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Top 11 Applications of 3D Printing Technology: Human Organs, Cars, Drones, Jewelry and More
It won't take a rocket science type of genius to immediately identify that 3D printing technology is the way to the future. While this technology may still seem vague for most, the possibilities offered by 3D printing has already touched and been at work across almost every aspect of our lives.
We already discussed in a previous article the important things you need to know about what 3D Printing is, how it works and how you could take part in it without spending a fortune.
This time I'm taking you through a run-down of just some of the amazing applications 3D printing has made possible for us. I'm sure that by the end of this article, you'd come to realize how you might have personally come across this revolutionary technology without even being aware of it. Yet just the same, our lives are made better because of this innovations.
3D printing in the medical field
Modern science has largely benefitted from the advancement of 3D printing in medicine. The 3D printing technology helped produce prosthetics for vertebra, ears, nose, minute cosmetic changes hands, legs and even fingers and has recently added printing human tissues to the list. It won't probably be too long until a 3D-printed heart and a 3D-printed liver comes around considering that a team of researchers at Harvard University are already working on the 3D-printing of the heart while the biotech firm ONVO are confident they can make a 3D-printed liver work just like a real human liver.
3D printing in the automotive industry
3D printing has taken the automotive industry by storm as it offers ways to cut up capital costs and production time without losing out on designs. Take for example Strati, the first 3D-printed electric car ever. It works just like regular cars but with the added benefits. Aside from Strati, many automotive companies also plan to launch 3D-printed luxury and racing cars before the year ends.
3D printing in food printing
One major advancement that would allow 3D printing to push boundaries further is through the gastronomic innovation of food printing. XYZ Printing has just exhibited during last year's Consumer Electronic Show that technological innovation can be absorbed deliciously. The 3D-printing company unveiled a first of its kind 3D printer that could create edible food prints in just a matter of seconds.
3D printing in home-building
3D printing could possibly be the long-awaited solution for skyrocketing apartment costs, unending mortgage loans and small-spaced houses. Architects across the globe are already at it. In China, a 3D-printing company called Winsun is keen to build at least 10 3D-printed houses in just a day. The best thing about this? Winsun said a single house would only cost $5,000. Meanwhile in Amsterdam, a 3D-printing company has already created a 3D canal house with environment-friendly materials.
3D printing in the musical scene
Amazing 3D already introduced a 3D-printed Stradivarius Violin while Thingverse produced a 3D-printed whistle. This time, this innovative technology resulted in the creation of the Atom 3D guitar, which many professional musicians who have had the chance to test it attested to the instrument's auditory resemblance of the real thing. This feat was achieved through the process of Selective Laser Sinistering 3D system on a sPro 230 SLS printer.
3D printing on your favorite superhero costumes
Whether you're into Iron Man, Star Wars or just hunting for a cool Halloween costume, many are already earning big bucks by selling 3D printed customized costumes. You can get a 3D printer for just $2,000 and print out any character you want to take on. That's what cool dude James Bruton did and many more enthusiasts like him. Bruton already printed out a 3D Ironman suit, Android bipedal legs, Short Circuit Johnny 5 Robot, several Star War costumes and a Terminator endoskull.
3D printing to have your own drones
Drones are quite the thing nowadays but not everyone owns one because they're simply expensive. Yet if you own a 3D printer, having your own drone might not be such a problem. Better still, you can have one without creating a dent on your budget. It'd be sustainable, too, since 3D printing would allow you to customize and make quick fixes on 3D-printed drones.
3D printing in robot creation
Manav is a 3D printed robot created by Indian scientist Divakar Vaish. 3D printing has also helped scientists around the world develop their own robots at a much faster rate. In fact, there are online articles that could teach you how to construct your own 3D robot in no time.
3D printing on jewelry
3D printing has included precious jewelry among the printing prototypes one can easily have access to. And mind you, they don't have to be made of cheap plastic. A brand named LACE offers a variety of 3D printed wearable designs and jewelry items made of gold, silver, platinum and other precious metals.
3D printing on unborn child mold model
Some expectant parents can't wait to hold their unborn babies in their arms and that's where startup company Indiegogo comes in. The company produces 3D printed molds of an unborn child through 3D/4D ultrasound or newborn images and then sells these mold models based on sizes.
3D printing on virtual makeup mirror
Panasonic made headways during CES 2015 when the company showcased a virtual makeup mirror that makes makeup suggestions and could even show how the wearer would look with a makeup combination.


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Reverb12 prompts - December 2012
In 2010, I used Gwen Bell's reverb10 prompts to fill my December Daily Journal (see HERE or HERE for more information) while reflecting on the year. For 2011, she encouraged us to host our own reverb11.
Every day in December 2011 a new prompt was posted... one that would help one reflect on the previous year. I followed along on my blog creating journal spreads in my december daily journal (inspired by Ali Edwards).
For 2012 I wanted to use the same prompts as 2011, but only see them daily so as not to get ahead of myself... they are posted here each day.
The Prompts
Below are the thirty-one prompts (revealed day by day) I came up with to journal and reflect upon 2012 (and a couple to help you start off 2013):
December 1 - Did you try anything new in 2012?
Was there anything that you did in 2012 that was a new experience? What was it? What was it like? How did it make you feel? If you did not try anything new - was there a reason? Something holding you back?
December 2 - What was the most memorable gathering you attended (or held) in 2012?
Did you attend a fun event? Throw a great party? Had dinner out with a great group of friends? Accomplished the perfect family outing? Which was the most memorable (good or bad), and why?
December 3 - What storm did you weather in 2012?
Big or small... obstacle(s) did you overcome? Feel free to be literal if you prefer... was there an actual storm that you survived?
December 4 - Did you discover a favourite song or musical artist in 2012?
What is it? Where did you discover it? Does it hold any special meaning for you? If you do not listen to music, how about your favourite book or author? Or artist across all mediums?
December 5 - Five things you do not want to forget from 2012?
List out 5 things you do not want to forget from this past year, and write a bit about why you do not wish to forget...
December 6 - What was your favourite gift given and/or received in 2012?
Who was the recipient, who was the giver? What was it for (an event, holiday or just because)? Was the gift tangible or something else (i.e. support in a hard situation or laughter when it was most needed)?
December 7 - What was your funniest story from 2012?
This is a great prompt to have some fun with! Think of a funny story you were involved in, heard of, saw happen, etc. Describe what happened - is there any back story to it? What were the circumstances? Do you still chuckle when you think about it now?
December 8 - What was the quote or saying that most resonated with you this past year?
Was there any quote, mantra or saying that really spoke to you? Helped you through something? Made you smile?
December 9 - Was there anything you were feeling nostalgic for in 2012?
Anything that you were feeling nostalgic for? Something you were yearning for from your past? A memory that wouldn't leave you, or tradition that you wish you could continue?
December 10 - 10 things you were thankful for in 2012?
Another list prompt! Big or small - list out (at least) 10 things you were thankful for.
December 11 - Did you form any new, or strengthen any existing, relationships in 2012?
With who? How did you go about it? If you didn't, why not? Was something holding you back? Was there someone you wish you strengthened your relationship with?
December 12 - What was something you planned to do in 2012 but didn't?
What was it, and why did you not accomplish it? -
December 13 - What was your biggest indulgence in 2012?
This can be anything - something materialistic, emotional, etc - what was something you truly let yourself indulge in?
December 14 - What was the best meal you enjoyed in 2012?
Who cooked it? What was it? Why did you love it so much? Where were you?
December 15 - What was your favourite photo taken OF you and/or the photo you loved best that you took in 2012?
Print out the photo(s) if you can, describe where you were, what was going on when it was shot. Why do you love it? If you do not have the photos printed, you can still journal, just leave space to add the photo(s) once you get them).
December 16 - What was your most memorable moment with family in 2012?
Was it a trip together? To visit distant relations? Guests in your home? A gathering for a special event? Just a great family night at home? Who was involved, and what were you doing? Why was it so memorable?
December 17 - What was the bravest thing you did in 2012?
It can be something big or small, did you survive heartbreak? discover a hard truth? Learned to let go?
December 18 - Did you visit any place that holds special meaning to you in 2012?
If so, where was it, when did you go and why is it special to you? If not, were you avoiding somewhere? Why? Is there some place you visited for the first time that now holds meaning for you that you hope to revisit in the future? Keep in mind it can be a place, city, country, restaurant, part - anything - even a memory.
December 19 - What was your most surprising revelation in 2012?
Big, small - it does not matter - just something you realized and surprised yourself with.
December 20 - What did you change your mind about in 2012?
Did you have a change of heart about anything? What was it, and why?
December 21 - Do you remember any of your goals and resolutions from 2012?
What were they? Did you accomplish them? If not, why not?
December 22- What was your most memorable trip in 2012?
Who were you with? Where was it? Why was it memorable?
December 23- What was your most saddest moment in 2012?
What were the circumstances? Did the event strengthen you? Humble you?
December 24- What phrase or saying did you pick up in 2012?
What is it? Where (or who) did you pick it up from?
December 25- What do you believe in?
Is it the same now (today, in 2012) as it has always been? If not, what has changed? If yes, where did these beliefs stem from? This does not have to collate with Christmas if you do not wish it to - you can talk about what, overall do you believe in. Or you can have it directly relate to Christmas and what your beliefs surrounding this day are.
December 26- How did you celebrate your birthday in 2012?
Where where you? Who were you with? Did you get any presents? Make any resolutions for yourself for your next year? If your birthday is December 27 - 31, you can choose to write about what you did in 2011, or what you have planned for 2012.
December 27- What could you have done without in 2012?
A bad trip? Experience? Heartbreak? Negative outlook on life? What was it, and why did it happen? Can you do anything to prevent it from happening in 2013?
December 28- What did you regret not getting to or not doing in 2012?
What was it? Why were you unable to do it? Why did you regret it? Will you attempt to do it in 2013?
December 29- When did you feel your most authentic in 2012?
When was it? Where were you? What can you do to have this feeling more often in 2013?
December 30- What was the most important, or potent, lesson you leanred in 2012?
Who or what taught it to you? How will you use what you have learned in the future?
December 31- What is your greatest wish for 2013?
Anything you are hoping for? Wish to focus on? Put it down on paper to help visualize and cultivate it!
Thank You
Thank you for following along with me and revisiting 2012 - you can see all my reverb12 posts by clicking HERE - and all the photos on flickr by clicking HERE.

