These blood vessels also help remove cellular waste products that would otherwise kill the skin cells if they were allowed to accumulate. The pink tint to the skin of light-skinned individuals is due to the blood vessels found here.

In fact, when you blush, it is the dilation of these blood vessels that causes you to turn red. The reticular layer serves to strengthen the skin and also provides our skin with elasticity. Elasticity refers to how our skin is able to spring back into shape if deformed by something like a pinch. The reticular layer also contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands. The sweat gland can either be apocrine, such as those found in the armpits and the groin area, or the eccrine glands, which are found all over the body.

The former help contribute to body odor along with the bacteria on our skin , and the latter help regulate our body temperature through the process of evaporation.

The sebaceous glands found in the dermis secrete a substance called sebum that helps to lubricate and protect our skin from drying out. Beneath the dermis is the deepest layer of our skin.

It is alternatively termed hypodermis, subcutis, or subcutaneous tissue. It contains many collagen cells as well as fat. Fat, in particular, helps insulate our body from the cold and act as a cushion for our internal structures such as muscles and organs when something hits us. Fat can also be called upon by the body in times of great need as an energy source.

Given the alternative names for this layer, it should come as no surprise that this is the layer where subcutaneous injections are given into via a hypodermic needle. Skin sensory receptors: Those nearest the surface of the skin include receptors that detect gentle pressure, temperature, and vibrations, as well as naked nerve endings dendrites that detect pain. Deeper in the dermis are naked dendrites that wind around the bases of hair follicles and detect motions of the hairs, as well as receptors such as Pacinian corpuscles that respond to strong pressure and vibrations.

Skin color is determined largely by the amount of melanin pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin. Skin color is largely determined by a pigment called melanin but other things are involved. Your skin is made up of three main layers, and the most superficial of these is called the epidermis.

The epidermis itself is made up of several different layers. Melanocyte: Cross-section of skin showing melanin in melanocytes. The deepest of the epidermal layers is called the stratum basale or stratum germinativum. In this layer lie important cells called melanocytes. Their name is derived from two parts: melano-, which means black or darkness, and -cyte, which means cell.

Melanocytes are irregularly shaped cells that produce and store a pigment called melanin. The most abundant type of melanin is called eumelanin. This pigment is stored in organelles called melanosomes. Eumelanin is responsible for the brown and black pigmentation of human skin or the lack thereof if little of it is produced. The production of melanin is called melanogenesis—genesis means formation or development.

Regardless of background, every person has largely the same number of melanocytes, but the genetics of each person is what determines how much melanin is produced and how it is distributed throughout the skin. For example, light skinned individuals may have darker places like nipples and moles. Conversely, dark skinned individuals have a lighter tone to the palms of their hands. Another critical factor, exposure to sunlight, triggers the production of melanin as well. This is what gives us a tan.

References: [1] [2] [3] Cells of the skin Cells of the epidermis [1] The epidermis is mainly composed of four different types of cells. Keratinocytes Definition : principal cells of the epidermis Location Throughout the whole epidermis Mitotically active in the basal layer basal cells Connected to the basement membrane via hemidesmosomes Function Primarily protect against environmental damage and form a barrier against pathogens Protect against ultraviolet UV radiation by storing melanin produced by melanocytes Produce proinflammatory mediators to activate the immune system when exposed to pathogens Aid in the process of wound healing Form tight junctions with nerve endings and hold lymphocytes and Langerhans cells in place.

Clinical significance Abnormal keratinocyte desquamation contributes to the development of acne. Sunburn : apoptosis of keratinocytes Blistering skin disorders e.

Dendritic processes transfer melanosomes to adjacent and distant keratinocytes. Langerhans cells Definition : : macrophages of the skin ; a type of dendritic cell Location : : stratum spinosum Characteristics Langerhans cells act as antigen-presenting cells APCs.

Characteristics Rich in keratin filaments, desmosomes , and small, dense blue granules Merkel cells are connected to enlarged axon terminals via synapse -like junctions. The Merkel cell-neurite complex is known as a Merkel disc receptor. Hair shaft Extends above the epidermis Connects to the hair root in the deep dermis Hair bulb Root of the hair follicle ; located deep in the dermal papilla Receives blood and nutrients from a capillary network of vessels to sustain hair growth Arrector pili muscle Description: obliquely directed smooth muscle fibers that attach to the dermal sheath surrounding hair follicles Function Contraction, which is responsible for piloerection goosebumps Conservation of body heat Innervated by the sympathetic autonomic nervous system Glands Sebaceous glands Sweat glands Eccrine sweat glands Apocrine sweat glands Description Exocrine holocrine branched glands Composed of a secretory unit called glomerulum or acrosyringium; surrounded by myoepithelial cells The combination of sebaceous gland , arrector pili muscle , and hair follicle is known as the pilosebaceous unit.

Exocrine glands with a spiral duct acrosyringium and secretory ducts that open into sweat pores Exocrine glands with a secretory unit glomerulum and excretory ducts that open into hair follicles Location and distribution Dermis Predominantly located on the face and scalp Absent on palms and soles Deep in the dermis and hypodermis Most areas of the body Absent in lips , ear canal, clitoris , labia minora , and glans penis Mostly axilla , perineum , areola of the nipple , and external ear Function Secretion of sebum An oily, waxy substance which is a lubricant and a waterproof layer for the skin and hair Has photoprotective, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties Secretion of sweat thermoregulation Modified apocrine cells produce ear wax or breast milk.

References Fuchs E. Scratching the surface of skin development. Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier ; Layers of the Skin. Updated: May 15, Accessed: May 15, At the bottom of the follicle is the papilla puh-PILL-uh , where the actual hair growth happens. The papilla contains an artery that nourishes the root of the hair.

As cells multiply and make keratin to harden the structure, they're pushed up the follicle and through the skin's surface as a shaft of hair. Hair grows by forming new cells at the base of the root. These cells multiply to form a rod of tissue in the skin. The rods of cells move upward through the skin as new cells form beneath them.

As they move up, they're cut off from their supply of nourishment and start to form a hard protein called keratin. This process is called keratinization ker-uh-tuh-nuh-ZAY-shun. As this happens, the hair cells die. The dead cells and keratin form the shaft of the hair. Hair grows all over the human body except the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and lips.

Hair grows faster in summer than winter, and slower at night than during the day. Nails protect the sensitive tips of fingers and toes. We don't need our nails to survive, but they do support the tips of our fingers and toes, protect them from injury, and help us pick up small objects.

Without them, we'd have a hard time scratching an itch or untying a knot. Nails grow out of deep folds in the skin of the fingers and toes.

They contain Birbeck granules, tennis racket shaped cytoplasmic organelles. Merkel cells are oval-shaped modified epidermal cells found in stratum basale, directly above the basement membrane. These cells serve a sensory function as mechanoreceptors for light touch, and are most populous in fingertips, though also found in the palms, soles, oral, and genital mucosa.

They are bound to adjoining keratinocytes by desmosomes and contain intermediate keratin filaments and their membranes interact with free nerve endings in the skin. The dermis is connected to the epidermis at the level of the basement membrane and consists of two layers, of connective tissue, the papillary and reticular layers which merge together without clear demarcation.

