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Muslims currently account for 1%-10% of the population in Western Europe (http://www.pewforum. org/2011/01/27/tablemuslimpopulationgrowthbycountry). It is obligatory for every Muslim to fast once a year, and specifically during the month of Ramadan.1 Ramadan migrates over the seasons since its dates are based on the lunar calendar. It starts with the New Moon and ends with a three-day celebrati...

The galactic kinematics of Mira variables derived from radial velocities, Hipparcos proper motions and an infrared period-luminosity relation are reviewed. Local Miras in the 145-200day period range show a large asymmetric drift and a high net outward motion in the Galaxy. Interpretations of this phenomenon are considered and (following Feast and Whitelock 2000) it is suggested that they are ou...