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Q&A With Author Sharon Hinck
- Staff Christianbook.com
- 2006 15 Aug
In a recent interview with Christianbook.com, debut novelist Sharon Hinck, a wife and mother of four children who generously provide her with material for her books, discusses "The Secret Life of Becky Miller."
Please give us a little biography.
Sharon is a wife and mother of four children who generously provide her with fodder for her books. She earned an MA in Communication from Regent University in 1986, and spent ten years as the artistic director of a Christian performing arts group, CrossCurrent. That ministry included three short-term mission trips to Hong Kong. At various times she has been a church youth worker, a choreographer and ballet teacher, a home-school mom, a church organist, and a freelance writer. One day she'll figure out what to be when she grows up.
When she isn't writing, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She and her family make their home near Minneapolis, Minnesota.
What is your favorite Scripture verse?
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).
I've spent far too much of my Christian walk wanting to do Big Things for God, and trying to be a savior to the world – driving myself into burnout. God keeps hugging me and reminding me that HE is the Savior, and He can do amazing things in my little ordinary life. His grace trickles out through the cracks and chips of my life.
Where did the inspiration for "The Secret Life of Becky Miller" come from?
My friends and I all seemed to be struggling with the same "Supermom Syndrome" and feeling as if we were falling short. As I pondered creating a character who could explore that tendency, I remembered the James Thurber short story "Secret Life of Walter Mittyere" – a husband escapes his ordinary life with grandiose daydreams. I wondered how that would look if a soccer-mom dreamed of being Indiana Jones, James Bond, or Mother Teresa.
Is any part of "Secret Life of Becky Miller" factual?
The desire to do "Something Big for God" and the emotion of struggling and failing in the many arenas women face are all authentic, and certainly something I've experienced. The storyline is fictional. Becky's growing understanding that God can do big things in our small, ordinary choices and daily moments is very much a journey that I've been on. Like Becky, I continue to backslide into basing my worth on accomplishments. I also find joy and amazement with each reminder of grace. I don't have to (and indeed CAN'T) earn His love. He simply loves me.
Do you prefer to write contemporary fiction?
I started out writing nonfiction humor, personal experience, and devotional articles, so the first-person voice comes most naturally to me. I love the honesty and humor of the mom-lit, contemporary fiction style. I also adore writing adventure/fantasy, and was able to weave some of that into "The Secret Life of Becky Miller," as well as into the sequel. I also have a three-book fantasy series coming out next year.
What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
Self-doubt. Crows flap around my head as I work, telling me I don't have anything of value to say and no skill to say it. I'm so glad I can lean into God. I face the facts daily that I don't have the strength, wisdom, wit, or courage that I need to be a writer. But He has all those things, and gives me what I need each day as I show up at my keyboard and wait on Him.
I also have a hard time turning off my busy brain once it's chewing on plot threads and character development. I'm trying to create times and spaces where I'm NOT working ... but that's hard to delineate, since so much of a writer's work is observation, mulling, dreaming, and wondering.
How long did "The Secret Life of Becky Miller" take you to complete?
I brainstormed for several months, and wrote the first chapter on the way home from a Christian writer's conference in April. The manuscript was finished by August, and offered a contract by Thanksgiving. Then it took about eighteen months until release (with plenty of help from my wonderful editors).
However, another way to look at it is that it took forty-something years to complete, because the themes and content were shaped by all my life experiences.
How much research did "The Secret Life of Becky Miller" take?
Many of the daydreams were drawn from my varied personal experiences (okay, not the fighting pirates or dog-sledding). On my Web site I share "The Secret Life of Sharon Hinck" and mention some of the strange things I've done over the years. It was fun to incorporate those experiences into the scenes. They were all a combination of research, personal experience, and imagination. As far as the main storyline, I did some research into medical issues (easy because of the doctors in our family), insurance, and employment issues. But much of the daily life of Becky was all too familiar to me, and was easy to remember from my days with much younger children and hanging out with my friends who have young children.
Do you have a favorite character and why?
Becky captures my heart because she's a bit wacky but has great intentions. She also attacks life with great energy. I also enjoy Heather, because I have a little "inner flower-child" of my own.
Are there any other new projects on the horizon?
The next Becky Miller book, "Renovating Becky Miller," comes out in February 2007. The Miller family decides to buy a "fixer-upper" out in the country to help them simplify their life. Yeah, right!
Then a three-book fantasy series, "The Restorer," releases from NavPress in June 2007, September 2007, and January 2008. A stand-alone mom-lit, "In the Key of Mom," is due out with Bethany House in the spring of 2008, followed by "Penny's Project" in the fall of 2008.
All the novels deal with the adventures of life often hidden within the ordinary and how each Christian's walk is a hero's journey of sorts.
Who was the person who influenced you the most with your writing?
Authors I've read all my life have taught me the power of story, language, symbol, and humor. Too many to name. My grad-school writing prof, John Lawing, was the first to convince me to submit work for publication and helped me over the hurdle of awe that I had. Because of his red pen, as well as his great encouragement, I began publishing in magazines, so that by the time I was ready to work on a novel, I wasn't quite as overwhelmed by the mystique of writing.
What advice would you give to a person trying to become a fiction writer?
If you find yourself crying in the book aisle at Target, because you have a story burning in your bones that you want told ... and you want to see it on these shelves … you might have a calling.
For me, the writing path included a strong critique group, online writer groups, writer's conferences, and most of all ... daily writing. If you find yourself reading about writing, talking about writing, and dreaming about writing, but not writing, it might not be your calling.
What were your favorite books as a child?
Everything I could get my hands on. Carl Sandburg's "Rootabaga Stories," Dr. Seuss, Scholastic book club selections (I was the geeky kid who always ordered a HUGE stack of books at school each month), horse books, Louisa Mae Alcott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Mark Twain, Jack London, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, every Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, and the amazing Madeleine L'Engle. As I reached middle school I devoured adult spy novels, sci-fi, fantasy, history, biography, Christian living.
What message would you like your readers to take away from this book?
Be encouraged! Your life makes a difference … you are a blessing to others and to God's kingdom in a zillion ways you may not recognize. God can redeem and bless the smallest choices of love and the worst wounds and failings.
What is your goal or mission as a writer?
I have a little 3x5 card on my bulletin board that states my writing mission as I see it right now: "Daily be available to God to write fiction that is creative and vulnerable, to shine light on issues God leads me to explore in order to reveal His love and woo people to Him. "
For me, writing is about showing up, pouring every ounce of skill and passion into the work, always growing, and trusting God with the results.
Find what you're looking for at Christianbook.com. Shop for books, Bibles, videos, music, homeschooling resources, software, clothing, gifts and more. Daily discounts, too!


