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According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (September 2015): "An estimated 17.6 million Americans – about 7% of U.S. residents age 16 or older – were victims of identity theft in 2014."
The threat of identity theft has grown as we move more and more of our personal financial information on-line. Coupled with increases in on-line shopping, banking and the ever present threat of merchant hacks everyone needs to be aware and ready to take immediate action to protect their identity. Unfortunately, many people don't realize their identity has been compromised until many years later.
We frequently speak with clients who upon attempting to qualify for mortgage financing or an auto loan face the unpleasant surprise of loans or judgments that do not belong to them appearing on their credit report. This can happen to anyone. It is important that you regularly review your credit reports. (www.annualcreditreport.com) And if you notice items that you do not recognize, contact us right away.


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Clapton country club Wedding Sneak Peek
What a day ey?
Thanks so much for having me photograph your TOTALLY AWESOME wedding day. I'm so excited to share the full album with you which will be really in 6 - 8 weeks. If you'd like to share any of the images, you can right click and share share share away! Or head back over to my Facebook page and share from there. The only thing I ask is please don't add filters or crop the images unnecessarily (like an Instagram crop is totally fine obviously!).

subset: commoncrawl


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Your Customer and Their Journey
By Ben Hale
Account Director
As a marketer who works with retailers, every time I walk into a store my spidey senses go off. I take notice of what I like, and maybe more importantly what I don't like about the experience.
Have you ever experienced the frustration of walking into a store needing a few items and not knowing where to find these precious needles in a haystack? I feel like that happens every time I walk into a big box retailer, and sometimes event smaller store concepts.
We are in a time when consumers' have high expectations of in-store visits. And if they don't get that, it's easier and easier to go online.
Several impending trends make that decision even easier. Amazon recently announced a Prime membership targeting lower income households, by offering a $5.99 membership to those who receive federal assistance https://goo.gl/nQxIzd.
Walmart is also making it easier for consumers to avoid coming into the store, and is even testing a program where employees drop off your online order on their way home https://goo.gl/sD3qHC.
At the end of the day, the best way to combat these trends is to have a user-friendly, enjoyable consumer experience. Retailers are quick to update store layouts today which is smart. However, if you overdo it and confuse your customer, your time has been wasted and may even be detrimental to long-term success.
Here are a few key things to consider…
Store Consistency
When customers walk into your store, no matter the location, they want to know where everything is. Nothing is more frustrating than walking into a Big Box retailer and going straight to the far right aisle only to find out this store is upside down. Of course you're going to evolve your store layout over time, but that doesn't have to you should keep the customers guessing where the air filters are!
Keep Signage Clear and Consistent
Signage is king in store. It identifies where everything is, and how much it costs. Similar to a consistent store layout, the same goes for aisle and price signage. Some retailers constantly change the color, shape and design of the in-store signage. While the attempt may be to freshen up the place, it can also lead to confusion for your customer. This is especially true for your customers as they move down the aisles trying to identify the best deals. One week, red may mean clearance while the next week it means 20% off. If you frustrate or confuse your customer, they'll move probably move on down the road.
Make Your Store Flow
You can optimize the in-store experience without revamping the layout or adding a bunch of signage. Flow is vital to consumer perception. Here are some fun tidbits that may help you think through this process:
• Most people coming through the door are right-handed, meaning when they come in, they'll turn right and work their way around your establishment in a counter-clockwise fashion.
• Aisle shouldn't be too wide, or too narrow. Wider aisle aisles encourage customers to walk quickly to their intended target, while smaller aisles can enhance browsing and will increase impulse buys. If the aisles are too small, your customer will become claustrophobic and make them quickly leave the store.
• Capitalize on promotions in high traffic areas by anchoring complimentary high-profit items close by. To draw customers to lower traffic areas, think about moving items that may be in high demand to those areas. This encourages consumers to really navigate the store, creating the opportunity for some impulse buying.
At the end of the day, price is king for many consumers. However, most consumers understand the variance of pricing between stores or even going is negligible. That said, the best way you can differentiate your store and keep your consumers offline is by creating an easy, efficient experience. You know the old saying…keep it simple…stupid!
May 30, 2017
The Impact on In-Travel Experiences by GPS
Tony Gerstner
Account Supervisor, BOHAN Advertising
(not published)
My wife and I recently celebrated a wedding anniversary by spending a week in New York City. We have two sons, and our typical trip planning consists of weeks of work and preparation beforehand. We approached our anniversary trip a little differently; we booked a hotel, flights, and made 2 dinner reservations, the rest of the trip, we decided to just "figure out." We ended up loving every minute of the trip.
What made the idea of this type of trip easy to entertain was located in our pockets. Our mobile phones, and specifically, GPS. With all the applications that use GPS it was easy for us to get around, find places to eat, shop and tour.
There are countless ways that GPS has changed travel in recent years. Applications that incorporate Google Maps in its core functions such as The Weather Channel, Uber, Yelp, and Facebook, let visitors to a new destination use only their phone to map directions from an airport to a hotel, schedule a ride, ensure the weather is favorable, make a reservation at a restaurant, and share updates for the world to see throughout their journey. And there is so much more!
Consumers are more open to the idea of allowing deeper levels of access into their mobile device and data, to experience the benefits that sharing their location offers. An Ipsos study commissioned by Google just two years ago showed that 88% of consumers make local searches on smartphones, while 61% want mobile search results customized to their immediate location. As consumers continue realize the benefit of allowing that access, this number will only continue to grow.
For travel brands to begin to assess how they can take advantage of GPS or location based technology in their marketing efforts, first it must consider how their customers use smartphones while traveling:
· Is it to get directions?
· To look up an address or phone number?
· Are they searching for restaurants, hotels, or other businesses?
· How many make social media posts to share where they are with the world?
· How many read reviews?
· Do you have a larger percentage of coupon/discounts hunters?
A simple assessment will help a brand to begin to identify where it should focus its efforts. And, likely, consumers are doing all of the above, and more.
Some of the first steps in an assessment should include a review of all online business listings to insure information is accurate. Google claims that over one billion consumers use their Maps product. Maps now allow consumers to direct-dial a business, read reviews, see peak hours for a businesses and restaurants, and all of this on top of still providing an address and directions. Ensuring this information is listed and accurate is critical. To reinforce how important this is, during our New York trip, my wife and I utilized map applications to help identify restaurants for various meals, those restaurants that did not include a link to menu, or additional details through the applications, were automatically passed on.
More creative opportunities for travel brands can be based in an understanding of the traveler experience and anticipation of traveler needs. When a business is able to provide an immediate response to an issue or need, that moment can create a regular, and loyal, customer.
Consider the application Hotel Tonight, which is based entirely on location, and allows users to find real-time, short-notice hotel deals based on their current location. Or, Starwood's mobile app which offers driving directions from airports to hotels in local languages, which is hugely beneficial to international travelers. These applications, based on GPS location, are giving consumers an added, intangible, benefit that will keep them coming back.
Brands must keep in mind that leveraging tactics using location based services can bring positive, standalone results, however these services should always be used as part of a omni-channel marketing plan. Having a complete understanding of privacy concerns and rights is critical. Mobile location lends itself to this level of access, but brands need to treat that accessibility to the customer with respect.
In the end, it's all about using location based technology to give travelers what they want, and when they want it.


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This is my favourite picture of this week for #MySundayPhoto.
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This is my favourite picture of this week for #MySundayPhoto.
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A lovely angle! I love how little she looks and yet to keen on getting the sword out =) #mysundayphotoReplyDelete
She's definitely a determined little person pixiedusk!Delete
I love the angle of this, it looks huge
Thank you for linking up
Yes the sword does look massive from this angle! Thanks for hosting #MySundayPhotoDelete
What a gorgeous, wide-eyed and innocent look on her face. Beautiful! #MySundayPhotoReplyDelete
Thanks so much Cal.ReplyDelete
Joining up with the Me and Mine Family Portrait Project with these photos of our family for March. They were both taken right at ...
Blog Design by Little Web Writing Hood


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Office of the Registrar
What is FERPA?
|for students
|for parents
|for faculty/staff
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, also known as the Buckley Amendment, affords certain rights to students concerning their education records. FERPA provides for the right to inspect and review education records, the right to seek to amend those records, and the right to limit disclosure of information from the records. FERPA applies to all institutions that receive federal funds under any program administered by the Secretary of Education.
Who is protected under FERPA?
Students who are currently enrolled in higher education institutions or were formerly enrolled are protected. The records of students who are deceased are not protected under FERPA. Students who have applied, but have not attended an institution, do not have rights of protection.
What are Education Records?
Education records are those records that are directly related to students and are maintained by an educational institution or party authorized to keep records for the institution. Education records include any records in the possession of an employee that are shared with or accessible to another individual.
Records may be handwritten or in the form of print, magnetic tape, film or some other medium. FERPA coverage includes records, files, documents and data directly related to students. This includes transcripts or other records obtained from a school in which a student was previously enrolled.
Examples of education records include, but are not limited to:
Education records do not include:
What information can be released about a WKU student?
Directory information is information available about a student that is not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. While FERPA protects the privacy of education records, directory information is not treated as confidential and may be disclosed by the university without student consent unless the student requests a confidentiality. At WKU, the following has been designated as directory information:
What is Nondirectory Information?
Nondirectory information refers to information that generally cannot be released without the student's consent. This includes:
|Students may submit a privacy form to the Office of the Registrar in Potter Hall 233 requesting all information remain confidential. If a student has a privacy form on file, WKU cannot release any directory information about the student.
FERPA is a federal law. Violation of the law may result in the loss of federal money given to WKU.
|Please note: This information has been developed by the Office of the Registrar to provide general information about the law and procedures related to accessing confidential student information and to provide guidance on commonly asked questions or situations faced by faculty, staff, students and parents. It is for information purposes only; this information is not university policy nor is it intended as legal advice. Questions pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be directed to the University Registrar, 238 Potter Hall, (270) 745-5432.
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.


