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These are the books I got on Monday through Thursday, since I will not be home Friday or Saturday to see what I got. (:
Milestones by Samira Armin Hodges
One day. Just one day. That's how long it took for fourteen year-old Faye Martin's ordinary life to take a dramatic and completely unexpected turn. First, she gets struck by lightning a strange and awful experience in itself, but then made worse because Benjamin Parker, the object of her obsession, witnessed her near-death experience. Then she comes home to find her parents are forcing her to leave her friends and hometown of Seattle to attend a summer camp, aptly named Camp Milestone. After several failed attempts to change her parents mind Faye finds herself on a plane headed across the country to a camp she has never heard of.
Only, Camp Milestone is no ordinary camp. There are no phones allowed, shabby cabins and only a handful of campers. The only good turn of events is Benji her longtime crush is among the sparsely populated camp. This highlight of her summer is overshadowed by the camps strange and harsh rules given out by the head of the camp Galiana Moore, who seems crazy most of the time, and who unfortunately has taken a liking to Faye. As if things were not bad enough she notices an odd rash that has consumed most of her back from the lighting strike that seems to not only be growing larger but glowing slightly. Before she knows it, Faye finds herself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, torture, calamine lotion and romance....All in the name of summer camp. But as the summer unfolds, she realizes there is much more to Camp Milestone than meets the eye. Will she be able to unravel the mystery that surrounds this unusual camp? And more importantly, will she be able to survive the madness long enough to put the pieces together?
Milestones is a delightful story about the true meaning of self-discovery, love and friendship, book one of the Milestones trilogy takes readers into an imaginative and amazing new world which gives a whole new meaning to summer vacation.
Milestones is the debut young adult novel for Samira Armin Hodges a fresh and exciting new voice in the literary world.
Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brien
Steve O'Brien has crafted a new work of fiction that successfully negotiates the tricky balance between entertainment and instruction. Overtly didactic in some ways, Elijah's Coin is also a highly suspenseful story that introduces us to characters we come to care about. The content is edifying and thought-provoking, but the story never becomes dry.
Elijah's Coin is the story of Tom, a young man who has suffered a tragic loss and is spiraling out of control. He's angry, anti-social, and rapidly descending into a life of crime. Then, during a night of folly, as he brazenly commits burglary, Tom encounters the night watchman Elijah King, a mysterious figure with a shrouded past. Elijah, unexpectedly, doesn't turn Tom in but instead becomes a stern and rather cryptic mentor to him. Rather than laying his lessons out in a straightforward manner, Elijah gives Tom an enigmatic coin and sends him on a mission of self-discovery.
Both are for review.
If I get any more on Friday or Saturday, I will add them to next week's In My Mailbox, when the vlog will be back. (:
Sunday, April 12, 2009
In My Mailbox (April 12)
Posted by Anna at 4:00 AM
6 comments:
- Tiqa Khairi said...
Milestone sounds something that I might like. Looking forward for your review.
- April 12, 2009 at 4:17 AM
- Adele said...
To be honest Hope, I don't really know what I think of your haul this week. They sound like they would be an interesting read but I am unsure as to what they might be like. I love it, a mystery read.
- April 12, 2009 at 4:50 AM
- Shalonda said...
Milestones sounds pretty intriguing. I'll be looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it.
- April 12, 2009 at 7:01 AM
- Unknown said...
Elijah's Coin sounds like it would be interesting to some of my reluctant boy readers. Look forward to your review.
- April 12, 2009 at 10:12 AM
- Shooting Stars Mag said...
Milestones does look good. And yay for Vlog!
- April 12, 2009 at 1:10 PM
- Erika Powell said...
great books! Hope you are having tons of fun camping! can't wait for you to get back.
- April 12, 2009 at 9:54 PM
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text: I came up with 2 different cake designs for my sister's birthday and I couldn't decide between the 2 so I took a poll from my family and friends. The majority of the votes were for the leopard cake but last year, I made her a cake with a corset on it so we thought maybe the blue and red cake with the ruffles should be the one. In the end, I decided to make both! =) The corset/leopard cake is all chocolate cake with chocolate fudge filling. The red and blue ruffle cake is white almond sour cream cake with vanilla buttercream filling. Happy Birthday Bethany Joy! I love you!

subset: commoncrawl


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Casey singles in a run. 3-0 Tigers.
Casey singles in a run. 3-0 Tigers.
The Mayor comes through!!!!
1st pick of the 2022 baseball amateur draft
Small market fan... always hoping, but never expecting.
Perhaps that cameraman is in the same union as that cameraman Kenny decked last year and is exacting revenge for his union brother.
That was somewhat tongue in cheek but you could see how that could set a bad precedent. I might have been less uncomfortable with it if they had just showed it and not commented on it. No accusation of bias from me but McCarver and Buck were/are Cardinals employees.
Spiezio has a pretty hot girlfriend. He has a tatoo of her on his right arm in her panties....pulling them down.
1st pick of the 2022 baseball amateur draft
Strange... after almost three quarters the Tigers, with their 3 runs, have outscored Univ. of Cincinnati's football team . And Cincy is winning their FOOTBALL game!
2-0, UC over South Florida. 3-0, Tigers over Cards.
Small market fan... always hoping, but never expecting.
Here is Mr. Class!
1st pick of the 2022 baseball amateur draft
Kenny Rogers beat the Yankees and beat up a cameraman. Why do I find him sexy? Why?
edit: this has nothing to do with hideous Scott Spezio or his hideous tattoo.
There is no such thing as a pitching prospect.
Now that was a vicious breaking pitch from Johnson.
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The end of the year has sneaked up on everyone at halow, and before we know it we've been saying our congratulations, and some goodbyes, too soon!
The Building Futures Awards Ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the young people at halow. Meeting at the Guildford Golf Club, family, friends and members of halow attended to look back on the incredible year. Building Futures is tailored to the ambitions of the young people we work with, which will vary year from year, this year being the first we have had three groups.
The evening kicked off with everyone receiving their individual certificates and a presentation on all that they have accomplished at Building Futures. The pride from the young people at halow was incredible as we reflected where they were this time last year, in comparison to where they are now.
Year A
Year a, the entry group into the Building Futures programme, have had a year of taking on new challenges many have never experienced before. From group work experience and travel tips to climbing adventures and cooking skills, Year A is an introduction to new experiences and confidence building so they can move on of Year B. To put in to practise all the amazing things they have learnt, at the end of the year the group spent a night in a canal boat, which included maintenance of the boat, sailing it through barges and planning and cooking their meals together. It was a fantastic way to end their first year and provide loads of ambition for what's to come after summer!
Year B
Year B, the largest group in Building Futures, have moved on to new and more challenging experiences this year. Work experience placements vary from retail experience in Waitrose to maintenance in Surrey Sports Park, and their activities have included tree top adventures and sailing! The end-of-year task is much more strenuous, as they complete the Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Bronze Award, which involves two days of tracking and an overnight camp in the wilderness. Even though this took part on some of the hottest days this year, everyone powered through the weekend with enthusiasm and motivation!
Year C
Year C, the final group and newest addition to Building Futures, take independence to a new level. With fortnightly work skills sessions and activities that encourage them to push themselves, Year C plan what lies ahead after halow, whether that's moving in with friends or finding permanent employment. The end of this year also saw Year C complete their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Silver Award! Their silver award included to nights camping, which they planned and prepared for themselves, and three days' worth of cycling!
We want to give a huge well done to the amazing young people in our Building Futures Group. With determination and teamwork, they have accomplished amazing things, and sure to continue to strive next year!
Happy summer holidays!


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Nostalgia Helps Make 'The Jungle Book' India's Highest-Grossing Hollywood Film
Nostalgia for Mowgli and local language versions lead to more than $24 million in ticket sales
Walt Disney Co. has managed to do something with its new remake of "The Jungle Book" that many Oscar-winning movies have failed to do: sell in India.
The film, based on a collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, earned more than $24 million in ticket sales during its first two weeks in Indian theaters—according to Disney and BoxOfficeIndia.com—making it the highest-grossing Hollywood film of all time here.
Disney's earnings in India are a small slice of the $357 million "The Jungle Book" has grossed world-wide. The movie has made about $125 million in its domestic market—the U.S. and Canada—and $64 million in China. India is its third-biggest market.
The Jungle Book's Indian ticket sales are also not a huge haul compared with last year's biggest domestic blockbuster, which took in more than twice as much at the box office. But it is a sign U.S. studios are gaining significant traction in the world's second-most-populous country, a market that has long eluded them.
One of the secrets to Disney's success was a marketing campaign that tapped into nostalgia among young adults for the Jungle Book stories, which revolve around the adventures of an Indian boy named Mowgli. A cartoon series based on Kipling's tales, which was made in Japan, was hugely popular when it aired on state television in India in the 1990s.