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FARMVILLE, Va. (AP) Trey Freeman led five Campbell players in double figures with 19 points to go along with a career-high 10 assists as it pulled away late to beat Longwood 83-73 Wednesday night in a Big South Conference matchup.
Marvelle Harris and Darius Leonard added 15 points and seven rebounds apiece, Darian Hooker scored 14 points off the bench, and Reco McCarter chipped in with 10 points to help Campbell (7-9, 2-0) win its fourth straight game.
At 32-all at halftime, Campbell opened the second half on a 24-13 run capped by Hooker's 3-pointer that made it 56-45 with 11:28 remaining.
Longwood cut the deficit to one, 67-66, on Michael Kessen's tip-in with 3:52 left to play, but the Fighting Camels would close out the Lancers with a 16-7 run.
Campbell shot 53.1 percent (17 for 32) in the second half
Tristan Carey led the Lancers with 23 points and six rebounds.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Commandments
Thou shalt have no gods but Me.
Before no idols bow thy knee.
Take not the name of God in vain.
Do not the Sabbath day profane.
Honor thy parents all thy days.
Take not life in wanton ways.
Be faithful in thy marriage trust.
And never steal or be unjust.
Always tell the truth—and love it.
What is thy neighbor's, do not covet.
And the greatest commandments of all:
With all thy heart, love God above;
And as thyself thy neighbor love.
Text: Charlene Newell
Music: Charlene Newell
Artist: Newell
Album: Music Published in the Church Magazines: Friend
Composition Date: 1982-10-01
More Info: Friend


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Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 101,717
Forums On The Low Post Count List - Please Read - Updated 8/1/2020
Hi everyone. We've implemented new rules for the forums on the Low Post Count List.
Up until now, the Low Post Count List has been shown on the Moderators Forum, but the Moderators and Managers and I felt that it would be a good idea to post this list here so everyone can see it, so no one can say that they weren't aware that a board was in danger of closing if it closes.
Therefore, here is the current Low Post Count List with the date each forum was placed on the list and the date they'll be taken off the list. I will update this list every month or as necessary.
More information about this topic can be found at the individual forums on this list.
Thank you.
The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it - and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. - John F. Kennedy
There are those who look at things the way they are and ask why - I dream of things that never were and ask why not. - Robert F. Kennedy


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A Place for Us: A Novel
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"Has a household ever been cradled in such tender attention as this novel provides? She writes with a mercy that encompasses all things. Each time I stole away into this novel, it felt like a privilege to dwell among these people, to fall back under the gentle light of Mirza's words." -- RON CHARLES, Washington Post
The first novel from Sarah Jessica Parker's new imprint, SJP for Hogarth, A Place for Us is a deeply moving and resonant story of love, identity, and belonging
As an Indian wedding gathers a family back together, parents Rafiq and Layla must reckon with the choices their children have made. There is Hadia: their headstrong, eldest daughter, whose marriage is a match of love and not tradition. Huda, the middle child, determined to follow in her sister's footsteps. And lastly, their estranged son, Amar, who returns to the family fold for the first time in three years to take his place as brother of the bride. What secrets and betrayals have caused this close-knit family to fracture? Can Amar find his way back to the people who know and love him best?
A Place for Us takes us back to the beginning of this family's life: from the bonds that bring them together, to the differences that pull them apart. All the joy and struggle of family life is here, from Rafiq and Layla's own arrival in America from India, to the years in which their children--each in their own way--tread between two cultures, seeking to find their place in the world, as well as a path home.
A Place for Us is a book for our times: an astonishingly tender-hearted novel of identity and belonging, and a resonant portrait of what it means to be an American family today. It announces Fatima Farheen Mirza as a major new literary talent.


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HOUSTON – Tally Hall and Danny Cruz both got their first-ever MLS starts and both contributed mightily as the Houston Dynamo defeated D.C. United 2-0 on Saturday night. Hall posted a shutout while Cruz notched both a goal and an assist as Houston cruised to a 2-0 victory.
"We needed that win," said the 20-year-old Cruz. "It was real important to get those three points and jump hopefully back up the table, depending on other results. It was important to me obviously to come out and hopefully show that I can play and with everybody. It was a team effort, obviously, and the three points are huge."
While Hall was expected to start, while Pat Onstad is away on Canadian National Team duty, Cruz was a surprise starter for coach Dominic Kinnear, who decided to roll the dice and came up with sevens on the night.
"I thought he had a good second half against Salt Lake [on May 13] and he's been training very well and I thought he deserved a shot to start," Kinnear said of Cruz. "I think he took full advantage of his opportunity and he looked dangerous right from the beginning and took his goal well. I am pleased for him and I think he should be proud of himself."
Cruz notched not only the opening goal, but he also contributed an assist on the second goal. After scoring the first, Cruz immediately went over to his coaches and teammates, who all wanted to join in on the celebration.
"The goal was special for me, and hopefully for the guys," said Cruz. "It was important that I celebrated with everyone because I truly felt like everyone contributed to me getting to where I am today. It was a buildup of a lot of commitment from all the guys and the substitutes and the coaching staff and I wanted everybody to be a part of it."
While his teammates appreciated the gesture, they have been more impressed with Cruz's work ethic since joining Houston including the tireless effort he put in despite the heat and humidity against United.
"I'm proud of him and it's good to see," noted defender Eddie Robinson. "Danny did what Danny does every day. He works harder than anybody on the field and he picks up things and he learns every single day. It's great to see and he certainly deserves it. He deserved to be out there. He earned it and he deserved to score a goal."
Hall had much less to do on the night than Cruz, but was equally effective. When it mattered, he stepped up and got the job done.The 25-year-old got his hand on a cross in the 26th minute and stopped a late Rodney Wallace effort to preserve the shutout.
"Anytime you get a shutout and notch some saves, it's a good night," said Kinnear, and I am happy for him. He made some good saves. The play in the first half where he got a touch on it was pretty brave save from him. He didn't have too much to do until the end there."
Hall was happy not only for himself, but also for Cruz, who sits next to him in the locker room.
"I'm just really happy to see that he got a goal for himself," said Hall. "It was an important night for both of us. He got his first goal, and I got my first shutout. So it's a fun night, but we kind of both got a positive result and we can celebrate that."
Dwain Capodice is a contributor to MLSsoccer.com. Questions or Comments can be sent via email to firstname.lastname@example.com.


text: Jurnal Manajemen dan Organisasi (JMO) is a scientific publication media that contains articles in the field of management and organization with the scope of management of marketing, finance, human resources as well as production and operations. Jurnal Manajemen dan Organisasi is dedicated to encourage exchange of ideas between academics, practitioners, and government institutions in the fields of management and organization. This journal is published three times a year, in April, August and December. Articles published in this journal present an objective analysis of management and organizational topics in academic perspectives in the form of research results, review of new management concepts and theories, as well as case studies paper.


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Tyler Perry And Mary J. Blige Confirmed To Dance On Season 13 of Dancing With The Stars? Yeah Right!
Ok, take this one with a huge grain of salt!!! A site called Courtney Luv is reporting movie director and actor Tyler Perry and R & B singer, Mary J. Blige "confirmed" to dance on Dancing With The Stars Season 13. I kind of think this is a huge bull and one with maybe the biggest horns yet. I'll let you decide.
Tyler Perry who is best know for his role as Madea in his latest film "Madea's Big Happy Family", will be a contestant on season 13 of Dancing With The Stars. Another big name to join the A list actor is none other than the Hip/Hop and R&B diva Mary J. Blige. Remember where you saw it first Courtneyluv.com
If true, wow, I'm game!!! I love Mary J. Blige and her story would be inspirational on the show for many fans. I can see Cheryl dancing with Tyler and Mary with Tony. What do you think?
Heidi: I call bull on this one. Some website trying to make a name for itself by starting some rumors. I don't think either MJB or Tyler need DWTS. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. Also in the realm of possible bullsh@t rumors: Nick Jonas. Now, a bunch of his fan twitter accounts are reporting this one – but I have to file it under the "hopeful young girls" category. 🙂 In case you're wondering how I decide if I think it's bull or not – well, some people are too current, too famous (and therefore to BUSY) to do DWTS.
Heidi's NOTE #2 – I just saw another blog that credits the Tyler Perry and Mary J info to an Atlanta Radio station. Honestly don't know if this makes it more credible or if they just watch Twitter like I do and reported it from what Vogue and I saw. Ahhh…the social media age. 🙂


