text:
Kinsta does a lot to differentiate itself from other hosting providers. Instead of operating its own servers, it provides managed hosting on Google's enterprise-level network. While it only provides managed WordPress hosting for websites, it also offers application and database hosting.
And while Kinsta doesn't come bundled with a bunch of optional add-ons like typical shared hosts, I appreciated its focus on features that give you more control and a better hosting experience.
It's also, to put it lightly, not cheap. Mind you, it's not outrageously expensive for what it offers.
I wanted to know if Kinsta was worth its price or if you'd be better off going with a cheaper host and treating yourself to a nice dinner with the leftover money. That's why I put in over two weeks of careful testing and research into Kinsta. The verdict? Though it's not the cheapest option out there, Kinsta's fully managed WordPress hosting is absolutely worth it.
It's an ideal choice if you're running a small-to-medium business, or want to provide your web development clients with high-end hosting, or even if you have loftier ambitions for your personal site. However, it might be overkill for smaller passion projects.
Kinsta's service is available in Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish. Is it what you need to take your website to the next level? Read on to find out.
Laser-Focused on Top-Performance Hosting, Without the Classic Extras
There are a lot of popular features offered by other hosting providers that Kinsta simply doesn't have. There's no proprietary website builder, search engine optimization (SEO) analysis, or significant marketing tools. It doesn't even offer domain name registration, free or otherwise. Does that mean that Kinsta's offering is limited? Not exactly – it's just more focused.
Instead of bloating its service with a bunch of nice-to-have add-ons that you'd be better off getting through a third-party service anyway, Kinsta's features are dedicated to giving you the best performance possible.
True Managed WordPress Hosting
When Kinsta advertises managed WordPress hosting, it really does mean managed. Immediately after sign-up, Kinsta takes care of the entire WordPress installation for you. From there, you can activate or deactivate any installed plugins and themes, manage multiple WordPress sites at once, and tinker with your site's settings, all from your dashboard.
Kinsta Edge Caching
Kinsta offers a wide variety of useful features for WordPress management
If you worry about security, Kinsta comes with state-of-the-art firewalls and DDoS protection. You also get access to customizable security rules like banning certain IP addresses. To mitigate a worst-case scenario, it autosaves daily backups of your site to prevent losing important data. If all else fails, Kinsta even promises to fix your site for you.
I also liked the option to activate edge and mobile caching. Edge caching duplicates your site's assets on more than 260 data centers around the world. To improve performance, it uses the copies stored nearest to each site visitor. You can also choose to create cached versions of your site specifically for mobile to improve your loading speeds on those devices.
Let's talk about Kinsta 502, but before..
Though it doesn't offer domain registration, Kinsta comes with its own domain name system (DNS) that allows you to manage all your domain settings directly. It also provides you with a limited number of free SSL certificates.
Discover More Kinsta Features >>
Plenty of Monitoring Tools To Assess the State of Your Site
Performance and usage analytics are crucial for optimizing your website, and Kinsta offers two different performance monitoring tools and advanced usage analytics.
If you want to track your website's performance and identify bottlenecks, you can access the application performance monitoring (APM) and New Relic monitoring (NRM) tools directly from your hosting dashboard. APM is a proprietary tool that captures time-stamped information about your site's PHP processes. NRM gives you performance information by adding custom JavaScript to your site's front end.
While my team and I prefer to do all performance tests through our trusted third-party monitoring tools, these features can be useful for fine-tuning your site performance. You can also access detailed usage analytics under the Analytics tab on your dashboard.
Premium Add-Ons for Impressive Performance Speeds
For an extra fee, Kinsta offers a wide range of impressive performance-enhancing add-ons. You can access Redis technology to improve your database read speeds or use NGINX to load WordPress from a subdirectory while your site files load from the main directory.
Kinsta Premium Add-ons
Kinsta offers great additional features if you're willing to pay for them
For extra peace of mind, you can also pay a small fee to store external backups of your site on Amazon's or Google's cloud storage centers.
Specialized Plans for Application and Database Hosting
Though managed WordPress hosting is the focus of this review, I'd be remiss not to mention Kinsta's specialized application and database hosting plans. Application hosting offers unlimited, concurrent builds on a single account. You'll also get scalable resources and access to Kinsta's proprietary API.
For databases, Kinsta offers support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, Maria DB, and Redis, as well as automatic daily backups and up to 5 manual backups per day.
Kinsta Features at a Glance
Free domain name? ✘
Free SSL? "
Money-back guarantee 30 days
Uptime guarantee 99.9%
Managed hosting features? "
Data centers 30+ across the globe
Fantastic Overall Ease of Use, With Some Room for Improvement
Kinsta does everything in its power to ensure that setting up and running your website is as easy and fast as it can be. I can't argue with the results. Kinsta offers one of the smoothest hosting experiences I've had with any provider.
Since it doesn't offer domain name registration, I'll admit I was a little frustrated trying to point my domain name to Kinsta's servers. While it does offer a full DNS service, it's odd that such a we'll-do-it-for-you service doesn't have one of the most basic web hosting features. But even then, most of my troubles came from my own confusion. You can't blame Kinsta too much for that.
Creating a New Account with Kinsta
Creating your Kinsta account could not be more straightforward. All you have to do is go to Kinsta's homepage, select the plan that sounds best to you, and click choose.
After that, you'll have to input your billing information and select any add-ons you want (you can also add these later). Then, you'll have to choose a name for your site and select your data center location. Once your payment goes through – it took less than a minute for me – you'll be the proud owner of a ready-to-use Kinsta account.
Connecting a Domain Name and Installing WordPress
As soon as you finish creating your account, you'll get your first taste of the Kinsta dashboard. From there, all you'll have to do is click on the create site button under the WordPress Site option. If you already have .zip files for plugins and themes, you don't even need to go to your WordPress dashboard to add them. You can do it directly from the Kinsta dashboard.
Kinsta Create a WordPress Site
The Create a site button is right there – you really can't miss it
The process of connecting my domain name was a little more involved. I had to start by changing the nameservers to point to Kinsta's servers. Once a "nameservers point to Kinsta" message appeared, I went to the Domains tab on my dashboard and clicked on Add a Domain. Then… nothing happened.
Even though my domain was pointing to Kinsta, Kinsta didn't recognize it as a valid address for my WordPress site. I spent a good while trying to figure out how to fix this problem, until I realized I needed to add an "A" DNS record from Kinsta.
Though that's a rookie mistake, I was a bit annoyed that Kinsta didn't provide enough instruction to help me identify my problem, let alone solve it.
Get Started With Kinsta >>
Kinsta Offers a CDN Straight Out of the Box
If you want to reach a global audience, you'll need a content delivery network (CDN) to avoid very long load times in parts of the world that are far away from your server. Many hosts make you connect a CDN as a separate service – but not Kinsta.
Kinsta CDN locations
Kinsta saves you the trouble of connecting your website to a CDN
To my delight, the enterprise version of Cloudflare CDN comes pre-installed on all your WordPress sites. This saves you the trouble of manually connecting to a CDN, but more importantly, it improves your global loading speeds away from your chosen data center (more on that below).
Easy-Access Tools To Improve Your Hosting Experience
You can access a variety of useful features for managing your WordPress site directly from the Tools tab on your dashboard. There, you'll be able to clear your cache, debug your site, change PHP versions, and more. The best part is that none of this requires complicated installs, as you can activate or deactivate any of Kinsta's tools with the click of a button.
Deploy WordPress Sites Locally With DevKinsta
DevKinsta provides a downloadable environment for stress-free WordPress site development. This might not seem impressive compared to the rest of Kinsta's premium offerings, but unless you're only migrating your site, being able to design and develop your WordPress site locally can be a huge timesaver. Once you're satisfied with the result, DevKinsta integrates seamlessly with the Kinsta staging environment to make your site live whenever you wish.
Kinsta Delivers Impeccable Performance
Kinsta has more than 30 data centers across the world, meaning you'll be able to find a location near your target audience wherever they are. Not that it matters much – due to its built-in CDN, Kinsta promises fast loading speeds just about anywhere.
To test if Kinsta was really worth all that, our team built a full landing page. This included HD images, scrolling effects, and just about everything you'd expect from a modern site. Then, we hosted it using Kinsta's base plan and ran continuous tests for a little over two weeks. If you're interested, you can read a full breakdown of our testing methodology for hosting providers.
The short answer: Kinsta is designed to give you the best performance and reliability it can offer. And boy-oh-boy does it deliver.
What I found: There's no arguing over Kinsta's results. Over two weeks of testing, Kinsta delivered perfect uptime. Typical fully-loaded times were about 0.9s, with outstanding worldwide loading speeds.
To test the local performance of our site, we set hourly tests for two weeks using GTMetrix with a source center near our site's data center in Columbus. The results were excellent across the board. Our site achieved a typical loading speed of about 0.9s. Even the slowest results were better than most, clocking in at about 1.4s.
So Kinsta 502, important things to know.
Kinsta GTMetrix History
Kinsta delivered consistently impressive loading speeds throughout the testing process
To give our readers the most accurate representation of what they will get when signing up, we tinker with the site as little as possible when testing the performance of a hosting plan. Kinsta was no exception.
That said, I should mention that the first time I ran Kinsta through GTMetrix, it achieved a Performance score of 100%. It would appear this was because Kinsta had automatically installed the Yoast SEO plugin on my site, which disabled my test site's scrolling effects.
After deactivating the plugin, our site's typical loading speeds saw very little loss in performance. Even without all the optimization plugins at our disposal, Kinsta's Performance scores were regularly above 95%.
Kinsta Performance Score
Kinsta consistently got "A" grades throughout testing process
Sucuri Load Time Tester
We use Sucuri's Load Time Tester tool to test a provider's global performance score. Now, most shared hosting providers can integrate with the free version of Cloudflare's CDN service. That said, the signup and configuration process can be a bit of a headache. And since Cloudflare is usually a 3rd-party service, we don't use it with our test sites. It's what's fair, but it does mean that even the best providers tend to struggle with global performance.
Kinsta Sucuri Load Time Tester Results
Kinsta's global performance was impressive
Each one of Kinsta's WordPress plans are connected to the Enterprise level of Cloudflare's CDN. This means that I didn't have to do anything to maximize the site's global performance. And the results were outstanding all over the world.
On its service agreement, Kinsta offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee. To test if it lived up to its promises, we ran our site through over two weeks of continuous monitoring using UptimeRobot. The result was an impeccable uptime of 100%. Which doesn't leave all that much more to say, really.
Kinsta UptimeRobot Results
You can't ask for better uptime than 100%
Good Support, but I Expected Better
My experience with customer support was subpar, to put it mildly. Kinsta offers live chat and email support for all paid customers, as well as phone support for sales inquiries. To test Kinsta's support quality, I tried contacting it through every available channel. Tried being the operative word here.
The first time I sent a message through live chat, I waited for a long time without getting an answer, then missed the eventual reply – a rep's request for my hosting address.
Thankfully, the second time I reached out, I received a much more prompt and comprehensive answer. However, I should point out that Kinsta's customer support hours are misleading. While advertised as being 24/7, the actual availability is Monday to Friday from 5AM – 10PM UTC.
Kinsta Livechat Support
Live chat ended up being really useful, I just wished it had been on my first try
I also sent an email to test the quality of support there. No point going into too much detail because I didn't get an answer from email support. Finally, I tried calling the sales number to ask about the e-commerce plans. My experience was much better.
The first thing I noticed is that since I called with a number registered in Mexico, Kinsta connected me to a Spanish-speaking support representative. They not only provided answers in my native language, but were very knowledgeable about the topics I asked about.
In the end, support was kind of a mixed bag. When I was able to get an answer, that answer was completely satisfactory. But I expected better, especially considering Kinsta's prices.
Kinsta Involves a Serious Investment
There's no sugar-coating it: Kinsta is quite expensive. There are 10 different plans for WordPress hosting alone. Even the entry-level plan, Starter, comes in at د.إ88.15 per month, or a little less if you pay annually. That's more than the price of most other hosts' mid-range plans, even after renewal.
Kinsta Web Hosting
Plan Name Storage Free SSL Number of Sites Price Free Months
Starter 10 GB SSD + 1 د.إ88.15 4 More details
Pro 20 GB SSD + 2 د.إ173 4 More details
Business 1 30 GB SSD + 5 د.إ283 4 More details
Business 2 40 GB SSD + 10 د.إ551 4 More details
Business 3 50 GB SSD + 20 د.إ834 4 More details
Business 4 60 GB SSD + 40 د.إ1102 4 More details
Kinsta Reseller Hosting
After that, the plans come packaged together based on functionality. The Pro plan gives you tools for multi-site functionality, while the Business plans give you access to e-commerce features. The Enterprise plans, as you might expect, include a range of resources for large company sites.
That's not even mentioning Kinsta's paid add-ons, which can increase your site's performance but also your monthly fee. Much like the main plans, these features are worth it if you have the budget.
At the very least, I have to commend Kinsta for its pricing transparency. Unlike some other hosts on the market, Kinsta doesn't charge more after the first renewal period. It also doesn't charge extra for features it advertises as part of each plan, nor does it use hidden upsells. With Kinsta, what you see is what you get. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans. This way, you have plenty of time to decide if it's the right investment for your needs.
Recent Improvements
The following are just some of the recent product improvements rolled out by Kinsta:
A recent update to MyKinsta: MyKinsta, the sophisticated custom-built control panel, has been completely redesigned for usability.
New Tel Aviv data center: Kinsta's Google Cloud Platform data centers now include Tel Aviv, Israel, bringing the total to 35.
Kinsta's premium staging environment add-on: You can run up to five premium staging environments alongside your WordPress sites with Kinsta's staging environment addon.
A new site preview tool: Kinsta's site preview tool allows you to demo any migrated site before pointing it to its live domain through its WordPress temporary URL.
How We Reviewed Kinsta
I test web hosts based on the following factors:
Plan value: What plans are available, and do they offer a good value?
Ease of use: Is the dashboard easy to navigate?
Support: How fast can you get help when needed, and is support genuinely helpful?
Features: What features does the host offer, and how do they compare to similar competitors?
Security: Does the host offer SSL certificates, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack protection, backup services, and scans for viruses and malware?
Speed and uptime: Does the provider offer a fast, stable environment for your website? How does it perform in tests, and what kind of servers does the hosting company use?
Recent improvements: What has the host done lately to update its technology and services?
Time to cover Kinsta 502 in depth
Extremely fast response and load times: My analysis detected an average load time of 725 ms and a response time of 4 ms.
Fantastic support: All my interactions with Kinsta's support team were extremely smooth. They were available 24/7 via email and live chat, with responses coming back every few seconds.
High premium on security: I observed that Kinsta employs both proactive and reactive efforts to keep its clients' websites safe from fraudulent requests and DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks.
Robust infrastructure: Kinsta hosts sites on Google Cloud Platform's Premium Tier network.
What fell flat
No domain hosting: One of the most significant drawbacks is that the platform does not provide domain hosting.
Lacks phone support: While Kinsta allowed me to contact the sales team by phone, they did not provide support services through the same channel.
No shared hosting: Kinsta web hosting may not be ideal for small website owners looking for a cheap shared solution.
Not the cheapest: With its current prices, Kinsta don't make it among the cheapest web hosting solutions.


