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Meet Dr. Kathy Kamin of Harmony in Health
September 2, 2009
Has there been something wrong that you can't put your finger on but you just don't feel right or good? Are you searching for the next step in your life or need to make changes in your relationship or job? Can't figure out what is missing but you aren't satisfied with anything? Dr. Kathy Kamin can help you with your health, your life and get you aligned to move forward in the best direction for you.
She has a special gift to see through the debris of our emotions, our health and mind to get to the bottom and get to work on the most direct path back to health and the wonderful flow of life.
Dr. Kamin helps each patient back to a place of empowerment, where they learn about their body, mind, and emotions. In their process they regain balance and are back on track with a direction toward excellent health.
One of the programs she works with is the HCG weight loss program. She has successfully helped patients normalize and balance their body fat and greatly improve their health. Health conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and lymes disease have been successfully treated with this program although they have nothing to do with weight.
If you have any problem that no one has found a solution for, you have now found the place for answers. Call 480-659-6030 for an appointment.
Photo by Mike Kalsched
Hey, who's in charge here?
MADISON, Wis. – The job of parenting doesn't seem to have much in common with being a professional baseball pitcher or golfer.
But a child psychology expert says parents – and their children – could be a lot happier if they focused on the two things that make those professional athletes successful: consistency and discipline.
"One of the things parents struggle with on a daily basis is not being in charge," says Dr. Katie Watermolen, an assistant professor of psychiatry at UW School of Medicine and Public Health. "And the one thing I always tell parents is not to be afraid to be in charge – set consistent limits, establish clear boundaries and spell out what the consequences will be if the rules are broken."
Unfortunately, as any parent can tell you, children don't often make the process easy. Whether it's a toddler, 'tween or high school senior, children will always try to push boundaries.
"What I see with children of all ages, is that somewhere along the way, the parents have lost control. Their roles as parents have been taken over by the children or the children have come to believe that they should be on equal footing with their mother and father," says Dr. Watermolen, who never hesitates to remind the adults: "You're the parent. Don't be afraid to be the parent."
Taking charge can be challenging, especially if the parent has allowed consistent discipline to slide and chaos to reign. Parents faced with re-establishing authority should be prepared for temper tantrums, and, worse, for being told that they're hated and the worst parent in the entire world.
It's okay, says Dr. Watermolen. It's all part of the sometimes difficult process.
"Work on being extremely clear and concise about the rules, and what the specific consequences will be if those rules are broken. Sit down with your children and talk to them.
Write the rules down if you have to – just be sure they're clear and that you follow through on them. Children learn very quickly where the cracks in the discipline are, and will use that to their advantage to get their way."
Some parents worry that there's a risk in being too strict – that they'll stifle their child's individuality by exercising too much control. Dr. Watermolen says the best strategy to avoid that scenario begins with determining what is developmentally realistic to expect from children when it comes to discipline and control. Doing so can also help parents avoid the kinds of situations that often lead to a loss of parental control and frustration.
"If a child can't sit still for an hour at home, there shouldn't be an expectation that they can sit still for an hour in a public setting, like a restaurant," she notes. "Likewise, if a child doesn't behave at the dinner table at home because they are not expected to, parents should not take children to restaurants and expect good manners. Children need to learn appropriate behavior at home, before they can be expected to demonstrate this behavior in public."
Child psychiatry experts can often be a good resource for parents to help determine how much responsibility they can expect from their children, and when they should be offering more.
And parents should remember to have realistic expectations for themselves, too.
"As a parent, you're going to make mistakes," says Dr. Watermolen. "I tell parents not to beat themselves up when they try to make these decisions about control and discipline, because there isn't any right or wrong answer.
That's one of the most wonderful and scary things about being a parent – there is no rule book."


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SDCC 2017: DC Collectibles Revealed Some Awesome New Stuff
DC Collectibles kicked off San Diego Comic-Con: International with several major announcements, including the expansion of its line of statues, Gotham City Garage. The biker statues will be joined by an all-new 6.75'' DC Essentials action figure line starring DC's most popular Super Heroes and Super-Villains designed by fan-favorite comic book artist Jason Fabok. DC Collectibles also revealed new character additions to the highly anticipated DC Artists Alley designer vinyl series and announced plans to expand its best-selling action figure and statue lines including Batman: The Animated Series, DC Bombshells, and more.
Gotham City Garage reimagines Batgirl and Supergirl as fierce biker ladies, coming sometime in 2018. The move coincides with DC's announcement earlier this week that it will publish an all-new Digital First comic book in August inspired by the statue line. They will be joining Wonder Woman, Catwoman, and Harley Quinn in the statue line-up.
"The idea behind Gotham City Garage is to explore the tough and gritty alter-egos of DC's most iconic characters such as Wonder Woman and Catwoman, and now Batgirl and Supergirl," said Jim Fletcher, executive creative director, DC Collectibles. "Just like with DC Bombshells, it's exciting to see these character designs strike a chord with fans and transcend from statues into comic books and beyond, and we're eager to find out just how far Gotham City Garage can ride."
DC Collectibles is also launching a new 6.75" DC Essentials action figure line that will feature classic DC Universe Rebirth character designs and the greatest range of motion ever produced by the company.
"DC Essentials will be an evergreen action figure line and will feature classic representations of DC Universe characters including Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman, among others," said Fletcher. "These designs will embody the core of each character and will attract both our most dedicated fans and those just starting out with their collections. We're thrilled to deliver these figures at the larger 6.75" scale and can't wait for fans to see the new moveability that allows for more intricate poses. We're excited to have Jason Fabok on board as the series' designer–his stunning art style is a perfect match for DC Essentials. "
The first wave of DC Essentials figures will start appearing in stores in 2018 and will include Batman, the Flash, Superman and Aquaman. Wonder Woman, Deathstroke, Green Lantern and Nightwing will debut in 2019.
Also revealed at SDCC were new characters slated to join DC Artists Alley, a series of designer vinyls directly inspired by the popular "Artist Alley" convention experience. Putting artists front and center, DC Artists Alley celebrates each designer's offbeat art style and offers unique interpretations of DC's most iconic characters. The new figures revealed today include Wonder Woman by Chris Uminga, Batman by HaiNaNu "Nooligan" Saulque, and Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn by Sho Murase.
Fan-favorite Batman: The Animated Series (BTAS) action-figure line will debut two new villainous offerings in 2018 including a Harley Quinn Expressions Pack and a Jokermobile based on its infamous appearance in the 1990s TV show. Scaled to fit 6"BTAS action figures, the Jokermobile will have working wheels and several light-up features–a perfect mode of transportation for the clown prince of crime.
The acclaimed DC Bombshells universe will expand in 2018 with new Black Canary and Zatanna characters joining artist Ant Lucia's popular Designer Series Bombshells action-figure line. Green Lantern Jessica Cruz is the next DC heroine to receive the Bombshells statue treatment and will be reimagined in the classic 1940s art style.
Also on tap for 2018 are additions to best-selling Batman: Black and White and Harley Quinn: Red White and Black statue lines, and an all-new Battle Statue that brings to life the greatest race between DC's fastest Super Heroes–the Flash and Superman.
Below is DC Collectibles' entire new slate revealed at Comic-Con includes along with pictures that were revealed during today's panel:
Gotham City Garage Statue Line
- Batgirl
- Supergirl
NEW LINE – DC Essentials 6.75" Action Figures:
- Batman
- The Flash
- Superman
- Aquaman
- Wonder Woman
- Deathstroke
- Green Lantern
- Nightwing
DC Artists Alley Designer Vinyls
- Chris Uminga: Wonder Woman
- HaiNaNu "Nooligan" Saulque: Batman
- Sho Murase: Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn
Batman: The Animated Series:
- Expressions Pack: Harley Quinn
- Jokermobile
DC Bombshells:
- DC Designer Series by Ant Lucia 6.75" Action Figure – Black Canary, Zatanna
- 9" Statues – Green Lantern Jessica Cruz
Batman: Black & White Statues:
- Batman/Spy by Peter Kuper
- Batman by Jonathan Matthews
- Batman by Becky Cloonan
Harley Quinn Red, White & Black Statues:
- Harley Quinn by Stanley Lau
- Harley Quinn by Babs Tarr
- Harley Quinn by Jae Lee
Medium Size Statues
- DC Designer Series: Trinity by Jason Fabok
- DC Battle Statues: Superman Racing the Flash
Source: Twitter