text: Home > Business Fed bets big in new push to rescue US economy Reuters Posted at Sep 14 2012 10:20 AM | Updated as of Sep 14 2012 06:20 PM Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Fed to buy $40 billion in MBS per month WASHINGTON - The Federal Reserve launched another aggressive stimulus program on Thursday, saying it would pump $40 billion into the U.S. economy each month until it saw a sustained upturn in the weak jobs market. The central bank's decision to tie its controversial bond buying directly to economic conditions was an unprecedented step that marked a big escalation in its efforts to drive U.S. unemployment lower. Stock prices jumped, while gold hit a six-month high as investors braced for higher inflation. Unlike in its two previous bond-buying sprees, the Fed said it would only purchase mortgage-backed debt, hoping in part to unstick a housing sector that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke called "a missing piston" in the U.S. recovery. One top Republican charged that the move was a bid to help President Barack Obama ahead of November's closely contested presidential election. Republican nominee Mitt Romney's campaign said it confirmed the failure of Obama's policies. Bernanke dismissed talk the Fed was taking sides, saying it acted solely because of the dire state of the U.S. labor market. "The employment situation ... remains a grave concern," Bernanke told reporters. "While the economy appears to be on a path of moderate recovery, it isn't growing fast enough to make significant progress reducing the unemployment rate." The economy created just 96,000 jobs last month, less than needed to keep up with population growth. While the unemployment rate edged down to 8.1 percent, it was only because many Americans gave up on the search for work. By buying mortgage-linked debt, the Fed hopes to press mortgage rates lower, helping the housing market and also encouraging investors in MBS to switch into other assets, lowering their yields as well. Those lower borrowing costs should spur more lending and foster faster economic growth, officials believe. U.S. growth cooled in the second quarter to a tepid 1.7 percent annual rate, and forecasters do not see the economy doing much better now. In an additional move, the Fed said it was not likely to raise overnight interest rates from their current near-zero level until at least mid-2015. Previously, it had set such guidance at late 2014. To underscore its resolve, it said it would pursue an easy monetary policy "for a considerable time" even after the economy strengthened. "If the outlook for the labor market does not improve substantially, the committee will continue its purchase of agency mortgage-backed securities, undertake additional asset purchases, and employ its other policy tools as appropriate until such improvement is achieved in a context of price stability," the Fed said in a statement. Asked repeatedly during a post-decision news conference to amplify on that pledge, Bernanke said the Fed wanted to see a convincing improvement in the economy that could deliver sustainable job creation and a gradual decline in unemployment. "There's not a specific number we have in mind, but what we have seen in the last six months isn't it," he said. U.S. stocks shot higher on the Fed's move, with the S&P 500 closing at its highest level since December 2007 and the Dow Jones industrial average adding more than 200 points. Stephen Stanley, an economist at Pierpont Securities in Stamford, Connecticut, said that by tying its purchases to progress reducing U.S. unemployment, the Fed had "basically locked on the handcuffs and swallowed the key." PUSHING ON A STRING? Economists said the Fed could eventually buy more than $1 trillion in debt given the open-ended nature of its new policy. Capital Economics estimated purchases could top $1.4 trillion. The plan fueled some nervousness in financial markets over the potential for inflation, even though the Fed would pull back on its buying if the economy strengthened. Bernanke stated explicitly that pushing up prices was not the Fed's intention. The price of gold, a traditional inflation safe haven, hit a six month high, while oil also gained on expectations investors would pile into riskier assets such as commodities and equities. Prices for most U.S. Treasury debt rose, although the 30-year bond fell, reflecting both disappointment that government debt was not on the Fed's purchase list and inflation worries. The decision comes in the face of widespread questions about the likely effectiveness of a further foray into unorthodox monetary policy, including from Romney. The Fed has already bought $2.3 trillion in U.S. government and housing-related debt it two rounds of so-called quantitative easing. Those programs, dubbed QE1 and QE2, bought bonds closer to a pace around $100 billion per month. Senator John Cornyn, head of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee, said the Fed appeared to be "trying to juice the economy" ahead of the Nov. 6 election, while Lanhee Chen, policy director for the Romney campaign, argued that the Fed's decision pointed to a need for new policies from the White House. "We should be creating wealth, not printing dollars," Chen said. The White House, which scrupulously avoids commenting on Fed decisions, declined to be drawn into the debate, but other Democrats rallied to defense of Bernanke, who once served as an adviser to Republican President George W. Bush. It was Bush who first nominated Bernanke to the Fed. "It is unfortunate that Republicans already have expressed disappointment in this action and are clearly upset that they were unable to intimidate the Fed into putting partisan politics ahead of national economic interests," said Democratic Representative Barney Frank. The Fed also caused ripples aboard. Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said he would monitor the impact of the action on Brazil's real currency. Mantega had accused the Fed's earlier bond buying of unfairly weakening the U.S. dollar. BRIGHTER OUTLOOK In its statement, the Fed said the fresh MBS purchases, which it will start on Friday, would come on top of its so-called Operation Twist program, in which it is selling short-term bonds to buy longer-term Treasury debt. With its new MBS purchases, the Fed said it would now be buying about $85 billion in long-term securities each month. In a reflection of optimism over their new policy path, officials lowered their forecast for the unemployment rate at the end of 2014 to a 6.7 percent to 7.3 percent range, down from a range of 7.0 percent to 7.7 percent in June. Still, even in 2015, they believe the jobless rate will be above the 5.2 percent to 6 percent range where they think it should eventually settle. One official, Richmond Federal Reserve Bank President Jeffrey Lacker, dissented against the decision, as he has at every FOMC meeting this year. Share Facebook Share on Twitter LinkedIn Business,Top Stories,Federal Reserve,Ben Bernanke,QE3 Read More: Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke QE3


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$ 19
This unique vintage style pendant comes with an antique bronze color necklace. The handcrafted pendant has artwork that's covered with a glass dome which both protects, enhances, & slightly magnifies the image. It reads Be {you} tiful. It comes with a 24"chain lengths.The chain comes with a lobster clasp for easy on and off. Pendant is water resistant but not completely waterproof, please remove to swim or shower. NOT INTENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN.© All designs are the copyright of Craft Street Design
Materials: Brass, Glass
Color: Antique bronze
Chain Size: 24"
Pendant size: 1"
Handcrafted in the USA
Arrives in 5-7 days
|Craft Street Design Guarantee - We are certain you'll love your Craft Street Design goods. If for any reason you're not satisfied with your purchase just send us an email at email@example.com within 30 days. Any feedback on how we can improve would be great but is not required. We will refund cheerfully.