The papillary layer is the upper layer, thinner, composed of loose connective tissue and contacts epidermis. The dermis houses the sweat glands, hair, hair follicles, muscles, sensory neurons, and blood vessels.

The hypodermis is deep to the dermis and is also called subcutaneous fascia. It is the deepest layer of skin and contains adipose lobules along with some skin appendages like the hair follicles, sensory neurons, and blood vessels. Excerpt Skin is the largest organ in the body and covers the body's entire external surface. Skin Thickness The thickness of each layer of the skin varies depending on body region and categorized based on the thickness of the epidermal and dermal layers.

Bundle info. Add to Account. View Community Hub. About This Game Portal 2 draws from the award-winning formula of innovative gameplay, story, and music that earned the original Portal over 70 industry accolades and created a cult following.

The single-player portion of Portal 2 introduces a cast of dynamic new characters, a host of fresh puzzle elements, and a much larger set of devious test chambers. Players will explore never-before-seen areas of the Aperture Science Labs and be reunited with GLaDOS, the occasionally murderous computer companion who guided them through the original game.

This new mode forces players to reconsider everything they thought they knew about portals. Success will require them to not just act cooperatively, but to think cooperatively. Product Features Extensive single player: Featuring next generation gameplay and a wildly-engrossing story.

Complete two-person co-op: Multiplayer game featuring its own dedicated story, characters, and gameplay. Advanced physics: Allows for the creation of a whole new range of interesting challenges, producing a much larger but not harder game.

Original music. Massive sequel: The original Portal was named 's Game of the Year by over 30 publications worldwide. Editing Tools: Portal 2 editing tools will be included. System Requirements Windows. DirectX: Version 9. Minimum: OS: Ubuntu See All. See all. Customer reviews. Overall Reviews:. Review Type. All , Positive , Negative 3, All , Steam Purchasers , Other 54, All Languages , Your Languages , Customize.

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We both said a lot of things that you're going to regret. But I think we can put our differences behind us. For science.

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Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy. Studies have shown that whey protein given as a supplement lowers both LDL and total cholesterol as well as blood pressure. You can find whey protein powders in health food stores and some grocery stores. Getting the full benefit of these foods requires other changes to your diet and lifestyle. One of the most beneficial changes is limiting the saturated and trans fats you eat.

Saturated fats — such as those in meat, butter, cheese and other full-fat dairy products — raise your total cholesterol. Decreasing your consumption of saturated fats to less than 7 percent of your total daily calorie intake can reduce your LDL cholesterol by 8 to 10 percent. Trans fats, sometimes listed on food labels as "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil," are often used in margarines and store-bought cookies, crackers and cakes. Trans fats raise overall cholesterol levels. The Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils by Jan.

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Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers. Products and services. Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers Diet can play an important role in lowering your cholesterol.

By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Tangney CC, et al. Lipid lowering with diet or dietary supplements. Accessed May 22, Your guide to lowering your cholesterol with therapeutic lifestyle changes. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Cooking to lower cholesterol. American Heart Association. Catapano AL, et al. Summary Dark leafy greens are rich in carotenoids, including lutein, which are linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. One of the most important foods in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet is extra virgin olive oil.

One five-year study gave older adults at risk of heart disease 4 tablespoons 60 ml a day of extra virgin olive oil alongside a Mediterranean diet. It is also a source of polyphenols, some of which reduce the inflammation that can drive heart disease Summary Olive oil, a primary component of the Mediterranean diet, provides monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants that boost your heart.

Upping your intake of these foods will put you on the path to a balanced diet and keep your heart healthy. Like fish oil, krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but they aren't created equal. Here's a look at which is better for your health.

A few simple changes to your habits can go a long way in boosting your immune health. Here are 9 tips to boost your body's natural defenses. Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for your body and brain. This article lists 17 science-based health benefits of omega-3s. Here are 13 science-based benefits of taking fish oil.

It is rich in omega-3 fats that are very important for your body and brain. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Share on Pinterest. Nuts — Especially Almonds and Walnuts. Fatty Fish. Whole Grains — Especially Oats and Barley. Fruits and Berries. Dark Chocolate and Cocoa. Soy Foods. Using liquid vegetable oils such as canola, sunflower, safflower, and others in place of butter, lard, or shortening when cooking or at the table helps lower LDL.

Apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits. These fruits are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that lowers LDL. Foods fortified with sterols and stanols. Sterols and stanols extracted from plants gum up the body's ability to absorb cholesterol from food. Companies are adding them to foods ranging from margarine and granola bars to orange juice and chocolate.

They're also available as supplements. Eating soybeans and foods made from them, like tofu and soy milk, was once touted as a powerful way to lower cholesterol. Fatty fish. Omega-3s reduce triglycerides in the bloodstream and also protect the heart by helping prevent the onset of abnormal heart rhythms. Fiber supplements. Supplements offer the least appealing way to get soluble fiber. Two teaspoons a day of psyllium, which is found in Metamucil and other bulk-forming laxatives, provide about 4 grams of soluble fiber.

When it comes to investing money, experts recommend creating a portfolio of diverse investments instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. The same holds true for eating your way to lower cholesterol.

Adding several foods to lower cholesterol in different ways should work better than focusing on one or two.

Some sleep a lot, like the endearing sloth that clocks in about hours per day. But the mighty elephant only logs 2 hours per night.

But what does a normal sleep cycle look like for humans? We end up somewhere in between, most of us needing 7 to 9 hours each night to recover and restore.

Sleep Cycle helps you to better health through better sleep. At its heart, it tracks your sleep cycles by listening to your sounds. It analyses those sounds by help of ever-evolving machine learning algorithms, and presents the results to you and helps you understand your sleep with unique data analysis and graphs. Collectively, a person typically spends about half their sleep time in N2 sleep.

Stage 3 sleep is also known as deep sleep, and it is harder to wake someone up if they are in this phase. Muscle tone, pulse, and breathing rate decrease in N3 sleep as the body relaxes even further. The brain activity during this period has an identifiable pattern of what are known as delta waves. For this reason, stage 3 may also be called delta sleep or slow-wave sleep SWS.

Experts believe that this stage is critical to restorative sleep, allowing for bodily recovery and growth. It may also bolster the immune system and other key bodily processes. Even though brain activity is reduced, there is evidence that deep sleep contributes to insightful thinking , creativity , and memory.

We spend the most time in deep sleep during the first half of the night. During the early sleep cycles, N3 stages commonly last for minutes. As you continue sleeping, these stages get shorter, and more time gets spent in REM sleep instead. At the same time, the body experiences atonia, which is a temporary paralysis of the muscles, with two exceptions: the eyes and the muscles that control breathing. Even though the eyes are closed, they can be seen moving quickly, which is how this stage gets its name.

REM sleep is believed to be essential to cognitive functions like memory, learning, and creativity. REM sleep is known for the most vivid dreams, which is explained by the significant uptick in brain activity. Dreams can occur in any sleep stage, but they are less common and intense in the NREM periods. As the night goes on, REM stages get longer, especially in the second half of the night. While the first REM stage may last only a few minutes, later stages can last for around an hour.