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A scheme had been arranged to hike with Wendell Liemohn of Louisville, TN. Wendell's hiking blog was the first one I came across nearly two years ago in researching for my Smokies adventure. His profession before retirement involved exercise science and he is what we all want to be when we grow up – extremely active and healthy. He has completed the Smokies 900 and many miles beyond that as he helps others to reach that goal. We have communicated a few times and Wendell offered to hike with me if I ever needed a partner – so I grabbed the chance. He and I both took some teasing from our friends for "meeting on the internet."
Wendell is a member of a loosely organized group of hiking enthusiasts in TN and he brought along four friends for our hike, so our group consisted of myself, Wendell, Leslie, Frank, Richard and Charlie, some of whom have also completed the Smokies 900 and some still in the process. When introduced, I reminded Richard that we had met before – Jim and I hitched a ride with him to the Gregory Bald trailhead back in June. The hiking world is very big and very small!
I was thrilled and intimidated to be in such good company because today we were going up Alum Cave Trail to Mt. LeConte and then down Trillium Gap Trail. Had my previous three days of hiking taken their toll? Immediately upon leaving the car, Charlie and Leslie took off like lightning up the trail. Wendell good-naturedly walked with me for a while, but I knew that he normally would be speeding along as well. But even though Alum Cave is a strenuous trail, there was ice to slow us down and grand views to be appreciated, so the hike up did not seem as tough as I had anticipated. This is truly a trail for all seasons. (Check out this web page to learn about the trail before you go.)
If you have hiked up Alum Cave Trail, you know the sights to be seen, but if not, let's just look at the pictures for a while:
Rime ice on Alum Cave Trail - how cool is that?
Lunch break in the sunshine on the porch - left to right - Frank, Smoky scout, Charlie, Richard, Wendell (Leslie is our photographer)
Wendell (standing) and Richard
Yep, 26 degrees!
My primary goal for today's route was to complete Trillium Gap Trail, but a secondary goal was to hike up Alum Cave Trail with the ice, which was an absolute blast. We all wore crampons or YaxTrax on our boots, but caution and cables and hiking poles were still essential. (Do YaxTrax work? Five of us wore them. I have now worn mine twice and they are fine. One of Leslie's broke on this second use, but she thought she could repair it. So…they work great until they don't!)
I did not know that Trillium Gap Trail would have spectacular ice oppor- tunities as well. After lunch on the porch we started down this trail also used to deliver weekly supplies to LeConte Lodge – by llama. It's rocky and worn and challenging for the first couple of miles, and the ice was scary and incredible.
As we walked along it seemed to be snowing, although the sky was a beautiful blue. It was the rime ice falling off of the trees and it looked somehow different than snow. Leslie finally hit on the proper description – it was like snow inside a snow globe! This was a unique winter wonderland.
At the junction with Brushy Mountain Trail we all met up and then Charlie and Wendell took off at their natural pace (really fast) and we didn't see them again until we got to the cars. The temperatures rose all the way to the mid-30's and several times we thought we could remove our YaxTrax, only to turn a corner and hit another icy patch. We did remove them at last and soon we reached Grotto Falls, which is usually crowded in warmer weather but was ours alone today. The trail goes behind the falls or you can cross the creek in front (walking behind is more fun, of course – how often do you get to see a waterfall from the back side?) From here we still had some miles to go to our car at the Rainbow Falls parking lot. The trail map is a little fuzzy about the approach trails to Trillium Gap Trail and the trail junction signs are, too. Just what is Grotto Falls Trail? It's not on the $1 map, but it leads from a parking area on Roaring Fork Road to Trillium Gap Trail. Leslie and I walked up and down these approach trails from all the parking areas so there would be no loose ends.
One of the benefits of hiking with a group is the mixing and matching, walking with one person for a time and then with another. No one feels obligated to stay with any one person and everyone is interesting to talk with. I got to know five new people and discover an entirely new universe of Smokies hikers. How fortunate they are to live so close to this wonderful place! Wendell and Charlie drove me to my car at the Alum Cave trailhead and I headed for home, grateful for four more safe, unique, challenging and totally awesome days in the mountains.
Here I am, safely returned over those peaks from a journey far more beautiful and strange than anything I had hoped for or imagined--how is it that this safe return brings such regret? -Peter Matthiessen


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I am responsible for dinner tonight. So, I've soaked the beans, and now they are simmering in the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale that I borrowed. And, I am back up here in my window seat, happy as a clam. Took a hot tub in the rain (ah, bliss). The people are all settled in for a rainy day with books, puzzles, more books, movies I've never heard of before, yarn for knitting, books and enough food and beverages for an army. It is quiet, and then conversation and laughter breaks out. I have been carrying the #3 Dragon Girl book around for at least three months. Cannot seem to get into this last one. Maybe tomorrow?
Photography for today is on hold. But I am burrowing into fearless Creating, by Eric Maisel, Ph.D. The format of the book is to read, then to write into the meditations/suggestions. Oh my. Big stuff. This morning, about possessing an idea that you've (I've) wanted to work on for the longest time already..."The one that you're sure someone else has already done a better job with, and so reject?" There is no (NO) good reason to reject an idea you've long harbored, he says, like he is sitting here in my window seat with me. "Bring it back... Dust it off. Remember that choosing is anxiety-provoking and that the anxiety of this stage is confused mind anxiety. Accept your confused mind... For now, just dust it off, honor it, think about it, cherish it." Omg. Are you kidding? Then he says, "With a fresh (albeit confused) mind, look again at the idea that you've long wanted to pursue. Name it again..."
Oh, Goddess!! This gets uncomfortable. That old idea has been shelved for, umm. Decades. Arggh.
Look! My sweet, giant, restless Muse. She is pounding in the rain. Frothing, bubbling, roaring. She is right there when my eyes rise from the page. Moving, changing, ferocious, constant, ancient and completely renewed. She doesn't honor convention (doesn't need a horizon today), she keeps her own time, she invents landscape and seascape, she destroys and starts over. She carries nutrients, swirls with current, creates wind.
She sends her scent up and over the cliff to me. Seaweed, surf, wet, slippery and drenching. Come, she says. No fear stands between you and I. Only love.
Mmmmm. This is getting good.


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Works are underway to convert a previous guest house into six contemporary apartments in Felixstowe, Suffolk.
Demolition and removal works have been carried out to the existing structure, making way for first fix electrical, internal partitions, structural steelwork, thermal upgrade to the roof and suspending ceiling grids.
Scaffolding has also been erected to carry out roof tile upgrades and window replacements and we are on programme to begin the extension works in the New Year.


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Initial Installing & Configuring Joomla!
Joomla is one of the most popular Content Management System (CMS) software which enables you to create your own website easily and it handles all the content you post. It is a free resource that you can install onto your Web server as it is an open source solution. Using Joomla!, will help you create powerful Web applications in a matter of minutes because of its ease-to-use features. Joomla! helps you manage your content, which will allow you to concentrate on creating quality content.
Joomla is an open source content management system. With this program, you can easily build and edit web, intranet and extranet sites. It is free to use and is highly popular among individuals and businesses alike. Joomla is a very simple and straightforward tool that even people with zero knowledge in computers can easily master it. This application is managed by a community of developers and is constantly being upgraded and updated.
Joomla Administration basics
Managing Content in Joomla basically involves three processes. The first of these is managing content by article, second is managing content via category and third managing content via section. Joomla content structure is basically composed of three parts namely, section, category, and article. The broadest among the three is section, followed by category, then article. Joomla has yet to come out with a version that can further breakdown articles into smaller categories, but plans are in place for the company to launch one in the near future.
SEO on Joomla websites
When you have a website, especially a commercial one, you would like to get as much traffic as you can. More traffic will increase your chances of earning money or getting more followers to your site. Another way that you can benefit from having a well-visited site is you can have advertisers post ads on your site, which can supplement your cash flow.Online commerce is growing in importance and significance by the day and you should take advantage of this by building a good website or employing effective web marketing techniques.
Popular Joomla tricks and tips
Joomla is one of the most popular CMS currently being used. There are many reasons why it's so popular. Some of these reasons people love using it is because it's easy to use, it can be hosted on a shared account, and it's free and really simple to understand even for people with limited computer knowledge. Listed below is some useful Joomla advice for your website.