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Sioux Falls Cold Weather Tips [VIDEO]
Here's a message from Tony Burke of the American Red Cross in Sioux Falls!
In light of the frigid weather, Tony urges you to stay indoors as much as possible.
"To be most direct---stay warm! Stay home unless you absolutely must to go to the hospital or some place that is essential. We are making a bigger risk for our emergency responders as well. All the schools are closed.go. Unless you must go out, stay indoors."
Tony says within minutes of being exposed to the cold, frostbite is imminent no matter how much clothing you have on. "Don't take the risk. It's not worth it."
If you plan to travel, Tony says you should have a winter survival kit in your car as well as a cell phone battery in case you get in an accident.


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In a large new book at the front desk, visitors from around the world have written to express their gratitude for the work done, hope for the Dar Al Tifl's future, and amazement at its legacy. At Dar Al-Tifl's door, a Swedish woman thanks the museum's curator, Baha' Jubeh for his tour of the exhibition halls and library on the second floor. They hope to expand both within the next two months. The recently reopened and renovated museum displays both traditional daily-use items as well as ornate home furnishing decorations from the Ottoman period. There is also an art workshop for school children.
Dar Al-Tilfl's mission is to preserve Palestinian culture and heritage in the face of its ongoing destruction in keeping with the tradition of its founder Hind Husseini. Baha' Jubeh stresses the importance of preserving both the day to day life of the Palestinian people along with Palestinian culture's celebratory side. He explains with the traditional Palestinian dress collection that the museum preserves the daily Palestinian work dress alongside the special ceremonial dress to end the misconception of celebration as being the chief activity for women in their daily lives.
The Palestinian Heritage Museum's strength lies in its representation of the people through the displays of tools, home decor, and products made of straw, pottery clay, and metals. Artifacts used in traditional rural households for cooking, weaving and spinning, growing crops, and raising livestock have been collected from throughout Palestine. The ethnographic information presented alongside the artifacts is invaluable. Aside from the museum's focus on heritage, its exhibits delve into the historical influence of Ottoman culture on Palestinian tradition, including the Ottoman Faramans Book describing land deeds to Palestine, the significance of Jerusalem, and the haunting reminder of destroyed and displaced villages during Israeli occupation that solidified Husseini's dedication to her vision.
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***The pool is closed for the season. Thank you for a great summer. We look forward to seeing everyone again next summer!***
Welcome to Marsh Creek Swimming Pool Complex in Downingtown, PA, where family fun is the name of the game! Come enjoy a relaxing swim in our near half acre size pool located within Marsh Creek Park. Enjoy watching the kids having a blast in our splash zone. When you get hungry or thirsty enjoy a scrumptious snack from our full service food bar. We have clean spacious bath houses with showers, lavatories, and changing areas. There is plenty of open area to lounge and bathe yourself in the sun. We also offer a pavilion with a charcoal grill and electric for parties and swimming pool gatherings for an additional charge. Leave the grind of everyday behind and come to beautiful Marsh Creek Swimming Pool at Marsh Creek Park in Downingtown for great summer fun. Hope to see you soon!


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Inspired by Emma Watson, wear the sparkle cardigan with…
* an army jacket
* an New York T-shirt
* cotton leggings
* leopard print loafers
* a tomboy duffel bag
* an elephant luggage tag
* an entertaining book to read
* and don't forget a plane picnic! (Here are 25 sandwich ideas…)
When hanging out with relatives, pair the sparkle cardigan with…
* a lacy tank
* skinny jeans
* a love bracelet
* a striped clutch
* suede booties
* a simple wreath
* peanut-butter brownies
* personalized beer featuring adorable family photos.
As you mingle with friends, drape the sparkle cardigan over…
* a polka-dot dress
* red suede pumps
* a gold iPhone clutch (how clever is that?)
* bright red lips
* glittery gold nails
* and some bubbly for a happy New Year.
Which outfit do you prefer? Which suits your personality best?
(Graphic design elements by Rachel for Cup of Jo)
This post is sponsored by Levi's®. Explore the Lookbook. Thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that make Cup of Jo possible.


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Conan O'Brien Imagines the $5 Kindle (Video)
Amazon is well known for selling its e-readers and tablets at a steep discount. The lowest priced e-reader sets you back $69, and the cheapest color tablet runs you $199. But even though Amazon has ruled out a free Kindle, and Amazon's Jeff Bezos remains cagey about whether the company breaks even on the devices, there's already demand for a $5 version. Conan O'Brien imagines what that would be like: Meet the bulky, yet very versatile, "Wendell."
(Warning: 30-second pre-roll before the clip.)


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Thing 1 & Thing 2 Costume
Rate this costume:
21 votes
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This is Natalee (Thing 1) and Juliette (Thing 2) ages 3 and 15 months
|Costume type:
|Costumes for Babies
This homemade costume for babies entered our 2011 Halloween Costume Contest.
A word from DeLaina, the 'Thing 1 & Thing 2' costume creator:
I knew from about November 1 last year that my girls were going to be Thing 1 and Thing 2 this year. I have been so excited! Their costumes consisted of A red long sleeve shirt with an applique(of sorts) saying Thing 1 or Thing 2. I made the applique out of a white tee shirt and a marker, since I cant sew straight to save my life, I used liquid stitch to put the appliques on. They also had homemade tutus with red tulle on a red crochet headband for the waistband. For the blue hair- they were blue crochet caps in which I threaded blue tulle through just about every single hole (took DAYS!) and I threw some striped legwarmers on their legs and voila!!
Similar costumes:


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One proposal popular with economists is treating some portion of employer-provided health insurance as taxable income on a filer's tax return, an idea proposed by Hillary Clinton and accepted by many Democrats during the 2008 campaign. If a health plan is valued at more than $14,000, for example, the sum above that could be treated as taxable income.
Another idea would be to limit how much mortgage interest, state taxes or charitable giving can be deducted from taxes by high-income earners. The New Year's deal started phasing out some of the tax exemptions claimed by high-income earners and limiting their tax deductions. This could gain in popularity because tax rates remain unchanged and middle-income Americans would not be affected.
A bipartisan presidential commission in 2010 favored scaling back mortgage-interest deductions, in part because they effectively subsidize the wealthy by offering them a bigger discount off a higher tax rate. The problem is that rolling this program back is fraught with risk in today's impaired housing market.
"How do you phase it in? The more you cut back, the more effect it has on the housing market," noted Roberton Williams, a senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, jointly run by the center-left Brookings Institution and the centrist Urban Institute. "How do you deal with that transition period?"


text: Stress, being emotionally overwhelmed and pain are uninvited guests in our daily lives; however, they are part of the human condition. Stress and pain may have you feeling irritable, tense, depressed and anxious, which impacts your entire life. The KEY to regaining balance is responding to these stressors with mindful, non-judgmental awareness. Impossible? Research has shown that mindfulness-based approaches to healing the body and mind are highly effective and can even change our brain. Mindfulness meditation has proven to help individuals reduce stress, pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, cravings and increase overall quality of life and well-being. The Center for Mindfulness describes the practice as "a way of learning to relate directly to whatever is happening in your life, a way of taking charge of your life, a way of doing something for yourself that no one else can do for you — consciously and systematically working with your own stress, pain, illness and the challenges and demands of everyday life." This Mindfulness-Based Group Therapy will guide you to well-being utilizing psychoeducation, mindfulness meditation, yoga and group discussion. Group members are highly encouraged to enhance their experience by implementing a consistent practice of mindfulness.