subset: commoncrawl


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Shipping an order - the checklist/
As I pass each milestone, I have tried to share my learnings, mistakes I may have made, things I would change the next time, etc. Seeing as I shipped my first order to a store this week I thought I would share the little checklist I used to make sure I didn't overlook anything. Some of this is just good old common sense, well perhaps all of it might be. I don't claim to be recreating the wheel, but I think a spirit of sharing and cooperation will only make things easier for the next person who tries to do this.
1) Invoice
Be sure to provide an invoice with the shipment. It should include your company name, address, phone number, email address, HST# if you require one (check out this site and take the quick questionnaire to help figure out if you need one), as well as other important information such as quantity and description of goods shipped.
2) I was advised that for the first few shipments to a new store it is always a good idea to state that your payment terms are COD. At least until you have developed a relationship with the store.
3) Check your jars
Just because you know you make an amazing product, don't take it for granted that all of your jars are sealed. Double check each jar to make sure the seal is perfect and that the colouring of the product inside is as it should be. I always store anything made with vinegar without the rings and put them on when it is time to go to market, etc. It is the best way to tell if your seal is true.
4) Labels
Make sure each jar is labelled appropriately and that each jar looks just as you want it. Remember this is your opportunity to market yourself and your other products as well. They should look great!
5) Commercial Kitchen
I think the first time you ship to a new store you should include a copy of the Food Safety Inspection for the kitchen you use. This way the store has it on hand should they get asked for it and it shows that you are professional and following all of the rules.
6) List of all your products
Include a full price list of all your other products. It acts as a good reminder if the store has only purchased a few of your products that you have others that might be of interest to them.
If you can think of other things to add to this checklist be sure to let me know.


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Meriam Ibrahim, who was imprisoned for apostasy after refusing to renounce her Christian faith, left Rome this morning on a flight bound for Philadelphia, according to the campaigner who secured her release.
The mother-of-two, accompanied by husband Daniel, a U.S. citizen, and children Martin and Maya will then change planes to fly to New Hampshire, according to Antonella Napoli, director of Italians for Darfur.
The family of four are planning to start afresh in America in Manchester, the hometown of Daniel's brother, Gabriel Wani.
They spent the previous week in Rome after being spirited out of Sudan in the dead of night on an Italian state aircraft.
Daily Mail


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KATE NASH - Portsmouth 17th February 2017 - LIVE/
It's not often enough an artist can make you laugh, fill you with admiration and deliver beautifully honest storytelling through their music all at once, so watching Kate Nash live was always going to be a great experience.
Support came from Gothic Tropic with their brand of laid back indie.
Kate Nash started the set with 'Sister' which starting off slow and sultry Kate's vocal ringing out strong as the tempo ramped up and her vocals got more edgy giving that perfect girl gang attitude, "Oh I'm sorry is that too dramatic".
Next up 'Death Proof' had a moody bassey feel with dreamy voiced harmonies and a retro edge, as if L7 did a pop song in the 60's - and that is a really good thing! The contrast between Kate's varied influences all mesh together into Kate's own individual style and clearly shows how she does exactly what she wants - which is the essence of Riot Grrrl to us.
Seconds into 'Mouthwash''s wonderfully simple piano intro the crowd were captivated, the rallying cry call to arms .. we've all been there "singing uh-oh on a Friday night ... and I hope everything's going to be alright" the whole room sang along in unison.
The retro girl-group vibe of 'Do-Wah-Doo' again contrasts the old and new musical styles picking out the best elements of each along with the ever amusing jovial lyrics "Everyone thinks that girl is so fine ... I think she's a bitch", by now the set was in full swing and a perfect time for some surf-rock handclaps.
The chilled start and twangly guitars of 'OMYGOD!' builds into yet another pure pop masterpiece telling tales of acting like you are fine when all is not as it may seem on the surface, "I'm so happy ... oh my god I really really miss you".
'Birds' is a beautifully delicate song, telling of simple pleasures found in the everyday - a tale of falling in love that is honest and touching yet still retains a great sense of humour.
Before 'Musical Theatre ' a song about mental health Kate stopped the crowd to promote the charity MIND. She had some volunteers that had come forward through Twitter going arlround to raise awareness. It is great to see such an influential artist highlighting such an important charity, saying you're not alone in the hope of reducing the stigma about talking about mental health issues "if you can love yourself it is easier to love others".
Kate dedicated the impassioned angry song 'Dickhead' to Snapchat who it seems had recently used 'Foundations' on a filter without asking permission. She went on to say that "rich f***ing c***s think they can do anything ... that's why we have Trump ... we have to stand up for ourselves". Having not been on a label for 5 years now, Kate thanked the audience for their continued support and said going it alone is hard work but ultimately empowering.
'Foundations' plinky plonk innocence was chirpy, pure and catchy as hell. The lyrics and engaging attitude again shines through, how can you not love a song that has a line "yeah intelligent input darlin' why don't you just have another beer then".
Kate invited 'Supervet' onto the stage, someone who she had met earlier in the day and she had assisted in a dachshund called Slinky's spinal surgery. Kate is an avid animal lover, 'My Little Alien' is about her dog.
Honest and sensitive, smart and engaging, jovial and sweary, inspiringly upbeat, Kate's vixen voiced, highly relatable to girl gang set was a really great show.