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No Charge for Rescue
RMRG does not charge persons we assist for search and rescue services. RMRG's position is based on direct experience that fears of bills for rescue services delay and complicate rescue operations (PDF file, CSRB web site).
RMRG is an active member of the Colorado Search and Rescue Board (CSRB) and the Mountain Rescue Association (MRA), both of which have public positions strongly opposed to charging for rescue:
- CSRB's Policy on Charging for Search and Rescue Services (external web site)
- MRA's Position Statement on charging for Search and Rescue (external web site)
The Colorado Search and Rescue Board and the Rocky Mountain Region of the Mountain Rescue Association thank the City of Golden for ending the city's practice of billing recreationalists and sportsmen for rescue 8-June-2009 press release (PDF)
Although RMRG is not a member of the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR) we are pleased with their opposition to charging for search and rescue, 30-April-2009 press release (PDF, via email)
National Geographic Adventure blog: Deep Survival with Laurence Gonzales: $earch + Rescue: Should Victims Pay?


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Video 1:
For my first video I decided I wanted to achieve a kind of Tony Abbott parody. I am very glad to finish it, as Final Cut Pro crashed on my computer, and despite its autosave feature, I lost almost the entire project. For this remix, I decided to focus on Abbott's 'Stop the Boats' policy which is quite controversial and still very relevant in time. Whilst searching around for boat footage to use, I came across 'Lamas with Hats Episode 2′, which I was already familiar with and knew would actually be perfect. Experimenting with some dodgy editing (I am new to this kind of edit so bare with me), I was able to replace the llama who sank the boats' head with an image of Tony Abbott wearing a swimming cap and goggles (the original image may be found here), placing recorded footage of my own mouth opening and closing on top of it so he appeared to be talking. I also placed a still image of my mouth over the image when his face appeared onscreen but not speaking. At the beginning and end I sourced some footage found on youtube to add a little bit of context. The first clip is a part of his campaign, where he ironically says that Australians "need to keep their heads above water". I also played around with the quote "stop the boats". The final version I felt needed a little sprucing up, so I added a free music sample I found online with a kind of uplifting, optimistic, beachy theme, working with the irony I attempted to conjure perfectly. Although I am aware that the editing is a little bit novice, I learned some new skills and I am overall pretty happy with the complete product.
Video 2:
War is not the Aswer
I knew from the beginning that I wanted to remix something Harry Potter, and I am extremely pleased with the result! I took footage from the scene where Voldemort rejoices to the crowd thinking Harry has died (yes, the scene with the laugh that has been remixed countless amounts of times) from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two. I changed around the order of bits and pieces so that it fit Marvin Gaye's 'What's Going On'; the result, a new story where Voldemort comes to realise the error of his ways, preaching to the crowd "war is not the answer". Malfoy is moved by his performance and transformed, he too, realising his bad judgement.
I think this edit is really funny, and I think it's an absolutely perfect example of the soundtrack's ability in completely changing the atmosphere and mood of something. I did not need to change too much at all, the song and the clip just seemed to fit together. The only things I altered were the order/repetition of small moments so that the clip told a specific story matching with the song, and as Voldemort raises his arms at the beginning, I changed the colour filter to be much warmer, fitting Voldemort's message of 'love', not 'war'.


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Two men have been sentenced to 40 years in prison and fined $100,000 each for their involvement in a cocaine-smuggling ring that counted among its assets an exotic car dealership in Fort Lauderdale.
Patrick Ellsworth, 33, of New York, and Russell Roloff, 31, a Fort Lauderdale boat captain, received the sentences from U.S. District Judge Norman Roettger in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday.
According to the court indictment, the ring smuggled as much as 3,000 pounds of cocaine into the United States and used Cars of Quality, the Fort Lauderdale dealership, to launder the illicit profits.


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Political Science Student Studies in Qatar
The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations recently selected a group of university students and professors, who had served on their campus's National Council's Model Arab League program, to visit Qatar's capital, Doha through the Qatar Study Visit Exchange and Malone Fellowship.
David Gosbee, an A&M-Commerce political science and history education student, was selected as one of a few students in the nation to receive the fellowship and traveled with the group from November 28 until December 5, 2014.
"This trip let me experience many differences between cultures, governing styles, economic styles, and human capital approaches to education," said Gosbee. "It has helped to make me more aware as a member of the growing class of global citizens that our campus is working so hard to produce."
One goal of the program is to increase American and Arab relations. Students and professors in the program met with many people including Qatari government officials, civil society actors, educators, students, businesspeople and journalists.
The Model Arab League gives students the opportunities to debate as diplomats and discuss real issues according to the agenda set by the real Arab League.
A&M-Commerce will host its Model Arab League event with sessions including, Committee Session I from 11 to 12 p.m. and Committee Session II from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday April 9 and Committee Session III from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Committee Session IV from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday April 10. All sessions will take place on the second floor of the Rayburn Student Center.
For more information about the Qatar Study Visit Exchange and Malone Fellowship, or the Model Arab League program, please contact Mr. Josh Hilbrand by email: [email protected]


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NOTICE: Activation key must be used on a valid Steam account. Requires internet connection.
About the game Return to the cities of Rapture and Columbia and experience the award-winning BioShock franchise like never before, beautifully remastered. BioShock: The Collection contains all single-player content from BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite, all single-player add-on content, the "Columbia's Finest" pack, and Director's Commentary: Imagining BioShock, featuring Ken Levine and Shawn Robertson. BioShock BioShock is a shooter unlike any you've ever played, loaded with weapons and tactics never seen. You'll have a complete arsenal at your disposal from simple revolvers to grenade launchers and chemical throwers, but you'll also be forced to genetically modify your DNA to create an even more deadly weapon: you. Museum of Orphaned ConceptsChallenge RoomsBioShock 2 Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture. Players step into the boots of the most iconic denizen of Rapture, the Big Daddy, as they travel through the decrepit and beautiful fallen city, chasing an unseen foe in search of answers and their own survival. Minerva's DenProtector TrialsBioShock Infinite Bring us the girl, wipe away the debt. The year is 1912. Deep in debt, Booker DeWitt has only one opportunity for a clean slate: rescue Elizabeth, a mysterious girl imprisoned since childhood in the flying city of Columbia. Clash in the CloudsBurial at Sea 1&2Columbia's Finest PackKey features BioShock main game and all single player DLC.BioShock 2 main game and all single player DLC.BioShock Infinite main game and all single player DLC.Director's Commentary: Imagining BioShock, featuring Ken Levine and Shawn RobertsonSystem RequirementsMinimumOS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit. Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1Processor: Intel E6750 Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz / AMD Athlon X2 2.7 GHZMemory: 4 GB RAMStorage: 25 GB available spaceVideo card: DirectX11 Compatible, 2GB AMD Radeon HD 7770 / 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670Sound card: DirectX Compatible Sound DeviceOther Requirements: Software installations required including DirectX and Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 & 2012 Redistributable Package.Some system components such as mobile chipsets, integrated, and AGP graphics cards may be incompatible. Unlisted specifications may not be supported by publisher.
RecommendedOS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 64-bit. Platform Update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1Processor: 3GHz Quad-CoreMemory: 8 GB RAMStorage: 25 GB available spaceGraphics card: 2GB ATI Radeon HD 7970, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 or betterSoundcard: DirectX Compatible Sound Device©2016 Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Take-Two Interactive, BioShock, BioShock Infinite, 2K, Irrational Games, and respective logos are all registered trademarks or trademarks of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. All rights reserved.Use of this product requires agreement to the following third party end user license agreement: http://www.take2games.com/eula/