Click here to read the full story.
For breaking news, features and analysis from India, follow WSJ India on Facebook.


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The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey is a personal finance book that I've seen referenced over and over and over again in blogs. I decided I should read it.
Nothing in the book is revolutionary, but all of it is logical and will work. I heard about debt snowballing from a completely different source several years ago and started working on it. This book is 2003 and I started hearing the term "snowballing" in 2000 or so. I don't know which came first and I'm not going to get into that here.
He outlines a fairly simple plan for anyone to be debt free. The plan is simple, following is not. That's why it's called a "makeover."
Step 1: Establish an emergency fund of $1000
Step 2: Debt Snowball and live below your means
Step 3: 3-6 months of living expenses in your emergency fund
Step 4: 15% into retirement funds
Step 5: College funds
Step 6: Pay off the mortgages
Step 7: Build wealth
Mr. Ramsey is a very personal writer and writes the way he speaks. He is motivational by nature and the book is therefore not bogged down by incredible numbers of charts and boring statistics. It's all testimonials, instructions, and Bible verses.
There are a lot of inspirational stories included. (Letters from readers.) I read about half of them before I started skipping them. I'd rather read the blogs of the folks out there who have started implementing his technique. (They're better written.)
Personally, I could do without the Christian slant, but that's just my bias. I didn't find his inclusion of them overly intrusive and it's readable on a non-Christian basis. The information is sound and the psychology of it is perfect.
All in all, I think it's a book that will help a lot of people. I just don't think it's something I need to run out and buy. If you'd like to, however, here's his website. And here's the Amazon link: The Total Money Makeover


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Still wondering what this had to do with Rodney King trials.
Director Ron Shelton's thriller illustrates how deep corruption runs in the Los Angeles Police Department in April 1992, days before the acquittal of four white officers in the beating of black motorist Rodney King. In this charged climate, brutal veteran Elden Perry (Kurt Russell) and others in Chief Holland's (Ving Rhames) Special Investigations Squad are assigned a high-profile quadruple homicide — and their win-at-any-cost attitude must go.
I have seen so many cop dramas, that it's really hard to say when one is fresh. They each have the same exact plot line mostly, and same out-come, but it all depends on how great those performances are that make the film fun and new, this is one of them with some new takes.
The best thing about this film worth mentioning is the randomly casted Kurt Russell. Out of all the actors working in the biz today, you would not expect Russell to be acting in such a role that demands so much, but even though its a surprise he's cast as the lead, it's an even bigger surprise that he's totally believable with all of it. He plays this third generation cop, who has so much to live up to, and so much to give that it's hard for him not to fold under pressure, so he does these terrible things to make him look better: kill innocents, plant evidence, etc. But he also goes from bad cop, to hate able cop, to completley evil cop that you want to see dead. He plays this character so well, that he's not such a guy you hate so much, even though he does these evil things, but also, you feel sympathy for him, cause these things that he does do, are all because of the pressure he feels from supporting his line of work, that hiss family already succeeded with.
Scott Speedman is also pretty good, playing the rookie cop well, even though there's only one real way you can play it. However, some other cast members were just bland. Ving Rhames is one-note the whole time, never barely showing emotion, and delivering his lines like he was just asking for the paycheck. Sadly, Brendan Gleeson, isn't very exciting to watch, and his accent is still not believable, especially when he's trying to sound like an American dude, when he just sounds like he got done from doing 28 Days Later, which he probably was.
The story by the end is interesting with its nice twists and turns, however, does have some problems it comes to being original. I have seen this story done many and many of times, and this shouldn't have been any different. The last and final speech by Russell is well-acted, but comes off as too random and poetic for me. Mostly, cause it comes at a time when the Rodney King riots are happening, and its just such a coincidence.
Consensus: It's a by-the-numbers, unsurprising film with a mediocre script, but Dark Blue still features a great performance from Russell that is still worth seeing.


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MediaCoder 0.8.55 Build 5938 (64-bit) Crack
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DR. FRITZ-ALBERT POPP : Human energy fields
A German physicist and founder of the International Institute of Biophysics in Neuss, Germany, credited with the discovery of biophoton emissions – tiny currents of light emanating from living things.
Frontier scientists around the globe have discovered evidence of the existence of a quantum energy field. The field may not only explain homoeopathy, but may be the main force we have to tap in order to heal.
Fritz-Albert Popp thought he had discovered a cure for cancer. It was 1970, and Popp, a theoretical biophysicist at the University of Marburg in Germany, had been teaching radiology - the interaction of electromagnetic (EM) radiation on biological systems. He'd been examining benzo[a]pyrene, a polycyclic hydrocarbon known to be one of the most lethal carcinogens to humans, and had illuminated it with ultraviolet (UV) light.
These 'biophoton emissions', as Popp called them, provided an ideal communication system for the transfer of information to many cells across the organism. But the single most important question remained: where was the light coming from?
A particularly gifted student talked him into another experiment. It is known that when ethidium bromide is applied to samples of DNA, it insinuates itself in between the base pairs of the double helix, causing DNA to unwind. The student suggested that, after applying the chemical, they measure the light coming from the sample. Popp found that the greater the concentration of ethidium, the more the DNA unravelled, but also the stronger the intensity of light. Conversely, the less he used, the less light was emitted.
He also found that DNA could send out a wide range of frequencies, some of which seemed to be linked to certain functions. If DNA stored this light, it would naturally emit more light on being unzipped.
These and other studies proved to Popp that one of the most essential sources of light and biophoton emissions was DNA. DNA was like the master tuning fork of the body. It would strike a particular frequency and certain molecules would follow...
With biophoton emissions, Popp believed he had an answer to the question of morphogenesis as well as Gestaltbildung - cell coordination and communication - which could only occur in a holistic system with one central orchestrator. Popp showed in his experiments that these weak light emissions were sufficient to orchestrate the body. The emissions had to be low intensity because these communications took place on a quantum level, and higher intensities would have an effect only in the world of the large.
So far, Popp had studied only healthy individuals and found an exquisite coherence at the quantum level. But what kind of light is present in those who are ill? He tried out his machine on a series of cancer patients. In every instance, these patients had lost those natural periodic rhythms as well as their coherence. The lines of internal communication were scrambled. They had lost their connection with the world. In effect, their light was going out.
All these phenomena led Popp to think of biophoton emissions as a sort of correction by a living system of Zero Point Field fluctuations (see box, p 1). Every system likes to achieve a minimum of free energy. In a perfect world, all waves would cancel each other out by destructive interference. However, this is impossible with the Zero Point Field, where these tiny fluctuations of energy constantly disturb the system. Emitting photons is a compensatory gesture to stop this disturbance and attempt a sort of energy equilibrium. As Popp thought of it, the Zero Point Field forces a human being to be a candle. The healthiest body would have the lowest light and be closest to a zero state, the most desirable state - the closest a living thing could get to nothingness.
Popp now recognised that what he'd been experimenting with was even more than a cure for cancer or Gestaltbildung. Here was a model which provided a better explanation than the current neo-Darwinist theory for how all living things evolve on the planet. Rather than a system of fortunate but ultimately random error, if DNA uses frequencies of every variety as an information tool, this suggests instead a feedback system of perfect communication through waves that encode and transfer information.
He went on to use biophoton emissions as a tool for measuring the quality of food. The healthiest food had the lowest and most coherent intensity of light. Any disturbance in the system increased the production of photons. Health was a state of perfect subatomic communication, and ill health was a state of communication breakdown. We are ill when our waves are out of synch.
It took some 25 years for Popp to gather converts from among the scientific community. Slowly, a few select scientists around the globe began to consider that the body's communication system might be a complex network of resonance and frequency. Eventually, they would form the International Institute of Biophysics, composed of 15 groups of scientists from international centres around the world.
Thus, it dawned on Popp that these emissions had a purpose outside of the body. Wave resonance wasn't only being used to communicate inside the body, but between living things as well. Two healthy beings engaged in 'photon sucking', as he called it, by exchanging photons. Popp realised that this exchange might unlock the secret of some of the animal kingdom's most persistent conundrums: how schools of fish or flocks of birds create perfect and instantaneous coordination. Many experiments on the homing ability of animals demonstrate that it has nothing to do with following habitual trails, scents or even the EM fields of the earth, but rather some form of silent communication that acts like an invisible rubber band, even when the animals are separated by miles of distance.
Dr. GARY SCHWARTZ Ph.D., Director of the VERITAS Research Program,
Professor of psychology, medicine, neurology, psychiatry and surgery at the University of Arizona, director of its Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health and also director of the National Institutes of Medicine-funded Center for Frontier Medicine in Biofield Science. Author of The Afterlife Experiments and The Living Energy Universe and The G.O.D. Experiments and The Energy Healing Experiments.
