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Stefan Michel, Dr. Marcia Mendes Adrian Schwaninger, Prof. Dr.
University of Applied Sciences University of Applied Sciences University of Applied Sciences
Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW)
School of Applied Psychology (APS) School of Applied Psychology (APS) School of Applied Psychology (APS)
Institute Humans in Complex Institute Humans in Complex Institute Humans in Complex
Systems (MikS) Systems (MikS) Systems (MikS)
Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten Riggenbachstrasse 16, 4600 Olten
Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland
email@example.com email@example.com firstname.lastname@example.com
and and and
Center for Adaptive Security Center for Adaptive Security Center for Adaptive Security
Research and Applications (CASRA) Research and Applications (CASRA) Research and Applications (CASRA)
Thurgauerstrasse 39 Thurgauerstrasse 39 Thurgauerstrasse 39
8050 Zurich, Switzerland 8050 Zurich, Switzerland 8050 Zurich, Switzerland
Abstract – As scientific studies have shown, the
performance of airport security screening officers in x-ray image
interpretation depends critically on individual abilities and visual
knowledge acquired through class-room, computer-based
(CBT) and on-the job training. The effectiveness of adaptive
CBT in increasing the efficiency in x-ray image interpretation of
screening officers could be verified in several studies.
Individually adaptive CBT systems, like X-Ray Tutor (XRT),
are constructed in such a way that with increasing performance
of each individual the difficulty level will increase and become
more challenging with respect to three imaged-based factors:
viewpoint (depending on rotation of threat items in a bag),
superposition by other items and bag complexity. The focus of
this study was to examine to what extend the achieved training
level in XRT positively correlates with performance in the X-Ray
Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT) or, more
specifically, whether screeners that have acquired higher
difficulty levels also achieved better test results. Knowledge
about an acquired difficulty level could then, subsequently,
provide an indication about the screeners' x-ray image
interpretation competency. Furthermore, analysis of these
correlations would suggest which XRT difficulty level screening
officers should have mastered in order to be acknowledged as
proficient, and for them to be well prepared to pass initial and
recurrent certification with the X-Ray CAT. The latter is of
particular interest as the X-Ray CAT is being used for
certification at several European airports. A further goal of this
study was to reproduce results of previous studies confirming
the effectiveness of adaptive CBT for increasing detection
performance of screeners. The study was carried out at one
international airport. 199 screening officers underwent training
with XRT for 20 months. Assessments were taken before the
start, after 13 months and finally after 20 months of training.
Analyses showed high positive correlations between the
achieved XRT training levels and the individual's performance
in the X-Ray CAT. Based on these results, recommendations
on which XRT level should be reached before initial and
recurrent certification of x-ray image interpretation competency
are derived. Furthermore, large increases in detection
performance were found when comparing performance
obtained at the three measurement dates, supporting results of
earlier studies.
Altogether, this study provides further evidence that recurrent
adaptive CBT is a powerful tool for increasing screening
officers' x-ray image interpretation competency.
Index Terms — Airport security, x-ray screening, computer-
based training, difficulty level, detection performance.
The identification of prohibited items, when x-ray screening
passenger bags, is a challenging task. Within only a few
seconds a human operator must decide whether a piece of
luggage can be regarded as harmless or whether a prohibited
item is contained. Although airport security technology has
evolved remarkably over the past years, the actual identification
of prohibited objects still rests with human operators (i.e.
screening officers). Consequently, the most advanced
machines become vile if these people are not selected and
trained appropriately. According to object recognition theories
and visual cognition, object shapes not similar to the ones
stored in visual memory are difficult to recognize (e.g., [1]; [2];
[3]). [4] have shown that the detection of forbidden objects in x-
ray images of passenger bags depends on knowledge-based
and image-based factors. Many prohibited items are rarely
seen in everyday life and might look quite different from reality
when displayed as an x-ray image (e.g., electric shock devices
or improvised explosive devices (IEDs)). Therefore, knowledge
about which items are prohibited and what they look like in x-
ray images is required. Class-room, computer-based (CBT) and
on-the-job-training can help attaining such knowledge
(knowledge-based factors). Moreover, the detection of
prohibited items can be impaired by different image-based
factors. [4] have identified three image-based factors which are
relevant for x-ray screening: viewpoint (based on the viewpoint
of threat items in a bag), superposition of a threat item and bag
complexity ([4]; [5]; [6]; [7]; [8]). Depending on perceptual
experience and the ability to mentally rotate objects, rotated
threat items are more difficult to recognize (effect of viewpoint).
Likewise, position of a threat item in a bag, its superimposition
by other objects (effect of superposition) and number and types
of objects in a bag (effects of bag complexity) also affect the
difficulty of identifying threat items ([5]). As results of different
studies demonstrate, coping with image difficulty resulting from
these factors can be improved through training. However, a
person's visual abilities greatly influence and alleviate this
learning progress. Achieving a good x-ray image competency
becomes much more difficult and challenging if a person does
not have the right visual abilities. In airport security screening
large differences between people with regard to aptitudes and
abilities exist ([9]). For this reason it is recommended to apply
selection test as part of pre-employment assessments, so that
right from the beginning those people best suited for the job are
chosen ([7]).
Regarding knowledge-based and image-based factors,
studies have shown that individually adaptive CBT systems, like
X-Ray Tutor (XRT), are very effective and efficient tools for
increasing x-ray image interpretation competency of screening
officers ([9]; [10]). XRT is a scientifically based training program
which's effectiveness has been proven in several studies ([2];
[11]; [12]; [13]). XRT is based on findings about how the human
brain processes visual information, taking the three relevant
image-based factors into account. One core advantage of XRT
is that it is individually adaptive and level based, meaning
training sessions are created on each trainee's individual
performance and learning progress.
In this study, our main aim was to investigate to what extent a
screening officer's achieved difficulty level in XRT after 20
months of training positively correlates with his/her performance
in the X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT). This
study sought also to examine whether the achieved difficulty
level can give an indication about an individual's x-ray image
interpretation competency. The X-Ray CAT is an instrument
used to measure x-ray image interpretation competency, i.e.
how well people can visually process x-ray images of
passenger bags in order to detect threat items ([14]). We
theorize that screening officers that have acquired higher
difficulty levels also achieved higher detection performance
scores. A further aim of this study was to replicate results of
previous studies confirming the effectiveness of CBT for
increasing x-ray image interpretation competency of screening
officers ([2]; [11]; [12]; [13]).
199 cabin baggage screening officers of one selected
international European airport underwent training with the XRT
standard edition for cabin baggage screening (XRT CBS SE)
for a duration of 20 months. The screening officers were
instructed to conduct at least one 20 minute training session
per week. Measurements of detection performance were
collected conducting the X-Ray CAT for cabin baggage
screening at three different measurement dates; before start of
training as a baseline measurement, after 13 months of training
and after the full 20 months of training. Information about each
individual's achieved difficulty level after the 20 months of
training was extracted from training data.
A. X-Ray Tutor (XRT) training system
The X-Ray Tutor training system (XRT) was developed by
the Visual Cognition Research Group (VICOREG) at the
University of Zurich as a scientifically based training program to
enhance x-ray image interpretation competency of screening
officers ([2]). In the training program x-ray images of passenger
bags are presented to the screening officers, whereupon they
have to visually inspect the images, search them for threat
items and, subsequently, take a decision on whether a bag can
be regarded as harmless or not. XRT automatically combines
fictional threat items with x-ray images of harmless passenger
bags using an individually adaptive algorithm. In the standard
edition most of the threat items can each be depicted from up to
96 different views. Objects depicted from an unfamiliar
viewpoint are more difficult to recognize, hence, a large and
representative image library of prohibited items depicted from
many different viewpoints is necessary to provide a good basis
for training x-ray image interpretation competency ([2]). In order
to make sure the screening officers learn a large number of
different prohibited objects, threat items from different threat
categories are integrated in the XRT image library. The XRT
image library was developed in close collaboration with experts
of Zurich State Police, Airport Division as well as other
organizations and is continuously being extended. The XRT
professional edition (XRT CBS PE), for example, contains four
times as many threat items as the standard edition. In this
study, screening officers have still been training with XRT CBS
XRT is individually adaptive, meaning that it automatically
adapts to the performance of each individual in regard to coping
with image difficulty. The XRT training starts by showing threat
items depicted in easy (canonical) views, with low superposition
and low bag complexities. The difficulty of each of these factors
increases depending on an individual's learning progress.