Sleep stages are important because they allow the brain and body to recuperate and develop. Failure to obtain enough of both deep sleep and REM sleep may explain some of the profound consequences of insufficient sleep on thinking , emotions , and physical health.

Sleepers who are frequently awoken during earlier stages, such as people with sleep apnea , may struggle to properly cycle into these deeper sleep stages. People with insomnia may not get enough total sleep to accumulate the needed time in each stage.

While there is a typical pattern for sleep stages, there can be substantial individual variation based on a number of factors:. A key step is to focus on improving your sleep hygiene , which refers to your sleep environment mattress , pillow , sheets , etc. Achieving a more consistent sleep schedule, getting natural daylight exposure, avoiding alcohol before bedtime, and eliminating noise and light disruptions can help you get uninterrupted sleep and promote proper alignment of your circadian rhythm.

Addressing underlying issues may pave the way for more complete and restorative sleep cycles. Eric Suni has over a decade of experience as a science writer and was previously an information specialist for the National Cancer Institute. She specializes in helping parents establish healthy sleep habits for children. A nighttime cough is the cold symptom most likely to interfere with sleep. Learn how to sleep with a cough…. Learn more about the causes and underlying mechanisms of REM rebound, a phenomenon in which a person temporarily experiences more….

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It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The Sleep Foundation editorial team is dedicated to providing content that meets the highest standards for accuracy and objectivity. Our editors and medical experts rigorously evaluate every article and guide to ensure the information is factual, up-to-date, and free of bias. Updated October 11, Written by Eric Suni.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nilong Vyas. What Are the Sleep Stages? Why Do the Sleep Stages Matter? What Affects Sleep Stages?

What Is the Sleep Cycle? Are All Sleep Cycles the Same? Sign up below for your free gift. Your privacy is important to us. I would love to get it back? So when is someone going to answer the question of when sleep stages are coming back? I have a Charge 2.

I really liked this new feature but only had it for a couple days and now it is gone. I would like to know how to get it back please. I absolutely love this new update … really accurate and love how it shows different stages of sleep!! Well done Fitbit!! After a little over a week with the new sleep stage data on my dashboard I woke this morning to the old data.

I have a Charge 2 and I just received the update that shows the sleep stages. Love it! I thought the sleep tracking before was pretty useless. This is an incredible feature and I am absolutely loving it!! Thanks so much Fitbit, great work!! Same as others…. The sleep tracker is working very well for me. Can anyone answer why my app shows my sleep stages one day and then reverts to the old sleep display the next and back and forth? Danielle, nice overview of this feature! Is there any comparison that was done with regards to sleep stages from the Fitbit and from a scored polysomnogram?

I would be interested to see how it was validated. I look forward to seeing this on my Charge 2! I have got sleep stages one night only. Is there something I need to download on blaze for it to be fully functional. How come I could see the sleep stages on my blaze for the past few days and then no more since yesterday?

How to activate this? The new sleep patterns do NOT give the Times when you were awake or restless. I have the Fitbit Blaze. The sleep stages showed up for a couple of days and now it is gone. I really liked the information on the sleep stages and seeing how it was broken down.

I hope it is back soon. Interesting article and it seemingly works great on my Alta HR. Yep, mine too. No sleep stage. What does that even mean. Also, why is no one from Fitbit responding to all of these questions? It disrupts sleep several times a night. Kathleen, you should be able to regulate the brightness, or lack thereof, of your watch face in Settings.

I have a very unusual sleep disorder that may be helpful in tuning the sleep detection. I get no Delta sleep stages 3, 4 at all since age 45 at least. Sleep study and research by high level AAA guy confirmed.

Yet charge 2 says I get typical deep sleep?! I have sleep apnea and my blaze says I only get like 30 minutes of deep sleep and usually only once a night. Hello, I just had an update on my Fitbit charge 2, still no sleep stages available. Is there something wrong with the software?

The main reason I purchased my Charge 2 was for Sleep and Heart monitoring. I keep checking my Hours in Sleep stages and although I have updated Firmware, nothing appears. Any idea when I can expect to see information. Maybe you could advise which Tracker I need to purchase, because this one no longer fits my needs.

I have the charge 2. Sleep stages graph shows up on my app. But they are always greyed out and say stages unavailable. Is it just not fully rolled out? Do I need to restart my Fitbit? Would be extremely helpful if everyone got this feature! As of 18 Apr , Sleep stages for my wife and her Charge 2 works great, still does not show on my Charge 2….. Every update applied on two identical trackers but one works and one does not…..

When will the sleep cycle details be available on Charge 2? Why does My fitbit charge2 registrate me sleeping everytime I sit down, watch TV and so on… is it any thing I did wrong while set the clock up? My Fitbit blaze showed sleep stages one morning only, then went back to the old way.

How do I change it to show stages everyday? I bet we all want a release date. Downright annoying, fitbit. I bought a new Fitbit Altria 2 primarily for the sleep function it had shown up once in a month, it just plain and simple does not work.

Great information. How do I get it back? I had 2 nights of sleep cycle data and then it has gone back to the old format with just lines. How do I continue to get sleep cycle data? My Fitbit charge 2 showed sleep stages on only 2 nights, yesterday and the night before. So many articles on sleep stages and other sleep issues!

Love my new Alta HR. I hope you soon make this available to all or change your narrative. The different stages showed on my Charge 2 for 3 days and has now reverted back to the old sleep pattern.

When will they be coming back? I found the new info very useful! I love the new feature with the different sleep stages. As I read all the comments above my post it still need some improvement on it stability. The new version also showed only onces on my charge 2 and now it is back to the old version. Hope it will be fix soon, the sneak preview of the new version looked very good! I have the most recent update on my iphone. What do I need to do to get this accurate information? This is the main reason I purchased the fitbit to monitor my sleeping that is not sufficient at this time.

The retailer would not stand behind the product after 30 days. Does this mean I would not to incur the cost to ship back for replacement if that becomes necessary? Please provide me with some solid information, thanks. Do I need to return my Fitbit?

I have a charge 2 and I had the sleep stages appear the first two nights I used it Sunday and Monday , but since then the last three nights it has not worked and shows no stages.

How can we fix this??? Just getting used to my new monitor I can see them used for patients with memory issues or maybe a button for where is mom? Will be next or for a beeper like black box when trying to find a lost kid. Keep up the good work Fitbit, love ya. I have a Fitbit Charge 2 and am unable to find the benchmark for sleep patterns discussed in the article. Any ideas? So, wonder what I did to mess it up? I bought my Alta HR a week ago and it has worked every night giving me sleep stages.

This article was very helpful in understanding the different stages. Mine worked for one night and than stopped. Can someone tell me how to fix it? My Fitbit has stopped telling me how much time was spent in each stage of sleep.

It only shows the quality of sleep now. I love this feature on my new Charge 2. Yesterday morning, when I checked my sleep cycle, it had reverted back to the old format. Can someone help? My husband goes into deep sleep twice already which is so scary. But the second time it happened with his CPAP on.

Is there any possibility of treatments on this condition? My sleep display just shows some bunched up lines in the beginning, then nothing shows up again until morning with a few more bunched up lines.

