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The Story
For 10 years I spent nearly every day with my grandpa, Silvio Pedri. He was my hero, and I never thanked him for the time he spent with me, teaching me about life and the finer points of mobile home park maintenance, among other things. This is a story about meeting the man who had the greatest impact on my life.
He was also a hero to many other people for another reason. During WWII he was captured by the German Army, and survived over five months as a Prisoner of War (POW). Despite spending so much time with my grandfather growing up, he never talked about his experience as a POW. It was a side of him that I never had the opportunity to meet. Then, I found the archive.
In November of 2017, Carrie and I were in town visiting family. We needed a place to sleep, so we decided to stay at my grandpa's house that had been vacant since his death nine years prior. Late one night, I found an archive of documents and photos in his office detailing his horrifying journey as an American POW during World War II. I stayed up the entire night pouring over the documents, looking at the photos of this person who I thought I knew so well. It turns out, I actually knew very little.
In November of 1944, Sgt Silvio J. Pedri of the 95th Infantry was sent on a mission to cross the Moselle river just north of Metz, France. His objective was clear: secure the opposite bank and create a diversion so that a larger unit could build a bridge to bring in the heavy artillery and take the city of Metz from the German army. Sgt Pedri had trained for over two years for this moment, detailing every step of the way in letters to his fiancé in Rock Springs, Wyoming. However, no amount of training could have prepared him for what happened over the course of those few days. After losing most of his closest friends in a grueling battle against the Germans and mother nature, Sgt Pedri was taken prisoner. His letters home went silent, and the rest of the war became a test of his will to survive. He was marched and transported in sealed train cars to a variety of different POW and work camps where he was subjected to forced labor during the winter of 1944-45. The conditions took a toll on his body that he would feel every day for the rest of his life. Sgt Pedri was liberated by Welsh Guards on April 28, 1945 from Marlag XC near Bremen, Germany.
The Team
Carrie McCarthy, PhD is a scientist turned producer who got her start working as a scientific film consultant before going on to earn a PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of Southern California. During her time in academia, Carrie was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to fund her research, which has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences worldwide. Under the shingle of Burning Torch Productions, Carrie and Mark develop and produce documentaries, feature-length, and episodic content. Carrie is a hands-on producer who believes that being on the ground in the trenches is the only way to ensure the integrity of the project. She is driven by her endless curiosity to hunt down engaging stories with a unique perspective. She has a critical eye for detail in the true-life stories she develops. Carrie is currently based in Los Angeles, but she spends a lot of time traveling wherever the project takes her.
Mark Pedri is a documentary filmmaker and writer from Southwestern Wyoming. His creative process is reminiscent of his equally unique upbringing in Wyoming. Mark's journey has been guided by the stories he tells, taking him 700 miles through the back roads of his home state on a bike while making a documentary about energy, to Germany and Turkey telling the origin story of Pilates.
After making documentaries for 10 years, Mark took a full-time position at Sundance Institute in the Episodic department where he focused on helping underrepresented artists hone their craft as writers and develop their own personal stories. Mark holds an MFA in Producing for TV and Film from the University of Southern California and splits his time between Los Angeles and Wyoming, where he is finishing a non-fiction book about a Rock Springs construction dynasty that will be published in early 2019. Between projects, Mark consults for the Sundance Labs.
The Film
We are making a documentary film that shows our physical journey through France and Germany while telling my grandfather's story as a POW during WWII.
After finding the archive, Carrie and I decided that telling my grandpa's story was a priority. This past June, we left our jobs and drove from Los Angeles back to Wyoming to move into my grandfather's house. Our goal was to dive into the archive and whatever else he had left behind, in order to put together the pieces of his story. During this time we also started shooting interviews of family members and friends to figure out the extent of what he had shared about his experience during the war.
On January 1st, 2019 Carrie and I will set out across France and Germany on bikes to retrace my grandfather's steps through WWII as a POW, piecing together an untold story in an effort to understand the man who had such a strong hand in raising me.
On one hand, this film is an homage to my grandfather for the life he lived and the struggle he endured. But it's also a quest to bridge the gap between two generations.
How does understanding our personal history affect how we live in the present?
This film explores the idea that we long to connect with people from our past in order to make sense of our own experiences. Combining the archive that my grandfather left behind, with the journey of retracing his route, I hope to build a connection that I wasn't able to make while he was alive.
We hope this film inspires our audience to consider the following question: "What's at stake if we fail to take the time to understand the human experience of our ancestors?"
Why Bike Across Germany?
Just as the bike once provided the freedom to go past the end of the block when we were growing up, it continues to allow us to go places that would be forbidden in a car. A bike allows you to see the world at a pace that is slow and deliberate, yet still efficient enough to cover long distances. The perspective with which we choose to move through the world influences every aspect of our experience, and we want to share this unique experience with you. This is why we have chosen bikes.
