatural Beings:

• In Filipino folklore, the balete tree is believed to be a dwelling place for spirits, elementals, and supernatural creatures such as kapres (tree-dwelling giants), tikbalangs (half-human, half-horse creatures), dwende (dwarves), and engkantos (nature spirits).
• People believe that disturbing a balete tree, such as cutting its branches or building near it, can anger the spirits living there, leading to bad luck, illness, or even possession.

2. Home for Ghosts and Lost Souls:

• The balete tree is often linked to ghosts and malevolent spirits. Some legends suggest that souls of the dead or lost spirits who have not found peace reside in these trees, making them dangerous to approach, especially at night.
• Folklore also tells of spirits luring unsuspecting travelers or people who wander too close, causing them to become disoriented and lost.

3. Appearance:

• The physical look of the balete tree itself adds to its eerie reputation. With its massive, sprawling roots and branches that can form intricate, twisted shapes, the tree can look unsettling, especially in dim light or at night.
• Its aerial roots often dangle down like curtains or ropes, creating shadows and forms that can be misinterpreted as figures or creatures.

4. Cultural and Ritual Significance:

• In some rural areas, the balete tree is considered sacred. People perform rituals and leave offerings at the base of these trees to appease the spirits, believing that it will bring good fortune or prevent misfortune.
• It’s common practice to say “tabi-tabi po” (excuse me) when passing by a balete tree, as a sign of respect to any unseen beings. Failing to do so is thought to invite misfortune or illness.

5. Legends and Urban Myths:

• Many horror stories and urban legends revolve around balete trees. For example, there’s the famous “Balete Drive” in Quezon City, Philippines, where a ghostly white lady is said to appear near an old balete tree, terrifying passing drivers.
• Other stories include people becoming possessed after cutting down a balete tree or a haunted house being built near a balete, bringing the family nothing but tragedy.

6. Association with Darkness and Isolation:

• The balete tree is often found in secluded, dimly lit areas, adding to its ominous reputation. In the forest or at the edge of a town, its looming presence can invoke fear and unease, especially in superstitious communities.

Conclusion:

The balete tree’s association with the supernatural is deeply ingrained in Southeast Asian culture. This fear, combined with its creepy appearance and the folklore surrounding it, makes the balete tree a symbol of mystery and the unknown. While some people may see it as a tree of life or a source of natural beauty, others still regard it with caution and respect, maintaining age-old traditions and beliefs.

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THE DANGER OF HANGING BRIDGE

 Hanging bridges, also known as suspension bridges, are designed to span long distances, often over rivers, gorges, or other challenging terrains. While they are marvels of engineering, they can pose certain dangers if not constructed, maintained, or used properly. Here are some of the potential risks associated with hanging bridges:

1. Structural Failure:

• If the bridge is poorly designed, constructed, or maintained, it may suffer from structural weaknesses, leading to catastrophic failure.
• Factors like corrosion, fatigue, or overloading can cause cables to snap, towers to buckle, or the deck to collapse.
• Vibrations from wind or heavy traffic can also create dangerous swaying, leading to structural instability.

2. Overloading:

• Suspension bridges have a maximum weight capacity. Exceeding this limit (e.g., due to too many vehicles, heavy equipment, or large crowds) can cause severe stress on the cables and deck, increasing the risk of collapse.
• Overcrowding by pedestrians, especially in tourist areas, can be dangerous if the bridge is not designed to handle such loads.

3. Natural Disasters:

• High Winds: Suspension bridges are highly sensitive to wind due to their flexible nature. Wind-induced oscillations (e.g., flutter or torsional movements) can lead to structural damage or even collapse.
• Earthquakes: Earthquakes can cause the entire structure to sway violently, compromising the integrity of the support towers and cables.
• Floods or Landslides: Bridges over water are vulnerable to floods, which can erode foundations or wash away support structures. Landslides may destabilize the anchoring points on either side of the bridge.

4. Lack of Proper Maintenance:

• Regular inspections are essential to check for wear and tear, rusted cables, deteriorating deck materials, or other signs of weakening.
• Neglecting maintenance can result in undetected structural damage, making the bridge unsafe for use.

5. Human Error and Misuse:

• Misuse by vehicles exceeding the weight limit, reckless driving, or tampering with safety barriers can increase the risk of accidents.
• Pedestrians creating additional motion (e.g., jumping or running) can cause the bridge to sway excessively, leading to instability.

6. Environmental Factors:

• Temperature Extremes: Very high or low temperatures can impact the materials used in the bridge, leading to expansion, contraction, or material fatigue.
• Icing: Ice accumulation can make walking surfaces slippery and increase the load on the bridge.

7. Psychological and Physical Effects:

• The swaying or bouncing sensation can be disorienting, especially for people with fear of heights. This can lead to panic, slips, or falls.
• For longer or more exposed bridges, extreme weather (e.g., strong wind gusts) can cause dangerous conditions for pedestrians.

Prevention and Safety Tips:

• Regular Inspections: Engineers should regularly inspect the bridge for any signs of wear, corrosion, or structural weakening.
• Weight Limits: Strictly enforce weight limits and restrict heavy vehicles or large crowds.
• Monitoring Systems: Install sensors to monitor structural health and weather conditions.
• Public Awareness: Provide clear signage on maximum capacity, usage rules, and emergency procedures.

Despite these risks, suspension bridges are generally safe when well-designed and properly maintained. Awareness of potential hazards and following safety protocols can help prevent accidents and ensure safe passage.

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