These parameters are calculated by an individually adaptive
algorithm using objective measures of view difficulty,
superposition and bag complexity ([3]; [12]). The individually
adaptive training algorithm determines specifically for each
screening officer which items and views are difficult to
recognize and adapts the training to his/her requirements in
such a way that missed objects will be presented to him/her
more often. In order to enter a higher difficulty level a screening
officer needs to have seen a threat item for at least three times
in this level and detected it correctly 2/3 of the time. This
specific item is then regarded as learnt.
The 12 difficulty levels of XRT are based on view difficulty,
superposition, and bag complexity as described in Table 1.
During training with XRT images are displayed on the screen
for a maximum of 15 seconds (standard setting). In case a bag
is judged as NOT OK (containing a prohibited item) the
screener has to identify the threat item in the bag by clicking on
it. After each response feedback is provided immediately,
informing the screener whether the response was correct or
not. If the bag did contain a prohibited item, detailed information
about this item as well as its location in the bag can be
displayed ([2]). The effectiveness of individually adaptive CBT
compared to conventional (not adaptive) CBT has been
investigated in previous studies (e.g., [13]).
Level Viewpoint Super-
1 Easy Low Low
2 Difficult Low Low
3 Easy High Low
4 Difficult High Low
5 Easy Low Medium
6 Difficult Low Medium
7 Easy High Medium
8 Difficult High Medium
9 Easy Low High
10 Difficult Low High
11 Easy High High
12 Difficult High High
B. X-Ray Competency Assessment Test (X-Ray CAT)
The X-Ray CAT for cabin baggage screening (X-Ray CAT
CBS) is a reliable and valid instrument to measure x-ray image
interpretation competency of airport security screening officers.
It has been developed according to the principles and
requirements specified in [15], and it is applied for screener
certification at several European airports. It consists of 256
trials based on 128 different color x-ray images of passenger
bags. All bag images are once displayed without (non threat
image) and once containing a prohibited object (threat image).
The prohibited objects are grouped into four different categories
as defined in ECAC DOC 30: guns, IEDs, knives and other
prohibited items. Every category contains 16 threat objects,
subdivided into 8 pairs. Each pair is made up of two items
visually similar in shape. One of the prohibited items is included
in the XRT image library (Set A), whereas the other item has
not been seen before (Set B). This setup allows testing for
transfer effects of visual knowledge, i.e. whether training with
XRT also improves the detection of items that are visually
similar in shape but not contained in the XRT library and
therefore not known from training.
Furthermore, all items are once depicted in easy and once in
difficult view. Easy view refers to the canonical view, whereas in
difficult views threat objects are shown in an 85° horizontal or
vertical rotation. Sets A and B are equalized with regard to the
rotation of items.
The X-Ray CAT takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
While images are displayed for a maximum of 15 seconds
screening officers have to take a decision whether a bag is OK
(containing no prohibited item) or NOT OK (containing a
prohibited item). For more information on the X-Ray CAT see
C. A' as measure for detection performance
For a valid measure of detection performance it is important
to use a score that considers the hit rate
as well as the false
alarm rate
. The hit rate on its own is not a valid measure,
since a candidate can achieve a high hit rate by simply judging
all bags as NOT OK. For our analyses we used A' ([16]), a
measure of sensitivity which is commonly used for a variety of
tasks including screener certification and competency
assessments. A' is a nonparametric measure, meaning that the
computation of A' requires no a priori assumption about the
underlying signal and noise distributions. A' is a kind of average
between minimum and maximum performance and can be
calculated by the following formula ([17]):
H is the hit rate and F the false alarm rate. If performance is
below chance, i.e. when H<F, the equation must be modified
Even though the computation of A' requires no a priori
assumption about underlying distributions, it does not mean
that this measure is an accurate reflection of its theoretical
origin (i.e., that A' reflects the area under a reasonable ROC
curve) or that it is a distribution-free measure and fully
independent of response bias (see [19]). However, due to its
easy computation and interpretation, A' is often applied as a
measure for detection performance in research and application.
In this paper, actual performance values are not reported due
to security reasons. For all relevant analysis effect sizes are
reported and interpreted based on Cohen ([20]).
In this study, the relationship between x-ray image
interpretation competency measured with the X-Ray CAT CBS
and the achieved difficulty level in XRT CBS SE after 20
months of training was analyzed using data of 199 cabin
baggage screening officers. Moreover, a recommendation was
derived to determine which difficulty levels should have been
mastered in order for screening officers to be well prepared to
pass initial and recurrent certification. In addition to that, test
results taken at three different points in time were compared to
investigate the effectiveness of XRT.
A. Relationship between level and x-ray image interpretation
A high correlation between the achieved training level in XRT
CBS SE and detection performance (A') after the 20 months of
training was found with r = .64, p < .01. Figure 1 shows the
The hit rate counts how often a person has correctly judged
a bag as NOT OK in proportion to all bags containing threat
The false alarm rate counts how often a person has
wrongly judged a bag as NOT OK in proportion to all bags
containing no threat item.
increase of detection performance as a logarithmic function of
the XRT level. Lowest test results were performed by those
screeners in very low levels whereas highest detection
performance was achieved by the screening officers having
acquired level 12 (the highest level in XRT CBS SE). A general
improvement in detection performance can be observed for
each rising level. Yet, it must be considered that quite
remarkable dispersions exist between the persons with the
highest and lowest detection performance within each level.
Fig. 1: Correlation between detection performance A' and XRT
CBS SE difficulty level.
For initial and recurrent certification we recommend a pass
mark of A' >= .80 when applying the X-Ray CAT. Of the 199
screening officers participating in this study, 37 (18.6%) did not
reach this pass mark. As can be seen in the graph, most of
these screeners were still training in lower XRT levels and had
not yet reached level 6.
According to [3] prohibited objects in x-ray images can be
recognized best when they have already been seen from
different viewpoints, superimposed by other objects and
presented in more or less complex bags. As described above,
the 12 difficulty levels of XRT CBS are build up in such a way
that in level 1 only bags with items depicted in easy viewpoints,
with low superposition and low bag complexity are displayed,
whereas with rising difficulty level the image-based factors,
become more challenging (see Table 1). Once level 6 has been
reached, a screener has seen threat items from easy as well as
difficult viewpoints, with both low and high superposition.
Additionally, the threat items have been presented in bags of
low and medium complexity. Screeners have therefore been
exposed to a good variation of image-based factors. Taking
these considerations into account, it can be expected that once
having reached level 6 in XRT CBS SE screeners should be
able to reliably recognize threat objects in x-ray images.
The results of this study support this theory. Almost all
screeners who had reached XRT level 6 achieved good test
results in the X-Ray CAT, high enough to pass certification
when A' >= .80 is used as a pass mark. Of all screening officers
who had acquired XRT level 6, only 6 persons (4.3%) had an A'
score < .80.
All in all, it can therefore be expected that once having
reached level 6 in XRT CBS SE screening officers should have
acquired a reliable x-ray image interpretation competency and
be well prepared to pass initial and recurrent certification with
the X-Ray CAT. The duration of how long it takes to reach a
certain training level has been analyzed in a previous study
([21]). According to their results, if screeners use the training
system 20 minutes per week then one year of training is
required to reach level 6.
B. Effect of training
Similar to previous studies large increases in detection
performance were found for the three test dates. Figure 2
shows means and standard deviations
broken up by category
and test date.
Fig. 2: Mean detection performance A' and standard deviations
broken up by threat category and test date. Note: For security
reasons A' scores are not indicated in the figure.
Substantial increases in detection performance could be
observed for all categories, especially for IEDs.
A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) using A'
scores was conducted with test date (first, second, third) and
category (guns, IEDs, knives, other) as within-participants
factors. There were large main effects of test date F(1.66,
329.46) = 196.25, p < .001, η
= .50, and category F(2.63,
521.61) = 235.07, p < .001, η
= .54, and a large two-way
interaction of test date and category F(4.82, 953.31) = 35.24, p
< .001, η
= .15. These results are consistent with earlier
studies ([2]; [11]; [12]; [13]) showing that XRT is a very effective
tool to increase x-ray image interpretation competency.
