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Open Thread: Talk About What Matters Most to You
Discuss and debate the issues that mean the most to you.
There's a well-known nursery rhyme that asks, "What are little boys made of? / Slugs and snails / And puppy-dogs' tails … What are little girls made of? / Sugar and spice / And everything nice." It's a tiny piece of a larger puzzle aimed at helping little girls and boys understand their place in the world. For most people, biology is destiny and that's all -- but for some, biology is a confusing, fraught, and frustrating concept, because their external bodies don't match their internal feelings.
The following documents the journey of trans woman Laura Smith (name has been changed per her request), a bright, attractive 24-year-old hoping to have gender confirmation surgery (often termed sexual reassignment surgery) to complete her transition — even though her health insurance won't pay for it.
"It made me hate myself."
Laura grew up in the small college town of Northampton, Massachusetts. Laura wasn't born Laura — she was born with male genitalia, and was raised as a boy under a different name, which she declined to provide.* As a child, says Laura, "I was a really happy bright person." But, she says, "I lost a lot of friends because I was really feminine. The world sort of told me what I was — that I was a boy, and that I was a gay boy. Because my sexual orientation made sense with what they were saying, it was very hard for me to see a different way to understand myself."
She came out to her family when she was 11, and says that they were, for the most part, supportive."They sort of adapted to me, instead of asking me to adapt to their beliefs." School was not so easy. In elementary school, Laura was bullied a lot for being a feminine boy. "Kids who would call me faggot, say they were going to kill me, it made me hate myself," she recalls.
Things got a bit better when Laura transferred to an arts high school. The bullying stopped, and Laura was able to make friends, but she still struggled with her femininity. At 14, she started dressing as a woman and growing out her hair. "I started to explore myself," she says, but after realizing that her new feminine self made some of her family and friends uncomfortable, she retreated.
"I consciously decided after that year to not pursue that part of myself because I was too scared of the consequences of being that person," she says. "It was the best year of my life, and I think if I had kept going with it, I would have known I was a woman." Returning to a more masculine presentation made other people more comfortable, but it sent Laura into a depression spiral. "I was really lost––totally lost––dressing like a boy, but feeling totally horrible about it. I did it because I wanted to be liked."
When you're a teenager whose body seems to be betraying your mind (or is it the other way around?), you begin looking for answers––anything that will explain away the feelings you have. For Laura, it was reading Jeffery Eugenides' book "Middlesex" that opened up her world. The book, about a girl who grows up and learns she's intersex, was a catalyst.
She followed that up by reading David Reimer's memoir. Reimer was born with male genitalia, but after a botched circumcision, doctors recommended that he be raised as a girl, believing that gender was purely a social construction. Reimer grew up to identify as male but struggled with depression and instability his whole life. Reading both stories "was the first time I had thought about gender," says Laura. "I thought that maybe I'm NOT a boy."
She began searching for physical signs that her genitalia had been created for her after birth, searching for surgery scars -- desperate for anything that might give her an explanation for how she was feeling. "I created an intersex mythology, even though I'm not intersex. But at the time, it a was the only way to make sense of what I was," she says. "I had heard the term transgender but that was much more frightening."
"It wasn't about being gay."
To drown out the conflicting voices in her head — ones telling her that she wasn't actually supposed to be a boy and the others that stressed that she absolutely had to be -- Laura turned to drugs and alcohol. It's fairly common for transgender people use drugs and alcohol to cope with their feelings. Studies estimate that anywhere between 20 and 30 percent of transgender and gay people abuse drugs and alcohol -- compared to around 9 percent for the overall population. The drugs, says Laura, were a way to close the door to self discovery.
For seven years, there was a cycle: "Every six months to a year I would try to be really masculine. I would try and play the part -- which made me feel like people liked me more (though it was mostly my delusion). It would be painful because I would be so distant from myself, that I would slowly start implementing feminine things into my wardrobe and life. I'd get more feminine and feel real again, but I knew it came at a price. After I got really feminine I'd panic and start regender myself male."
The drugs and alcohol conflated her feelings, enlarged and twisted them. "I was very lost in my gender, I thought it was my sexuality. I thought maybe I hated being gay. It took me a long time to realize it wasn't about being gay. I just didn't understand where I fit in there. I kept trying to be a gay man, I believed I was, but it never really felt right."
In college, Laura took a gender studies classes. "I was introduced to gender as a construct, and as distinct from sex and sexuality and that blew my mind. I had never heard anything like that in that context."
But she was still using drugs and alcohol. "I realized I wasn't uncomfortable with being attracted to men. I was presented with the idea of being trans, and I was still so in denial. It just got so dark, I just hated myself." In April 2011, after several attempts, friends were able to convince Laura to go to rehab. "Ii changed spiritually, physically and mentally from my first day of recovery. The tenants of my sobriety are honesty, acceptance and gratitude, and living that way, I had to rethink everything my first year of recovery."
Again, Laura dabbled in wearing women's clothing. "I sat around my house in drag gear. And then I started running home in the middle of the day and putting on that stuff. Then a friend suggested I come to work like that. When she said that, I knew that's what I wanted. I realized I wanted I could look like that every day. But I got really scared of how much I had gotten okay with my femininity."
And here's where Laura says something so critical –– about how difficult it can be to live in the wrong body. "I was always trying to be a boy. I was always trying to transition to male my whole life. I wanted to be a man so badly."
"Transition has saved my life."
Laura's moment of true self-acceptance came swiftly and suddenly. "I saw a story about a trans woman online and I was infatuated with it. Within 24 hours, I finally accepted that I was trans. It took 23 years to get to that point, but the second that happened, all the fear and anxiety melted away. Once I had an answer for what I was, I was free. I knew I wasn't a boy. I didn't know if I was a woman, I just knew that I was trans."
In a matter of months, Laura had gotten sober, begun living as a woman, and accepted her trans identity. Next came hormone therapy.
"Hormones have been opening a gateways to myself. It feels like being dropped back into a body you see far away," she says. "For so long, I hadn't feel like a human being. I felt like I was either an alien, I didn't understand myself, I'd relate myself to, like, a tree. Which made no sense to anyone I told, and now in retrospect I realize that was gender dysphoria."
After a year of taking hormones, Laura's next step is Gender Confirmation Surgery, previously termed sexual reassignment surgery. Laura applied to have a vaginoplasty — that is, a vagina molded from her current male genitalia -- but her insurance company denied it, claiming that the surgery was purely cosmetic. Many insurance companies don't cover the surgery, or have strenuous requirements for patients to "prove" that the surgery is medically necessary. (Check out Aetna's policy for example). Even if your employer or school wants to be able to cover it, many insurance companies will refuse to include it in their plans.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, "historically, transgender people have often been categorically denied health insurance coverage for medically necessary treatment, irrespective of whether treatment is related to sex affirmation/reassignment. Up until the last few years, nearly all U.S. employer-based health insurance plans contained "transgender exclusions" that limited insurance coverage for transition-related treatment and other care," though thankfully, that's changing. Some insurance companies offer coverage, though their subsidiaries will opt not to, which is the case for Laura.
Gender Confirmation Surgery is not simple, quick or cheap. Male to female gender confirmation surgery can cost upwards of $24,000, while female to male surgery can be significantly more (it costs a lot more money for phalloplasty surgery.). And that's why Laura, with the support of her employers, the Brooklyn consignment store Beacon's Closet, has launched an Indiegogo fundraising campaign for her surgery.
"Having the right genitalia — having a vagina — will really set me free in my body. It will allow me to finally live my life in a way that is representative of me fully," explains Laura. "I won't be able to be wholly comfortable in my body if I don't have that surgery. Medical necessity is about being well, and what will make you well. I'm not a miserable person — I just know what I need for myself. I know what my body needs and I understand the limitations of the body I have now."
Why is Laura's story important? Why have I spent the last 2,000 words telling you Laura's life story? Because I believe that it's everybody's right in this world to live as the person they believe they are. We've seen too many trans kids and adults — who don't see themselves positively reflected in media, in culture, in their communities -- struggle and suffer and yes, die, because they can't be the people they were meant to be.
Laura's story isn't every trans person's story –– it's her story –– but it reflects a very real reality for thousands of people. This is a personal glimpse into not only the pain of gender dysphoria, but also the joy felt when you finally become the person you always knew you were.
For Laura, the past couple of years of living in full acceptance of herself has been phenomenal.
"I wish that I had someone tell me that it was okay to be this person when I was a kid, and I didn't have that. I wish I had a relevant role model or archetype, and that's why I established my blog."
The journey has been long and tiring, but it's well worth it. "I thought I was unacceptable. I thought that my difference was shameful. I thought there was no space for me in this world. I thought that life was something to endure but not to enjoy. It's not easy being trans, but that's okay. It's okay to be this way. It's more than okay, it's beautiful."
*If you're wondering why I'm not referring to Laura by her previous male name in this part of the story, it's because as Laura explains, "I have read so many stories of trans women where they talk about her with her male name pre-transition and male pronouns, and its so bad for trans people. Once the public sees that name and that pronoun they believe that's who the person really is." In other words, Laura doesn't want to dilute the power of her identity as Laura with her past identity.
Reprinted with permission from The Frisky.
Want more?
Girl Talk: I Transitioned From Female To Male
Girl Talk: Marriage Freaks Me Out


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The Makeup Remover Holy Grail- @ItCosmetics Makeup Melting Balm Review
IT Cosmetics sent me over some of their Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Balm to try out. I have been playing around with makeup removers and I typical just use cheap products but I realize they never get ALL of my makeup off. When I wash my face the next morning, there is always…. CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

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All those who worked hard for their IIT JEE 2011 exams will be paid off. The IIT JEE 2011 Exam Results will be declared on May 25th 2011.
You can check your IIT JEE 2011 Exam results online here at examresults.net
Check out your IIT JEE 2011 Exam results here.
Around four lakh students had appeared fro the IIT-JEE this year conducted for admission to the prestigious IITs at 1051 centres across the country.
IIT-Kanpur, the nodal agency that had conducted the examination this year, has announced that all students who appeared for the test will be given full marks for two questions that had errors in the mathematics paper.
All the best!!