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Brooklyn Powell's Body Image Story
Bona Fide. Being Real.
Ummmm ok.
But if we are being real, then let's be really real. We often have a mask on, a perfected side of ourselves that we show the world. It's hard not to with all the social media platforms at our finger tips, photoshopped & airbrushed models we see when we are checking out at the grocery store in our sweats, & not to mention the insane amount of pressure that subtly makes us feel inadequate in every way… it's hard to feel good enough, worthy enough, & loved enough just as we are! Now more than ever, we get a front row seat into other people's lives & it would be impossible not to compare ours to theirs.
"The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel." -Steve Furtick
We have our perfected side, the side of ourselves that is the least like our truest self. We have our "real" side, the side that we share when we want to open up, get deep, be vulnerable. Then we have our really real side that we rarely share with anyone. When we can share that part of us, the really real, ugly, stuff that might make people think of us differently or even gasp… that's when we are really living bona fide. There will always be a constant flow of things around us that make us feel like we need to be more, do more; but when we can take off the masks, filters, & edits (no matter what people might think)... that's when we are living true to ourselves. Living with nothing to hide, & vulnerably sharing the deepest parts of our insecurities, in hopes of helping someone… that's when we are being true to ourselves.
My really real side is something that my husband, who is my best friend & safe place, doesn't even know about me. Not because he would be mad or angry… no. It really has nothing to do with him. It has everything to do with me: my heart, feeling entitled to more than what I have, the need to feel good enough, worthy enough, pretty enough. It's a reflection of how I view myself & the brokenness that is there.
I have always struggled with wanting to be smaller & prettier… beautiful. My senior year in high school, I battled with an eating disorder that was damaging in every way. It took so much away from me. Looking back, this struggle brought me to my greatest strengths, but only because I let my struggle became my story, that I shared with the world in hopes of helping even just one girl. At one point, my eating disorder was my really real side & it was a secret that I was ok with taking to the grave with me. But we grow & change, & our deepest secrets die if we don't keep them locked up inside behind the masks, filters, & edits. I have shared this countless times & I am not ashamed by it. But if I am getting past that & down into the dirty stuff in my life right now… although it doesn't look the same, I still struggle with body image, beauty, & control.
If I feel ugly, it can completely ruin my day & in a split second I question my beauty all together. But isn't beauty more than the way we look? How can I question my beauty based on something that is the smallest factor of true beauty? "If only our eyes saw souls instead of bodies... how very different our ideals of beauty would be."
It seems like I am living a bona fide life… when you look at my Instagram, you will see an "honest" feed about my struggles with type 1 diabetes, my dreams to have kids someday, inspiring quotes, & a handful of picture of myself........................ that I have edited to make myself feel more beautiful. If I take a picture & I don't think I look good enough, I don't hesitate for one second before I am editing it to make me look "better"! I have my own set of scary standards... that usually include making myself smaller, patching my pimples, & defining my freckles. It started out harmless, I would edit my arms just a little bit or make my the curves of my stomach smaller, but a little here and a little there & over time it has altered my perception of beauty.
Every time I edit a picture, whether to make my arms a bit thinner or my waistline more narrow… I am saying I am not good enough the way I am. Yet, I don't believe that at all. Oh, it's just a little nip & tuck on my arms (just a little)… it can't hurt anyone. True, maybe it won't hurt anyone, but it surely hurts me & my view of myself. It hurts the control we have to inspire girls to think of their bodies as beautiful no matter what shape, size, or weight they are. I am passionate about telling girls that they are beautiful & unique & perfect just the way they are; but for me, it's different... it's not enough. If I don't think I am pretty without nipping and tucking my arms, then how do I expect them to feel pretty in their own skin.
Absolutely no more! I want girls to be able to look at me & really see me "imperfections and all". I want my life to be an example that we don't have to be perfect to be beautiful. There is so much unique beauty in each of us, if we just open our eyes & search for it. None of the photos on my instagram or blog or anything for that matter will be re-touched. Raw. Honest. Finding the beauty that is already there, without the need to re-touch it. Finding beauty in my imperfections instead of editing them away.
Feel good about the unedited version of yourself.
Let the world see you without filters.
Be rooted in truth, rooted in self-love, rooted in confidence.
Put yourself out there & be the reason the worlds perception of beauty is changed.
Accept your flaws & imperfections.
Be proud of the things that make you unique.
Love your curves or lack-there-of.
Be YOU.
Live genuine.
If I told you, I thought I was beautiful I would be lying. I have a hard time loving myself & not being critical about something... anything! Yeah, sometimes I feel cute or pretty, but more often than not, I look in the mirror & wish for a different body. Sometimes when I look at my arms I wish the "reshape" tool was a real thing so I could make my arms look how I think they should. How totally screwed up. Typing those words out on my computer, makes this real, really sad… there is no one else in the world with a body just like mine & I would be willing to throw it away to have a different one, someone else's; one that's no longer unique to me, one that fits the mold.
Bona Fide: (adj) not counterfeit or copied.
Real: (adj) fact, actual, true
Genuine: (adj) not fake, not pretended, undisputed credibility
We all have struggles & insecurities, & I choose to bring them them out into the open, so that you know you're not alone. We have an opportunity to kill the worlds completely altered ideas of beauty & replace them with ideals of grace, self-love, confidence, & honesty. From here on out, what you see is what you get, & I will intentionally aim to fall in love with every inch of my body... un-edited & un-touched.
You are beautiful JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.
You are good enough JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.
You are loved JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.
You are ___________ JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.


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Our practice boasts one of the most experienced Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons in the Boston area.
Downloadable Materials
Oculoplastic and Facial Cosmetic Surgery brochure [PDF] Ophthalmic plastic surgery is cosmetic, corrective, and reconstructive surgery involving the eye area. These highly specialized surgeons manage and repair problems related to the tissues or structures surrounding the eye, rather than the eyeball itself. These structures include the eyelids, the tear ducts, and the orbit (bony socket surrounding the eye). Ophthalmic plastic surgeons are board-certified ophthalmologists who have completed several years of additional training in ophthalmic plastic surgery. Dr. Freitag's experience in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery has been enhanced by her unique alliance with the Dermatologic Surgeons in our practice. Mohs surgery is sometimes combined with reconstructive surgery of the eye and face. We provide the unique opportunity for our patients to have their Mohs Surgery and their Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgery performed at the same facility on the same day; thus preventing our patients from having to travel from one facility to another. This provides a dual expert approach to the patient's procedure. If you are looking for experience, innovation, and excellence, please feel free to contact us to explore your eyelid and facial plastic surgery options and learn how you can look your best.
Dr. Freitag's Special Interests
- Eyelid Malposition: Repair of droopy upper lids, in-turning or out-turning lower lids, eyelid scarring.
- Lacrimal (Tear Duct) Disorders: Evaluation of tearing, balloon dacryoplasty, endoscopic tear duct surgery.
- Eyelid Skin Cancer: Excision of lesions and reconstruction of eyelids.
- Pediatric Eyelid & Lacrimal Disorders: Evaluation and treatment of children with droopy lids or tearing problems.
- Eye Socket & Eyelid Trauma: Evaluation and repair of fractures. Repair of eyelid injuries.
- Orbital Tumors: Diagnosis and management of tumors of the eye socket.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: Evaluation and treatment, including orbital decompression, muscle surgery, and eyelid repositioning.
Cosmetic Procedures
- Upper and Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: The removal of wrinkled skin and bulging fat from the eyelids restores a more youthful appearance and reduces the feeling of heaviness caused by these excess tissues.
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery
Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Specializes the eyelids, orbit, and lacrimal system surgery
Facial cosmetic surgery