The Afterlife Experiments
.. After 8 years of rigorous academic research, he says he believes life after life is real and love is the frequency that allows us to communicate between the two worlds.,,
The VERITAS Research Program of the Laboratory for Advances in Consciousness and Health
(formerly the Human Energy Systems Laboratory) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Arizona was created primarily to test the hypothesis that the consciousness (or personality or identity) of a person survives physical death.
In January of 2008, the VERITAS Research Program, as it existed prior to 2008, was closed and the research was expanded into a broader, more comprehensive, spiritual communication project named the SOPHIA Research Program. In June, 2006, funding was obtained to create the SOPHIA Research Program, directed by Dr. Gary Schwartz.
The SOPHIA Research Program investigates claims of communication processes involving various spiritual levels, from deceased individuals, through guides and angels, to purported communication with a higher power or divinity. Its focus is on healing and life-enhancement. The IRB research approval process was completed in the summer of 2007 for the first major experiment. Details regarding the Program and its protocols will be forthcoming.
British biologist who has carried out extensive work on morphic fields, or collective field memory between living things, and also on animal and human telepathy.
Ph.D. in biochemistry - carried out research on the development of plants and the ageing of cells.
He is the current Perrott-Warrick Scholar and Director of the Perrott-Warrick Project. Rupert Sheldrake. is the
Rupert also has been discussing ways in which we can carry out intention experiments with me and IONS. I was particularly interested in our conversation, which not only includes a discussion of his latest work, but also an incredible story about what happened when arch skeptic Richard Dawkins came to film Sheldrake for a recent series on British television.
Keynote: Memory and Morphic Resonance
According to the hypothesis of formative causation, all self-organizing systems, including crystals, organisms and societies are organized by morphic fields containing an inherent memory, given by a process called morphic resonance from previous similar systems. Nature is not governed by fixed laws but by habits. By this process, all human beings draw upon a collective human memory, similar to Jung's collective unconscious, and in turn contribute to it. Even individual memory depends on morphic resonance rather than on physical memory traces stored within the brain. This radical hypothesis has many implications for our understanding of human and animal nature.
Goal: To explore the idea that memories in people, animals and nature depend on morphic resonance, rather than on physical memory traces.
Learning objectives:
To realize that the idea of fixed laws of nature is only an assumption and may well be wrong,
To recognize that we all draw upon a collective human memory, as suggested by Carl Jung, and
To consider the possibility that memories may not be stored in the brain, and that loss of memory is not due to the loss of memory traces, but rather to the loss of the ability to tune in to memories by morphic resonance.
Workshop: Fields of the Mind: Experimental Research and Practical Intuition
Our minds seem to extend far beyond our brains. Recent experimental results show that people can influence others at a distance just by looking at them, even when all normal sensory clues are eliminated. The mind reaches out to touch the focus of its attention. Rupert suggests that this happens through mental fields. Such fields are also involved in the projection of intentions, which can be detected telepathically at a distance, as shown in experiments with dogs that know when their owners are coming home, and on people's ability to anticipate who is about to call. Telepathy seems to be normal, rather than paranormal, and is widespread in the animal kingdom.
...Intuition can be of great practical importance, and is rooted in our evolutionary history.
Goal: To explore how our minds seem to extend beyond our brain.
Learning objectives:
To explore mental fields that extend beyond our bodies, such as projection of intentions, telepathy, collective memory and morphic resonance,
How intuition can be of practical importance, and
How intuition is rooted in our evolutionary history.
Dr. MARILYN SCHLITZ, PhD
Marilyn Schlitz, Ph.D. is Director of Research at the Institute of Noetic Sciences and Senior Scientist at the Complementary Medicine Research Institute at the California Pacific Medical Center. She has published numerous articles on psi research and psychophysiology, cross cultural healing, consciousness studies, and creativity, has conducted research at Stanford University, Science Applications International Corporation, the Institute for Parapsychology, and the Mind Science Foundation, Vice President for Research and Education at the Institute of Noetic Sciences and Senior Scientist at the Research Institute at the California Pacific Medical Center. One of the US's foremost researchers on consciousness and intentionality Schlitz has published over two-hundred papers and conducted research at Stanford University, the Institute for Parapsychology, and the Mind Science Foundation. She serves on Scientific Program Committee for the Consciousness Center at the University of Arizona, Tucson.
Living Deeply - The Art & Science of Transformation in Everyday Life
This exciting new book, written by Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, PhD; Cassandra Vieten, PhD; and Tina Amorok, PsyD; draws from the Institute of Noetic Sciences' thirty years of groundbreaking research on human consciousness. The authors' premise is simple, yet radical: your behavior, attitudes, and ways of being in the world are changed in life-affirming and lasting ways only when your consciousness transforms, and you commit to living deeply into that transformation.
the word "noetic" comes from the ancient Greek nous, for which there is no exact equivalent in English. It refers to "inner knowing," a kind of intuitive consciousness—direct and immediate access to knowledge beyond what is available to our normal senses and the power of reason.
What are 'Noetic Sciences'?
Noetic sciences are explorations into the nature and potentials of consciousness using multiple ways of knowing—including intuition, feeling, reason, and the senses. Noetic sciences explore the "inner cosmos" of the mind (consciousness, soul, spirit) and how it relates to the "outer cosmos" of the physical world.
The institute explores consciousness from three perspectives:
(1) First-person perspective — Supporting individuals exploring and developing their own subjective consciousness (e.g., meditation and other spiritual practices). Emphasis on inner knowing and personal transformation.
(2) Second-person perspective — Exploring and supporting transformative relationships and intersubjective consciousness (e.g., compassionate dialogue, community building, a global wisdom society). Emphasis on transformative learning and collective wisdom.
(3) Third-person perspective — Gathering data about objective physiological correlates of consciousness (e.g., research using rigorous scientific protocols, including experiments in psi, mind-body healing, and subtle energies). Emphasis on scientific understanding.
What Are Noetic Sciences?
By Willis Harman
The first stage, the rise of modern materialistic science, is one of the most important evolutionary leaps in human history. Its essence embodies a remarkable proposition, namely that knowledge of the objective sense-perceived world should not be based on religious or traditional authority, nor the guarded property of an elite priesthood, but should be empirically based and publicly verifiable, open and free to all. ... There is only science—the best framework of empirical relationships and conceptual models currently available, continuously tested in public by agreed-upon procedures.
The goal of the second stage, just begun, is creation of a similar body of knowledge, empirically based and publicly validated, about the realm of subjective experience. For the first time in history we are beginning to create a growing, progressively funded body of established experience about humanity's inner life—and particularly about the perennial wisdom of the great religious traditions and gnostic groups...
This extension of scientific exploration, which we have termed noetic, differs from the materialistic science of the past in a number of ways. It is centrally concerned with subjective experience where materialistic science has dealt almost entirely with objective, sensory experience. To the reductionistic models of materialistic science it adds holistic models; to deterministic explanations of events it adds teleological, purpose-recognizing explanations. Where materialistic science was largely value-inattentive, noetic science is centrally concerned with value issues. Materialistic science has tended to test knowledge by noting whether it leads to the ability to predict and control; while the consensus on validation of noetic sciences has not yet emerged, it seems clear that it will have more to do with understanding than prediction, and more with joining than control.
Furthermore, it seems likely that the noetic sciences will evolve in a way quite different from the evolution of materialistic science. ... In the case of the new science of subjective experience it is otherwise. In part, at least, we are dealing here with rediscovery of truths that in some sense have been discovered over and over again, and have left their track in the culture more rapidly than in the scientific community. Changes in the view of reality held in the culture tend to lead to corresponding changes in the sciences; for example, the role of psychological attitudes such as faith in healing, and the conviction of spiritual reality that comes with certain altered states of consciousness.
Whether it is implied by extrapolation from biofeedback training or psychic phenomena and the evidence for psychosomatic origins of illness, or whether arising from immediate intuitive experience, the fundamental profound insight appears to be recognition that in some important sense "I am cause and creator." In some sense much more fundamental than is implied in conventional psychology, our belief systems create our reality.
A noetic science—a science of consciousness and the world of inner experience—is the most promising contemporary framework within which to carry on that fundamental moral inquiry which stable human societies have always had to place at the center of their concerns.,,
Willis Harman was the former President of the Institute of Noetic Sciences. He was the author of Global Mind Change and Creative Work, among other books.
Konstantin Korotkov, the Russian physicist who invented GDV equipment, which is modern-day Kirlian photography in real time. He has demonstrated – in real time - the power of positive intention on water and between couples, and also the extraordinary effects of 'power spots' like crop circles.