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This magnetic bracelet for pain radiates negative ions from magnets, carbonized titanium and germanium.
Billings, Montana (PRWEB) August 18, 2013
Pain Free Living (web: SuperiorMagnetics.com), a leader in developing innovative pain relief products announced the release of a new carbonized titanium and germanium magnetic bracelet. This magnetic bracelet for pain radiates negative ions from magnets, carbonized titanium and germanium. During a brief demonstration customers often report pain relief in seconds.
"This is our first bracelet using this technology," explained Shu Arvilla of SuperiorMagnetics.com. "We tested this magnetic bracelet on customers with pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis at the Western Roping Finals. Customers often reported pain relief in seconds for the hand, wrist, elbows and shoulders. This magnetic bracelet is available at SuperiorMagnetics.com for those unable to visit us for a demonstration at a show."
For information on the new magnetic bracelet, go to: http://www.superiormagnetics.com.
What is a magnetic bracelet and what are the magnetic bracelet benefits?
A magnetic bracelet is a therapeutic piece of jewelry, worn for the benefits the magnetic field can offer. According to William Philpott M.D. in his book, Magnet Therapy: An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, the North Pole magnetic field has the following effect on living metabolic systems: "it provides oxygen to the cells"; "it relieves, stops pain and other symptoms", as pain is usually a symptom of an imbalance in pH and/or inflammation of the area; "it normalizes acid and alkaline balance," sore or stiff muscles, chemical hypersensitivity and many disease states are highly acidic.
This magnetic bracelet radiate electrons or negative ions from the magnets, carbonized titanium and germanium restoring the proper pH balance. Magnetic health bracelets have been used by many people for pain relief of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
About SuperiorMagnetics.com for Pain Free Living magnetic bracelets
Pain Free Living has provided magnetic bracelets for pain relief for 12 years at rodeos, fairs and festivals. Now you can buy their innovative magnetic bracelets online at SuperiorMagnetics.com.
Contact Superior Magnetics for Pain Free Living magnetic bracelets
Web: http://www.superiormagnetics.com
Tel: +1 909 336-7514


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Cal Crutchlow was the fastest overall rider at World Superbike's two-day testing session at Imola this week. Showing marked improvements over the course of the testing sessions, Crutchlow has his best times during Wednesday's sessions, as did many of the riders.
Leading the pack on Tuesday was Leon Haslam. Haslam crashed twice on Wednesday though, with his last crash involving Shane Byrne. Bryne ended up cutting his hand during the incident, and it is expected that he broke his second metacarpal bone.
Noriyuki Haga looked to have regained his form, and finished fifth from the testing, while his teammate Michel Fabrizio showed impressive times, finishing second. Absent from the leader board tussle was Max Biaggi, who finished in just 9th place after the two days of testing. Full results after the jump.


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J. J. Riley born 23 April 1842 died 11 January 1898; Gone But Not Forgotten; Masonic Emblem.
Jackson Riley; family stories tell that he had been called to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, to serve on a Grand Jury. He was sleeping under his wagon there, when a high wind or tornado came through and he was killed.
Riley Cemetery is located five miles north of Kingston, Arkansas. E-mail me for more information
Contributed on 2/24/08 by jrussell44
Email This Contributor
Record #: 13956
On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Arkansas, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 2/24/08 • Approved: 2/24/08 • Last Updated: 9/11/12 • R13956-G0-S3


text: We also provide a host of value-added services designed to allow a completely customized finished package. Basically, if we donÍt stock it, we can make it for you! We can custom make any garment out of any material in any color you request and we offer private label as well (there are minimums and time frames involved). Along with variations of our layette line and completely new ideas for Infant Wear,... (more)


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Salvatore Gencarelle is a cultural bridge between Lakota healing ceremonies and the modern world. His intensive mentoring period required both dedication and sacrifice, spending 17 years as a ceremonial guide, creator, singer, and mentor under the direct supervision of a Native American healer. It was through this process he earned the responsibility to pass the teachings on.
Salvatore is also an artist, photographer, freelance writer, a musician, and a healer working both the traditions of the Lakota and the modern world. He currently travels across the country teaching and helping others learn from his experience.


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Veteran Acres - Sterne's Woods Hike is a 2.9 mile loop trail located near Crystal Lake, Illinois. The trail is rated as moderate offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
mountain biking
road biking
trail running
Decided to try this trail for heavy rucking this morning and really enjoyed it. Lots of mosquitos, but not unusual for the middle of July. I liked the wide variety of terrain and good amount of elevation gain, within a shory 4-mile trek. I will definitely be back to try more of the smal trail offshoots.
LOTS of mosquitos this summer! My sister came out of the hike with at least 20+ bites. I only have a few! Otherwise the hike was amazing and beautiful
Very hilly in Veterans Acres and Sterns Woods. Has some thick wooded areas.
Excellent course. Tough hills, single track, and heated bathrooms. 3.5 mile loops and excellent terrain!
Very nice walking and jogging
Nice trail would have given it a 4-5 but the trail had a lot of ice on it. Other than that I enjoyed it
Great vistas and a great wooded run with some challenging inclines.
Went here today and unfortunately my recorded trail didn't save correctly. It's a great workout with lots of hills. I enjoyed the hike and loved the little unmarked trails.
Trails are not labeled well and are very confusing. Not my favorite for running.
Very scenic with the varied environments! Trails are challenging at times with good uphill climbs and wonderful views. Seems longer than 3 miles as you can meander through the woods on offshoots of the main trail. Will definitely come back in fall and winter.
One of my faves. So many trails to take. I've done 5+ miles here at a time and that's only a fraction of what's there if you hit it all.
Much more than 3.5 miles here. A whole network of MTB, hike, trail running trails.
This beautiful pair of parks is heavily used by trail runners, mountain bikers, geocachers, birders, etc. It's popular for a reason and is great year around. It's not flat, and the hills can be steep depending on the route chosen. No camping allowed. GREAT singletrack.
Nice trails ( mostly flat) a lake, and Nature center for the kids.
Jennifer S.
Went for the 1st time, going around the lake was not cool for biking , the lake smelled and looked bad. took the back trails and had more fun on the bikes, if your biking go north of the park house and just find a trail and go. lots of hills good workout . Have fun.
Steven R.
Best trail running in the area. There is a 6.5 mile loop you can do combining the hiking trails of Sternes Woods and Veteran Acres park -- almost all through the woods with big steep hills too. My Ultramarathon club loves running there. Our club holds 2 organized trail ultramarathon races there every year -- the "Frozen Gnome 10k and 50k" in January and the "Earth Day 15m and 50k" in April. There is also another 11-mile race in November put on by a different club called the "Northwest Trail Run". People love to run here.
Very nice for the area!
We took the kids (8&5), with bikes, but did mostly hiking! Had a great time!
A good place to ride hidden right in the middle of the burbs. It has two trails, one is a gravel loop and the other is a paved bike path. The real good stuff is off the paths so look for openings in the trees! Plenty to find out there and some real gnar stuff in the middle!
the hiking trails are perfect if your into shredding and getting yucky.. bring your bike and i will see you out there
pretty good for a mtbing. i go out there almost daily and shred the trails. dont go on the paved path, i like to shred the hiking trails. if you see a trail off of the paved path, i recommend that you take it cause thats were all of the fun is. the hiking trails have a couple of solid berms and theres a town of small over-hangs and little jumps. great for beginners and people who want to have a good time on the trails.


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A low output impedance gives the cathode follower circuit an extraordinary ability to act as a buffer between a signal and a load. Output impedance quantifies the ability to drive the next stage. An output impedance of zero ohms signifies that the driving circuit is a pure voltage source. It can supply any amount of current to the next stage. A non-zero output impedance represents the amount of voltage sag that occurs depending on how much current is required. This concept is portrayed by the so-called Thevenin Equivalent Circuit, which represents the driving circuit as a pure voltage source in series with its output impedance.
The higher the current, the more voltage drop across the output impedance, and the more the magnitude of the output voltage is reduced. If the source voltage V is positive, the output becomes less positive. If the source is negative the output voltage becomes less negative.
A basic triode amplifier is great for increasing the voltage of a signal. Its major problem is that it can't drive a very heavy load. Place a low-valued resistance across its output and it easily gets bogged down, which reduces the gain and makes it dependent upon the characteristics of the load. If the next stage is a voltage amp or a phase inverter, this isn't much of a problem. A tone stack, however, typically demands a lot of current from the driving stage, the amount of which depends on the signal characteristics and the tone control settings. A cathode follower mitigates this problem. It has no gain (in fact a slight loss), but it can easily drive the most demanding of tone stacks.
An increasing input signal voltage causes the plate current to increase, which increases the voltage across the cathode resistor, thereby making the cathode more positive with respect to ground. If the input increases the grid-to-ground voltage by 1 volt, then the increased plate current raises the cathode-to-ground voltage by almost 1 volt, leaving the grid-to-cathode voltage almost unchanged. The grid voltage increases but the cathode voltage "follows" it. Thus we get this circuit's name.
The calculator computes the unloaded voltage gain (the gain without being connected to the next stage) and the output impedance of a cathode follower.
1Richard Kuehnel, Circuit Analysis of a Legendary Tube Amplifier: The Fender Bassman 5F6-A, 3rd Ed., (Seattle: Pentode Press, 2009).
Copyright © 2005-2018 Amp Books LLC All Rights Reserved