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- Home >
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- December 12, 2017
Plan to Plant More Than 150 Longleaf Pine Trees in Virginia Beach Key to Restoring Environmental History
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Dec. 12, 2017 – Efforts to restore a key piece of southeastern Virginia's environmental and cultural heritage – the longleaf pine – will take root in Virginia Beach.
Virginia Natural Gas, Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation and Virginia Department of Forestry will join The Nature Conservancy Dec. 14 to plant more than 150 longleaf pine trees at two city parks.
Groups of volunteers will roll up their sleeves to plant seedlings and tree plugs at Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area and Mt. Trashmore Park at 12:15 p.m. A public ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area.
The tree-planting project is part of the Conservancy's ongoing efforts to restore the ecosystem that once flourished along southeastern Virginia and is regarded as the "pine that built Tidewater."
"We are committed to supporting initiatives that protect and preserve the environment," said Jim Kibler, president of Virginia Natural Gas. "That's why we are working with our partners to restore to its former prominence this important piece of our history. Our hope is that the longleaf pine will grow and thrive here. With the help of our company and others, it will."
In pre-colonial Virginia, the longleaf pine occupied more than 90 million acres stretching from the James River south along the coast to Florida and west to Texas. About 1.5 million acres stood in Virginia, the northern limit of the forest range, according to The Nature Conservancy.
Early settlers found many convenient uses that included using the trees for the frames and floors of colonial homes and businesses. Its long straight form sculpted ship masts and its pitch sealed the hulls of boats, becoming the backbone of the region's early shipbuilding industry.
By the late 1890s, the longleaf pine in Virginia was harvested to near extinction. By 2000, this resource occupied less than 3 percent of its original range in the Southeast, and fewer than 200 mature trees remained in Virginia, according to The Nature Conservancy.
"The Nature Conservancy is committed to seeing longleaf pine thrive once again in Virginia, and to restoring the unique ecosystem and rare species it supports," said Bobby Clontz, land steward for The Nature Conservancy in Virginia. "The planting of these trees provides a great opportunity to educate visitors on the importance of this species, and shows how people can contribute to restoration efforts in the state. We're thrilled to be a part of bringing such a wonderful piece of Virginia's history, and hopefully it's future, to Virginia Beach."
Restoring the forests will take decades, but projects like this are just a beginning.
"Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation has an urban tree canopy goal of 45 percent by the year 2034 which was set in 2014 with the adoption of the City's Urban Forest Management Plan," said City Arborist Susan French. "We are committed to preserving and growing our urban tree canopy, especially with native species, and partnerships like these allow us to making progress toward those important goals and benchmarks."
About Virginia Beach Department of Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation strives to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the City's coastal environment, as well as to ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social and economic circumstances – can access Parks & Recreation programs. The department's vision is a balanced, sustainable and value-focused system of parks, recreation and public spaces that create a sense of community. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. For more information, visit VBgov.com/parks or call (757) 385-1100 (TTY: 757-711 Virginia Relay). Sign up for Parks & Rec email newsletters at VBgov.com/eNews. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/VBparksrec.
About Virginia Department of Forestry
The Virginia Department of Forestry protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians. Headquartered in Charlottesville, the Agency has forestry staff members assigned to every county to provide citizen service and public safety protection across the Commonwealth, which it's been doing now for more than 100 years. VDOF is an equal opportunity provider. With 16 million acres of forestland and nearly 108,000 Virginians employed in forestry, forest products and related industries, Virginia forests provide an overall economic output of more than $21.5 Billion annually.
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Learn more about The Nature Conservancy's work in Virginia at nature.org/virginia and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of seven natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to 293,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Virginia Natural Gas has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers, and in 2016 was ranked second in customer satisfaction among mid-size utilities in the South and third nationally by J.D. Power and Associates. Also in 2016, Virginia Natural Gas was recognized as an Environmental Champion by Cogent™ Reports and as the Local Distribution Company of the Year by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association. For more information, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/VaNaturalGasCo) and Twitter (Twitter.com/VaNaturalGas).
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.6 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in seven states and more than 1 million retail customers through its companies that market natural gas and related home services. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit Southern Company Gas at www.southerncompanygas.com.
Media Contact:
Mekka Parish
o: 404.584.4165 | c: 404.387.8067 | email@example.com


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Wednesday's stock market computer shutdown at the New York Stock Exchange was exaggerated in part by a very human problem.
As the market's complicated computer infrastructure went into meltdown, the exchange announced it would cancel any affected trades.
One problem: All of those electronic trades had to be nullified manually.
"At the NYSE this is a manual process," said Sal Arnuk, a principal at Themis Trading. "Is the NYSE technologically the most (robust) exchange in the world? No. The fact of the matter is the different exchange operators have diverse standards, different architecture. Some of them are more legacy than others. This is to be expected from time to time."
Read MoreTrading halted onNYSE floor; officials deny cyberattack


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Don't know much about the clouds but wish you did? After moving to the Pacific Northwest in 2006, Olympia nature writer Maria Mudd Ruth realized she knew little to nothing about these shape-shifting natural wonders. Rather than continuing to take them for granted, Maria began to study these shape-shifting natural wonders with curiosity and humor. In A Sideways Look Clouds (Mountaineers Books), Maria charts a unique course into the science and meaning of clouds and offers the non-scientist ways to look at, appreciate, and talk about the clouds.
Join Maria for a slide presentation, Q&A, and book sales/signing.


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My Rating
By Anonymous (20 Nov 2010)
Shekar Saxena is arrested and charged with the murder of his wife, Priti Saxena. Shekar strongly contends that he is innocent, and that the murder was committed by someone else. His lawyer, Simran Bhargav, is sympathetic and not only believes him but also successfully defends and gets him acquitted. After his acquittal, she starts having doubts about his innocence, and must protect herself, before she becomes his next victim.
Copyright 2010-2013: Gomolo. All Rights reserved. | Terms | Privacy


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MEMORIES of MOMMA*:
Momma loved a good margarita. Her favorite lunch spot was Phil Sandoval's Mexican Restaurant in Huntsville. She would always order a small cup of the poblano chicken soup, an a la carte fish taco on a soft shell, a "bump" of guacamole, and of course a margarita with salt on the rocks.
This was our regular go-to lunch spot whenever I'd visit Mom for the holidays. We'd sit and have a slow, leisurely lunch and remark on all the colorful decorations. My favorite part, and hers too, was when the waiter would bring a small bowl of vanilla soft serve ice cream to the table, along with the check. It was a good distraction since we'd usually fight over who got the check, and I'd insist it was my treat. Afterward, we'd go to Target or HomeGoods to roam, giggling in the aisles or remarking at some new gadget.
I'd give anything right now to share one more margarita with Mom. Cheers to you, Momma!
*It's Day 55 of my 71 day photo series in honor of my dear sweet Momma who passed away on 03.21.2016 after a harrowing 71 day health battle. Those 71 days do not define her. Oh no. What defines her — and me — are the incredible 66 years that she lived her life. I hope you enjoy these snapshots of the beautiful moments and memories of her life.


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Contact us 24/7: +1 877 678 9627
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- - This item's measurements are:
- Depth 6cm
- Height 14.5cm
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Alexander McQueen's embellished box clutches are the most glamorous evening accessories. This black satin style is decorated with dozens of Swarovski crystals and gold beads. Use this leather-lined piece to carry your favorite lipstick and theatre tickets.
Shown here with: Bounkit earrings, Lanvin gown, Aquazzura shoes.
- - Black mesh-covered satin
- - Pale-gold Swarovski crystal, bead, chain and disc embellishments, gold frame
- - Fully lined in black leather
- - Swarovski crystal-embellished skull clasp fastening
Product Code: 373706
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Watch our London Video
Serviced Offices In Lombard Street Bank
Stylish office space at the original location of the stock exchange
Meeting rooms are available to hire as & when you need them and they all come with internet and flipcharts. A Wi-Fi enabled business lounge is available for informal meetings or if you need to take a break from your desk. The reception is manned during business hours and the onsite staff can assist with any secretarial services you may need.
Our serviced office facilities
- All inclusive Pricing *
- Showers
- Meeting Rooms
- Secretarial Support
- Wifi
- Videoconferencing
- Disabled Facilities
- Fully Furnished
- Manned Reception
- Hot Desks
- Rolling Monthly Contracts
- Virtual Offices
- Co Working/Shared Space
- IT Support
- High Speed Broadband
The serviced office is close to Bank and Monument tube stations located in the heart of the city.
- Bank 0.1 Miles (0.2 km)
- London City Airport 5.8 Miles (9.4 km)
- London Cannon Street 0.2 Miles (0.3 km)
- M1 Jnct 1 7.2 Miles (11.7km)
Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9LJ
Pricing per month
Prices shown are per desk per month and should be used as a guide only as they are affected by current availability, term required, different grade of offices within the building, etc. Current, accurate pricing for all offices will be provided when enquiring.
To find the latest monthly deals call01932 834 720
Questions and answers about Lombard Street
Andy de Wet Steyn
Easy Offices Where is the nearest coffee shop to Lombard Street?
As you can imagine there are a number of coffee shops close by. The nearest Starbucks is 87 King William St, 1 min away, click here for more information: Starbucks . Or if you prefer Caffe Nero the nearest one is Cannon St 0.14 m away, click here for more information: Caffenero
Viv Garland
Easy Offices Where is the nearest place to get lunch near Lombard Street?
There are lots of different places to pop into to grab your lunch or a snack. The nearest Tescos is at 6 Eastcheap Eastcheap London Greater London EC3M 1AE (which is about 0.18 m away from here.) The nearest Marks And Spencers is at Fenchurch Street - 168 Fenchurch Street, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 6DE.(which is about 0.1 m away from here.) Or if you prefer Subway for lunch, follow this link: Subway
Andrew Hogan
Easy Offices Where is the nearest car park to Lombard Street?
The nearest place to park is at Bell Wharf Lane Off Upper Thames Street 7 mins away . For more details follow this link: Parkopedia
Sophie Kent
Easy Offices Where is the nearest public gym to Lombard Street?
The nearest gym is the Fitness First Gracechurch Street. Please follow this link for more details: Fitnessfirst


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Go Back
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To get the current article, - See Below (at the bottom of the page) -.
For top news titles, see below.
Web sites and videos listed in this page are frequently updated.
If you find that this page is useful (quality of web sites, images and videos, ...), you can add it to your favorites.
Bookmark Page !
Tanzania Safari Locations
Many people have heard of the Serengeti planes (with the teaming wildebeest migration) and the Ngorongoro Crater (often described as a wonder of the world) but those who visit Tanzania soon come to realise that there is much more to be found here. Mainstream safari locations, particularly the Northern circuit, do provide superb game viewing but not necessarily the remote feeling of isolation and one-ness with nature that I have come to love about the African bush. It is, for example, difficult to get into the romantic feel of the place when you are on a shared camp-site with hordes of overland truckers etc. When you would rather listen to lions and hyenas you get drunken laughter and heated discussion of football.
About the Author: Roy J Hinde is a former biodiversity researcher who now operates http://www.wildthingsafaris.com.