To examine the effect of viewpoint on detection performance,
another ANOVA for repeated measures was conducted. A'
scores for both types of views (easy and difficult) with the
within-participant factors test date (first, second, third), view
(easy vs. difficult), and category (guns, IEDs, knives, other)
were used. Large main effects of test date F(1.69, 334.30) =
213.10, p < .001, η
= .52, view (easy vs. difficult) F(1, 198) =
887.70, p < .001, η
= .82, and category F(2.67, 529.23) =
232.60, p < .001, η
= .54 were revealed. Interactions were
significant and there were large main effects for the two-way
The standard deviation represents the range of dispersion
around the mean data and indicates the range of individual
differences between the tested airport security screeners.
y = 0.079ln(x) + 0.687
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
XRT Difficulty Level
Guns IEDs Knives Other
1st data collection 2nd data collection 3rd data collection
interactions between view and category F(3, 5
.001, η
= .40 and date and category F(4.87, 9
< .001, η
= .14. For the two-way interaction
F(1.72, 341.20) = 23.12, p < .001, η
= .11 a m
revealed. The three-way interaction of test
category was significant and had a small e
1055.70) = 9.31, p < .001, η
= .05. Figure
effect of test date for each category in both
views. It demonstrates that for every catego
were easier to detect in easy (or canonical)
depicted from a difficult view. This applies par
However, as results confirm, recurrent CBT
enhance detection performance of screener
even when threat objects were depicte
Fig. 3: Detection performance A' and stan
broken up by threat category, test date and
difficult). Note: For security reasons A' scores
in the figure.
In order to test whether the visual knowledg
training with XRT could also be transferred t
not shown during training but similar in
performance for sets A and B was compared
the detection performance for each threat ca
measurement times broken up by test set. A
detection performance for every category in b
three measurements could be observed
measures ANOVA with the within-participant
(first, second, third), set (A vs. B) and categ
knives, other) revealed large main effects for
330.70) = 203.07, p < .001, η
= .51, set (A v
57.05, p < .001, η
= .22, and category F
239.49, p < .001, η
= .55. Interactions wer
large main effects for the two-way interactio
category F(4.84, 957.63) = 37.34, p < .001,
and category F(2.76, 545.67) = 41.17, p <
small significant effect for the three-way intera
set and category F(5.4, 1069) = 3.45, p < .
found. Taking a closer look at Figure 4 it can
detection performance for sets A and B were
the exception of the category "others". The re
effect for set therefore must be explained
"others". Altogether, the results clearly demon
594) = 129.61, p <
963.93) = 33.01, p
of date and view
medium effect was
t date, view and
effect size F(5.33,
e 3 visualizes the
easy and difficult
ory threat objects
views than when
rticularly to knives.
T with XRT could
rs very effectively
ed from unusual
ndard deviations
d view (easy vs.
s are not indicated
ge gained through
to items that were
shape, detection
d. Figure 4 shows
tegory at all three
A clear increase in
both sets over the
d. The repeated
t factors test date
gory (guns, IEDs,
r test date F(1.67,
vs. B) F(1, 198) =
re significant with
ons test date and
= .16, and set
.001, η
action of test date,
.01, η
= .02 was
n be observed that
e very similar, with
vealed large main
by the category
strate that training
with XRT not only had an effect on t
were included in the XRT training libr
detection of untrained and unfamiliar
knowledge acquired through XRT tra
to new objects that were similar in sha
Fig. 4: Detection performance A'
broken up by threat category, test dat
For security reasons A' scores are n
The main aim of this study wa
performance in the X-Ray CAT can
level that screening officers have ac
information a recommended minim
derived that indicates whether sc
acknowledged as proficient and we
and recurrent certification. The analys
high correlation between the X
performance in the X-Ray CAT afte
CBT. In other words, screening o
higher XRT difficulty levels also achie
results. As explained earlier, we reco
>= .80 when using the X-Ray CA
certification. The results from our stu
officers who have reached XRT le
achieve this pass mark. Furthermo
level 6 in XRT a screening officer ha
variety of images of passenger bags
image-based factors. According
recognized best when they have b
viewpoints. Thus, taking the setu
screeners who have achieved XRT
trained and able to reliably recogni
images. Objects have then been s
difficult views, with low and high sup
low and medium complexities.
In sum, the results of these ana
screening officers having acquired le
be regarded as proficient with resp
interpretation competency. Moreove
prepared to pass initial and recurren
Ray CAT when the pass mark is set
study [21] have shown that screener
the detection of items that
rary but also led to a better
objects. Apparently, visual
aining could be transferred
and standard deviations
te and set (A vs. B). Note:
not indicated in the figure.
as to investigate whether
be related to the difficulty
chieved in XRT. With this
mum difficulty level was
creening officers can be
ell prepared to pass initial
sis of the results showed a
XRT training level and
er 20 months of recurrent
officers who had reached
eved better X-Ray CAT test
ommend a pass mark of A'
AT for initial or recurrent
udy suggest that screening
evel 6 are quite likely to
re, once having acquired
s been exposed to a large
s and a broad variation of
to [3] objects can be
been seen from different
p of XRT into account,
T level 6 should be well
ze threat objects in x-ray
seen in easy as well as
perposition and in bags of
alyses suggest that those
evel 6 in XRT CBS SE can
pect to their x-ray image
er, they should be well
nt certification with the X-
at A' >= .80. In a previous
rs reach XRT level 6 after
one year of training if the training system is being used as
recommended (i.e. 20 minutes per week).
In addition, we have compared performance at three
measurement dates in order to verify the effectiveness of
individually adaptive CBT with XRT. For every threat category
large increases in detection performance were found after 20
months of training. A particular improvement could be observed
for IEDs, indicating that a reliable detection of objects such as
IEDs is not difficult as such, but largely dependent on training.
Furthermore, analyses revealed large effects of viewpoint,
showing that items depicted from unusual (rotated) viewpoints
are more difficult to detect than items depicted from an upright
(canonical) viewpoint. Large improvements in detection
performance were found for every threat category in both
views, which provides further evidence for the effectiveness of
XRT for x-ray image interpretation training. Similar effects were
found when comparing detection performance for items shown
in training (set A) vs. items that had not been seen before, but
were visually similar in shape (set B). As Figure 4
demonstrates, detection performance for both sets A and B
was very similar, with the exception of the category "others".
Remarkable improvements in detection performance
throughout the three measurement dates could be observed for
every category. Thus, visual knowledge gained through training
with XRT could also be transferred to other objects.
All in all, findings of this study about the effectiveness of
recurrent adaptive CBT are fully consistent with results of
previous studies ([11]; [12]; [13]). Nonetheless, increasing x-ray
image interpretation competency of screening officers with CBT
does not mean that operational performance at airport security
checkpoints will be automatically increased as well. Adaptive
CBT is an indispensible prerequisite for good performance at
security checkpoints, since it allows exposing screeners to
objects they usually do not encounter in real life; however, it is
not the only important performance factor. Additionally to CBT
class-room and on-the-job-training are necessary. Screening
officers require theoretical knowledge and need to be trained on
how to behave adequately or how to deal with special situations
at the checkpoint. As mentioned earlier, large differences
between people with regard to aptitudes and abilities in security
screening exist. The usage of selection tests as part of pre-
employment assessment procedures can therefore very
effectively help to improve performance in security screening
([9]). Moreover, people could easily get distracted or
unmotivated during work, hence, threat image projection (TIP)
is a good technology to apply to increase and maintain
motivation and alertness of screeners. Also, as people often fail
to react appropriately if something unexpected happens,
frequent practical tests with real threat objects should be
conducted regularly ([22]). Apparently, for the achievement of a
good operational performance at security checkpoints several
factors play an important role and need to be taken into account
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Technology Symposium, Washington, D.C., USA,
November 27 - December 1, 2006, pp 338-342.
[10] A. Schwaninger, and F. Hofer, "Evaluation of CBT for
increasing threat detection performance in X-ray
screening," In: K. Morgan and M.J. Spector, The Internet
Society 2004, Advances in Learning, Commerce and
Security. Wessex: WIT Press, 2004, pp 147-156.
[11] S. Michel, J.C. de Ruiter, M. Hogervorst, S.M. Koller, R.
Moerland, and A. Schwaninger, "Computer-based training
increases efficiency in x-ray image interpretation by
aviation security screeners," in Proceedings of the 41st
Carnahan Conference on Security Technology, Ottawa,
October 8-11, 2007, pp 201-206.