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U.S. President Barack Obama is continuing his campaign to reform the American health care system. He is urging the nation's doctors to put aside their skepticism and back changes that he says are needed to bring skyrocketing medical costs under control.
President Obama went before the nation's largest organization of physicians to make the case for health care reform.
"The cost of our health care is a threat to our economy," he said. "It is an escalating burden on our families and businesses. It is a ticking time bomb for the federal budget.
In a speech to members of the American Medical Association at their annual meeting in Chicago, the president spoke in stark terms.
He talked about big corporations like General Motors that are in trouble in part because of the high cost of providing health insurance to employees.
"If we do not fix our health care system, America may go the way of GM - paying more, getting less and going broke," said Mr. Obama.
The president faced a tough audience. There is consensus in the medical community about the need for reform to improve the affordability and accessibility of quality care. But there is no unity on the best medicine to heal the ailing system.
The president went out of his way to assure them that he does not support a government take-over. But he said there needs to be a way to provide health insurance to those of modest means. And he took on a major concern for doctors: the fear of a malpractice lawsuit.
President Obama said he does not favor limits on the amount of money juries can award in malpractice lawsuits. But he said he is open to other options, and he pledged to work with the medical community.
"I need your help, doctors, because to most Americans, you are the health care system," he said.
Republican leaders in the U.S. Congress responded to the president's remarks by charging once again that he wants a health care system run by bureaucrats in Washington.


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With a week of pure 3D going on here at Pocket-lint, we're going to cover a lot of ground. There's going to be plenty to get to grips with and so, rather than having to grip onto our skulls to stop the torrents of information leaking out, we've compiled a quick guide of all the important bits and pieces and a few words and names you'll here over and over again. For you reference:
- Alternate Frame 3D
- method of 3D film stereoscopy involving flashing the right eye image while the left eye is covered and vice versa; requires the use of synchronised shutter glasses; contrast with polarised light method
- Anaglyph
- primitive and cheap red/cyan method of 3D transmission associated with the coloured glasses
- Anamorphic lens
- a lens used to change the shape and perspective of the frames as printed on film; used to create super wide projection
- Autostereograms
- 3D images that can be viewed without the use of glasses or any other kind of headgear attached to the viewer; eg Philips 3DTV and Magic Eye
- CinemaScope
- the first anamorphic film format at the cinema; allowed for super-wide screen projection of films; rival to 3D in the Golden Era
- Cinerama
- triple film strip, triple screen, super wide cinema gimmick used to bring the audiences back to the movie theatres; rival to 3D in the 50s
- digital cinema
- movie theatres that have switched from using traditional 35mm film projectors to DLP units
- digital Light Processing; a Texas Instruments owned technology used to power non-film projectors both at home and in digital cinemas
- Dolby 3D
- lesser used colour 3D cinema system featuring the same principles as anaglyphs but with left and right eye images separated with different wavelengths of the same coloured light
- Front projection
- the standard method by which pictures are passed by a bulb and the light throws images focused through a series of lenses and onto a screen in front of the audience
- Golden Era
- the first mass popularisation of 3D films at the cinema; took place from 1952-1953
- Super-large film format traditionally printed on 70mm stock and projected onto screens in the region of 22 x 16m in size; created by IMAX Corporation of Canada and now also in digital format
- Infitec glasses
- super-anaglyph glasses used in the Dolby 3D cinema system; they filter discrete wavelengths of all colours
- Interlacing
- technique used in alternate frame 3DTV where only every other line of the screen is used to display each eye's image at any one time; saves on processing power but halves resolution
- LCD shutter glasses
- liquid crystal glasses this turn opaque when a charge is sent through the; used in alternate frame 3D transmission in both XpanD cinemas and in the home
- Lenticular lenses
- curved optics which allow allow both eyes to see a different image of the same object at exactly the same time; used on holographic stickers
- Over and under
- the nick name of the method of frame placement used in the polarised light-based Space-Vision 3D of the 60s
- Parallax barrier
- device used on the surface of non-glasses based 3D TV system with slits that only allow the viewer to see certain vertical columns of pixels at any one time
- Polarised light
- light filtered such that it only contains waves oscillating in a specific orientation; used in the majority of 3D cinemas
- Pulfirch effect
- the apparent swinging of a pendulum in elliptical rotation viewed with one eye closed, when the pendulum is actually moving in just one plane; the principles were used to create 3D illusions in an episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun
- RealD Cinema
- 3D cinema system adopted by 80% of the 3D movie theatres; uses light polarised in different directions to create the two separate left and right eye images
- RealityFusion Camera System
- digital, high-definition, stereoscopic camera developed by James Cameron and Vince Pace to shoot Ghosts of the Abyss
- Rear projection
- DLP units for the home with a TV shaped box containing a projector which throws the image a short distance onto the back of the screen; contrast with front projection
- S3D Gaming
- true stereoscopic immersive 3D gaming rathern; contrast with 3D graphics which allow you to examine the depth of an object on screen but in only one 2D plane at any one time
- Side by side
- stereographic material where the similar left and right images are presented next to one another; defocusing or crossing eyes is used to create their 3D effect in stills and an anamorphic lens when through a cinema projector
- Silver screen
- a quite literally silver painted screen used to reflect light without degrading any polarisation; key in 3D IMAX and other RealD cinema types
- Space-Vision
- the first single strip solution to 3D film projection as invented by Arch Oboler in the 60s; uses an over and under technique of each eyes frame placement a a special lens on the projector which polarises each one in the opposite direction to the next
- Stereoscopy
- any technique used to create the illusion of depth from flat images or video; eg: anaglyph, Magic Eye, polarising glasses, etc
- Stereoscope
- any device used to view side by side stills images for a 3D effect; popular from the 1850s onwards
- Stereovision
- format of 3D film produced in 1970s which ran both left and right eye images side by side on the same strip and used an anamorphic lens to widen the squashed frames before being independently polarised and projected onto the same screen
- Teleview
- the earliest form of alternate frame sequenced 3D stereoscopy invented in 1922; required shutter glasses fixed to cinema seats and was only ever installed in one cinema
- XpanD
- lesser used 3D cinema system involving LCD shutter glasses and rapid alternate frame projection to form the stereoscopic effect


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International Students
Southeastern Community College is a great place for international students to study! Located in southeast Iowa, SCC hosts international students from over a dozen countries every year. Join us!
Why study at SCC?
Southeastern Community College offers a high quality, affordable college experience with a variety of courses and academic programs. There's something for everyone.
Courses of Study
SCC offers a variety of options for international students to study
Students who need intensive English language instruction can start with our ESL courses.
Those who are proficient in English may choose one of the many degree programs offered at SCC, including Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or our Career & Technical certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
Curious about what classes you can take? Explore our course descriptions and view our course schedule to see when they're offered.
Student Success Resources
We want you to have a great experience at SCC. Take advantage of our academic support services so you can be successful at college.
- The Student Support Center provides services for placement testing, peer tutoring, and academic coaching.
- The Academic Achievement Center offers professional tutoring and software services to help you build your English, writing, and math skills.
These services are free to students.
Campus Living
Live on campus in our new Blackhawk Tower.
It features 4-person suites with 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, a living room and a kitchenette.
Resident students can enjoy the building's student common. It's a great place to hang out with friends, play games, study and grab a snack.
We are also conveniently located near retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment. Get around town using the Burlington Urban Service .
Learn more about our beautiful community and see everything the Greater Burlington area.
Getting Started
Easy Steps to Enroll for International Students:
- Complete the SCC application for admission. Contact Jessica Snowden at firstname.lastname@example.com for a PDF application.
- Submit official high school transcript and an official transcript from any college attended (English Translation Required).
- SCC requires reading, English, and math placement assessment (Accuplacer, ALEKs and/or
ACT) and a writing sample (WritePlacer). Students who need to be assessed for English
language proficiency can take the Accuplacer ESL assessment.
If you have not completed placement testing, you may do so when you arrive at SCC. View our Testing Calendar.
Note: The TOEFL is not required for admission to SCC.
- After we receive your application, we'll send you either an Affidavit of Support (to
be completed by a sponsor) or a Declaration of Finances (to be completed by you or
your parent, if under age 18).
Students who are under 18 must also submit a letter of endorsement from parent/guardian or high school representative.
- Submit a clear, scanned copy of your passport identification page and visa page to email@example.com.
SCC will send an official letter of acceptance along with the FORM I-20, which you will take to a U.S. Embassy to obtain F-1 or M-1 visa status.
Send admissions documents by mail to:
Jessica Snowden
International Programs Specialist
Southeastern Community College
1500 West Agency Road
West Burlington, IA 52655
Paying for College
See the chart below for an estimated breakdown of tuition and other costs of attendance at SCC:
|Tuition and fees
(one semester at 15 credit hours)
|Books and Supplies
|Room & Board
(19 meals per week)
|Personal expenses
|Total (one semester)
* Prices are subject to change. Costs to attend is based on International Student credit hour tuition and estimated student budgets.
Once you have completed the enrollment process, you can pay your tuition and fees through your Hawknet (link) account or visit the Business Office.
Room and Board
International students are encouraged to live in student housing. Our campus housing is just steps from class and puts you right in the center of your college experience. Residence hall students also must purchase a meal plan for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Blackhawk Café.
To learn more about our housing and meal plans or to apply, visit Student Housing.
Required Documentation
For more information about obtaining a student visa, contact Jessica Snowden at email@example.com.
Blackhawk Profile
Dr. Eric Hanks | Hanks Chiropractic Clinic
SCC was a great starting point for me to get my pre-medicine and pre-chiropractic training out of the way. My wife and my sister are nurses, my brother is a chiropractor, and we all got our start ...More ›
Schedule a Visit
Come see us!Wondering if SCC is right for you? Check out our campus and learn more about life at SCC.
Request Information
Got questions?
Want to know more about our programs or transfer options? Ask us. Or call us: 866-SCC-IOWA.