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Top Items:
Protection from Adware, Spam, Viruses, Online Scams:
The State of Search Engine Safety … Key Findings — Overall, 4.0% of search results link to risky Web sites, which marks an improvement from 5.0% in May 2006. Dangerous sites are found in search results of all 5 of the top US search engines (representing 93% of all search engine use).
Discussion: Today @ PC World, Podcasting News, Security Fix, The Browser, Search Engine Land, Between the Lines and Social Strategist
Tom Spring / Today @ PC World: Study: Dangerous Side of Search Engines
Brian Krebs / Security Fix: Report Shows 7 Percent of Sponsored Links Dangerous
Oliverryan / The Browser: Your searches: 96% safe
Barry Schwartz / Search Engine Land: Search Results Getting Safer
Jay Neely / Social Strategist: Occasional Links: Valleywag Bashing, Mobile Marketing Shirts, and Search Safety
Joseph Menn / Los Angeles Times:
Online tunes are more risky than Web porn — About 9% of adult sites produce spyware, adware or spam, compared with 19% of digital music sites found in a study by McAfee. — Whatever threat online pornography might pose to society's morals, online music might pose a bigger threat to society's computers.
Discussion: broadbandreports.com and JD on EP
John Dowdell / JD on EP: Sex safer than music: Classic clickbaiting title, eh?
Neil J. Rubenking / PC Magazine:
McAfee Reports Drop in Malicious Search Results
McAfee Reports Drop in Malicious Search Results
Stephen Withers / ITWire: Music and tech searches risker than porn
Jeremy Guscott / Times of London:
Bono and Rubinstein plan to shake Palm — Palm sells 25 per cent stake to Bono's Elevation Partners and invites key former iPod chief to shake up the Treo maker — Palm has sold a 25 per cent stake to a private equity partner in a move that will bring two key former Apple executives …
Discussion: PC World: Techlog
Harry McCracken / PC World: Techlog: Palm Gets Money, New Blood
Wall Street Journal:
Palm to Sell 25% Stake, Overhaul Board
Palm to Sell 25% Stake, Overhaul Board
Discussion: GigaOM, mocoNews.net, 24/7 Wall St., VentureBeat, bub.blicio.us, Gadgetell, Mobility Site and BloggingStocks
Om Malik / GigaOM: Palm's last stand, with a bit of Elevation
Matt Marshall / VentureBeat: Palm sells 25 percent stake to Elevation for $325M — Apple ghost follows
Doug Berger / Gadgetell: Palm to sell 25% of company to former Apple execs, Bono
Jack Cook / Mobility Site: Numbers ... it's all about numbers
Douglas McIntyre / BloggingStocks: Palm doesn't get acquired
New York Times:
Palm Is Said to Sell Stake to Equity Firm in Revamping
Palm Is Said to Sell Stake to Equity Firm in Revamping
Discussion: Sramana Mitra on Strategy
Sramana Mitra / Sramana Mitra on Strategy: Palm Gets Rubinstein
Business Wire:
Palm Announces Strategic Recapitalization With Elevation Partners …
Palm Announces Strategic Recapitalization With Elevation Partners …
Discussion: Epicenter, Macworld, Tech Trader Daily, TreoCentral and Between the Lines
Terrence Russell / Epicenter: Palm Revamps With 25% Stake Sell To Equity Firm
Peter Cohen / Macworld: Palm to add former Apple CFO, iPod head to board
Eric Savitz / Tech Trader Daily: Palm: Elevation Takes Stake; $9/Share Special Distribution; Rubenstein Exec Chairman
Thomas Ricker / Engadget:
Palm sells 25% stake to Bono and former Apple execs
Palm sells 25% stake to Bono and former Apple execs
Discussion: Jason Stamper's Blog, Switched, Phone Scoop and Gadget Lab
Jason Stamper / Jason Stamper's Blog: Joshua Treo: Bono invests in Palm
Tim Stevens / Switched: Bono and Apple Alumni Invest in Palm
Charlie Sorrel / Gadget Lab: Bono and Ex-Apple Execs Buy 25% of Palm
Think Secret:
With iPhone launch date out, other details emerge — A trio of iPhone television commercials Sunday night delivered the news many have been waiting for: June 29. That's the day that customers will be able to take home an Apple iPhone. — Just weeks ago, Apple had been targeting …
Discussion: last100, CNET News.com, CyberNet Technology News, The Mobile Gadgeteer, Epicenter, TechSpot News and MacDailyNews
Steve O'Hear / last100: iPhone release date; ad campaign begins
Caroline McCarthy / CNET News.com: Apple junkies, mark your calendars: iPhone on June 29
Matthew Miller / The Mobile Gadgeteer: Is the Apple iPhone really that fast?
Adario Strange / Epicenter: Apple Unleashes IPhone Commercials, Reveals Release Date
Jose Vilches / TechSpot News: Apple iPhone to debut on June 29
Launch date for iPhone revealed — Apple has confirmed that its much-anticipated iPhone product will launch on 29 June in the US. — The date was given in a series of TV adverts broadcast on Sunday, and was later confirmed by a spokesman for the California-based company.
Discussion: Between the Lines, Hardware 2.0, MediaVidea and SMS Text News
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes / Hardware 2.0: iPhone - Out June 29th
Pramit Singh / MediaVidea: Can the iPhone rescue the mobile phone industry?
Alex / SMS Text News: 29th June is iPhone day
Caroline McCarthy / CNET News.com:
Yahoo opens Panama search ad platform — Yahoo announced Monday that its Panama search advertising platform is now open to third parties. — Under Panama, which was launched in February, sponsored search results are based on items such as relevancy and not just on the advertiser's bid price.
Discussion: rexduffdixon.com
Rex Dixon / rexduffdixon.com: Panama is open for third parties...
PR Newswire:
Yahoo! Opens Access to Search Marketing Platform APIs — Dedicated third-party partner services and free, open access to Yahoo!'s "Panama" advertising platform technology will drive further growth and innovation in digital advertising — SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 4, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall …
Discussion: TechCrunch and Search Engine Land
Duncan Riley / TechCrunch: Yahoo Opens Panama Gates With API Program
Barry Schwartz / Search Engine Land: Yahoo Search Marketing Adds Free & Paid API Access
Martin LaMonica / CNET News.com:
Microsoft teams with Linux distributor Xandros — Microsoft and Linux distributor Xandros announced on Monday a technical and legal collaboration, the latest step in the software giant's ongoing program to partner with open-source companies. — Over the next five years, the two companies said …
Discussion: Todd Bishop's Microsoft Blog, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and TechSpot News
Justin Mann / TechSpot News: Microsoft and Xandros team up for interoperability
PR Newswire:
Microsoft, Xandros Broad Collaboration Agreement Extends Bridge Between Commercial Open Source and Microsoft Software — REDMOND, Washington, and NEW YORK, June 4 /PRNewswire/ — Agreement enhances mixed-source customer choice and features business, technical and IP collaboration.
Discussion: TechCrunch, BetaNews, All about Microsoft, eWEEK.com, Computer Business Review and Jeremy's Blog
Mary Jo Foley / All about Microsoft: Did Xandros sign a Novell-like patent deal with Microsoft? Yes.
Peter Galli / eWEEK.com: Microsoft Gives Xandros Linux Users Patent Protection
Matthew Aslett / Computer Business Review: Xandros has signed a Microsoft patent deal.
Jeremy / Jeremy's Blog: Xandros signs up with Microsoft
Joshua Karp / The Boy Genius Report:
Apple iPhone details a plenty — Now that we all know when the iPhone is dropping, some further details about Apple's upcoming wireless Coup de'Tat are in order. Here's a short rundown for your viewing pleasure: — 1. The iPhone will interact with your Mac through iPhoto and iTunes …
Discussion: Mobility Site, MacDailyNews and Gadgetell
Cleve Nettles / 9 to 5 Mac:
Some VERY Interesting iPhone Developments
Some VERY Interesting iPhone Developments
Luigi Lugmayr / I4U News: iPhone to feature Tabbed Browsing
Guy Kawasaki / How to Change the World:
By the Numbers: How I built a Web 2.0, User-Generated Content, Citizen Journalism, Long-Tail, Social Media Site for $12,107.09 — Because of Truemors, I've learned a lot about launching a company in these "Web 2.0" times. Here's quick overview "by the numbers." — 0. I wrote 0 business plans for it.
Discussion: Download Squad, Valleywag, SYNTAGMA, Zoli's Blog, Macsimum News, PC4Media and Roam4free
John Evans / SYNTAGMA: How to launch a Web 2.0 business for peanuts
Dennis Sellers / Macsimum News: Metafy ships Trickler! for Truemors.com
Pat Phelan / Roam4free: Kawasaki shows how its done
Nick Wingfield / Wall Street Journal:
A Start-Up's Risky Niche: Movie-Based Videogames — LOS ANGELES — For decades, videogame companies have drawn inspiration from Hollywood, borrowing movie characters, settings and story lines for game titles. But the results have been decidedly mixed, leading to a checkered reputation …
Discussion: paidContent.org and DealBreaker.com
The Earth Times Online Newspaper:
Brash Entertainment Launches with $400 Million Investment led by ABRY Partners LLC
Brash Entertainment Launches with $400 Million Investment led by ABRY Partners LLC
Discussion: VentureBeat and rexduffdixon.com
Matt Marshall / VentureBeat: Brash raises $400M for new video game company
Rex Dixon / rexduffdixon.com: $400 million unite gaming and Hollywood
Sony price cut for Blu-ray player — Sony has cut $100 (£50) off the price of its new next-generation DVD player as it tries to get ahead in the market. — The BDP-S300 now costs $499 - half what the firm's first Blu-ray player cost at its launch six months ago.
Discussion: TechSpot News
Jose Vilches / TechSpot News: Sony cuts price on new Blu-ray player
Peter Svensson / Associated Press:
Sony cuts price on new Blu-ray player
Sony cuts price on new Blu-ray player
Discussion: Ars Technica, CNET News.com, Engadget and CrunchGear
Erica Ogg / CNET News.com: Sony lops $100 off Blu-ray player price tag
Thomas Ricker / Engadget: Sony's BDP-S300 Blu-ray player now less than a PS3
Peter Ha / CrunchGear: Sony Slashes Price on Blu-ray Player
Michael Arrington / TechCrunch:
Microsoft: Silicon Valley Team Building Stealth Search Engine — Microsoft has gathered a team of twenty or more "rock star" developers who've been tasked at building their next generation search engine, a source has told us. The team, which supposedly came together recently …
Discussion: parislemon, WebProNews, DealBreaker.com, rexduffdixon.com, Search Engine Watch Blog, I4U News and Microsoft News Tracker
David A. Utter / WebProNews: Microsoft Building New Engine, World Shrugs
Joe Weisenthal / DealBreaker.com: Opening Bell: 6.04.07 — Palm Sells 25% Stake to Elevation Partners …
Kevin Newcomb / Search Engine Watch Blog: Microsoft Planning Next Search Engine?
David Hunter / Microsoft News Tracker: Microsoft stealth search engine buzz
Microsoft Details Dynamic IT Strategy at Tech •Ed 2007 — Bob Muglia demonstrates new technology innovations designed to help IT professionals and developers evolve their organizations. — ORLANDO, Fla. — June 4, 2007 — Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business …
Discussion: All about Microsoft and Windows Vista Team Blog
Mary Jo Foley / All about Microsoft: Windows Server 2008 Core gets a new role
Brooks Barnes / Wall Street Journal:
Hearst-Argyle, YouTube to Share Revenue From TV Video Clips — Hearst-Argyle Television Inc., one of the nation's largest operators of local TV stations, will distribute news, weather and entertainment video to Google Inc.'s YouTube in a revenue-sharing agreement.
Mathew Ingram / The Globe and Mail: YouTube does ad-share deal
Greg Sterling / Screenwerk: YouTube News: Apple TV and Local TV
Cory Bergman / Lost Remote: Hearst-Argyle stations ink deal with YouTube
Marshall Kirkpatrick / splashcastmedia.com: YouTube Signs Deal for Local News - But Viewers Already Uploading Bloopers!
Shelly Palmer / Media 3.0 with Shelly Palmer: MediaBytes - 06/04/07 — HEARST-ARGYLE TELEVISION has signed …
Hollywoodreporter / Reel Pop: Hearst-Argyle TV in rev share with YouTube
The Smoking Gun:
Google As Terror Tool? — One of the plotters behind the alleged scheme to explode gas pipelines at John F. Kennedy airport directed his co-conspirators to use Google Earth to obtain detailed aerial photos of the targeted facility. In a federal criminal complaint, an excerpt from which you'll find below …
Drew / Dembot:
Rocketboom Sponsorship Launch — Tomorrow on Monday we will be launching a new sponsorship model on Rocketboom! — Just over a year ago, we ran out money for Rocketboom. … The plan had materialized months prior but I never wanted to take the risk. I certainly was into the excitement, but what if no one bid?
Discussion: Daily Feed, Epicenter, Mashable!, NewTeeVee and Podcasting News
David Hirschman / Daily Feed: ROCKETBOOM LAUNCHES SPONSORSHIPS, YOUTUBE SIGNS ON
Adario Strange / Epicenter: Rocketboom Lands YouTube Sponsorship
Kristen Nicole / Mashable!: Rocketboom's New Sponsorship Program Launches with YouTube
Liz Gannes / NewTeeVee: YouTube Sponsors Rocketboom
Constance Loizos / Mercury News:
N.Y.-based IAC to open Bay Area venture — FIRM'S STYLE ALARMS SOME AREA START-UPS — IAC/InterActive Corp., the New York-based media and e-commerce conglomerate run by former Hollywood mogul Barry Diller, already has pieced together an empire of dozens of Web properties …
Discussion: Venture Chronicles, paidContent.org and VentureBeat