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Image courtesy: Poster by Babu Eshwar Prasad
Remembering Chalam
With the screening of
Kutty Japanin Kuzhandaigal (Children of Mini Japan)
On Monday, 29 May, 2017 | 6 pm
at Vadehra Art Gallery, D 53, Defence Colony, New Delhi 110024
Please join us for the screening of Kutty Japanin Kuzhandaigal, Children of Mini Japan, organized in memory of its acclaimed documentary filmmaker Chalam Bennurakar.
Chalam Bennurakar was a pioneer of documentary filmmaking in Karnataka and also an activist of great repute and integrity. With Kutty Japanin Kuzhandaigal (Children of Mini Japan), a 1991 film on child labour in Sivakasi, he received much national and international attention. He won many prestigious awards including the Yamagata International Film Festival Award, Japan (1991), Leipzig International Documentary Film Festival, Germany (1991), Nyon Documentary Festival in France (1991) and the Mumbai International Documentary Festival (1992).
We invite you to join us for this screening to remember and pay tributes to the life and work of Chalam!
About the film:
Kutty Japanin Kuzhandaigal (Children of Mini Japan) is a 60-minute Tamil film set in Sivakasi, a small town in Southern Tamil Nadu. It is from here and the surrounding villages that 70% of the requirements of the match box industry and 90% of the fireworks industry are produced. The owners of the match box and fireworks factories proudly refer to their town as "Mini Japan", a self-employed town. This town also prints millions of garish calendars and election posters which are used all over India.
Sivakasi has another dubious distinction. It is the single largest concentration of child labour in the world. Nearly 10,000 children, mostly girl children, are employed in Sivakasi to meet the demands of production. It is these children aged between 4 and 16 who are the protagonists of the film. The film is an attempt to portray their everyday lives, the production process and the complex socio-political reasons that contribute to such a large employment of children in this area.
Without taking recourse to voiceover commentary, the film tries to weave together various episodes by interspersing Villupadal, a traditional performance which celebrates the childhood of Krishna. It is the Villupadalwhich forms the edifice of the film's critique of post independent India'sTryst with Destiny - a nightmare called progress through rapid industrialization.
About the filmmaker:
Chalam Bennurakar was a college dropout and worked as a signboard painter for sometime before he became part of CIEDS Collective and Vimochana in Bangalore. As part of CIEDS Collective, he had initiated Janamadhyam, a screening network and production infrastructure for grass root action which he continued informally even after he left the Collective through Touring Talkies. He contributed to the film society movement in Bangalore through the Bangalore Film Society and Odessa in Kerala by creating a space for young filmmakers to showcase their works. He conceived of Sakshi in 1998, a first-of-its-kind initiative showcase documentaries from all over the world and to create a platform for Independent Documentary Film Makers in India.
Chalam was well known for his literary writings in different genres – short stories, essays, poems, translations which have been published in journals and magazines.
His documentary All About My Famila made him the voice of the transgender community. His other films include Kunde Habba, a unique festival of the tribal people in Kodagu, Naavu Yeravaru , on the Yerava community and a documentary on the earthquake disaster that struck Latur, Maharashtra in 1993. He also co-produced and worked on Bishaar Blues, on the fakirs of Calcutta, with Amitabh Chakraborthy. His films in progress include one on the Dongri Garsias and another on Burns Survivors for Vimochana, a forum for women's rights.
He passed away at the age of 62 in early May 2017.


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Brucellosis is a global zoonotic infection secondary to any of the four Brucella spp. that infect humans. It can be focal or systemic, but has a particular affinity for the musculoskeletal system.
On this page:
Brucellosis occurs worldwide but is particularly prevalent in Mediterranean regions, Middle East, South Asia, and Central and South America 2.
Clinical presentation
Patients present typically with fever, which can be undulating and last for 2-3 weeks. Arthralgia, myalgia and back pain are also common 5.
Brucella spp. are gram-negative coccobacilli, which are mostly spread animal-to-human via unpasteurised dairy products. There are a number of species that act as primary hosts to infect humans as secondary hosts. There are four species that infect humans 1-4:
- Brucella melitensis (camel, sheep)
- Brucella suis (pigs)
- Brucella abortus (cattle)
- Brucella canis (dogs)
Brucellosis may affect any body part and may be focal or systemic, but it has an affinity for infecting the spine:
- musculoskeletal manifestations 1,2
- spondylodiskitis (in particular of the lumbar spine)
- sacroiliitis
- bursitis
- osteomyelitis
- CNS manifestations (neurobrucellosis) 3
- sensorineural hearing loss (most common)
- meningitis
- abdominal manifestations 4,5
- hepatosplenomegaly
- hepatitis (4%)
- splenic brucellosis: splenic abscess or calcified splenic lesion.
- thoracic manifestations
- urogenital manifestations 5
- epididymo-orchitis (10%)
- 1. Solera J, Lozano E, Martínez-Alfaro E et-al. Brucellar spondylitis: review of 35 cases and literature survey. Clin. Infect. Dis. 1999;29 (6): 1440-9. doi:10.1086/313524 - Pubmed citation
- 2. Pourbagher A, Pourbagher MA, Savas L et-al. Epidemiologic, clinical, and imaging findings in brucellosis patients with osteoarticular involvement. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2006;187 (4): 873-80. doi:10.2214/AJR.05.1088 - Pubmed citation
- 3. Al-Sous MW, Bohlega S, Al-Kawi MZ et-al. Neurobrucellosis: clinical and neuroimaging correlation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2004;25 (3): 395-401. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol (full text) - Pubmed citation
- 4. Al-Nakshabandi NA. The spectrum of imaging findings of brucellosis: a pictorial essay. Can Assoc Radiol J. 2012;63 (1): 5-11. doi:10.1016/j.carj.2010.09.011 - Pubmed citation
- 5. Dean AS, Crump L, Greter H et-al. Clinical manifestations of human brucellosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2012;6 (12): e1929. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0001929 - Free text at pubmed - Pubmed citation


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I Finally Understood My Birth Mom When I Gave My Own Baby Up For Adoption
I had a very happy childhood; being an only child for eight years, I was
the center of everyone's universe. Exactly what a kid wants, right?
But, despite this, I always felt oddly different. When I was about
5-years-old, one of my older cousins made a comment that still stands
out in my mind: "You know your parents can take you back if you are bad,
right? Read More...