[12] A. Bolfing, T. Halbherr, and A. Schwaninger "How image
based factors and human factors contribute to threat
detection performance in x-ray aviation security
screening," HCI and Usability for Education and Work,
Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 5298, pp 419-
[13] S.M. Koller, D. Hardmeier, S. Michel, and A.
Schwaninger, "Investigating training, transfer, and
viewpoint effects resulting from recurrent CBT of x-ray
image interpretation," Journal of Transportation Security,
vol 1(2), pp 81-106, 2008.
[14] S.M. Koller, and A. Schwaninger, "Assessing X-ray image
interpretation competency of airport security screeners," in
Proceedings of the 2
International Conference on
Research in Air Transportation, ICRAT 2006 Belgrade,
Serbia and Montenegro, June 24-28, 2006, pp 399-402.
[15] A. Schwaninger, A.P. Brigdes, C. Drury, F. Durinckx, P.
Durrant, T. Hodge, F. Hofer, R. Jongejan, R.L. Maguire,
A. McClumpha, E. Neiderman, C. Steinmann, W. Wüest,
Principles and Requirements for Assessing X-Ray Image
Interpretation Competency of Aviation Security Screeners,
White Paper, International Aviation Security Human
Factors Technical Advisory Group (InterTAG),
Competency Assessment Working Group (CAWG), 2005.
[16] I. Pollack, and D.A. Norman, "A non-parametric analysis
of recognition experiments," Psychonomic Science, vol
75, pp 125-126, 1964.
[17] J.B. Grier, "Nonparametric indexes for sensitivity and bias:
Computing formulas," Psychological Bulletin, vol 75, pp
424-429, 1971.
[18] D. Aaronson, and B. Watts, "Extension of Grier's
computational formulas for A' and B'' to below-chance
performance," Psychological Bulletin, vol 102, pp 439-
442, 1987.
[19] R.E. Pastore, E.J. Crawley, M.S. Berens, and M.A. Skelly,
"'Nonparametric' A' and other modern misconceptions
about signal detection theory," Psychonomic Bulletin &
Review, vol 10, pp 556-569, 2003.
[20] J. Cohen, "Statistical power analysis for the behavioral
sciences," New York: Erlbaum, Hillsdale, 1988.
[21] S. Michel, S.M. Koller, and A. Schwaninger, "Relationship
between level of detection performance and amount of
recurrent computer-based training," in Proceedings of the
Carnahan Conference on Security Technology,
Prague, October 13-16, 2008, pp 299-304.
[22] A. Schwaninger, "Airport security and human factors:
From the weakest to the strongest link in airport security
screening," Proceedings of the 4th International Aviation
Security Technology Symposium, Washington, D.C.,
USA, November 27 – December 1, 2006, pp 265-270.
Dr. Stefan Michel is currently working as a scientific
researcher and project manager at the University of Applied
Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the Center
for Adaptive Security Research and Applications
(www.casra.ch) in Zurich. He manages different national and
international projects in aviation security which provide clients
with cost effective methods to achieve security performance
improvements and operational effectiveness. Stefan has a
strong background in psychology with experience in aviation
security enhancing the interaction between people,
processes, and technology. Previously, he worked at the
University of Zurich (Switzerland) and the Max Planck
Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen (Germany) as
a research scientist and received the doctoral degree in
Marcia Mendes works as a research scientist at the
University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland
(FHNW) and the Center for Adaptive Security Research and
Applications (www.casra.ch) in Zurich. She is a member of
the security research team led by Prof. Dr. Adrian
Schwaninger and involved in several national and
international projects in aviation security. Marcia finished her
studies in psychology (work and organizational psychology,
health psychology, clinical psychology and public health) at
the University of Bremen (Germany) in 2009. Currently, she
is writing her doctoral thesis in the field of aviaton security.
Prof. Dr. Adrian Schwaninger lectures at the University of
Zurich since 1999 and at the University of Applied Sciences
Northwestern Switzerland since 2008. He is the head of the
Center for Adaptive Security Research and Applications
(www.casra.ch) in Zurich and the head of the Institute
Humans in complex Systems (MikS) at the School of Applied
Psychology, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern
Switzerland (www.fhnw.ch/miks). His areas of expertise are
aviation security, human factors, scientifically based software
development, applied cognitive psychology, and human-
machine interaction. Adrian is a member of the ECAC
Training Task Force, the ECAC Technical Task Force, the
ICAO Working Group on Training, and he leads the ECAC
Technical Task Force TIP Study Group. Adrian is recognized
as a leading authority on aviation security. He has more than
70 publications and more than 150 invited presentations. In
1999 he has received the Young Researcher Award in
Psychology. In 2003 he has received the ASI International
Award of Excellence in Aviation Security: Enhancement of
Human Factors.


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Happy New Year everybody!
So this post I shall just tell you what went down with my New Years "outing" or however you would like to call it. Then when people begin to upload pictures (I hope they will), then I'll just do a post only on that.
So yesterday (new years eve) I left my house around 8PM and met up with Ella, Pardis and Dina and some boys, we then headed to Shisha Lounge - A shisha bar - and just sat down and waited for everyone else to arrive. So many people I knew came! The main ones were Samiya, Summayya, Nimo, Maddie, Alicia + like a load more boys that would be so much effort to name them all. So yeah and I bought a shisha pipe, and we stayed till around 10.30PM and then me, Ella, Pardis and Dina and the boys who were with us in the first place left and headed up to town, we grabbed like a hell of a lot of food from MacDonalds and then walked to the Winter Wonderland by the City Hall, then we just walked around a bit and found the main stage and just stood there listened to music, the girls danced with a bunch of Philippians, it was so mad >_< then there was the countdown and then there were fireworks and everyone was like yayayayayay lol. Then Dina left and so did Pardis and Ella so I met up with Summayya and Samiya, while they were waiting for some girl, but then she took forever so me and Summayya went and met up with some other people at like the top of a car park, it was so cool o.o But yeah and then after a while we left and headed to city road and went to Sultans Shisha place around 1AM and then me, Summayya and Maddie did thirds on a shisha pipe, and then around 2.40AM I had to leave so I called up a friend to keep me company on the phone, because I was scared and I said bye to everyone and then walked home and there were scary drunk and high men D: But I was fine lmao, and then I got home and stayed on the phone and then I was just lying in bed on the phone and we were trying not to fall asleep, but then eventually he fell asleep still on the phone so I just fell asleep on the phone and we didn't hang up or anything, and then at some time around 4AM my phone went on my voice mail so I hung up and fell asleep again and then apparently I called Ella at 5AM which I have no recollection of doing o.o lololol. So yeah it was all good fun ^_^ BYE X
Oh! Btw, I ended up wearing this outfit:
It was so casual, but I literally couldn't be bothered dressing up loads, and the heels played that part anyways ;D
Oh! Btw, I ended up wearing this outfit:
It was so casual, but I literally couldn't be bothered dressing up loads, and the heels played that part anyways ;D


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Tom's of Maine is marketed by its parent company, Colgate, as a natural, healthy brand of toothpaste. But is this "natural" toothpaste as good for you as its marketing team claims it to be? We are here to take a good look at the ingredients of Tom's of Maine toothpastes to determine whether or not it's everything it's cracked up to be.
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste: Is it Really "All Natural"?
There are different varieties of Tom's toothpastes, and in comparison with Colgate's regular toothpaste (and most other conventional toothpaste brands), Tom's of Maine is certainly a better choice. That being said, there are still some things you need to watch for and be aware of.
Regular Colgate Toothpaste Ingredients
To start, let's take a look at regular toothpaste as a reference point to compare the Tom's toothpaste to. These are the ingredients for Colgate's Advanced Whitening Toothpaste:
Active Ingredients:
- Sodium Fluoride, Anticavity (0.24%)
- Triclosan, Antigingivitis (0.30%)
Inactive Ingredients:
- Water
- Hydrated silica
- Glycerin
- Sorbitol
- PVM/MA Copolymer
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Flavor
- Cellulose Gum
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Propylene Glycol
- Carrageenan
- Sodium Sacharin
- Titanium Dioxide
Whew – that's a lot of ingredients! There are some definite issues with the ingredients in this toothpaste, such as the use of fluoride, which has actually shown to damage your teeth and bones, and even could cause damage to your brain. (4, 5, 6, 7) Other big problem ingredients here include the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, carrageenan, and titanium dioxide. (More on that later).
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So how does that compare with so-called "natural" Tom's of Maine? That's just the problem: The products are shockingly similar.