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Curried Vegetable Pancakes
200g carrot or pumpkin, grated
2 large potatoes, grated
1 onion, grated
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk (soy or rice is fine)
1/3 cup flour (if gluten free use chickpea flour, rice flour or potato flour)
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp cassia
1 tsp mace
2 eggs, lightly beaten
sunflower oil for shallow frying
Place vegetables in a colander and set over a bowl to drain, squeeze to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
Place all ingredients in a bowl and combine.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan.
Drop tablespoons of mix into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
Drain and serve sprinkled with fenugreek sprouts.


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We'll try again soon for our next show, Jim 'Sports Dog' Mulry was unable to make tonight's show on Philly Sports Talk Now! so we'll have to reschedule it soon!
Meanwhile, the Yankees pickup Ivan Rodriguez, is there no farm system that the Yankees have? If you need somebody, you just go out and sign them! It's the Yankee way. Posada goes down for the year, no problem - the Yanks go out and bring in a career slugger of a catcher with no problem. I hope those people in the $2500 seats next year get a winning ballclub though, with all that money the Yankees spend, it's almost like buying love, you can't really do that, and you can't buy a winning team either.
More on this on our next show!
Rich Baxter - Philly Sports Talk Now!


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Lu's Back Door Special Events
From time to time Lu's Back Door hosts special events in our store. Stay tuned for upcoming events!
19 Jefferson Avenue
Fairport NY 14450
Phone:(585) 377-4008
24-hour Information Line: (585) 377-3133
Mon Wed Fri 10 - 6
Tu Th 10 - 8
Sat 10 - 5
Closed Sunday
Please note: Consignment checks are void after 90 days. Monies not collected within 12 months of your initial consignment date are forfeited to Lu's, and your inactive account will be closed.


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PROV-ISSUE-293 (TLebo): "subordinate and responsible" agents DM vs ASN [mapping prov-dm <-> prov-o] http://www.w3.org/2011/prov/track/issues/293 Raised by: Satya Sahoo On product: mapping prov-dm <-> prov-o http://www.w3.org/2011/prov/wiki/ProvRDF#Responsibility "DM uses "subordinate" and "responsible" as additional qualifications for the two agents, but it is not reflected in the ASN. (Satya) TODO: Tim add references to them within Delegation instance. "Received on Monday, 5 March 2012 14:07:27 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 6 January 2015 21:58:13 UTC


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Getty Images
It's February, which means gaudy red hearts, cupid cutouts, and a hideous amount of awful candies are lining the aisles of each and every drugstore you enter. If we're being honest, there are very few good Valentine's Day candies worth talking about, which is why we've decided to give you a few pointers on what sweet treats to avoid, because — without sounding too dramatic — they're terrible. In our humble opinion, here are three of the worst Valentine's candies on the market that you should surely skip giving your sweetheart this year.
Conversation Hearts
(Photo Credit: Amazon)
Surprise! Not. Does anyone actually enjoy chewing on these tasteless bits of heart-shaped, sugary chalk? Aside from being inedible, conversation hearts are corny. Take "E-Mail me," for example. How lame is that? Valentine's Day is supposed to be about sending cute messages to the person you love — not your co-worker.
Valentine's Day Peeps
(Photo Credit: Amazon)
First of all, before we go any further, let's get something straight: Peeps are not a Valentine's Day candy. Peeps are for Easter. In fact, the entire premise of a Peep is Easter: Peeps are small, chick-shaped marshmallows covered in artificially-flavored grains of pastel pink, yellow, or blue sugar. Not only are Peeps pretty unappetizing (okay fine, they're flavorless balls of goo) they're also indestructible. You might think we're being dramatic, but did you know that in 1999, scientists at Emory University tested the theory and found that Peeps can withstand being submerged in boiling water, acetone, and sulfuric acid. Do you really want something that even acetone can't destroy inside your stomach?
Generic Boxes of Chocolate
(Photo Credit: Amazon)
Disclaimer: Chocolate is amazing. Ghirardelli, Godiva, Lindt & Sprungli, heck, even Hershey's — the list could go on and on. What isn't acceptable, however, is throwing random-flavored chocolates into a heart-shaped box and calling it something special. Why? Because half the time, most of those chocolates have coconut or some other awful paste plastered inside of the (delicious on its own) chocolate shell, completely negating the pleasure one gets from a chocolate-eating experience. And let's not forget that this stereotypical V-Day item makes for an utterly thoughtless gift. Buying someone a box of random chocolates doesn't say "I love you" like you might think; it says "Hey, wasn't sure what to get you, but I found this in the clearance aisle."
The next time you receive a box of chocolates or a box of tame-titled conversation hearts, ask the giver a question: "Do you know me at all?" Unless, of course, you actually like those things. In that case, carry on.
More from FIRST
Target Is Selling Rosé and Champagne Cotton Candy and We'd Like Some Now Please
Pickle Candy Canes Exist Because the World Is a Weird, Amazing Place
Germaphobes, Prepare to Cringe: There's a 1400% Chance Your Birthday Cake Is Covered in Bacteria


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It's a Tough Job…
Restoration of damaged structures is difficult and specialized work and is best left to skilled and competent craftsmen. McAuliffe Contractors LLC has over 30 years experience in structural restoration and our employees are thoroughly trained and practiced. We will carefully assess the damage and help you weigh your options to find the best solution for your situation.
Click below to discover more:
Helical Piles
Utilizing the Helical Pull-Down Micro-pile OR HPDM. We can create a continual grout encased shaft column that not only adds to corrosion resistance but increased capacity in both friction and lateral movements. The combination of PVC and / Or Steel casings allow for above-grade support for the harshest environments. (Shore and flood environments; We're talking about you!)
We keep up to date with the new technology and have been some lucky enough to test new products. Our first verification was through "shaft twist" and an 1143 Load test. Shear pins and digital torque monitors are standard equipment as requested. Combination casing and drilling tooling allow us to quickly change adapters as conditions require.
Rock Drilling/Micro Piles/Tie-backs
TEI drill installing 40MM Titan Hollow bar piles for steep slope foundation stabilization / restoration.
For slope stabilization or soil shoring, Hollow bar tie-backs can be used in difficult soil conditions
-The usage of the structure has changed.
-The properties of the soil supporting the foundation may have changed (possibly through subsidence) or were miss-characterized during design.
-The construction of nearby structures necessitates the excavation of soil supporting existing foundations.
-To increase the depth or load capacity of existing foundations to support the addition of another story to the building (above or below grade).
-It is more economical, due to land price or otherwise, to work on the present structure's foundation than to build a new one.
-Earthquake, flood, drought or other natural causes have caused the structure to move, thereby requiring stabilization of foundation soils and/or footings.Underpinning may be accomplished by extending the foundation in depth or in breadth so it either rests on a more supportive soil stratum or distributes its load across a greater area." -Borrowed from Wikipedia
The use of tradition underpinning (concrete) can most times be utilized to extend the structures foundation depth to allow for increased basement height (inside) or adjacent deeper excavation (outside
Helical piles with foundation brackets are means of reinforcing or increasing capacity of an existing foundation. They can achieve deep depths with minimum excavation. See Helical Pile section for more info
Typically used in situations where tradition or helical underpinning can not be used. Difficult soils with fill debris, rubble, and cobble are where micro-piles are used. They can also be used to "socket" into rock on hillsides or for increased end bearing.
Various types of Urethane grouts can be injected for soil stabilization, water control, or void filling. Chemical grouting involves smaller diameter, disposable grout tubes, driven into the ground at predetermined depths and injecting material at required volumes and pressures.
Compaction Grouting
Using formulated low mobility grout mixes we can improve soil for several applications. The process of "bottom-up" grouting involves driving or drilling a steel pipe casing to a predetermined depth, then pumping grout to a predetermined volume or pressure, thus displacing and strengthening the surrounding soils at each measured "lift".
Flow fill
Consolidation of soils can result in large voids under structures or slabs. The use of flow fill allows for a cost effective way to immediately stabilize a void and then have the ability to later remove or excavate through the material. See Case study below for an example of where this would be used.
Also know as "Slab jacking" is the process of lifting sunken concrete using a cementous slurry. Normally for a fraction of the cost of replacement and ready to walk on immediately.
The use of chemical additives and or foam products can be pumped in place to fill voids
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer – is an extremely strong and light fiber-reinforced polymer which contains carbon fibers. The binding polymer is most often epoxy. We are certified through Nationwide to install "The Reinforcer" for strengthening of residential and commercial structures. For more information See: www.thereinforcer.co
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Emergency Shoring
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Custom Fabricating
Flitch Plates
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Invasive Investigations
Most times the structural components are covered by finished surfaces that do not allow for full design access. From historic homes with lead paint to dust sensitive medical / manufacturing facilities we can remove the components in a safe controlled manner to allow for proper diagnosis and design. Foundation and Subsurface problems often require initial excavation to proper identify soils and below grade conditions.
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Structural Framing/Alterations
We have removed various types of load bearing walls over the years. Picture to the left is 24″ thick brick wall extending upward four stories. Project required (2) 19 foot openings.
From Reinforcement in warehouses to purlin beam replacement 17′ over head in log cabins, we have seen it all.


