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First day of American high school
I want to be completely honest on my blog. I do. But sometimes, that can be tricky. A little hard. Because on social media we often glorify things, or erase the bad stuff. What I am trying to say here is that I went to an American high school for the first time today and I thought it was tough. It was kind of like a chock to me because I have always been told that American school is easy.
Woke up around 6.00 and brushed my hair and did my makeup. Then I went downstairs to eat my daily bagle with cream cheese, and a banana. I brought my STS backpack, my phone, a charger, my non-set schedule, a notebook and my pencil pouch.. then I was out the door. Sue took a picture of me, which I will post down below. We drove over to Bianca's house to pick her up, and then we got to school. SO MUCH PEOPLE IN THERE!! It was insane, very hectic. And I obviously did not know anyone. We were all supposed to go into the gym and get our schedules. Had to wait in a long line with other juniors.. They printed them on pink papers, probably to cheer us up.. not sure if that worked. Nothing had changed on my schedule. After that Bianca and walked seperate ways, and I headed to my locker which is located upstairs. I left my back pack because apparently we are not allowed to bring them into the classroom.. it is weird because purses are fine. Will make sure to have one of those tomorrow. The pink schedule is what I have to look at in order to know what classroom I am supposed to be going to. It is also were I find my student ID as well as locker and its combination. The classroom ended up being really close to my locker, yet it took me a while to find it. I came in 4 minutes late and I was not sure what the consequences would be.. if I was even allowed to enter the room. People were already in there and everyone was looking. But since it was the first day people ended up showing up after me.. so I did not have to worry.
I have the same schedule every day except for Wednesdays.. then I get of school half an hour earlier so each class is moved to a couple minutes earlier.
1. US Government 7.40-8.33
A class I thought would be interesting now when the election is coming up. The teacher said that the class is useful so we will not be fooled by the candidates.. but I am not voting.. and most likely never will, in an American election. My teacher is Mr. Dave Bischoff. I have him 3 periods!! So more than any other student this semester, apparently. Some people thought I was insane. But he is the one who has the serious classes, and since this year counts for me I want to do good academicly. Mr. Bischoff is a funny guy, he made a lot of jokes.. but people really do respect him and know that they want him on his good side. He was very strict. If we are late, that means if we are not inside the classroom when the bell rings, we have to stand up during the entire class.. and the rest of the students will chant "late, late, late".. he showed us 3 different models of desks we would use in case this event occurs. I am wondering who will be late first, and hoping that it is not going to be me.. Feel bad for the wheel chair kid who came late to class once.. they used up a lot of duct tape that time... Bischoff went through a bunch of rules that we have to follow, uncluding no cellphones, do not make him angry, bring materials.. that kind of stuff. We even had to sing a paper - print and signature, to show that we would follow his rules. Not like Sweden where we could get away with basically anything. One thing I really like is how each teacher personalises their classroom. In this classroom there is a lot of picturs, specifically of baseball, since Mr. Bischoff is the baseball coach. In case of a fire we are all assigned one of his personal items.. his plan is to get his stuff into his car and drive around and laugh while everyone else is crying about their personal belongings that now is known as ashes.. We also have assigned seats. This class is mostly seniors, so people who are 17-18 years old, I believe? Eveyone was taking the class because it was required..
2. Peer Tutoring/Helping with the Yearbook 8.38-9.31
This was my favorite class of the day. Went to the library, was assigned a person to help.. In my case Mrs. Cordray, who is the assistent of the school counslers. Since today was the first day so many people had problems, or classes they did not want to take.. therefor she was very busy and I could just sit down and talk to people. Met a girl named Asia and a girl named Summer. Summer is also an intern for mrs. Cordray, but a "normal one".. I am the "year book edition". It was actually her birthday today.. yay!
The breaks
Okay, can we just take a second to talk about "the breaks"? We have 5 minutes between each class and sometimes you have to go up the stairs.. I have yet to figure out how to effectively use those 5 minutes. There is no time for bathroom break.. I did not even make it to my locker. Might be because I barely know where my locker is located.. but still. And the entire school goes out at the same time, when the bell rings. You seriously just stop with what you are doing and go straight out of there. And for your own sake I hope you know where you are going next.. No time for mistakes.
3. Honors English 11 9.36-10.29
This class had a new teacher this year called mrs. Stuckey. I like her so far because she was both fun and serious. In this classroom there are two sides of desks who face the middle.. kind of like a rap battle if you know what I mean? Oh well, after she introduced herself we started with journaling, which we be doing a lot. We just got 10 minutes to write our name, interests, expectations of the class.. those kind of things. 10 minutes is not enough for me since I am not a "one-sentence-answers-kind-of-person". I can write an essay for each question if she would let me. Then she handed out a paper with rules. We are not allowed to stand up during class, we can chew gum, drinks and food is not permitted, if homework is given to her 1 minute late we only get 50% of the grade we were supposed to get.. yep, it is really that strict. Actually all teachers have been quite clear on how the grading works. For example, a certain precentage of of our grade depends on test, while another depends on work during class.. etc. The school even has a website where you can keep track of your grades, and they rank the students! In Sweden we had no idea until the end of the season.. when it was too late to change the game. After going through that stuff we got a sheet of paper with would-you-rather questions, and then we had to walk around the class and ask people if they had picked the same answer as you. In this class I met Becka, a girl with the coolest neon yellow hair color.. I really dig it. There is only juniors in this class. We are mostly going to work with American literature, and that sounds like a lot of fun to me.
4. Drama literature 10.34-11.34
I chose this class because I love to act and read. However, everyone else picked it because it is an English writing class that they thought does not necessarily involve a lot of writing. I believe most students were freshmen and they could not care less about what Mr. Grubaugh was saying.. so I was caught between taking to others and making friends, or listening to the teacher..I noticed how in every class I took today except for this one we were told that we were the smart people.. However, we did get an introduction to the class and what we plan to do during the semester. And then we wrote a paragraph about why we chose this class and previous experience. After that he wanted each student to share 3 facts - two truths and a lie. Everyone just said that they have 9 dogs or 7 siblings.. very creative. I said that I hate water melon, I have lived in Indiana all my life, and that I love Harry Potter. The once who dared to guess went like "you like water melon".. and then I told everyone that I was a Swedish exchange student and I was told I had a cute accent.. I did not know I had one, but sure. They wanted me to say "Ha en bra dag" in Swedish, and everyone thought it was soo funny, even though it was only one sentence! So they were easy to entertain. I was also asked if we have MC Donalds in Sweden, which we do.. but they also mentioned a lot of other fast food places that I have never tried. They stated that I would be obese by the end of the year..
Lunch 11.34-12.34
What we all fear.. the 30 minute break in which we are supposed to consume food to get us through the day. I did not manage to open my locker to leave my stuff and grab my water bottle, so I came to the cafeteria late.. apperantly someone is hired to make sure we behave correctly during lunch, and that we get out of there in time. 30 minutes was nothing! I sat next to a girl whose name I can not remember.. but we do not have any classes together. I just took the closest seat out of desperation.. and I did feel welcomed so that was really nothing to worry about. Lunch was some kind of pizza or tacos. I picked pizza because it seemed easier..If you are from Sweden I can inform you it tasted a lot like Billys panpizza.