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Related Reading
Turn 225 Miles into a Grand Arizona Adventure
Not even 225 miles separate Phoenix from the Grand Canyon. You drive straight through in four hours. Easy. The question, though, is why would you want to?
Eat, Drink, Love: Your New Marching Orders for Visiting Virginia
Though there's no bad time to visit Virginia, fall comes with a lot to love.
Why This Might Be the Best-Kept Secret in Travel
After traveling with Monograms to Italy, their promise of stress-free days and authentic local experiences really did come to life. Here's our review:
6 Ways to Live Your Wellest in Greater Palm Springs
Though Greater Palm Springs wasn't purpose-built by some wildly ambitious wellness guru, it might as well have been.
16 Celebrity Hotel Suites We Dream of Staying In
Butlers, private check-ins, maxed-out thread counts—all given. But a guitar collection? A private helipad? Here's where the stars stay when they're not at home.
10 Best Hotels for a Good Night's Sleep
In the hospitality world's race for bedtime supremacy, some properties won't rest til you do. Check in and dream on.


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This is sketch #62 by Creative Scrappers:
The pictures were taken at Manara Cliff.
The journaling says: After we went up the cable car, we found out these puffed-up play baloons, gymboree, pine cones corner with paints and brushes, petting corner end more...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Manara Cliff - Creative Scrappers #62
7:17 PM Posted by Unknown
labels Autumn Leaves, Creative Scrappers, layout, Sizzix, sketch, Studio G, Unity
1 comments:
Was ist schön hier, I liked it a lot!
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Rooted To The Spot :
Rise from The Ashes :
If something rises from the ashes, it recovers after a serious failure.
Road to Damascus :
If someone has a great and sudden change in their ideas or beliefs, then this is a road to Damascus change, after the conversion of Saint Paul to Christianity while heading to Damascus to persecute Christians.
Rob Peter to Pay Paul :
If you rob Peter to pay Paul, you try to solve one problem, but create another in doing so, often through short-term planning.
Rock The Boat :
If you rock the boat, you destabilize a situation by making trouble. It is often used as advice, 'Don't rock the boat'.
Rocket Science :
If something is not rocket science, It is not very complicated or difficult to understand. This idiom is normally used in the negative.
Roll Out The Red Carpet :
If you roll out the red carpet, you treat someone in a special way especially when welcoming them.
Roll With The Punches :
If you roll with the punches, you are flexible and able to adapt to difficult circumstances.
Roll Your Eyes :
If you roll your eyes, you show with your eyes that you don't believe someone or aren't interested in what they're saying.
Rolling in The Aisles :
If the audience watching something are laughing loudly, the show has them rolling in the aisles.
Rome Was Not Built In A Day. :
This idiom means that many things cannot be done instantly and require time and patience.
Root Hog or Die Poor :
It is an expression used in the southern USA that means that you must look out for yourself as no one's going to do it for you.
Rooted To The Spot :
If someone is rooted to the spot, they cannot move either physically or they cannot think their way out of a problem.
Rooted To The Spot
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With over 500 hours of gameplay and previously unreleased monsters, weapons and missions, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is set to be the biggest game of the series so far. Via Ad Hoc Mode Wireless functionality, players can experience the social gaming phenomenon that's gripping Japan and adventure with up to three friends for a thrilling and savaging multiplayer hunting party. From devising the strategy to executing the attack, team play with your friends is key to hunting down the ferocious beasts.
Monster Hunters can prepare for the ultimate fight with more than 2, 000 armour sets, 1, 500 weapons and 400 missions to choose and customise their characters from. Throughout the strategic gameplay, players will be rewarded for their deep fighting combat sequences and tactics, encouraging them to seek out the more experienced Monster Hunters and team up in order to learn from their experience.
New to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is the fully customisable AI Felyne companion who will accompany players on quests and gather extra resources for the player. PSP owners can then share their companions with other players through felyne casting, with users transferring data through the PSP system's Sleep Mode.
Also new to Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is the improved media install option where players can save the game to a memory stick, allowing the game to load from the memory stick and UMD simultaneously for faster loading times. Fans of the series will be able to transfer their data from Monster Hunter Freedom 2 over to the new game.
• Form a team of up to four players Ad Hoc mode and experience the multiplayer social gaming phenomenon
• The biggest Monster Hunter title to date with over 500 hours of gameplay
• Huge variety of character customisations including 1,500 weapons and 2, 000 armour sets
Enter a world of mystical monsters
Welcome to a world of monsters that roam a plush landscape and soar through the skies. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is Capcom's latest addition to the phenomenal series which has taken the world by storm on PSP. Pitting you against a series of beasts as you hone your hunting, gathering and fighting skills, Monster Hunter packs in even more creatures, weapons and hundreds of unlockables for you to discover over the course of this huge gaming opus.
When you start your adventure you're greeted with a deep tutorial process that takes you through each of the weapons you can wield over the course of the game. Here, each attributes are highlighted, giving you an idea of what weapon type you might want to use, and the kind of tactics you might need to employ with each one when hunting some of the larger beasts later in the game.
Battle tactics
For example, a lance is excellent for defensive purposes but features much less attacks than that of sword, which, while hitting enemies with heavy impact, is somewhat slow to recover leaving you vulnerable to counter attacks. It's essential that you spend even the smallest amount of time using each of the weapon systems because certain creatures can withstand and void particular weapons in battle, meaning a grounding in all styles pays off in the hunt later on.
When you start off on a mission in the grounds of your camp you're given a blue box which can be filled with all manner of materials including weapons, potions, rations, ammunition and tools to keep your weapons sharp. Keeping swords and your lance sharpened is another facet of the gameplay players must keep a keen eye on. If you blade is blunted in battle and you don't sharpen it before the next hunt, you're likely to face a difficult challenge taking creatures down.
While the missions are based almost always around tracking down and slaying one large beast or a number of smaller creatures, the key to a successful excursion is planning. Before heading out into the wilderness it's paramount that you spend as much time as possible gathering the right weapons, sharpening stones, potions and anything else that may be of need from your blue box or from the villagers. In most cases, any additional items you need can be found on route to your goal from places such as streams, dung piles and ore veins.
Creature features
Battling the creatures themselves is in itself a skill. Running head first into a monster is not a wise move and will most likely result in your demise. The trick is to combine a combination of dodges and attacks while at the same time memorising a monster's attack patterns and motions as you try to take them down. Mastering this technique helps when you are low on health or need to sharpen your blade when the monster is taking a step back from attacking you. In most cases, battling the giant creatures requires skill, timing and patience, with the rewards paying off in abundance after each battle.
The newest addition to the Monster Hunter universe is that of your Felyne friend, who can help distract a monster during an attack while you power up, heal or tend to your weapon. Having it by your side relieves a vast amount of pressure during battle because enemies will have to divide their attention between both you and your companion, leaving them open to devastating attacks, if performed correctly.
You are never alone
One of Monster Hunter Freedom Unite's most addictive modes is the ability to team up with three of your friends in Ad Hoc Mode to hunt down some of the game's biggest monsters. Taking these creatures down is almost impossible to do on your own, which is why the game encourages you to team up with three of your friends and combine your skills as a team to hunt down these prize trophies.
Packed with hundreds of hours of gameplay, thousands of weapons, armour sets and power-ups, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite is one of the deepest, most rewarding PSP gaming experiences players can have thanks to the vast amounts of content poured into the game by Capcom. For anyone looking for a uniquely brilliant challenge to play either on your own, or with three of your friends, you need look no further than Monster Hunter.
For a taste of the Monster Hunter action, download the demo from PlayStation Store now.
1-4 Players
1-4 Player Types


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Come check out WUD Art Committee's latest installation in Memorial Union's Class of 1925 Gallery!
Nancy Rich's exhibit highlights the rugged and beautiful rowboats that serve New England lobstermen and women...ferrying them to and from their larger craft moored offshore. Other images portray elegant "sea sculptures" found along the northern reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, and a third collection shares the whimsy of objects floating in liquid or frozen in ice.
This exhibition will be open from Friday, June 23rd to Friday, July 28th during Memorial Union Hours.
The opening reception for this exhibition will be held on Monday, June 26th in the Class of 1925 Gallery from 6-7pm.
Light refreshments will be provided.