The Money
The total amount of money that we need in order to complete the physical journey portion of the film is $12,000. This money will allow us to bring our bikes to Europe, have a roof over our heads each night, and food in our stomachs to keep going each day. Oh! And we'll be able to fly home with our bikes at the end of it all to complete the film!
We would be over the moon if we exceed our fundraising goal! Here's how we would apply the extra funds:
- Local Transportation in Europe - We will need to take a train to get from the Frankfurt airport to Metz, France where the ride begins. We will also need to take a train to get from the end-point of the route in Bremen, Germany, back to the Frankfurt airport to fly home.
- Music/Composer for the Film - Music is going to play such an important role in setting the tone of the film. We are working with the incredible composer, James Craft, to create a sound that really brings the film to life.
The Rewards
The intent of our rewards is to give you something unique to show our deep gratitude for your support in helping us embark on this journey. In addition to saying thanks, we want to share our passion for exploring family history, which is why the rewards are designed to help you embark on your own personal journey of discovery.
Here are a few of our favorites, and let us know if you have any questions!
Great news! Any contribution over $25 will earn you access to watch the film online.
Photography Prints - Mark has been making fine art photographs of scenes all over the world for the past 15 years. With inspiration for this project stemming from the pictures in Silvio's archive, Mark will be capturing many photos during our journey. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or something to display in your own home, this is an opportunity to receive a deeply personal piece of art with a great story to tell.
Life Story Compass Notebook -This notebook is for anyone who is looking to embark on their own journey of discovery but is unsure of where to start. WE CAN HELP! Based on our research and experience with this project, and with the help of our close friend and very talented designer, Shruti Shankar, we've created a notebook to help jumpstart your research process. This guided notebook will provide you with a simple-to-use framework for interviewing, building context of time and place, and structuring a story around your research. This is your entry point to beginning your own journey of connecting with a past generation.
With the holidays just around the corner, the Life Story Compass makes for an excellent gift for kids and adults who would enjoy learning a bit of family history.
Wyoming Mining Artifact -The mine where Silvio worked more than 70 years ago has long since shut down, but some of the mining equipment still remains. Check out these authentic railroad spikes and bolts from the abandoned coal mine in Wyoming where he worked before being drafted to fight in WWII.
Vintage Maps -Throughout our research, we've acquired some incredible maps from the Department of Cartographic and Architectural Records at the National Archives. Using archival paper, we've created fine art prints of the original maps used in combat by General Patton's 3rd Army during the Battle of Metz in 1944. Add a frame and display one of these unique pieces of art in your office or den. They also make great gift ideas for map lovers.
The Timeline
We began working on this project just after we found the archive in Silvio's house last November. Ever since then, we've been busy doing the research and development for the film. We've collaborated with some very talented researchers at the National Archives and also interviewed several key people from Silvio's life to begin piecing together his story. While living in Silvio's house this past summer, we digitizing the entire archive to be used in the film. We also shot 30% of the film, including scenes around the Rock Springs area and interviews with family members.
Moving forward, our timeline is as follows:
- October - December 2018: Pre-production. This includes planning the route and locking down the locations from Silvio's journey. We'll also be rounding up and testing bike gear and camera equipment.
- January 1, 2019: We fly from Salt Lake City to Frankfurt to begin the 6-week journey.
- February 14, 2019: We fly home from Frankfurt to Salt Lake City.
- Spring - Summer 2019: Post production. During the editing process, we'll build the story on screen. We'll also be working closely with our composer, VFX artist, and colorist to really make the story come alive.
- October 2019: Deliver finished film.
- Fall 2019: Film Festival Run!
Risks and challenges
History and memory are two different versions of the truth that can create some of the most beautiful portraits of the past. But they also often betray each other. When history exists without memory, we begin to lose our personal connection. One feeds the other. This film is about both. It's about the memories we share to pass on to the next generation, and the memories we hold inside at risk of disappearing when each of our final days come.
One of the biggest struggles that we face is actually being able to find the places that Silvio passed through during his time after becoming a POW. In order to help us understand the nuances of the route, we've enlisted the help of the talented WWIII Footsteps Researcher, Joey van Meesen, who is based in The Netherlands.
The process of making a feature-length documentary film is extremely taxing, both emotionally and physically. It isn't unusual to work over 15 hours per day for months at a time. The road becomes your home and stepping outside your comfort zone becomes a day-to-day occurrence. The only way to truly know if someone is up to the task of making a film is to actually do it, and this is what we've done. Together, we have produced two feature-length documentaries that were completed on time within the established budgets. Growing up in Wyoming has taught us the work ethic needed to take a project of this scale from idea through completion. Trust us on this one. We know what it's like to wake up on Christmas morning and have to go unthaw a frozen waterline before taking part in any of the holiday festivities.
We've dug ditches, painted houses, and worked numerous side jobs in order to bring our films from ideas to the screen. Thankfully, we've been able to secure the initial funding to get this project off the ground so that we can give our complete focus to this film.