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From John Murray 2 January [1867]1
Albemarle St
Jany 2
My Dear Sir
Mr Clowes' estimate of your MS.2 shows that it will make
Vol I. 648 pages post 8vo " II 624 pages
same size as the origin of Species—independant of contents Preface Index & any additl Chapter—3
This is clearly too much for volumes of that size—& I propose therefore—with your consent to substitute the larger (Demy) 8vo size in wch your work wd form 2 Volumes like the last Edn of Lyells Principles4
On hearing from you the Printer will be set to work
I am My Dear Sir | faithfully yours | John Murray
Ch. Darwin Esq
William Clowes [printer for J. Murray] estimates that Variation will come to a first volume of 648 pages and a second volume of 624 pages – which is too much for volumes the same size as Origin. Murray proposes a larger size.
Letter details
- Letter no.
- From
- John Murray
- To
- Charles Robert Darwin
- Sent from
- London, Albemarle St
- Source of text
- Physical description
- 2pp
Please cite as
Darwin Correspondence Project, "Letter no. 5345," accessed on 22 September 2019, https://www.darwinproject.ac.uk/letter/DCP-LETT-5345.xml
Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 15


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The incredibly fast spread of Pokemon Go shows how quickly technologies can spread today, and how rapidly they can change behaviour. This makes it increasingly difficult to imagine what the world will be like in 5 years time. How do we keep our skills relevant if we can't see what is coming next?
One of the great enablers of our technological breakthroughs is our educational system's focus on science, technology, engineering, and maths. We are where we are because of the design of a mega system of human organisation that brings people together to learn. However, knowledge today has an short shelf life. We need to learn, unlearn, and relearn at a faster rate. And I would argue that the current system can't keep pace.
So what will get us to where we need to be next? E-learning and MOOCs certainly provide one answer, but they miss out on the crucial aspects of human relationships that drive much of the value of going to an institution of higher learning. So we have to take into account the idea of a community of practice too.
The pace of change, the amount of information, and the complexity of new technologies are beyond what any individual can keep up with. We cannot process this individually, only collectively.
You think you're looking for an opportunity, but that opportunity usually comes in the form of a person.
If you need to move fast on a concept, as you usually do in tech, it is extremely beneficial to have a network to draw on that will help you bring your idea to life. And when you have the idea, it's probably too late to go looking for that person or plug into that network. It's said that luck is when opportunity meets preparedness. But when opportunity comes, it's usually too late to prepare.
We think it's about lone inventors, when it's actually about communities that enable those inventors. It takes a village to raise an idea. Individual brilliance is essential, but let's not forget that those individuals are enabled by context.
Many technological breakthroughs come out of communities of exploration - at universities that bring brilliant people together; cities like San Francisco and Cape Town with a vibrant tech culture; or from people who fall into a sub-culture that values innovation (like Silicon Cape).
Whether in business or politics or science or art, look at the achievers. They didn't do it alone. They had help. They were part of a scene. They were connected to people who were striving for the same, and they lived in a place and time that inspired their performance.
Get Your Scene Right
The difference between thinking about a cool invention, and actually inventing is partly a matter of convenience. You're more likely to build out your idea if you know people who can help you with advice, skills, funding, and access. This is perhaps why computers didn't take off 2500 years ago when they were first invented. There wasn't an ecosystem for computers - an active community of distributors, inventors, hackers, users, supply chains.
Being part of a scene of people who are into something enables this convenience. For example, I'm not likely to come up with a cutting edge way to grow crops today if I'm not part of a community that's into things like farming or agritech or biohacking or internet-of-things. I might want a better crop, but I'm not aware of the issues at play, I don't know the people who could help me develop the solution, I don't know the people who have the problem I'm trying to solve, don't have a direct connection to my users.
Genius is a cultural value as much as an individual attribute. If you're extraordinary at something it's partly because you were born with some complimentary strengths, but largely because you gained access to resources and support along the way, and were lucky enough that your strengths were valued in the time and place you lived. It is so much easier to be a genius in a smart city than a poor village.
If you want to make a difference, if you want to do something great, stop trying to do it alone.
Trust moves through networks of connected people. Money moves through networks of connected people. Ideas move through networks of connected people. Get connected. Plug into a scene that inspires you, that makes you better. That inspires your best performance.
And if you see someone else in your community breaking through with their ideas and work: celebrate! Know that by being part of that community, you have contributed to their success. If you happen to be that person that breaks through - don't let it get to your head. You didn't do it alone. Give back to your scene through mentoring, coaching, investment or contributing your skills.
As a generation, we can be petty about protecting our ideas or we can work together to get behind the people who are making it. We can do what we can to put the world on track to sustainability, harmony with nature, technological brilliance, the eradication of poverty, and the other goals very well worth striving for. Who the hell cares who gets the credit. Let's get this done, together.
Take-Out: If there's one thing you can do to increase your capability, it's to join and participate in a community dedicated to progress in your field.
This article was originally written for Treeshake


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Indian wedding traditions – Indian Wedding ceremonial is one of unique wedding tradition, since there are some complex preparations and sacred culture ceremonial in a wedding. Talking about India, one thing you must be remembering is Bollywood styles which always sing and dance in every moment. Moreover, Indian wedding culture is designed with colorful concept which describes of cheerfulness and happiness. The wedding reception of this wedding traditions is declared in three up to four days, includes of pre wedding ceremonial to post wedding ceremonial.
Indian Wedding Traditions – Pre Wedding Rituals
There are some complex and sacred Indian wedding ceremonies that must be done in every single day. This wedding ceremony is done in 3 up to 4 days to complete the holy traditions of India. Indian wedding is festive wedding reception because it is declared in colorful of any fabrics attachment as decorating style. The traditions of wedding consist of pre wedding, wedding party and post wedding ritual. The first ritual is called Shagun in pre wedding; it is done by groom family who visits to bride's family while taking of some dowry, such as cloth, jewelry and rice. Next is Mangni ritual, this is engagement time of the couple by putting on the engagement ring on the woman's finger in front of family. It is done in woman's house and treated with traditional food and music. The last pre wedding ritual is Haldi, in this ritual man and women are bathed with jasmine and other fresh scent in their own house.
Indian Wedding Ceremony
After finishing some pre wedding ritual, the day of wedding ceremony and wedding party is ready to be held in bride's house with music and dance. Then, the couple are married in front of holy fire or called madhuparka. Then, the bride is given to the groom by her family. This ritual is called Kanya Daan.


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Health Professions
Blanding Moab Price
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the healthcare industry is the biggest industry in the United States. 10 of the 20 most rapidly growing industries are included in this field. Many of these jobs will be in the area of health care referred to as , "Allied Health". Allied Health is used to identify a group of health professions and covers as many as 100 different jobs (excluding doctors and nurses).
Utah State University Division of Health Professions offers programs for many of the fastest growing allied health careers. Our goal is to provide excellent training resources for our students so that they are ready upon completion of our programs to enter the workforce as well prepared, confident and professional employees.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Blanding Moab Price
CNAs often work in a wide variety of settings; nursing homes, hospitals, adult day care centers, personal homes and assisted living facilities all require nursing assistants to act as a helpful liaison between the RN or LPN and the patient.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Blanding Price
Emergency Medical Technicians provide out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
Medical Assistant Certificate (MA)
Blanding Moab Price
Medical Assistants primarily practice in ambulatory care settings such as medical offices, and clinics. Medical assistants are a crucial component to a medical practice's staff.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Medical laboratory technicians (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances
Pharmacy Technician
Blanding Moab Price
Pharmacy Technicians assist the pharmacist in serving patients, maintaining medication and inventory control systems.
Blanding Moab Price
Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from patients and taking the blood specimens to the laboratory to prepare for testing.
Surgical Technician
Blanding Moab Price
Surgical Technicians assist in operations under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses and other surgical personnel.


text: Harry Connick, Jr. has exemplified excellence in every aspect of the entertainment world. He has received recognition with multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards as well as Tony nominations for his live and recorded musical performances, his achievements on screen large, and small and his appearances on Broadway as both an actor and a composer. The foundation of Connick's art is the music of his native New Orleans, where he began performing as a pianist and vocalist at the age of five. Join Harry as he celebrates the New Orleans influences that shaped his remarkable career.


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Presented by: House of TARG, ABC Brewing
Doors: 9pm / Show at 10pm
Cover: $5
MUSTAPIO'S MAGICAL MURDER MUSIC (Timiskaming First Nation)
A bastardization of The Ramones, Black Sabbath and 90s Gunge/Punk, MMMM creates a sound that is truly deeply unapologetically NORTHERN!!! Mustapio will be unleashing their new album produced by heavyweights Jordon Zadorozny (Kill Cheerleader, Sam Roberts, Chris Cornel) and Francois Lalonde.
3-piece punk-rock band. Catchy energetic sing along anthems.
CERVIDEA (Montreal)
Bass driven experimental funk jazz latin metal rock... What? Yep! Super musicianship and heroic explorations of strange soundscapes.