5. US History 12.09-1.01
I have Mr. Bischoff again, in the same room. He went through the exact same stuff except he talked a lot more about the pictures he had hanging from the cealing of famous people. I had to sign my name again, get a different seat. I belive we were all juniors in this class. Once the teacher realised that I was a Swedish exchange student he made the other students name countries that boarders Sweden.. at least some people knew. Someone said France.. so they must have mixed it up with Switzerland. I actually got compliments for my Harry Potter T-shirt, yay! That was my plan all along. One thing I forgot to mention is that I have no idea how the bells work.. nor did I know when my next class started.. so I was constently stressed and thinking I was late.. Ugh.
6. Psychology 1.06-1-58
Same thing for the 3d time. Bischoff just got worse and worse at pronouncing my name.. and I was so tired, and since I had already heard all jokes and information I could not care less. He was so suprised when he realised that I had him three times during the day.. I think I will get an award. I was actually told this class is kind of fun and everyone is knew at it, so yay! We got 3 sheets of paper and filled out true or false questions. Learned a lot even though it was only the first day!
Pre Calc 2.03 - 2.55
This is a math class on college level. My teacher is called miss Medsker. One of the first things she mentioned was how we are not allowed to use pens in her class. She gave us all a sheet of paper and told us that we had 5 minutes to finish.. I freaked out! I mean, a test on the first day? Although when I flipped the page and jumped right onto the first question it was only simple questions like "write the date on the top right hand corner", "write the first president of the United states on the back of your sheet", "write the number five at the center of your paper".. questions like that. I did well and read through the questions carefully.. until I got down to one of the last questions that said "now that you have read through each question carefully, only do the first two questions and skip the rest".. I felt so stupid but almost all of us were. That did explain how the girl sitting next to me was the fastest! Apperantly, if i had read the instructions, I would have known that the first step was to read throught all of the questions. But I feel like that would take too much time, I only had 5 minutess. However. We got homework, actually. Three sheets of paper with math questions to answer. And I did not know any of them. There were stuff on there I had not worked with before. Since math was one of my strongest subjects in Sweden, that came as a chock to me.. and I freaked out. One thing that annoyed me is that we are supposed to ask our friends for help if we do not know the answer to a question. This is a problem for me since I have not made any friends yet! I walked up to the teacher and told her honestly that I had never done anything like this before. She told me that I should try it for a while and then maybe switch to Algebra 2. After looking closer at my homework I emailed the school counsler straight away. I mean, I can not start with the advance stuff.. I got to build myself up from the basics.
Thankfully that was the end of the day. I walked over to my locker. I kept struggling with my combination today.. I mean, in Sweden we often lost our keys but it feels like a better alternative.. but most likely I will get a hang of it soon. And people were happy to help me. I walked to the main desk and left all forms I had filled out before. Happy to get rid of those. Then I walked out of school, obviously through the wrong door, so I had to walk around the entire building.. but that was not too tricky. I was suprised by how warm it was outside because inside school it was pretty chilly.
After school I just relaxed, ate dinner and went back to school shopping. Ended up buying things for 53$ so I did some damage for sure.. but if I am going to make it through this school year I need to be organized.
Let us see how today goes!


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This new Camera was discovered defective out of the original box. It has been repaired by a Panasonic service center.
or evening illumination, without a flash, to preserve the mood. In short, it lets anybody take beautiful, blur-free shots with ease.
Intelligent ISO Control Prevents Blurry Shots Caused by Moving Subjects
When the Intelligent ISO Control (I.I.C.) in LUMIX cameras detects subject motion, it automatically raises the ISO setting and increases the shutter speed to prevent motion blur. On the other hand, when the subject is still and no movement is detected, it lets you take beautifully natural photos with a low ISO setting. Have you ever mistakenly used a high ISO setting to take a photo of a subject standing still? If so, you may remember the noisy, grainy result. Or, if you have tried snapping a moving subject at a low ISO setting, your photo was probably spoiled by motion blur. Intelligent ISO Control gives you stunning images with ease because there is no need for complicated settings.
The DMC-FZ8 also makes it easy to select the I.ISO (Intelligent ISO Control) Mode right from its new mode dial. This makes it possible to raise the sensitivity all the way to ISO 1250, or to limit it to ISO 400 or ISO 800. I.ISO Mode gives you exactly the kind of image quality you are looking for.
Blur Indicator
Blur Indicator lets you confirm that the camera is precisely detecting hand-shake and motion blur separately.
High Sensitivity Mode ISO 3200
Selecting High Sensitivity mode from among the Scene Modes allows the sensitivity to be raised all the way up to ISO 3200. This makes it possible to take sharp, blur-free shots of active children or pets even in indoor settings with limited light.
Venus Engine III
Venus Engine III in the DMC-FZ8 allows high-sensitivity recording up to ISO 1250 at full resolution. The noise reduction system is also greatly improved while maintaining high resolution. It removes noise at the processing stages in series. First, critical noise is roughly undraped and the chromatic noise and the luminance noise are separated so they can each go through a supplemental noise reduction process that appropriately minimizes the remaining noise.
Super-fast Shutter Response
We slashed the release time lag to 0.005 second minimum by increasing both the circuit speed itself and the point at which the shutter release signal is detected. We also shortened the shutter interval to around 0.6 second (minimum)*. These improvements help make LUMIX an extremely quick, responsive camera that's a pleasure to use.
Full Manual Control and Easy Joystick Operation
The easy-to-use joystick operation and good design, which were part of the highly acclaimed trademarks of the predecessor, are inherited by the DMC-FZ8. The joystick was incorporated to facilitate operational ease and thereby get the best technical advantage of the multitude of functions offered by the camera. With the joystick it is possible to set focus, aperture and shutter speed manually.
Mode Select with Joystick Control (P/A/S/M)
You can select Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, or Manual Exposure Mode by simply turning the dial. This opens the door to a host of creative possibilities.
Move the Joystick up or down to easily set the parameter of each item. When you set the dial to manual exposure, move the Joystick right or left to select the aperture and shutter speed.
Program Shift
You can use Program Shift in Program AE Mode to keep the exposure fixed while changing the combination of shutter speed and aperture. This function lets you choose the exposure setting yourself to capt

subset: commoncrawl


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The groups met in Phnom Penh to discuss development plans, foreign aid pledges and Cambodia's development needs for 2012.
Mam Sonando, director of the independent Beehive radio station, said it has become harder to gain listeners.
Mang Monika will present the findings of the project to the Appeals Court in a meeting Wednesday.
Mu Sochua said women in Cambodia need to participate more in politics, in both grassroots and upper political leadership.
Thai media reports preliminary dam construction has begun well before official clearance by the Mekong River Commission.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other major international groups have called on the government to drop the law entirely.
Critics say the law will erode development progress Cambodia has made over the past 20 years.
On Wednesday, 62 international NGOs working in Cambodia stated their strong opposition to the law.