Seeing Energy -Konstantin Korotkov
Introduction/what is BEO GDV technique:
Konstantin Korotkov is Professor of Physics at St. Petersburg State Technical University in Russia.
He is the author of 4 books, some in English, including Light After Life: Experiments and Ideas on After-Death Changes of Kirlian Pictures, 1998, NY, Backbone Publishing Co. Dr. Korotkov is also associate editor of the journal, Consciousness and Physical Reality, publishing articles in Russian and English.
Gas Discharge Visualization technique (GDV)
His technique, known as the Gas Discharge Visualization technique (GDV), is a breakthrough beyond Kirlian photography for direct, real-time viewing of the human aura. This new (3 year old) technology allows one to capture by a special camera the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy emanating to and from an individual, plants, liquids, powders, inanimate objects and translate this into a computerized model. This allows researcher and client to see imbalances that may be influencing an individual's well-being greatly facilitating the diagnosis of the CAUSE of any existing imbalances showing the area of the body and the organ systems involved. One of the greatest benefits to date is the ability to do "real-time" measurements of a variety of treatments for such conditions as cancer to determine which is the most appropriate for the client. The incredible implications for the diagnosis and treatment of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual conditions with applications in medicine, psychology, sound therapy, biophysics, genetics, forensic science, agriculture, ecology etc. have only just begun.
Workshop: Science of Measuring Energy Fields
Workshop: New Experiments in Measuring Energy of Water and Space, and New Revolutionary Sensor Technology for Analyzing Energy of Water and Different Places
..Now a new instrument came to being - Computerised Gas Discharge Visualisation technique, based on well-known Kirlian Effect. ...This is the first tool that gave us opportunity to visualise the distribution of human's fields, and make it easily, reproducibly, graphically and, the last but not the least, inexpensively. change... to the perception of their dynamic spatial field essence. ... a step to a new understanding of Reality.
The data we have obtained has led us to create a new definition for the method: Biological Emission and Optical radiation, stimulated by electromagnetic field, amplified by Gas Discharge with Visualisation through computer data processing - in short, BEO GDV. In addition, we have created the following terms to identify the images received with the help of our technology:
GDV-gram - computer pictures received by Gas Discharge Visualization processing.
BEO-gram - computer images received by Gas Discharge Visualization processing (GDV-grams) pertaining to biological objects, particularly to human.
The BEO GDV Camera and software complex allows to examine client's energy state on a variety of different levels such as:
* Individual's "psychological type".
* Energy condition of systems and organs.
* Physiological stress level.
* Quantitative monitoring of condition during treatment course.
* Quantitative monitoring of an individual in the process of specific external influence such as training, meditation, healing, etc.
* Analysis of effect of test loads and probes on dynamics of energy level of an individual.
* Effects of subtle influences such as homeopathy, flower essences, essential oils and wave therapy, including allergic reactions, on individual's energy.
* Investigation of compatibility and influence of people on one another.
BEO GDV analysis of human health, psychology and well being is based on studying information derived from BEO-grams of individual's fingers and, in some cases, toes. .. In 1995, we were able to carry this work forward to a higher level establishing the foundation for a truly scientific stage in Kirlian diagnostics with the introduction of GDV Bioelectrography. This technology is entirely based on modern scientific paradigms. Using special electrode system the approach creates high intensity electric field around an object which produces gas discharge which glow can be seen and measured. The discharge appears independently of the nature of the object, consequently with experimental experience one can cause virtually any object to glow. This could be a nail, a stone or a plant; any biological essence adds its own unique aspect to this glow, changing its brightness, size, and color. The discharge reveals the features of an object which cannot be determined by other techniques, moreover, one can track any small changes which occur. Electrical properties of the object, emission characteristics, gas evaporation, energy exchange with the environment - all these parameters of the object contribute to its glow. All attempts to assign or relate this glow to other factors such as sweating or conductivity alone, after careful analysis, have proven incorrect. For example with complex objects it is possible to determine the influence of different factors such as medicine, type of food, environment, etc. The method reveals complex reaction of an organism to different influences. To analyse human psycho-physiological condition two main analytical approaches are applied: parametric and sector ones. Parametric approach is based on the calculation of BEO-gram parameter, factor and correlation analysis (today the GDV Software calculates more than 30 parameters). Complex analysis usually allows for results of both GDV measurements and other types of measurements (psychological, physiological, and bioelectrogr.aphic). The following main groups of parameters are considered: geometrical, brightness, density, fractal, probability, and entropy parameters. Sector diagnostics is based on a diagnostic table, connecting glow characteristics of separate zones of fingers with the functional state of body zones. For the first time the idea of such connection was proposed by P.Mandel, then it was further developed and modified. The diagnostic table is based on the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, micro-acupuncture systems and empirical experience. The analysis suggests using notions on Chakras and Ayurvedic medicine. Basing on 10-fingers BEO-grams and the diagnostic table, the model of field distribution around human body is built in the GDV Programs. Independent clinic observations in different countries revealed diagnostic validity of the GDV-technique and, in particular, the model of field distribution - Aura. The method of GDV Bioelectrography is a practical application and a touchstone of the new approach. Although gas discharge images are fluctuating, dynamically changing, they are still probabilistically reproducible. They represent natural application of non-linear mathematics. However, conclusions, made using these methods, should be absolutely concrete and should carry clear information on biological object's state.
Introduction/what is BEO GDV technique/GDV TECHNIQUE CLAIMS
* Screening and monitoring of entropy level both of organism as a whole and different systems and organs;
* Objective quantitative evaluation of individual's anxiety level;
* Estimation of peculiarities of energy homeokinesis of the organism under various diseases;
* Prognosis of characteristics of disease process;
* Determination of indications, contra-indications and implementation mode of different types of therapy;
* Investigation of influence of various therapy types upon the energy homeokinesis; development of indications for combined application of different medicaments and methods of treatment;
* Study of person's individual reaction to the influence of CAM (informational, energy, physical medicine): oriental techniques, light, sound, air-ions, magnetic field, etc.;
* Development of quantitative criteria of professional selection (sportsmen, rescuers, healers, people occupied with intensive mental work, etc.);
* Quantitative evaluation of the Altered State of Consciousness (ASC) using complex Bioelectrography approach;
* Revealing of GDV patterns and parameters particular for ASC in different fields of activity: sport, theatre, healing, telepathy;
* New technology of the top athletes psycho-physical readiness evaluation based on the GDV method in comparison with battery of tests. Development of prognostic technique for the evaluation of top-athletes' competitive reliability;
* Evaluation of Psycho-Dynamic and Bio-Energetic Results of Integrated Mental Training, meditation, healing;
* Study of After Death processes.
* Testing in vitro:
- Study of structural changes of water and biological liquids;
- Investigation of bacterial and non-bacterial sensitisation of biological liquids (blood, phlegm, etc.);
- Study of threat of development of food, medicinal and professional sensitisation;
- Research of characteristics of microorganisms' GDV parameters in various mediums;
- Evaluation of energy properties of different stuff and materials.
GDV Today/ Expeditions / Russian Antarctic Expedition
On March 11th a meeting with Sergey Om, GP of the 48th Russian Antarctic Expedition was held at the office of Dr. Korotkov Co. During 9 months Sergey used a GDV Compact in his medical practice and carried out research on psychophysical state of the winterers.
The experience of using the GDV Compact in Antarctic makes it possible to draw a conclusion that in the extreme conditions of the expedition where a sufficient amount of sophisticated medical diagnostic equipment for carrying out serious tests is missing, the GDV technique ensures a unique control and testing method of the energy state of human systems and organs based on interpretation of GDV-grams.
DEAN RADIN, PhD
One of America's foremost researchers into the nature of consciousness and extended human potential. In 2000 he co-founded the Boundary Institute; since 2001 he's been Senior Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. At Stanford Research Institute he worked on the progenitor of what is now popularly known as the psi research program codenamed StarGate. Author of The Conscious Universe (1997, HarperCollins), Entangled Minds (Simon & Schuster, 2006), and more than 200 journal articles and technical reports.
dean radin -Entangled Minds
The Conscious Universe - psychic phenomena
Excerpt from Chapter 1
The reality of psychic phenomena is now no longer based solely upon faith, or wishful thinking, or absorbing anecdotes. It is not even based upon the results of a few scientific experiments. Instead, we know that these phenomena exist because of new ways of evaluating massive amounts of scientific evidence collected over a century by scores of researchers.
Psychic, or "psi" phenomena fall into two general categories. The first is perception of objects or events beyond the range of the ordinary senses. The second is mentally causing action at a distance. In both categories, it seems that intention, the mind's will, can do things that – according to prevailing scientific theories – it isn't supposed to be able to do. We wish to know what is happening to loved ones, and somehow, sometimes, that information is available even over large distances. We wish to speed the recovery of a loved one's illness, and somehow they get better quicker, even at a distance. Mind willing, many interesting things appear to be possible.
