text:
CareerFocus: A New Breed of Teachers
By Sylvia Blair
A new breed of teachers is entering the Education field as a result of a shifting economic climate affecting the workplace. Teacher Education program administrators at Carroll Community College (Carroll) say they see an increase in applicants who have worked for years in their professions, then decide that their true calling is teaching. These Education majors have extensive expertise in their fields. Once employed, they offer tremendous
benefits to students in public, private, and independent teaching positions by bringing real world perspective into classrooms.
Former Carroll student Katie Nefflen is a prime example of such a "career changer." Nefflen was an engineering manager for GE Energy. Over time, she began to realize that she had a knack for working with students. The teaching profession seemed attractive to her because of the flexible schedule and the opportunity to give back to the community. Nefflen enrolled in Carroll and took seven certification classes. She studied assessment in education, reading in the content area, special education, teaching methodology, and human development, among other subject areas. Nefflen completed her last certification class in summer, 2008. Today she is an AP Physics/Conceptual Physics teacher at Westminster High School.
"Carroll allowed me to easily complete my certification requirements while working full time," Nefflen said. "I enjoyed my courses and time at Carroll. I found the faculty to be very
knowledgeable and friendly. I was easily able to register for the required classes. I feel that I
benefitted from my experience."
Brad Yohe, science supervisor for Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS), was impressed when he met Nefflen. "She was a Naval Academy graduate and a physics/earth science major. At the
time, she made presentations to admirals and captains of the fleet. There was a high level of
accountability in that job. She brought all of this expertise with her into the classroom.
Katie became a master teacher in a short time, bridging the gap between the private sector and teaching."
Gary Fuhrman is currently enrolled in Carroll's Teacher Education program. He is completing his Maryland teacher certification requirements that are specified by the Maryland Department of Education. "My Carroll experience has been fabulous. The instructors are high
quality individuals with lots of experience. They are enlightened, extremely knowledgeable, and helpful," Fuhrman said.
Fuhrman changed careers to become a teacher. "After retiring with 30 years in the environment/chemical industry, I felt I had something to offer to science students—particularly to help them understand the relevancy of what they are learning."
Fuhrman teaches at Century High School and said that the transition from industry to the classroom was not difficult for him. "Every single course I've taken at Carroll, without
exception, has provided me with the tools and strategies to become an effective teacher," Fuhrman said.
"We are so pleased to have Gary at CCPS," Yohe said. "He came to us as an award-winning
environmental expert and is now teaching students about environmental topics."
"Carroll provides an alternative route for personnel with a lot of experience or advanced degrees. We can attract people to work at CCPS with incredible career experience or advanced degrees. They know that the college is flexible enough to allow them to work and to affordably go to school," Yohe said.
Clyde Sterner, human resources specialist in professional staffing at CCPS, said he has found that the faculty and staff at Carroll are "extremely helpful and supportive to our teachers."
"I have worked extensively with Carroll faculty to help the college prepare students to enter the field of teaching," Sterner said. "We worked together to develop a Resident Teacher Certification Program, we have collaborated on a Fast Track to Certification Program
and we are currently working together, along with our staff development department, to
offer opportunities for instructional assistants to achieve teacher certification. No one has been more supportive of our combined efforts than our CCPS Superintendent, Dr. Charles Ecker." Sterner continues: "We have had teachers whom we hired on a conditional
basis (individuals who possess bachelor's degrees in a content area but did not complete degrees in education) take this course work at Carroll. Many of these individuals have developed their skills and grown into excellent teachers. We have also had the
pleasure of hiring teachers who began their training in the A.A.T. Program at Carroll and who
articulated to four-year institutions to complete their education and training. I believe this is one of the most intelligent and cost effective pathways to teacher certification in Maryland."
The Associate of Arts in Teaching (A.A.T.) degree is currently offered in Early Childhood Education, and as an A.A.T./Elementary Education and Generic Special Education. The A.A.T. degree is also offered in Secondary Education in Mathematics, Chemistry, English, and Spanish. Essentially, this degree offers all the courses a student pursuing a teaching degree
needs to enter a four-year college as a junior.
Before the A.A.T. was introduced, students were faced with a different transfer pattern for
each four-year college. In an effort to streamline the process, a consortium of two-and four-year colleges worked to design a teaching curriculum that would be universally accepted at four-year colleges. Elizabeth Coblentz is a Teacher Education student at Frostburg State University and a member of the graduating class of 2009. She recently was recognized as the Outstanding Elementary Education Student at Frostburg. She graduated from Carroll in
2007 with an A.A.T degree.
"My time spent at Carroll really prepared me for going to school at Frostburg," Coblentz said. "The A.A.T. degree laid out specifically what classes I would be taking in order to graduate with that degree. In order to graduate in two years, I had to be dedicated to my education and take a few summer classes. All the classes that I took led to a smooth transition to a four-year college.
I had a positive time at Carroll. I give credit to the faculty for making that happen. I still keep in contact with a few of the professors who really made me successful. I have been able to apply here at Frostburg much of what I learned from the faculty."