There is no mountain that we aren't willing to climb in order to tell this story, and we couldn't more excited to share this journey with you.Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
Funding period
- (33 days)


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NEW YORK, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- The Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York has announced plans to honor Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep at a gala tribute next spring.
The event is slated to take place April 14.
Each year since 1972, when it first organized the event with a presentation to Charles Chaplin, the society has saluted a major figure in the film industry.
"The Film Society of Lincoln Center is thrilled to pay tribute this year to America's premiere actress, Meryl Streep," gala tribute director Wendy Keys said in a statement.
"While her luminous on-screen presence is never less than dazzling, you always feel her keen intelligence and wit, her extraordinary level of insight. She truly embodies every character she plays and what an extraordinary range of characters."
The list of former honorees includes Fred Astaire, Alfred Hitchcock, Federico Fellini, Bob Hope, Claudette Colbert, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, James Stewart, Audrey Hepburn, Clint Eastwood, Sean Connery, Martin Scorsese, Michael Caine, Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda, Mike Nichols and, most recently, Diane Keaton.

subset: commoncrawl


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Oppose Opportunity Schools Provision
Contact: Joan Duvall-Flynn
December 13, 2015
The NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference of Branches calls on legislators to oppose the "opportunity schools provision" of the omnibus school funding bill passed by the Pennsylvania Senate on Dec. 7, 2015. We oppose this proposal on behalf of the children who will be negatively impacted by this provision for the following seven (7) reasons as supported by current research:
- The provision is uninformed by current, substantiated medical knowledge related to the causes for low school performance.[1]
- The provision is uninformed by current models of school reform that have been proven successful by empirical research through longitudinal study.[2]
- The provision is uninformed by current research on the relationship between adequate funding and student outcomes.[3]
- The provision has no recommendation/process for professional development for educators.[4]
- The provision requires, in exchange for needed funding for children, the implementation of charter school expansion as a possible solution to their needs when, after 18 years of this approach, it has been clearly demonstrated that this is not the best approach to meet the needs of children who show low school performance. [5]
- The provision, in effect, expands "free market" experimentation on children who can never regain lost instructional opportunities when, as a result of thoroughly vetted research, we have access to knowledge as to how to effectively mitigate student needs that impede school performance.[6]
- In total, the opportunity schools provision is asynchronous to the prevailing research, science and current knowledge,
For over five years, the Education Committee of the NAACP Pennsylvania has researched the impact of adverse childhood experiences on school performance. The testimony and resources shared with the Basic Education Funding Commission that clearly demonstrates how emotional and psychological trauma impedes school performance resulting in low assessment results and social disruptions – has been ignored in the "opportunity schools" provision. It is time this information be applied to state remedies.
The "Trauma Informed Education Studies" program, a series of courses developed by the education faculty of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania at the request of NAACP PA has faced obstacle after obstacle making its way to the market place even though educators are waiting in line for access to these courses. Designed to build pedagogical competence in educators who work with children who face adversity, these courses will build the skills and knowledge educators specifically need to help basic education students perform well both academically and socially. It is time these courses were made available.
Programs such as the Comer School Development Model have for years "made schools work". This approach in particular has been demonstrated through research and the testimony of practitioners (1,000 districts in 26 states) to close the achievement gap and severely reduce behavior problems. There are school development programs that are known to work. They build community, build character, and build intellectual development. It is time to do what we know works.
Finding (2014) by the American Institutes for Research makes clear the relationship between school funding and student outcomes. In the Executive Summary of their …Evaluation of Pennsylvania's School Financing System, (www.air.org) they report,
A sizeable body of rigorous empirical literature validates that state school finance reforms can have substantive, positive effects on student outcomes, including reductions in outcome disparities or increases in overall outcome levels.
… Several other recent studies have reported positive effects of infusion of funding into high-need and low-spending districts, on student outcomes ranging from test score gains to graduation rates.
While this information was shared with the Basic Education Funding Commission, it has not been morally applied to this provision. Knowing the funding is essential, it has been used as a bartering tool to force acceptance of an ineffective policy.
There is no longer any mystery as to why many school children are not doing well. We have the research, we have the science, we have the solutions. We know what to do with children and how to help them. It is time to stop experimenting on their lives. Why are policy makers not endorsing approaches proven to work?
It is time to take political manipulation and deal making out of the education policy process and replace this harmful practice with the science that shows us what the problem is and programs that show us how to solve it – forever.
Joan Duvall-Flynn, ED. D.
President, NAACP PA State Conference of Branches
Education Committee, NAACP PA State Conference
[1] Adverse Childhood Experiences, http://www.acestudy.org/ http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html;
[2] http://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/comer/
[3] http://www.air.org/sites/default/files/downloads/report/AIR-EEAEO%20in%20the%20Commonwealth%20-%20Full%20Report%2010-09-14.pdf
[4] http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/89025-pa-senate-passes-bill-calling-for-dramatic-interventions-at-bottom-performing-schools?linktype=hp_impact
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.