text:
In 1996, Wil Smith enrolled as a freshman at Maine's Bowdoin College. At 27, he had recently finished serving in the Navy. But he set off for school with his 1-year-old daughter, Olivia, in tow. Now that she's a teenager, Olivia sat down with her dad at StoryCorps to look back on their "college days" together.
"I wasn't planning on having you as my roommate," Wil tells Olivia. "I actually thought that if Bowdoin College knew I had you, they wouldn't let me come to college. So, I hadn't mentioned it to anyone."
To help make ends meet, he got a job working at a Staples office supply store, as a cleaner on the night shift.
"I had to take you in with me at work sometimes and hide you in the closet," Wil recalls with a laugh. "I think I lost something like 27 pounds, just from stress and not eating, because I didn't have enough for both of us."
Wil played for Bowdoin's basketball team. During the 1999 and 2000 seasons, he was the team's co-captain. And to help him focus on his studies, he got some help from his friends.
"My basketball teammates were my first baby-sitters," he says. "I just remember coming from class, and there were four giant guys — and then there was this 18-month-old who was tearing up the room."
Olivia asks, "Were you ever embarrassed bringing me to class? Or just having me in general?"
"I felt a little awkward, but never embarrassed," Wil says. "There were times when the only way I could get through was to come in and look at you and see you sleeping — and then go back to my studies."
Wil graduated from Bowdoin in 2000. He eventually became the school's associate dean of multicultural student programs, a post he kept for 10 years.
"My graduation day from Bowdoin is a day I'll never forget," he says. "You know, all of my classmates, they stood up and gave me the only standing ovation. "
"I remember walking up with you and having my head on your shoulder," Olivia says with a laugh.
"Yeah, the dean called both of our names as he presented us with the diploma."
"So, technically I already graduated from college," Olivia says.
"Nice try," Wil says. "The degree only has my name on it. So you still got to go."
Earlier this year, Wil Smith was diagnosed with cancer; he's now undergoing treatment for stage-three colon cancer. He also serves as the dean of community and multicultural affairs at Berkshire School in Massachusetts.
"I really admire your strength," his daughter says. "And I love you."
"I draw my strength from you," Wil answers. "I always have, and I still do."
Audio produced for Morning Edition by Jasmyn Belcher.
Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
South Dakota It's truly where history comes to life.
From prehistoric dinosaurs to the Native Americans that first called this land home, through the settlers that came from across the globe to make a better life, South Dakota is extraordinarily rich in history & culture. See the 60-foot-tall faces on Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Behold the world's largest in-progress mountain carving at Crazy Horse Memorial. Follow the trail of Lewis & Clark, find museums of every size and focus, and experience the Wild West of legends.
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South Dakota: An Endless Source of Inspiration
Find Arts, Culture & History Attractions
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Sioux Falls


text:
Amyris maritima Jacq.
Amyris plumieri DC.
Other Uses Rating | |
Habit | Shrub |
Height | 5.00 m |
Cultivation Status | Wild |
If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.
Last update on 2022-07-20: Now containing 12727 plants.
Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
The database and code is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.