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Locations » Dallas/Ft. Worth Area » Dallas North Tollway
City Hospital Emergency Care Center offers the highest quality emergency medical care to North Dallas residents. Our freestanding neighborhood ERs help you get the care you need, fast.
You get the same quality of care you would see in a hospital ER, including board-certified physicians and nurses trained in emergency care. Our emergency rooms are equipped with advanced imaging equipment, including CT Scanners, Ultrasound and digital X-ray.
Best of all, our neighborhood ERs have little or no wait time. You can be seen in minutes. Use our online check-in option for even faster care.
Our North Dallas Tollway ER is convenient to residents in Far North Dallas and Plano.
James F. Lilly, MD
Dr. Lilly earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX after receiving his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University. Previously, Dr. Lilly served as a staff physician at the Medical Center of Lewisville and at the Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK. He is board-certified in emergency medicine and has 15 years practicing emergency medicine. Dr. Lilly currently resides in Dallas, TX.


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Lego's newest characters are incredibly important for young girls
Women aren't entering fields of science and math in large numbers, so LEGO is encouraging them on the minifig scale.
The trend of men dominating STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math) has been omnipresent in the US, but not for any biological reason, many experts say. Most girls just aren't pushed in that direction.
Now the world's largest toy company wants to offer a gentle nudge.
Photo credit: LEGO
Last year, LEGO released a massively popular line of female scientist minifigures, or "minifigs," those modular yellow characters the company is known for.
The idea was born on the LEGO Ideas site, where fans can nominate new product lines that LEGO considers if an idea amasses at least 10,000 supporters. The end result was Research Institute, a trio comprised of a chemist, a paleontologist, and an astronomer.
The company's new line of minifigs, released this month, includes female veterinarians, deep sea explorers, aerospace engineers, mechanics, and pit crew members.
Take this rough and tumble Dune Buggy operator, for example.
Photo credit: LEGO
LEGO is also branching out into the grease monkey sector with a minifig of the McLaren/Mercedes LEGO pit crew.
Photo credit: LEGO
A denim vest isn't exactly common work attire for medical doctors, but the veterinarian minifig is still a solid win for veterinary science.
Photo credit: LEGO
Then there is the LEGO deep sea explorer, reminiscent of famed marine biologist Sylvia Earle.LEGO Ideas is also working on a minifig version of the cast of "The Big Bang Theory," in which two of the main characters are scientists, one a microbiologist and the other a neuroscientist.
The design will be available for purchase on August 1.
Photo credit: LEGO
Admittedly, LEGO still has a long way to go before achieving total minifig gender equality. While the company does produce more female characters overall, they're typically confined to non-professional personas, such as LEGO's line of Friends minifigs.
The open democracy of LEGO Ideas could pick up the slack.
Among the nominated entries are:
- The 19th-century computing pioneers Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage
- Noted geologist Circe Verba, depicted conducting research in both the lab and field
- Several of history's famed female scientists: paleontologist Mary Anning, x-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin, physicist Lise Meitner, and physicist Marie Curie
More from Business Insider:
Lego made 3 changes to become the world's most powerful toy company
Is drinking carbonated water bad for you?
We asked an exercise scientist what the best basic exercise routine is to see results
Scientists are having robots play 'Minecraft' to learn about human logic


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What if I don't buy enough insurance to cover my entire claim?
An insurance policy will always state its limits, which are the maximum amounts it will pay in the event of a claim. On a homeowners policy, there are two main types of limits: first party limits, where the insurance company reimburses you for your loss, and third party limits, where the insurance company pays others for your liability. In either situation, the maximum amount the insurance company can pay is the limit stated on the declarations page of the policy.
In a first party situation, if you did not insure your house in an amount sufficient to repair or rebuild it, you will be uninsured for the balance and will need to fund the difference yourself. In a third party liability claim, the insurance company will do its best to settle the claim on your behalf within the limits of liability on your policy. However, if it is a serious claim, it is possible that you will be personally exposed to damages if the judgment exceeds your insurance policy's limits.
For this reason, you should always carefully evaluate the amount of insurance you need when selecting how much insurance to purchase. It should be fairly straightforward to estimate the cost of replacing your house and personal property. Your liability exposure is somewhat more difficult to evaluate, as you cannot always predict what kind of claim may be filed against you. However, increasing liability limits is usually a very small cost and the extra premium may pay for your peace of mind.


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[Q] Android Layout / Activity Select via Hardware Detection?
Hi all,
First post here - looking forward to participating and working hard towards competency in Android development!
In the short time that I've been at this, I've noticed a great emphasis put on the importance of building a layout that will work across a range of Android hardware, or at least work well with both phones and tablets.
From what I've seen so far, the way to deal with this challenge is to compromise, and to not use absolute sizing for views etc..
I'm wondering if there is any kind of API available that would make it possible to detect hardware (at least screen size?) upon start up, which would then allow for switching to the appropriate XML layout?
I've not encountered it in any of the tutorials I've seen so far....
If this API *doesn't* exist, I would guess that the fact that the apps run on a VM might make any kind of hardware detection problematic if not impossible....
I'd appreciate any enlightenment on this that I can get!
Thanks in advance!