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A mind map, as Wikipedia defines it, is a diagram used to visually outline information. The concept is simple: reduce the topic of discussion, idea, problem, write-up or concept to one word and branch out from there. It's a Tree (similar to the CS Tree data structure). The high level overview of a mind map depicts spider webbing. The number of nodes is unlimited whereby each node can also branch into further sub-topics and sub-nodes creating an indefinite depth. What I love most about mind maps is depth, and I'll discuss why shortly.
During the research I've done for this blog post, I wasn't able to clearly pinpoint a single originator of the technique (allow me to call it technique). Multiple sources declared Tony Buzanas the inventor of mind mapping however multiple other sources argue otherwise. It is claimed that the earliest examples of a mind map were developed by Porphyry of Tyros (Go Lebanon!). In the quest of discovering the true origins of mind mapping I posted a question on Quora, maybe someone with factual information can shed some light on the bright mind behind this prolific technique.
Why use it?!
Mind mapping is very intuitive!
When I first picked up the fundamental rules of this technique I was very comfortable in immediately applying them to depict my line of thought. And follow it. It was like second nature to me, simply because when I usually take notes they take the shape of general wording scrambled around the main topic and associated via connection threads.
It's very fast
Once you adapt to the almost standardized shortcuts of mind mapping software tools, your line of thought will be seamlessly depicted and outlined. Minimal rules or actually no rules apply in the creation of a mind map. There's only one relation to respect: Hierarchy.
Oh how much I love to analyze a topic in depth. It's very necessary sometimes to detail a concept up to its minutest detail and jump right away to higher levels. Mind mapping allows you to do that with ease. Follow the branches and jump swiftly from one node to the other without the overhead of looking for the relationship. While analyzing a diagram, going back and forth is essential. The faster this shift happens the less likely you are to lose your line of thought.
When to use it?
The general use cases of mind mapping are diverse. Let's not limit the power of this technique to what others have used it before and invent your own needs for it. Trust me, there are plenty.
What tools should I use?
There is an arsenal of tools developed with which you can create your mind maps. However, from my personal experience, my two favorites are the following:
MindManager – MindJet
Since I'm currently using a PC with Windows as an OS, MindManager was my choice. It's a bit expensive to buy, but it's worth it. It's the only tool I found that:
– Is user-friendly. The interface is similar to multiple MS Office tools.
– Has a good arsenal of micro tools to create complex mind maps.
– Is extendable.
– Allows you to export your mind maps in multiple formats, even interactive ones which allow the receiving party to walkthrough your mind map.
Curio is by far the best tool that was ever created for designing mind maps. Unfortunately, it's only available for Macs with no support whatsoever for other platforms. It's the most beautiful, most user-friendly, and most diversified in terms of micro tools.
Mind mapping is one of the best, intuitive techniques that help you map your thoughts into a clear and relational visual pattern. Use it, breathe it, live it. Harness the true power of mind maps and mapping your thoughts and ideas will become fun again!


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Aromatherapy Certification Program (ACP240) – In-Person Classroom
ScheduleSeptember 20th, 2017 through November 19th, 2017
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Class Dates
In San Diego, CA, 92064
September 20th – 24th
October 18th – 22nd
November 15th – 19th
In-Person Course Instruction
The Institute of Holistic Phyto-Aromatherapy offers a 240-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program (ACP). This program is directed towards students who have the goal of becoming aromatherapy professionals. Upon completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation and the ability to launch a new career or business.
Enrolled students will have direct access to the Institute's all-inclusive program, including:
(1) In-person course instruction.
(2) A beautifully pre-printed tactile core curriculum. This program will introduce aromatherapy appropriately as a branch of herbalism. The curriculum will be covered from an herbal perspective.
(3) Exclusive video learning library.
(4) Instructor-supervised private student community forum.
(5) Detailed guidance and direction on how to create your own personal brand/label, including product formulation guidelines, rules, and regulations.
This program is carefully outlined with an organized format, including:
(A) Learning objectives designed to challenge your thinking and shape your personal belief system on the effectiveness of aromatherapy.
(B) Required reading with group discussion.
(C) Keywords that will enable you to speak effectively about aromatherapy.
(D) Thought-provoking, written assignments
(E) Live blending instruction and independent blending activities, group presentations and discussion on challenges as well as results.
(F) Tests to ensure positive affirmation of your newly-learned skills and your ability to put them into action.
The Aromatherapy Certification Program is approved by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), the first governing body to provide national education standards for Aromatherapy Certification Programs. Upon completion of the ACP Program, you will qualify to sit for the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) exam.
Core Curriculum Overview To Include:
* 50 Essential Oil Profiles
* Introduction to the History of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
* Methods of Extraction
* Quality of Essential Oils
* Anatomy and Physiology
* Methods of Absorption
* Body Systems
* Methods for Creating Effective Blends
* Essential Oil Safety & Contraindications for Various Methods of Application
* Carrier Oils
* Methods of Application
* Essential Oil Energetics
* Aromatic Chemistry & Botany
* Essential Oil Chemistry
* Effective Consultation Skills
* Developing Effective Client Protocol
* Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
* Business Development & Branding Guidance & Support
* Ethnics in Aromatherapy
* GCMS Essential Oil Chemistry Reports
* Data Sheets for Each Oil
* A Private Resource Guide of Products & Services
* Case Studies
* A Research Project
You Will Learn To Formulate:
Organic Body Products
Lotions & Creams
Respiratory Inhalers
Therapeutic Bath Salts & Teas
Room Sprays
Lip Balms
First Aid Kits & Travel Kits
Balms, Body Butters & Salves
Therapeutic Massage Oil Blends
Body Oil & Bath Oil Blends
Salt Scrubs
Hydrosols, including, therapeutic use instructions
Flower Essences, including therapeutic use instructions
Herbal Infusions & Tinctures
& Much More
*The tuition is non-refundable due to the educational materials being made available to the students from the beginning of the course.
Class Registration
Bookings are closed for this event.


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Open Thread: Friends and Family and Everyone Else
Here's a place to talk about the relationships in your life whenever you want.
For me, a dinner out at restaurant typically includes good friends, delicious food, lively conversation, and copious amounts of wine. However, even though my friends and I make the time in our busy schedules to spend a few hours together catching up and enjoying each others' company, lately, that just never seems to be enough. It's almost as though we don't know how to enjoy our meal these days unless we also broadcast where we are, who we're with, what we're eating, and the hilarious (or so we think: thanks wine!) things we're saying to the entire Internet.
No, it's never just a table for four anymore. We sit down and before we've even put our napkins in our laps or ordered our cocktails, out come our phones which we nestle somewhere between our water glass and the dinner knife, face up lest we miss any "urgent" notifications. In seconds, our cozy dinner includes Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Path, Foodspotting, etc. and instead of an intimate conversation between four, we've collectively invited thousands of strangers to the table.
I fully admit I am one of the worst offenders. And even worse, I admit that a large part of me uses social media as a way to brag. (I hate myself right now.) I no longer just enjoy the fact that I'm relaxing on the beach or snowboarding in powder on a Tuesday when everyone else is at work; I have to check-in to those locations on Foursquare, attach a picture of my feet in the sand or my face on the chairlift, and then send it to Twitter which then puts it on Facebook and while I'm at it, I might as well update Path too. I mean, what's the point of living a privileged life if everyone else doesn't know about it?
The sad part of this, of course, is that instead of using dinners and ski trips and days by the ocean as a way to disconnect, I'm doing the exact opposite. Instead of being present and enjoying where I am, I'm busy making sure everyone else knows just how much fun I'm having. I'm looking at the waves as they crash on the sand, yes, but through the camera on my iPhone.
Certainly, this is a bit of an exaggeration as I can snap a photo and tweet it in under 30 seconds, but I think there's still a point to be made. Growing up, we did not answer the telephone during dinner. We let the answering machine pick it up because nothing was more important than the meal we were "enjoying" together. (Sorry, but if you've ever had dinner with my family, you know the quotes are necessary. I don't even want to talk about the time my mom put us all on her broccoli soup diet.) Even now, when almost every single person carries a phone on his person, I don't know many people who would have the audacity to interrupt a meal by taking a call. That is at least the one thing that is still frowned upon by most of us.
But very few of us apply that common courtesy toward all the rest of it: texting, social media, email etc. Because we can do that quietly, we assume it's OK to do at all. Have you ever spent a meal with someone who's on her phone the entire time? I recently did and all I could think was: I had the courtesy to sit with my back to the 49ers' special that's showing on the TV behind me so that I wouldn't stare at it the entire time; the LEAST you could do is pretend like I'm more important than your Twitter friends.
Alas, most of us apparently don't have the willpower to disconnect just because it's often the polite and rewarding thing to do. Rather, it's come to this: restaurants offering patrons 5% off of their tab just for checking their phones at the door.
Well, one restaurant, at least. Eva, located in L.A., is giving diners a 5% discount on their bill for agreeing not to use their phones during their meal. Of course, because we can't be trusted to do things like this on the honor system (rightly so because I, for one, know it would be very hard for me to sneak into the bathroom and use Google if there were a factual debate at dinner), people have to physically leave their phones with the hostess.
Mark Gold, the owner of Eva, says, "It's about two people sitting together and just connecting, without the distraction of a phone, and we're trying to create an ambience where you come in and really enjoy the experience and the food and the company."
And hey, if it means people have to be bribed to do so, I don't think that's the worst thing in the world.
Not many restaurants offer a "phone-free" discount, however, so next time you're out to dinner and fed up with the fact that everyone's playing on her phone, do what my friends and I do when we realize an intervention is necessary:
Ask everyone to stack her phone -- face down -- in the middle of the table. If someone grabs her phone before the check comes? Well that lucky sucker gets stuck with the bill.
PS: I share this video as an example of what you might miss if you're too busy staring at your phone. Also: SOMEONE ATE THE CALAMARI after this and I basically had a nervous breakdown. Lastly, my friends and I are clearly insane.
Follow @daisy on Twitter even though she's really working on not drinking and tweeting. Which means she's basically not tweeting at all.