text:
Status Report
From: Microgravity Research Program Office
Posted: Friday, March 28, 2003
GMT Date: 087
Calendar Date: 03/28/03
Increment: 6
Stage: 11A
Week 17
Payloads currently on-board ISS:
BSTC, CGBA, CSLM-2, InSPACE, MAMS, MSG (facility), PFMI, SAMS, STES-10, SUBSA and ZCG.
MAMS, SAMS and STES-10 continue nominal basically unattended operations. BSTC, CGBA, CSLM-2, PFMI, SUBSA and ZCG are inactive. MSG is resuming nominal operations. InSpace is installed in MSG, and begins operations GMT 090 (Monday).
EXPRESS RACKS 1, 2 and 4 (ER1, ER2 & ER4) are currently powered and supporting payload operations. ER3 & ER5 are currently powered down. ER2 ARIS testing should be completed Friday GMT 087, ARIS snubber cups installed, and ER2 deactivated.
MSG was activated on GMT 086 (Thursday) to support the PFMI removal and InSpace Setup. These activities were executed as planned. MSG was deactivated after InSpace was installed. MSG Rack photography has been added to the task list for the weekend. InSpace experiment operations are scheduled for GMT 090 (Monday).
InSpace Coil assemblies were inspected GMT 084 (Tuesday) and found to
be in good condition to support operations. InSpace hardware was installed
in MSG GMT 086 (Thursday).
PFMI hardware was removed from MSG GMT 086 (Thursday).
MAMS is currently operating nominally in the quasi-steady mode. HiRAP is currently inactive. MAMS is currently supporting a test to compare drag profiles for different solar array orientations. MAMS data is available on the acceleration measurement web page.
SAMS data flow from all sensors in EXPRESS Racks is nominal following a brief interruption of data flow from two sensors so a test could be performed on Thursday. The ground team performed a test via ground commanding to determine the time required to reboot an electronics component in ER1. The SAMS sensor in MSG was removed and stowed GMT 086 (Thursday) as part of the PFMI removal procedure. A planned SDTO CEVIS hard mount test has been postponed until after the EVA. There is a Hammer event during the EVA to remove S1 CETA Light Stanchion. SAMS data is also available on the acceleration measurement web page.
STES-10 health and status data is nominal. STES-10 is configured with diffusion-controlled chambers that require no crew operation activities.
Near-term Outlook:
Week 17 (3/24-3/30) - Planning for this week was based on approximately 10 hours of crew time for NASA payload operations. The crew will continue preparations for the recently defined EVA now being planned for week 19. Removal of PFMI from MSG and installation of InSpace was accomplished GMT 086 (Thursday).
Week 18 (3/31-4/6) - Preliminary planning for this week is being based on approximately 14 hours of crew time for NASA payload operations. The crew will continue preparations for the recently defined EVA now being planned for week 19. One InSpace operation is scheduled during this week and additional opportunities are continuing to be explored.
M. Vlasse, PhD, DSc
PSR Increment Scientist
BCSS Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage
BSTC Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller (General status information on this payload will include coverage of the following items of support equipment: BTR, BCSS and GSM)
BTR Biotechnology Refrigerator
CETA Crew Equipment Translation Assembly
CEVIS Cycle Ergometer Vibration Isolation System
CGBA Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus
ESEM Exchangeable Standard Electronic Module
GSM Gas Supply Module
InSPACE Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates
MAMS Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System
MSG Microgravity Science Glovebox
OCR Operations Change Request
PAO Public Affairs Office
PFMI Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation
PGB Plant Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus
PSR NASA Code U Physical Sciences Research Division
RIC Rack Interface Controller
SAMS Space Acceleration Measurement System II
SPD NASA Code U Space Products Development Division
STDO Station Development Test Objective
STES Protein Crystal Growth - Single Thermal Enclosure System
SUBSA Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules
ZCG Zeolite Crystal Growth
// end //
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Having got the first of our courses up and running has meant that, for the first time in many a long year, the BDO looks in danger of generating an income. One result of this is that we've had to think about our legal status, and this led us to draw up a new constitution for the BDO, replacing the previous one that was drawn up in 2003. The link below will open a final draft of the new constitution. We'd be happy to recieve your comments on it. I apologise in advance for the legalese jargon in which some of it is written. This is because we followed guidelines set out on a UK government website for some of it. We have, however, tried to bring it back to Druidry and humanity wherever possible.
In brief, the document sets out our status as a not-for-profit, unincorporated association. This is the legal description that best fits what we have been for years and also the one that allows us the maximum freedom from bureaucracy. The constitution also defines our principle aims and objectives, the various types of membership and how the Order is governed.