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For me, when cold weather comes, and the nights clear and I can get out to observe, getting dressed and having the right clothing is essential for having a successful night. Nothing will kill an observing session in the winter on a fantastic night then if you get cold. So the objective of this post is to share what I do to keep warm and I hope then, it helps you to know what to do to stay warm on those cold winter nights.
The first layer I put on is a Merino Wool base layer that I get from a company called Minus33. I purchase and wear the Expedition bottoms and top for a base layer made from Merino Wool. This wool is not itchy and does an outstanding job of whisking moisture away from my body. These base layers are not cheap, they run about $100 each but for me, are well worth it. Besides astronomy, I also use them when I snow shoe.
From here I'll start with my feet and work my way up. On my feet I first put on a base layer of either silk or wool sockings. Over that I put on a Expedition Level Merino Wool winter sock from Minus33. You can see those socks here.
I find that the combination of a silk or base layer sock, and a high quality, thick Merino Wool socks keeps my feet dry and warm. THAT is essential for me to stay dry and warm and in the field. Over this I wear an excellent snow and waterproof boot. Again, the boot I wear in the field for astronomy is the one I use to snowshoe. I own an older pair of Sorel boots, but based on a lot of reviews I have read online about their current boots and the fact that they do not last that well so I have opted for a Keen boot from REI. My boots are insulated down to -50 degress F and fit just fine (they were initially needing to be broken in but I did buy a shoe size one higher than I usually do, I usually get a 12 so I got a 13 and with my wool socks these fit perfectly). Here are the Keen Boots I own. They are the Keen Neve Winter boot and they are great for keeping my feet dry and warm, be that snowshoeing or in astronomy.
These are on closeout with a cost around $130.00 and these other Keen boots are in the same price way, the Keen Summit Winter Boot.
The key to your boot is that it must have sufficient insulation to keep your feet warm, adequate space for your foot with wool socks on and comfortable enough to wear for the evening. They also must be waterproof and for me, stay laced during the night.
Next we'll move to my legs. Over my Merino Wool base layer form Minus33, I wear a fleece pair of pants and then it depends on what I am going to wear. I have a pair of fleece pants from REI and another from Cabelas that I can wear. Over that, if it is really cold I usually wear a nice pair of heavy fleece sweat pants. Next, I have a pair of snow pants, actually two pairs that are extremely warm. They are from Columbia and I have worn them in the field and they work well. I also have a a couple of pair of hunting bibs. I am no longer a hunter, but hunters who do duck hunting in a blind, or stand hunting in a tree, know what to wear to keep warm. You may not like the camo look, yet if you can get pass the camo look, that line of clothing will keep you warm, very warm.
So you can wear like I do sometimes, wool socks, wool socks, fleece pants, fleece or wool pants or sweats then snow pants, or you can wear the base socks, wool socks, snow/winter boots, base layer on the legs, fleece pants. sweats then fleece or flannel or wool pants or sweats, wear the upper body items that I'll go through and then bibs as you can see here from Cabelas.
The bibs are waterproof, insulated and it is important if you use bibs, to have the kind that unbutton on the side of the leg and then unzip up the side of the legs to allow you easy access in and out. I also recommend buttons on the bottom of the legs where your feet come out so they are enclosed. A zipper for relieving is critical also and good clips that connect the suspenders. I wear my bibs about 90% of the time I observe, except in summer unless I am up in the mountains. I do often have them with me in late spring and summer in case they are needed. I love my hunting bibs and they are warm, VERY warm.
On my upper body or torso I wear the merino wool base layer from Minus33. I then have short sleeve shirt I wear over that, then a long sleeve fleece shirt. Over that goes a Merino Wool sweater like this one from Cableas, and then a fleece zip up jacket like above from either Columbia or NorthFace:
Or if that sweater is unavailable I wear this Peregrine Merino Thick Wool Sweater from Sierra Trading Post LINK. I like this sweater as I will wear it around the house and for casual dress, and when I observe.
Over all of that upper body now goes either my hunting parka from Cabelas, or my X300 Guidewear Parka which is designed for Ice Fishing or fishing in winter. Here are those images.
The Hunting Parka above is insulated, VERY warm and has plenty of pockets for eyepieces and other equipment that you can store in all those pockets. It is rough and I have had mine for 3 years now and no wear or tear is evident. It takes remotes sites here in Utah extremely well.
Above you can see in them middle my Cabela's X300 Guidewear (my is discontinued). It is 100% waterproof, insulated and thus VERY warm; has four pockets behind those two upper zippers, two large pockets on the bottom, and two side zipper pockets. The neck is fleece to provide comfort there. Again, if dressed correctly, this is VERY warm. Either option, the Hunting Parka above with about the same number of pockets and probably just a tad more insulation or the X300 ensures that I am warm no matter what I am doing in the winter. The hunting parka I usually use observing, and the X300 is usually my snowshoeing parka though I do have another parka I can use for that also.
On my head I always have a nice cap on my head (though it is false you lose most of your heat from your head, it is about 20% of your body heat). I keep that cap on while I am setting up, and then put on my merino wool baklava from Minus33 which you can see here.
This baklava will pull down under the chin, pull up over the mouth, or just allowing the eyes to see out. Over this I put a hat back on that is wool and sometimes I pull the hood of the parka up and over if I want to use it to shield my eyes, though at a dark site, that usually isn't needed.
The last item of clothing needed are gloves. I actually have like 4 different pair of gloves. I have a pair that are warm, but allow a great sense of use. You can see those gloves here.
After these, I move to using merino wool glove liners that keep my fingers and hands warm.
These are from Merino 33 again, and they do keep my hand warm, especially if I have to remove my gloves to sketch.
I also have a pair of heavy duty gloves that I wear with the wool liners when I snowshoe. They are warm, the warmest gloves I have but they are also bulky. However as one of my observing nights got down to around -5 degrees F, these gloves made a HUGE difference in keeping me warm to observe.
So there you go. That is basically what I wear. In the summer I wear my base layers, and usually two layers on my legs and a couple of layers on my torso and a good winter coat as even in the summer, nights in the West Desert of Utah can get in the upper 30's F and in the mountains of Utah, easily in the 20's F. So yeah, keeping warm is important, even more important now that I am in my 50's and having lost 85lbs so far ensures that I am colder than I was when I had more insulation. So figure out what works for you, and yes, in my case I spent money to stay warm and for me, that is money well spent. How much you spend, what you buy, how you stay warm, that is up to you to figure out. Good luck and keep looking at the wonders of our night sky!


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// Click here if you missed Part 1 of this series.
He picked me up around 5:00pm sharp to take me to dinner before the football game. I remember walking out of my dorm building and seeing him leaning on the drivers side door of his light blue toyota camry. (I drove a toyota corolla. We were kindred spirits right away) Tall, dark and handsome. With the most perfect smile I had ever seen. As soon as I made my way over to his car, he had already walked around to the passenger side to open the door. I remember mentally taking note of this sweet act of chivalry (it didn't come too often those days!)
Once we were on the road, he made me feel comfortable right away. He asked me to call up one of his friends and leave a funny voice mail. Seriously? Yes. That is what he wanted me to do. So here I am, with Josh, on our first date and acting ridiculous on a voice mail to one of his buddies. I don't even remember what I said. But I remember thinking it wasn't very funny and I hope I didn't fail some sort of "test." But he laughed hysterically at me and I immediately relaxed knowing I had earned his approval. :)
The conversation flowed so easily from the drive to dinner. I wish I could remember all that we talked about, or what we ate (this is when Instagram would have come in handy!) but it's true that people won't always remember what you said or what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel. And I remember quite vividly how he made me feel that night. I felt at home.
We had a two hour drive to the football game after dinner. But it felt like 30 minutes. We talked the whole way. Josh even came up with the "question game" where we went back and forth asking a question that both of us had to answer. It was fun and we learned so much about each other on that
short long drive.
I'd been around quite a few guys with wrong motives by this point in my life. And I could immediately tell two things about Josh - 1) He was completely sincere in wanting to get to know me for me and 2) I was pretty sure he didn't do this all the time.
And by this, I mean take girls out.
There was such a genuineness about him. That is probably my favorite thing about our first date. I felt like I was special, and not just another girl in a line of others he had wooed with his charm.
My second favorite thing about our date was how excited he was to see his students at the football game! And even greater, the fact that most of them were in the band. Ha! Not what I was expecting. But awesome, nonetheless!
It was at this football game that I realized he wasn't going into the ministry as a career. He was doing ministry with his life.
"Student pastor" may have been his title, but he was way more than that. He was their friend, he made them feel important. And he made me feel blessed just being there with him (things haven't changed much, let me tell you!)
After the game was over and we were walking back to his car, a funny thing happened. The temperature had dropped quite a bit, so I crossed my arms and rubbed them while mindlessly saying, "Ooh, it's cold." This was not intentional. I was not fishing for anything. But, oh dear, Josh totally thought I was. Yes he did. And he was going to do something about it. Next thing I know, I have his arm straight across my shoulders, while we are walking. The timing was just all off, so he kept banging his arm into my head. And I couldn't handle it. I just started cracking up. It was literally one of the most awkward moments ever (and we still laugh about it today!).
But apparently it wasn't awkward enough to keep us from going out on another date. And then another. And then before we knew it, we had spent nearly every day of the next two semesters together.
And then came time for Josh to graduate.