text:
Aireanna name necklace Gold Custom Necklace, Personalized Gifts For Her
- Description
Aireanna name necklace Gold Custom Necklace, Personalized Gifts For Her
Add something extra special to your jewelry box with Name Necklace Official engravable necklaces. The Aireanna's 14k gold name necklace is best gifts for Aireanna. Name Necklace Official provides affordable engravable jewelry that won't break the bank. In addition, these pieces make for very thoughtful and appreciated gifts for friends and family. And whether valentine's day gifts, mother's day gifts, christmas gifts, wedding gifts, graduation gifts, birthday gifts, NAME NECKLACE are all the best gift choice store.
- Details
- Shipping
Free Shipping Orders Over $49
You can choose the shipping method during checkout:
Standard Shipping: $5.99
Arrives 5-8 business days after production time
Express Shipping:
Orders Less Than $17.99: $29.95
Orders $18.00–$149.99: $25.95
Orders $150.00 and Up: Free
Arrives 2-5 business days after production time
Shipping time may differ outside the U.S.
Please note that the time frame mentioned above doesn't include production time.
Affected by the epidemic, your order delivery may be delayed. For details, please refer to the local logistics notice.
over $49.00
by world's top designers


text:
Megapixel Technology: Be Prepared
March 6th, 2018
Megapixel cameras in Omaha NE are a different animal than both standard IP and traditional analog cameras in Omaha NE. Here are some things to keep in mind:
High resolution video in Omaha NE requires a lot of bandwidth, so plan accordingly. However, megapixel cameras in Omaha NE will not take up more bandwidth than the combined analog camera requirements to capture the same resolution and field of view.
We recommend using megapixel camera technology to simply crop the unnecessary parts of captured field of view, and REDUCE the required network bandwidth.
Higher resolution and higher frame rates require more memory. However, hard drive capacity has greatly increased, costs have significantly reduced, and there are simple functions (such as motion detect, video overwrite, variable frame rate) to help you manage this requirement.
Our recommendation: don't skimp - get as much memory you can afford.
Megapixel cameras require additional lighting for surveillance during nighttime hours. Basically, if you can't see well in a given area at night, neither can the camera. For low light applications, we recommend augmenting your megapixel camera with a low light capable IP or CCD camera.
When buying a megapixel camera, purchase megapixel-ready lenses. Traditional lenses will work, but their optics will limit the resolution capabilities of the camera.


text:
Convert MAN to PCD
Convert MAN to PCD format online, for free.
Why Use ImageConverter to convert MAN to PCD
With SharkFoto's massive computing cloud server distributed globally, SharkFoto ImageConverter can provide a fast image converting service automatically in a few seconds with one click. You can slash editing time - and have more fun! Not only convert MAN to PCD, our platform supports over 200+ image formats. You can convert any format to any other format easily.
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After converting is completed, click the "Download" button to save your PCD file.


text:
Pedro del Hierro
Denim jacket
€ 50,00
€ 169,00
Line Saving€ 119,00
Line Saving
Sizing Guide
Pedro del Hierro
Denim jacket
€ 50,00
€ 169,00
Line Saving€ 119,00
Line Saving
Select your desired size
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- Lightly tailored fit.
- Front pockets with buttoned flap.
- Piped front/side pockets.
- Back yoke.
- Button
-up front fastening.
- Buttoned cuffs.
- Made in comfort cotton serge. 10 oz/338 GSM fabric.
Members of Better Cotton
We are proud to be a member of Better Cotton. By choosing our cotton products, you're supporting our investment in Better Cotton's mission. Our goal is for 50% of our cotton to be sourced through Better Cotton by 2025, supporting more responsible cotton farming. Better Cotton aims to transform cotton production around the world by developing Better Cotton as a sustainable commodity. This product was sourced via a system of mass balance and therefore may not contain Better Cotton. Learn more at bettercotton.org/massbalance
98% cotton, 2% elastaneCare
- Machine wash max 30C
- Do not bleach
- Do not tumble dry
- Warm iron
- Do not dry clean
Standard0-100€ 9,95 €
100-150€ 4,95 €
Orders over 150 € Free
You have 30 days to make your return through any of the following methods:
Ship to warehouse


text:
Common Name: Flash Pleco, L204 Pleco, Hvidstribet Prinsesugemalle, Small Line Peru-Panaque
Scientific Name: Panaqolus albivermis
Please watch the video below or at the bottom of the page if using the app. Customers are responsible to make their own decisions when deciding if they want the fish in the video and photos or not. If there is something you do not like about the fish in the video or photos, please do not purchase or contact us first before purchasing for any questions. All purchases are FINAL, per our Terms and Conditions, no exceptions. If the app on Android or iPhone does not work to view the videos, then use a web browser on your cell phone or computer.
All new imports are feeding on Fluval Bug Bites unless otherwise specified. To keep your new fish eating once they arrive, please consider purchasing to feed them entirely on Fluval Bug Bites or mix in with your current fish food. I earn a small commission on each purchase which helps feed our new fish. You can purchase from the link below:
Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Fish Food
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Currently Eating:
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Other Parameters:
Water Parameters:
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If you come across an issue or error on our website such as incorrect ID or any other concern, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at firstname.lastname@example.com. Our team will be more than happy to further assist you to resolve any issues you may be facing and make sure that your experience on our website is as great as it should be. Furthermore, if you have any other concerns or inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us as well. We value our customers and strive to provide the best customer service for all customers. We look forward to hearing from you and providing the best customer service experience possible.


text:
FORD CARGO 1932 V2 Truck
Frank Douglas, Mundo ETS2, Tonho Nunes (interior)
What this mod gives to you
Farming Simulator 2019 mods are unique improvements in the gameplay. They allow you to translate into reality something you previously only dreamed of. Get the most out of the game. Farming Simulator 17 Mod is pretty simple to install, download the file to your computer and run it. Each FS 17 mod will give you improvements, so select the category you like and add the mod to your version. Installing the add-on does not take much time, and you will continue to enjoy the game for a long time.