According to the Ministry of Labor, Cambodia sent nearly 5,800 legal workers in Malaysia in 2010, nearly two-thirds of them women.
The statement comes as local groups say talks with the government over the law have yielded few changes to the draft.
The amendments to the law will give more power to the head of the Anti-Corruption Body, which has executive power.
Up to 1,500 families have had to leave the lake area to make way for a massive commercial and residential development.
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Product 1/5
Channel your inner Avril Lavigne with this simple purse, tastefully accentuated by gold studs along the edges. It features a single zip opening, five card holders, a central coin pouch and a space for your notes. Complement a studded denim jacket and black boots to control the evening from the moment you leave your home until you come back.


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Liza Mumbai
They don't get significantly more normally lovely than Liza. This is a Mumbai Escort that scarcely requires any consideration whatsoever when she's setting herself up for a booking. This shouldn't imply that she doesn't endeavor obviously! In spite of her childhood and characteristic excellence, Liza truly likes to make an occasion for her appointments. When she has a customer while in transit to visit her, she'll put on her absolute best, most noteworthy outfit, shower on the costly fragrance and get herself all energized for when the bell goes. An outcall booking with Liza will give you the chance to ask for her to wear something specifically should you wish. There's nothing more enabling than having your companion swing up to your lodging looking exactly how you need.
Liza is somewhat of a wellness crack if the frankly, and this is apparently why this fine Mumbai Call Girl looks so great in all that she wears. She gets herself down to the exercise center as regularly as her opportunity grants. She's a gigantic enthusiast of swimming and no outsider to a turn class now and again. All that she does goes far to add to that tight behind of hers. Not that it needs much help obviously, but rather she gets a kick out of the chance no doubt! There's one thing without a doubt, Liza absolutely has enough vitality for you.
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OCR homepage
OCR is delighted to be sponsoring the Big Bang Fair at the NEC in Birmingham (13 - 16 March 2014).
The Big Bang is the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for young people in the UK. Opened by Education Minister Elizabeth Truss, this free event is primarily aimed at young people aged 7 to 19, as well as teachers. It is designed to highlight the many options and opportunities available in schools and for future careers.
With relevant and exciting qualifications and resources, OCR is committed to supporting the growth of this dynamic sector. For example, with input from the JCB Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and SEMTA, we've launched new Cambridge Nationals in Engineering qualifications which cover the broad range of engineering skills and knowledge. Four separate qualifications cover engineering principles, design, manufacture as well as systems and control in engineering, and give schools delivering the Ebacc, the opportunity to contextualise technical study aligned with GCSEs in maths and science.
Come and see the exciting 'Mars Robot' and 3D printer on OCR stand (TS6), or get involved in the Raspberry Pi seminars about supporting the STEM curriculum, taking place across the four day event.
Visit the Big Bang Fair website to find out more.


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Athens is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Europe. The picturesque port of Piraeus has been welcoming ships for over 1500 years and Athens continues to attract cruise ships from around the world. The reason that Athens is so popular is because it combines world class culture with a warm family atmosphere. It doesn't matter if you're wandering down the streets of Plaka at 10pm, you're still guaranteed to see different generations of Athenian families sitting out together and enjoying a late-night coffee. If you are looking for a cruise destination with plenty of sights and activities to keep you occupied, then look no further than Athens. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes; Athens will certainly keep you busy.
Here is a pick of the best things to see, eat, and experience while you stay in this ancient city.
Athens is a truly ancient city and has been continually occupied since the Neolithic period. One of the earliest signs of human habitation come from the Athenian Acropolis, where there is archaeological evidence that the Mycenaeans occupied the citadel during the Bronze Age (nearly 3000 years ago). However, as legend goes, the city of Athens was founded by the Greek goddess Athena long before. According to the myth, there was a contest between Athena (goddess of wisdom) and Poseidon (the god of the sea) over who would be patron of the city. In order to win over the city's inhabitants, Poseidon threw his trident into the rocks of the Acropolis. Out poured a fresh water spring and Poseidon was met with popular acclaim. Athena, however, had another idea. She gifted Athens with an olive tree; the agricultural product which would form the basis of olive oil, various beauty products, and the Greek diet. The Athenians were swayed and unanimously voted Athena to be their patroness. The city was then named after her accordingly.
However, the 'Golden Age' of Athenian civilisation was certainly during the Classical age (from 480-323 BCE). Towards the end of the Persian Wars, the Achaemenid King, Xerxes, marched towards Athens and sacked the city. The Acropolis was burnt to the ground and many Athenians were forced to flee for their lives. Although the future of Athens looked grim, the destruction of the city became its saving grace.
Following the formation of the Delian League, a treaty of peace between all the city-states of Greece, Athens procured a vast wealth of money from her allies. Under the watchful eye of the Athenian General Pericles, Athens went under a serious urban renovation. The Delian League money was used to refurbish the city (much to the dismay of the other city-states) and Athens built its famous Parthenon. Although it has long since been destroyed, the Parthenon contained within it a mammoth sculpture of Athena. The sculpture was made of ivory and gold and was nearly 13m in height (41.9ft). Combined with the construction of the Piraeus Port, Athens became one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in the Mediterranean.
During the Classical Period, Athens became the centre of educational, political, and artistic advancement. In 479 BCE, Athens put on the first ever theatre production on the slopes of the Acropolis (Aeschylus' The Persians). However, in addition to this, one of the most notable achievements of the Athenians was the implementation of political democracy; a practice which allowed all Athenian citizens the right to vote on matters which concerned the demos (the people). However, it should be noted, that Athenian Democracy didn't give the vote to slaves, women, or non-citizens. Nevertheless, the implementation of democracy by Athens has become one of the most important turning points in European history.
During the Classical Period, Athens became a centre for philosophical thought and was home to some of the most notable figures in history (including Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates). Although Athens continued to flourish for several generations, the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War (437-404 BCE) had a catastrophic impact on the city. After a series of blockades and droughts, Athens succumbed to the plague and the population dropped significantly. By the end of the war, moreover, Athens had suffered terribly and was eventually defeated by Sparta and her allies. Although the city would always remain inhabited, nothing was ever quite the same.
By the time of the Romans, Athens no longer held its position of political influence and economic prosperity. However, it was a remarkable achievement for the Romans to incorporate Athens into its Empire. The city was incredibly well respected, especially by Hadrian, and Athens was once again renovated. The Romans built an Agora in the city-centre and religious pilgrims flocked to the city throughout the ancient period.
If you are looking for things to do in Athens, then you really are spoilt for choice. An obvious starting point would be the Acropolis; a popular destination for tourists from many of the cruise ships which dock in Piraeus. However, Athens has much more to offer beyond its ancient heritage. Sites such as The Ottoman Bathhouse, the Museum of Archaeology, and Athenian House of Parliament are all worth a visit. In addition to this, Athens is home to some of the most incredible festivals in the world. Depending on the time of year, you'll be able to see the Jazz Festival or one of the many city theatre festivals.
The Parthenon is located upon the Athenian Acropolis. The Acropolis has many wonderful sights that are worth exploring, including the Theatre of Dionysus and Herod's Odeum. However, there can be no doubt that the Parthenon is the most popular and spectacular site within Athens.