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Non-stop Hello Kitty theme bento this week!!! Looks like after my visit to Bangkok Hello Kitty House Cafe still made me think about Hello Kitty :D Whenever I started to do my sketches.....still prefer to design Kitty-chan!! hahaha Better think about other design next week!!!
Well, today's lunch I cooked some pasta with tomato paste (sauce at container) This bento is simple and I'm sure you all can do it ^_^
Here is the closer look of the Hello Kitty Egg sheet. I use the same bento box (picture above) to cut out eggsheet for circle shape. Freehand scissor cut out nori for Kitty-chan face features. Underneath is the cooked pasta. Tomato ketchup as ribbon ^_^
Pour the tomato pasta sauce into the small container with cover. Arrange the sausages on top of cover container and follow by adding broccoli and tamagoyaki. Lastly, decorate with some kawaii HK food picks!
Ta-daa....isn't easy? Hope you like it too ^_^ Happy Thursday!
Thursday, 28 August 2014
Bento2014#Aug28~Kitty-Chan Again
Labels: Bento, eggs, Hello Kitty, Lunch, Sanrio
2 comments:
Thank you so much for spending some time to read my blog and leave some comments....loved to hear from you!! Hugs & cheers!
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If you're not already familiar with Canada, it's the country that sits atop America's head like a large, misshapen hat. In the interest of furthering your Canadian education, below you'll find all of the Canadian prime ministers listed in order of hotness. Now just commit this list to memory, and you'll really wow that Canadian you know! Then maybe you can convince them to smuggle you some cheap prescription drugs.
Feel free to thank me by following us on Facebook or Twitter, or by sending me some cupcakes in the mail.
(Note: Please do not poison the cupcakes, because I'll tell you right now that I'm too lazy to check my cupcakes for poison before eating them.)
1. Justin Trudeau
Justin Trudeau is the whole package! He's handsome, he has a job, he has a giant tattoo of a bird on his arm, he smells amazing, and he is able to balance babies on one hand.
I don't know why that's the whole package, but it is. Best to just accept it and move on.
2. John Turner
Uh oh. I think I'm in love. And with a Canadian! What am I going to tell my mom?
(Wait, I know—I'll tell her he's American!)
3. Pierre Trudeau
If you aren't convinced that Pierre Trudeau deserves the #3 spot, just check out this series of photos of him behaving abnormally.
4. Arthur Meighen
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Arthur Meighen is ranked way too high. He looks like a skeleton. A handsome skeleton, sure, but the more I look at this photo the more I…wait. I think he just hypnotized me a little. Yep. I've definitely been hypnotized by this photo of Arthur Meighen, and now I have to do its bidding."
But I'm going to have to stop you right there, because you're boring me!
5. Sir Mackenzie Bowell
It's hard to tell what Sir Mackenzie Bowell looked like, because this is just a photo of a giant beard. (I ranked him pretty high anyway—just in case.)
6. Sir Robert Borden
Sir Robert Borden became prime minister as part of a nationwide talent search to find the toughest-looking Canadian. Once the winner was picked, Sir Borden challenged him to a wrestling match and threw him off a cliff, thus becoming prime minister.
7. Louis St. Laurent
Louis St. Laurent looks like he should be commanding a missile base in Dr. Strangelove. And who knows, maybe he did! I don't know anything about Canadian history.
8. Kim Campbell
If you were hoping to be the first female prime minister of Canada, then I've got some bad news: You're 20 years too late. Also, you're a man. Sorry!
9. Mackenzie King
If your house is being haunted by a former Canadian prime minister, it's probably the ghost of Mackenzie King. Just leave out a plate of poutine for him before you go to bed, and then he'll stop levitating your furniture all the time. (If you're sure that's what you want.)
10. Brian Mulroney
I could tell you how Brian Mulroney got the nickname "The Lawnmower Bandit," but that would spoil the surprise!
11. Lester B. Pearson
Lester Pearson isn't angry—he's just disappointed in you.
12. R.B. Bennett
It wasn't easy being the richest man in Canada during the Great Depression.
OK, it was sort of easy. Just, you know, not as easy as usual.
13. Joe Clark
There's something about Joe Clark that makes me think of Mr. Rogers. Maybe it's the way he's smiling with his mouth slightly open. Maybe it's the way he wears a lot of cardigans and rides a trolley to work and talks to imaginary tigers. Whatever it is, I like it, and I want to be his neighbor.
14. Paul Martin
If you're a fan of Paul Martin, you can see him in person by traveling to Montreal, driving to his house, shimmying up the drainpipe, crawling through his bedroom window, and shouting "Wake up, Paul Martin!"
15. Stephen Harper
Look at this photo and see if you can guess which one of these adorable critters is the former prime minister of Canada. You might be surprised by the answer!
16. Jean Chrétien
Did you know that Jean Chrétien was elected to Parliament even though he didn't speak English? The Canadian people aren't very picky.
17. Sir Wilfrid Laurier
You might recognize Sir Wilfrid Laurier from seeing him on the Canadian 5-dollar bill, like if you've ever stolen a Canadian's wallet.
18. Sir John A. Macdonald
Sir John A. Macdonald was the first prime minister of Canada. (The last prime minister of Canada will be a sentient supercomputer.)
19. Sir John Thompson
Remember the time the U.S. told Canada that only American seal hunters were allowed to hunt seals in the Bering Sea? Ha! That was classic.
Sir John Thompson is still pretty mad about it though. He loves eating seals!
20. John Diefenbaker
History will always remember John Diefenbaker as one of the few real-life instances of a James Bond-style supervillain seizing control of a country.
21. Sir John Abbott
—Where would you like to be photographed, Mr. Prime Minister?
—I've got the perfect spot right here, in front of this disgusting blanket.
—Uh, I'm not sure…
—Now, make sure you get the whole blanket in there. I'll just sit in this chair here and think about how much I hate politics. Mmmmmm.
22. Alexander Mackenzie
Unlike every other early prime minister of Canada, Alexander Mackenzie refused to be knighted. "I'll be king or I'll be nothing!" he said.
23. Sir Charles Tupper
Here's a fashion tip from Sir Charles Tupper: Trim your nails into pointy, vampire-like talons. There. Now you're ready for summer!