text:
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
One of the most awful words on the planet
Tonight, I was on my TweetDeck (that thing is addictive) and I spotted this tweet from a random teen: "Video chatting with girl who should be tested for special needs is tiring." I twittered, "DUDE. I'm parent of a kid w/special needs. NOT funny." His next tweet: "Omg I have just been tweeted at by an angry parent of a special needs child for referring to regan as a retard. She isn't really retarded!"
Um, dude? That was even more offensive.
I told him that tomorrow is actually national anti r-word day. Specifically, it's the second annual "Spread The Word To End The Word" day, a national campaign created by kids who participated in the 2009 Special Olympics Global Youth Activation Summit. The goal: to get people to stop and think about the hurtful and disparaging use of the word "retard." People can take a pledge to not use the r-word anymore.
Clearly, if my exchange with Twitter boy is any indication, we have a ways to go.
I've had to make a definite effort to erase the r-word from my vocabulary, a word that was no big deal when I was growing up. I've written before about how some other kids and I would chant the word "Retard! Retard!" at a boy who was slow, something that haunts me to this day. As an adult, I've caught myself saying "That's retarded!" a few times, even after I had Max. Yet with the increasing awareness about banishing the r-word, I have become acutely aware of not using it. It is completely and utterly demeaning toward people with intellectual disabilities. As a mom of a kid with special needs, I can say with certainty that it would pain me if someone ever described Max as a "retard."
There's been a recent backlash against the word. Sarah Palin slammed White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel for describing health care opposition as "retarded." On Twitter this past week (I know, I need to get a non-Twitter life) there was a round of retweets about some woman who was supposedly using the word "'tard" to describe kids with special needs. Nice, huh?!
Have you heard people using that word?
49 comments:
There are so many words that I try to not use at all and that one is at the top of my list! I think it is easy to be ignorant and lazy about our choice of words. Stupidity is easy, but unconditonal love and a commitiment to understanding takes work. So sad that more people are not willing to invest the time to enrich their lives!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I catch myself absent-mindedly saying it more than I'd like. But when I heard my 3 year old say it? Broke my heart. It *is* offensive. It *is* hurtful. And I shouldn't let my thoughtlessness influence my children that way.
I'm trying to change myself, and I have found myself asking others not to use that word either.
Thanks for the info on the r-word pledge(Background: I have a 4yo son with Down syndrome.)
A few weeks ago I got a rare break from the kids and went to the local Starbucks to work on a letter to my cousin and chill out with a latte. No sooner had I gotten comfy and started to write than a woman came in and joined her 2 friends. As she made excuses for being late she said something that froze me: "I'm so retarded!" I started shaking and crying, but just couldn't get it together enough to figure out anything to say to her. I cut my "me time" short and got the hell out of there. When I got home I tweeted publicly to Starbucks that my experience was ruined and included the link to the Stop the R-Word Campaign.
I don't think anything came of it, and I'm still upset enough when I think of it that I haven't finished my letter to my cousin! Grrr.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/14/AR2010021402893.html
This is a link to a very persuasive argument of why the r-word is not just offensive, but a social tool used to keep people living with developmental disabilities silenced. Please go to the Washington Post website and post this letter everywhere.
Thank you for posting this and reminding people of how awful and hurtful language can be to *all* of us!My experience of this word is that it is mainly used by teenagers, I personally rarely hear adults using it. Good on you for tweeting back at that person, it will work one person at a time. I have been displaying the badge on my blog for the last 10 days or so and getting great feedback for it, every little bit helps:) Jen.
ReplyDeleteI so hate this word! I learned as a child not to use that word, and have never liked it.
After Gracie, I learned to hate that word so much. I still remember the day that I read that word on one of her reports. Gracie was 18 months, and I called the doctor about it. He kept asking me how old Gracie is and if she talks, then he would respond with a "There you go."
I mostly hear teenagers using that word, but every now and then I have an adult say that to me. Once I hear that word from anyone, our conversation is done. I just walk away. Sometimes I will correct them.- AnonymousMarch 3, 2010 at 8:35 AM
I've never liked that word, and let others see me physically flinch my face when they use it. Hey, I don't care..they've offended me. They should think about that.
Alexandra - Caitrin FarrellMarch 3, 2010 at 9:30 AM
Okay, so I'm gonna get bashed for this, but.....how is replacing the word "retarded" with another one going to do anything??? For me, it falls under the category of "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet", meaning that you can replace retarded with another word, like "special needs", but the first thought that still comes to mind is " Oh he/she is mentally retarded". Replacing the word does not erase the word from existance, it will ALWAYS be there. Instead of joining in a fruitless campaign to delete the word from our vocabulary, don't you think that it would be better to campaign for things like tolerance and empathy??? I truly believe that the word retarded will never go away, but empathy is sorely needed in our society. A person with true empathy would never call another retarded in an antagonizing way, or make a flippant remark like "OMG, that is so retarded. Do you all find the medical diagnosis of mental retardation offensive? So go ahead disagree with me.....but in your hearts you have to know that I am right.
ReplyDelete Caitrin, I don't think anyone is suggesting the r-word be replaced with anything else. That's not the point of this campaign. And I disagree, it isn't "fruitless." It may not be possible to completely eradicate the r-word, but raising awareness is a major step. You are so right, spreading empathy is vital, and if people had empathy, they wouldn't use words like this. The problem is, I think, that some people (especially teens) aren't even aware that this word is offensive. So the Spread The Word To End The Word" campaign isn't the solution...but it's part of it.
ReplyDeleteI think the campaign is great. I think it will take teenagers awhile to stop using the word. In Oklahoma when a child turns 3 then the school district they live in has to provide services. I was trying to get my son into speech therapy at our local school and was slapped in the face with the word by the principal. He said we don't take "R" kids. Well, I lost it. We homeschool now. I'm not supposed to be on the computer I have to do my taxes. Bye everyone.
ReplyDeleteConfession time: I totally used the r-word when growing up. It was just a part of vernacular as was "gay" at one time (like, that is so g--). I feel terribly about it, and I do consciously eliminate that word out of my vocabulary, but every now and then I'll catch myself stumbling over almost using it! Terrible, I know. It's just a habit from long ago that took hold. I definitely think it's wrong and hope more people make the decision to take it out.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, that word slips into everyday conversation way too much. Not long after Monkey was diagnosed, we were at a family dinner. A few family members started joking about someone they knew, and someone referred to him as "retarded" and said he must have brain damage. Yes, right after my baby had a stroke. I was incredibly hurt, but at the same time I couldn't be angry. It's not right, but that word has become so common that many believe it to be acceptable. It's about time we did something to spread the word that it isn't.
ReplyDeleteIt is a horrible word. I would and have never called anyone it, but like you, I found myself saying "that's retarded" before. I shocked myself by saying it. I would never call anyone that, so why would it be appropriate for me to say it another way? I quickly broke myself of saying it before it became a habit. I have been with people when that word was used at them. So hurtful! Most people will never know how deep that words burns inside them.
ReplyDeleteCaitrin -
No, I do not find the medical diagnosis of retardation to be offensive. What's offensive is someone using a serious diagnosis in a mocking manner. You have also missed the entire point of the campaign. Nowhere does it say that the R - word should be replaced with another term. "I'm so special needs" would be just as offensive. The intention is to ditch the word (and other words used to make a mockery of people with disabilities) altogether.- FeliciaMarch 3, 2010 at 11:58 AM
I have a child who is "mentally retarded" AKA "developmentally delayed" so I am not unfamiliar with the term, to include the "mean kids" useage on the playground.
I think anyone who calls other people names with an intent to hurt is mean, stupid, and a major A-hole (and raised wrong in this PC day and age), and should be individually corrected and shamed, but by the same token, you can take any word and make it a "bad" word, with simple, vicious intent and sing-song repetition. "You dirty/stupid/ugly (insert ethnicity, orientation, religion, race, or medical condition)!" and bingo, you've got a brutal insult. If you "whine" the term or draw the word out, or give it a snappy pronounciation, you can get under anyone's skin. Nanny-nanny-boo-boo, stick it in your poo-poo!
Sarah Palin and Rush Limbaugh lit this "r-word" shit off, (pardon my language, but that's exactly what it is in my opinion) after Rahm Emmanuel said it in a private White House conversation (and apologized once someone told on him, but no one noticed that), and they did it to score political points and raise political hell--and for that reason, mainly, I refuse to play, apologies to any right wingers who are into those fake-outrage games.
If some old lady, out at the McDonald's from the rest home down the road, says "Is your little boy (mentally) retarded?" I am not going to lecture her on what word is "good" and what word is "politically incorrect" and get all in a huff about it--I have way bigger fish to fry. I'm going measure the intent of the speaker, and then I am going to say "Yes, dear, he is, and he's my pride and joy. Say hi to the nice lady, Buster."
I wish some of energy over this angst about words, and all the political crap wrapped up with it would be focused instead on getting health care for every single American citizen in this country. That's something worth getting excited about.
My mileage varies here. I guess circumstances dictate perception.
Now that I've weighed in like a fart in church, I'll slink away! I have a post on this word:
It was pretty common when I was in high school, to the point that it got abbreviated to 'tard and came to mean "weird in a not-good way". My brother would call Lactose intolerant people "Lactards". I'm all for getting rid of it.Hi -- I've been mulling this whole thing over since I originally posted about it on Friday, and had a bit of a different response today:
That use of the word in the tweet dialogue you mentioned is so pervasive among kids today.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!A colleague recently went through this in a research study. The term is still medically acceptable as a diagnosis but one of the ethics committee members took exception after the fact. I think we're at an interesting crossroads where the word was publicly acceptable and had real meaning (not just malicious meaning) but then it took on all those oppressive connotations. Now we're looking for another word but it may just end up taking on the same meaning (as @Caitrin Farrel points out) until we are truly free of all discrimination against special needs individuals (will this ever happen?). If it's our use of the word and not the word itself, how do we avoid this from happening over and over and over again.
Of note, I have noticed myself using this word lately (I don't know why and was shocked as it came out of my mouth) so I think this is a very important discussion to have. The negatives connotations seemed to be waning but, anecdotally, I think it's on the rise again.Caitrin:
I wanted to comment on your question about how replacing the word "retarded" with another one is going to help.
The reason we need to get rid of the word retarded is that it is habitually used to make a derogatory remark about a person with an intellectual disability or is used to compare someone without an intellectual disability to someone with an intellectual disability in a derogatory fashion. The entire derogatory connotation behind the way the word is used in almost all contexts is the reason we need to get rid of it.
But what to replace it with? I think that depends on the context:
1) If you are using it as a descriptor for a person with an intellectual disability but in a context where no such descriptor is necessary (e.g. "Johnny, get out of the way, it's the retarded kid's turn to go down the slide") it should be replace with another descriptor that doesn't reference the child's disability at all (e.g. "Johnny, get out of the way, it's the kid in the blue jacket's turn to go down the slide").
2) If you are using it as a descriptor for a person with an intellectual disability on a context where such a descriptor is necessary (e.g. explaining to a teacher's aide that "Jenny gets an extra 30 minutes to do her exam because she's retarded"), you could replace it with a term that does not have the same derogatory connotation (e.g. Jenny gets an extra 30 minutes to do her exam because she has [an intellectual disability, a learning disability, or the name of the actual disability if relevant - e.g. dislexia, down's syndrome]"). For this, the Canadian government has a great publication called "A Way With Words and Images" and it includes an annex with the appropriate terminology to use to describe people with disabilities: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/reports/way_with_words/page08.shtml
3) If you are using to insult yourself ("I'm so retarded"), choose words that are more descriptive e.g. "I lost track of time" or "I'm so forgetful" or "It's my fault. I'm sorry."
4) If you are using it to attack someone else's ideas or actions (e.g. "that was a retarded thing to say/do") then be more specific. Say "that doesn't make sense" or "you are going to regret that" or "that was an uninformed statement" or "your arrogant ignorant baseless feeble arguments are making me ill".
5) If you are using it to insult someone (e.g. "You're such a retard"), then don't. Period. What do you have to gain by insulting someone else? If you really feel like someone is deserving of an insult, then at least use a non-ableist non-bigoted one. There is a list here: http://whatsortsofpeople.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/ableist-language-alternatives/
Rather than using "retard/retarded" as a catch all and dumping people with special needs into a pot with the true ignorant jerks of the world, I think it is worth taking some time to think about what you really want to say and how to best say it.Great post, Ellen! I absolutely hate when people say the R word and what's so bad is that I have a few friends who say it quite a bit--NEVER about someone, but just as you said you've occasionally said, "oh, that's so retarded." One of my best friends has a brother with downs syndrome so I've always been sensitive to this and now my nephew is developmentally delayed. Every time I hear a friend say it, I want to correct them but I don't want to sound like the B word....but now I think I will. Thanks for this post! I didn't know about the campaign. —Erin
ReplyDeleteThese comments are all thought-provoking and reassuring. Annie, thank you so much for the supremely helpful suggestions on alternatives to the r-word. Brilliantly said, as always. To The Accidental Pharmacist, it is interesting hearing your perspective, too—I'm curious, can you share what the results were of your colleague's research study?
ReplyDeleteOh, Ellen - that made me cry. While I would never use that word to desribe a person, I am sure that I have used it to descibe a situation or something like that without ever thinking of the harm I am doing. Like Bridget noted aboveme, it would break my heart (and get my dander up) if I ever heard my children say it. Living in the South, I hear lots of commentary on the N-word and it amazes me that people (like me) that would rather be struck mute than use that word might still thoughtlessly use this one. Thank you for raising my awareness becuase I know I will never again hear or think of it without thinking of the harm that we do when we use words - our strongest weapon - so thoughtlessly.
ReplyDelete- AnonymousMarch 3, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Guilty of using the r-word as an adverb-'to retard growth' but rarely (as an adult) as an adjective- I do get in trouble for other social faux pas- black sheep, expressing that I felt like an 'intellectual midget'around certain people and saying diabetic child instead of child with diabetes.
ANY word can be hurled as an insult- dog, fish face, etc.
BUT I have a really hard time understanding why the word n***er is EVER ok to say..... Thanks for posting -- the more of us who do the more the word is spread. I've been reading so much about this, lately, and despite having a child with special needs used to feel that it was "just a word." The more I read and the more I think about it, though, the more I realize that it must stop. I've posted some really great links to articles written about it over at my blog. Thanks, again, Ellen, for spreading the word with your honesty and good sense!
ReplyDeleteFelicia -- I'm with you almost 100% and would have been 100% as little as two weeks ago, say, before I started reading some of the arguments about getting rid of the word "retarded." The history of persecution and discrimination of disabled people is a long and vicious one, most of which I was somewhat unaware of. I, too, thought and even blogged about stopping all the kvetching about words and get busy with action, policy, awareness and education. However, I have to say that I've taken a 180 degree turn from that, thanks to some pretty persuasive writing (see the link that amanda provided with her comment for one, and I listed many over on my blog!).
ReplyDelete@Anonymous - I am not sure if your reference to the n-word was in response to what I wrote or not - but to clarify - my point is that THAT word is NEVER okay to say and THIS word (the topic of this thread) should NEVER be okay either. So, I agree with you on that. Just wanted to be clear. My comment was a comparison - I totally did not intend to get off-topic of the issue at hand.
ReplyDeleteI used to teach high school and in my classroom the use of the word retarded ended in a demerit. I cannot begin to tell you how many I handed out and how many parents complained...about me. Thankfully my school backed me, but it boggled my mind that parents were UPSET that their were getting in trouble for using words like that.
I have a congenital malformation that has lead to some brain damage (which impacts me physically more than mentally), so it's sort of a doubly problematic word for me. But even if it didn't mean anything to me in particular, the way the word is used as a derogatory term to describe people is just plain wrong.
I wrote a blog post about this a year ago and a mother commented to tell me that she didn't care about her kids using it. I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I was when she came back a few months later to say that they'd finally decided to try to phase it out.
I wish that more people cared about the impact that words can have and how powerful they can be.- FeliciaMarch 4, 2010 at 12:10 AM
Elizabeth--My objection remains that Palin and the GOP are the instigators behind this "suddenly important" effort. Their goal is to ensure perception by the public that the "evil liberals" (who want to give everyone health care), by snide implication, are the ones running around pointing at kids at yelling "Retard! Retard!"
Y'all are being gamed with some of the finest propaganda going, and everyone is jumping on the bandwagon because, really, who the f-word (and I don't mean fart) is in FAVOR of calling our little babies RETARDS?
This all has a POLITICAL stink to it. When you dig deep, it's the same party that gets all spun up over women's choice, those "darker skinned people" some who "don't speak English" spending "OUR tax money," sucking up all of the "entitlements," the ones who want to take unemployment away from cancer patients---these are the same DC scuzzballs who have the very best healthcare but won't share their good fortune with the citizens who elected their fat lobby-loving butts. Everyone's so busy holding hands/singing Kumbaya that they don't get that this is all about BRANDING.
The GOP is being branded as the "Disabled Children's Advocates" (when the bass turds won't give a retarded kid's mom decent health care even working three jobs) while the Democrats are being branded as assh%les who call little kids RETARDS.
THAT is why I will not play. Branding the GOP as a bunch of fuzzy warm people isn't going to help MY retarded kid, or my "crippled and spastic" kid (that WAS CP was described in the UK up until a few years ago--and they have always given everyone health care even while they were using the Un-PC term) to get the best care possible, to say nothing of their aunts, uncles and cousins who hope like hell they don't get "real sick" because they'd lose EVERYTHING if they did.
Sorry if I've pissed some folks off, I hate "getting political" in discussions about kids because I do recognize people have a right to their own POV, but this faux outrage and phony grassroots campaign has its roots deep within the Republican National Committee with a goal of flipping at least one chamber of Congress and making a full out run at the White House. They're chuckling and rubbing their hands together with great glee about it too, I'm sure.
I saw this coming a mile away, the minute the Beauty Queen (who is all over hell on private jets, but only used her accessory--er, child--for the photo ops when she sensed she could "make hay") started creating a fake issue out of Rahm Emmanuel's private conversation, and Rush the Fat Dopehead Idiot started stirring the pot with his "ironic" (yeah, right) use of the word. It was like watching synchronized swimming.
Anyone who thinks that "mean kids" will immediately feel shame and stop using the R word is on crack. Sorry, that's the truth. They'll get snide and start saying "retarded--ewwww, wait--I mean SPESH-ULL NEEEEDS" and then cackle maniacally. If they think they're pushing a button, they'll push it double-hard just to REALLY piss you off. When a kid is raised wrong, you're not going to reach them with a scolding. The only thing you can do with a mean kid is find a "retarded kid" with a very strong, ginormous big brother to go beat the living crap out of the smartass, whose visible bruises will be a warning to others.
I'm not going to fake being hopeful about a great change (see how well that worked with "teh gay"--it DIDN'T--that just got WORSE). The ultimate goal of this effort is to elect Republicans. It wouldn't surprise me if Karl Rove's grubby, poisoned fingerprints are all over this thing.
Slinking away again. Shameful. I can't imagine why anybody would think it was ok to use a word like that! I rarely ever hear anybody say the "r word". I graduated from college in December, and I never heard it on my campus. The only thing I can compare it to is when people use the word "gay" as a synonym for the word stupid. That boils my blood as much as reading about your tweet war with Ignorant Boy did.
ReplyDeleteFelicia, I agree with just about everything politically you're saying except that I don't think the Special Olympics campaign is a political heist at all; in fact, the conservative Republicans have already gotten on the bandwagon AGAINST it --
and I, for one, think it's important for those of us who are parents of children with disabilities to vocally counteract the likes of SP who profess to speak for us. There was quite a debate over on the SVMoms blog site that you would probably enjoy (and I'd welcome some help because it got a little ugly when another Elizabeth who is extremely conservative started arguing with me -- ElizabethA the liberal one -- Anyway, the link is: http://www.svmoms.com/2010/02/sarah-palin-bad-mom.html- AnonymousMarch 4, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Oh this hurts my heart. I used to say "retarded" too when I was younger to mean stupid...and I didn't know it was wrong. I should have but didn't. Now that I have a daughter w/mental retardation, I get it. I understand that some people don't know...but if they use it after they've been told, that's what makes me angry. Also...the featured blogger on SITS today called her husband "Ricky Retardo". Disappointing.
ReplyDelete - FeliciaMarch 4, 2010 at 2:21 PM
Elizabeth--Eunice Kennedy, who started the Special Olympics, didn't have a problem with the "R" word--she used it all the time. Of course, she's dead now, but they've got her on tape and in print using the dreaded word all the time. They also have Saint Ronnie Reagan using that very same R word on tape, when he gave Eunice the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her SO work. Any rightwingers who don't like the SO will be marginalized/told to shut up as part of this campaign (and "message discipline" is a GOP strong suit)--the idea is to make the Democrats/progressives look like jerks and meanies who make fun of "retarded kids."
As for the Republicans, they've got tape, too--they've got Obama on the Leno show making that moronic Special Olympics gaffe on the air, and they've got this little campaign...and who knows what other "pout-rage" they'll create between now and 2012?
I don't have time in my life to argue on the internet about this stuff, and I probably should have just shut up and not given my opinion about this, here. But since I have, I have to say that I just don't worry about words. I worry about deeds, actions, results, and INTENT. And there's nefarious intent behind this long-range GOP campaign, and it ain't of any help to people like me who buy the "supermarket" cereal, can't afford fancy organic food and are made to feel like a third rate shit because I "don't love my kids enough" to spend half a paycheck in an overpriced boutique food store. Where you sit in life has an effect on how you perceive stuff, and I perceive this whole "R word" thing as a way to paint Democrats with the broad brush of bullying "special" kids, for the sole purpose of making Republicans look less like program-cutting cretins (even though their program-cutting behavior will not change if they are elected).
People are stupid. They buy this kind of Kumbaya crap and eat it up with a spoon--Massachusetts elected a stupid NAKED ex-model to the Senate, just because he drove a truck, appealed to racists and was a Republican. Don't expect intelligence from the voters--they are often sheep who are moved by the most selfish and stupid of motivators, and this "R word" thing is a GOP tool to stimulate voter interest and create a "faux faction" of perpetually offended people with a phony gripe. The RNC ain't dumb--they're long range types (see Nixon's Southern Strategy if you don't take my point--that lasted more than a generation and continues to this day).
This is a long-range piece of RNC "perception propaganda," and it isn't helpful to the people in DC who will vote for programs and policies that will actually help our kids--in fact, it targets them, because they're on the "Making Fun Of Retarded Kids" team.
It sure "sounds good," though...even though, as Shakespeare says, "it is a tale
Told by an (RNC) idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
I'm just not sold. I see where this is headed in the next election cycle, and I don't like it one bit. Y'all can ridicule me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I am. I've read all the comments and can't really keep straight who said what, but I would like to point out that the End the Word campaign was up and running LONG BEFORE the whole Palin/Limbaugh/Emmanuel thing. It's not a response to them, but I do appreciate learning of the political spin point of view. As someone who voted for Obama, buys the store brand of cereal, and can't afford healthcare, I do appreciate your comments more than it may seem like I do.
I know how much it hurt to have an evaluator tell me I wanted my then-3yo son to be labeled "retarded" so that he could continue to get services without being re-evaluated. Are f-ing kidding me? A re-evaluation appointment is so vile that I should be hoping they think my son is "retarded"? Never again will I allow an evaluation to be scheduled during naptime for their convenience nor will I allow that attitude about children to go unchallenged. I want him evaluated ACCURATELY not in the most time-saving fashion, Idiot.
(I'm just spewing now. I should post on my own blog, huh?)- FeliciaMarch 4, 2010 at 9:16 PM
Kyouell...the Republicans are particularly adept at glomming onto something that already exists, and using it for their own purposes. No, they didn't "create" this campaign at all, but you can be damned sure that 90 percent of the people who know about it now knew nothing about it before Sarah and Rush started doing their stupid little R-word two-step and eating up the news cycle about it.
See, I fear the day when we won't be worrying about the fairness of evaluators trying to cut costs, because there won't be any evaluators, because there won't be any SERVICES for our kids. That's what turns my gut, not some pimpled little smartass yelling the R word--he'll get his, eventually, when no one will date his ugly ass. And if you've got "friends" who say the word in a snide way, you need to just say "WTF is WRONG with you--are you that obtuse?" or get a better class of friends. Frankly, I haven't heard the word in a mean way from an adult, ever. I heard it more years ago than I want to admit, when I was a kid (aimed at my brother, who was NOT the "R-word" at all, but had a few physical challenges), but it's been DECADES since I've heard what could be loosely classified as a peer using it. It's a "kid" word, now, and the more they learn that "the adults" don't like it, the more they'll use it to be typical teen button-pushing troublemakers. Just like South Park and "teh gay."
I don't think your getting angered/upset at people who use the word isn't valid, though, let me make that clear. I just think all the energy spent on a "National Campaign" would be better spent on a "National Campaign" to get healthcare for everyone, to include the disabled. This whole thing is a charming distraction...when you're talking about Palin's little kid getting called mean names, you're not talking about people who have no jobs, no health care, and who need chemo or worse.
I should probably get my own blog too, or just STFU about this..! I'm sorry if I pissed people off but I'm not in the habit of lying about my opinion on stuff and I can't start now! I despise this word. I'm lucky because growing up my mom worked for The Arc (an organization that advocates for people with disabilites). My dad also worked in the word of special needs and we were taught at a young age that the r-word was a horrible, hurtful, offensive word. As a result, I didn't say it ever and it bothered me when others did. Not to say that I'm perfect, I know that I used to say things like "spaz" to describe myself in a negative way - something I'd never say now that I have a son with cerebral palsy. Perspective changes things.
This isn't a new issue. It's been a battle waged by parents since I was a kid (I can remember my mom talking about it).
People make fun of people who have disabilites all the time, without realizing it. For example, one thing I've noticed is that people will now refer to things that they find different and odd as "special", i.e "My dog is chasing his own tail. He's special like that." It's time to start realizing it.
The fact remains, that the r-word is so incredibly offensive to so many people. What's behind the campaign is getting people to change the way they think about, treat, and talk about people who are different from themselves. It's about respect. And that's definitely something I stand behind.- AnonymousMarch 16, 2010 at 5:00 PM
My mom's a special education teacher in Illinois and unless the child is autistic or behavior disordered she HAS to call them mentally retarted. It's horrible.
ReplyDelete - AnonymousApril 2, 2011 at 7:22 PM
I am giving a speech for my English class on a "current issue" and I have chosen this for my topic. As the sister of a boy with autism, I want to show my peers that the r-word is never okay.
ReplyDelete I just had an argument with my boyfriends best friend on Skype. He said the drivers on Stanton island in NY are R. I absolutely went off on him. He tried to defend himself by saying he would never use that word to refer to a person who has a developmental disability. He still (in 2012) does not get it that you shouldn't use the R word at all.
ReplyDelete- AnonymousJune 12, 2012 at 8:59 PM
I hate animal-related insults, because I love animals that much. I also hate the word "re***d" and any deriatives of the word, because I know lots of people with disabilities (e.g. Down syndrome, autism). I have high functioning autism and love animals.