Tom's of Maine Toothpaste
On their website, Tom's not only lists each ingredient, but also states what the purpose of that ingredient is and where it is derived from, presumably all natural sources. Click on the name of each type of toothpaste below to visit the Tom's site.
Luminous White Ingredients:
- Hydrated silica
- Water
- Glycerin
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Natural Flavor
- Xanthan gum
- Titanium Dioxide
- Carrageenan
- Sodium Fluoride (0.24%)
Fluoride Free Rapid Relief Sensitive Toothpaste Ingredients:
- Arginine Bicarbonate
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Calcium Carbonate
- Hydrated Silica
- Natural Flavor
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sorbitol
- Titanium Dioxide
- Water
- Xanthan gum
- Xylitol
The Good:
Before we get into the unfortunate reality that is Tom's of Maine toothpaste, we should point out that there are some benefits to the brand, and while there are certainly more natural options out there, it is still a better choice than conventional toothpaste.
- Naturally derived ingredients: Much of Tom's ingredients comes from earth-based sources, such as birch trees, corn, fermented vegetable matter, and seaweed.
- Fluoride Free: Some varieties of Tom's toothpaste are fluoride free, but be sure to double-check the label. Chances are, if it doesn't say "fluoride free" right on the front of the packaging, it isn't.
- No microbeads: Microbeads are often added as a mild abrasive to help remove plaque and stains from your teeth. These microbeads, however, are made of plastic, which is not only bad to put in your body, but also extremely harmful to the environment.
The Bad:
You can tell just by comparing the ingredients lists of the three toothpaste that there are still some glaring issues with Tom of Maine toothpaste.
- Fluoride: While some varieties are fluoride free, many still contain the chemical as a means of fighting cavities. Unfortunately, it has been discovered that fluoride more than likely does more harm than good. It has been linked to dental and skeletal fluorosis, conditions that involve the degradation of either tooth enamel or bone and joints, as well as potential damage to brain and thyroid tissues.(4, 5, 6, 7)
- Titanium Dioxide: Titanium Dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 2B Carcinogen, meaning that it is "possibly carcinogenic to humans". In mice, titanium dioxide has shown to induce DNA damage, toxicity, and oxidative stress and inflammation. (8)
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: SLS is derived from coconuts, and technically shouldn't be an issue. The problem arises in the processing of the ingredient. During manufacturing, SLS is often contaminated with 1, 4-dioxane, a known carcinogen. The impact of SLS on your health includes organ and reproductive toxicity, neurological damage, disruption of the endocrine system, and of course, cancer. (9, 10)
- Carrageenan: Carrageenan has been shown to cause inflammation in the GI tract, ulcers, lesions, and some colon cancer in lab animals. The American Diabetes Association also discovered that carrageenan leads to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in mice. More studies need to be done on humans. (11)
Natural and Homemade Toothpaste Alternatives
While it is unfortunate that a so-called "natural" brand of toothpaste isn't the healthy alternative we hoped it would be, there are thankfully plenty of other natural toothpaste brands, as well as homemade varieties that are made of ingredients you can buy at the grocery store and no unwanted, potentially harmful chemicals!
Natural Toothpaste Brands We Like Include:
- Redmond Earthpaste Natural Toothpaste
- Miessence Mint Toothpaste
- Happy Teeth Organic Toothpaste and Gum Powder
Homemade Toothpaste Recipes:
What is your favorite natural toothpaste brand? Have you tried using your own homemade toothpaste? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to spread the word about the dangerous ingredients in even the "healthy" toothpastes.
(1) http://www.colgatetotal.com/health-benefits/toothpaste-ingredients
(2) http://www.tomsofmaine.com/product-details/luminous-white-toothpaste#ingredients
(3) http://www.tomsofmaine.com/product-details/rapid-relief-sensitive-toothpaste
(4) http://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/327028
(5) http://www.fluorideresearch.org/343/files/FJ2001_v34_n3_p181-183.pdf
(6) http://www.fluorideresearch.org/383/files/383209-214.pdf
(7) http://220.127.116.11:8088/Self-digital/qarticle/data/14072.pdf
(8) http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/69/22/8784.short
(9) http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx
(10) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230003000904
(11) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1242073/
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Venue: Iron Horse Music Hall
Date: Friday, February 24, 2017 ~ 7:00 PM
Online sales for this show closed at 3PM. You can get tickets until 4PM in person at NBO or by phone at 586-8686, or at the door tonight.
Singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith has been playing songs and performing throughout Europe, Canada and the United States for more than 42 years. Compared to such legends as John Prine and Woody Guthrie, his songwriting skills have made Tom Waits cry. His songs and ballads have been covered by some of the biggest names in the business, and he just released his latest album, "Standard," on Jan. 27. Tif Ginn, known for her sultry vocals and transcendent songwriting, has also spent most of her life touring and playing music. The two met while Eaglesmith was touring in Texas. Now partners on stage and in life, the duo will be performing together at the Iron Horse for two nights.
Performer Lineup: The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam Show, The Swinging Steaks


text:
The collection of Ajay Devgn's latest outing "Action Jackson" has been badly affected by the Tamil-Telugu bilingual movie "Lingaa" at the international box office in its second week and its 10-day business record has been beaten by the Rajinikanth starrer film in just 3 days.
In its second weekend, "Action Jackson" has raked in $19,753 from 50 screens at the USA box office, taking its 10-day collection to $185,807 (₹1.16 crore). "Lingaa" has smashed this record on its opening day and the movie has collected $1,336,406 (₹8.41 crores) from 135 screens in this country in three days.
"Action Jackson" has earned £10,568 from 20 screens at the UK box office in the second weekend and its 10-day total stands at £93,734 (₹92.19 lakhs) in the country. "Lingaa" has collected £171,068 (₹1.68 crores) from 36 screens in its opening weekend and its per-screen average is much better than the Ajay Devgn starrer movie.
In its second weekend, "Action Jackson" has grossed A$6,430 from 10 screens at the Australia box office, taking its 10-day collection to A$66,146 (₹34.00 lakhs). The film has collected NZ$3,182 from 3 screens at the New Zealand box office and its 10-day collection stands at NZ$27,725 (₹13.48 lakhs). "Lingaa" reportedly did not have release in these two countries.
"Action Jackson" has grossed MYR5,677 from 2 screens at the Malaysia box office in its second weekend and its 10-day collection stands at MYR32,772 (₹5.87 lakh). "Lingaa" has collected MYR1,263,060 from 36 screens (₹2.26 crore) at the Malaysia box office in the first weekend. The Rajinikanth starrer has raked in US$6,745 (₹4.24 lakh) at the Canadian box office in the first weekend.
However, "Action Jackson" has collected approximately $50,395 at the international box office in its second weekend and its 10-day-overseas collection stands at $1.7 (₹10.77 crore). "Lingaa" has raked in approximately $1.95 (₹12.39 crore) at the overseas box office in its opening weekend.


text:
Tri-ang - Series 3 `Goods Set` dating from 1960 - very good boxed condition !!
Includes correct and original instructions dated for August 1960
Also all track, oil bottle and Power connector
Locomotive has been serviced and runs very well with excellent lining and decals but does have a crack to the body work towards the front of the side tanks but quite small and does not detract from the overall appearance.
All rolling stock is also in excellent, complete and undamaged condition
Box is complete but I have had to repair the corners of the lid
Lovely and original starter set
Price includes secure UK P+P.
Please request additional overseas postage costs.


text:
To my fellow Canadians, Happy Thanksgiving! Have a wonderful holiday and remember to appreciate even the small things in life.
xo Lauren
Tag Archives: Mani
Manicure Monday: Tiny Triangle Tips
When the essie Fall 2013 launched, I couldn't stop swooning over After School Boy Blazer. Sure I have a few deep blues in my collection, but this one is so dark it almost appears black – until you take a close look, then the complexity of the hue will have you in awe. I finally purchased this shade last week and knew that it would combine perfectly with essie No Place Like Chrome to create a fun, futuristic and geometric nail art mani. After two base layers of No Place Like Chrome, I used the weight of the brush to paint V shapes at the top of each finger and then filled in the bottom to create this look. Remember to take your time and breathe to keep a steady hand.