Does not look at all like the sample. Is anyone else having this issue? And how can I fix it? This is quite interesting about R. M sleep! M sleep. My deep sleep is only average 30 min. I am often tired and cranky when I get up. Is there a way to increase the deep and REM cycles? Is anyone familiar with Pink Noise and how well that works.

I am awake many times during the night anywhere from times for a total of hours. What does no stages mean? Apparently I only get maybe one night a week that shows those stages but the rest say no stages. I also gave noted that if I have a heavy night sweat, that can also lead to poor readings.

Hope this helps. Great article.

Have second TV in kitchen to relay Sky programme. Linked from Sky box RF out 2 via coax to a plug in mains power signal booster then to wall plate which is connected via coax buried in walls to wall plate in kitchen. Had problems with picture quality in kitchen several years ago and following advice accessed RF out channel on Sky box to change channel. No longer capable of working from high ladders so called professional to check same.

I have accessed the Sky box services 0. The final step is the Select button, and you'll then be taken to the Installer Menu. I'm new to this forum so sorry if I have hijacked this thread. I was trying to start another thread but obviously failed to do so. Similar problem to Mark I have accessed services then 0.

Ian-Y I was replying to your previous post. When you key the Services,0,0,1,Select sequence, do you see the page headed Installer Menu? When I access the Sky services eight panels are displayed on the tv screen.

The install panel is the fourth panel. Selecting the panel provides the drop down which does not appear to show a RF out channel option. It's academic now as for some reason whilst I was messing about the kitchen tv started receiving a signal again on Ch It was a rubbish picture but it was better than the previous "No Signal" display. I tried installing a mains plug in signal booster between the Sky RF out coax and the living room wall plate. So, just to find out what may happen, I installed a second adjustable plug in booster set to max.

This provided an acceptable picture and sound on the kitchen tv so I've left it like that. Could this be the case and the tandem boosters are making up for it? Once on the Services screen, ignore the panels and key in 0 0 1 Select to get to the Installer Menu.

I have eventually managed to access the menu. Options displayed include "RF Outlets" so accessed that.

I haven't yet changed anything. I finally set it up on Ch23 with RF power Off which worked then. As I currently have a decent quality picture and sound on the kitchen tv, should I leave it as it is or switch the RF power Off?

I haven't. How is that done please? To quote a post, click on the quotation mark " in the toolbar above the body of the post you're creating. However, there's a known forum bug which prevents the quotation mark being displayed in some circumstances, so you may not see it.

No magic eye etc. I don't appear to have that " symbol displayed. Regarding the need for two in line boosters in tandem in the RF Out 2 line. Are you ble to comment on that? This is a number between and should not be UHF channel that is used by transmitters in your area as this will cause a poor picture. If you have a remote eye or line power amplifier this will also need to be switched to 'on'.

If the picture is poor, try another RF output channel. A warm welcome from Tom Smart Thanks for stopping by, click play for a brief introduction to our company. Your Free Guide is on it's way, please check your e-mail now! Advertise your business to nearly , people per month. What our customers are saying Sign in to get your answer quicker. My rf out put is getting loads of static I'm on channel 68 which is the best channel to move it to I'm in wales area.

The best channel to use depends on the broadcast frequencies used by terrestrial Freeview in your area. That varies from area to area so it's impossible to advise you.

If you can post details of which Freeview transmitters operate in your area, we might be able to tell you which channels to avoid, otherwise it's a case of trial and error, I'm afraid. Anything above channel 50, however may be susceptible to interference from 4G mobile transmitters. About Sky Community Offers. Sign In. Turn on suggestions. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type.

However, there are some brides who may feel differently. Some bright reds can be rather loud for such a soft, romantic occasion. It all comes back to what the bride feels comfortable with. Be sensitive to her wishes. Photo: Ray C Photography. A: Traditionally the Mother of the Bride chooses her dress first and notifies the Mother of the Groom so they can coordinate their outfits. Q: What should the stepmother of the bride or groom wear?

A: This is a tricky one depending on how involved the stepmother has been in raising the bride or groom and the relationship the stepmom has with the mother. If anyone feels uncomfortable, the stepmother should wear what the guests are wearing. Remember, this is not a competition and the stepmother should not try to upstage the mother or the bride. A: Weddings are elegant affairs with all eyes on the bride. Do not wear a Mother of the Bride dress that is skimpy, see-through, has a deep plunging neckline or open back.

With cap sleeves and an illusion neckline, this fitted blue beauty was perfect for this D. The bride's mother clearly had the color palette in mind when she chose this jade lace dress. Her strapless and blush pink gown, with textured floral details and an embellished belt, had this mom smiling from ear to ear.

For blogger Jenny Bernheim's fancy rehearsal dinner , her mother wore a Carmen Marc Valvo dress, complete with a beaded illusion cut-out. The mother of the bride's Oscar de la Renta gown was such a hit, it actually inspired the bridesmaids' bouquets.

A red lace Erdem dress, embroidered with pink and crimson blooms, paired perfectly with this fashionable mom's half-up, half-down hairstyle. Isn't a smile the best accessory? This glammed up mother of the bride looked absolutely amazing in a black gown with a V-neckline and knee-high slit as she headed down the aisle before the bride's processional. This mother of the bride escorted her daughter down the aisle in a light blue stunning halter dress. How sweet is this stolen mother-daughter moment?

This mom's gown featured a striped off-the-shoulder neckline that was a beautiful complement to the bride's own wedding dress. A gold and cream gown paired with statement-making gold earrings looked great on this mother of the groom as she and her son swayed to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World.

An aquamarine sari, embroidered with gold florals , looked lovely with a lei. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom both looked extra lovely on the big day, beaming together in their neutral dresses. For the formal Southern garden wedding of Susan Sarandon's oldest child, Eva Amurri, the actress turned to designer Lela Rose to make a knee-length charcoal dress that complemented the bride's with a similar lace neckline.

The best-dressed couple at this easygoing outdoor celebration in Athens, Georgia, was the bride and groom. But this pair also earned the distinction. The groom's dad donned a Jos. Bank suit, and his mother chose a floral dress in a complementary color. The bridesmaids at this at-home Kentucky wedding sparkled in gold-sequined mini dresses. The other woman who also had fun? Her mom, who similarly sparkled in a gold silk dupioni floor-length skirt suit.

Carrie Crowell had come across the silk dress that her mom, country singer Rosanne Cash, wore at her wedding to Carrie's stepfather. For this romantic wedding at Brooklyn's Wythe Hotel, the bride's mother selected a short-sleeved, full-length teal dress. A dream dress doesn't have to be for the bride alone.

Her mother, Rita, opted for this champagne-hued gown that was equally as ethereal. For her, that included a couture Karen Sabag ball gown fit for a princess. For her mother, it involved a beaded silver dress fit for a queen. Martha Stewart Weddings. By Sarah Schreiber Updated August 24, Save Pin More.

Mother of the Bride Dress with Scoop Neckline. Credit: Michael Radford. Start Slideshow. Credit: Trevor Mark Photography. Credit: Bonnie Sen. Credit: Laura Gordon. Credit: Greg Finck. Credit: Meg Smith. Credit: Dear Lovers Photography. Mother of the Bride Dress. Credit: Rachel May Photography. For the mom who likes to look put together and modern, a jumpsuit in slate gray is sure to wow. Credit: Meiwen Wang. Credit: Abby Jiu Photography. Credit: Ashley Brown.