text:
Rule #1 - Be Patient - Rule #2 - Don't ask when, if you don't contribute - Rule #3 - You have coding skills - LinuxMCE's small brother is available: http://www.agocontrol.com
Just tried loading this on my girls HTC evo, and it dies the same thing. I used the link at the top of this thread, downloaded it, and then installed it. It's definitely not a processing issue on this phone.Any ideas?
Hi,I installed the Orbiter on a Eken M002 (Android 1.6) and have the same problem...RegardsJohannes
Hi Working fine for me after the svn update on my Samsung Galaxy S and my 10" epad but I have resolution problem on the Samsung Galaxy Tab not being set right it has a 1024X600 screen and I do not think we support that as yet Thanks Chris
How do Aw update the pluto website admin?
sorry, looked right past that svn update. i did the update, and saw the configuring going on the screen after reinstalling the app and removing my old orbiters to be fresh. Now,I'm stuck at the "login failed. check settings?" so i checked the settings and now have different options. I tried the use login, and that didn't work either (used same login as my original one to login to the LMCE web admin).I went into the web login and noticed that the size wasn't set, so I tried changing that, then doing a full regen, and still nothing. getting the login failed prompt on my phone. same thing happens on the EVO.
weird. Got it though. I added the add keyboard settings line and then changed my login to my standard login to the box, and that worked. Need to try on the EVO.
To Get Required Changes For Keyboard Support (Continued from above instructions) * cp /home/lmce-admin/operations/myDevices/orbiters/proxySocket.php /var/www/lmce-admin/operations/myDevices/orbiters/proxySocket.php
Hi Los93solThe install partially works on my HTC Desire HD. After the initial install and going through the setup, it created the orbiter and generated the orbiter screens with the phone showing the progress.It then came up with the orbiter and all was looking good, except that my taps on the screen don't match up with the buttons. When I tap buttons on the bottom row (eg Power) it thinks I'm pressing buttons on the seurity row for my cameras. Taps on the camera buttons then call the dial buttons.For the initial setup, I set the skin to "Basic" and the UI to "Normal Horizontal (16:9)". When I looked at the orbiter in the web admin, the size(PK_Size) is empty, the ScreenWidth is 800 and the Screen Height is 600. The device has a 800x480 screen. The default room and description that was set in the setup wizard also didn't get populated in the orbiter that was created.I tried manually changing some settings. I tried various combinations of either the 4:3 or 16:9 Normal Horizontal UI's and different screen sizes(by both the PK_Size and the ScreenHeight and ScreenWidth settings), but I couldn't get anything to fix the buttons being off. If I set the screen size to anything that has a dimension larger than the phones screen, I wouldn't get anything, just a blank screen. I've also tried re-doing the setup wizard to create new devices and using different settings, but I always end up with the same result of the buttons not matching.It looks great though, and even though it isn't hitting the right buttons, it responds quick. Thanks