Download the BDO Constitution as a PDF


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Millions of people in the United States have allergies. To provide effective medical help to our patients, we first find out what our patients are allergic to. We use allergy tests and medical history of the patient to discover things that causes the allergic reactions.
Diagnosis of allergies can be done via a skin test or blood test that discovers response of antibodies to allergies. However, before suggesting any test, we ask about:
Any illness you may have
Your lifestyle
Your eating routine
Where you live and work (Nature of work)
The most common types of allergies are:
Food allergies
Allergic asthma
Dust allergy
Seasonal allergies
Penicillin allergy
Skin rashes
Hay fever
Venom allergy
Risk Factors:
Skin tests include no or little pain. The only risk factor associated with these tests is that the allergy symptoms could take place during the test. Hence, testing may cause itching, redness, bumps and swelling on the skin area that being tested. However, all these symptoms are temporary and usually disappear within one or two days.


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April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and Oak and Ale on Oak will be donating 10% of all sales from 5-9 p.m. to the Michael J. Fox Foundation!
Also at 5:30 we will be having a Team Fox NOLA meeting in the side room at Oak. We'll share lots of exciting updates so come grab a drink and say hello! Everyone is welcome!


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To assist you in maximizing your VHT resources throughout your VHT experience
1. How do I order photography and other services?
Ordering is simple and fast. Current clients login to MyVHT or call our Client Services Team at 800-790-8687. We also accept orders via email at email@example.com. New clients can call Client Services at 800-790-8687 and one of our knowledgeable Client Services Associates will set up an account and assist in choosing the best service for each property's marketing needs.
2. What is the timeline for an appointment with a VHT Studios® Photographer?
Clients will receive a call by 10:00 a.m. of the next business day after order placement. The photographer will offer 2 dates with specific times. At least one date and time offered will be within 1-3 business days following the order date. For example, if the order is placed on Monday during business hours, at least one appointment time will be offered and available on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. In the unlikely event that this timeframe is not met, please call 800-790-8687 and speak to a Client Services Representative.
3. Will my VHT Studios® Photographer stage my property?
Before the photographer arrives, the property should be clean, staged, and prepared for the shoot. Due to liability and risk of injury, VHT Studios® Photographers are not able to move furniture, large, heavy objects and personal items. For information and suggestions on how to prepare the property before a photo shoot, please visit www.vht.com/prepare. The photographer may choose to do some "light staging" during the shoot, which may include: aligning window treatments, closing toilet seats, turning off ceiling fans and televisions, and adjusting lightweight furniture such as dining room chairs.
4. How long does it take to receive my completed property tour?
For most property tours, expect to receive the link to your customized media gallery (completed property tour) within 1 business days following the shoot date. VHT Studios® will send you an email with the link to your property tour. We will also distribute your tour to the various websites and destinations specified on your order.
1. What is the turnaround time for photography?
Photography orders are delivered the next business day after the shoot.
2. What is the turnaround time for Express Orders?
Express Orders are delivered by noon CST the day after the shoot. (Monday delivery for Saturday shoot). This only applies to photography and is dependent on the photographer's schedule.
3. What is the turnaround time for Floor Plans?
Floor Plans are delivered 2-3 business days after the on-site measurement appointment is completed.
4. What is the turn-around time for Video with narration?
Video with narration is delivered approximately 5 business days after we complete your photographs and receive your notes on the property's key selling features.
5. What is the turnaround time for Virtual Staging?
Virtual Staging takes up to 3 business days from order form receipt using the template system.
6. What is the turnaround time for Aerial Drone Photography and Video?
Aerial Drone Photography and Video is delivered 3 business days from the day of the shoot.
1. How do I preview and download my photographs?
The following business day, after your shoot, you'll receive an email with the link to preview your photographs using our On-Demand Review & Delivery System. Simply make your selections and download your images instantly to share across all your marketing and media platforms. Your photographs and tour links will be accessible through your MyVHT account.
2. How do I save a photograph to use on the web?
To save a web-ready photo, simply go to your tour and select the photograph you would like to download, so that it appears in the main section of the media gallery. Go to the "More Info" tab, then hover over "Download" and click on "Web" located under "Current Photo". You may also download all photographs at once from the download tab in your MyVHT account.
3. How do I save a photograph to use for print?
To save a print-ready photo, simply go to your tour and select the photograph you would like to download, so that it appears in the main section of the media gallery. Go to the "More Info" tab, then hover over "Download" and click on "Print" located under "Current Photo". ". You may also download all photographs at once from the download tab in your MyVHT account.
1. Why is there a VHT Studios® watermark on my photos?
We are committed to keeping your name in only appropriate websites and away from unprofessional practices. As your provider, we copyright every image and do everything we can to protect your photographs through our management and distribution best practices, sharing out only to media we know presents you and your brand, as well as your clients' properties, in the most professional manner. The VHT Studios watermark assures both buyers and sellers that you have invested in professional photography, provided by the most widely used, trusted and respected provider in the industry.