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2016 is here! Eeeekk! So crazy! Even though we're designers, we think we speak for most people when we say that, as soon as you take down those Christmas decorations, you're ready for some updates in your home. The way I see it, you've run through each season with your current decorations, taken them all down to put up the fall and christmas decor and now that you've removed all of the christmas decor, it's like you either start recycling or refresh. We're all for recycling but in this case, a refresh would be nice too. :)
If you're looking to update your bathroom in 2016, here are some trends to plan for. Remember, it's always better to design for what's up and coming so you get more for your money!
Tile in bathrooms isn't a new thing, but it's being used a little more creatively in the 2016 bathroom. Don't set the tile the way you've always seen it, try for something a little more creative. You like clean, you say? Well that's ok! Still use a clean looking tile--white subway or a simple solid, just set it in an unexpected way! Oversized and we mean OVERSIZED! tile is also in for bathrooms in 2016. Going for larger in scale always makes a big impact.
We're going back to nature, folks! The prediction for 2016 is that you'll see much more natural elements in bathroom design, from wood on the walls to more natural stone flooring...you may even find nature in other bathroom elements like stone tubs. The zen feel is where it's at! Does that mean 2016 is a year for relaxing?! ;)
Bathrooms that feel more like living rooms. That's right. We've been making this move in the kitchen for a couple of years and now it's happening in the bathroom. Bringing in more furniture pieces to make the space feel more like a living area rather than a wet area is what's happening! That means arm chairs, ottomans, rugs...all that layers to cozy it up!
Don't worry if you've been incorporating gold and copper in your spaces--it's still sticking around for the new year. The only difference that you can expect is more of the matte look. There won't be as much polished brass and chrome as there will be matte gold and brushed silver.
In the same way the furniture for bathrooms will tend more toward living furniture, the lighting will be less about function and brightness and more about mood. Layer lighting between chandeliers and sconces...maybe even rope or recessed lighting. All of these lighting layers make a space feel more relaxing, comfortable, and homey.
Finally, be on the lookout for two shower heads in master showers for 2016. By shower heads, we don't mean two of your typical shower heads in one shower, we mean the mix of the rain shower and the hand-held. This combo works well for functionality--you can have a relaxing drip while also being able to rinse the shampoo out of your hair, and also have the convenience of cleaning the shower. It's visually attractive too!
Overall, we're liking what's in store for bathrooms in 2016! Sounds like there's going to be a lot of relaxed people out there!


text: So after years of owning a beautiful, record player, gifted to me for my high school graduation, (RIP) I finally caved and got a Crosley for convenience and well, because they are just too darn cute. I've racked up a collection of records over the past few years but got the itch to start accumulating more (thank god for Amazon!) Here are just a few of my favorites, old & new!


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Gemma + Steve | Haughton Church + The Moat House
I have just finished the design of one of the best weddings I have ever photographed! Gemma + Steve are such an amazing couple and I had an absolute blast with them!br/>
Gemma + Steve were married on Saturday at Haughton Church and it was such a beautiful day – it's safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed sharing 'The Fishers' special day with them and the photos look absolutely stunning. As has been the wonderful trend this year, Gemma + Steve have chosen the sublime Jorgensen Album in which to present their story and the order was sent to Gary and the gang in Perth on 5th July (less than 38hrs after finishing shooting!!) and I simply cannot wait to share it with you all!! Little touches on the day were fantastic, with Gem looking amazing in her dress from Mix'n'Match in Rugeley – the best bridal shop in the town! – and one of my favourites points of the day, Cartoon Kings setting an awesome feeling for the party – they're a great band!
In the meantime, here is a mammoth post of their wedding…


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See you later!


text: If the theme of my last Connected States column was about friends on the road, this one is about strangers. Those people who you never would have met if you hadn't ventured from the nest. On the road through Montana, Idaho, and Oregon, I was lucky enough to meet some rather wonderful unfamiliars, some of whom really saved my bacon.


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Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies AO CSC, Described the trial as a significant step in the development of the KC-30A's capability.
"Our KC-30A is an essential force multiplier. Mid-air refueling is critical to ensuring global reach for our aircraft, our people and our equipment, "Air Marshal Davies
said." Refueling between the KC-30A and F-35A is an important step towards the KC-30A's achievement of Final Operational Capability (FOC) and represents continued progress in the development of the F-35A.
"This achievement is significant Because The future of Australia's air combat capability is reliant on the successful partnership between Reviews These two aircraft and our ability to be interoperable with our international partners," Air Marshal Davies said.
The KC-30A has two refueling systems - the hose-and-drogue refueling Boom System and Advanced (ARBs). The two different refueling systems allow the RAAF to support a wide range of coalition aircraft on Operation Okra where a KC-30A is currently deployed to support combat operations against Daesh in Iraq and Syria.
The five KC-30As are based at RAAF Base Amberley (QLD ) and Air Force will receive an additional two in 2018. A single KC-30A can carry a fuel load of more than 100 tonnes and REMAIN 1800 kilometers from its home base with 50 tonnes of fuel available for offload, for four hours.
Australia has committed to 72 F-35As for Williamtown and Tindal RAAF Bases, with the first aircraft arriving in late 2018. The F-35A will replace the aging F / A-18A / B Hornet with a 5th-generation fighter aircraft networked.
The Royal Australian Air Force new KC-30A Tanker test fuel transfer to the F-35A Lightning II.


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I have a constantly updated Excel file containing address information which I am currently copying into the attributes of new polygons which I am creating on a daily basis. I am currently doing this my manually by copying the address across from the Excel file each time a add a new polygon.
I am looking for a way of automating this process. After producing my polygon I would like a drop down box/ or search function of a unique ID which once selected will fillout the correct attributes by pulling them from the Excel file.
I am new to arcgis 10 and would have previously used the VBA editor to have a go at this (no expert). However, I see that unlike the previous versions there is not longer and VBA editor and has been replaced by python, which I am unfamiliar with. I have also spotted the model builder tool, not sure if this could be used to solve my problem? So really I'm just asking for a point in the right direction.
Is there any scripts available to solve a similar problem which I can modify?