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After years of voluntarily helping police keep his neighborhood safe, Donald "Shortstack" Oliver has earned a roof over his head.
Homeless for three years, the Marysville, Calif., resident has assisted police in keeping a crime-prone cemetery safe, FOX 40 reports. In an effort to restore old gravesites, and prevent further vandalism, the Marysville Cemetery Commission recently named Oliver its primary caretaker and is giving him a nearby city-leased trailer in exchange for his work.
"It's like a step up for me because I've been homeless," Oliver told the news outlet. "I got something to do now that's worthwhile."
While Oliver has found refuge near a graveyard, homeless people in Oregon are started to seek out shelter in parking lots.
As part of the Portland/Multnomah County Overnight Sleeping Pilot, churches in the area are beginning to offer those who live in cars the opportunity to stay overnight in their parking lots, KPTV reports.
Moreland Presbyterian Church was the first to step up to offer its lot in May and would be required, under the proposal, to give access to water, sanitary facilities and trash disposal.
While these examples are heartening, Heather Johnson -- a civil rights attorney with the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty –- told the Associated Press that her organization has noticed a dramatic increase in laws around the country prohibiting panhandling, sleeping outdoors or loitering.
To help raise the bar for the treatment of homeless people, Rhode Island recently passed the first-ever "Homeless Bill of Rights," the AP reports.
The new law prohibits governments, police, healthcare workers, landlords or employers from discriminating against homeless people because of their housing status.
"Now we're a leader in something," state Sen. John Tassoni told the news outlet. "Hopefully other states will now pick up the slack and move this all the way across the country to California."


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Today Barnes & Noble released a new lineup of Nook tablets that are meant to compete directly with Amazon's Kindle Fire family of products. The Nook devices are already available for pre-order, and customers will be able to enjoy the new devices in early November. A quick comparison of the specs reveal that Barnes & Noble might have topped Amazon, but it's too close to tell which device is a better buy right now.
First up we have the Nook HD, which B&N claims is the world's highest resolution display ever on a 7-inch tablet. The Nook HD starts at $199 for the 8 GB version and $229 for the 16 GB model. Both models feature a screen resolution of 1440 x 900, which is 243 pixels per inch (ppi). Compared to the Kindle Fire HD, it offers a slightly faster processor and also includes a microSD slot for expandable memory.
Compare Nook HD to Kindle Fire HD
Highlights of the Nook HD include:
- 7 inch display 1440 x 900, 243 ppi
- 1.3 GHz Dual-Core processor (TI OMAP4470)
- 8 or 16 GB internal storage, 512 MB or 1 GB RAM
- microSD slot
- Weight: 11.1 oz
Next we have the Nook HD+, which is billed as the lightest, lowest-priced full HD tablet ever. This larger device starts at only $269 for the 16 GB version and $299 for the 32 GB version. Both offer a 9-inch display with 1920 x 1280 resolution, 256 ppi.
Compare Nook HD+ to Kindle Fire HD 8.9
Highlights of the Nook HD+ include:
- 9 inch display 1920 x 1280 resolution, 256 ppi
- 1.5 GHz Dual-Core processor (TI OMAP4470)
- 16 GB or 32 GB internal storage, 1 GB RAM
- microSD slot
- Weight 18.2 oz
Amazon or Barnes & Noble or Nexus?
Even though the Nook HD offers some impressive specs for a 7-inch tablet, I would much rather have the Nexus 7 for its pure Android experience and access to the Google Play Store. About the only major advantage I see to the Nook is that Barnes & Noble offers in-store support for their devices. If you plan to gift a tablet to an out-of-town relative, that might come in handy when they have questions or need help.
We haven't played with the Nook HD yet, but Barnes & Noble did hand out some review units to select sites. If you are interested in purchasing one, then I would head over to The Verge and read David Pierce's hands-on impressions.
Are you impressed?


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Related terms for "airport atmospheric sensor ":
atmospheric sensor news
For the past 12 months NIWA has been testing a prototype low-cost dust sensor package called ODIN, or Outdoor Dust Information Node. The first field trial is about to get under way in Rangiora, North Canterbury. Air quality scientist Dr Ian Longley says this new generation of low-cost sensors has the potential for communities to observe, understand and control their local air quality in a much ...
By National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
Atmospheric and non-atmospheric parameters in the air space challenge researchers, weather services and airports. Although these applications pursue different targets, there's one sensor system, satisfying all of those users: the CHM 15k. It scans the atmosphere in heights of up to 15 km and detects clouds, ...
By G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH
Airlines are under increasing pressure to use more efficient aircraft to reduce the damage the industry is doing to the planet as it continues to grow. In its defence the industry says it produces only 2% of the world's carbon dioxide, and 12% of the total from the transport industry, and that it is therefore a tiny problem compared with ...
By Climate News Network
Weather Analytics today announced the launch of a new snowfall climate variable – capable of capturing historical and current snowfall conditions and predicting future snowfall for any area in the world – hour by hour – up to seven days in advance. Available by special order, snowfall variable data is updated on an hourly basis with new information obtained by the National ...
By Weather Analytics
Earth NetworksSM, the owner of ...
By Earth Networks, Inc.
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Multi-Day Spirit Bear Quest Tours are a Bear and Wildlife Viewing Eco-TourSpirit Bear Lodge offers 4, 5, 6 and 7 day tour packages, which give guests the opportunity to visit this amazing and unique part of the world. Come and experience the rich cultural and natural history of BC's wild coast. See the rare Spirit bear and majestic Grizzly bear, who inhabit the traditional territory of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation.
Based out of Klemtu, BC and our Spirit Bear Lodge, we travel in small groups by motorboat, exploring the temperate rainforest and ecological wonders of Princess Royal Island, home to the world's only Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. Guests will be able to interact with the abundant wildlife and have an authentic experience with the cultural heritage of the region. Fabulous opportunities exist to watch and photograph these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. This is a wilderness viewing experience and because Spirit Bear Lodge is a local operator and travel the territory extensively throughout the year, our guides know the best locations to view Spirit Bears. Our guides also work with noted biologists to learn more about bear behaviour and ecology. Some of these biologists join our tours on occasion. Join us for the trip of lifetime!


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Our offering
We're a technology company dedicated exclusively to the global travel industry. It's a large business operating at a massive scale, but what we can offer travel businesses can be explained simply.
We help our customers connect
Amadeus aims to build a global travel community where all our customers can come and do business together.
By connecting with Amadeus you can enjoy many benefits from access to our community and its single data source. Here you can discover new revenue streams, cross sell and integrate with other travel players.
For a travel provider this means the reach to make your content available through all channels. For a travel seller it means access to the richest, most relevant travel content.
We offer you a unique travel marketplace, envisaging new and better ways to shape a more connected travel future for you.
We help our customers serve their customers
Amadeus helps you inspire, sell to and service your customers in a more engaging and efficient way.
We strive to understand your customers' needs and create products and services to help you attain a greater share of the travel spend and boost customer loyalty.
Whether your customers are looking for travel services pre, during or post trip Amadeus can help you.
As your business goes forward, you'll be able to differentiate yourself and deliver both value and better traveller experiences to shape a personalised travel future.
We help our customers manage their businesses
We strive to understand your business and offer relevant and valuable products and services that help you save costs and generate more revenues.
Our products and services empower and optimise business processes, procedures and reporting.
We offer travel intelligence, payment & financial management and mid-& back office solutions.
This allows you to grow today and shape a sustainable travel future for tomorrow.


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Recommended Games
A Sticker Book Far, Far Away
Create your own epic Star Wars scene with this BRAND NEW sticker book!
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Become the galaxy's greatest spy – spot hidden characters, items, and other surprises on Tatooine.
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Rogue One: Boots on the Ground - Star Wars Arcade
Play Rogue One: Boots on the Ground. Lead the Rebellion against the Empire as you select your team to go on missions to help the Rebel cause. Play as all your favourite characters - Jyn Erso, K-2SO, Baze Malbus, Cassian Andor and Chirrut Îmwe as you visit your favourite Rogue One planets, in this brand new game for the Star Wars Arcade.
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Star Wars Arcade 2
Enter the Star Wars Arcade, play amazing new Star Wars games, collect tokens, earn trophies and decorate your very own room featuring your favourite Star Wars characters.
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Star Wars Rebels - Strike Missions
Help Ezra, Zeb, Hera, Sabine, and Kanan strike back against Imperial forces in this action adventure game.
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Star Wars Rebels: Ghost Raid
Fly the Ghost across the galaxy and raid Imperial shipments for the growing rebellion!


text: Through his voluminous and influential writings, editorial activities, organizational leadership, intellectual acumen, and strong sense of history, Clifford A. Truesdell (1919-2000) was the main architect for the renaissance of rational continuum mechanics since the middle of the 20th century. This collection of 42 essays and research papers pays tribute to this man of mathematics, science, and natural philosophy as well as to his legacy. There are essays of personal reminiscences (including contributions from J. Serrin, W. Noll, and B.D. Coleman among others), as are papers at the forefronts of research in rational continuum mechanics and its applications to materials science and structural mechanics. With historical photographs, a curriculum vitae and a complete list of publications of Clifford Truesdell, this collection will be of lasting value to applied mathematicians, research scientists and engineers, and historians of science who are interested in the past and current status of the modern rationalist movement in continuum mechanics.