The word Parthenon comes from the Greek Parthenos, which is usually translated as meaning 'female divinity' or 'virgin'. Given that the temple was specifically dedicated to Athena and that it was used for many religious festivals (such as the Panathenaia), the name stuck. It was built between 447-432 BCE and was one of the most expensive and jaw-dropping constructions of its time.
If you are visiting the Parthenon today, then the site looks much different from when it was originally constructed. The site has been hit by multiple earthquakes, was used as target practice by the Ottomans, and was even an armery during WW2. During Nazi occupation, the Parthenon was hit by a bomb and endured significant damage. To this day, renovations are still taking place on the site. With that in mind, then, don't be surprised to see lots of scaffolding around the Parthenon.
If you are visiting during the summer, then it's a good idea to visit the Parthenon early in the morning. The Acropolis is always incredibly busy and will become very hot in the afternoons. In terms of accessibility, furthermore, the Acropolis can be very steep in areas so is potentially hazardous to young children and older people.
At one point, the Agora was the civic centre for the ancient city of Athens. This is where Athenians came to do their shopping, visit law courts, and meet other people. Today, the Agora is a lovely green space in the middle of the city. It's a great option for tourists who want to enjoy the city but fancy a quiet place to sit in the shade.
The Agora has a mixture of Greek and Roman statues, and a wonderful museum (The Agora Museum). The Museum contains everything you would expect: lots of statues, plenty of vases, and some beautiful reliefs from the surrounding area. One of the most sculptures you'll see here is the bust of Herodotus; the 'father' of modern history.
The Acropolis Museum is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Europe. For a minimal fee, tourists get to wander around a beautifully air-conditioned exhibition and marvel at the Parthenon reliefs. The museum is arranged so that the metopes and reliefs are in-situ as they would appear on the actual Acropolis. This is not a sight to be missed.
Beyond the Parthenon reconstruction, the Acropolis also gives a fascinating history of how Athens developed into an urban city. The Museum itself is actually built upon an active archaeological site. Tourists, if they're feeling brave, can look down through the glass floor and see the ancient rubble.
This Museum is genuinely wonderful and offers a pleasant escape from the fiery Greek heat. Like the Acropolis itself, get there early to avoid disappointment.
Sometimes, it can feel like there's nowhere to go in Athens that isn't jammed pack with tourists and locals. However, if you are interested in going off the main route, you can find a real gem. The Ottoman Bath House is a wonderful experience and gives tourists a great idea of what it was like to live in 19th Century Athens. The site has been faithfully reconstructed and includes many of the original features. Visitors can expect to see various beautifully decorated and incredibly ornate bathrooms, changing rooms, and spaces where Greek-Ottomans socialised.
The Greeks are famous for their food and drink, and Athens doesn't fail to disappoint. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, then there are some local delicacies which you have to try. Souvlaki (a type of Greek kebab) is something you'll see sold throughout Athens and is great for lunch. Many different eateries will boast that they sell the best souvlaki in Athens, but the choice is really up to you. In addition to souvlaki, tourists are often fond of traditional Greek cheese pastries. The cheese pastries are usually made of feta but often come with other accompaniments, including spinach and ham. They are available on virtually every street corner and are very cheap.
Athens has a fantastic coffee culture and there is a plethora of options for the thirsty and coffee connoisseurs alike. Without a doubt, the most popular coffee drink is the frappe - a cold cappuccino often served at breakfast time with a sweet pastry. Be wary, though; Greek coffee can be incredibly strong and often very sweet. If you have a particular preference, let your barista know.
Ever since the 2004 Summer Olympics, Athens has undergone some serious renovation. One of the best outcomes of the Olympics, for the city, was the refurbishment of Athens' underground tube network. This means that getting around Athens is remarkably easy and is a pleasant experience in itself.
If you are interested in venturing beyond Athens during your cruise, you have a number of options. Although it's very popular for tourists to visit Olympus and Delphi, they are several hours away from Athens by bus. If you have the time, by all means, then you should visit these wonderful towns. However, there are alternatives if you're more strapped for time.
Argos is a lovely and quaint city located roughly 86 miles away from Athens. It's easily accessibly by bus and offers a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of city-living. There are plenty of nice restaurants and Argos' city square is a great place to enjoy a drink in the evening. You'll see plenty of locals enjoying the summer's evening here and accommodation is surprisingly affordable.
In addition to Argos, it's definitely worth making the short journey to Mycenae while you are visiting Athens. The Bronze Age site has some truly remarkable architecture and features 'cyclopean' masonry; an architectural style which is used to describe the massive blocks which built the Mycenaean Citadel. Furthermore, Mycenae was also the hometown of legendary Greek King Agamemnon (the husband of Clytemnestra and leader of the Greek troops during the Trojan Wars). Mycenae is situated in the beautiful Greek countryside and is surrounded by endless rolling hills. The site is definitely worth a visit if you desire an escape from busy Athens.
Athens is a great location for cruisers because there's simply so much to do. The city is one of the oldest and most fascinating in Europe, attracting thousands of international tourists every year. Some of the must-see sites include the Acropolis (and its museum), the Agora, and the hidden Ottoman Bathhouse. In terms of experiencing Athens, the Plaka area is a wonderful way to visit various restaurants and buy ice-cold frappes. This is a popular area for tourists and locals alike.
Athens is a wonderful visit because you aren't limited to the city either. It's ideally situated for further travel, with cities like Argos and Mycenae very closeby. You can venture further if you have the time and Athens has excellent transport links.
Athens really does have something for everyone. The city has a wonderful atmosphere and will never fail to impress.
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text: Report post Posted July 25, 2012 (edited) EDIT: The news is now official but you probably already know it by now :P Just heard from a guildy and checked my account. You can now upgrade your Battle.net accounts to either the normal version of MoP or the deluxe edition. When you continue to payment it says: (playable on September 25th). I think this could change but it gives a clear indication now of the expected timeline! Edited July 26, 2012 by Peelyon 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Prototyping is the key element leading directly to the implementation of the part to the production process. At this stage, production engineers and design studio employees test the manufactured prototype for its compliance with technological standards of production, comfort of use, durability, safety and aesthetics. Subsequently, the prototype is presented to the customer, and, upon gaining his/her approval, series production commences.
A perfect selection of materials, structures, and colours is essential for creating the identity and perception of a given product. They also add to the rise of its value in the customer's eyes. It all affects our senses and is truly an integral part of the experience of using the product.


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The bizarre orbital patterns of Uranus had for years been an nsolved astronomical puzzle. But when English mathematician John Crouch Adams came across them in 1841, he discovered that there was one very important piece missing: The gravitational pull of another planet-a planet no one had ever seen before. If Adams was able to see in the sky what he was able to deduce on paper, he would not only have discovered a new planet, but also a revolutionary ability to gain knowledge of worlds we cannot see through the power of mathematics.
Unfortunately for him, he had a rival. The French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier calculated the planet's position shortly after Adams-and the international race to spot Neptune began.