Understanding such experiences requires an expanded view of human consciousness. Is the mind merely a mechanistic, information-processing bundle of neurons? Is it a "computer made of meat" as some cognitive scientists and neuroscientists believe? Or is it something more? The evidence suggests that while many aspects of mental functioning are undoubtedly related to brain structure and electrochemical activity, there is also something else happening, something very interesting.
A more elaborate answer is, psi has been shown to exist in thousands of experiments. There are disagreements over to how to interpret the evidence, but the fact is that virtually all scientists who have studied the evidence, including the hard-nosed skeptics, now agree that there is something interesting going on that merits serious scientific attention.
One of the most surprising discoveries of modern physics is that objects aren't as separate as they may seem. When you drill down into the core of even the most solid-looking material, separateness dissolves. These connections were predicted by quantum theory and were called "spooky action at a distance" by Albert Einstein. One of the founders of quantum theory, Erwin Schrödinger, dubbed this peculiarity entanglement, saying "I would not call that one but rather the characteristic trait of quantum mechanics."
Scientists are now finding that there are ways in which the effects of microscopic entanglements "scale up" into our macroscopic world. Entangled connections between carefully prepared atomic-sized objects can persist over many miles. There are theoretical descriptions showing how tasks can be accomplished by entangled groups without the members of the group communicating with each other in any conventional way. Some scientists suggest that the remarkable degree of coherence displayed in living systems might depend in some fundamental way on quantum effects like entanglement. Others suggest that conscious awareness is caused or related in some important way to entangled particles in the brain. Some even propose that the entire universe is a single, self-entangled object.
What if these speculations are correct? What would human experience be like in such an interconnected universe? Would we occasionally have numinous feelings of connectedness with loved ones at a distance? Would such experiences evoke a feeling of awe that there's more to reality than common sense implies? Could "entangled minds" result in the experience of your hearing the telephone ring and somehow knowing - instantly - who's calling? If we did have such experiences, could they be due to real information that somehow bypassed the usual sensory channels, or are such reports mere delusions? Can psychic or "psi" experiences be studied by science, or are they beyond the reach of rational understanding?
These are the questions explored in this book. In a nutshell, we'll find that there's substantial experimental evidence indicating that some psi experiences are genuine. We'll also learn that one reason for persistent scientific skepticism about psi is due to outdated assumptions about the nature of reality. For centuries, scientists assumed that everything can be explained by mechanisms analogous to clockworks. But over the course of the 20th century, we've learned that this common sense assumption is wrong. When the fabric of reality is examined very closely, nothing resembling clockworks can be found. Instead, reality is woven from strange, "holistic" threads that aren't located precisely in space or time. Tug on a dangling loose end from this fabric of reality, and the whole cloth twitches, instantly, throughout all space and time.
Science is at the very earliest stages of understanding entanglement, and there is much yet to learn. But what we've seen so far provides a new way of thinking about psi. No longer are psi experiences regarded as rare human talents, divine gifts, or "powers" that magically transcend ordinary physical boundaries. Instead, psi becomes an unavoidable consequence of living in an interconnected, entangled physical reality. Psi is reframed from a bizarre anomaly that doesn't fit into the normal world - and hence labeled paranormal - into a natural phenomenon of physics.
The idea of the universe as an interconnected whole is not new; for millennia it's been one of the core assumptions of Eastern philosophies. ...
As we explore the concept of psi as "entangled minds," we'll consider examples of psi experiences in life and lab, we'll review the origins of psi research, we'll explore the results of thousands of controlled laboratory tests, and we'll debunk skeptical myths about psi. Then we'll explore the fabric of reality as revealed by modern physics and see why it's becoming increasingly relevant to understanding why and how psi exists. ...
Short Bio: Dean Radin, PhD, has been Senior Scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences since 2001. He is author or coauthor of over 200 technical and popular articles, a dozen book chapters, and several books including the bestselling The Conscious Universe (HarperOne, 1997) and the more recent Entangled Minds (Simon & Schuster, 2006). His technical articles have appeared in journals including Foundations of Physics, Psychological Bulletin, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, and Journal of Consciousness Studies.
Solar flare penetrate
Solar flare effect: body heart / brain – change electrotivity
Increase Heart attacks; destabilise of body strokes fits
Effect mind – magnetic fields – change esp;
Magnetic stormy days – brainwaves are destabilized- disrupts communication in brain
Psychic ability – effected by geo magnetic fields – ability to tap into field
Psychognosis -Mind over matter /intention increases
check what sun is doing – daily
Nasa predictions – next solar cycle march 2008 peak oct 2011
Beck master intenders – flowing of human consciousness – increase in pyschi ability – and tap into the field
Rupert Sheldrake. is the British biologist who has carried out extensive work on morphic fields, or collective field memory between living things, and also on animal and human telepathy.
Rupert also has been discussing ways in which we can carry out intention experiments with me and IONS. I was particularly interested in our conversation, which not only includes a discussion of his latest work, but also an incredible story about what happened when arch skeptic Richard Dawkins came to film Sheldrake for a recent series on British television.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Intention Experiment - scientific processes of scientists
Labels: Scientific - planetry
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Piano Lessons
With 10 years of experiences working with children, it's been a pleasure to be able to teach music in a fun way! Children generally enjoy my lessons which focus on cultivating creativity, with the use of stories, puppets, nursery rhymes and other musical instruments during the lessons. :)
I tend to personalise my lessons based on their needs and interests. For example, choosing songs that they are familiar with to help them engage in the process of learning. I also keep a record of their learning log, which helps me to reflect on their progressions and extend their learning.
Teaching since January 2015
Police check (Issued: 03/11/17)
Teaches: Males aged 5 to 33
Females aged 5 to 10
Still planning for some fun things to do during your child's spare time?
It's time to take up a new and rewarding hobby – Play a Piano/Keyboard, which can have long-term positive impacts in your child's life!
*** A little info. about Miss Ashley ***
1. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked with young children (aged 3 to 9) for the past 10 years
2. She has taught piano for 3 years and is constantly looking for more hands-on and fun ideas to teach music
3. She has obtained Grade 8 certificate in Piano (ABRSM) and Grade 5 certificate in Theory (ABRSM)
4. She loves getting to know children, finding what they are passionate about and personalising the lessons according to their interests.
5. She can speak multiple languages (English and Mandarin)
*** What do you need to have? ***
1. A love for music
2. A Piano/Keyboard at home
3. An enthusiasm to learn and challenge yourself
*** What will you learn from the music lessons? ***
1. How to read music sheet
2. How to play your favourite song(s) on the Piano/Keyboard
3. How to compose music/write a song
If this is what you have been looking for, please send me a private message to discuss further.
Thank you very much!
With Love,
Miss Ashley


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The Phoenix Festival de España is a celebration of Spanish arts and culture for all ages.
The DeGrazia murals are on free display to the public during March First Friday and Art Detour 27 from March 6-8.
Mayor Greg Stanton and Phoenix Council Members led a groundbreaking ceremony for the new downtown development, Union @ Roosevelt.
Vintage shop Antique Sugar is moving from the Melrose Antique Mall to Roosevelt in early April.
11th Monk3y Industries on Grand and Side Street Studio Arts from Illinois have combined forces for the first-ever EXCHANGE, an art swap featuring Arizona and Illinois-based artists.
DPJ and AIA Phoenix Metro launch a new editorial series that celebrates and challenges our placemaking abilities.
The Croft Downtown is a unique indoor event venue from designers with two decades of experience in the Valley.
As more than 100 Articipants are expected to make this the largest downtown Phoenix arts event in Art Detour's 27-year history, several other arts-related events are planned for you, including the 2nd annual Art d'Core Gala.
Beginning Wednesday, February 4th, the Uptown Farmers Market will run on both Wednesdays and Saturdays at the SE corner of Central Ave and Bethany Home.
The Arizona School for the Arts hosts their 7th annual fashion show, with all proceeds benefiting Free Arts of Arizona.


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Running in the theme of #WhyMalaysia, LoyarBurok presents Aerie Rahman's "Catcher in the Rye".
On face value it would seem that I'm stuck in Malaysia for the rest of my life. As a law student in a local, affirmative action university, it would seem that my career options are limited to practising law in West Malaysia (I'm neither a Sabahan nor a Sarawakian). So, the question of "Why Malaysia?" would beget an answer that I'm living in Malaysia not out of choice, but because that is the only option available. I can't practise law in Singapore as they don't recognize my university's law school.