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Naked the Night Sings, a guest post at OWW, and linkage/
A few brief notes (and links) to bring you up-to-date:
I'm back on Tumblr and my feed runs through the sidebar here at my website.
I've also set up a feed for BookSworn, a great new collective blog where I join several of genre fiction's newest authors for blogposts and giveaways and lots of cool stuff. Check us out.
A Guest Post and Anthologies
I have a guest post on the May 2013 Online Writing Workshop for Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror monthly newsletter where I talk about world building. You do NOT have to be a member to read the newsletter. If you're looking for an excellent online writing community, give OWW a shot.
I'm excited (and really honored) to have been invited to participate in two different anthologies. Whether or not my stories will appear in these works is contingent on acceptance by the editors, but I'm thrilled to have an opportunity to submit to both of them.
The first anthology is Manifesto: UF. I'm about 500 words into the short story for this anthology, a dark tale that is tentatively entitled "Naked the Night Sings."
The second is for Neverland's Library Anthology, which is still in the starter phase. Neverland's Library Anthology hopes to raise funds for First Book, a charity that gives children in need access to new books. Neverland's Library Anthology is being funded through Indiegogo, so if you want to see this anthology happen, check out their site. Go over and give so we can see Roger dance on his car ... go on, you know you want that ...
I am approximately 6,000 words into a new novel, and the working title is Cygnet Moon. I'm enjoying the story immensely. I'm also in the zero draft, which means that writing is going very quickly. There is a teeny-teeny excerpt from Cygnet Moon on my Tumblr page and you can see that here.
In light of all the fiction projects that I have going on right now, I may be a little MIA here at the old blog. I am also taking a brief hiatus from blogging and guest posts.
I used to really, really envy people who wrote prolifically, and I never thought that I would reach this point. Two things happened: I finished writing Garden in Umber, which was an exceptionally hard novel to write, and I finished my first short story in over twenty years. Whether or not anyone else is pleased with those projects remains to be seen, but I am exceptionally pleased with both.
I think after about five years of writing, I have finally discovered my own process and what works for me. I write best when I create a brief synopsis for an idea, then simply begin to write. Once the first draft is finished, I turn it over to beta readers, who give me their input. I do not touch or look at the work while the beta readers have it. Then when the story comes back to me with their comments, I edit accordingly, set the story aside for a day or two, then edit once more.
Now that I understand how my mind processes my stories and how the characters reveal themselves to me, I can work a little faster. It's taken a long time and a lot of practice to reach this point.
So before I leave, a teaser for you ... the opening paragraph from "Naked the Night Sings":
If color were sound, this would be a song of blue, low and sultry, bittersweet—but not a requiem. Not yet. These are merely the opening notes, the long low growl of a guitar, a player in pain, and he sings his song in a harmony of indigo and black.
As my boys in Garden in Umber are known to say ... watch for me ...


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Question: What do Kyocera—a worldwide leader in rugged mobile solutions—and Corrigo—an innovative technology company that delivers software as a service (SaaS) and mobile solutions—have in a common? The answer may surprise you. Both companies view facilities managers as a critical part of their business operations, and are creating and marketing technology products that fit the very unique needs of those in this important industry. Kyocera's rugged phones have always been a good choice for rugged industries like facilities management in retail, property management and hospitality, among others, and are areas where Corrigo has a strong presence. As such, our collaboration with Corrigo creates special value and opportunity for our customers.
Corrigo differentiates themselves with a platform that supports every link in the work order value chain—its customers range from Fortune 50 companies to mom-and-pops—proudly working with customers from very large to very small. While other software platforms are all about the schedule, or the purchase order, or the accounting, Corrigo manages everything that touches the work. If work orders are at the center of your world, you'll find in Corrigo a platform that fits how you work.
Corrigo delivers value for its users by supporting improved service delivery and better P&L impacts through every facilities management decision. Furthermore, Corrigo delivers rock-solid reliability and security, comparable to cloud companies like Amazon.
To provide a bit more context, the Corrigo technology platform powers the management of facilities in multi-site environments. Founded in 1999, the company was one of the first five SaaS startups in Silicon Valley. Corrigo's powerful and flexible solutions are successfully deployed in numerous industries including restaurant, retail, property management, hospitality, healthcare, homebuilding, manufacturing, distribution and all kinds of service businesses.
Kyocera and Corrigo joined forces in March 2015, shortly after Kyocera participated in a Corrigo User Conference. Corrigo was in the market to find a device partner and Kyocera, given its rugged DNA and collaboration with field workers, agreed it made perfect sense to collaborate with Corrigo and be one of its sponsors for its event. It's been a match made in facilities-management heaven. The two companies have worked together on joint initiatives – including a rebate program for Kyocera devices and Intuit® Field Service Management software powered by Corrigo – collaborating to improve the lives of facility workers in the field. Kyocera has also provided its DuraForce and Brigadier devices to Corrigo to conduct solution demonstrations at industry events and customer presentations.
The DuraForce and Brigadier lines of Kyocera rugged devices, excluding flip phones, are tested and certified for all Corrigo mobile apps.
Next up for both companies is the 2016 PRSM National Conference—the largest, most widely recognized retail facilities-management event in North America, which takes place April 24-27 in Long Beach, California. Kyocera and Corrigo each have their own booths at the event—Kyocera will be at booth #850 showcasing our rugged mobile device portfolio and demonstrating how facilities managers can improve their bottom lines. Corrigo will be at booth #665 showing off its Enterprise platform for facilities management and its Pro platform for service providers supporting the facilities industry.
If you are onsite at PRSM next week, please be sure to stop by the Kyocera (#850) and Corrigo (#665) booths to learn more about our collaborative technology initiatives to make facilities work smarter and more efficient. Kyocera will also be raffling off our rugged devices during the show to a handful of lucky attendees. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Dr. Muzibul Khan joined Kyocera Communications, Inc. in 2013. He is responsible for Corporate and Technology Planning functions, charting the evolution of the business plan and technology portfolio for KCI, which finished 2013 as the fourth-ranked cell-phone manufacturer in the U.S. market. Before joining Kyocera, Dr. Khan served in senior leadership roles in the global telecommunications industry, including Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Huawei Devices USA, head of Research & Development for Nokia CDMA terminals, Vice President of Product Management & Engineering for the wireless terminals division of Samsung Telecommunications America, and Technical Manager for Systems Engineering, Standards & Regulatory Compliance at Lucent Technologies.


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- Registration
- Fair
- Students
- Teachers
- Judges
- Sponsors
- Mentors
- Information
- Help
- User
Congratulations to the 2015 Winners
We would like to congratulate the participants and winners of the 2015 Mercer Science and Engineering Fair. The 2015 fair results are now online. Photos are on our MSEF Facebook page. Our Broadcom Masters award winners should make sure they enter their project in the next phase of competition as soon as possible. We have had students move on to the next level but you have to enter your project to be chosen.
Our grand prize winner in the Senior Division was Sandra Baskharon from Hamilton High East with her project Offloading Neuromechanical Interface Control to Multiplexed Prosthetic Devices Using Interactive RFID Enabled Microcontrollers. Sandra will be competing with over 1600 finalist at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, PA in May.


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. . . what the editors at BadTV would like to know about Mr. Arriaga (writer of Babel and Amores Perroes).
1. How many students are there in film schools in Mexico? Is there a production culture within Mexico,
or is it a case of the young and talented kids going abroad to study elsewhere and then returning to Mexico
to make a film? For instance, the movie Japon.
2. How much is the Mexican cinema influenced by the Casa de Cultura. Any visitor to Mexico is impressed by
the pride in local artists in even the smallest town, and could it be that movies come from this sort of
encouragement of all visual arts?
3. Duck Season, Japon, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Amores Perroes. These movies reflect a national identity.
When is it likely that movies will be more regional? That a movie comes from Oaxaca or Chiapas, or even
more distinctly, from the Istmo, or still more narrowly, from the muxes in Juchitan?
4. If Mr. Arriaga had to rewrite a classic American movie from fifty years ago, which would he choose to
rewrite and why?
5. Does Mr. Arriaga have fifty screenplays under his bed, or is he writing them one at a time? What is the
ideal situation in which to write? And when do the best ideas pop into his head?
6. What cinema does Mr. Arriaga find himself attracted to when he goes to the video store? Belgian, Japanese,
the new Southeast Asian, Taiwan, Australian?
7. The architect Frank Gehry (who built the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao) was planning on being an airplane
pilot when he was 23 years old. What did Mr. Arriaga think he would do as an adult career when he was 17?
And when he was 23?
8. Why are American movies (estadounidenses y mexicano) so violent?
9. Why hasn't somebody made a movie about Octavio Paz in India?
10. Has Mr. Arriaga been to Zipolite?
11. Mr. Arriaga played a small role in the movie The Three Burials of Melquies Estrada. If he had a role to
play in a small budget movie, would he rather be the impotent lover or the murderer suffering from loss of
12. Why did I laugh when Barry Pepper got bitten by a snake in the cave?


