Head louse

The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans that causes pediculosis capitis. Head lice are wingless insects spending their entire life on the human scalp and feeding exclusively on human blood.Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi. Other species of lice infest most orders of mammals and all orders of birds, as well as other parts of the human body.

Lice differ from other hematophagic ectoparasites such as fleas in spending their entire life cycle on a host. Head lice cannot fly, and their short stumpy legs render them incapable of jumping, or even walking efficiently on flat surfaces.

The non-disease-carrying head louse differs from the related disease-carrying body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) in preferring to attach eggs to scalp hair rather than to clothing. The two subspecies are morphologically almost identical but do not normally interbreed, although they will do so in laboratory conditions. From genetic studies, they are thought to have diverged as subspecies about 30,000–110,000 years ago, when many humans began to wear a significant amount of clothing. A much more distantly related species of hair-clinging louse, the pubic or crab louse (Pthirus pubis), also infests humans. It is visually different from the other two species and is much closer in appearance to the lice which infest other primates. Lice infestation of any part of the body is known as pediculosis.

Nits (band)

Nits (until 1992 The Nits) are a Dutch pop group, founded in 1974. Their musical style has varied considerably over the years, as has their line-up with the core of Henk Hofstede (the group's lead singer and lyricist), Rob Kloet, drummer, Robert Jan Stips (Supersister, Gruppo Sportivo, Golden Earring), keyboards.

Their biggest hit in the Netherlands was "Nescio" (1983), a tribute to the Dutch author Jan Hendrik Frederik Grönloh. The major hit that brought the band to the attention of an international audience was "In the Dutch Mountains" (1987). Other well-known NITS-songs include J.O.S. Days, Adieu Sweet Bahnhof and Sketches Of Spain. Top 10 albums include Omsk (1983), In The Dutch Mountains (1987), URK (1989), Doing The Dishes (2008) and Hotel Europa (2015).

History

The Nits originally consisted of Henk Hofstede (vocals, guitar), Alex Roelofs (bass), Michiel Pieters, (guitar) and Rob Kloet (drums). Influenced by British pop music, especially the Beatles, they also incorporated influences from new wave music into their sound. They made their live debut in 1977 and the following year released a self-financed limited-run LP, The Nits. This brought them to the attention of Columbia Records, for whom The Nits would continue to record for the next 22 years. Their major-label debut, Tent, carried on the new wave style of The Nits, but was considerably more polished, partly due to the influence of producer Robert Jan Stips. Two more albums, with an increasing use of synthesiser, were issued before Stips joined the group full-time, replacing Roelofs for Omsk (1983).

Head lice infestation

Head lice infestation (also known as pediculosis capitis,nits, or cooties) is the infection of the head hair and scalp by the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). Itching from lice bites is common. During a person's first infection, the itch may not develop for up to six weeks. If a person is infected again, symptoms may begin much more quickly. The itch may cause problems with sleeping. Generally, however, it is not a serious condition. While head lice appear to spread some other diseases in Africa, they do not appear to do so in Europe or North America.

Head lice are spread by direct contact with the hair of someone who is infected. The cause of head lice infestations are not related to cleanliness. Other animals, such as cats and dogs, do not play a role in transmission. Head lice feed only on human blood and are only able to survive on human head hair. When adults, they are about 2 to 3 mm long. When not attached to a human, they are unable to live beyond three days. Humans can also become infected with two other lice – the body louse and the crab louse. To make the diagnosis, live lice must be found. Using a comb can help with detection. Empty eggshells (known as nits) are not sufficient for the diagnosis.

Praxis (Delia Bajo and Brainard Carey)

Praxis is an art collaborate composed of a husband and wife team. Brainard Carey (born October 7, 1968) is an American, Delia Bajo (born November 2, 1974) is a Spaniard. They live and work in New York City and New Haven, CT.

History

Praxis was formed in 1999. They had their first major exhibition in The Whitney Biennial in 2002 and they were reviewed by the critic and philosopher Arthur Danto for The Nation.

Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002, Praxis. Photo courtesy of Praxis

Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002, Praxis. Photo courtesy of Praxis

Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002, Praxis. Photo courtesy of Praxis

Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002, Praxis. Photo courtesy of Praxis

Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002, Praxis. Photo courtesy of Praxis

Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002, Praxis. Photo courtesy of Praxis

As Debra Singer said in the Whitney Biennial catalog that year, "as part of an ongoing performance project, this two-person collaborative team offers gallery visitors a menu of four free services: foot washes, hugs, Band-Aid applications to help heal visible or non-visible wounds, and gifts of dollar bills. Their interactive, nurturing performances offer alternative modes of economic and social exchange that serve as a comforting antidote to the potentially alienating effects of a world often dominated by technology and consumerism."

Praxis (entrepreneurship)

Praxis is an educational program that aims to teach entrepreneurship to young people and that a traditional college education is not the only way to success. Praxis was founded by Isaac Morehouse in 2013.

Background

After interacting with businesspeople and students while working for an educational nonprofit, Morehouse noticed a skills gap between recently-graduated college students and employers. Having been homeschooled himself and then exposed to a university-education, Morehouse noticed the disparity in skills taught and skills demanded by the professional world, as well as the frustration faced by students who expected a job upon graduation. This led Morehouse to realize that most of the perceived value of a college degree comes from its value as a signaling mechanism, showing employers that a candidate is superior to those without the signal. Employers told Morehouse that a lack of work experience was the primary reason they did not hire candidates with college degrees. The lack of the strength in the signal led Morehouse to found Praxis in 2013 as an alternative signal for employers and students, combining a traditional liberal arts education with work experience than that which is gained in college.

Praxis (store)

Praxis, full name Praxis Doe-Het-Zelf Center B.V. (Praxis Do-It-Yourself Centre B.V.) is a Dutch Hardware store-chain, headquartered in Diemen. The company started in 1978 in Venlo and as of 2009 it has 136 stores spread over the Netherlands of which 26 have an extended assortment, the so called "Megastores". Praxis employs about 5000 people.

Praxis focusses on construction products and on decorative do-it-yourself products. It also supplies garden materials. It is known to the general public for its sponsoring of the RTL 4 television program Eigen Huis & Tuin.

Praxis is part of the Maxeda retail group. Current board member of Maxeda responsible for the DIY section is Nick Wilkinson.

External links

References