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The latest issue has surrounded whether or not Christians should boycott Target due to the latest announcement from
To weigh in on this issue there are a couple of things we need to think about.
1.) This was already happening - This was already taking place, the difference now is that it is getting corporate approval and increasing cultural approval. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned about the issue. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't speak up about it. We do need to keep in mind, however, that it isn't as though this wasn't a thing one moment and then all of the sudden it was.
2.) This is an indication of a society presently undergoing God's judgment. People say, "God's going to judge America for this." No friend, the fact that things like this happen and receive hardy cultural approval is proof that God has and is judging America. When a society gives approval to sinfulness and even begins to endorse it, you can be sure that you are seeing Romans 1 on display.
Now, I've heard much discussion in general over "boycotting" said businesses (specifically Target) that decide to make their restrooms gender neutral. Should we boycott businesses for this? My position, is no. No we shouldn't. Hear me out before you go nuts.
Here is my 8 point pondering on the matter.
1.) A boycott is the way of the world. Bruce Springsteen recently released a statement stating that he would not do a concert in North Carolina in protest over the HB2 legislation. Bruce is of the world. We are to be set apart. A boycott is a worldly endeavor in this case. I think if the world is reacting one way to a given situation then we as the church need to assume our reaction will likely be a polar opposite. (Mind you that's not a concrete principle and it may not always apply equally.)
2.) Have you gone about boycotting the bad doctrine and theology in your church or your denominational affiliations? For example, I am a Southern Baptist. I love my Southern Baptist brethren and denomination. I am NOT a fan of the staggering lack of discernment that seems to be growing in some of our Baptist institutions. For example, Lifeway sells books and "Bible" studies by two women (at least) who claim to receive new revelations from God. That's heresy folks. That's some really really BAD teaching. Why is there no boycott there? If there is to be a boycott of anything it should probably begin by aiming to 'clean house' so to speak and work its way out from there don't you think?
3.) Have you considered confronting them in an Ephesians 4:15 way? Speaking truth in love to them first. It seems that we were all happy to spend our money at Target and endorse all sorts of debauchery but not this one touches on a level that comes with a very real risk of effecting us personally. All of the sudden it is a much bigger deal? That seems a bit off to me.
4.) It doesn't seem doing this has been thought through too wisely. Granted we ought to feel something when we see things like this. I am so thankful that many are upset about this primarily because it is a continued rebelling against God's Word and what it says, in this case, about gender identity. You have every right to see to it that your family is protected on top of that (I'll address that in a closing thought), Our reaction, though ought to be to proclaim the Gospel all the more! Not condemn the world. Has anyone personally contacted any of them and arranged a time to sit down with them and share the true Gospel (Mark 1:15), perhaps to lead them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? I am not saying that they would receive such an advance, but have we tried?
5.) Gender neutral restrooms are not the real problem here. The real problem is a society dead in sin that loves their sin and celebrates their sin. This will only get worse from here. The problem isn't just gender confusion (rebellion). The problem is sin. Right now we see it in the gender issue, but it is also shows up in a myriad of other ways. That said, if all we go after is the small battle of keeping the restroom usage policies in accordance with a person's God-given gender we have won very little and missed the war. The end result of this is that those business who give to your boycotts and change back (if any do) you've not changed their hearts, you've soothed your conscience so that you can continue doing business with that place... (1 John 1:8-9).
6.) Shouldn't we be consistent? If you are going to call out businesses using who follow Target's folly, then let's also go and call out businesses that support abortion, that promote promiscuity or drunkenness, or that put out sinful media products (all of which can also be found at Target). Are you sure that the businesses that leave their bathrooms as Men and Women aren't selling products of companies who don't? Have fun figuring that one out! Where does it end? You'd better go home and clean out your pantry and throw away all clothing items as well that come from companies that give money to Planned Parenthood or some other evil corporation/campaign. You'd better cut your electric off because chances are your company gives to an immoral group or political candidate or something in some way. The commission of the church is not to chiefly attack the peripheral issues of this sin broken world, but rather to attack the heart of all issues with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That though they are sinners bound for God's wrath, their is forgiveness and pardon in Jesus Christ alone! (John 3:16; Mark 1:15; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:16-20) It doesn't mean that we don't speak out, but we keep the cross and eternity in our ultimate perspective.
7.) Preach the WORD in and out of season... PREACH THE WORD. (2 Timothy 4:1-4) Just because you are willing to give other businesses a pat on the back for maintaining a sane and Biblical restroom usage policy does not equal success.
8.) Have you considered the issue of hypocrisy in your own heart with this? Is this the only time you've spoken up about the God ordained role of gender? Have you sought to share the Gospel with those who are gender-confused? They are darkened in their hearts. They are in open rebellion against the God who made them. He created them one way and they are charging Him with wrong. And you are seeking to make them your enemy as opposed to your mission!? The lost world is not our enemy, they are our mission. We aren't trying to destroy them, we are trying to lead them to Christ who can clear up this sinful confusion AND forgive them of ALL their sins! If this is the only thing that gets you riled up, might not you look like a hypocrite because you are claiming to prize and hold the name of Christ so very very closely and yet never share the Gospel any other time in the year? Just a thought. Some "Christians" will rail about these things (and again I understand the anger and agree what is going on is immoral) but those same Christians NEVER share the Gospel. Never witness to anyone... How do you expect things to change if you keep the Gospel to yourself?
My Final Thought:
I am going to protect my family. If my daughters or wife are headed into a restroom anywhere and a man identifying as a woman is in there or follows them in I will not hesitate to do whatever is necessary to protect my family. Please hear me clearly, the whole identifying as a different gender issue is one of sinful rebellion. It is not ok. It goes against the Lord and His Word. Businesses who capitulate to gender-neutral restroom usage policies are wrong for doing so and they advance the cause of evil. But unless we are going to pull out of every worldly thing, I don't think a boycott is the best way to combat it.
I want to hear from you on this. If you believe I am way off base, please provide Scripture to refute me. Keep your comments civil. If you are a person involved with the transgender movement, I want to tell you that you are dead in your sin. Not just because of the gender issue, but a whole host of other sins as well. You need Christ to save you from your sin. I was just as you once. My sin didn't look like yours, but I needed the rescuing grace of Jesus Christ no less. Repent of your sin, turn to Christ. He will forgive you and give you a new nature. He will not only clear up your gender confusion He will give you of His own righteousness. Curious about that? Feel free to contact me.