I think you can already predict my career path. I'd graduate (hopefully), work in the public sector, maybe land a job in the Attorney-General's Chambers as a Deputy Public Prosecutor, live on a meagre but stable salary, mix with bureaucrats and retire with a pension. Advise kids about the exciting life of a lawyer in court when all these kids want is to find a job which utilizes mathematics minimally. I'll develop a penchant for a conservative worldview. I would also realize that the concept of justice is just an idealistic notion for hopefuls. That in reality, justice is merely a facade to forward self-interests. I don't want to believe that…but reality will set in…eventually…
It isn't fun being a student in a local university. I blame myself for not studying hard enough and getting an education in the West. You see, my family isn't part of the bourgeoisie. We cannot afford a tertiary education in the UK. I felt like kicking myself when I flopped my SPM. SPM was a gateway to studying abroad. Obtain a scholarship and you're on your way to a glittering student life. I was a fool back then, putting instant gratification such as fun and games over latent gratification like my studies. Results are everything, kids.
It's hard, really. In the West, you enjoy more freedom and rights. Rankings would show that the West have universities which are way better than ours. You swell with pride telling others that you're from Oxford, Harvard or Sydney. Better job opportunities for you. Hooray. You get to experience freedom, a liberal society and even winter. Study in those really ancient castle-like universities, where great men once trod. Seronok gile kan?
Contrast that to us in local universities. To start off, there's always a stigma. People always look down on us. Complain pasal kita tak pandai speaking London lah. That we're a product of an education system which spoonfeeds and is heavily textbook-based. Conventional wisdom rules and to a certain extent dissent is discouraged. The detractors do have a point. And on the balance of probabilities, if you were to choose between a graduate from Bristol and a graduate from a local university, I bet your bottom dollar that you'd opt for the latter. People seem to look at where you come from instead of who you are nowadays.
It's sickening, really. To live in a controlled environment. In a climate of fear. Fear of getting in the wrong side of the law. So to err on the side of caution, you don't take risks or explore. Ridiculous laws and tatatertibs coerce your conformity and solicit your submission. Literally speaking, my university life is micromanaged. Thank God we have such a caring campus administration. What colour shirt should I wear tomorrow again? Black, right? Just checking.
Compound all that with the fact that I'm reading law in Malaysia. You not only have to compete with local graduates but also those from the UK who've just finished their Bar exams or CLP. More cut-throat competition. The production of law students by law faculties is intensifying. Have you been to my law faculty? It's a Malthusian nightmare!
The International Islamic University (IIU) alone churns out 500 graduates per batch. Did I tell you that the legal profession is hierarchical in nature? Takes you quite a while to go up. And with all this talk about a Common Bar Exam which every law graduate would have to sit, in a nutshell, we're screwed.
I sound pessimistic. (I wonder what pessimistic people think of heaven.) But I must admit that there are merits of being/staying in Malaysia which override all of the above.
You see, I view us local students as agents of change. Yes, change. I sense that the winds of change are coming. I sense that a new era is going to be ushered through. Generation Y youths are more vocal, inquisitive and bolder. Local students are planting our own flags and carving our own names in the Malaysian landscape.
We have been in a controlled environment and lived in limbo. We know what is needed and I think local students would be a catalyst for change. I don't see things from an ivory tower like some, or dine on wine and cheese, but rather take the meagre bread and butter.
I understand the roles of a local student in Malaysia. The constant need to forever prove yourself. The stigma faced. I wanna shine. I wanna be looked up by others. So I work as hard as I can. So I do my best. So I read as much as possible… With the hope that one day we break the stigma placed on where we come from. Let's work together and make our local university the best in the region. Instead of coming from somewhere prestigious, we make our place prestigious.
Challenge accepted!
I'll never leave Malaysia. I'll never migrate. I hope I won't. I don't want to forsake this land of mine, no matter how much it hurts. I'll march on through, whatever the costs and whatever the consequences. And…in the fullness of time…I do hope we can make home, a better place.
Why Malaysia? Because I'm part of her.
Aerie Rahman is a law student. As a student he feels the pinch in the rising costs on water, housing, food and petrol. He is interested in restorative justice for juveniles and the concept of Truth & Reconciliation. He would like to pursue an internship at the Ayn Rand Institute in the USA and observe laissez-faire at work. Can you help? He can be contacted at Twitterjaya @aerierahman
Read this first: LB Terms of Use
I enjoyed reading your thought. Do connect as i am linked to the Common Bar Course and would like very much to hear your thoughts.
I was close to tears when i read this article. Most probably because i'm sort of in the same shoes as Aerie. Except the fact that i have yet to embrace our local universities, after the countless blogs and articles related to local universities i've read on the net. Living in denial much. Sigh.
You've got a great outlook and a way with words.
I just hope that after you've done your time with Ayn Rand, you would settle neither for the invisible oppression of central control nor the hyper-individualism of Rand that removes context from an individual.
Stop whining. Be thankful that you are actually doing a degree in law although you flopped your SPM. Rest of us may not be that lucky.
first and foremost,a hats off to Aerie for coming up with a voice on i believe his OWN view of how the education system has been flexing its muscles all the while especially from a law student point of view..that made a good read bro..i was always on the MISCONCEPTION that local graduates do not have to slog as much as the private college ones do(in terms of completing a law degree ie including CLP as well)..i was often critical on the local universities but u proved me WRONG mate..so thanks again for a good post.
coming back to my point of writing this comment,i was particularly engaged with comments by emeric as i think i do have something in common with him as i am a student of UOL external degree programme..i salute him as i know its no easy to juggle between work and doing a UOL LLB degree..eventhough i am lucky as i am a full-time student but i do have friends who perform the balancing act..its awesome to hear his success story..
my post is just to simply state that we might be from different backgrounds,race,religion,etc and etc and etc and i bet it can go on the whole day(very cliched i assume) but as Airie said it lets be the wind of change,like emeric said it,lets speak up..all our goals are one..to see our MALAYSIA to be the country that all of us can proudly say we are a part of..let us be united and strive for anything and everything that we,the MALAYSIANS have a right to proclaim..drawing the popular saying…let MALAYSIA be "a government of people by people and for people"..god bless us all!!!
Dear Aerie ,
Well said and done . We do hope the youths of today studying in malaysian universities will be the leaders of tomorrow . In any case , give a thought ! Our first PM took about 10 years to complete his law , Tun mahathair was a graduate from singapore , thoese days part of malaysia and Tun badawi was a UM graduate . Not to mention our saudara Anwar ibrahim is a UM graduate .
At the end is not where one graduates but I truly beleive it is on each individual . We have to believe on ourself !!!!!
A good article indeed !
Fair enough, however you have a choice of doing an external degree the same way I did if you feel the situation in local universities are that bad.
Regarding the salary issue, your starting pay in KL is significantly higher than that. Its only if you are working else well (I'm in Kuching, for example) that you start at RM2k. Furthermore, you did have a choice in accepting the challenge of reading law at a local university when you could have done something else (I heard accountants are in greater demand nowadays). Having made your bed, why are you now complaining about having to lie in it?
I do support you in your efforts to change the learning environment. It is my humble opinion that the climate of fear you speak of is caused by the stifling of any voices of dissent by the UUCA. Maybe you could first look into supporting those who have already made a trail into speaking out against the UUCA by supporting the UUCA 4?
Hi guys, thanks for the comments:
Shyla williams: yes, I do hope Gen Y becomes the agent of change that we feel is necessary. Though most of us are idealistic, its idealism is what drive change.
Jager: I'm glad that you are leading a prosperous life in the States. Alhamdulillah.
Me the martian: I do not and will not deny that us Malaysians are blessed with good fortunes and a prosperous life. This article merely highlights the plight that most of us face and also constructive criticisms to the situations under status quo.
Expat: Thanks for the positive outlook. It's true, I need to secure an LLB first. But I do hope I can work overseas for a few years, be exposed, contribute and come back in Malaysia to serve this beloved country.
Emeric: I do empathize with your situation and do admire you working to make end meets and secure an education. However, my main concern in this article, was the controlled environment that we face (you don't get that doing an external at UOL).
I do admit that competition is essential for human improvement. Brings the best out of individuals. And maybe this article might come across as a person who is lazy. Fine, up to you. But look around you mate.
The starting salary for an undergraduate is RM2k per month. When we start our pupillage, at most that we can expect is around RM1k. This just shows that there's an oversupply of lawyers which exceeds demand. I did mention that this profession is hierarchical in nature. So it would take some time before we break into having higher wages.
Of course I didnt say everything is a bed of roses when studying overseas. That isn't my concern. I'm here to voice out my thoughts as a student in a local university.
Dear Aerie,
Reading your post on The Malaysian Insider disturbed me. A lot.