Now that the new Fall colours are readily available in stores, which hue are you coveting for the season?
xo Lauren
Manicure Monday Featuring OPI When Monkeys Fly
Today's manicure is seriously spring like. I just couldn't wait any longer to break out the vibrant pastel [ish] lacquers. After buying my first polish from the OPI Oz The Great and Powerful Collection, When Monkeys Fly [a holographic sparkle mixed with large gold-brown hex glitters], I knew it was time to try something light and fun.
For this mani I began by priming my nails with two coats of OPI matte Nail Envy [my favourite base coat], followed by two layers of essie Where's My Chauffeur. This colour is very opaque with only two coats! Next I applied OPI When Monkeys Fly to the tips of my nails. It isn't too difficult to pull out the larger hex pieces, just make sure you are dabbing them on instead of painting, you will get a much better result. Finally, seal the glitter in with at least 3 layers of top coat. I used essie good to go.
Most of the reviews I have seen of OPI When Monkeys Fly complain that the glitter pieces do not lie flat. In order to fix this issue you need to really layer on the top coat. I have not had an issue with the large pieces getting in the way since I used 4 coats of good to go. I also have been adding additional layers of top coat every other day [because I painted my nails last Tuesday] to keep my mani looking fresh. All in all I love the look of When Monkeys Fly and I am willing to take the extra time to ensure that the glitter lies flat. If you don't have patience, this polish isn't right for you – perhaps try Lights of Emerald City which contains smaller white glitter squares and has been getting rave reviews across the board.
Do you have a great manicure today? Upload a pic and tag me (twitter or instagram) in it so I can see what you're rocking on your nails! And don't forget to submit your question for the weekly "Ask A Beauty Blogger" feature.
xo Lauren
Manicure Monday
My plan for today was to review essie repstyle poslish or Illamasqua speckle polish, however, I haven't received either yet which means you'll have to bear with me another week.
Today I am back to one of my favourite (and easiest) nail art designs – the half moon. If you want to learn how to create this look for yourself check out my previous how to post here.
Using essie penny talk as a base and OPI I Saw… U Saw… We Saw… Warsaw on top – this mani looks rich and polished. Unfortunately, penny talk is one of the worst polishes I have used to date. It is extremely thick and hard to apply. If your nails are anything but perfectly smooth, this polish will make your imperfections more noticeable. In my opinion it is unwearable as a single colour. Even after three coats I cannot get it to look even. I was really excited when essie released the mirror metallics collection because the colours were so rich and opaque – sadly, the finished product is not up to the brands usual standards.
I think covering the majority of penny talk with one of my favourite lacquers from the OPI Euro Centrale collection really brought out the beauty in both colours.
Do you have a great manicure today? Upload a pic and tag me (twitter or instagram) in it so I can see what you're rocking on your nails!
xo Lauren
Mani Monday: Multi-Chrome Swatches (Chanel, Sephora and OPI)
During the dark and cold winter months, I am finding myself enamored by multi-chrome nail lacquers. The hint of sparkle and the unexpected colour change keeps me feeling warm and fuzzy while everything around me is deary and chilled.
The duo/multi-chrome trend began when Chanel released Peridot in Fall 2011. Since then the [nail manufacturer] masses have gone to extremes in order to keep up – to a point where you can find almost exact copies of Peridot (OPI Just Spotted the Lizard, Jessica Iridescent Eye, Ozotic 507 and Morpheus 205) for a fraction of the price. Personally, I am a proud supporter of the original but if you can't imagine dolling out over $28 for a bottle of polish the replicas are shockingly good.
This winter I decided to branch out and add two new multi-chrome polishes to my collection; Sephora by OPI Here's Lilac-ing At You, Kid and OPI Skyfall The World Is Not Enough. Below are swatches of these new lacquers along with a few snaps of Peridot.
[WARNING: this is about to get very picture heavy]
Chanel Peridot
A bright gold with hints of green-blue shimmer.
Sephora by OPI Here's Lilac-ing At You, Kid
An opaque chrome blue-violet with two tone effect.
OPI Skyfall The World Is Not Enough
A pink-taupe-silver base with a heavy pink and gold shimmer.
What are you wearing on your nails today?
xo Lauren


text:
I like the "over" 2 goal line here. The visitors look to have goals in them, all 3 league starts have been "over",at an average of 3.67 and they even conceded 2 at home in midweek to lower league opposition in the cup.
Chateauroux look defensively frail this season and are already at the foot of the table, they will, no doubt, have targeted this as a must win fixture. The hosts have scored and conceded in their last two and this looks set to become an open encounter, with both looking for maximum points.
4.5 points "over" 2 goals 1.73 asian line.
Back shortly.


text:
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The most compelling speaker at the SMG Forum this year was easily Frances Frei. She was engaging, funny, challenging, and thought-provoking. One of the points she made that stuck with me is to learn how to manage your customers for mutual benefits. She went on to illustrate this point with a very concrete and memorable story.
At the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, they were having a tough time managing customer behavior, specifically males going to the bathroom. The men's restrooms were filthy, and the airport authorities determined the constant uncleanliness was due to a lack of consistent aim into the urinals.
Their first solution was to put signs that said, "Focus." I love when leaders try to solve problems with signs. The Department of Motor Vehicles in Missouri has turned this into a fine art. Sadly, the signs did not work. Next, they came up with the brilliant idea of giving guys something to aim for, and they created an etched fly on the porcelain.
Instantly the cleanliness of the washrooms improved. Don't mandate the behavior you want from your customers. Find the etched fly that will naturally drive the behavior you're looking for.
WHAT OTHER EXAMPLES HAVE YOU SEEN OF "ETCHED FLIES" THAT DROVE CUSTOMER BEHAVIOR? Leave your observations in the comments below.
April 6, 2010
MANAGING CUSTOMERS | What's Your Etched Fly?
Posted by Todd at 4/06/2010
1 comment:
Managing customers' needs are very important to maintain their trust. For me, that responsibility is truly challenging. That's why I'm so amazed at all agents from call centers. They know how to handle any situation, and accommodate the clients well.ReplyDelete
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Join us at 9 a.m. when we talk with Times reporter Richard Winton about a serial rapist who has been targeting Southern California massage-parlor workers for years.
The man is suspected in at least 30 "extremely violent" attacks that date a decade across Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. He appears to target immigrant workers and threatens to kill some victims if they report the attacks to police, officials said.
Investigators began linking the cases last year, after DNA taken from a 2009 attack in Riverside matched samples from scenes in Gardena, the city of Industry, the Chino Hills area and Fontana. Though DNA has connected only five of the cases, investigators said video footage and other information tied the suspect to five other attacks, including cases in Corona and Pedley where the suspect wore the same shirt.
Because the man appeared to victimize small businesses with immigrant employees, police said, they fear many additional attacks went unreported. The attacker also told victims he would kill them if they contacted police, Riverside Police Det. Aurelio Melendrez said.


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From staff reports
Do you ever wonder why we are given two hands?
Art show, musical at Saffell
Saffell Street Elementary School will host an art show Friday, April 20 starting at 6 p.m.
The wait for the city's splash park is nearly over.
Local anglers could soon see greater sportfish presence in regional lakes thanks to a joint effort by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and a team of teen conservationists.
The Anderson County School Board pushed back the last day of school to June 4, renewed the district's private school health nurse service, and approved a bid for a paving project at Robert B. Turner, the middle school, and the bus garage at Monday night's meeting.
Changing a commonwealth long mired in poverty perpetuated by misguided policies designed to satisfy voracious appetites for ever-more government programs, dollars and dependency takes more than a single election and politicians whose top priority is maneuvering simply to survive voters' next trip to the polls.
A wetter than normal winter has resulted in significant pugging damage in pastures across Kentucky.
I will be the first to tell you that I am tech challenged. If turning it off and on doesn't work, I'll search for fixes online and maybe get lucky.
Copyright © 2018
The Anderson News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lawrenceburg, KY and the surrounding area.


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"If you can afford it, get the hotel's main suite, which is pretty spectacular."
"This lodge was remodeled from an ancient property, so no room is exactly the same, need to check carefully..."
"Be wary of rooms that border the street; there is noise. An even bigger issue is light. The rooms open to..."


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Mencari Freelancer atau Kerja Quicktime html ?