"Standage has dug out some fascinating new information, greatly enlivened by the stories of acrimonious fighting." (Sir Arthur C. Clarke)
"An enterprising book that deals adeptly with both the astronomical theory and the human passions." (The Economist)
"It's wonderful to realize that scientists of 150 years ago were chasing fame and glory just as they do today." (Cliff Stoll, author of The Cuckoo's Egg and High Tech Heretic)
"Extraordinary...colorful...both astronomy buffs and armchair explorers will revel in his tale." (Publishers Weekly)
"This is science writing at its best, broadening the mind even as it entertains." (The Oregonian)
- Binding: Mass Market Paperback
- Product Group: Book
- Product Type Name: ABIS_BOOK
- Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
- Release Date: 2004-03-02
- Edition: Reissue
- Publication Date: 2001-11-01
- Publisher: Berkley Trade
- Studio: Berkley Trade
- Number Of Pages: 256


text:
Advanced Diploma of Nursing HLT64115
CRICOS Course Code: 092718M
The Advanced Diploma of Nursing is designed for Enrolled/Division 2 nurses who hold a Diploma of Nursing and who are currently working. This course will equip you with advanced skills and knowledge in client assessment, care and management across a wide range of health care settings.
At this level, enrolled nurses integrate and adapt specialised, technical and theoretical knowledge to address a diverse range of clinical situations and challenges in their area of specialisation. They contribute to the continuous improvement of clinical practice using research and participation in broader organisational quality processes. Enrolled nurses retain responsibility for their own actions while remaining accountable to the Registered Nurse/Midwife for all delegated functions.
Skills Training Australia's Advanced Diploma of Nursing has been developed in consultation with industry professionals, and is delivered by experienced nursing care trainers.
Why Study at Skills Training Australia?:
- We have some of the best placement partnerships in Victoria
We have placement agreements with some of the best public and private hospital and health care organisations in the state. We arrange all of your placement hours within the metropolitan area of Melbourne or regional areas of Victoria.
Please note: any necessary travel and/or accommodation requirements are borne by the student.
Our campus locations make studying near home easier
We have a long established campus in Knox and a new campus in the Melbourne CBD, a short walk from Southern Cross Station and Flagstaff Station.
- Our fees are highly competitive for comparable quality courses
We provide fee-for-service places for the Advanced Diploma of Nursing. From 2019, Victorian Government subsidised places through the Skills First Program are also available for eligible student. Please speak to one of our Business Development Team Members for more information.
- Regular course Intakes are available throughout the year
We offer regular course intakes throughout the year. All of our training courses are delivered during school terms to accommodate all lifestyles.
- Our staff are passionate about nursing
All of our trainers are currently working in the health/nursing industry. This ensures that we are always up to date with current practice and procedure. You will be safe knowing that you are receiving the best and most relevant education possible in the health care field.
- Our modern campuses are designed around our students
We focus on your success while you study with us, providing comfortable, uncrowded training spaces, and dedicated assistance during your course.
To gain entry into the Advanced Diploma of Nursing, a candidate must be currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and hold a Diploma of Nursing or equivalent.
Numeracy and Literacy Requirements
All learners applying for a training place will already hold a Diploma of Nursing, have evidenced to AHPRA an IELTS equivalent of 7.0 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and will have met the numeracy requirements for an Enrolled Nurse. As such, their diploma qualification and evidence of current registration will meet the LL&N requirement for entry.
A Pre-Training Review will be conducted to assess prior education, knowledge and industry experience as well as confirm the above LL&N requirement. This is designed to ensure that students have the characteristics to achieve the required rigour and depth of training, and can realistically meet all of the competency requirements.
Is this course right for you?
The Advanced Diploma of Nursing is for enrolled nurses who hold a current registration and are working in a health care setting as an enrolled nurse. You would be seeking to further develop skills and knowledge in client assessment, care and management in specialised areas. You will have a passion and keen desire to continue working in the nursing profession. Individuals involved in this type of work need the physical capacity to deal with personal care, and must demonstrate genuine compassion and empathy towards others.
Enrolled Nurses holding the Advanced Diploma of Nursing may:
- • be employed in areas of specialisation
• assist with the initial and ongoing health assessments and the continued maintenance of patients' health
• observe, measure and record patients' conditions (e.g. their temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure and blood sugar levels)
• report changes in patients' conditions
• attend to patients' hygiene and comfort by assisting with bathing, showering, dressing and bed-making
• assist patients with meals when required
• assist patients with rehabilitation exercises and programs
• assist in the care of wounds
• assist in emergency situations
• assist in providing education on health and lifestyle issues
• maintain a safe environment for patients and assist with the prevention of injuries
Police Check and Working with Children Checks
It is a mandatory requirement that the individual holds a clear Police Check and Working with Children Check.
Student Entry Procedure - for eligible students electing to access VET Student Loans
All students wishing to apply for a Commonwealth VET Student Loan must be assessed for academic suitability to undertake a high level VET qualification.
This academic assessment is in addition to any entry requirements that may be required for the specific course a student wishes to undertake.
The student must:
- provide a copy of the individual's senior secondary certificate of education from an Australian agency; OR
- provide evidence of attainment of an Australian Qualification Framework qualification at certificate 4 or above; OR
- undertake an approved reading and numeracy assessment and meet the required standard. The assessment tool used is VETASSESS and the student must attain a minimum of ACSF Exit Level 3 in both reading and numeracy.
VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements
A VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid
For more information, please refer to our VET Student Loans page.
Course Structure
To obtain the Advanced Diploma of Nursing qualification, students must complete 10 units.
The course is delivered in a classroom setting:
1 day a week for 2 terms (acute care stream)
1 day a month for 4 terms (aged care and individual support work stream)
Course delivery will incorporate both theory and practical application within the Clinical Lab, and will focus on all practical requirements of Enrolled Nursing in the specialised area.
There are 2 'specialisation streams' offered:
Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Acute care)
Advanced Diploma of Nursing (Aged care and individual support work)
Delivery Locations
This program can be delivered via classroom training at both our Melbourne CBD and Knox campuses. Students also have the opportunity to undertake training at their place of employment.
Placement Requirements
Students are expected to implement learned knowledge and skill in the workplace during their usual employment; a workplace sign-off will be required from the employer to confirm this has occurred. Where students are unable to achieve sign off in the workplace (e.g. patient acuity), a 40-hour work placement will be required in which to obtain the workplace sign off. Skills Training Australia will source these placements to ensure the outcomes of the placement and assessment are met.
Higher Education - Bachelor of Nursing pathway
Upon completion of your Advanced Diploma of Nursing with Skills Training Australia, you will be able to apply for entry into the Bachelor of Nursing through any university or higher education provider offering this program.