In a nutshell, I obtained 10As for my 'O' Levels including for Malay, a B3 for Higher Malay though. Was rejected by UM, UKM and UIA from doing law because "tidak ada SPM Bahasa Melayu". Intended to sit for the BM paper alone but was told I couldn't do so because I have to sit for the 6 core subjects, not only BM and moreover, I would have to wait a year to do so.
So, I enrolled for a External LLB Degree from UOL. Worked during the day to pay for exam fees and continuation fees. Studied my ass off at night. Got through as fast as I could and came face to face with the rock that is the CLP.
Sweated blood and tears over the absmysal passing rate of the CLP. Somehow managed to get through in one year. All the while looking on enviously at the local law undergrads who pay cheaper fees, get more opportunities and get a "Pass" card when it comes to the CLP.
Your intention may be actually to spur a change in standards of tertiary education in Malaysia but please think before you whine about competition in the same post. The essence of any improvement in standards is basically competition and your bleating about having to compete with English grads and the like conjures an image of a whiny pathetic brat in my head.
Take it from me, less than half of the people in my CLP class actually came back from the UK, most of them did the good old UOL LLB External Degree, the majority slaving away at a day job while they did it.
Oh, and basically the hierarchy of the legal profession can be leapfrogged. You just gotta have balls and take the cases no one would touch with a 10 foot pole. Good luck.
Hi there..
Im a malaysia and working overseas. Coincidently in legal profession.
Where u graduate doesnt matter. How u take life matter most…
The world is borderless with technology n cheap flights… You can go anywhere and do anything with God's will…
I can assure you. You just need to open your eyes. I met a person telling me abt how his child went to study law after watching the criminal prosecution on international leader. This child when to work in pakistan to help women under UN and now granted scholarship to study in oxfard.
Your LLB is your gateway to your future. There are so many things you can still do and contribute to human kind not just in malaysia.
why malaysians are so bitter amidst their good fortune, i wonder. nothing will ever be good enough, right? those who study in local unis gripe about low standard the institutions are, those who managed to go overseas keep merengek about not being accepted to local unis. grow up people!
why malaysians are so bitter, i wonder…
I wasn't accepted to local universities, so I went abroad to persue my study. I wasn't good enough for local u, but good enough for some states u. Same thing, I am not good enough for local co, now I am working here in the States. Alhamdulillah.
I like the last para best of all; echoes my sentiments for staying back.Gen Y- I really hope you do become that the wind of change.
Hey guys. Thanks for the comments.
dewdrop: yeah, I would love to be a journalist….a travel journalist lah. haha. or maybe one of those journalists embedded within a military squad and update on wars. Should be cool stuff.
fir: thanks fir. I like to look at the realities of life. The mainstream media doesn't give a rats ass about our plight. And why should they? It doesn't sell. Thank god we have alternative sources like LB to voice our concerns.
Alan: thanks for the thoughts. Yes, most people (my parents especially) concurs with your view on LLB. It's nice to have optimism when your surroundings are bleak with repression. See you in court!….if I make it lah. Haha
Adrian: thanks adrian. In my opinion, the status quo in Malaysia is rather bleak. But I see a light…
Norizzatiz: thanks. It means alot
Nice ending ahah
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Hi aerie,
Things may not be as pessimistic as it seems. We generally feel that the grass on the other side is always greener. True enough the society and culture in the west is more liberal, I have more freedom compared to when I'm in Malaysia and I get to experience the 4 seasons but it doesn't make me a better lawyer. A LLB is a LLB. It's just a qualification. When it comes to being a lawyer, it's all about practical.
I've had the honour of being the acquaintance of a number of local graduates who are amazing lawyer and excel at what they do. So hold your chins high and prove those with the stigma wrong. Hope to see u I'm court soon!
I love how the article started off with such a morbid tone which changes towards the end to a more optimistic and hopeful one.
An article I can really relate to. Thanks for voicing out the sentiments and hopes Im sure shared by many other local undergrads/ grads. Good piece!
the way he writes maybe he should have considered journalism rather than law!


text:
Alpha Leadership, repeat after me:
"Thank you for your donation."
Those five words will speak louder than you can imagine. 'How so?' you ask. Follow me…
In the beginning of August at the 170th Convention of Chi Psi, I had the privilege of co-facilitating the #4 sessions with Paul Braswell. While enjoying Br. Braswell's instruction from my seat in the auditorium, I had a realization. "Alpha finance deserves more attention in the blog." Your wish is my command.
Do any of the following sound familiar?
– Our Alpha has trouble with officers going over budget.
– Officers spend money without first getting #4 approval.
– The #4 has a difficulty documenting outflows because of poor reimbursement practices.
If you cannot relate to this then please feel free to discontinue reading. I know you all pretty well, though. I know this is a problem.
Here are my top tips for a strong fall financial semester… including an explanation of those FAB 5 words.
1) Get those invoices out.
NOW. Actually, get them out three hours ago. They should be gone. Your Alpha's first financial obligation comes due October 1st. That means it needs to be paid by late September, which means you need to start collecting NOW! That said, you can't expect people to start paying when they haven't been notified of their obligations.
2) Put your money where your mouth is.
What are your biggest priorities this year? Recruitment? Academics? Philanthropy? Ok, great! Then why are your largest budget allocations for Football Saturdays and Fall Formal?
I get it. I really do. Those things are fun and expected and keep Brothers happy. That said, you've got to financially prioritize those items to which you pay lip service. If recruitment is your biggest priority, allocate funds to that account first. Trying to boost your Alpha's academic performance? Take that second slice and create a scholarship fund for the top academic performing Brothers… Even better, ask your alumni board to match your amount.
3) Get the stamp of approval.
Alpha Budgets should be presented within the first three meetings of the school year. Brothers should see and have a say regarding where their funds are going. Put it to a vote, like you should. Transparency creates buy-in.
Grand Finale Alert
So, you've followed the above three steps. Your officers know how much money they have to work with. They understand how much money they have to spend on various events. They're now acting upon their marching orders.
The social chairman comes back to the #4. This scene plays out.
Social Chairman: Hey #4. Here are the receipts for the mixer we had last weekend. I know we said I had $100 to spend on props and decorations, but it turns out that stuff was a little more expensive so I went ahead and bought it anyway.
(#4 takes receipts, looks through them)
#4: You spent $160 dollars? You had $100 to spend. Not cool.
(#4 reaches for checkbook, sits down, and writes check for reimbursement. Hands check to social chairman.)
Social Chairman: This check is for $100. I spent $160. You owe me another 60 bucks, dude.
#4: We agreed you had $100 to spend. You went over. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!
(Social chairman storms out angrily.)
As an Alpha leader you have to hold your ground. When people go over budget, write the check for the budgeted amount and then thank them for their donation. Those were not funds they had permission to spend.


text:
Closely-related problem, in this modern data-driven age: versioning and managing data.
Build tools are for automating code build/execution from the command-line or
from your IDE.
The classic here is
make, which is a universal standard that pretty much
everyone hates, designed for compiling code but also used for data workflows.
It works, but has an unsatisfactory user experience.
Therefore, as usual in open source, there are
too many alternative options and no consensus on which to use
to break out of the local optimum lock in.
The obvious problems with
make are bikeshedded and the subtler problems
Each offering provides a selection of marginal improvements over
a variety of different faults and varying standards of longevity.
Therefore, my listing is arranged in descending order of an undisclosed
combination of my perception of
active community, and therefore chance of community support, and
being useful for my workflow, which is to say,
- Sure, sometimes I want to compile some code…
- …but more usually I want to massage some large chunk of data through a rickety processing pipeline…
- …and graph it, in both lo-res web formats and high-res publication formats…
- …so please do all the above without getting in my way.
- …and if somehow it managed to support multiple parallelisation/batching backends (such as wacky supercomputing thingies like Platform LSF HPC and Hadoop or spark or what-have-you) at least for some common use cases I would be inordinately pleased
- …and if at the end I had a nicely packaged up workflow which I could share with someone else in the name of reproducible research that would be sublime.
Of these many options, I'm sure I can shoehorn anything into doing what I want, more or less, for the first few steps, and only find out the horrible friction points down the line when it is too late. I'd be satisfied with choosing whichever will have the most users to mindshare when I really need it. Unfortunately, that time of need will be in the future, and my ability to predict the future has a poor historical track record.
So! options.
The Snakemake workflow management system is a tool to create reproducible and scalable data analyses. Workflows are described via a human readable, Python based language. They can be seamlessly scaled to server, cluster, grid and cloud environments, without the need to modify the workflow definition. Finally, Snakemake workflows can entail a description of required software, which will be automatically deployed to any execution environment.
Make (and unlike, say,
doit) it has a custom DSL for specifying
command-line jobs, which is an approach I am not a massive fan of, but the
explicit support
qsub and other nightmare campus cluster horrors, of
remote network files
and supports of recent innovations like
Singularity containerization make it
friendly to data science types.