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Champion on Board!
Sam get surprised by his tiny quarters and roommates aboard the train.
Sept. 16, 2008 -- Here's the scene from about twenty minutes ago: Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Chris Cuomo, political reporter and The Note author Rick Klein, a camera man and myself packed into Sam Champion's tiny train bedroom with a bewildered Sam Champion squeezed into a corner.
"We're really three to a room?" he asked wide-eyed.
"Yup, and you've got top bunk," Rick said without cracking a smile that I was desperately trying to hide.
Due to the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Ike, Sam had been reporting from Texas and met up with us today when we visited Niagara Falls. The other anchors were giving him a tour of the train and his new tiny home – which to his surprise came with two roommates, Rick Klein and myself.
Or so he thought.
"But in the bathroom, the shower is right over the commode, so that's convenient," Diane explained helpfully to Sam.
The anchors went on and on, telling Sam very matter-of-factly how everyone was three to a room and a schedule for going to the bathroom had to be worked out. Sadly he had just missed his last chance and, as Rick informed him, the bathroom would not be available for another few hours.
Eventually the laughter could not be held in any longer and everyone in the room burst.
I'm not sure if I'm offended or not by how thankful Sam seemed to be that I was not his roommate after all, but more than anything, we're just glad to have him back with us.
So while Sam gets settled in his room, alone, Rick and I are back to our humble living quarters and the train continues to chug along. But with Sam on board, we're certain to be in for a little more adventure.
Plus, Rick didn't mind waiting for Sam to show up while the prank was being staged.
"Basically, I got to sleep in Sam Champion's bed for about 20 minutes. That's something."