Career Options
Once you have successfully completed the Advanced Diploma of Nursing course, you will be able to work as an Enrolled Nurse in a broad range of nursing setting including:
Aged Care facilities
Mental health
Acute care
Community settings
The Advanced Diploma of Nursing is made up of 10 units
Your available elective units will vary, depending on your chosen specialisation, i.e. Acute, Aged care and individual support work
HLTENN020 Conduct clinical assessments
HLTENN033 Research and report on nursing trends and practice
HLTENN034 Contribute to the improvement of clinical practice
HLTENN007 Administer and monitor medicines and intravenous therapy
HLTENN010 Apply a palliative approach in nursing practice
HLTENN017 Apply nursing practice in the orthopaedic care setting
HLTENN018 Apply nursing practice in the rehabilitation care setting
HLTENN023 Apply nursing practice in the respiratory care setting
HLTENN024 Apply nursing in the cardiovascular care setting
HLTENN025 Implement and monitor care for a person with diabetes
HLTENN029 Apply nursing practice in the contemporary aged care setting
CHCAGE005 Provide support to people living with dementia
CHCDIS010 Provide person centred services to people with disability and complex needs
CHCMGT003 Lead the work team
CHCCSM002 Implement case management practice
Tuition Information
All of our quoted costs for the Advanced Diploma of Nursing HLT64115 include materials, resources and enrolment costs. The only additional cost will be for a current Police Check and Working with Children Check which you will need to apply for separately prior to going on placement.
From 2019, Skills Training Australia is approved to offer subsidied training to eligible individuals under the Skills First Program; numbers are limited.
Please find below the course tuition fees applicable to the Advanced Diploma of Nursing:
"The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment"
Skills First Program
*$2,200.00 is the funded tuition fee. The hourly tuition fee calculates to:
Acute stream: $3.93 per hour.
Ageing Stream: $3.17 per hour
Full Fee Enrolment
$9000.00 - This cost is the full fee for the course.
Approximate Skills First Program Contribution
If you are eligible for the Skills First Program in 2019, the approximate value of the contribution from the Victorian Government towards the qualification you are considering is $5491.00.
*Skills Training Australia may use both State and Federal funding, eligibility criteria does apply
Equal Opportunity
Skills Training Australia is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity and to providing training opportunities for all people. We actively encourage potential students from disadvantaged groups to apply for training opportunities with us. We would especially encourage people with an Aboriginal background, students who do not have English as their primary language and mature aged students.
For more information about our fees please see our Fees and Funding page.
Please contact 1300 656 699 for future course dates


text:
The following morning the party sets out after the the members of Marcaus' army who caused such a ruckus the night before. They follow their trail for only a short whil until they overhear the sounds of battle in the distant forest. Following the sounds the party soon find Marcaus' men in a heated battle with one of King Rayor's battalions. Remembering Gregor's advice the party decides it best to not get involved into the battle.
Unfortunately it is clear to notice that the battle is taking palce in front of a small shack, and through the open fourth wall they can clearly see that the archmage has been tied up inside. They also notice a small warding circle on the ground around the archmage. Kylin identifies this to be an explosive trap that will burst if anyone crosses over it.
They soon realize that the archmage is their only true way to find Marcaus and regardless of what they may want to do, they must rush in and free the archmage before either group takes him away. Edward Van Nelah quickley begtins devizing a battle plan, but in the minutes it takes him to do so, Urd grows impatient. Unbeknownced to the party Urd wildshapes into a velociraptor and rushes after Marcaus' men.
The rest of the party moves in a panic to assist Urd. Edward finds the leader of King Rayor's men and attempts to convinve him that they are here to help him. Although Edward gets no response from their leader, it is clear he has convinced the lower members of the battalion, as well as Heinrich, that they are there for the full purpose of serving the king's orders.
After the battle, none of the King's men are felled and they immediatly form a line in front of the shack, preventing the party from entering. Their leader stands behind them and reveals himself to be Sir Gareth, the general of King Rayor's army. He thanks you for your help but then tells you to vacate this istant.
Edward, ever the sweet talker, manages to convince Sir Gareth that they are there to help the king and to return the Archmage. Whenever Sir Gareth ask to see papers demanding such and order, Edward SLyly mentions that the papers were burnt during their battles with the fire elementals withing the town of Vadian. Sir Gareth finds the story questionable, but after their aide, he cannot find any reason why their story should not check out.
He allows them close to the Archmage and Edward dispels the wards at the Archmage's feet. When he moves in to do this the Archmage speaks that he is not who they think he is. After conferring with the party and Sir Gareth, he dispels the imagery spell to reveal the archmage as a commoner.
THe man explains that he is a villager of Quarion, who was kidnapped by Marcaus and his men. He does not know where the men left to, but he overheard them mentioning The Swamps of Ruurg. Edward talks to Sir Gareth and tells them that they will return the man to Quarion. Gareth agrees and says he will report back to the king to prepare their next action.
The party walked the villager back home, and began their crazy antics in the city of Quarion. Edward recruited more people to his fan base, and Moultager and Heinrich continued theior attempts to find the love of a beautiful woman at the town pub. They managed to find an elven woman they deemed suitable for their wooing, although she was not so willing to submit to their whim. Kylin thankfully interveened before the two men were beaten senseless for their annoyances.
Kylin apoligized for the two and the woman perked up at hearing about the parties involvement in completeing odd jobs. She asked if they would be interested in taking on some jobs for the not so average men. When Kylin accepted the woman showed her true form, transforming into an older human man.
Moultager and Heinrich left discussed as the man spoke of a bounty board set up in Port Ilia. He explains that the board was set up by Bazrak, and that it is not for weak travelers. Kylin shares a few drinks with the man as he continues to explain Bazrak's ability to make items that you cannot find anywhere else in Terah.
The party meets back up and Kylin explains what he heard to the others. They venture off to Port Ilia and find the board. They notice that the BattleBriar is located directly within The Lanoldren Forest, and they decide this would be the best bounty to collect first. They search for days before finally finding the BattleBriar hidden among the wilderness. The dispatch of the Briart and claim there prize from Bazrak.
With one bounty down the party looks to capture the bounty on the Spellgaunt, as they can grab the bounty on their way to Krusk, a Orc village located withing The Swamps of Ruurg. They venture across The Plains of Telara and onto the middle bridge stretching over The Great River Gorge. As the party makes it halfway across they see a figure come riding towards them, though it does not appear hostile.
As the figure gets closer they soon recognize it as Marcaus. He does not have his weapons drawn and slows down as he approaches. He tells the party that he first thought their pursuit to be cute, but now he finds it highly agitating. He gives them what he says is his final warning, "Back off now and I'll let you live. Continue and you won't like where you end up."
He rides off, back to where he rode in from. The party waits briefly and then decides to ignore his warning and continue across the bridge. When they arrive on the other side, they see Marcaus, sitting on his horse and waiting for them. By his side is another man riding horseback. The man wears no armor and holds no weapons, but sitting in front of him is the archmage.
Kylin unleashes spells towards Marcaus, but an unseen Wall of Force prevents the spell from making contact. Upon seeing this magical barrier, Heinrich decides to make a leaping charge. This tactic also fails as Heinrich bounces from the wall. Marcaus laughs at their failed attempts, "I warned you to stay away." He lifts a small device from his waist and presses a button.