The champagne colored ankle-length wrap dress looks stunning on this mother of the bride. Credit: Patrick Moyer. Good luck with finding the right outfit. For further advice you can also try the style forum.

I did a little more research. Talbots has a swatch book so you can view all of the colors and feel the fabric before ordering. Their phone number is Talbots. I have not purchased anything from this line but saw a few of these pieces in a store and thought they were very simple and elegant.

I hope this at least gives you somewhere to start. Thank you for helping out Suzanne! This is a great article and very helpful advice. As a mother of a daughter who is already married, the shopping for both her dress and mine was one of the highlights of the wedding planning. The advice on planning VERY important, this should be the first on your list because it will probably take several trips. If you plan early it will not be stressful.

My other advice, be wise in your choice of shoes, remember you will be standing a great deal of the time, and possibly dancing. Now, I just need to remember all this when my son gets married.

All these outfits are stunning. Yet, honestly speaking I am not in the hurry to be there……. All your advice is very sound advice. Even as a guest to a wedding I have made a few mistakes in the past. And indeed you never forget your embarrassment. Being mother of the bride is rather impossible for me as I do not have children. Totally up to her. But I will not choose any of the outfits you have shown. Far too classic for me. Probably missing the modern twist.

Not my cup of tea. Weddings in The Netherlands tend not to be as formal as elsewhere, so can understand your desire to wear something more modern, although I think the top left outfit in a slightly brighter colour would look smashing on you! I have 2 children who have certainly the age of getting maried 30 and But they are in no hurry.

I would love to get all dressed up for this event. Because you are so right. My daughter dreams of a wedding on a beach in Bali, so where will that leave me I wonder. I love the fascinators. I would probably pick the first outfit on the left with the long coat, minus the hat. I am definitely not a hat person. These are great examples, thank you. I will be facing this soon as my 21 year old daughter is starting to bring this subject up as a possibility in the next year or two. Question I have is what to wear for different venues?

Beach weddings, vineyard weddings and weddings preformed in the tall coastal redwoods are very popular around here. Can you give me some ideas for these along with shoe wear??? For a beach wedding I would wear something a bit more flowy like the flowery and ruffly dresses above. I think each of the above could work with vineyard weddings. For the redwood location, it would be great to wear something in natural colours like the 2 moss green outfits pictured.

Fantastic tips and photos! How to dress when you are the mother of the bride or groom. It is ok perhaps even mandatory to splurge on your outfit! Although dressing rules at weddings vary by country, in general a mother of the bride dress should: Not be the same colour as the wedding dress. So check with the bride! Also find out which colour the bridesmaids are wearing. You do not want to be mistaken for one!

Preferably not be all black as that may suggest mourning. Although this is not a strict rule, I would personally prefer you to choose another color since most women over 40 look much better in more colorful outfits.

An alternative is to mix black with another color, which can look very chic. I also like the other black and grey combination I feature above , because of the great drape of the dress and the chic combination with the jacket. Avoid flashy shades like bright red, pink or yellow as the dress may stand out too much. If you like to wear color, go for something more subtle like the multi-colored dress above I featured with the very stylish long purple coat. This combination is especially great for summer weddings.

Not be overly sexy. Avoid too much cleavage and let the bride be the sexiest girl in the room. Offer solutions for multiple locations. If the wedding includes a church service for example, make sure that you have an accompanying jacket with your dress.

Most of the combinations I feature here come with great jackets. Not be too fashionable. Remember, you will look at these photos in years to come. Opt for something current yet timeless with clean lines. The two looks below are good examples of timeless style. Be made of a good quality fabric. Make sure it does not wrinkle too much and is appropriately warm or cold for the climate in which the wedding takes place.

Other mother of the bride outfit guidelines: Talk to the bride and ask her about her preferences.

My Sister Knits is one of the first local yarn shops in the United States to have a sample on display! Just in! Dreamy Tibetan Cloud from mYak!

My Sister Knits has a new trunk show for you! Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok is a tremendously versatile yarn. Peace Fleece yarn is a story of how two people sought to promote peace and understanding between historic enemies. Shop Gift Cards. About Us. Contact Us. Accidents happen. Nov 11, Gifting Season Is Upon Us! Nov 4, Join Us! Oct 28, It's Shawl Season! Oct 21, Pacific Crest! Oct 14, From there? Her sister continues to enjoy my efforts. I mostly knit for charity.

I have made boccoos of scarves and hats. I love making bb with crochet… they just zip by so fast. I am a very selfish knitter. I have at least one project on the needles for me. I only knit for friends if they are expecting. Otherwise if someone asks me to knit for them, I decline and offer to teach them. I knit for my Mom, sister, nephew, daughter, grandsons, and myself. My brother is actually my biggest hat fan. He loves hats. I think I may be brave and try a sweater for him for Christmas.

Of course my dad and sister have already asked for sweaters. The cat was the least appreciative. I made him wear the sweater to the vet anyway and I thought he looked very handsome!

I actually really like to make sweaters for myself. I know what colors and fibers I like. I definitely appreciate the process and money that went into a project. I also like that I am only making xsmall or small sizes for myself… it goes quicker than that XLarge sweater for my brother will go.

I mostly make things for family—occasionally for friends. Almost all gifts I give are handknits now. I have to start on Christmas gifts in Jan. One of my favorite things to make for people is fingerless gloves.

They are warm, comfortable, fast and one still has the ability to use their fingers! My toddlers who hate mittens will wear them because they can still do anything they want to—and their hands stay warm!! For you! I am a bit intimidated though. But I have to figure out the sideways issue…. I knit mostly for me. Knitting is my me-time so I make me-things with it.

I do sometimes knit for friends, though. Usually my knitted gifts are surprises. I knit for myself mostly. I have big plans about things that I want to make for family and close friends but I never get around to it. I need to get better about that.

CdTe is the second-most common PV material after silicon, and CdTe cells can be made using low-cost manufacturing processes. While this makes them a cost-effective alternative, their efficiencies still aren't quite as high as silicon. CIGS cells have optimal properties for a PV material and high efficiencies in the lab, but the complexity involved in combining four elements makes the transition from lab to manufacturing more challenging.

Perovskite solar cells are a type of thin-film cell and are named after their characteristic crystal structure. Perovskite cells are built with layers of materials that are printed, coated, or vacuum-deposited onto an underlying support layer, known as the substrate. They are typically easy to assemble and can reach efficiencies similar to crystalline silicon.

To be commercially viable, perovskite PV cells have to become stable enough to survive 20 years outdoors, so researchers are working on making them more durable and developing large-scale, low-cost manufacturing techniques.

Organic PV , or OPV, cells are composed of carbon-rich organic compounds and can be tailored to enhance a specific function of the PV cell, such as bandgap, transparency, or color. OPV cells are currently only about half as efficient as crystalline silicon cells and have shorter operating lifetimes, but could be less expensive to manufacture in high volumes.

They can also be applied to a variety of supporting materials, such as flexible plastic, making OPV able to serve a wide variety of uses. This frame is designed to prevent deformation, and includes a drainage hole to prevent water from building up on the panel as a buildup of water could reduce the efficiency of the panel.