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[Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
[Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
I would like to share my plugin ...
Just copy the dxf_export.rb file in your plugins folder.
You'll find it in 'Tools->Export to DXF'
It outputs polygons|polylines|cirles|arcs|lines to DXF (contours only)
(2d orientation for circles and arcs these do not have a 3d one but the centerpoint is positioned in 3d space)
3d rotated circles and arcs will be output segmented (lines)
polygons, polylines, lines, 3d circles, 3d arcs as lines
2d cirles, 2d arcs as circles and arcs (NOT lines) !!!
I did this because I use the DXF with heekscnc to generate milling operations (G-Code).
Milling a circle or an arc is much faster than several lines ...
I had some trouble with the rotation of the arcs but I think I did it
*** v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
- fixed arc orientation (finally?)
- model won't be exploded anymore
- 3d rotated circles & arcs export to lines
*** v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
- fixed arc orientation
- improved objects assignment ( faster)
- corrected calculations ( x/2 returned int and not float as needed )
- automatic unit detection (to be tested )
Any arc orientation testers online?
Comments still welcome!
Last edited by joergber on Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:37 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export
First quick test ,and it workt fine
Thanks ,
"History is written by the winners"
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export
Thanks a lot for this plugin!
I tested it and it seems to have some bugs as follows:
-it doesn't export faces.
-some arcs are oriented wrongfully. - funny fact is that the built-in SU8-PRO exporter does the same.
-it behaves differently if everything in model is selected, or if nothing is selected.
-what DXF version does it export? (most milling software need DXF2000)
I also need DXF for CNC milling. I posted some request here: viewtopic.php?f=323&t=40311&p=357180&hilit=batch+dxf#p356582 . Maybe your plugin can be tweaked to batch export each Component Definition(/group?) in a different file, on same folder, using Definition's name?
Beloy you have:
-resulted (exploded) SKP file
-DXF from ALL SELECTED
-DXF from NONE SELECTED (it asked to export entire model)
-Image from NC HOPS (software for CNC Milling) which shows the wrongfully oriented arc.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export
thanks for your comments!
This is a quick and dirty release ...
But I couldn't await to release it and see if anyone needs it's functionality.
About the bugs ...
-it explodes everything in model.
Yes! It explodes everything and then it loops through all edges and get's each connected.
That's the way I try to find 'Objects'.
I will change it to respect Groups and Components!
But first I have to get rid of the orentation problem of the arcs!!!!!!
-it doesn't export faces.
This plugin does not process any faces (by now ).
-some arcs are oriented wrongfully.
I know
If anyone knows a solution ... ... ...
- funny fact is that the built-in SU8-PRO exporter does the same.
I didn't know
-it behaves differently if everything in model is selected, or if nothing is selected.
Not in my environment (but I changed the script a bit).
Pls. try again with the next release!
-what DXF version does it export? (most milling software need DXF2000)
Ups! I didn't care about any DXFversion!
Just took the first spec I found.
But in future I'll use DXF2000!
dereeei, thanks for all information!
Stay tuned!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export
I'm very happy that I could help ! Indeed, I'm very interested in the development of this script, I'll be glad to test the next releases.
For now, it doesn't bother me if it doesn't export faces, because for milling purposes, all I need are contours, arcs, circles, correct orientation and Layers (name, color).
Indeed, respecting components (and groups, but not necessary), it would be a great thing! But take care to not process each instance of a Component Definition, because that would be redundant. Also, as I mentioned in the earlier post, if the content of each component would be saved as separate file in a chosen directory, would be awesome
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
new Version v0.0.3 available!
I updated the text and the dl-link in the first post and added something like a version history.
Still feel free to comment ...
And use the plugin as often as you can
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
Error persists arc oriented incorrectly.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
Hi blajnov,
can you pls. provide the source .skp file?
So that I can reproduce here ...
I have drawn something similar and opened in heekscnc and freeCAD.
Both seem to be fine!
Kind regards
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
I opened the exported file in DraftSight.
In AutoCAD 2008, similar.
And when you export, create a file with no extension dxf
Here skp files and dfx
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
My drawing imported exploded and flipped also.
I hope you get this fixed.
The audit report in Doublecad xt (free) reported:
AcDbArc(21). An invalid Normal direction (0 0 -2.54) was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Normalized.
AcDbArc(22). An invalid Normal direction (0 0 -2.54) was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Normalized.
AcDbArc(23). An invalid Normal direction (0 0 2.54) was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Normalized.
AcDbArc(24). An invalid Normal direction (0 0 2.54) was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Normalized.
AcDbCircle(25). An invalid Normal direction (0 0 2.54) was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Normalized.
AcDbViewportTable(8). An invalid Viewport *Active missing was found. Validation: . Replaced by Created.
Audit recovered database.
AcDbBlockTableRecord(1D). An invalid BlockBeginId was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Created.
AcDbBlockTableRecord(1D). An invalid BlockEndId was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Created.
AcDbBlockTableRecord(1B). An invalid BlockBeginId was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Created.
AcDbBlockTableRecord(1B). An invalid BlockEndId was found. Validation: Invalid. Replaced by Created.
54 objects audited
Total errors found during audit 10, fixed 10
"History is written by the winners"
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
The error report sounds like you are converting vectors from inches to cm when you should not - a vector [0,0,1] is normalized [0,0,2.54] is NOT. Only 'cm-ize' dimensions and leave vectors alone.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
as mentioned above, the plugin does not export to correct DXF2000 format!
By now (for example) arcs with startangle of 245° and endangle 13° can happen!
I am not sure if this will be interpreted correctly by all importers or Autocad ...
And there is no HEADER or TABLE section or any (ENTITIES only!)
But I'll correct this in a future release!
But I also noticed that my 'orientation-algorithm' was incorrect for arcs with odd number of edges ...
I realized that the z-normal tells me if the arc was drawn cw or ccw ...
Thanks to TIG, which gave me food for thought
Thank you for the report!
I'll try Doublecad xt ...!
(or let you generate the reports )
Yes, I converted everything although normals shouldn't.
Thank you!
Give me a day or two to
- 'fix' arc-orientation (again ).
- implement export of 3d oriented circles and arcs to lines ...
- support Faces (however )
- respect Components
- not explode everything anymore!
Thanks again to everybody!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
I imported this plug-in, when I select the items & export, it does not give me any file types to choose from, no DXF. Is there something I'm missing or is there another plugin to make this work? Thanks for any advice!
I just downloaded the new version, but it still does not give the dxf file type to save as. Any suggestion ?
Last edited by Dubman1013 on Mon Oct 31, 2011 7:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.3 (2011-10-22)
Thank you, Jörg ! Today I had the occasion to use the updated version of the plugin, as I had to export some sketchup drawings as DXF for CNC. Despite it turns some arcs in AutoCAD, they are right oriented in CNC Software, and that is what I'm interested in.
You made me very happy here! Good luck with the improvements
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
new version v0.0.4 available ...
I updated the first post.
Have fun!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
There is no filetype to choose from!
The Plugin takes the current skp-filename and exchanges '.skp' with '.dxf' thats all!
(For unsaved models the default filename is 'Untitled.dxf')
Just click 'Export to DXF' then choose the folder to save to and save the dxf.
Before saving you may change the filename to your needs!
(But don't forget '.dxf' at the end of the filename)
Have a nice day!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Thanks for a great plugin! I just sent a .dxf file to a friend and he could open it perfectly in SolidWorks. Next step is to CNC the part.
Edit: One thing. My friend just mentioned that when he opened the .dxf in SolidWorks it was in Inches even though I made it in mm. He could just change to mm, but still...
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
I can not reproduce here ...
The only thing I could imagine is that you disabled the
'Display units format' setting (Window->Model Info->Units) but then there should have been a messagebox saying "Unable to detect the actual unit setting ...\nGenerate Output in inch?" and the whole DXF would have been 'inverted' because the units calculation factor is -1 in this case ...
(will be fixed in next release! )
Pls. let me know if the problem persists!
And maybe you do have a screenshot that could help or the .skp file of your model ... ... ...
Anyway, thank you very much for the feedback
More than 120 downloads and just this few problems/bugs/featurerequests/...
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
You are welcome, and thank you (!) for the plugin!
Here is an example of a sketchup that he says opens in Inches:
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Wohooo, that was fast
I exported without any problems ...
Here is my output ...
Could you pls. send this file to your friend to doublecheck?
Could you pls. check the setting and try again?
If you select the measure tool in SU ...
is the length displayed like '371,25mm'?
Thank you!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Hi joergber,
Can you explain how this plugin differs to a standard SU export?
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
It might not have come out clearly ...
I'm using SU 8 free (just updated my profile )
And the standard dxf-exporter is for pros only ( as far as I know )
So ...
I don't know how it differs to standard SU export
Is there a specific reason why you are asking?
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Only that I'm using PRO and wanted to know the difference; that's all....
thanks for the explain!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export
Thanks for the plugin!
I also use SketchUp to create files for CNC cutting.
There is an excellent plugin to do the right Gcode in Sketchup, Phlatscript (SketchUcam)
For more information, visit the site:
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
I just found a bug in the program. As seen in image below, the unit format is disabled (to not show it in dimension lines). But, the exporter doesn't recognize the units that I used and wants to export by default in inch. My suggestion: if there is a program limitation for this situation, to replace the YES/NO message box with a list box with all units available. So, if the exporter doesn't recognize the units, to let the user choose.
Another thing... I selected only the contour lines from a 3d object (the lines that formed one face), the exporter reported "one shape",but in DXF I had all lines exported of the solid. Is it possible to export ONLY what is selected? I mention that I was inside a component when I selected the outer shape of the face.
One more thing: it would be useful to have the possibility to export in XY plane for all 2D shapes, regardless they are oriented on a different plane.
This is the most useful DXF exporter I ever used. Actually, is the only one that is helping me
Thank you.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
I recognized too that my unit detection was not fool proof and added a listbox ...
It seems that we are working on similar tasks ...
since I came across the same problems than you.
Currently the exporter exports all connected entities of the current selection.
So selecting a contour of a object will export the whole thing
I am in the process of developing some kind of peprocessing tools ...
The first one will be a drop tool where you can select any face of a model and it will be copied to z=0 and rotated to ground plane.
But I'm neither familiar with Ruby nor Sketchup toolbars ...
So this will take some time
Thanks again for your feedback!
We read!
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Why don't you simply use selected entities to build the dxf? Is more simpler for start... You can iterate trough all selected and check what are they. If there are edges only, use them to build a dxf. If there are also faces, add to dxf the edges that build that face.
Because selecting a face is simple by double clicking. Usually a tool that selects a face, will select only a planar face, not a curved one (like a cylinder). To select that, I think you have to take into consideration the edge smoothing angle. So, I'm guessing that double click on a smooth face is pretty fast to not require a select tool (for now, at least).
Thanks for still working on it
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Sorry for the late reply.
No, I haven't disabled "Display units format" and it still opens in inches:
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Hi Jörg,
Maybe I'm doing something wrong but here's one problem I have.
1. I create a 100mm x 100mm rectangle with some random circles, see attached file "Untitled.skp".
2. Using your fine tool I export it as "Untitled.dxf".
3. To print out my drawing I open the .dxf file in eDrawings (from Solidworks, version 18.104.22.168) and press the print button. I then see a windows where the drawing is scaled to 1:18.3926?
4. If I change the "Active sheet" setting "To scale (1 to 1)" the result is that the drawing get's massive big - you can only just see a small corner of a circle on an A4 sized paper.
Isn't that strange? And by the way, if I print out from step 3 the actual rectangle on paper is something like 137mm x 137mm and *not* 100mm x 100mm.
Re: [Plugin] DXF_export v0.0.4 (2011-10-28)
Hello Jörg!
Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful plugin. We have struggeled alot with exporting .dxf files with true circle to our CNC machine software. And yours works perfect so far.
You really made my day! Thanks