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Nerds LTD Studio Workspace ReBirth project/
As part of our Business (B2B) initiative, we're documenting the movement of our office, studio, and workspace to a new, larger area. The Nerds Limited office is, and always has been, paperless. We will be outlining the design and configuration of these and various other modern optimizations we can provide for any Albuquerque business!
Have a question about part of this process? Want to know what's possible for you? Call or text Nerds Limited anytime and we'll be delighted to discuss your question in depth, for free. We'd not charge for phone time & love your questions!


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"Fight, Mega Man! For everlasting peace!"
Mega Man has been an integral part of the foundation of video games since his inception in 1987. The Mega Man Legacy Collection is a compilation of six classic NES titles with not much in the way of "newness", proving sadly how much Capcom is done with their first golden boy.
At least they gave us the greatest Mega Man picture ever above, even if the Legacy Collection turns out to be rubbish. Good thing it's not rubbish.
Featuring the original Mega Man, Mega Man II, Mega Man III, Mega Man IV, Mega Man V, and the appropriately named Mega Man VI, the Legacy Collection is the best-presented modern collection of older games that I've ever played. Though the additional features could've been rounded out a bit more, the Collection presents these six titles with respect, leaving them intact with slowdown and glitches, an HD time capsule back to the 80's and early 90's.
At first, I wondered why they didn't bother polishing them up, reduce the sprite-flicker and all of that. Then I realized that would be a dishonor and a mistake. Here's why:
For a moment, can we compare the Legacy Collection with another older compilation, the Mega Man Anniversary Collection? How do they differ? Anniversary included more games (the first eight games of the original series) but it went the route of attempting to "update" them, as well as featuring terrible button layout (GameCube version), a cumbersome memory card auto-save, content that must be unlocked, and unresponsive controls, which are critical for the demanding stages in these games.
On the other hand, Legacy includes less games but they are visually crisper, the controls are tighter and more responsive, the interface and menus are more user-friendly, a lot of additional content that's not unlockable but available at once to enjoy casually, and the "save states" feature is essential for completing these difficult games. The difference between the two is that the games in the Legacy Collection are easier and more enjoyable to play, and their presentation is much better than in Anniversary.
And for that, Legacy is a historical treasure, a window looking back at the roots of gaming development and design, reminding us just why the original Mega Man became so iconic with its clean, unaltered emulation of these classics. Imagine if you went to the Louvre in Paris expecting to see the Mona Lisa and instead of the original, you got a computer rendered image created by a group of modern graphic artists. It could be exact down to the minute details even but you'd still know it was an imitation and not the painting in its original form.
Everything from the original games are here, including the password system and unfixed typos, such as when "Mr. X" tells Mega Man that he "Faild".
The Legacy Collection has been compared to the Criterion Collection. I've recently enjoyed Paths of Glory, Seven Samurai and Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb as Criterions. But the comparison with Mega Man's Legacy is both a fair and unfair assessment.
Yes these games are here in their original form in the highest possible quality given modern technology. You can even play around with different sizes of the game screen to fit a widescreen tv or to emulate an old-fashioned tube tv, right down to the fuzziness! However, the Criterion Collection is renown for its additional features that help to set the stage for the importance and influence of the film, as well as the backdrop for the film and insights on its cast and crew through original interviews and recordings.
The Legacy Collection does provide additional features as well, but sadly it's not much. Each of the six games includes a Database and Museum. The Database displays the HP and attack power of everything in the game with hand drawn images and bits of information. Turns out every single one of the wacky, charming enemies in these games has its own unique name. The most useful feature of the database is it shows the weapon weakness for each enemy.
The Museum is more interesting, if not as useful. Concept art and original sketches are included by the E-Tank load for each of the six games. Particularly interesting are the unused concept designs for bosses that never made it into the game. Worm Man? Boomerang Man? Faucet Man? Thank God these never saw the light of 8-bit day.
Aside from the Museum and Database, there isn't much else to inform us about what went into creating Rockman. No propaganda exists in the Collection to remind us what made these games so great and iconic. There are no interviews or recordings. Just the images. Someone dropped a ball somewhere. Keiji Inafune clearly could've been taken away from his work with Mighty No.9 for a simple interview.
What Legacy lacks in archival content it makes up for with extra gameplay content. This is particularly exciting for those vets who already cleared the original six Mega Man games in the past and can still command their muscle memory to do so again with ease. For gluttons for punishment looking for more… punishment, there are the Collection's Challenges.
Over fifty of them.
Fight Mega Man II's Mecha Dragon boss with a time limit, run through a series of tough sections from the games strung together with warps between them, watch replays of the best of the best on the leaderboards. You can unlock more gauntlets for poor Mega Man to run through as you complete each Challenge.
I've loved Mega Man for the majority of my conscious life and while I can respect the cleverness in the design of these Challenges, some of them are just too hard! I'm trying as it is to make it through the titles I never finished as a kid (III and V), but even if I could complete those I'm not sure I'll ever be up to these steep Challenges. Still, it's there for the real die-hard fans. And I mean, die hard. As in they will die a lot. It is a joke, you see?
The Mega Man Legacy Collection ought to be the gold standard for repackaging 8-bit games in a single collection. No bells and whistles. No need for frills and shallow thrills. Let the original content speak for itself on the grounds of its own quality, whether it has aged gracefully or not. The Collection gives the six games room to breathe, refusing to "update" their graphics beyond sharpening them up for the modern flatscreen. It's wonderful to play these historic pieces once again without having to rummage around with cartridges and clumsy old wiring (no knock to the faithful NES chilling on my entertainment center).
Stopping at the original six games was another wise decision for this presentation. The original series was at its best here and now there's the best chance for the world to see (or remember) just how good they were. Provided the insane difficulty isn't too much of a turn off and the lack of refinement (especially in the first game) doesn't push too many away.
The 8-bit Review
Visuals: 9/10
How shall we grade visuals? Standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of the upcoming Final Fantasy XV or with Firewatch, Mirror's Edge, and No Man's Sky, it's clear that Legacy is representing an almost thirty year gap between modern high-def beauty and 8-bit "retro" pixels. But I hope everyone who buys the Legacy Collection knows exactly what they're getting: a demonstration of just how much the NES was truly capable of. In some cases, it's actually surprising.
What's most impressive here is how well Legacy preserves the original graphics, with all of their flaws and visual mistakes. These games are treated with the dignity they deserve as influential legends. This is about Mega Man's "legacy", after all. They are tinkered with like mere playthings for the amusement of 2016 sensibilities! No ugly "smoothing" filters in sight. Just glorious, sharp-edged pixels.
The artwork that's sprinkled throughout the Collection is also a welcome addition to the game's visuals. Artwork can be found not only in the Databases and Museums, but also on the "covers" of the six titles when selecting them. Colorful, bizarre and extremely Japanese, they're there to remind us of Mega Man's roots as Rockman.
Audio: 10/10
There's a Music section that accesses the soundtracks right from the start menu. Smart!
This character was known in Japan as Rockman. Rock n' roll is in his DNA, by golly! Some of these songs are instantly recognizable. Several of these songs have been covered, remixed, redone, dubstepped, updated, and republished many times over. They are the anthems of the 8-bit golden age. Let's just ignore some of the new elevator music in the menus.
The Mega Man sound is distinct, the archetype of the action game. Only now we're talking about six Mega Man games. Not just one. The combined auditory essence of all six is enough to convince any naysayer who doubts just how awesome these games were (talkin' about those doubters who hate on things because they're too old — more like "too young to know good games when they see 'em!).
Can I rate its audio eleven out of ten? There's just no way we can touch on them all. If these don't make you want to get up and run, then you might be dead… or too busy playing Mega Man.
Gameplay: 8/10
The Mega Man games are formulaic, using a rock-paper-scissors mechanism for their robot boss strengths and weaknesses. They never diverge widely from the basic schema, though if you were to play the games in chronological order (which you should not; definitely don't start with the first one as it's much harder than most of the others), you can see how the games became more refined as they were developed and more features were added. This took the form of the now characteristic charging of the Mega Buster and Mega Man's slide, as well as numerous support abilities from the Blue Bombers pets, like useful Rush enhancements in the later games.
The Challenges go a long way to mix up the general homogeneity of the six games. When it boils down to it, they aren't all that different. Super Mario Bros. 3 is more distinct from Super Mario Bros. than Mega Man is from Mega Man VI. But with the Challenges at least there's a bit of unique gameplay. Bearing in mind this isn't a complaint.
These games have been out for decades across multiple systems and in various reiterations, so you know if you love or hate the gameplay. What Mega Man offers is consistently great action-platforming. It's demanding. It requires intense precision (some jumps can come down to a pixel, seems like). The level designs were and still are innovative. Everyone should have the chance to play these landmarks of gaming at least once.
Accessibility: 9/10
The only reason why these very accessible games with their simple menus aren't perfectly accessible is because there are several weapons and items in the six games that aren't exactly self-explanatory. Without the original manuals, there's not much else to do but turn to the internet when you're confused about what B-E-A-T does or how to properly use any of the many weapons against the many bosses. Beyond that, though, running and jumping and shooting is about as basic as it gets.
Challenge: 10/10
Gird up your loins and fix yourself a sausage Manwich, 'cause this game will make a Mega Man out of you. What's not to love? The absolutely psychotic difficulty is part of the old school charm. The addition of "save states" (being able to save and load at any point in the game) is a godsend and for some may be the only way of conquering these games. But it won't necessarily help you beat a crazy boss…
The Mega Man series are games that challenges you to be your best, without being unfair. I noticed today that the designers did a swell job of demonstrating new level features in each stage in a non-hostile environment, or at least one with little threat, before throwing you into an obstacle course with disappearing blocks, perfectly placed enemies, scrolling conveyor belts, lasers, cannons, fire pits, invincible buzz saws, bottomless pits, and so many spikes. Not once will your hand be held. Suck it up. One or two of these may be some of the hardest games you'll ever play.
Collection: 7/10
I decided to create a new grading category just for this kind of product, because we're not merely reviewing a single game here but a collection of several. On their own, each of these games may grade differently, but these metrics are meant to take the whole compilation into consideration.
So then how well does Legacy function as a collection? It kicks the pants off of the other Mega Man compilations. For the reasons mentioned above, it is one of the best in terms of preserving classic graphics and gameplay, keeping their hands clean of fixing things that aren't broken. For original quality, this collection rocks. But some real additional content like "behind the scenes" stuff could've really made this package shine. I still don't know the story of Mega Man's invention and how he came to be? What, did some guy fall and smack his head on his bathroom sink and then suddenly "Eureka"? I don't know! Tell me!
Uniqueness: 7/10
Mega Man has been done before. Mega Man collections have been done before. He's Capcom's own private dead horse to beat. What makes Legacy as unique as it is? Everything that makes it great: clean, accessible, original, perfect emulation where the games speak for themselves and take center stage.
Plus… trophy support! That's one new reason to play through all of these classics again!
My Personal Grade: 10/10
I hope I've been objective. I can't hide my love for the original Blue Bomber, undies on the outside and all. When I was a kid I wanted to be him. Now he's almost an anachronism but he's not quite Astro Boy yet. Gamers have another chance, the best chance, to relive Mega Man or experience him for the first time in the Legacy Collection. That warms my old 8-bit heart. I love the look and sound of these games. I love their challenge. I loved watching my 16 year old brother play through Mega Man IV for the first time, having never played a Mega Man game in his life, and being euphoric over beating his way through his first stage and boss.
Should you pick up this Legacy Collection? If you loved the originals and played them, then absolutely yes, you should. You'll appreciate the authenticity of this Collection. If you've never played Mega Man games, or few NES games at all, this is still one of the best opportunities out there for accessing a great set of them without having to worry about getting a hold of used hardware. Mega Man will surely be off-putting to some for the sheer length of time that it's been since these were mainstream. Often times the gameplay can be downright frustrating and controller-tossing. But if you think you're a patient enough gamer and you want something to gauge your skills and cut your teeth, look no further than six incredibly well-preserved classics from gaming history in the Mega Man Legacy Collection.
Maybe you'll love the worthy legacy of Mega Man just as much as me.
Aggregated Score: 8.5
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Categories: Game Review