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Words and Sentences Have Meaning
(by Bob Pulliam)
When it comes to interpreting the Bible, it is easy to tell people it interprets itself and leave it at that. But the truth is, we must still discern it's message. Even in places where authors tell us their intention in plain terms, we must still process the information and assign it correctly. Here is a short primer on interpreting words and sentences:
Concerning Words:
The definitions of words change over time, and this especially becomes a problem when you rely on translations from another language. The word "prevent" was a perfectly suitable word in I Thessalonians 4:15 at the time of the King James Version. Today, however, the word "prevent" does not convey the thought Paul intended. The word he used meant "precede", and you will usually find newer translations using that word.
Where definitions are concerned, here is the bottom line: Definitions may change in languages, but the intentions of author's statements do not. We cannot say that a word meaning has changed and therefore we can abide by the new meaning. The author meant what he said, not what society did with language after he said it!
The word "baptize" or "baptism" is a classical example of definition change. You can look up the word "baptize" in Webster's and find "to dip (a person) into water, or pour or sprinkle water over him, as a symbol of admission into Christianity or a specific Christian church" (Webster's New World, p111). Now we could assume this definition to be valid for an understanding of the Bible, or we could recognize the true purpose of Webster's dictionary. Two important points made in the introduction to the above mentioned dictionary should prove this to be a foolish assumption. "1. Language rests upon use; anything used long enough by enough people will become standard. ... 2. However language started, it has been shaped and directed by man's mind, his society, and his vocal equipment." (ibid. p xvii) The point here is that Webster's is not a dictionary of the meaning of Bible words. Many words have evolved through our use, and did not retain the intended meaning of God. Webster's is offering the meanings of words as they are used by people today.
The word "church" offers a good example of misplaced meaning. Webster's definition perfectly accords with the modern use of this term, but leaves any resemblance to what the scriptures teach for it's last definition. Does the Bible teach that the church is "a building set apart or consecrated for public worship"? (ibid. p255) Of course it doesn't, but that is the way the world today uses the word. (see Mt 18:17; Acts 2:47; Rom 16:5, 23; I Cor 11:18; III Jn 1:6) The word church refers to the body of believers who have been called out of the world into Christ's kingdom.
In other words, the Bible actually offers the meanings. Of course, these still must be discerned by reading and applying. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the word "baptism". You know from reading above that the world includes the idea of sprinkling or pouring water in it's definition. If you have any doubt about God's intention on the matter, you need only read Romans 6:1-5. In verses three and four, Paul writes, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Here we can clearly see that baptism was a burial. That burial was intended to pictorialize the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Baptism is the point at which we attach ourselves to that soul-saving event 2000 years ago. To sprinkle or pour is not to associate ourselves with Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Only a burial will do it. (see also Col 2:12)
We learn that this burial is in water by looking at other passages, and we find again that God has defined these matters for us. If you read, "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, `See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?'" (Acts 8:36), would you conclude that baptism was in water ? And then there is Peter's question, "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" (Acts 10:47) Can you miss the fact that baptism is in water? Even further, we have this statement, "who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water. There is also an antitype which now saves us; baptism ..." (I Pt 3:20f). We see then that the Bible would define baptism as a burial (immersion) in water.
It must be clear by now that we cannot go to an English dictionary and find Bible definitions. Such is too risky a proposition for such an important topic. Many Bible dictionaries and lexicons are on the market to the general public, and are a worthwhile investment. One of the best, and most readily available is Vine's Expository Dictionary of Bible Words (Nelson Publishers). It allows you to look up words in English, and gives clear English definitions with scriptures where the words are found. This with a concordance is an invaluable aid to Bible study. Remember, however, the Bible clearly means something, and it is up to us to discern that meaning. Never leave the task to others.
Concerning Sentences:
Two aspects of this area will not be considered here. Please consult the sections "Determine the Speaker", and "Determine the Listener". These are very important considerations when determining the meaning of a Bible passage. When these two aspects have been considered, one must then...
One of the greatest downfalls in Bible understanding today is an unwillingness to consult the author's purpose. If someone can find a verse to say what he wants, he ignores the author's intention and applies the words to his whim. In just this way many churches have sprung up. But how can we know the intention of the author?
By a simple statement of such, the author, or speaker, may make his meaning clear. Luke, on several occasions gave intention to the words or parables of Jesus. In Luke 15:1f he notes the indignant attitude of the Pharisees and scribes, prefacing Jesus subsequent parable with, "So He spoke this parable to them...". In Luke 18:1, he wrote, "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart..." We know, then, why Jesus offered the parable that followed. Then there are the parables for which Jesus offered the interpretation. Matthew 13 contains two such parables (interpretations at vv18 & 37).
Immediate context often clearly conveys the intent. The multitude asked Peter what they were to do in Acts 2:37. What should they do about what? Peter knew, and by his answer let's us know that they had salvation on their minds. So Peter told them what they must do to be saved in verse 38. People commonly quote Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that you be not judged." They think they know what Jesus meant, and when they are rebuked for error tell others not to judge them, because Jesus said... But they have missed Jesus' intention entirely. The four verses that follow clearly reveal that Jesus was talking about judging others when one has sins of his own to rectify. And it is essential that we recognize this, for if this isn't so, then Jesus contradicted Himself in John 7:24 when He said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." Here we are to judge!
Speech isn't the only thing that aids understanding. Actions and locations in a passage can offer great insight. Pilate asked Jesus "What is truth?" Did he really want to know? We know he didn't, because rather than wait for a reply, he turned and walked out. (Jn 18:38) The disciples pointed out the buildings of the temple to Jesus, Jesus made a remark about them, and a majority of the chapter is about those very buildings the disciples admired (Mt 24:1ff). Many a Bible student misses the mark on this chapter, because he wants to apply the first half of it to the second coming of Jesus.
If harmony is maintained, proper understanding is not far behind. Too many Bible readers think nothing of making two passages contradict each other. They will justify such by claiming that the Bible has many such contradictions in it. A sad admission from one who claims to trust a Savior, for that very Savior sent the Holy Spirit to inspire the men who wrote that book! While we're at Matthew 24, compare verses fifteen and sixteen to Luke 21:20f. The passages are parallel accounts of Jesus' words, and must be harmonized by the student. Ephesians 5:18f has a parallel in Colossians 3:16. What does Paul mean by being filled with the Spirit? The command obviously related to letting the word of the Spirit richly dwell within them. A tragic disharmony is created between Ephesians 2:8f and James 2:24. Are works involved, or not? Is it by faith only, or not? If you cannot harmonize the two passages, then you do not understand one or both scriptures.
Other factors enter into this discussion that have merited their own sections (i.e. Figures of Speech; Listener; Speaker; Symbolism; Harmonizing Scripture). Keep these points in mind while studying the Bible. It was not written for us to make of it what we please. It was written to reveal the mind of God on the most important of topics: Salvation in Christ.
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"You are put in school to be trained to become exactly what they want you to be: not them, anything but them. They live on a golden island and have the key to the only bridge. Your parents are not millionaires, so it doesn't matter how intelligent you are, you aren't invited to their party. That's the great shame. The idiots have the gold, and the poor die to give it to them. So you better start to laugh, because this world is one big joke written by the few, at the expense of the masses. Look around you, that feeling your life isn't going anywhere? That's the feeling that makes you part of the masses."
- Craig Stone


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The Pico de Valeta in Spain's Sierra Nevada mountains, boasts Europe's highest road.
It is less well known than the Tour de France Alpine climbs, yet surpasses them in many ways. At over 11,000 feet, it tops the French and Italian icons by another 3,000 feet.
Only a few riders from Ayr Roads/Harry Fairbairn Cycling Club have tackled the mountain. The latest to do so were, Scott Knox, Ed Clifton and Alastair McGibbon, who spent last week cycling in the Sierra Nevada region of Spain's Andalucia province. The Sierra Nevadas may not be as well known as the Pyrenees but the cycling is certainly on a par, with quiet, well maintained roads, courteous drivers, challenging climbs and (thankfully) water fountains in every village.
Based in Granada with its magnificent Alhambra, the trio enjoyed some great runs in the vicinity, clocking up well over 250 miles of mountainous terrain. They even managed to take in the route of the 15th stage of the Vuelta Espana, that had taken place a few days before.
Their goal however, was El Pico, which has a 43 Km climb passing the Sierra Nevada ski station, before the last gravel section at the summit. The return is not for the faint hearted.
With these sort of miles in their legs, all three should now be well prepared for the club's annual hill climb of Carwinshoch in a couple of weeks time.
Only a few open road races remain this season, with some members now focusing on cyclo cross events. On Saturday, John Gemmell took part in the local Doon n Dirty cyclo cross at Craigengillan, where he took second place in his category. Already a bronze medallist in the Scottish National championship, his next race will take him to Kingussie next week, where he will compete in the fifth and final round of the SXC Mountain Bike Series. John has had a great year and is the current leader after four rounds of the series. All hopes will be on him taking another Gold for Ayrshire.
The last open road races of the season likely to feature Ayr Roads riders will be the Tour de Trossachs 30 mile Time Trial, which takes in the Dukes Pass from Aberfoyle on October 1st. It will be preceded by The Rothesay Cycling Festival this week. It's then the club's final event of the season, with the Carwinshoch Hill Climb. The outcome of which will determine the club's League Champion for the season.
Meanwhile Roads club members were out in force last week. Most suffered the vagaries of the weather, with the exception of Michael McClelland who did a 93 mile circuit of the Island of Mull on Saturday.
All credit goes to Andy Conway, who rode The Pedal for Scotland Sportive in atrocious conditions, where he completed the 155 km route.
Sunday's club run was a relatively short one taking in the east Ayrshire villages, by Stair, Mauchline, Springs before returning via Corraith and Loans.