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Exxpress Mart Grassroots Campaign benefits Gift of Life
Tri-Con Inc. (dba Exxpress Mart stores) and owners Imad and Elias Sarkis recently presented a contribution of $25,000 to the Gift of Life for its free healthcare services for medically underserved men and women in Southeast Texas.
Joining in the check presentation were Exxpress Mart staff James Buchanan, district manager; Dana Dougherty, district manager; owners Elias and Imad Sarkis; Dee Shelton, manager Exxpress Mart Store No. 14; and Susan Soileau, manager, Exxpress Mart Store No. 19.
Twenty regional convenience stores raised funds during Exxpress Mart's Reindeer Campaign, an annual holiday giving initiative created by Norma Sampson, Gift of Life executive director, and adopted by the Sarkis brothers. The campaign generated approximately $20,000 in community donations, with the Sarkis family contributing an additional $5,000 in memory of their father, Samir, to further the Gift of Life's health and educational programs.
"We are so pleased that these funds will stay local and directly benefit men and women in need," Imad Sarkis said. "We see how this funding positively impacts the community, particularly at the Gift of Life Men's Health screenings in June. It's amazing to witness the extent of care provided by Gift of Life staff and volunteers and how meaningful it is for the thousands of clients annually assisted by the organization."
Celebrating its fourth anniversary this year, the community project has helped further the Gift of Life's free medical and educational services. All Reindeer Campaign proceeds remain in Southeast Texas and help women and men who cannot afford healthcare or insurance.
"The Gift of Life is immensely grateful to Exxpress Mart and Elias and Imad Sarkis for their continued support of this cause," said Sampson, who accepted the donation with founder and chair Regina Rogers. "They have defined their business as one that truly cares about the community, and we're fortunate to be the recipients of such tremendous good will, which we happily return to the community in the form of lifesaving services."
For more information about the Gift of Life, call (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org.
The spring issue of Vital Signs is now available. This full color issue features an exclusive interview with the Acadian Ambulance Beaumont crew, and stories on Baptist Hospital's stroke robot, patients using LSVT and Rocksteady Boxing to fight back against Parkinson's and many more health-related topics. Please call (409) 832-1400 to find out how you can get your copy.


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My life is a bit of a contradiction – as I'm sure you realise! I like tech toys – the Mavic Pro, my Apple MacBook pro, my Iphone7 et al. I am fairly close to paperless in my office , although some of my colleagues are trying to get 'less paper'. The advent of Office365 has been a revelation in my ability to work remotely. In the last few days I have discovered an app called Bear – which may just be a game changer, we will see!
But I have one small throwback – a notebook. Actually it's not just any notebook – it is a bullet journal. It is more of a system than a book – a web of reminders, ideas and reference points. There is no one way of running a BUJO – but the concept is neatly set out here. Ryder Carroll invented the system and it suits my way of working.
It allows me to create a daily log / list. I have monthly reminders and a key calendar to keep track of the big events. I use most of the system – but like most things I have adapted it to the way my brain works!
I use the Leuchtturm1917 book for my scribbles, partly as I like the paper quality – but there's also another key component – my Pilot Capless Fountain Pen! It has an ultra fine 18k gold nib and is another throwback – invented in 1964 (I was two!) it is just amazing.
These two things are a critical part of my workflow! The journal is a brilliant way to keep track of the myriad of things going on in my world. The pen is just a cultish luxury!
The Bowie flash is all my own work…


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BURR RIDGE, Illinois, June 23, 2009 –Where do organic and printed electronics stand? Which applications will be launched over the next several years? Which production processes and materials are needed? Which technological hurdles need to be overcome? The new, expanded version of the OE-A Roadmap for organic and printed electronics provides answers to these questions.
GSI Technologies, a leader in printed electronics manufacturing, has provided printed displays for the newest release of the OE-A demonstrator. "We are excited about the continuing evolution of printed electronic technologies and assisting our partner companies in bringing these ideas to commercialization" says Jack Kraemer – GSI Technologies' President / COO.
"The Roadmap and the technical projects are central themes of the OE-A, and a constantly expanding group of companies from Europe, North America and Asia collaborate intensively on these topics. Since LOPE-C is the internationally leading conference and exhibition, it is the perfect venue for unveiling these results." says Wolfgang Mildner, Managing Director, PolyIC and Chairman of the Board of the OE-A.
The Roadmap as well as numerous new demonstrators will be introduced by the OE-A for the first time at LOPE-C – the Large-area, Organic and Printed Electronics Convention – which will take place June 23rd through the 25th, 2009 in Frankfurt, Germany. Gordon Smith – GSI Technologies CTO – will be presenting on "Recent Success in Manufacturing Printed Electronic Devices" at the convention.
GSI Technologies is a current member of the OE-A.
About GSI Technologies
GSI Technologies is a Burr Ridge, Illinois-based manufacturer of functional printing and industrial graphic products. Originally known as Graphic Solutions, Inc., it was created in 1985 as a label and nameplate brokerage by siblings Suzanne and Bob Zaccone. Through the years, it expanded into printing pressure sensitive labels, aluminum nameplates, polycarbonate panels, and conductive printed products for the medical market. In 2000, it became the first licensed manufacturer of thin, flexible batteries in sheet form. Later, it began producing RFID antennas, medical electrodes, smart cards, RFID systems, and electroluminescent lamps. Since 2004, it has been a part of Thrall Enterprises, a family-owned holding company with corporate offices in Chicago.