It was originally developed by bioinformaticians, and is even friendlier to those.
They have invented a custom file format for defining the tasks, which is an odd choice. However, its workflow is close to mine, so I am keen to give it a go.
Warning sign: They depend upon a broken package and the fix for that has been left dangling since at least 2018-08-04. It's not the maintainers fault, but it looks bad. The workaround is
pip3 install git+https://github.com/pytries/datrie.git
But should I be needing to work out this stuff before even installing the package?
Lancet comes from neuroscience.
Lancet is designed to help you organize the output of your research tools, store it, and dissect the data you have collected. The output of a single simulation run or analysis rarely contains all the data you need; Lancet helps you generate data from many runs and analyse it using your own Python code.
Its special selling point is that it integrates exploratory parameter sweeps. (can it do such interactively, I wonder?)
Parameter spaces often need to be explored for the purpose of plotting, tuning, or analysis. Lancet helps you extract the information you care about from potentially enormous volumes of data generated by such parameter exploration.
Natively supports the over-engineered campus jobs manager PlatformLSF, and it has a thoughtful workflow for reproducible notebook computation. Less focussed on the dependency management side.
Some kind of "researcher-friendly" MySQL frontend for managing experiments. I'm not sure how well this truly integrates into a workflow of solving problems I actually have.q
CaosDB - Research Data Management for Complex, Changing, and Automated Research Workflows
Here we present CaosDB, a Research Data Management System (RDMS) designed to ensure seamless integration of inhomogeneous data sources and repositories of legacy data. Its primary purpose is the management of data from biomedical sciences, both from simulations and experiments during the complete research data lifecycle. An RDMS for this domain faces particular challenges: Research data arise in huge amounts, from a wide variety of sources, and traverse a highly branched path of further processing. To be accepted by its users, an RDMS must be built around workflows of the scientists and practices and thus support changes in workflow and data structure. Nevertheless it should encourage and support the development and observation of standards and furthermore facilitate the automation of data acquisition and processing with specialized software. The storage data model of an RDMS must reflect these complexities with appropriate semantics and ontologies while offering simple methods for finding, retrieving, and understanding relevant data. We show how CaosDB responds to these challenges and give an overview of the CaosDB Server, its data model and its easy-to-learn CaosDB Query Language. We briefly discuss the status of the implementation, how we currently use CaosDB, and how we plan to use and extend it.
TBC. Forge is an attempt to createa a custom build tool by Adam Kosiorek.
Forge makes it easier to configure experiments and allows easier model inspection and evaluation due to smart checkpoints. With Forge, you can configure and build your dataset and model in separate files and load them easily in an experiment script or a jupyter notebook. Once the model is trained, it can be easily restored from a snapshot (with the corresponding dataset) without the access to the original config files.
Tensorflow-specific. tf.estimator.
Artemis seems to be mostly an experiment wrapper
The Artemis Experiment Framework helps you to keep track of your experiments and their results. It is an alternative to Sacred, with the goal of being more intuitive to use. … Using this module, you can turn your main function into an "Experiment", which, when run, stores all console output, plots, and computed results to disk (in ~/.artemis/experiments)
Sacred is a tool to configure, organize, log and reproduce computational experiments. It is designed to introduce only minimal overhead, while encouraging modularity and configurability of experiments.
The ability to conveniently make experiments configurable is at the heart of Sacred. If the parameters of an experiment are exposed in this way, it will help you to:
- keep track of all the parameters of your experiment
- easily run your experiment for different settings
- save configurations for individual runs in files or a database
- reproduce your results
Dr Watson
DrWatson is a scientific project assistant software package. Here is what it can do:
- Project Setup : A universal project structure and functions that allow you to consistently and robustly navigate through your project, no matter where it is located on your hard drive.
- Naming Simulations : A robust and deterministic scheme for naming and handling your containers.
- Saving Tools : Tools for safely saving and loading your data, tagging the Git commit ID to your saved files, safety when tagging with dirty repos, and more.
- Running & Listing Simulations: Tools for producing tables of existing simulations/data, adding new simulation results to the tables, preparing batch parameter containers, and more.
Think of these core aspects of DrWatson as independent islands connected by bridges. If you don't like the approach of one of the islands, you don't have to use it to take advantage of DrWatson!
Applications of DrWatson are demonstrated the Real World Examples page. All of these examples are taken from code of real scientific projects that use DrWatson.
Please note that DrWatson is not a data management system.
doit seemed to be a flavour of the minute a handful of years ago, promising modern task dependency management and such, for a developer audience. Nice tooling. Still pretty good despite low development activity. It's got a flexible way of specifying dependencies between both tasks and targets, which is nice, but it gets clunky if your build jobs produce many output files, or if they take arguments.
Invoke – claims to be the successor to Fabric.
Like Ruby's Rake tool and Invoke's own predecessor Fabric 1.x, it provides a clean, high level API for running shell commands and defining/organizing task functions from a tasks.py file […] it offers advanced features as well – namespacing, task aliasing, before/after hooks, parallel execution and more.
AFAICT, unlike, say,
doit, it has no support for build-artefact dependencies
("is that file there?"), only task dependencies, which is not ideal for my
Luigi is a Python package that helps you build complex pipelines of batch jobs. It handles dependency resolution, workflow management, visualisation, handling failures, command line integration, and much more.
[…] It includes native Python support for running mapreduce jobs in Hadoop, as well as Pig and Jar jobs. It also comes with filesystem abstractions for HDFS and local files that ensures all file system operations are atomic. This is important because it means your data pipeline will not crash in a state containing partial data.
Not so much about facilitating parallelism, as stopping your jobs from clobbering each other. But that is hard.
is a set of tools to provide lightweight pipelining in Python. In particular, joblib offers:
- transparent disk-caching of the output values and lazy re-evaluation (memoize pattern)
- easy simple parallel computing
- logging and tracing of the execution
Joblib is optimized to be fast and robust in particular on large data and has specific optimizations for numpy arrays. It is BSD-licensed.
In practice it's mostly about memoization and robust concurrency for map-reduce style calculations. This is not quite the same as a full data workflow DAG, but it intersects with that idea. You probably want more sophistication for fancy pipelines, although, what you want even more than that is to ignore concurrency.
d6tflow is a free open-source library which makes it easy for you to build highly effective data science workflows.
Instead of linearly chaining functions, data science code is better written as a set of tasks with dependencies between them. That is your data science workflow should be a DAG.
In the end you just need to run TaskTrain() and it will automatically know which dependencies to run.
pachyderm "is a data lake that offers complete version control for data and leverages the container ecosystem to provide reproducible data processing."
AFAICT that means it is a cloudimificated build/pipeline tool with data versioning baked in. For the curious, it uses Kubernetes to manage container deployments, which rather presumes you are happy to rent out servers from someone, or have some container-compatibly cluster lying around which it is economic for you to admin and also use.
Sumatra is about tracking and reproducing simulation or analysis parameters for sciencey types. Exploratory data pipelines, especially.
[…] is a framework for heterogenous computing. It primarily provides the communication mechanisms for configuring and launching parallel computations across heterogenous resources. Pathos provides stagers and launchers for parallel and distributed computing, where each launcher contains the syntactic logic to configure and launch jobs in an execution environment. Some examples of included launchers are: a queue-less MPI-based launcher, a ssh-based launcher, and a multiprocessing launcher. Pathos also provides a map-reduce algorithm for each of the available launchers, thus greatly lowering the barrier for users to extend their code to parallel and distributed resources. Pathos provides the ability to interact with batch schedulers and queuing systems, thus allowing large computations to be easily launched on high-performance computing resources.
Integrates well with your jupyter notebook which is the main thing, but much like jupyter notebooks themselves, you are on your own when it comes to reproducibility and might want to use it in concert with one of the other solutions here to achieve that.
spark isn't a build tool, but its parallelisation / execution graph features do overlap. Also many build tools leverage spark.
airflow is Airbnb's hybrid parallel-happy workflow tool. It has… features. TODO.
pants… "is a build system for Java, Scala and Python. It works particularly well for a source code repository that contains many distinct projects." Backed by twitter and foursquare. USP list:
- Builds Java, Scala, and Python.
- Adding support for new languages is straightforward.
- Supports code generation: thrift, protocol buffers, custom code generators.
- Resolves external JVM and Python dependencies.
- Runs tests.
- Scales to large repos with many interdependent modules.
- Designed for incremental builds.
Ruffus is about setting up your exploratory simulation and automation pipelines, especially for science.
Scons is a
make replacement that is itself damn old,
and despite its aspirations to remedy the problems with make, AFAICT, not
actually that much easier to use.
Oriented toward compiling stuff.
The original, and still the default. For connoisseurs of fragile whitespace handling.