Additionally, the back of the panel is also sealed to prevent damage. Solar panels act as a way to mount a series of solar cells so that their unique properties can be used to generate electricity.

Individual cells absorb photons from the Sun, which results in the production of an electric current in the cell through a phenomenon known as the photovoltaic effect. Combined, these two technologies create a photovoltaic system. This is most often to produce the maximum annual energy, but is not always the case. Fossil Fuels. Nuclear Fuels. Many people simply accept that solar panels work and that's all we need to know about them, but for the scientifically and technologically curious, each individual solar panel contains a world of interesting components and materials.

Keep reading to learn more about what actually makes up a solar panel. When you come across a solar panel, it may simply look like a single comprehensive block, but the truth is that solar panels are made of a bevy of chemical components and materials, each crucial to the effective and efficient conversion of solar light into usable electricity. To start, virtually all solar photovoltaic PV panels use crystalline silicon wafers as the main component material. The semiconductors created for solar panels are what create electricity: upon interaction with sunlight, the electrons in this material get knocked loose, which is the basis of electricity.

This process is called the photovoltaic effect and it's how solar panels work to generate power. Of course, the solar PV cells won't be able to power your home without the rest of the operational components, including glass, plastic, metal and wiring.

Solar panels are typically covered by a layer of glass and an anti-reflective coating to protect the sensitive silicon solar cells while still letting the light through. As with any modern and advancing technology, particularly in the energy space, solar panels come in many variations of styles, sub-components and designs.

The most common types of solar panels are monocrystalline solar panels, polycrystalline solar panels and thin-film solar panels:. With silicone being the predominant material used to create solar panels, the natural question to ask is: why? Silicone has been used as the semiconductor material of a solar PV panel for the majority of the solar industry's history. When investigating all possible materials on the periodic table, developers of early and modern solar panels all found that silicone actually boasted a number of ideal properties that made it the perfect candidate as this semiconductor material:.

Because of how many solar panels are needed to keep up with the growing global demand for new solar installations, the manufacturing process has become quite streamlined and standardized. Solar manufacturers start by creating the silicon cells, a process that involves melting the silicone material down and mixing it with supportive elements.

They then create sheets of material that can be cut and turned into the component cells. This part of the process typically entails mass production and laser cutting to expedite manufacturing.

The finished cells are then protected with a layer of material such as glass or plastic. Once the solar cells are created, they need to be connected together in the right size, shape and configuration.

Though an ideal use case for versatility, amorphous solar cells are very inefficient compared to mono or polycrystalline cells. First Solar is best known for manufacturing thin-film panels in the U. After the unique type of solar cell is made, solar panel manufacturers finish the process by connecting the electrical systems, adding an anti-reflective coating to the cells, and housing the entire system in a metal and glass casing.

For anyone wanting to install solar who is considering a do-it-yourself route, there are a number of factors to consider such as warranties , the longevity of output, efficiency and overall cost. To get a full sense of this breakdown, check out our article on the pros and cons of DIY solar. For homeowners interested in receiving quotes from local, pre-screened installers, check out the EnergySage Solar Marketplace.

Where did you get that? But those are VERY inefficient and costly. Not many companies install them including Tesla. Their focus has been on the PowerWall battery storage system. Silicon is made of silicon dioxide, coke, coal and wood. What a joke. Silicon is an element. Number 35 in the periodic table.

I think you mean the silicon panel is made from coke used in the manufacture of steel, not aluminum frames , coal a? Wood is a natural product. Your email address will not be published. Enter your zip code to find out what solar panels cost from installers near you.

It is common in economic downturns for the labor force to decrease or increase more slowly than usual in size as many give up on finding work and are therefore no longer counted as officially unemployed.

Conversely, during an economic recovery, high unemployment rates can persist despite an increase in jobs as more workers begin looking for work and re-enter the labor market.

Underemployment includes three groups of people: unemployed workers who are actively looking for work; involuntarily part-time workers who want full-time work but have had to settle for part-time hours; and so-called marginally-attached workers who want and are available to work, but have given up actively looking. Together, these three groups provide a more comprehensive measure of slack in the labor market. This measure does not include people who have had to settle for employment below their skill or experience level, such as the mechanical engineer who is driving a cab.

There is currently no data that track this form of underemployment. Compared to other labor force statistics, the underemployment rate is relatively new; the census only began to track underemployment as it is currently measured in The lack of historical data can make it difficult to put current numbers in context with past labor market performance.

The Employment-to-Population Ratio is a useful, broad-brush measure. It simply shows the number of people currently employed as a share of the total working-age population, which is the number of civilian, non-institutionalized persons, age 16 and over. This measure does not typically change dramatically from month to month, but even minor changes help identify which segments of the population are experiencing the most job loss or gain.

This ratio also compliments the unemployment rate in assessing the health of the labor market. The unemployment rate has shortcomings that the employment-to-population ratio does not. As mentioned above, the unemployment rate is affected by the size of the labor force.

As the labor market falters, the unemployment rate may actually fall if workers give up looking for work, and as the labor market is recovering, unemployment can rise because more people are entering the labor force as they start to look for work again. The employment-to-population ratio, because it is unaffected by voluntary changes in labor force participation, is a useful indicator of current labor market conditions. Lows in the employment-to- population ratio correspond with economic downturns.

The employment-to-population ratio holds clear and discernible implications for the labor market, both among and between segments of the population. The Labor Force Participation Rate shows the number of people in the labor force—defined as the sum of employed and unemployed persons—as a share of the total working-age population, which is the number of civilian, non-institutionalized people, age 16 and over.

It is similar to the employment-to-population ratio but different in one important aspect: it includes the numbers of people with a job as well as the number actively looking for work.

Month-to-month changes in the employed and unemployed in the labor force are relatively small compared to the size of the entire working-age population.

Although minor changes in the labor force participation rate can be informative, it is often used to study long-term trends among different segments of the population. Comparing different segments of the population helps show where the labor market succeeds or fails in incorporating the working-age population.

Administrative records such as employment office records and social insurance statistics can also serve as sources of unemployment statistics. Although statistics on registered unemployment might be useful, they are in no way comparable to the unemployment statistics derived from household surveys following the three-criteria definition persons not employed, available for work and looking for work. A national count of either unemployed persons or work applicants that are registered at employment offices is likely to be only a limited subset of the total number of unemployed, especially in countries where the system of employment offices is not extensive.

This may be because of eligibility requirements that exclude those who have never worked or have not worked recently, or to other impediments to registration. Administrative records can sometimes overstate registered unemployment because of double-counting, failure to remove people from the registers when they are no longer looking for a job, or because it allows inclusion of persons who have done some work during the reference period.

Even though in most developed countries the unemployment rate continues to prove its usefulness as an important indicator of labour market performance, and specifically, as a key measure of labour underutilization, in many developing countries, the significance and meaning of the unemployment rate could be questioned. In the absence of unemployment insurance systems or social safety nets, persons of working age must avoid unemployment, resorting to engaging in some form of economic activity, however insignificant or inadequate.

Thus, in this context, other measures should supplement the unemployment rate to comprehensively assess labour underutilization, such as time-related underemployment and potential labour force indicators.