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Social Eyes by Faye Reeder
Eyes on Arlington: Eggroll Festival, Business Expo and Health Fair is Saturday
"Experience a little bit of Asia right here in the Heart of Texas" has long been the tagline for one of Arlington's finest traditions, the Eggroll Festival, Expo and Health Fair. A new venue, Ben Thanh Plaza at 1818 E. Pioneer Parkway, will be home for the event hosted Saturday by the Tarrant County Asian-American Chamber of Commerce.
Besides an irresistible egg roll offering, the festival features other Asian foods, ethnic dances, music performances, business exhibits, a health fair and a dessert contest. Generous cash prizes will be awarded to the top three desserts chosen by judges who have the enviable job of tasting the yummy delicacies. Entries are judged on appearance, presentation, flavor, aroma, texture and originality.
Traditional Vietnamese dances, the always popular and famous Chinese Dragon Dance, and performances representative of the Philippines, Korea and Thailand are among the entertainment that attendees can enjoy.
Festivalgoers can visit business exhibits and meet Mayor Jeff Williams, city officials and business and community leaders. And volunteer medical professionals will be on hand to provide free health screenings and flu shots.
"Many of the attendees, especially those who are new immigrants to this country, may not see a doctor on a regular basis for preventative care or may be reluctant to do so because of language barriers," said chamber President Yen Nguyen. "This gives them a chance to receive a medical exam in a non-emergency situation.
"In addition to supporting Asian-American businesses, we believe it's our mission to pursue a broader range of civic and social activities that promote recognition and understanding of the many Asian cultures in our community."
The event is free. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register for the dessert contest and learn other details at www.tcaacc.com, or send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Levitt Pavilion fall season opens with polka band Brave Combo
Fall happiness is football, great weather and five weeks of free concerts at the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Arlington. Friday is the season opener at Levitt featuring "everybody's favorite mosh-pit polka band, Brave Combo."
Now a tradition for the Levitt, the Grammy-winning band has done the opening-night honors since 2008. Its repertoire includes old-school rock, Latin, polka, twist, samba, hora and more.
On Saturday, Delta Rae will perform its brand of alt/pop incorporating aspects of Americana. It has performed at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits and on The Tonight Show among other big venues. The weekend wrap-up honors will be handled by bluesy rock musician Paul Thorn doing his trademark music sprinkled with humor showing his Southern roots.
"This fall concert season has shaped up to be especially strong," spokeswoman Cathy O'Neal said. "We've got Delta Rae, Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis, Cas Haley, The Killdares and Billy Joe Shaver all returning to the Levitt, plus several bands making their Levitt debuts. Of course, we end the concert year rocking out with 'the world's greatest party band,' the B-52s. It doesn't get much better than that."
Levitt's fall concert series continues through Oct. 2 with performances at 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic dinner if you like (or purchase yummy food available on site) and enjoy fabulous music under the stars each weekend. The fabulous fall lineup of talent includes The Peterson Brothers, Aquile, Soul Track Mind, Seryn, Daphne Willis and Cas Haley.
Also, don't miss the shows performed by Luke Wade, the Killdares, Shel, Jimmy Cobb & the UTA Jazz Orchestra, the Nightowls, Billy Joe Shaver and Bart Crow.
The one show with ticketed admission is the annual benefit — this year the one and only B-52s on Oct. 8. Tickets are $40 general admission and $195 for VIP tickets.
Detailed information is at www.levittpavilionarlington.org or download the Levitt Arlington mobile app. Direct inquiries to O'Neal at 817-543-4308.
Winners of Salvation Army's Most Amazing Race get $5,000
At least 30 teams of two are expected to compete Sept. 10 in one of the area's most unusual events, the Salvation Army's Most Amazing Race. The stakes are high because the winning team takes home a tidy sum of cash — $5,000 — along with bragging rights.
Competitors will race around 10 sites in central Arlington, most likely to begin at AT&T Stadium (with a challenge from the Dallas Cowboys) and will end up at the Levitt Pavilion before that night's concert starring Aquile.
"There aren't many races out there that can offer so many different challenges, and that's what makes The Most Amazing Race so special," event chairman David Sanders said. "It's a race for all ages. Sure, the younger ones are in it to win it, but the various age groups all enjoy the experience of it.
"All of the monies raised go directly to so many great Salvation Army programs including those in our Youth Education Town like the GED programs and fitness activities," Sanders added. "The new Arlington Salvation Army officers, Lt. Timothy and Andrea Israel, have jumped right in after only arriving in June to be of tremendous help."
According to promotional information from the charity, the event is patterned like the popular TV show and will involve each team "following clues to reach checkpoints, where they complete a task before moving on to the next location.
"The tasks can be mental, like assembling a gas pipeline, or physical, like performing a choreographed dance. Sometimes tasks are downright thrilling, like jumping off a 10-meter diving platform. Others are just plain fun, like bouncing across a field inside a giant inflatable ball."
There is no registration fee, but there is a minimum fundraising requirement to be eligible to compete. Teams compete against each other to raise the most money and try to earn a pass to skip a challenge in the race. Teams that raise over $1,000 will receive a five-minute head start.
The Salvation Army's local programs include housing for 15 families in the Family Life Center, after-school and summer programs for youths, a weekly soup kitchen and summer cooling stations, to name just a few.
Register by Sept. 2 online at mostamazingracetx.org or contact Sanders at firstname.lastname@example.com. Fundraising continues until Sept. 9.
Events at a glance
- Arlington Genealogical Society will meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12 in the community room of the Arlington West Police Service Station, 2060 W. Green Oaks Blvd. Guest speaker is professional genealogist Judy Knight on "Westward Ho! Or Go West Young Man." Except for the September meeting, the society meets every second Tuesday of the month at this location. The public is welcome. Contact Ruth Goodman at firstname.lastname@example.com to inquire.
- Mainstage Classic Theatre in Mansfield is accepting applications for student acting classes. The theater is at 1557 E. Broad St., Suite 103. A variety of classes for all ages from toddler through high school are taught. Details at www.MainstageClassicTheatre.org, or call Heather Thomas at 817-308-6145 or send email to firstname.lastname@example.com.
- Guys and Dolls will open the 44th season of Theatre Arlington on Sept. 9. The "musical fable of Broadway" runs through Oct. 2. Buy tickets at the box office or online at www.TheatreArlington.org. Check out the wonderful shows planned for the season ahead.
- Arlington on Tap, the free happy hour lecture series, begins Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Legal Draft Beer Co., 500 E. Division St. Featured speaker is Mayor Jeff Williams. Save the dates for future programs: Oct. 11 — "Research at UTA from Nano to Miraculous," Vice President of Research Duane Dimos, at J.R. Bentley's, 406 W. Abram St.; Nov. 8 — "Football is Long Gone But Athletics Remains Big at UTA," UTA Athletic Director Jim Baker, at Mavericks Bar and Grill, 601 E. Main St.; Jan. 10 — "Things I Wished I Hadn't Learned About the Texas Legislature," former state Rep. Diane Patrick, at J. Gilligan's, 400 E. Abram St.; Feb. 13 — "Great Women of Arlington, a Valentine's Salute," writer/historian O.K. Carter, at Hooligan's, 310 E. Abram St.; March 14 — "My Spin on the Universe," humorist and cartoonist David Hopkins, at J.R. Bentley's; April 11 — "I'll Take a Second Order," Star-Telegram Eats Beat columnist Bud Kennedy reflects on dining out in Tarrant County at more than a thousand restaurants, at Legal Draft; and May 9 – "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Pressroom," former Citizen-Journal city editor/columnist Donna Darovich, at Mavericks Bar and Grill.
Send your Eyes on Arlington news tips to firstname.lastname@example.com. Also, keep up with local events through our social media page. Please "like" us at www.facebook.com/SocialEyes.ST. Twitter @FayeReeder


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There's something magical about 3D platformers from the time of the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation that I can't quite put my finger on.
Maybe it was the joy of seeing the platformer genre slowly translating to a new dimension, discovering what worked and what didn't. Maybe it was the games that prided themselves on hidden items and vast amounts of collectibles that ensured many a long evening in front of the telly with mates. Maybe they were just wonderfully designed games.
Whatever the case, they all seem to share the same grainy, comforting, VHS era quality that I can't help but find absolutely charming. Nintendo 64 or PlayStation – there's no room for hate or sides here. Just ten games that celebrate a golden age of platforming goodness.
Crash Bandicoot
Before Naughty Dog made The Last of Us, they gave us Crash Bandicoot. By the standards of every other game on this list, Crash was a pretty basic platforming title offering a small but perfectly formed selection of linear levels.
Still, what it lacked in terms of length it more than made up for in difficulty. I recently went back to Crash Bandicoot to see if it was as tough as I remembered, or if I was just shit at it because I was a kid. Turns out it is in fact a punishing title that offers no quarter for the slightest mistakes.
Approach a jump wrong, mistime your attack on a enemy, accidentally set off a crate of TNT – all of these things will ensure that your bandicoot ass is on its way to heaven quicker than you can say "Ooga Booga".
Forget modern games like Uncharted and their endless sea of "cinematic" platforming. This PlayStation gem was all you needed to feel like a real boss.
Gex: Enter The Gecko
A lot of what you see in Gex: Enter the Gecko resembles a hazy trip on some industrial strength hallucinogenics.
That's not to say Gex isn't a good game – far from it. It's a damn funky title with a myriad of great locations to explore, wonderful level design, and a healthy dose of good old fashioned platforming challenge.
Much like Mario 64, Enter the Gecko was the first Gex game to enter the third dimension, and the developers pulled it off flawlessy. Gex remains a firm favourite for gamers of a certain age, and it's a shame he's not been seen for so long – his last game was in 1999.
Oh, and the voice of Gex in the British version of the game is one Leslie Phillips CBE, a well regarded English actor (and the voice of the Sorting Hat in the Harry Potter films).
Ape Escape
Not since Pokemon has the concept of animal enslavement been so cute. Ape Escape is a fantastic looking game, only really falling short of modern standards because of jagged edges and naff textures. As a product of its time though? Probably one of the best looking games on the PlayStation.
The concept alone is brilliantly fun: A super smart ape sends an army of apes across time to rewrite history. It's your job to track down these simian fiends and catch 'em with all manner of gadgets and gizmos.
There's a wonderful range of weapons to use, vehicles to ride in, secrets to find, and apes to capture. Replay value was high with this one, as the urge to return to a level and grab any apes you missed first time round was always too strong to ignore.
Croc: Legend Of The Gobbos
Let's get one thing straight: Croc is the most adorable motherfucker on this list. Look at him. Waddling around with his big eyes and his lil' backpack. Croc is friend to all.
A blend of Mario 64, Spyro, and Crash Bandicoot, Legend of the Gobbos was actually intended as a prototype for a spin off of the Mario series about his dinosaur pal Yoshi.
Fittingly enough for a game motivated by Mario, every part of the first Croc game seeps a certain kind of Nintendo magic. It's cute without being too "kiddy" and the characters and level designs have clearly had a huge amount of love, care, and polish put into them.
It's not hugely relevant, but can I also just point out that Croc is a vegetarian who eats mostly peas? That's basically Legend of the Gobbos in a nutshell: lovably whimsical.
Conker's Bad Fur Day
So, we have Croc firmly on the cute and cuddly side of the videogame mascot spectrum. Then right over at the opposite end (probably pissing up a wall) we have Conker, the foul mouthed squirrel with a drinking problem.
Conker's Bad Fur Day is the kind of game your nan might have accidentally gotten you for Christmas based on the cutesy name, then watched in horror as you turned it on and saw what it really was: a platforming adventure into the depths of depravity.
During development the game was originally meant to be aimed at kiddywinks under the name Conker's Quest, but was deemed too similar to other titles on the market. Props to developer Rare for going so far in the other direction.
And of course, I can't not mention one of the greatest boss battles of all time. Who could possibly forget the Great Mighty Poo? A giant turd that endeavored to throw his own shit at you. Truly wonderful.
Banjo Kazooie
Another platforming masterpiece from Rare. Incidentally, they also made Goldeneye 64, which many gamers still consider to be an incredible multiplayer FPS. Rare were fucking great, basically.
Anyway, Banjo Kazooie remains a fantastic game even by today's standards. Everything from the sound design, intricate level of detail on show and brilliantly put together levels all came together to create a truly fantastic product.
Again, similar to Mario 64, there was no set order in which to go about things. Ol' Banjo could do whatever the fuck he wanted, and there was so much to do.
Spyro The Dragon
The fall of Spyro the Dragon was perhaps one of the hardest journeys I've ever had to watch a videogame icon endure – second only to Sonic the Hedgehog.
Back in the days when Insomniac Games were putting out Spyro titles for the PlayStation, it seemed like he'd be one of the greats forever. That purple bastard made me believe he could take on the likes of Mario and come out on top.
The first game, fittingly called Spyro the Dragon, was wonderful. A colourful collectathon with a wry sense of humour, a great deal of challenge, and absolutely breathtaking visuals (for the time).
My only beef with the original Spyro? That prick who ran off with the eggs. I think we're all united in our hatred of that shady piece of shit.
Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64 is a kleptomaniac's dream. For an N64 title there's an almost indecent amount of content to find. Think Mario 64 crossed with the LEGO games and you'll get a good idea of what this one is like.
There were a ton of different worlds to explore, each one rammed with all manner of hidden items and secrets. Besides DK himself, there were other characters to play as, each with their own unique abilities, ensuring you'd be returning to familiar levels to see what you'd missed on a regular basis.
It was never going to have the same impact as certain other Nintendo games of the time, but it remains an often overlooked slice of brilliance.
Then there was the DK Rap, which is quite possibly the single greatest piece of music of all time.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Back before Assassin's Creed and Far Cry, Rayman was probably Ubisoft's most treasured possession. He's fallen by the wayside a bit of late, but it should never be forgotten that The Great Escape easily sits as one of the best platform games ever made, if not one of the best games period.
Many critics at the time consider Rayman's second outing to be a game changer for the 3D platforming genre. While similar in concept to the first Rayman (a 2D side-scrolling adventure), our limbless hero managed to hit a whole new level when transferred to 3D.
Beyond the flawless gameplay, The Great Escape sticks in the memory for so many of us because of its wonderful soundtrack and brilliantly written cast of imaginative characters.
Super Mario 64
Whatever your feelings on Nintendo, it's very unlikely that the other nine games on this list would have happened in quite the same way were it not for Super Mario 64. One of the greatest and most important videogames of all time, without a doubt.
Exploring Peach's Castle, looking for paintings that led to incredible worlds, collecting stars and slinging Bowser around by his scaly tail – there's rarely a moment in this game that doesn't feel joyous. The castle and the surrounding grounds provided an incredible HUB world that gamers spent countless hours exploring, desperate to uncover its secrets.
And that's to say nothing of the actual levels themselves, which were endlessly inventive, surprising, and in many cases hard as nails.
Super Mario 64 took a character who was famous for his flawless 2D platformers, and put him in a flawless 3D platformer instead. A solid example of Nintendo at their very best, and a title every gamer needs to play.
Ewan Moore is a journalist at UNILAD Gaming who still quite hasn't gotten out of his mid 00's emo phase. After graduating from the University of Portsmouth in 2015 with a BA in Journalism & Media Studies (thanks for asking), he went on to do some freelance words for various places, including Kotaku, Den of Geek, and TheSixthAxis, before landing a full time gig at UNILAD in 2016.