"Although I am not yet a teacher, I have had three internships over the past three semesters," Coblentz said. "My concentration is in Mathematics and I have definitely been able to use some of the ideas I learned in my Math Education classes at Carroll in my
"Carroll Community College's Education Programs are exceptional," Dr. James Ball, vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, said. "I consistently hear from my counterparts at the state universities that our Education graduates are among their top students (native or transfer).
"They love to see our students matriculate. That speaks volumes about the quality of our program and our faculty," Dr. Ball said. "Faculty members display an unwavering interest in student success. They feel they are not teaching students, but that they are developing future professional colleagues. That shift in mindset makes a significant difference in the way they interact with students. Students notice the difference and respond wonderfully to the idea that they are developing as professionals. I am very proud of our program, our faculty,
and our students".
"We are definitely seeing higher enrollment among 'career changers'. In this economy,
people see teaching as a secure profession," Susan Sies, professor and coordinator of Education at Carroll, said. "The message we want people to hear is that Carroll can help people retrain to become teachers. We have flexible courses, online hybrid short semesters
and evening classes. This suits students who must work. We do have something to fit practically anyone's situation."
Teachers who complete the Education program at Carroll will certainly address a local teacher shortage in the county. "I believe that in the immediate future our state will face a critical shortage in STEM areas (Science, Technology Math and Engineering) as well as
in other high need areas," Sterner said.
"The development of Teacher Academies in our high schools is one effort to address the
shortage," Sterner said. "Credits will articulate to A.A.T. programs in community colleges, which then will connect to bachelor's programs at state sponsored universities like Towson. We can ameliorate this shortage from within by 'growing our own' teachers. New and innovative ideas will be needed to keep our system at the top of our state in terms of teacher quality. We here at CCPS look forward to working with the community college to bring high school graduates, college graduates, and 'career-changers' into the exciting field of education."
"It is absolutely vital that Carroll Community College support the development of new teachers, who are so needed in this county, in our state, and throughout our nation,"
said College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo.


text:
so_hai Blog
Cycle of the Triforce
by so_hai on Comments
There's been some talk of Skyward Sword being migrated to the Wii's successor console (code named 'Project Cafe'). While this rumor has been passively denied, the famliarity of the circumstances echoes the release of Twilight Princess; written for Gamecube, but moved forward to the Wii. This has always been a sore point for purists, who are yet to experience a premier Zelda title coded for the Wii hardware from conception.
This situation could now make two heavily anticipated releases, both thought to revitalize their respective platforms, that have/may be pushed forward to a completely new hardware system. (Whether the Wii would receive a lighter version of Skyward Sword if this were to happen is an issue that I will respectfully ignore).
The animated series. Cla55ic design.
The question that I ask myself is "since when did the Zelda releases become so out-of-phase with console life-spans?". Surely, the most popular single-player adventure game deserves a clear, well-timed release bracket that the console owners can buy with confidence. It seems increasingly difficult to rely on this series to provide a consistently clear release schedule; it seems to be especially prone to shifting technologies, distinct control schemes and incompatible demands from the players.
Can anything be learned by examining the console lifetimes in relation to the main series (console) releases? I thought that this approach might reveal something about the future of Zelda. (Console launches are represented by the coloured tiles).
Let's see:
(Click on the image to view it in full resolution)
What can be learnt here?
- The first two games are the closest in their releases, while
- The N64 releases are a close second
- The largest distance between games is approx. 7 years
- The games are most densely distributed around the GCN era
- Twilight Princess is the only Zelda game available at launch.
Other than those preliminary deductions, it doesn't reveal anything sinister or subversive to my eye. But what if we stripped the data down to strict divisions of 'console launch' and 'Zelda release'?
(Click on the image to view it in full resolution)
What can be learnt here?
- You can notice the slight but ever decreasing distance between consoles ('Project Cafe' excluded)
- The clumping of titles around the 5th & 6th generations
- The possibilty of the second launch title Zelda seems clearer here
- The distance between 3D Zeldas is steadily increasing
Oh, and will Tingle return?
It seems that as consoles become more sophisticated, and games become more produced, tested and anticipated, the time required for the development increases. This is typical for any on-going project, so that's nothing new.
But another noteworthy observation is that when the series undergoes a dramatic alteration of gameplay (2D - 3D, dual-analog to motion, comical to realism) the game always requires more development. This is hardly news either, but if this trend continues, it goes to show that Skyward Sword really is a significant change in direction. The mix-up of the traditional dungeon/field/dungeon/sidequest must be at least partially true, and the promise of revolutionary sword-play may follow too.
A modern, evocative 5tyle. Excellent.
At any rate, Skyward Sword is bound to be unique in at least some sense, but if it is released solely on the Wii, it's going to be doubly special. For on inspection of the release cycle, it can be seen that for all the eccentricity and seemingly illogical milestones of console Zelda releases, you can be sure that there are none launched at the retirement of a console exclusively.