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Mention factoring and bankers sneer, venture capitalists roll their eyes and veterans of financing wars moan.
But as much as corporate finance executives love to hate factoring -- selling accounts receivable for quick cash -- they have to agree the practice has saved many companies from bankruptcy.
"It's expensive as hell," admits Bret Kelly, senior vice president of Allstate Financial Corp., a factoring company in Arlington, Va. "But it's working."


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The colorful candy hearts known as conversation hearts are marketed under the brand name of Sweethearts, which were first introduced in 1902 with sayings such as "Be Mine," "True Love," "Kiss Me" and "Be Good." These hearts were preceded by round wafer candies with wedding slogans imprinted on them.Continue Reading
These wedding slogans included such sayings as "Married in pink, he will take a drink" and "Married in satin, love will not be lasting." These candies were made on the same press as NECCO wafers and came in the same colors and flavors. Modern Sweethearts have more updated sayings printed on them, including "Text Me" and "Tweet Me."Learn more about Valentines Day


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Here's How We Fared in the Hurricane Last Week
There is a crate that might help your cat during storms.
Sharon Campbell
World's Worst Query Letters and Book Proposals For September, 2016
And my award, this time, goes to the massive run-on sentence!
If you can read that entire sentence, in one breath, you are ready for the underwater
freestyle competition at the Olympics.
Seriously – you truly have to make one breath last in this competition. Practicing
with these marathon sentences is excellent training. ;))
Wendy L. Jones
Highlander Imagine: Beyond Infinity
Duncan MacLeod must fight a South American Immortal at Teotihuacan.
Wow. I thought I'd come across some ridiculously horrific disasters while
editing….some of these are laughable – or perhaps cry-able.
Terri DelCampo
Read More Letters and Comments
Yes, online book promoting can be EASY and FUN! Let us show you how, from Day 1 through Day 90…and beyond!
- Want to REALLY keep 100% of your royalties?
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All at a price LOWER than most POD publishers!


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For more information about the professional history of our financial advisors,
please visit FINRA's BrokerCheck.
CGC Financial Services
Glen Clemans, Jamieson Grabenhorst, Casey Cleveland, Tammi Ortega, Davena Yee, Shannon Keener, Kelly Mellinger, and Kristin Gore are Registered Representatives of and offer securities products & services through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer. In this regard, this communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, IL, KS, ME, MD, MA, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside the specific state(s) referenced.
Glen Clemans, Jamieson Grabenhorst, Casey Cleveland, and Tammi Ortega are also separately registered as investment adviser representatives under CGC Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor, offering advisory services in the state of Oregon. As such, these services are strictly intended for individuals residing in OR & WA.
Glen Clemans, Jamieson Grabenhorst and Casey Cleveland offer additional advisory services through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.
A broker-dealer, investment adviser, BD agent, or IA rep may only transact business in a state if first registered, or is excluded or exempt from state broker-dealer, investment adviser, BD agent or IA rep registration requirements, as appropriate. Follow-up, individualized responses to persons in a state by such a firm or individual that involve either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without first complying with appropriate registration requirement, or an applicable exemption or exclusion.
For information concerning the licensing status or disciplinary history of broker-dealer, investment adviser, BD agent, or IA rep, a consumer should contact his or her state securities law administrator.
"Urban Waterfall" by Ian Sane is licensed under CC BY 2.0.


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Continuity - Continuity is a Gestalt concept that refers to the visual tendency to create continuous figures. Continuity is most commonly (though not exclusively) exhibited in the perception of lines and refers to the tendency to "carry the line forward." More specifically, there is the tendency to continue smooth figures forward over abrupt changes in direction.
Below, continuity describes the tendency to see the left figure above as two curved lines.
The right figure illustrates the two curved lines, one red and one blue.
While the illustration below is one possible perception of the previous example, continuity describes a tendency for smooth figures over abrupt changes in direction. This example exhibits abrupt changes in direction at the intersection of the two lines.
Continuity also describes grouping. The figure above is generally perceived as a line rather than individual circles.
Good continuity is exhibited in the shapes to the right (the footprints).
Good continuity is exhibited between the horizontal and vertical elements.


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homeandenergy installs solar panels and batteries in homes and businesses around the Sunshine Coast, helping more and more people discover the benefits of generating their own clean energy.
We're not tied to any manufacturer, which means our customers always get the solar panels and equipment that make sense for them – not us.
Since starting in 2011, we have installed solar panels in thousands of homes and businesses. Our design and installation team has full CEC accreditation, Advanced Diplomas in Renewable Energy and over 20 years of electrical installation and engineering experience – all of which makes us uniquely qualified to create top-tier solar power systems quickly and efficiently.
As the Sunshine Coast's leading end-to-end solar energy company, we can help you go green in your residential or commercial property. We work quickly and efficiently, so you can start cutting your carbon footprint and utility costs with end-to-end services including installation, financial planning, system design and monitoring.
With an emphasis on quality design and engineering, an honest, no-pressure approach to sales and an excellent track record for customer service, we consistently receive excellent customer feedback and are especially proud that over half of our new customers have been referred to us by previous clients.Read More...
Buying Tips
This page will help you make some educated decisions
System Prices
We're not tied to any
manufacturer so can
recommend the
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for every


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Originally posted by Lupe_101
I thought everyone was aware of this anyway.....
Christians pulled all sorts of crap to get us into the churches, nicked our hollidays and replaced them with their own, Took our symbols and wove them back into their own storys they even nabbed Hurn gave him a tale and told us he was now called satan.


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Last weekend was a fantastic idea for a pop up idea – Project Transfer. This was a joint project aimed at helping shoppers think more about their shopping habits. This event involved a pop up tee shirt factory in the shopping mall, Trinity Leeds.
The shoppers were asked a series of questions and from their answers, this will inform the design of their tee shirt. They were able to see who their tee shirt was made as a group of skilled makers and machinists get to work making a tee shirt. Each garment will be a unique money can't buy item to their exact specifications. Each shopper to visit the exhibition will be invited to be photographed for the project and asked what shopping and style means to them.
TRANSFER, a joint initiative between the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL the University of Sheffield (UoS) and funded by the ESRC.
Check out what happened on the day – all the action can be found on Twitter:
#ProjectTransfer #MyTshirtSpeaks @ProjectTRANSFER.


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Do you love installing software on your computer? In this article, you can see top 10 websites which offer free software that you can download on your PC without spending money. These websites allow users to download full version of software for free. Although you won't get all software free of cost , but most of software can be downloaded in full version free of charge. Okay here is the list of Top 10 Free Software Download Websites.
1. Cnet Download - One of the most popular websites where users can find free software to download on their computer. Download.com is an internet download directory where you can find all kinds of software easily. It was launched in 1996 and now this website is one of the most visited website in the world. Users can find here free and paid software for all major operating system including Windows, Mac, Linux and Mobile.
2. Softonic - Highly popular web portal for downloading free software. Softonic recently launched question answer service where users can ask questions related to software and mobile applications. Softonic was launched in 1997 by Tomás Diago (Owner & Creator).
3. Brothersoft - Brothersoft has become one of the most visited websites where you can download free software for Windows, Mac and Linux. Brothersoft offers more than 200000 free software including drivers, widgets, scripts, browsers, software, utilities, video games, wallpapers and mobile applications. Brothersoft was launched in 2002.
4. Softpedia - Softpedia is one of the most visited free software download websites where users can find all types of information about software and software reviews. Softpedia is a popular free download encyclopedia where internet users can find useful resources to download any kind of software for free. Softpedia was launched in 2001.
5. Filehippo - Filehippo is an internet download website that offers open source, freeware, and shareware programs for Windows. Filehippo also offers own software such as filehippo update checker, scanner etc. Filehippo was launched in 2004.
6. Freewarefiles - Great website for internet users to find useful resources about free software. Users can find here all kinds of software including Antivirus, Audio & Video, games etc.
7. Soft32 - Soft32 is one of the most popular internet download websites that provides free software for Windows, Mac and Mobile operating system. Great software directory to find useful free version software in every category.
8. Download3000 - Very useful website to find free software for Windows and Mac operating system. You can also read honest reviews on software and gadgets here.
9. Filehorse - Filehorse is one of the most visited software websites that offers free software for Windows operating system. A dedicated software download website for Windows users.
10. Tucows - Tucows is one of the oldest free software download websites where users can find useful download links about free software. Tucows has large directory where you can find thousands of free and useful software.