text:
Lyn_Sumner on Family Tree Circles
view: full | list
Journals and Posts
I had a gentleman contact me about Raymond Charles Hyem Arundell - - was the name. If still on Family tree circles could he re-connect. A postcard sent by my uncle Ray from Stalag 18, in November 1942.
Uncle Ray only told his son and daughter: just 2 wqeeks before he died: that he'd had a daughter to a woman in Poland whilst he was in the army serving overseas. They said they would love to find the said daughter. So if anyone knows of this could they please contact me direct on: email@example.com
Hyem Family
Big thank you to Alison Lyons for pointing in the right direction. Thanks to her I am now in touch with long lost cousins, that haven't seen since childhood. We keep in touch regularly. Wonderful feeling this having extended family.
I'm, trying to write the different stories down.
Still would like to hear from the CONELIUS (Dorothy May HYEM their mother)
Thomas Farrington who was married to Hannah Wilson Clarkson
Seeking knowledge of Thomas Farrington. His son William Farrington was born 1833, and apparently Thomas died within the next couple of years. Have not been able to ascertain actual date of death. Would like to know what happened and when. Was he related to the Farringtons of Chorley, England??? What career was he, were there siblings?
Any info would be appreciated.
Margaret Moore, daughter of ,Charles Moore a Church of England missionary & Margaret McCloskey
Great-grandnan Margaret Moore, who's death certificate says born in Belfast, Ireland. No amount of searching has found where she was born - maybe because McCloskey was spelt a different way. She travelled to Australia on KATE in 1855 and married William Farrington in 1860 at Sofala, NSW.
Does anyone have knowledge of above people. Were there siblings?
Would appreciate any help in this search.
Descendants of Marion Elizabeth & Pearl Walter HYEM
The 8 children of Marion & Pearl. Daughters married following names:
Dorothy May married Eric Conelius/Cornelius
Grace Marion " Adolph J Shipley
Hazel Jackson Walter H married Hazel C Jackson
R C Hyem married Elvie M Baker
Alice Thelma Eric Reese
Amy Wilfred Smale
Margaret Winifred Sidney Hale
Jean Ethel O M McCrohon
Any descendants of these would love to hear from you
Conelius or Cornelius either spelling was registered
Dorothy May (nee Hyem) married Eric Emil Conelius (butcher) and they lived at Cabarita.
They had 4 children: Aileen,Laurie, John (Jack) and Richard (Richie).
My mum was Jean Ethel McCrohon (nee Hyem) youngest child of Pearl Walter & Marion Elizabeth (nee Farrington).
If you are related would loe to hear from you, I am compiling the tree for my 2 sons & 2 grandsons.and now of course for my first granddaughter born 2011
William Farrington who married Margaret Moore
AM trying to find relatives and or people who know how William & Margaret met.
Margaret was daughter of Charles Moore, Church of England missionary, and Margaret McCloskey. It is said the young Margaret was born in Belfast, Ireland about 1836-1839.
Have been given wonderful information as to how William came to Australia now would love to find out more.
Found part lineage of Marion Elizabeth Hyem, born Elizabeth Miriam in 1881 at Sofala NSW
Margaret Moore immigrated to Australia in 1855, her father was CHARLES MOORE & her mother MARGARET. It seems that Margaret had a sister called Rose Ellen and that was why Margaret came out to Australia.
Margaret married William Farrington in Sofala in 1860. They had 10 children, the first 5 died from childhood illness in 1876. William was a gold miner and died from (gallstones). Margaret eventually moved to Sydney and she died in 1927.


text:
The near future "is not going to be a fun time for pensioners," warned John Bogle, senior chairman and founder of the Vanguard Group of mutual funds, in the opening keynote on Thursday of the Fifth Annual Retirement Income Symposium.
Underfunded pensions, flawed "thrift plans" purporting to be retirement plans, and the difficulty of earning a decent amount of investment income will collide in a train wreck unless action is taken quickly, he predicted. Advisors with baby boomer clients in or those near retirement should focus on long-term, low-cost investments, not on trying to goose short-term yield by taking on more risk.
Prevented by health concerns from joining the symposium in Boston, Bogle, 83, spoke by Skype from a den lined with bookshelves and a model of the frigate U.S.S. Constitution.
For Low-Risk Yield: Dividends and Low Expense Ratios
Bogle said he believes most portfolio growth in total return over the next decade will be driven by dividends, which have provided half of stocks' total investment return since 1900. Investors shouldn't expect outperformance, though: Since 1960, the nominal dividend yield of 5.3% on the S&P 500 Index was only 1.2% after inflation.
Both stock and bond fund yields shrink even more once portfolio managers take their cut. For example, Bogle pointed out that after large-cap stock funds' gross yield of 2.04% was reduced by an average expense ratio of 1.17%, the net yield to investors was only 0.87%.
To boost yield without increasing risk, Bogle advocates (no surprise here) cutting investment costs–a Vanguard hallmark. He cited a 0.05% expense ratio which barely dinged the 2.24% gross return of the Vanguard 500 Index Fund (Admiral Shares), yielding 2.19% to the investor.
'A Little Wisdom' on Chasing Trends
Bogle isn't a fan of new funds that come along to capitalize on trends. Typically, he said, they have higher costs and arrive on the scene after gains have already occurred.
To a client or advisor tempted to diversify into a "hot" specialized fund, he would advise allocating only a small portion of assets. "My philosophy is 'Don't make big bets,' " he told the RIS group. "The hot ideas of the day peak and then fade; it's written into their DNA. Following trends that have been popular only tells you what will not happen in the future."
Reversion to the mean, Bogle said dryly, is "one of my favorite subjects." Noting that one-half to three-quarters of today's funds and ETFs will probably be gone within 10 years, he added, "I can be wrong on these things, but in 61 years you get a little wisdom."
Averting a Train Wreck: What Can We Do?
Bogle's new book, "The Clash of the Cultures: Investment vs. Speculation," includes such prescriptions for fixing Social Security as broadening the wage base, increasing the full retirement age to the late 60s, and indexing benefits to the Consumer Price Index. Privatization, he said, is "out of the question now;" what's essential is to bring this defined benefit system into the real world
What about 401(k)s and their ilk? The federal government needs to convert them into "a sensible retirement plan, not a modified thrift plan," Bogle said. He suggests consolidating 401(k)s, 403(b)s, etc., into a single retirement plan managed by a board with fiduciary responsibility: "We can't let people make their own errors; it's too expensive."
In the meantime, Bogle told the crowd of advisors at RIS 2012 in Boston that he recommends making today's retirement plans more effective by eliminating loans and penalty-free withdrawal provisions, lowering costs, and allowing employers to offer access to investment advice so workers can make better asset allocation decisions.
Pension funds, with few exceptions, are uniformly in trouble. Fund managers "don't seem to care" that the yields they project are unrealistic, Bogle said, even though "mathematical reality is mathematical reality." He urges advisors to help clients get used to what they can afford, perhaps including spending principal or cutting back on expenditures.
Needed: More Investing, Less Gambling
Today, Bogle said, "the wisdom of long-term investing has been crowded out by short-term speculation." It's more than just market timing and flash trading. Americans are speculating that Social Security will be fixed, and corporations are speculating that they will earn 8% on their pension funds.
Some additional risk may be necessary to help baby boomer clients generate the retirement income they need, but it's important not to go to extremes. "The market doesn't care whether [your client needs] extra income or not," he noted. Taking excessive risk is "not a Bogle move. I'm a middle-of-the-road, boring–I'll admit it, boring–kind of guy."
Check out How John Bogle Really Sees ETFs in October's Research magazine cover story.
Read in-depth coverage of the Retirement Income Symposium at AdvisorOne.