Immediately both side of the bridge explode, sending the bridge and the party falling down into the Great River Gorge. With a little luck the bridge manages to wedge itself into the ravine as it gets closer to the party and the party, through some quick thinking, is able to arrive relatively unharmed at the bottom of the gorge. A little north on the bank iof the river, a large caverne entrance can be seen. It's the last place they would like to travel into, but with the archmage's Wall of Force still holding them in, they are left with no other option.
Upon entering the cave they immediately detect a terrible odor in the air. The further into the cave the move, the worse it gets. They travel for days and soon begin to find piles of dead animals and humanoids. Their corpses only enhance the smell that stings their nostrils. They soon find themselves standing in a massive chamber. In the center is a large pool of shallow water. Corpses are floating within it, and by their bloated and pickled appearance, it looks as if they have been there for days, possibley even weeks.
As if this was not enough to elude to the resident of the caverns, a large pile of gold was visible on the other side of the water. As the party approached closer, an Adult Black Dragon, lept out over top of the party, landing himself in the center of the water. His mighty roar caused the party to rear back. They stood ready to fight.


text: Chamber Master Template Woody Mountain Campground & RV Park Share: Campgrounds & RV Parks Woody Mountain Campground & RV Park Visit Website 2727 West Route 66, #33 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 774-7727 Hours: Open March 15 to October 31st. Weather Permitting.Closed for Winter November1 to March 14th. About Map About Come stay in the cool tall pines. Large spacious RV Park and Campground. We are an excellent base camp for Northern Arizona attractions. What's Nearby? Distance: 5 10 15 20 25 50 mi.


text:
Why is Money Such a Huge Problem (for Many People)?
This the 1st in a series of posts about money… but from a higher and more expanded perspective.
One from which we can ask a few interesting questions about money, how it really works, what it's really for, and how it helps to support our lives… when it is correctly flowing, that is.
Because… fundamentally… money is a human invention… just like the automobile or internet.
But somehow over the last 3,000 years since its discovery, the human race seems to have forgotten this fact… which has led to a whole series of problems and complications.
Many of these next Money posts will form the information spine of our soon to be released eCourse Money Worries 9-1-1, which is designed to provide practical help to people who need to dig themselves out of the hole of not having enough or any money… an eCourse in which we aim to help people deal effectively with their own emotional response to their financial situation… techniques and processes to help them step out of their money worries… which in many cases is the thing which prevents them turning their financial situation around.
But we have decided to also first post these on the Vibrational Doorways website, so everyone in our tribe gets to see this information… gets to instill this information into their own brain / mind.
And to start with… the first thing which we need to do is put money into some kind of perspective…
… Because one of the first problems which people have in relation to money, especially if it isn't working for them, is that they have come to see it in the wrong way… and so their issue appears bigger and more monumental then it is.
Because it is fundamental law of the Universe… to make something out there appear to have power over us, first we must dis-empower ourselves… but if we can re-claim that power… well, it's a whole different ball-game.
So we first need to shrink money down to size… we have to take back our power.
… and in doing so, this money issue becomes a little less scary, a little less intimidating.
And we can do that most effectively by jumping in a virtual time machine, and making a couple of journeys back into prehistory, to understand how people lived their lives back then… both with and without money… and in doing so, we'll be able to delve deeper to find the underlying and true purpose of money.
So what are we waiting for… let's set the controls of our virtual time machine for…
Historical Perspective 1:
OK, let's travel back in time 40,000 years B.C… What was life like back then?
Well, back then, there was absolutely no money in sight… and if there had been, there wouldn't have been any need for it… because the world operated on very different principles.
Humans lived in small tribes, and followed a hunter-gatherer existence… where they gathered the food they needed from the plants around them, picking berries and fruit, or from hunting fish and animals…
In fact, many of these tribes traveled across the open plains, following the migrating herds… which is why the human population was quite small and limited… because it's size was limited by the amount of surplus food available.
And anything else they needed, they simply made with their own hands… using the skills which had been passed down from parent to child within the tribe for countless generations…
If you needed fire… you made it…
If you needed a new spear… you made it…
If you needed new clothes… you made them…
So the meeting of your needs and wants was fulfilled through what you could gather, catch, or make.
Or through the solid and deep social-interactions which took place with your tribal kin around the camp-fire.
Note: On the Documentary TV Channel, there are many different shows designed to show what happens when you take human individuals back to this historical period… both with and without clothes.
OK, 40,000 years ago, there were probably people within your tribe of 60 to 100 people who specialized… making a spear point out of flint (also known as flint napping) which is both a skill and an art… and although the skill was probably widely known within the tribe… there might be one person who was known to make the best spear points… just as someone else was known for being the best cook… or the best hunter… or the best at being shamanic… and so these people became known for their great skill in an area.
But here's the first important point… each member of the tribe supported each other… and as long as someone was pulling their weight and contributing… there was no sense of one person owing their fellows a debt… because everyone was pulling together. It is something which you did for your tribe, knowing that they would support you in turn.
So there was a tremendous sense of community…
… and a sense that the tribe was pooling their resources and skills… to get both individual or collective needs met.
But back then, their needs were quite basic… and the ability for each individual to express their individuality was also quite limited. The roles available were limited… hunter, gatherer, cook / carer, shaman, story-teller, tool-maker… that was probably about it.
In this particular time-frame, the most important thing to getting you wants / needs met, and surviving was skills… the right skills… and the most important thing that you passed on to your children wasn't to be found in a last will and testament… it was the skills which you taught them in life.
So next important point… during this period of history, the Law of Attraction could only manifest / work through the skills which the individual / tribe possessed. Obvious really, but needs to be said and realized.
OK, there was no internet, no mass media… but it was possible to live a life, have wants, needs, and desires… and have them fulfilled… all without the need for money (which hadn't been invented yet).
And that's how it was for countless millennia… until…
Historical Perspective 2:
Next, let's travel back in time 4,000 years B.C. Say somewhere on the plains between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers… one of the the birthplaces of human civilization it is believed.
What was life like back then?
Well… in terms of historical events, we're now on the other side of the Agrarian Revolution… where people have learnt to plant crops… so there is an abundance of food, and the human population has just exploded… and the hunter-gatherer tribes have mostly given way to a more settled existence… and the establishment of cities… and complex human cultures.
Things were speeding up and getting more interesting.
And now there is a surplus of food, some individuals have been able to specialize into jobs and crafts which have no direct relation to food production… kings, priests, craftsmen, warriors…
But even back then… still no sign of money… still hadn't been invented yet…
Because within these societies, they were able to barter… what they had grown, or what they had made, for what they needed.
Or their social standing / prestige meant that the collective would continue to support them for the perceived skills they brought to the city-state… the king, the priest, the warrior…
But above all, back then it was a bartering economy… i.e. I will barter this bronze axe for your domesticated pig.
People were able to barter what they had for what they needed (or when building something like the Pyramids or Stonehenge, there was a big communal support system going on to feed and water the workers).
But… what if the pig-herder didn't want your bronze axe?
What if he wanted 3 axes instead for the 1 pig (but was also prepared to throw in a chicken to sweeten the deal)?
What if your crop was out of season? What if in your moment of need, you had nothing to barter with, because it had gone moldy or stale?