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The following are the main components of UPEACE's academic programmes. Please click in each "Title" to have more information:
Master's Programmes
Department of Environment and Development:
- Environment Development and Peace
- Specialization in Environmental Security and Governance
- Specialization in Sustainable Natural Resource Management
- Specialization in Climate Change Policy
- Specialization in Sustainable Food Systems
- Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development
- Natural Resources and Sustainable Development - (Dual Degree with American University)
- Water Cooperation and Diplomacy- (Joint Educational Programme with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education and Oregon State University (OSU))
Department of Peace and Conflict Studies:
- Gender and Peace Building
- International Peace Studies
- Peace Education
Department of International Law:
Departamento de Estudios Regionales:
- Maestría en Resolución de Conflictos, Paz y Desarrollo
- Maestría en Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos
Online Education
Our online graduate courses can be taken for training purposes, or for credit towards an online MA. The Distance Education Programme offers:
- Online Master of Arts in Sustainable Peace in the Contemporary World
- Individual Online Courses for Credit or for Training
Doctoral Degree Programme
The UPEACE Doctoral Programme seeks to provide candidates with a holistic and interdisciplinary understanding of diverse themes and problems in peace and conflict studies as well as strategies in peacebuilding.
Offers graduate students from other institutions the opportunity to enroll in UPEACE courses for credit offered during a semester. This programme provides a unique opportunity to participate in a multicultural learning community comprised of participants, faculty and staff from around the world.
Undergraduate Credit-Building Programme (UCP-UPEACE)
UPEACE accepts academically advanced undergraduate students in all of its individual graduate courses, on a case-by-case basis. UPEACE will award such students graduate-level credits for successful completion of these courses.
The University for Peace works in partnership with several renowned universities around the world to offer students a unique dual Master's degree.
UPEACE has special academic programmes with other universities around the world. Each programme has one-of-a-kind elements in order to ensure an innovative offering targeted to students who would like to undertake studies in different parts of the world.


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Description - Min Mie Noodle - Dress Up Games
Min Mie Noodle : If you can follow a recipe step by step, you'll be making the world's best noodles in no time!
The Number of Play : 4034 | Submitted : 2010-05-25 | Rating : 4.6
You are playing Min Mie Noodle . Do not forget to play one of the other great Cooking Games at StarSue.Net


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Skin by Donna Jo NapoliSkin
Author: Donna Jo Napoli
Date: August 2013
341 pages
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Contemporary
Buy the Book • Goodreads
Her lips are white. Sixteen-year-old Sep stares into the bathroom mirror on the first day of school. It's not some weird lipstick (she never wears lipstick), she didn't bump her lips or chew on ice. Her lips are just white. In a panic, she digs up an old lipstick and smears it on her colorless lips. But soon, more and more white spots begin to bloom, spreading their chalky tendrils across her olive brown skin. Does she have a disease? Is she turning into some kind of freak?
Sep is usually the one who knows all the answers. With a quicksilver mind and a supple body, she's happiest when she's delving into the mysteries of animal biology or giving herself over to sweet, hot moves in Jazz Dance Club. Unlike her best friend, Devon, she's never been in a rush to get a boyfriend. But as the white blotches spread, her dating days, like the endangered species she studies, seem numbered. So when Josh, a boy she's always liked, makes a flirty advance, she wonders: why not grab pleasure while she can?
Frank, funny, and full of passion, this compelling novel tells the empowering story of a strong, gifted teen who, as her life spins out of control, desperately tries to prove to the world, and herself, that she is deeper than skin
Reviewed by: Mary
It's a bit strange to me, but there's a specific sub-genre of books about teenagers with diseases or medical conditions learning to cope with their lives being profoundly changed. If I had been an English major, I'm sure I could make a case for how it's a metaphor for growing up. A fair number of these books are "teenagers with cancer who learn how to live before they die" type books, but sometimes you get one that plumps some of the odder depths of medical science. This can work very well, like the Judy Blume classic Deenie that explores scoliosis or Mango Shaped Space, which features a girl with synesthesia.
Or it can be a brave but failed attempt like Skin, where the main character Sep (pronounced Zep, short for Guiseppina) wakes up on the first day of her junior year with her lips having gone white sometime in the middle of the night. I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that she has vitiligo, a condition where patches of skin lose their pigment.
I can't say there are probably any other books out there about vitiligo, so on that front it's a very original idea. But where Napoli goes with it is not particularly inventive and actually ends up being a little grating. I know teenagers can be overly dramatic and decide the world is ending over some pretty mundane things, but instead of feeling for Sep and her plight you just want to tell her to grow up and get some perspective.
It doesn't help that the love story is done in a way where she never makes a single choice that really could be considered a good one. Everything is done because she's decided that once her vitiligo gets bad enough she'll be a "monster" and so she has to behave in a very specific way. And she does, and at that point I completely agreed with her assessment that she was a terrible person, but not because of her vitiligo but because she was acting like an idiot.
Napoli is normally a very good author, and I've njoyed other books of hers (I reviewed Bound for my own blog and I really liked it) but this one fell short of the mark. All I can say is that at least when Napoli is not reaching her full potential, she's still very readable.


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A job for Russian speaker in Milan
Ciao tutti! :)
Hello everybody! :)
My name is Valery and I'm from Saint-Petersburg.
I'm going to move to Milan that's why I search a job there.
I speak Russian (ML), English (C2), Italian (B1).
I have the diploma as economist and 2 certificates as photographer and journalist.
I have the good work expiriense.
I hope that comebody can help me ;)
Best regards.


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.PVM File
File extension:
File type:
Notes about the PVM file extension:
Incorrect file associations could be the result of underlying issues within your PC system. As such it is highly recommended to scan your PC for invalid registry entries, unused processes and other unfavourable system settings to identify slowdown issues.
Detailed information for file extension PVM:
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OSTA (Optical Storage Technology Association)
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Identifying characters
Hex: 3C 3F 78 6D 6C 20 76 65 72 73 69 6F 6E 3D , ASCII: ?xml version=
Other applications associated with file type PVM:
Parallels Desktop for Mac
(Virtual Machine File)
Parallels, Inc.
, Parallels Desktop for Mac is a hardware emulation virtualization software, using hypervisor technology that works by mapping the host computer's hardware resources directly to the virtual machine's resources, allowing each virtual machine to operate identically to a standalone computer. , , Each virtual machine effectively has its own processor, RAM, floppy and CD drives, I/O devices, and hard disk, essentially all the resources of a physical computer. Parallels Desktop for Mac virtualizes all devices within the virtual environment, including the video adapter, network adapter, and hard disk adapters. It also provides pass-through drivers for parallel port and USB devices. , Related links:
Wikipedia Parallels Page
Sonic Adventure DX
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ProgramID: HewlettPackard_0002MDcreator.Launch, AppName: Memories Disc Creator
EXEFile: hpod.exe
ProgramID: HewlettPackard_0002MDcreator.Launch
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\HP\Memories Disc\hpod.exe -mpv:%1
ProgramID: HewlettPackard_0002MDcreator.Launch
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\HP\Memories
ProgramID: MPVEdit PVM
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Samsung\MultimediaStudio\MPVEdit.exe
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Kim Kardashian Freaked Kanye West's Wild Rants Will Hurt North & Saint
Kim Kardashian is shaking in her heels over what effect hubby Kanye West's ongoing crazy rants will have on their two precious young kids. HollywoodLife.com has learned EXCLUSIVELY that she's terrified that North and Saint will become aware of Daddy's troubling behavior.
It's bad enough that poor Kim Kardashian, 35 and her family have to watch Kanye West's very public meltdowns lately, but the reality star is beyond scared of what will happen when their beautiful little ones North, two, and Saint, two months, are old enough to get online and read about their 38-year-old father's epic rants and over the top behavior. HollywoodLife.com has learned EXCLUSIVELY that Kim is beyond worried about how his actions could hurt their children one day.
"Kim and Kanye are not getting divorced, but Kim is pissed at all Kanye's rants and how it is making the family look. She keeps telling Kanye that when North and Saint grow up they will be able to see everything they have ever done on the internet, all the skeletons in the closet are out so she doesn't want him adding anything more to the fire," a source tells HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. "She feels that divorce would be a nightmare because how it would affect the kids!" Go old school by picking up Kanye's 2007 album Graduation by clicking here.
Clearly something's very wrong with Kanye these days, as his normally petulant self has spiraled into a ball of hate, lashing out at singer Taylor Swift, his ex Amber Rose, and even randomly dissing Grammy Award winning singer Beck. It seems like not a day goes by where he's not hurling insults at someone, while at the same time proclaiming himself to be the greatest artist of all time.
Whatever the problem is, we thought things might calm down after the release of his seventh album The Life Of Pablo. While there was tons of turmoil behind finally getting it out there, he's totally still on edge, even to the point where Kim is demanding he seek therapy.
HollywoodLifers, do you think Kanye's crazy actions will cause Kim to divorce him?


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Hell Divers by Nicholas Sansbury Smith delivers suspense and excitement like few books I've read recently. The plot and subplots work well together. I quickly became invested in the lives of the point of view characters. The book opens with Commander Xavier Rodriguez making his 96th jump to lead his team to the surface from an airship containing the last remnants of humanity. Few Hell Divers survive anywhere close to this many missions. This reminded me of a book called Armor (by John Steakley) which revolved around a character that had made more planetary assaults there and was statistically possible.
But I digress.
The premise is that humanity has survived a nuclear holocaust by taking to the skies. (There is a reason they did this.) The airships were never meant to fly for so long. The Hell Divers must descend the surface to find parts and supplies. After 250 years, radiation has done terrible things to the few creatures able to stay alive.
As intriguing as the premise is, it's the actual writing and the pacing of the plot points that makes this story great. Nicholas Sansbury Smith knows how to raise the stakes. The characters are always right on that line where you think they're able to handle what is being thrown at them and yet have little chance of survival.
I was particularly fond of the ending, which was suspenseful and full of imagery. I don't know if it is a cliffhanger exactly, but I definitely am looking forward to book two. I went and joined his mailing list after completing the book.
Scott Moon
When I read, I try to leave a review. Genre? Depends on my mood.