2. Where can I legally use/share my VHT Studios photographs?
With the copyright protection VHT Studios promises, you can confidently share your photography and related media to market and sell your listed properties while they are for sale. With our VHT Studios watermark, we will find any inappropriate use of our photographs, and if necessary, take steps to correct anything that does not represent us and our clients in the very best and most professional manner.
1. What is the process from start to finish when ordering a Floor Plan?
VHT Studios offers Floor Plans and Interactive Floor Plans that can be added to your property tour. After the measuring appointment is completed by a VHT Floor Plan Specialist, the Floor Plans are created using computer software. We are also able to use existing scanned architectural drawings or blueprints to produce a VHT Floor Plan (reconstruction service). For the very best floor plan experience, you may also choose to combine our property photography and floor plan to create an Interactive Floor Plan that pinpoints locations in the illustration.
2. What is the difference between the Platinum, Gold, & Silver Photography Series?
Our photography suite features three distinct series designed to complement every unique listing. Here's the breakdown:
A Silver Series photograph is a high-quality professional image essential to professional real estate marketing, created using one exposure.
A Gold Series photograph is an ultra-sharp image created with multiple exposures using our proprietary CLEARSHOT™ Technology. Gold Series photographs have the most brilliant color, vivid details, and clear views out of windows. Ideal for a variety of properties including luxury listings.
A Platinum Series photograph takes the Gold Series to the next level and includes a consultative appointment with a Platinum certified photographer specializing in luxury properties, and is ideal for spaces with architectural details that call for a discerning approach and advanced techniques. This series also includes all add-on enhancements from our Studio Services.
3. How can I link my property tour to the MLS and other websites?
VHT Studios has the ability to distribute your property tour link and photographs to a wide variety of websites and destinations. Please check with our Client Services team to learn where we can distribute your property tour and photographs to maximize the property's exposure. For local websites, we provide a link for use on any website you choose. For MLS and IDX compliant websites that require non-branded tours, you will find the non-branded tour link under the "Links" tab in your MyVHT account and you will also find it in your "Order Complete" email. VHT offers a variety of additional distribution options, including YouTube, and you can easily share your property tour to your social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and email) directly from your Customized Media Gallery page.
4. How do I syndicate my video tour to YouTube?
For free syndication to YouTube:
- Login to your MyVHT account.
- Select the "Publish Video" button next to the property you wish to market.
- Wait for the button to say "Posted" then your YouTube link will be provided.
1. How can I cancel and/or reschedule my photo shoot?
You can either contact your VHT Studios® Photographer directly or call Client Services at 800-790-8687. Please provide at least 24 hours' notice prior to the confirmed appointment time or a cancellation fee may be assessed.
2. How do I become a VHT Photographer?
If you are interested in becoming a VHT Studios® Photographer, go to www.vht.com/about/photographers to apply.
3. Where do you have photographer coverage?
We have a network of photographers that covers most the continental US and HI. Our corporate offices are in Chicago and New York. Please contact us for details on a specific location at email@example.com, or chat with us now.
4. How can I modify the captions on my photos and change the order of my photos?
On the "Images" tab within the listing in your MyVHT account you can customize captions and change the order of photos in our Media Gallery. Go to www.vht.com/myvht to log in. Go to the Images tab, then hover over the thumbnail to change the room name. Simply click on the thumbnail and drag to change the order.


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|Project by Scooter McClain
|posted 02-20-2013 10:05 AM
|5121 views
|2 times favorited
|7 comments
I built this rocking horse for my kids based off plans for the Merrilegs Rocking Horse from Woodcraft. I found out that I was having another kid, and I didn't want to build another pedal plane just due to the logistics of storage and moving them across the country has been a pain. A rocking horse it is!
To be honest, I forget the thicknesses of the wood used exactly, but it was made with about $100 dollars in lumber from Home Depot, but it's all made from pine and stained in natural and left over red mahogany from a bed that I was building (see other projects). For the most part, I followed the plans with the build. I omitted the harness, which I may attempt later. Instead of using a mop as the plans stated, my with assisted me with using cotton thread in making the mane and tail. The pine was particularly knotty, and while I like the look of knots, they were in some bad spots. Rather than buying a new sheet of pine, I just worked around the knots and filled them as best as I could. I also used an additional peg in each leg to add strength, which was probably an overkill. I used a hand crosscut saw to make the angle to get the legs to splay. That was probably the most difficult cut to get correct and required a lot of additional sanding. I ended up needing to make a 5th leg because I made a mistake in one of those hand cut splays. All the pieces were rounded over using my Ryobi router table.