Perlu bantuan untuk Quicktime html? Upah freelancer hari ini! Adakah anda pakar dalam Quicktime html? Gunakan kemahiran Quicktime html anda dan bermula untuk menjana pendapatan dalam talian hari ini! Freelancer adalah pasaran terbesar untuk pekerjaan dalam dunia. Terdapat 17,764 kerja sedang menunggu anda untuk bermula bekerja!Saya Mahu Upah Pekerja Saya Ingin Bekerja
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|Apr 19, 2018
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|Render existing Maya animation
|I have an Maya animation that I need rendered and exported to a Quicktime file approx. 45 seconds long. It's an animation of the ocean and I'm looking to export a seamless loop. I can give you the project file for the export.
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|Simple wrapper for ffmpeg
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|3D Modelling and animation
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|Penerapan 3D, Maya, 3ds Max, Pemodelan 3D, Animasi 3D
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|Replicate 30 commercail to specific specs
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January 25, 2010
Big Deal . . .
7 comments:
- aiketa said...
Oh Congratulations BigC!
And I bet he and your hubby had a great time on their outing this weekend.
- January 25, 2010 2:40 PM
- Apis Melliflora said...
- January 25, 2010 2:42 PM
- Sue said...
Slow Down, Father Time!
- January 25, 2010 3:51 PM
- The Queen Vee said...
Ahh, Chris you were my first as you will be in most things. If the rest follow your example I'll have nothing to worry about.
You're growing up too quickly which means I'm growing older too quickly. There's no stopping time and sometimes there is not enough time to thoroughly enjoy the moment...but i'm glad I found the time to be in church with you on Sunday.
- January 25, 2010 4:44 PM
- Kasey Hunt said...
Big steps!!! Good job on recording the moments!!! I'll be saying these things in just a few years!!
- January 25, 2010 5:22 PM
- Petit Elefant said...
Awww, that first one is seriously scary. But honestly, once you can speak in sacrament meeting, you can do anything!
- January 26, 2010 2:18 AM
- jd said...
You guys have 350-400 people in your ward? Man!
(and yes, that's what I took away from this post... I got stopped by that and couldn't concentrate further :)
But also what a great, big weekend!
(and there's really not one fine mid-single young man in that entire group?)
- January 28, 2010 4:29 AM


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This Christmas season has been amazing even though it wasn't planned, it turned out to be fun. We got to hang out with both families (Victor's and I) on different days, which was a pretty fun experience. I think I had prayed a whole rosary and read a handful of Bible verses to help me through the day I was hanging out with Victors family. I'm not sure what I had expected, initially we had just hanged out for 4 to 5 hours maximum but this day was planned for 12+ hours but by the end of the day I was bursting in joy. I had such a good time. I could comfortably say I'm blessed with amazing in-laws.
While in bed yesterday morning, I was thinking to myself Christmas is over 2016 should get here already. I went through my normal routine of checking what's on my social media timeline and everyone was still on holiday mode. Majority had traveled to Mombasa, Tanzania and South Africa among other places. My Snapchat was getting depressing so I was eager to step out of the house and have some fun. The day before we had planned with my sisters and Victor to take a long drive, enjoy a good swim somewhere and top it up with some nice kuku choma which we did and it turned out to be a fun day. We got to see wild animals while on route but the most beautiful part was to see the sun set while on our way home. We parked the car aside and like happy kids we went jumping towards the calm amber sun set. Thank God for Victor and his lovely camera, we were able to capture the moment 🙂
I titled this blog sister sister because it is in such moments you realize the importance of sisters (when I say sisters I mean your girlfriends as well), you get to face all weathers with them. They will laugh with you, cry with you, get mad at you, share things only you guys find funny and also advise you where they feel the need to. So I'm taking time to thank all my sisters for being there for me this 2015 and I am looking forward to facing an amazing 2016 together. Thank You :-*
On other news I can't wait to share my music this 2016. I aim to make you dance and enjoy yourself 😉
Photography by: Victor Peace
Love & Light
Cece Sagini


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A great mall santa has a full white beard, knowing eyes, a jolly laugh, and just the right amount of wrinkles (or ironically few). He's hard to describe, but you know him when you see him.
These famous men have all the qualities you've been looking for and the artists over at Worth1000 have made your Christmas dreams come true. Check out the best lot of Santas you didn't know you were missing:
Who'd you like to see in a Santa suit?
CORRECTION: A previous version of this post listed Scott Wilson's character's name, Hershel Greene, instead of his own.
Celebs With Failed Former Careers


text:
Before reading further, understand that some of the language and thoughts expressed here may (probably will) upset you. Don't read any farther if you can't handle the cursing or realities of death. You have been warned. And it's possible (ok, probable) that this will be rambling and disjointed because I'm sobbing right now and can't think straight.
Yeah, this week has sucked. Thursday is Drew's 1 year birthday. I can't help thinking of E.'s 1 year b-day and what she was doing at a year. Drew should be doing that, not lying buried in the ground.
Because let's face it, that's what's happened. His body is in a box under at least 4 feet of earth (only have to bury 4 feet deep in OK, fact courtesy of FIL! I don't know if Drew's 4 or 6 feet down and it doesn't really matter I suppose.) with a slab of granite the only thing marking the placement of his body. You think I don't think of the rate of decay of a body and compare it to Drew?! As my mother has told me many times, I know too much about some things for my own good. I knew too much about the embalming process too. I had a hard time with that at the funeral home. I knew what the markings on the body meant. Just shit that passes through my mind on a near daily basis--I should have a lively healthy son however the decay overtaking his body is what I'm left with. Maybe we should have opted for cremation. That wouldn't have made anything easier though because that's ANOTHER subject that I know too much about. (I've learned in the past year that curiousity is not always a good thing; my knowledge comes from years of curiousity dating back long before Drew.)
Talk about sucking.
I know that I'm not alone in these thoughts, many parents have them about their deceased children. So all of you who have not lost anyone close to you who think that I'm completely insane, no need to worry. I'm only partially insane but at least I'm not alone. It's not something that I go around talking about and I don't like to admit to having these thoughts but there they are. Finally out in the open.
Happy fucking birthday, Drew.
It still feels like someone is ripping my heart out of my chest and stomping on it, crushing it on a daily basis. The pain has gotten more intense, not lessened.
Still haven't been able to get him flowers yet. I MUST do it tomorrow. I can already tell you what kind I'll end up getting: blue hydrangea. E. doesn't get to pick them out this time. Those were what we had on his casket and they remind me of him. They were the first flowers that I saw when we walked into the flower shop to order his funeral flowers and I immediately knew they would be used.
Poor E. knows more about death than most people learn in a lifetime. The death of a pet might drive some kids over the edge. Not E. She matter of factly says, "The fish died. Ruby (horse) died," and go about her business. In her eyes, Drew has pets now. But she GETS it. You talk with her and you'll know that she understands that death is permenant, the heart stops beating for whatever reason, etc. I know I've said it in the past but it pisses me off so much that my 3.5 year old daughter knows this shit. I want to protect her from this stuff and I can't. Death is a big part of her life, moreso than for most kids. Gah, it's just not fair for her either.
She sees Mommy crying a lot and just automatically knows that it's because, "You miss your Baby Drew. You don't have to cry, Mommy." I don't know what I would do without her. She hugs me and kisses my tears away. She's my lifesaver and she makes me laugh and smile on a daily basis. I hope that I'm not doing her a disservice by being so open with her about Drew and how it makes me feel. It's so hard to find a balance but I'm not going to lie to her.
This last year has also shown me something about myself that I don't like. I have to face the fact that I'm an extremely jealous person. I don't think that I've ever been particularly jealous before now. I had my periods of envy as do most people but not like this.
I would never, ever, ever, ever wish anything bad on anyone. But damnit, I get jealous when others have healthy kids or sick kids who survive their illness. This is not said to make anyone feel badly and I fear that it will. Please don't. I don't know how to explain that I can be so happy for others that their kids are ok and insanely jealous at the same time. Drew was doing so fucking well and within a short period of time, he completely turned around. Why couldn't he have just kept getting better?? That's why I'm jealous.
I also get so bitter at times. People do harmful drugs and stupid shit while pregnant and their kids are ok. Mine wasn't and I gave up just about everything you could give up when PG with him. And he fucking died. People beat the shit out of their kids, kill them, emotionally abuse them, etc. And Drew died.
Yes, any kind of abuse of children has always outraged me but the deep bitterness (no other word for it) that I feel now is something that has developed over the last year. These people do not deserve healthy children and yet they have them. I am passing judgement, something that I consciously try not to do but I don't care in these situations. It's just not right. /end toddler tantrum
So yes, I am an extremely bitter and jealous person thanks to what happened to Drew.