Basically, in a barter economy you have no way to store up value for the future, or easily translate it into something which the other person definitely wants…
And even if you could get a deal going, it might turn out to be very complicated.
The pig-herder doesn't want my bronze-axe, they want a new corn-grinding stone… but the man who makes corn-grinding stones wants a turquoise pendent for his wife… however, the trader who brings in the turquoise jewelry from a far off land will probably settle for a new bronze-axe… so it might be possible to get a multiple trade situation going… if I can do a deal with the trader, and then the corn-grinder maker, and then finally the pig-herder…
But to do so, is so time consuming, and requires that people know what other people have to exchange… and what they will want for it… which, in turn, requires a whole different level of social and communication skills… and there are only so many hours in the day.
However, that was probably how life was for several thousand years… (and still no money in sight)… Until…
Historical Perspective 3:
700 B.C. Lydia (the land of the Lydians)…
What was life like back then?
Well, it was totally revolutionary, one of those great leap forwards in human history.
The Lydians had invented metal money (although the Phoenicians were on the right track 1,000 years before, but their metal currency was quite big, bulky and heavy, and so wasn't really currency by our standards. For my money, the lifting of money shouldn't be the equivalent of going to the gym for a workout).
As soon as usable money was invented… a whole new world of possibilities exploded…
- Once harvested, you could convert your food crop into hard cash, and then be able to spend it throughout the year… not having to worry about the money going stale, or being eaten by mice.
- You don't need to find a direct match (i.e. person with a pig who wants a bronze axe)… because the person with the pig will exchange for money… and then go and use that money to buy whatever they want. So all you need to do is agree on a price.
The invention of money fueled an expansion of our human civilization… because it made interactions of supply, need & want more efficient.
But just as the person waving a sword above their head gained power… those who were able to acquire control over this new money thing also gained control over their fellow citizens…
And so money started to get a bad reputation… which therefore takes us to…
Historical Perspective 4:
Europe in the Middle Ages… dominated by the Catholic Church.
What was life like back then?
Well… for starters, they had some quite different ideas towards money… usually based around Jesus' saying:
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to get into heaven."
In Europe, during the Middle Ages, Christianity had such a downer towards money.
Now, with a lot of Jesus' sayings, they are open to varied interpretations… and personally I think this saying should be re-written to say:
"It is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man's ego to get into heaven."
But during the Middle Ages, they took this saying literally, and so money = evil = toxic… … although the Catholic Church itself didn't have a problem with gathering up lots of money… if only to look after it, you understand…because the less money in general circulation, the less likely the populace was to be led into temptation.
So arising from this downer on money, there was…
- People (mostly monks and nuns) taking vows of poverty
- People giving fortunes to the Catholic Church, and not passing it on to their children, in an attempt to save their immortal Souls from Purgatory
- It being a sin to earn interest on money you lent another
Which seems alien to us now, but back then, it was part of that cultures approach towards money… which was perceived as a necessary evil… I mean, Jesus didn't need a bank loan to feed the 5,000.
So what we see here is that in different ages and centuries over the last 2,500 years, people and cultures have had different attitudes towards money… sometimes it was a good thing… and at other times, the work of the Devil… and these cultural attitudes (some of which still influence us today) had a conscious and unconscious influence on an individual's ability to use money effectively.
OK, putting to the side any Karl Marx type arguments about supply and demand, and the fact the system is rigged in favor of the haves against the have nots… etc… etc…
If we review our quick time-travel through human history… we can see a number of things…
Back in pre-history, people were able to live successful and relatively happy lives without money…
However… just as the Agrarian Revolution allowed humanity to expand, and human civilization to get started… so the discovery of money also laid the foundation of human civilization to expand… and we wouldn't be living in our modern, high-tech world if the Lydian's hadn't started minting coins 2,700 years ago.
So let us, for argument's sake, say that you want to manifest a grand piano in your life… because you love playing the piano, and would love to own a grand piano…
You could, if you had the right skills, and a whole lot of time, build one for yourself… although to create a piano worth playing would probably take 10 attempts say… your first 5 probably wouldn't be much good… and the next 4, you would be refining your skills and process.
That's what our ancestors back in 40,000 BC and 4,000 BC would have to have done.
But if you are not talented and skillful, with plenty of time on your hands… then a much better approach:
Buy a piano that suits your budget and needs.
… But this is where we hit a big problem.
You may not be able to attract sufficient amounts of money into your life to purchase that which you want.
This is something which our 40,000 BC tribesmen… or 4,000 BC city dwellers… never had to face.
They only had to worry about manifesting what they wanted / needed… within the context of a simple and straightforward lifestyle.
But for the majority of Westerners (for most of the time), we first need to manifest the money to purchase what we want… because for us, money is the intermediary medium… and so our beliefs / attitudes to money also come into play.
I am spiritual, money is not spiritual, I don't want anything to do with money… OR… Money is evil… OR … People like me can never earn enough money to become a success in life… OR… <insert your favorite limiting belief about money here>
So… putting economic and social factors (and conspiracy theories) to one side… and looking at it from the perspective of Conscious Manifestation… what might be stopping you?
From owning that grand piano… or anything for that matter?
Well, if you build upon our historical time-jumps above, the block (or blocks) between you and the manifestation of what you desire, will be found to be (or a composite) of the following:
- Negative / limiting cultural beliefs around money
- Negative / limiting individual beliefs around money
- Negative / limiting beliefs around having the thing you want or need
- Negative / limiting sense of self
From my own experience, working on myself and with other people, the blocks to attracting what we want in life, is composed of some mix of the above 4… and as you can see, money is only part of the story… in fact 3) + 4) on the list make up the lion share (maybe 80%) of the blocks in the majority of people.
Now, to paint a complete picture, it's not always about things… sometimes, to have what we want, requires us to get the right skills or qualifications to be successful in that area… but even then, the above list still applies. Qualifications, relationships, pianos…
And these limitations can be working on the conscious level… or the unconscious level… or both.
But the general principle applies… to manifest something usually requires that you get clear in all of those 4 areas… which are normally submerged within your unconscious mind.
And we will focus on these 4 areas, going into them in more detail, in the next 4 posts.
(c) Brian Parsons, November 2016


text:
A Brave New Creativity
Year published
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Anyone who has taught design in higher education for any length of time knows that the parameters of their work have changed. Design is no longer industry based, but seen as an approach, an attitude, with ways of thinking that can contribute to all programmes across the university system. Ensuring that this new cohort are engaged in authentic, complex problem-based learning and empowered in that learning is a challenge in itself but one of the most important teaching issues is how to instil genuinely creative thinking in students tackling 'messy' [i.e. 'wicked'] problems, unencumbered by the attitudes and approaches of the past. This article discusses the difficulties in achieving the creative learning aims involved, highlights areas that are yet to be resolved and suggests the use of a cognitive apprenticeship model combined with a practical, incremental teaching and assessment model of creativity as a contribution to the way forward.
Journal Title
Art, Design & Communication in Higher Education
Copyright Statement
© 2013 Intellect Ltd . This is the author-manuscript version of this paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal website for access to the definitive, published version.
Design Practice and Management not elsewhere classified