For the handles, I used oversize Shaker coat pegs (I believe they were 5" long) after I drilled the dowel handles crocked. I filled them and used these reenforced Shaker pegs instead. The eyes are Shaker pegs (smaller than the handles that I cut off and glued into place, which gave it a nice eyeball effect. They are stained Red Mahogany as well. Everything else was pretty straight forward off of the plans.
This was the first project that I didn't need to buy any more hand tools to complete! The cost was relatively low because of it! It was not a particularly hard build either. I think the hardest part was sanding the mouth area. That cut was made with a hand crosscut saw. The finish was a sanding sealer base followed by Red Mahognay and Natural, with about 5 coats of Poly on top of it all. The last picture also shows a stick horse, I'll cover that in another project as well.
-- I make sawdust. I think thats a fair assessment of my finished products!
7 comments so far
#1 posted 02-20-2013 04:34 PM
Looks good, I am sure that it will greatly enjoyed by it's riders.
-- Al Holstein "I wood do it"
#2 posted 02-21-2013 04:12 AM
Really nice work, bet they well get well used for years to come
-- "older I get, the more fun I have"
#3 posted 02-21-2013 05:24 AM
First off: welcome to LJs! Nice rocking horse! The idea for the eyes is great. Your wife did a nice job on the mane and tail, too. This should get passed down through many generations.
-- Jesus is the ONLY reason for ANY season.
#4 posted 02-21-2013 03:26 PM
Fantastic rocking horse! Like every detail of it and has a great build. Surely will be enjoyed and will last for many years.
#5 posted 03-04-2013 05:37 PM
Well, I thought I built it indestructible, but apparently my daughter figured out a way to break the horse. The break happened just above the front shoulder. Its not a clean break, but its certainly a break that I don't believe that just using Titebond III will fix well.
-- I make sawdust. I think thats a fair assessment of my finished products!
#6 posted 11-28-2014 07:47 PM
Nice Job, Scott.
My late father built one from this same plan in the late '90's (picture in my profile). I suspect he used hard woods he milled and air dried himself. As a result, his beast survived a nephew & two nieces, and still looks spectacular. I particularly like his modification of porcelain back plates for eyes.
Now it is my turn. Since my sister will never part with her original, the best I can hope for is a copy for my 3yo boy. So the long sought Griz 0513ANV BS is on its way (early present from the wife) and I have just enough days to get horsey built & under the tree.
Q: Can you provide a bit more info on your break? You mention it was above the front shoulder… you mean across the neck line and across the grain?!? I'm guessing it occurred due to a (rare) lateral tip over? Otherwise, I can't fathom how a 3 yo – or even his old man – could generate enough force to make such a break! But advise on what you might do to avoid a repeat is appreciated. Thx!
#7 posted 11-28-2014 11:58 PM
Hi SandyEggoJake,
Thank you for your kind words, and that is a great question. My daughter would really throw her 25-35Lbs into this horse when she rocked on it, and I do not think that there was sufficient glue in the neck pocket area, so essentially the wood the straddles the neck pocket was bearing the brunt of the force when rocking. Over time, it was enough that the Southern Pine failed right where the neck was glued, which upon examining the break it seemed logical that I didn't use sufficient glue (essentially, it was my error that lead to the glue failure/joint failure). I used Gorilla Glue for the repair, and I have not had an issue with it since. My daughter is almost too big to rock on the horse now, but my son still uses it.
The nice thing about this design is although it is top-heavy, laterally this is very sound. It has been knocked over twice, but there was never any damage (that I can tell, anyway).
Best of luck on your new build! The horse in your picture looks beautiful!
-- I make sawdust. I think thats a fair assessment of my finished products!
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Volkswagen unveils new Arteon mid-size sedan in Chicago
Volkswagen unveiled its latest new sedan on Thursday, February 8 at the Chicago Auto Show. The new Arteon mid-size is designed to compete with premium brands such as Audi, BMW, and Lexus.
"Arteon has the style and performance of a luxury Gran Turismo for about the price of a fully loaded midsize sedan," remarked VW's North American Region CEO Hinrich Woebken.
Releaseing the Arteon shows that Volkswagen is not abandoning the struggling sedan segment in the face of surging SUV sales. In 2017, the German automaker rolled out a new Atlas mid-size SUV, and updated the Tiguan compact SUV to provide three-row seating. Now for 2018, the new Arteon will be joined by a revised Jetta compact sedan.
The Arteon is a technology showcase, with emphasis on VW's digital cockpit, which allows owners to reconfigure the dashboard display and place navigation data directly in front of the driver. Volkswagen also offers a comprehensive connectivity and infotainment package.
Standard driver assistance and safety features include a rearview camera along with Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert. Available driver assistance features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, active Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Parking Steering Assistant including Park Distance Control, and Overhead View Camera.
The Arteon will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both front and all-wheel-drive are available at all trim levels. Additionally, the Arteon includes active suspension damping as standard equipement.
Pricing has not been released, but the Arteon will include a class-leading 6 year/72,000 mile warranty. The Arteon is expected to debut at VW dealerships this summer.