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Managing the Tension
Suspension bridges are among the most beautiful of human fabrications. I am not an engineer and cannot speak to the advantages of such bridges. All I know is that they are wonders. And I also know that they do what they do because the tension in the wires is perfectly matched between the towers. Perhaps I am fortunate to have experienced the wonders of suspension bridges across America, from the Golden Gate to the Verrazano Narrows, as well as an amazing single tower bridge across the Ohio river (see http://www.bridgemeister.com/pic.php?pid=1173).
I drive slowly across such bridges in the right lane, straining my neck to look as straight up as possible. It is amazing! However, perhaps you have seen the old movie of an early suspension bridge that was caught by the wind and its rocking increased simply because of its own situation until it was destroyed. Further, it is likely that thousands of workers have died while making such bridges. Indeed, Mr. Roebling, who invented the machine to wind the wires to make the cables, thus making such bridges possible, died during the construction of his most famous bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge. Still, I have never felt any fear, or any anxiety as I crossed such a marvelous span. It just feels very strong and solid; all because of the tension maintained by the wires.
The Lord tells us that perhaps His main effort on our behalf is maintaining our spirit in a perfect equilibrium between the forces of hell and heaven. This is particularly tricky because He never gives power to the evil side. Humans invented evil, and we each give evil spirits power over us. So the Lord has to be constantly adjusting the tension He is applying through heaven as we pass through the many states of life. Now, He is not playing some game with us. He is not enjoying our trials. He is never vindictive, for instance, letting the pressure of heaven be just a little bit less, just for a moment, although it can feel that way to us! It is more likely that we would claim that He did, just so we can blame the Lord for our troubles!
Perhaps it would be helpful to picture the Lord as the perfect bridge designer, builder and maintainer. He designed humans with three anchor points: soul, spirit (mind) and body. Our soul is His domain; that is where His love is anchored; we are not ever conscious of it and cannot manage it. Our bodies, as the opposite anchor, cannot be conscious, yet (unless there is something else interfering) we have complete control of this anchor. Our spirit, our conscious life, is in the tower in between, held in place by the pressures from either side. We are conscious of the thoughts and feelings of our spirit, and we have control of some of our mind's operations. This design provides both for our individuality and for the influence of the Lord. We are His creatures AND we are our own, eternally existing being. We are radically free AND able to reject the influence of love and truth that is the source of our freedom.
This is amazing. Sometimes, I just have to go slowly, emotionally and cognitively, and appreciate the beauty of the human constitution. Often I don't really know how life works, especially as I watch others who are filled with a joy I have yet to experience; or when I see someone destroying them selves and I can only sadly wonder why. All I know is that, from my experience, from the descriptions of life others give me, and from what the Word says, there is a perfect tension preserved by the Lord that makes the whole thing work.
It is futile for me to try to "do" something about the tension I feel in my life. It is always going to be there. To resist it is to seek to interfere in the Lord's work of providing for my salvation. The better course is to find ways to remind myself that the tension is holding my spirit in place, providing for my freedom, and for the possibility of choosing to give in to the power of heaven rather than hell. A tool I am currently experimenting with is the phrase "It's all good!" Try it, and see what happens to your thoughts and so your feelings at any moment of stress. And let me know!
Precursor October 2006


text: To encourage our students to read, we've split our youth into teams this semester for a youth-wide reading challenge. They can get points by reading anything from theological books to their school books. Team two is in the lead! Here's a hidden challenge: Pastor Caleb recommends Putting Amazing Back into Grace by Michael Horton. If you read this book, you will receive 3,000 points for your team. Check the youth lounge wall for more hidden challenges.


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I Wish I May, I Wish I Might.../
Wear this dress without looking like a fright.
I was going to save this for a Monday outfit post, but I was recently asked to give some disabled fashion advice. In focusing on how I wanted to highlight what works I stumbled across what has to be one of the worst ideas I've ever had.
I saw this dress in Jones New York and absolutely fell in love with it. I thought it would be perfect for some of my Summer functions. Even though instinctively I knew better I wanted this dress to work. I wanted to be tall enough; longer-waisted. I wanted my arms to be less chunky and the skirt shorter and straighter because as it was it would get shredded by my wheelchair. It would've been better in a petite size. Then at least the bodice would fit me properly instead of bagging at the shoulders and bust. But there's no way to hem even a petite without compromising the beautiful design in the brocade fabric
I wanted to be have an Audrey Hepburn moment. What I got was a Nathan Lane "Birdcage" moment.
I take that back. This would've looked better on Lane.
How about you? What are some of your epic-fail-what-was-I-thinking fashion moments?