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An often-overlooked reality of Alzheimer's is that your parent's memories and knowledge of family history will eventually disappear along with her personality. Fortunately this doesn't happen instantly. Early in the disease process, even when short-term memory loss is obvious, long-term memories tend to persist. So now's the time to capture what she knows for future generations.
Before you're left with regrets that you don't know more about your parent's past, take steps to preserve them. This siren call to action is one of the few upsides to an Alzheimer's diagnosis . As you open a window into your parent's life, you might glean some useful insights into your family life -- and you'll surely enjoy these meaningful ways of spending quality time together now.
Record your parent reminiscing.
Make a video of your parent responding to questions from you or another family member. Talking is usually easier for older parents than writing memories down, and you'll be glad later that you saved your parent's likeness and voice in addition to preserving family stories. Those cadences and styling quirks may seem indelibly familiar now, but the disease tends to erase them over time. You'll treasure having them on tape. So will relatives, so make copies and share.
Ask about her childhood, how she met and married, her jobs, thoughts about parenting, and opinions on matters big (whom she voted for and why) or small (her favorite singers or actors).
If your parent is nervous in front of a camera, have someone else surreptitiously do the recording or set up a tripod. She'll focus on you and the topics, and eventually forget that you're recording her. If she objects to any kind of filming, at least you can create an audio file.
Some guidelines for a more productive oral-history session:
- Avoid questions with yes or no answers.
- Avoid interrupting; you may break her concentration.
- Supply encouraging murmurs ( mmm-hmm, really, ah ) as you would in a conversation.
- Try not to correct information you know is wrong. She may feel insulted and quit.
- Try to time the interview when your parent has her usual peak energy level in the day.
- Try not to press too hard. There may be topics or people she doesn't want to go into, so gently shift to a new line of questioning. Or she may not remember; if so, just move on.
- Keep a glass of water, tissues, and plenty of tape handy, so you won't have to stop the camera to fetch them if they're necessary.
How to hold on to family memories
Analyze and digitize old loose images.
Those shoeboxes full of old black-and-white prints, the dusty albums you took possession of during a move, the slides no one has looked at in 20 years since the cumbersome slide projector broke -- they're a trove of memories just waiting to spring back to life.
First get them in shape for viewing. Many old family pictures from the 1970s and earlier were taken in 35mm slide format. Check under your parent's bed or on high closet shelves for those white plastic storage cases, round Kodak carousels, or pastel Opta-Vue cases from the 1940s and 1950s. Digitally scanning old slides and prints converts them into JPEG or TIFF formats, which you can then save onto CDs or DVDs or an external hard drive. You can do this at home with a digital scanner or send them to a photo lab. If your parent has vision problems, she may enjoy the project more if she can view the enlarged images on a big computer screen.
While you're at it, preserve the images for the future. Digitizing all the images can be time-consuming and expensive, but it's worth at least weeding through them to select key images to scan, such as portraits. Digital archiving also allows you to make multiple copies of priceless old photos and documents -- wise in the event of a fire or other disaster. You'll also save these images from the natural ravages of time, such as fading, discoloration, or mold.
Ideally, relocate the vintage originals into archival-quality albums or photo boxes. ( Look for acid-free paper or cardboard). If you don't have time, whatever you do, remove them from the film-covered pages of old "magnetic" albums, which are highly acidic and hasten deterioration.
Be sure to transfer old home movies -- your parents' wedding, your first steps, that family trip to Disneyland -- to DVD as well.
Now you're ready to enlist your parent's help in sorting, identifying, and dating the old photos. Even if she's fuzzy on the details, she's apt to recognize more old faces than you are, or she can help you sort out piles loosely divided by era. Make notes lightly in pencil on the backs of photos or underneath images in albums. Start with a handful at a time so as not to overwhelm her.
Pore over photo albums, old and new.
Turn off the TV set on your next visit and pull out the old family album instead. Ask prompts as you go: Who is that? What happened to him? What's happening here?
Don't rely on your own memory -- jot down the stories you're told and add them to the album later. Under the pictures, write down the names of people in the photos and their relationships, even those you don't think you'll forget. You're also preserving history for your own children and grandchildren.
In some families the volume of albums is overwhelm ing. You could make a great gift for your parent and your relatives by culling selected pictures and creating a customized photo book. These feature digital images printed right onto the pages of a hardbound or spiral-bound book. Pull together an overview of your parent's life or just one portion (her childhood, time in the service, a particular trip or job). Check out Kodak Gallery , Shutterfly , Snapfish , and Apple for resources. If you or a relative is an ace cropper, you can also turn old photos into scrapbooks that serve a similar purpose.
Buy a fill-in-the-blank memory book.
Parents who enjoy writing but lack the confidence or ability to stick to a narrative might welcome a ready-made memory book, which is full of prompts with spaces for answers. Sold at bookstores and gift shops, some memory books are general while others focus on childhood, marriage, or Christmas and other celebrations. A parent who's resistant about dredging up childhood memories for you might enjoy filling in a memory book intended as a gift for her grandchildren.
More on preserving family history
Fill in your family tree.
If the genealogy bug hasn't already bitten you, you'll soon discover that tracing your family history through the generations has never been easier, thanks to simple software programs such as Legacy , Family Tree Maker , and Ancestral Quest . Among the kinds of details your parents may know -- but never had reason to mention before -- are maiden names, long-lost cousins, and relatives who died young.
Travel to your parent's hometown.
Baby boomers' parents were the last generation to grow up in such vast numbers not in suburbs but in small towns and on farms. For a parent, a visit to a hometown can make for a memorable multigenerational vacation. For your parent, this may be a last opportunity to "go home again," while for you and your children, it's like having a tour guide to the past. There's no substitute for seeing a place through your parent's eyes and listening to her stories with friends and relatives who may still be there.
Learn the stories of things.
Photographs naturally attract the most emphasis as memory prods, but don't overlook the objects in your parent's home. Stories also abound in those things that have been around so long we've ceased to notice them. Talk to your parent about her collection of souvenir spoons, the knickknacks on a shelf or dresser, or the contents of a cedar chest. Why did she save these particular things? What was their appeal? When were they obtained and where did they come from? The object can be a springboard to anecdotes you may never have heard before.
Emphasize to your parent that you're not asking to have these objects. You're just curious about the stories behind them. If your parent is amenable, you could even jot down pertinent details ab out source or age on a bit of masking tape on the bottom of each object so that no one forgets.
Get "famous" family recipes down on paper.
Recipes are another type of heirloom, often overlooked until it's Thanksgiving and suddenly you and your siblings realize that nobody knows the secret ingredient in your mom's acclaimed cake or your dad's trademark barbecue sauce. The foods families share are often composed as much of tradition, religion, and travel as they are of flour or salt.
If she's still able to do so, ask your mom to make her favorite dish while you write down (or record on video) what she does step-by-step.
Take the idea a step farther and create a family cookbook including the signature dishes of all your aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings as well as your parents -- the special foods associated with reunions, birthdays, and other family gatherings.


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In a few days I will be returning from a two-year hiatus, so there are goals I need to set and gear is one thing.
My DNC is 80, I will have leveling to do and skilling up thereafter before I will get to the real business of earning stuff.
Before I left, I was working on earning a lightning Kila doing Golems in sky. From what I read now, finding that accuracy is valued less compared to attack, I regrettably should have worked for the fire one instead (damn flans put me off it at the time). Do you think I should finish it anyway? Knowing there will be new content outside of Abyssea what with the new expansion, I think I might as well. I'm not sure.
I considered doing a pair of wind daggers for the situational evasion, until I read on the Oynos & Twilight Knife that looks to me like it's a better pair for medium-difficulty NM soloing. The wind pair maybe for harder NMs but I imagine I'll be facing fewer of them by a large margin, or even none at all. Hmm.
Now onto the multi-hit trial daggers. I finished trial 11, hoping I haven't accepted trial 12 after finding out the end result isn't better than a pair of DA ones. Can a trial be canceled and step down one branch or will I have to start from scratch? Black Triple Stars were a pain.
That's it for weapons. Criticisms and opinions welcomed.


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On any day: Parents can call the Ozark City School's weather line at 334-445-3794 for information regarding school closings or early releases.
For the most up-to-date info check us out on Facebook!
"Mixon Intermediate-School"
WELCOME to Mixon Intermediate School!
Assistant Principal Eric Andrews, Counselor Doris Fenn, Principal Maghen Lowery, Secretary/Bookeeper Sherri Flowers
Secretary/Bookkeeper Jacki Outlaw, Instructional Coach Heather Smith
3rd Grade: Barbara Culpepper, Gloria McDaniel, Renae Ward, Tyla Holloway, Katie Hammock, Shan Kilpatrick
4th Grade: Allyson Outlaw, Sommer Pope, Monica Weeks, Emily McDonald, Nancy Gresco, Bethany Powers
5th Grade: Bethel Terry, Peggy Sonanstine, Roxanne Mollett, Stephanie Evans, Gloria Davenport, Allison Woodham
Special Areas: Kristy Free, Katie Dansby, Lisa Bushnell, Betty Dunn, Angie Loomis, Tanya Rabren, Rena Turner
PE: Dominique Jackson, Doug Price, Bridgette Smith
Paraprofessionals: Yvette Brinson, Barbara Nickerson, Vicky Shaw, Karen Welch, Susanne Harrell, Mary Jones