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Nobody could accuse singer-songwriter Richard Thompson of being a pawn of the religious right. Thompson expressed standard-issue contempt for fundamentalism in an October 2003 interview with writer Greg Kahill of metroactive.com. Discussing Thompson's album Old Kit Bag, Kahill wrote:
"Outside of the Inside" finds Thompson, a Sufi, discussing the way faith blinded the former rulers of Afghanistan to all things modern. "Generally speaking, it's about fundamentalism -- Muslim, Christian, whatever -- and they're not people I'm fond of. I think they are bigots and stupid people, who use a little bit of power to lord over others."
Some writers have expressed surprise that Thompson, a longtime Muslim, would criticize others of his faith. "Well, I don't know if I can be considered 'a devout Muslim' -- that's a comparative term," he says. "I'd probably be at the liberal end of any religion, whichever one I chose. But I see the Taliban as medieval and ignorant, offering a very narrow interpretation of a religion."
In recent months Thompson has been performing "Dear Janet Jackson," a hilarious song that avoids both the hell-in-a-handbasket protests of the Right and the equally shrill it's-all-about-Bush-administration-censorship murmurings of the Left.
Thompson's song proposes a startling idea: that the female breast is designed to nourish a baby. It's the closest thing I've ever heard to a bawdy rock & roll song built on a Natural Law assumption.
Here's a portion of the opening stanza:
Now I couldn't help but notice there that you've got a pair of beauties and if your other duties as a diva give you time there's lots of hungry babes out there that need something to chew a new role as a wet nurse might be just the thing for you
And a portion of the bridge:
That's what they're there for That's what they're there for Who are we to ask the why or wherefore?
The song is a crowd-pleaser, as is clear in this MP3 recorded in late March at Tarrytown, N.Y.
If this is typical liberal Sufi humor, let's have far more of it, please.


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For BJP, Lanka's Ramayana trail leads to Sita temple
The BJP has a thing for temples. And building one is surely more appealing if the unsuspecting plot of land is in demon king, Ravan's backyard. Luckily in this case, no existing structure needs to be brought down either.world Updated: Jun 29, 2010 15:55 IST
The BJP has a thing for temples. And building one is surely more appealing if the unsuspecting plot of land is in demon king, Ravan's backyard. Luckily in this case, no existing structure needs to be brought down either.
So, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan made a rushed visit to Sri Lanka last week to lay the foundation stone – probably a more applicable translation for `bhoomi pujan' – for a Sita temple in Ravan's ancestral home. It's going to come up in near the lap of little hills and water falls in a south-eastern province.
Apparently dizzy with the beauty of the place and the hopelessness of her situation, Sita couldn't resist the temptation of walking through fire at that very spot to prove her chastity. (I could be wrong but didn't Sita walk through hell – more applicable for agni pariksha, I guess – after returning to Ram and his Ram Rajya wherever that was? Or did she have to do it repeatedly for her righteous husband?)
Chauhan said the temple would strengthen Indo-Lanka ties. Ties I'm not too sure but tourism definitely.
There are around 52 Ramayana-related sites – yes, 52 -- on the island including the garden where a forlorn Sita spent her abducted period. In 2009 more than 4000 Indian tourists, aggressively egged on by Lankan tourism, regaled their pious taste for religious tourism.
Maybe Chauhan didn't want to know it but not everybody here believes that Lanka and Ramayana are linked. The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka said in November that the Ramayana trail is fiction of mythical proportions. Historian S Pathmanathan had told me that it's a battle between history and traditions. ``I do not doubt the historicity of Ram. But the sites have no connection to the epic. I don't think there is any evidence (to connect),'' he had said.
For BJP a Ram, or a Sita, temple on a willing foreign soil could hardly harm. It was the same party which had called for anti-Lanka sanctions after allegations surfaced that the Tamil civilians were killed as the civil war came to end in May, 2009. But then, what's that got to do with religious rites?
First Published: Jun 29, 2010 15:50 IST


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Rutherglen Estates wins prestigious trophies for its flagship Durif
Rutherglen Estates is proud to announce that last night our 2013 Renaissance Durif took out four prestigious trophies at the 127th Annual Rutherglen Wine Show.
The 2013 Renaissance Durif was awarded the Seguin Moreau Special Award for Best Barrel Matured Table Wine for the North East Region of Victoria, as well as the awards for Best Australian Dry Red Wine made from fruit grown in the Rutherglen and the North East regions of Victoria and the Best Australian Durif Award.
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Rutherglen is traditionally known for producing red wine and Durif is a distinct variety best-suited to the mild and dry conditions of this world-renowned winemaking region. Rutherglen Estates produced its first Durif in 2002 and has been working to create an elegant and approachable wine with intensity and varietal definition, and the 2013 Renaissance Durif is a great example of this.
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