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Chiko Helvia Pointed Toe Block Heels Boots
Chiko Helvia Pointed Toe Block Heels Boots feature pointed toe, approx. 5 cm block heels, rubber sole.
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Foot Width:
Our shoes are made in average width only (approx. 8 to 9 cm at the widest part). Please do not place any order if you are a narrow or wide width.
Foot Length:
Please measure your foot length and compare the result to following size conversion chart for the right shoe size.
As size chart varies from brand to brand, if you are the first time shopper at our online store, before place an order, we strongly suggest you to measure your foot length and compare it to our size chart in order to locate your shoe size accurately. As the size measurements vary from brands to brands, please DO NOT take the size chart of other brands or from other website for your reference when you shopping at our website, which may mislead you to order the wrong size.
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Wrong Fuel? Petrol in Diesel? From £120.00 Manor Park, Greater London
Have You Put Petrol in a Diesel or Diesel in a Petrol Car by Mistake?
In Manor Park And Mistakenly Filled Up With The Wrong Fuel And Need Recovery?
Call one of our friendly advisors now on 0333 344 1908
- Should you have put petrol in a diesel, or diesel in a petrol then please ensure that the engine is not running and call one of our advisors.
- If you have driven the vehicle, don't worry! We'll get you on the road again
- If possible, just pull over where it's safe and call us. You may have a fuel contamination problem now. Most of the time there will not be any damage to your vehicle but it will require a fuel drain.
If you're stuck with the Wrong Fuel in Manor Park call us now!
Our technicians are fully licensed and fully insured for you peace of mind. Along with our 10 years experience in draining fuel from every make and model of car you can be sure that you will be on your way again with the minimum of hassle.
What people say about our Fuel Drainage Service in Manor Park, Greater London
A family from Manor Park on their way to the zoo in a Range Rover Evoque called us instantly once they had misfuelled with 30 litres of petrol instead of diesel. We had a technician over to them inside 35 minutes to sort out the wrong fuel. They kindly phoned our control and left feedback 'Very professional and courteous'. The family were back on their way to appreciate their day out once we had drained the fuel.
Petrol in Diesel – mistakenly doing the unthinkable in Manor Park
A Book Keeper in Manor Park, telephoned us when her company Seat Leon wouldn't start in Manor Park. "I was in a rush to get to work and hadn't noticed that I'd filled up with unleaded in this diesel car. It hadn't started properly so I realised something was a miss, it soon dawned on me what I'd done". Wrong Fuel Help are always here to help stranded customers and this was no exception. Our technician arrived within 30 minutes, drained the fuel, replaced with the right fuel and tested the engine to ensure it was back to normal. " I feel so stupid. Love you guys. You saved me!!"
Wrong Fuel Help to the rescue in Manor Park
A really lovely Care Worker on her way to do her usual early morning visit phoned us from Manor Park, to take care of a wrong fuel problem on her new Jeep Compass. She had put the wrong fuel in the diesel car and then needed help to get back on the road. Naturally, our technician soon enough had her back on the road so she could continue with her day of work. We drained the fuel and flushed the system…. The team at Wrong Fuel Help are always on stand by every hour of every day in case of problems.
If you are wondering what do I do if I've put petrol in a diesel car? Then just call a professional Fuel Recovery service, like Wrong Fuel Help.
So if you're in Manor Park, Greater London local friendly technicians are always on hand should you have a wrong fuel problem, for example filling up with petrol in a diesel car.