Regarding the international comparability of unemployment rates, there are a host of reasons why the statistics may not be comparable between countries. In other words, differences in the measurement tool can affect the comparability of results across countries. Also, national statistical offices, even when basing themselves on the ILO conceptual guidelines, may not follow the strictest measurement of employment and unemployment.

They may differ in their choices concerning the conceptual basis for estimating unemployment. They may also choose to derive the unemployment rate from the civilian labour force rather than the total labour force.

Among other things, a considerable degree of seasonality can influence the results when the full year is not covered.

The geographic coverage of the underlying survey or other data source also has an impact on the comparability of the resulting statistics. Geographic coverage limitations — urban areas, city, regional areas only — results in obvious limitations to comparability to the extent that coverage is not representative of the country as a whole.

The overall unemployment rate for a country is a widely used measure of its unutilized labour supply. If employment is taken as the desired situation for people in the the labour force, unemployment is clearly an undesirable situation. Still, some short-term unemployment can be necessary for ensuring adjustment to economic fluctuations. Unemployment rates by specific groups, defined by age, sex, occupation or industry, are also useful in identifying groups of workers and sectors most vulnerable to joblessness.

While the unemployment rate may be considered the most informative labour market indicator, reflecting the general performance of the labour market and the economy as a whole, it should not be interpreted as a measure of economic hardship or of well-being. When based on the internationally-recommended standards, the unemployment rate simply reflects the proportion of the labour force that does not have a job but is available and actively looking for work.

It says nothing about the economic resources of unemployed workers or their family members. Its use should, therefore, be limited to serving as a measurement of the utilization of labour and an indication of the failure to find work. Other measures, including income-related indicators, would be needed to evaluate economic hardship.

An additional criticism of the aggregate unemployment measure is that it masks information on the composition of the jobless population and therefore misses out on the particularities of the education level, ethnic origin, socio-economic background, work experience, etc. Moreover, the unemployment rate says nothing about the type of unemployment — whether it is cyclical and short-term or structural and long-term — which is a critical issue for policy makers in the development of their policy responses, especially given that structural unemployment cannot be addressed by boosting market demand only.

Paradoxically, low unemployment rates may well disguise substantial poverty, as high unemployment rates can occur in countries with significant economic development and low incidence of poverty.

In countries without a safety net of unemployment insurance and welfare benefits, many individuals, despite strong family solidarity, simply cannot afford to be unemployed. The unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted to account for predictable variations, such as extra hiring during the holidays. The BLS also provides the unadjusted rate. It is not the only metric available, and measures unemployment fairly narrowly. The more comprehensive U-6 rate , often called the "real" unemployment rate, is an alternative measure of unemployment that includes groups such as discouraged workers, who have stopped looking for a new job, and the underemployed, who are working part time because they can't find full time work.

To calculate the U-3 unemployment rate, the number of unemployed people is divided by the number of people in the labor force, which consists of all employed and unemployed people. The ratio is expressed as a percentage. Many people who would like to work but cannot due to a disability, for example , or have become discouraged after looking for work without success, are not considered unemployed under this system; since they are not employed either, they are categorized as outside the labor force.

Critics see this approach as painting an unjustifiably rosy picture of the labor force. U-3 is also criticized for making no distinction between those in temporary, part-time, and full-time jobs, even in cases where part-time or temporary workers would rather work full-time but cannot due to labor market conditions.

In response to concerns that the official rate does not fully convey the health of the labor market, the BLS publishes five alternative measures: U-1, U-2, U-4, U-5, and U Though these are often referred to as unemployment rates U-6, in particular, is often called the "real" unemployment rate , U-3 is technically the only unemployment rate. The others are measures of "labor underutilization. People who have been unemployed for 15 weeks or longer, expressed as a percentage of the labor force.

People who lost their jobs, or whose temporary jobs ended, as a percentage of the labor force. Unemployed people, plus discouraged workers, as a percentage of the labor force plus discouraged workers. Discouraged workers are those who are available to work and would like a job, but have given up actively looking for one.

This category includes people who feel they lack the necessary qualifications or education, who believe there is no work available in their field, or who feel they are too young or old to find work. Those who feel unable to find work due to discrimination also fall under this category.

Note that the denominator—normally labor force—is adjusted to include discouraged workers, who are not technically part of the labor force. Unemployed people, plus those who are marginally attached to the labor force, as a percentage of the labor force plus the marginally attached. People who are marginally attached to the labor force include discouraged workers and anyone else who would like a job and has looked for one in the past 12 months but have given up actively searching.

As with U-4, the denominator is expanded to include the marginally attached, who are not technically part of the labor force.

Unemployed people, plus people who are marginally attached to the labor force, plus those who are employed part-time for economic reasons, as a percentage of the labor force plus marginally attached. This metric is the BLS's most comprehensive. In addition to the categories included in U-5, it accounts for people who have been forced to settle for part-time work even though they want to work full-time. This category is often referred to as "underemployed," although that label arguably includes full-time workers who are overqualified for their jobs.

The denominator for this ratio is the same as in U Official U. Every month the Census Bureau, part of the Department of Commerce , conducts the Current Population Survey using a sample of around 60, households, or around , individuals.

The survey collects data on individuals in these households by race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, and gender, all of which—along with geography—add nuance to the employment data. Interviews are conducted in person or by phone.

The survey excludes individuals under the age of 16 and those who are in the Armed Forces hence references to the "civilian labor force". People in correctional facilities, mental healthcare facilities, and other similar institutions are also excluded. Interviewers ask a series of questions that determine employment status, but do not ask whether respondents are employed or unemployed.

Nor do the interviewers themselves assign employment status; they record the answers for the BLS to analyze. And while men and women are not the only genders, the study graphed only looked at data for these two gender identities. Interviewers also collect information on industry, occupation, average earnings, union membership, and—for the jobless—whether they quit or were discharged fired or laid off.

In response to criticisms that the official rate paints an unjustifiably rosy picture of the health of the labor market, the BLS publishes five alternative measures: U-1, U-2, U-4, U-5, and U Though these are often referred to as unemployment rates U-6, in particular, is often called the "real" unemployment rate , U-3 is the official and the most commonly cited national unemployment rate. The others are characterized as measures of "labor underutilization.

However, peppercorns that are black, green, white, and red are all from the same vine. Even though all peppercorns excluding pink grow on the same vine they each have their own distinct flavor profile. Black peppercorns — The black peppercorn is the most popular type of peppercorn. It is the sun-dried version of the green peppercorn berry. Green peppercorns — The green peppercorn is the same unripe green peppercorn which is used when making black peppercorns.

However, instead of laying out the green peppercorns to dry in the sun, the green peppercorns are either pickled in a vinegar brine, freeze-dried, or dehydrated. White peppercorns — White peppercorns come from the same plant and berry as the black and green peppercorns. However, the berry is given time to fully ripen on the vine and turn red. When the red berry is harvested, the flesh of the berry is removed leaving just the seed.

The remaining seed is then dried out leaving a dry, white appearance which is what we know as white pepper. Red peppercorns — Red peppercorns are the fully ripened form of the same berry used for white peppercorns. This kind of peppercorn is rare because most fully ripened peppercorns are used to create white peppercorns as they are more popular.