text: Oh my goodness, it has been over a month since we were at Crescent's First Christian Church. We had a wonderful time visiting our family in Christ. Our time with Pastor Keith and his wife Debbie were terrific. God really took care of us through His people while we were there!


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Florence Unified School District in Arizona reported recently that it's increased its network bandwidth by 50 times to help bring Web-based learning materials into classrooms and to support other electronic initiatives. The district signed on with Trillion Partners to handle the broadband implementation.
Florence USD includes about 7,000 students, teachers, and staff at seven individual schools scattered across 955 square miles, which had previously required the district's IT staff to travel "hundreds of miles over the course of a year" to deal with networking issues. But as part of the new implementation, the district has established a centralized data facility and is augmenting its network monitoring and management through Trillium support services. The district estimated that the implementation is increasing IT by some 25 percent and is going to save about $100,000 per year on travel costs, staff time, and licensing fees.
The district is also using the broadband deployment to provide Web-based learning tools for classrooms, increase the number of distance learning programs it offers, and expand the distance learning programs it was already offering.
"Virtually everything relies on technology today from school business functions to instruction," said Nicole Steele, director of educational technology for Florence USD, in a statement released last week. "Teachers are expected to use technology tools in the classroom on a daily basis to improve student outcomes. Having a secure, reliable, high-speed network is mission critical. Students can learn more, faster."
Some of the programs being offered electronically to students and teachers include "virtual field trips, video conferencing for teacher professional development, and online dual enrollment courses from Central Arizona College for high school students," according to information released by Trillion. "The district also started a program to 'share' classes across the district by broadcasting high school courses and electives to students in multiple schools at the same time."
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I called my dad (a second time) and asked him if he remembered back in the 1980's when I was playing D&D. Did he remember the news that D&D might be influencing young kids to commit suicide or violence as a result of playing the game?
He remembered. Vaguely.
I asked if he gave any thought to restricting D&D or taking the game books away from me.
"No," he said. "It never crossed our minds."
"Why not?" I asked. I was curious as to how he could have dismissed such news without even giving it a consideration. As a dad myself now, I know I have restricted violent video games for my older child until I felt he was mature enough, and I also put limits on the amount of time spent playing video games because I know how much time they can often suck away, with little to no obvious benefits.
"Because of all the nonsense with the comics code back when I was a kid," he said. "I had already been through that nonsense myself. We read other things too. Monster and horror comics were not all I read anyway. There was Little Lulu, Donald Duck, science fiction comics, Captain Marvel, strange adventures. Comics of that type."
The comics code," he went on to explain, "was formed in 1954 to police monster & horror comics." He went on to tell me how back when he was a kid there was an even greater moral panic over comic book content and their alleged influence on kids reading them then there was over the D&D panic. The code was formed and restrictions put in place that homogenized and toned down most of the comics of the time. Mad magazine, (a favorite in our house while I was growing up) was formed as a satirical magazine, in an effort to move away from the humor/horror comic format that its early issues had. According to Wikipedia, Mad switched from a comic to a magazine to bypass the code after issue #24 in 1955. He was 10 when the code when into place and the restrictions started.
I asked him a few more questions.
Did your parents restrict you at all with what comics you bought, especially after the comics code was in place?
No. They had no idea. No concept of any of it. They were completely oblivious and it was just something they paid no attention to at all.
Back to D&D. Any thought on it? Memories?
No. We never gave it a thought. No one paid attention to any of that.
What about heavy metal? Worries about any media having a negative influence on me as a child?
None. You will always find someone who is negatively impacted by something. Tiddlywinks. Marbles. You will always find something, anything, that could somehow have an influence on someone. In any upsetting case there could possibly be something to point at. People want to blame something external. Today it's violent video games or violent filthy rap music lyrics.
Then after we chatted I kept thinking and I remembered a few more things from my own childhood. One was when I was 10. He took me to see Saturn3, my first R-rated film, in 1980. It is a horrible science fiction film. I think Farrah Fawcett appears partially nude in the film. So I was 10 and I remember the thrill of being allowed to see this R-rated film with my dad and then he goes and lets my younger brother come along who was 6 at the time. The privilege became empty to me once my brother was allowed to come. Now though looking back, I see he knew there was no problem even for a 6-year old kid. He knew who we were and he knew we could handle it. And if we couldn't, he'd have been there to help.
In recent years my son told me he was only allowed to bring PG films to school on the day before winter break for the kids to watch as a reward and celebration. Jokingly I suggested Barbarella. The film is PG and opens with Jane Fonda floating around her space ship nude. Obviously standards have changed. See nude PG Barbarella here.
Another such example is Kramer VS Kramer from 1979. In that film, also PG, we see a nude JoBeth Williams standing in front of a little boy. See picture
here. Link has gone bad. Just Google JoBeth Williams Kramer VS Kramer nude to see what was not big deal back then. PG rated films like these today would surely cause an uproar. I personally could care less and never could see the deal with hangups on nudity. Once I went to art school seeing nude models became common. I'm still amused by people's hangups and aversions to nudity.
My bedroom from the 80s. Notice the Dead Kennedys poster
in the upper left with a blue border.
Today, like my dad said, it's video games and music getting the bad rap. Cell phones and mobile devices are often criticized too. Music it seems, has the most staying power overall as seeming to have alleged influence over the youth. To be sure, music is important to teens. It helps with forming identities and taste. It is an outlet for rebellious behavior, even if only vicariously.
Ultimately though I have yet to know of anyone who was influenced in an overtly negative way due to music, movies, comics, video games, or even Dungeons & Dragons. That is not to say no one could be negatively influenced, but a myriad of factors, I'm supposing, not just one thing, is often to blame with troubled individuals.
I am no stranger to suicide either. I lost my best friend from childhood to suicide. We listened to the same music, watched the same films, both played D&D, and ran with the same crowds. In the end it was drugs, not anything else, that led to the suicide.
Drugs, I often tell my kids, is the worst thing in the world.
And I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is drugs that is the worst. Staying away from drugs is pretty much the best decision a person can make. Philip Seymour Hoffman is the most recent prominent example.
I'm sure some form of media will be scapegoated as the possible catalyst in horrible situations going forward. Some accusations may even have merit, and as the world becomes increasingly complex and our lives ever busier, it is not a bad idea to have ratings systems, and different forms of restrictions in place to help people make decisions on behalf of young people.
Blood Beach and I'm in my 40s now.
We all know the TV babies/kids/pop stars in the media and how they behave with unlimited money, and have no restrictions. I won't mention any names. A few restrictions can benefit anyone.
If you are interested, check out: The Horror! The Horror!: Comic Books the Government Didn't Want You To Read. The comics and art are awesome and the book gives some great bits of information about restrictions long ago.


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