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Find Plants
Welcome to the latest edition of the Native Plants Database where you can explore the wealth of native plants in North America. Use the options below to search for 25,198 native plants by scientific or common name or choose a particular family of plants.
For non-native or introduced species, please visit the USDA Plants Database.
Recommended Species lists
Combination Search
Use the options below to search for plants based on a combination of characteristics. If there are too many results, try narrowing your search by selecting more characteristics. If the results are too few, broaden your search by selecting fewer characters.
Plant Database Resources
Complete Species List - An alphabetized list of all species in the native plant database.
Data Fields - Learn more about Native Plant Database information fields.


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Twins - 000 000 011 - 2 6 0Lester: 9-6-2-0-9, 103.
Red Sox - 013 011 00x - 6 8 1
Kevin Youkilis hit a three-run home run to the back wall in dead center to put the game on ice in the third. Yook also drove in a run in the fifth inning. Adrian Beltre homered in the second and doubled and scored in the sixth.
Lester -- in his 100th career start -- was at the top of his game, allowing only one runner to second base in the first seven innings. His strikeouts of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the seventh, both looking, were devastating. His economical pitch count: 9-12-10 9-10-8 14-12-19 = 103.
Tampa Bay (30-11) beat the Yankees 8-6 to extend its lead in the East to 5 games. Boston is now only 3.5 games out of second place -- or the Yankees are 3.5 games out of fourth place.Francisco Liriano / Jon Lester
Since April 18, when his ERA was 8.44, Lester has made five starts: 1.82 ERA in 34.2 innings. He has pitched at least seven innings in each of his last four outings.McDonald, CF
Pedroia, 2B
Martinez, C
Youkilis, 1B
Lowell, DH
Beltre, 3B
Drew, RF
Hall, LF
Sanchez, SS
Liriano has gone at least six innings in all seven of his 2010 starts; he had a 23-inning scoreless streak in April. He lost to the Yankees (6-9-3-0-7, 101) last time out.
Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron batted 1-2 in Portland's lineup this afternoon. Ellsbury went 3-for-4, with a double, stolen base, and a run, while Cameron was 1-for-4 with an RBI double (he knocked in LBJ) and a run. The Sea Dogs lost 6-2. ... Lefty Felix Doubront was promoted to Pawtucket.Red Sox/Yankees - Battle of the Back-Up Catchers
Top RBI per plate appearance among catchers (min. 20 PA):
0.219 - Ryan Hanigan, Reds
0.213 - Jason Varitek, Red Sox
0.210 - Francisco Cervelli, Yankees
0.197 - John Jaso, Rays
PA AVG OBP SLG OPS BABIPThe Cactus has thrown out only 19% of SB attempts (3 of 16), but Cervelli (who I guess will not be a back-up for the next 3-4 weeks) is worse: 1 of 13, 8%.
Varitek 47 .317 .404 .805 1.209 .304
Cervelli 81 .373 .442 .493 .934 .417


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Genes are inherited from our biological parents in specific ways. One of the basic patterns of inheritance of our genes is called X-linked dominant inheritance.
X-linked dominant inheritance occurs when a gene responsible for a trait or disorder is located on the X chromosome. The gene acts in a dominant manner. This means that both males and females can display the trait or disorder when they have only one copy of the gene inherited from a parent.
Depending on the disorder, a gene that is X-linked dominant may cause a pregnancy with a male not to survive. Scientists and healthcare providers say that there is "lethality" in males. This means that the gene can be passed from mother to daughter, but if it is passed to a son, the pregnancy likely ends up as a miscarriage. Only those sons without the gene survive and are born healthy. One example of an X-linked dominant condition is called incontinentia pigmenti (IP).
IP is extremely rare. The main features occur in the skin. It is seen more often in females. In newborns, a blistering rash occurs. This is followed by the blisters becoming raised, like warts. Next, brown swirls appear in the skin, followed by the appearance of light-colored swirls. The result is a "marble-cake–like" appearance on the skin. Other health problems can be seen in IP involving the eyes, central nervous system, teeth, nails, and hair. The severity varies from person to person.


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As with anything, pet vaccinations can be too much of a good thing. Similar to parents who are learning more about vaccinations for children, veterinarians and pet owners alike are beginning to question some of the standard wisdom when it comes to protecting pets. There are certain fatal diseases against which every pet should be protected, but the questions now relate to some of the newer vaccines, how often pets should be vaccinated, and whether it is appropriate to vaccinate all pets against all diseases.
In Healthy Pets, Dr. Karen Becker conducted an in-depth interview with Dr. Ronald Schultz from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, a pioneering expert in the field of veterinary vaccines. Dr. Schultz explains that puppies and kittens are different from human babies when it comes to the need for vaccinations. If the mother cat or dog has been vaccinated, some level of protection is passed on to the puppies or kittens for the first few weeks of their lives. Once a human baby has been vaccinated against a certain disease, the immunizations are not repeated again.
Dr. Schultz recommends a vaccination protocol that calls for pets to receive initial puppy or kitten shots. They should then be vaccinated again at one year of age. After that, he recommends booster shots every three years or so. The core vaccines which he believes every dog should receive include distemper, parvo, adenovirus, and rabies. For cats, his recommended core vaccines include panleukopenia, calici, herpes, and rabies.
The ASPCA also discusses some of the benefits and risks of dog vaccinations. Similar to Dr. Schultz, they provide a list of core vaccines and also include non-core vaccines which are based on the individual dog. These may include protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria. For cats, the AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) also recommends that serious consideration be given to the timing and need for receiving a full battery of vaccinations.
Pets usually tolerate vaccinations quite well; however, if you should observe any unusual symptoms in your pet after an injection such as a fever, sluggishness, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What does this mean for you as a pet owner? It means that you need to become an advocate on behalf of your pet's health. Take steps at home to keep your pet healthy, visit your veterinarian on a yearly basis, and become educated on the benefits of pet vaccinations.
Healthy Pets