Pink peppercorns grow on a pepper tree native to Peru and Brazil. They are from the same plant family as the cashew nut but up close they look like tiny red berries, instead of a nut. They are harvested when ripe and then dried. Peppercorns are used to enhance and complement the flavor of foods, either in their ground form or as whole peppercorns in broth making and brines.

The most common form of peppercorn is the ground form. You can buy ground pepper at the local supermarket. But I recommend buying whole peppercorns and then grinding them yourself with a peppermill or a mortar and pestle.

Whole peppercorns stay fresh longer and have a bolder flavor than the pre-ground form. Ground pepper is used to add a bit of complexity and spice to almost everything from steaks and chicken to eggs and potatoes. Almost any food can be enhanced with a few cracks of fresh pepper.

The flavor profile you are trying to create will dictate at which point in the cooking process you should add the pepper. If you have never seen a peppercorn before you may be wondering what the difference is between a peppercorn and pepper.

Almost everyone knows pepper as the fine granular stuff that is in a table shaker. The most common item referred to as pepper is ground black pepper, which you will see next to the salt in almost every diner, restaurant, and household.

The difference between ground black pepper and black peppercorn is its form. Ground black pepper is a black peppercorn which has been ground into a fine particle, dust-like consistency. The ground form of pepper is easier to uniformly apply to food when compared to the cracked form, which are often bigger chunks of whole peppercorn.

Black peppercorns — Black peppercorn is known for its robust pungent flavor and aroma. Many describe it as a bit woody and piney in flavor. Green peppercorns — Green peppercorn is much milder than its black peppercorn counterpart. They are one of the ingredients in Chinese five-spice blend.

The pepper produces a tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue. Watch our Kitchen Conundrums expert Thomas Joseph delve into the many varieties of peppercorns:. Save Pin More. Peppers numbered design. Try Our Mapo Tofu Recipe. Comments Add Comment. Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think And, be warned: testing for quality also assumes all the peppercorns are fresh.

While the flavor of peppercorns survives far longer than many other spices, you still want to be cooking with freshly harvested pepper; usually not an issue for high-demand grades like Tellicherry, which sell quickly, but something to look out for in lower-quality peppercorns.

Like other fruits, young peppercorns start out green and grow darker as they age. Once picked, green peppercorns continue to ripen just like bananas. In the past, green peppercorns were pickled in a brine, but that method is less common today, as drying technology has improved. Green peppercorns lack the rich complexity of older, black peppercorns. Green peppercorns offer a zesty brightness that black peppercorns lack, and add a fruity vitality to dishes.

Green pepper can be used in place of black pepper for a milder, brighter flavor. You can replace green peppercorns in pepper sauce recipes like steak au poivre for an interesting twist or mix green pepper with black pepper to coat a pork tenderloin or pork chops. Its mellow zest lends itself well to fish and other seafood, chicken, and in sauces of a delicate disposition, like cream sauces and vinaigrettes.

This is also why white peppercorns are smaller than black peppercorns. White peppercorns have quite a different flavor from black peppercorns. Its bite comes through in Chinese soups, like hot and sour soup , or in stir-fry dishes like Cashew Chicken Ding where it adds complex floral notes.

Sarawak white pepper, from Malaysia, is left under running water until the outer husk dissolves, which produces a brighter-tasting white peppercorn. Sarawak is potent, has a nice heat, and is generally stronger in flavor than the other main varietal, Muntok white pepper. This white pepper hails from Indonesia and the ripened berries are left sitting in water, which makes the end product a grayish color.

Muntok is milder in flavor than Sarawak, but it is still a quality option that can be bought for cheaper. The most interesting of the white pepper options, though, is Penja white pepper. This expensive, hard-to-find white pepper has a more robust flavor profile than its fellow whites, with a hot, dazzlingly intense initial burst of fragrance. Penja grows in Cameroon and was granted PGI protected geographical indication status after counterfeiters tried to take advantage of its popularity and price.

But there are two more members of the Piper family: cubeb pepper and long pepper. Both, however, are very tasty additions to your spice rack, especially if your love for black pepper runs deep. Cubeb pepper also called Java pepper, Benin pepper, and tailed pepper has a sharp, astringent flavor, with a strain of nutmeg-like warmth. If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.

Sichuan peppercorn: A Chinese spice so hot it cools. Share using Email. By Megan Zhang 11th November Despite not feeling hungry at first, my stomach became a bottomless pit as I continued eating. The level of fragrance that you get in Sichuan food is unlike anything in the world. The importation of Sichuan peppercorn to the United States was banned between and Around the BBC.

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We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. As an employer, there is little to fault: Insiders have nothing but praise for the caliber of projects they get to tackle and, while there are occasional gripes about hours and client demands, these do not seem to go further than at most firms in the industry.

Career progression and salary are similarly well thought of, too, meaning that, for most, there will likely be little other than the state of the wider economy to consider when thin The firm focuses on answering strategic questions facing clients from first principles.

And based on market, customer, and competitor realities, rather than operational status quo and constraints. That's a strategy, the firm says, that ensures clients benefit from truly custom-built solutions, rather than off-the-shelf methodologies. Visit Website: www. Visit Website. Company Stats. Employer Type. Featured Rankings. Vault Consulting Major Office Locations. Employment Contact.

Aim for clarity and make yourself distinguishable from other applicants. As consulting is all about coming up with solutions, the more different life experiences and interests you have in your pocket, the greater the chances are that you can 'consistently add creative, insightful ideas' during discussions with colleagues and clients. Your ability to communicate should be evident in your application. It must be well written, easy to understand and proofread.

In addition, you could describe a situation in which by using communication skills in this way I was able to resolve it. At interview stage you should be confident, smile and make eye contact. Consultants usually work in teams and with clients. The more diverse the team members, the better. Show how by working together you managed to achieve a goal or target.

Want to ask Rick a tech question? Click here and send it in! If you found this post useful, would you mind helping me out by sharing it? Just click one of the handy social media sharing buttons below. Scam alerts Downloads. Locate the power button on the bottom of your Kindle device and depending on your Kindle model, either slide or hold the button for 40 seconds to turn your Kindle device off.

If a dialogue box appears, the on-screen prompt will ask you to confirm your intention to restart the device. Tap "Restart" to complete the process. Wait while your device restarts and reloads your library, then proceed to use your Kindle as normal. For you. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. All Kindles are covered by a one-year limited warranty, which affords free maintenance for any problems that stem from bad workmanship or defective parts.

To find out how to submit your device for repairs, contact the Kindle Support line at Lara Webster has been writing professionally since By Lara Webster. What Could Cause an iPhone to Freeze?

Resetting Kindle If your Kindle becomes unresponsive, a reset will force the reading device to reboot. Best Tech Gifts for Kids Aged Best 8K TVs. Best VR Headsets. Best iPad Mini Cases. Best Gifts for Cutting the Cord. Best Bluetooth Speakers. Awesome PC Accessories. Best Linux Laptops. Best Gaming Monitors. Best iPads. Best iPhones. Best External Hard Drives. Browse All News Articles. Smart TVs Ads. Team Comes to Workplace by Meta.

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