But along with that bitterness, jealousy and anger comes some good. I'm a much more caring and compassionate person now than I ever was in the past. When I say that I care, I DO. I care with every fiber of my being now, it's not just lip service.
My faith in the inherent goodness of people and society at large has been restored. Well, restored isn't really the right word since I never really felt that way. I was always suspicious and untrusting.
No longer. Ninety-nine percent of those of us are good people. I have never been shown the kindness and compassion in my life as I have this past year. People care and they want to help. People are GOOD. My skepticism is gone.
I have withdrawn over the last year, especially in the last few months. Much of that is because I've just been overwhelmed with the kindness people are showing me. "What have I done to deserve it?" is what I keep asking myself. Combine that with this pregnancy and I have just wanted to be left alone. That's me, that's who I am. I withdraw and run from situations that I'm not comfortable with. I think that I may be getting back on track, though. We'll see.
Jenn and her family sent us a gift for Carson. They are the Miller family, Audrey's family (CDH survivor). Although she was worried about the timing, it arrived yesterday but was not expected for a while longer, it worked out perfectly in my mind.
They sent a book called The Angel With the Golden Glow: A family's journey through loss & healing by Elissa Al-Chokhachy. The story is so beautiful and inspiring and I sobbed as I read it. (Then tried to talk to my neighbor and started crying. I'm sure they think I'm a nutcase now even though they know about Drew and this week being his b-day. A lot of my self-consciousness has disappeared this year too.)
It is about an angel being sent to a family knowing he wouldn't be there long. He left his best angel friend in Heaven when he went down to earth. After he died, his angel friend finds out that he is being sent to the very same family that angel #1 left. I know I'm not making much sense, here's a passage:
"As The Angel with the Golden Glow finished telling his last story, his friend said, "I missed you so much. Yet our time together in heaven will be short. I have the most amazing news! God has chosen me to be born into the same family. There is still much healin that needs to be done. Just think! We will be earthly brothers as well as heavenly brothers. This is surely the greatest honor of my life!"
It's the perfect book, at the perfect time, for the perfect babies (Drew and Carson). Yes, I like to think of The Angel with the Golden Glow as Drew and The Angel with the Tender Heart as Carson. I truly believe that their souls know one another and that Carson is being sent to us to help in a myriad of ways.
You know that I struggle with how to raise Carson. I don't want him to live in the shadow of Drew, thinking that he's a "replacement" child. It's a very big concern of mine. This book will help me explain things to Carson when he's old enough to understand. I can't describe how touched I am by this caring gift and the message of this book. It's as though it were written specifically for our family. Millers, thank you so much.
Ok, so E. is begging me to stop crying and lay down with her. How can you resist that offer?! I can't; I sleep horribly when she's not scootched up next to me. So I'll go after I add these sage words from a great (well, prolific anyway) author, depending on your reading habits.
Yes, it's Stephen King. :D I'm reading "Lisey's Story" and came across a line that struck me. Not because of any truth in it, per se, I just don't know why it stuck out to me but here it is:
"There was a lot they didn't tell you about death, she had discovered, and one of the biggies was how long it took the ones you loved most to die in your heart." (p. 332)
Maybe it stuck out because I don't think that your loved ones ever die in your heart but there IS a lot that no one tells you about death. Anyway, I'm off to cuddle with the Bug.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Well, here goes (might upset some)
Before reading further, understand that some of the language and thoughts expressed here may (probably will) upset you. Don't read any farther if you can't handle the cursing or realities of death. You have been warned. And it's possible (ok, probable) that this will be rambling and disjointed because I'm sobbing right now and can't think straight.
Posted by Jana at 8:02 PM
9 comments:
- Anonymous said...
((((((((((hugs to you)))))))))
It's okay to feel how you feel.
From a stranger who is praying for you. - Amy
- carole said...
I have been thinking of you so much these past weeks. Know that you are not alone in these thoughts. I have them too and sometimes felt as if I were insane. I probably am...but not about that. I *love* the quote from that book. I got goosebumps just reading it. Carson is the angel with the tender heart.
I don't really have any words of wisdom...but I am thinking of you.
- Christina (chiplusone) said...
- Anonymous said...
Big hugs,prayers and support for you and your whole family for the 8th Jana. We will never forget Drew.
Hugs from Nat, Jorden and Callum
- Anonymous said...
It does not matter what others think. You have a right to your feelings. Drew touched so many hearts and was so very loved in his short time here. Carson wil feel this love and you will be a great mother. I am thinking of you and will be praying for you daily but especially tomorrow. Hugs sweetie.
- The Lavato Family said...
Jana you have been constantly on my mind the past few weeks as well. My heart continues to ache for you and Drew. You have been so amazing this year and I know that you will continue to grow stronger every day. Happy Birthday sweet Drew...we miss you!
- Julie said...
Get it all out babe. It is okay to have your feelings.
- Anonymous said...
Jana, I have been thinking about you and Drew and I'm still just so truly sorry that you have had to go through this. And I think you have the right to feel all of those things. You probably don't remember me, but I was on SK on the March board. Your family is in my thoughts and I am really hoping you can have the birth experience you want and a happy and healthy little baby this time around!
Lots of love to you,
Jen (jengraycat)
- Shawn C said...
All I can offer is a big warm hug. Happy Birthday Drew.


text:
The northern most coral reefs in the world surround Bermuda. In fact, the 'footprint' of the island's coral reefs is much larger than the island itself. These reefs formed, as all coral reefs do, in shallow tropical seas.
|Bermuda's coral reefs from space. The green/brown 'fish hook' is Bermuda, the blue and darker circle are coral reefs.
Corals are physiologically plants because of the tiny algae (called zooxanthellae) that live in their skin. Those algae give the coral their color. The algae feed the coral with sugars for growth and energy. The coral provides habitat for the plants. This symbiosis allows corals to grow toward the sun from a depth where they get enough light to grow. It is actually a only a shallow depth band in which corals can live to get the light they need to grow.
|Brain corals showing the color of their zooxanthellae
It is an accident of geology that causes Bermuda have these unusually expansive reefs. The island was formed by a volcano 100 million years ago but has since eroded down to a fraction of its former self. Over the last million years, sea level has gone up and down with corals building up limestone layers each time conditions were right (underwater with abundant light) for coral reefs. After the last ice age about 18,000 years ago, sea level was lower because lots of water was frozen at the poles. When it rapidly melted, sea level rose faster than any coral could grow. However, with time as the rate of sea level rise slowed the depth of the Bermuda bank was perfect for coral growth.
It is an accident of oceanography that Bermuda sits in warm tropical water capable of supporting coral reef growth. Those two accidents of geology and oceanography resulted in the impressive coral reefs grew to what we see today.
Because Bermuda is 1000 miles from Caribbean coral reefs and is at the northern limit of coral distribution, there are fewer species of coral and of…. EVERYTHING... compared to typical Caribbean reefs. For example, only about 20 species of coral live in Bermuda while 64 species are found in the Caribbean.
While coral reefs world wide are composed of a variety of shapes, Bermuda's reefs are much simpler. The reefs we saw today were strongly dominated by only a few species of brain corals. Brain coral is so named because the grooves on the coral look a bit like the structure of a brain. However, most brain corals are hemispherical. So rather than seeing tree-like structures or complex branching shapes, we see a seascape of mounds.
|Brain corals mostly of the genus Diploria (for you science nerds)
|The curious hemispheres of brain coral making the seascape of this Bermuda reef on the south shore
|Grazing queen parrotfish and tang
|Queen parrotfish over well grazed (see bite marks) reef surface
|Stoplight parrotfish fleeing from me
The reef we saw was healthy. There were lots of parrotfish grazing the algae to a thin turf. That's ideal but I'll explain this in more detail later in the trip. There were plenty of baby corals (small button size or golf ball sized corals).
Bermuda has a low diversity reef as I explained above but that means it tends towards having monocultures. The brain coral are mostly two species in one genus of reef coral. It also may make it susceptible to non-native species introductions. This has happened but one uninvited guest that did make it here is the now ubiquitous Pacific lionfish. It is a beautiful fish with a nasty habit of eating baby reef fish. It was introduced to Florida when Hurricane Andrew swept over the state in 1993. It remained confined to that area for a while but then colonized the Bahamas to very high densities and quickly spread throughout the Caribbean. No region I know has been spared.
|Lionfish - the uninvited beautiful predator of baby fish