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About THL > Overviews > THL Home Resources > THL Home Overview
The Tibetan & Himalayan Library Overview
The Tibetan and Himalayan Library (THL) is a publisher of websites, information services, and networking facilities relating to the Tibetan plateau and southern Himalayan regions. THL promotes the integration of knowledge and community across the divides of academic disciplines, the historical and the contemporary, the religious and the secular, the global and the local. In addition to more typical academic projects, THL promotes participatory knowledge that is created by and benefits local communities, while including contributors from all walks of life around the world. Data includes text, audio-video, images, maps, immersive objects, reference works, and interpretative essays. THL's knowledge and technology are provided free of charge, and are built collaboratively by hundreds of people across the world who share this vision. We also have sister initiatives built by and for the communities in this region – the Tibetan Digital Library and the Bhutan National Digital Library. Explore our websites and services, and consider joining us as active participants.
The Basics
THL was founded on March 1, 2000 in conjunction with the University of Virginia Library and the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities – see THL History for details on its development. It provides an integrated environment for digital publication of many diverse projects whose separate administrations remain decentralized and autonomous. As such, the Library overall is run by an international team of scholars, and reflects a consortium of many different universities and private organizations across the world (see THL Participants for details). It is also is committed to a broad community among digital and non-digital initiatives relating to Tibet and the Himalayas. The Library currently consists of four overarching domains domains designed to collaboratively solicit, generate, and publish data and scholarship on an international scale: Projects, Journal, Places, and Tools. We are currently in the process of gradually launching five additional domains: Collections (which will replace Journal), Encyclopedias, Reference, Instruction, and Community. When complete, the full structure of the Library will consist of eight overarching domains.
The ordinary user often assumes, if s/he has thought about it, that a "digital library" must be the ordinary library, but simply delivered in digital form. In other words, the contents and practices remain the same, but the vehicle of delivery changes from paper printed material and large institutional buildings, to digital blips and small desktop computers. In addition, it is often assumed that a digital library consists of simply integrating standard web pages that have links full of simple downloads of texts, images and so forth. Both of these assumptions are far from the truth. A true digital library system consists of three interwoven components each with their own internal complexities:
- a complex and integrated technological infrastructure with supporting tools
- diverse and extensive content ranging over various disciplines and types of media
- a community of producers, publishers/archivers, teachers and users
Thus the central nexus of the digital library concerns technology, knowledge, and community. Politics – in the neutral sense of how we build and sustain human communities – is at the heart of the digital library, which allows for new kinds of communities organized around knowledge. Exploring and developing the partnerships that can sustain these new initiatives is one of the most exciting, and difficult challenges which face us. Technology is thus used not as an end in itself, but for its tremendous power to create new forms of knowledge and community, as well as unprecedented intersections between the two. This marriage of content and community entails, necessitates and enables a fundamental transformation in how we generate, acquire, organize, refine and disseminate knowledge. The thinking through of the implications of this transformation has just begun, and yet it is a process which must go hand in hand with the technical development of digital libraries if we are to fully exploit their possibilities. Thus, in addition to technological issues, the development of the digital library as an institution – beyond the mere technical achievement is requiring and enabling rigorous intellectual and political re-envisioning of how we go about creating and disseminating knowledge.
The Tibetan and Himalayan Library (THL) is building an infrastructure technically and intellectually for the needs of Tibetan and Himalayan languages, Tibetan and Himalayan Studies, and Tibetan and Himalayan residents, so that it provides an integrated publishing environment for a multitude of projects from around the world. The goal is thus to stimulate interdisciplinary and collaborative initiatives that are published in multiple languages.
THL as a Publisher
THL is a publisher, not a website per se. Just as a print book will bear the name of its publisher on the cover and/or title pages, but otherwise highlights the title and author, a THL publication has a THL logo and site map link, but otherwise is fully devoted to the content being published. Thus the banner is specific to the website being published, as are all the menus providing navigation. However, the THL index link in the upper right hand corner provides easy access to other THL publications, analogous to how print books may list other books in a series on the back cover.
What are the benefits of being published by THL, in contrast to simply self-publishing on your own web site, or that of your institution? Firstly, just like traditional print publishers, THL offers a dissemination network that guarantees users will find your work. THL itself attracts many visitors, and uses its portal pages and mailing lists to profile new works. Secondly, THL provides complex and expensive infrastructure for digital publication that is powerful, attractive, easy to use, and supports multiple types of digital objects, just like a traditional publisher provides the basis for printing paper, binding, and so forth. Thirdly, THL to some degree provides editing and design services, again just like a traditional publisher. Fourthly, Unlike traditional publishers, THL provides vast repositories of data that any THL-published project can draw upon and integrate into its own publications – images, audio-video, maps, dictionary entries, and more.
THL publishes individual projects run by individuals or teams – such as Sera Monastery by Professor Jose Cabezon – but also hosts its own collaborative publications – such as the THL Place Dictionary, Image Archive, and so forth which THL staff have conceived and designed as systems while content is built by an open team of specialists. Thus THL publishes both projects and collaborative resources, something along the line of how the Columbia University Press may publish a book by Professor John Doe, but then also may published the "Columbia World Atlas" or other such work. In addition, THL prints individual essays via the Journal for the International Association of Tibetan Studies, and the THL Encyclopedias. Finally, THL also offers a reprint service by which it gives permanent storage and delivery facilities for scholarship that is otherwise hard to locate.
In addition to these formal publications which are independent websites that visitors can consult, THL also offers numerous services to other websites through streams of data that can be incorporated into a non-THL website. For example, a given website may want to incorporate a THL map, images, an essay, or other resources into its own web pages, rather just linking off to THL as a separate website.
The Tibetan and Himalayan Library thus uses technology to promote an integrated environment in which publishing can be as granular or as expansive as a scholar is ready to produce, and multiple scholars in far flung areas of the world can work together on joint resources in intimate, and constantly coordinated fashion. A series of collaborative ventures is at the library's heart, which multiple scholars and projects work on in an ongoing fashion. Individual projects are then hung off these joint resources at various points. What is exceptional is that the library not only publishes works, but also archives it for long term access; it not only allows for book length publications, but also publications of a single sentence; and it allows for extensive media forms to be integrated with textual analysis. In addition publications from different disciplines sit side by side in integrated fashion; a single click can change the language of presentation, or shift from a scholarly presentation to a popular one.
THL as a Library and Archive
THL also archives the publication for permanent reference in the manner of a library or archive. Like an archive, readers will find primary resources and data – manuscripts, individual images, individual recordings, and so forth. THL thus holds the fundamental building blocks and matter out of which scholarly products are built. Like a library, THL holds a myriad of publications that visitors can access online free of charge. In this way, it incarnates the new publishing system enabled by digital technology with its publication of both finished interpretative products, and the underlying resources and building blocks from which those products were fashioned. In addition, we are committed to gradually integrating THL Collaborative Reference resources with THL publications, so that readers can easily access extended information about a word, place, person, or subject. In this way, THL can offer not just access to publications, but also offer a virtual reference room experience where extensive specialized reference resources are at a reader's fingertips. In effect, reference works are perfectly integrated with collections, so that users can go from a major essay to the dictionary, to a bibliographic reference, to a gazetteer entry, and then back to the essay again.
THL as a Social Network and Source of Engaged Scholarship
THL is not merely a publisher, library and archive, but also offers social networking facilities, as well as the means to facilitate scholarship to have socially productive impact in Tibetan and Himalayan Communities. The social networking functions include its provision of the THL Research Collaborative Laboratories, a term which signifies the extensive online submission and editing facilities we offer. In addition, we are finishing up a social networking application which provides information about individuals, organizations, and projects. THL's agenda of engaged scholarship and the socially productive uses of knowledge is revealed in multiple ways. One example is the Geotourism initiative, which repurposes information about Tibetan places and communities to help facilitate more responsible forms of tourism in the region. Another example is the Participatory Knowledge initiative, which supports local communities in using technology to document and better understand their own situations, as well as use the products to engage in self-representation to others.
Communities and Knowledge: Citizen Scholars
Schools are by definition communities organized around knowledge. Our vision of the digital library is built upon the commitment to the central importance of community in the creation, refinement, and dissemination of knowledge. We thus see these new libraries as servicing a broadly conceived community, and using knowledge to help create and sustain communities that help bridge the various divides that characterize the world. We believe one of the most central virtues of the use of digital technology is its ability not only to transform creation of, and access to, knowledge, but also in its extraordinary ability to transform the communal basis and use of knowledge. It is a dimension the Web has intimated from its beginning, yet so far has failed to fully deliver.
We believe technology can be, and should be, used to help create communities across disciplines, across the scholarly/popular divide, and across cultures. Overall, it involves a radical re-envisioning of the scholar from a solitary producer of specialized knowledge, to a more community-based vision of the scholar. This means scholars collaborating in terms of the communal generation of knowledge, and also being more responsive and accessible to the various communities in which s/he is embedded. The same applies to individual institutions, which have tended to pursue their own institutional aims in isolation, and be skeptical of consortium arrangements or other types of close coordination with other institutions.
Thus THL is bound up with an effort to promote and support community relations within Tibetan Studies, and Tibetan communities, with a special focus on digital initiatives. It offers a digital portal to articulate, support and integrate the multiple communities of agents involved with the creation, production, and dissemination of knowledge of any type about Tibet and the Himalayas. The digital library is centrally about people, collections and tools, which together constitute an information community bound together by a common concern for knowledge on a particular subject. Our vision, partially utopian and partially pragmatic, is of communities organized around knowledge, and knowledge organized around communities. We are beset by the multiple fragmentations which currently govern both the diverse types of agents of knowledge – fieldworkers, media specialists, technicians, scholars, editors, publishers, distributors, librarians, readers, and others – and the diverse types of domains of knowledge – disciplinary, cultural, linguistic, national, specialized, popular, and others. This fragmentation damages the quality and type of knowledge produced in contemporary times, as well as renders the creators and distributors of knowledge unresponsive to the multiple communities to which they are morally and practically obligated. New Web technologies enable us to uniquely meet these challenges in order to simultaneously enhance knowledge and community, thereby maintaining intellectual and moral. An intelligent and sustained use of these technologies allows us to usher in a new era of knowledge that is profoundly interdisciplinary and collaborative in character, as well as providing unprecedented access.
We aim to promote communication, mutual support networks, and long term integration between distinct projects and organizations of diverse types and national bases. We are committed to the deep interrelation of knowledge and community at all levels, and in particular to the balance between the international and the local in knowledge, community and their integration. Given that our chosen field of endeavor is a particular region of the world, we are also particularly concerned to help empower residents of that region as agents of knowledge in the fullest sense both in the creation and utilization of knowledge. Our Participatory Knowledge initiative is committed to a new paradigm of the distributed production of knowledge, in which each and every citizen across the world is potentially a valuable and valued source of authentic knowledge. Defining a "scholar" as someone centrally involved in the creation and dissemination of knowledge, our commitment is to a world of citizen scholars where every individual is potentially a scholar, and every community potentially a scholarly community. When we expand our conceptions of knowledge and who can produce it, the resultant knowledge is more extensive in quantity, more diverse in perspective, richer in quality, and more socially useful to a broader range of communities.
The Benefits of a Community and the Importance of Standards
There are downsides to community involvement of course, which can summed up in terms of restrictions and time. Every community is based upon adherence to standards, which in turn allow the community to be a community, and accomplish communal aims. For example our traffic system – and hence our ability to use rapid transport – is based upon simple standards such as the stop light. We all agree to stop at a red light, and go on a green light; with this simple standard, and our communal adherence to it, we are able to rely upon a relatively safe and powerful rapid transportation system. The truth is stopping at red lights is time consuming, and at times highly irritating; and yet we do it because the benefits outweigh the costs.
Digital initiatives are no different, and rely upon systematic development of standards, and creation of communities that adhere to them. The development of such standards, and standard-based solutions is costly and time consuming. Adherence to these standards on the part of participants can also be time consuming to learn, and implement. In doing so, one can quickly thirst for just throwing up some quick presentation that looks flashy and extensive with little work. To begin with, THL aims to help minimize costs by coordinating standards and standards-based development, and provide these systems to all participants for free. In this way participant organizations and scholars are able to focus on content and analysis rather than sending massive funds and time building up technical infrastructure from the ground up. More importantly, however, are the great benefits of standards adherence:
- persistence: resources will be sustainable for years to come, and can be easily migrated as new systems and tools emerge
- interoperability: ability to relate to and exchange data with other projects and resources
- power: projects have a deep structure capable of delivering long term and extensive power in searching, flexibility and other cross-referencing
- collaboration and sharing: projects can share data and collections without any explicit partnership, thereby enabling collaboration on the broadest scale possible
When we as scholarly fields and communities adhere to common standards, new worlds of possibility and actuality are opened up to us.


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Dear Customers,
Our primary goal is developing a secure and customizable theme framework that meets the needs of the end user. Therefore, our customers are able to create websites using our templates as easy as 1-2-3! This process requires minimum knowledge of WordPress and coding, and extended documentation and our Support Team is always at your service. However, we ask you to keep in mind that sometimes issues occur not because of templates malfunction. There might be situations when it doesn't depend on us and the framework. For example, server settings, some extra functional that requires deep file customization, or additional plugins usage. And of course, an attempt to build a website in a very short time.
We know our theme framework perfectly and have a highly-professional team of developers. They will help you to develop the website you need. If you need website customization, contact our support system for further information.