I believe the game will be released on the Wii: the user-base is enormous, and there is a new audience due to Nintendo's (controversial) marketing decisions that may have a new familiarity with Link. This, coupled with Link's traditional audience makes the Wii a suitable economic choice, if not technological.
Whose got some other ideas?
Under Question: The Gamespot Review Process
by so_hai on Comments
While innocently looking for some discussion and info on one of my recent Wii purchases (Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces), I came across a small error published on the site by Gamespot.
To those who haven't played the game, and for those that have but not the particular Mission that the screenshot relates to, there would be nothing out of the ordinary here. But for those who have played the game thoroughly, or those who have payed attention to the game in one of it's more elementary missions, it would be clear that there has been a strange error published by Gamespot.
The image in question is as follows (note the caption copied verbatim from the page):
Varied mission goals include that WWII flight-sim standby: dam busting.
So what am I on about?
Well, the caption is incorrect, and has the indication of being made up after the fact. For starters, there is no dam-busting in Sky Crawlers. None at all.
How could the reviewer of made this mistake? Dam-busting can't even happen as a side effect in the game - no stray bombing will bust any dams, and all scenary in the game is 'indestructible'. Naughty, mischevious players have little to do in this game (contrary to say, GTAIV etc.)
It seems to me that the caption writer is a seperate author to the review writer, and has simply 'guessed' what the screen-shot is about: ("OK, there's a big target, there's a dam, there's a plane... Dam-busting it is!") Even a layman can see that the 'target' is actually a view-finder for a camera, and the box to the side of the screen labelled "Shutter Chance" gives a hint as well. (FYI, the mission is about photographing facilities. No bombing occurs).
So what does this matter?
Well the some of the implications are as follows:
- The reviewer is mistaken in the caption, and may have never played the game properly enough to comment accurately
- The reviewer and caption writer are different people
- The caption writer is mistaken and probably never played the game
- The screenshot and caption were lifted from another, poorly informed source
In any event, the review seems somehow invalid no matter which option you select from above. Are there other undetected errors that others have seen like this? Just how does Gamespot author their reviews? I can't think of an answer that explains the erroneous caption (as trivial as it may seem) that doesn't harm the review integrity.
Gaming Concepts and Terms of Yesteryear (Part 2)
by so_hai on Comments
Anyone interested in retro gaming, or anyone who gamed in a retro era may be familiar with some of the concepts below. Modern gaming is busy making it's own history and innovations, but what gaming relics have been left in the dust of the MMOs, DLC, FPSs, ARPGs and other futuristic acronyms that would make your original Missile Command player check into a sanitarium for sensory overload?
Here are some familiar ingredients that games of previous generations built their momentary empires upon. Some are good, some are bad, and some should never, ever come back... But the question is, which is which?
Bonus Stage
Before we were transitioned into the now commonplace 'checkpoints' of modern games, there were (and are still occasionally) discreet 'stages' or 'levels'. These distinct divisions in the game play marked that a player is making real, measurable progress. It also gives the player time to refocus for the next, more challenging chunk of game-play. Here, the idea of the 'bonus stage' was born, slipped in between regular levels like a mini-vacation. There were countless ways this level was handled, some were a pure stress-relief (Galaga for example), and some were even harder than the main game itself (Shinobi). One thing most had in common were that the player was never really penalised - you couldn't die! The chains of oppression were cast off in a brief and satisfying taste of immortality before being cast back into the imperfect, life-or-death realm of the main game...
Your post-fight relaxation. Remember to breathe.
Sound Test
What would a gamer from yesteryear make of things now, with options and settings now filling any given game menu with more content than they'd have seen in a lifetime? But for all the settings on our menu, it's now curious to see the absence of one of the most repeated in-game features habitually omitted in the majority of modern games... The 'sound test' was a fixture of many game options screens – usually lurking at the bottom of the list, as if it were only half-convinced of it's entitlement to be there. Running through a game's sound library at your own leisure has a certain appeal, but can any of us admit to spending more than a passing moment scrolling through the list of hits, punches, kicks, screams, item-sounds etc.? Sometimes, the audio content was split between a 'music' and 'effects' test. This was a veritable buffet or audio stimulation, likely to tear your tinny monaural TV speaker out of its wood framing.
Virtua Fighter pushed the boundaries with 3 tests!!!
Auto-fire / Turbo-fire
When games asked players to endure the kind of repetition usually reserved for assembly-line robots, it was only a matter of time before some sort of solution was provided (sometimes by the same company who caused the original offence). Many shoot-em-ups and side-scrolling action games were often only playable with a rapid-fire approach; by filling the screen with dispensed ammo and giving your enemies less screen-time with which to assault you was your best strategy in many of these demanding games. Thus began the auto-fire function. By simulating the hurried and repeated press of a button or trigger on your controller or joystick, the computer would translate this virtual action into a reverse bullet-hell – reigning your foes with brightly coloured fodder of some sort. But be careful, some games gave the player auto-fire, and adding auto-fire to auto-fire is like typing your autobiography with a jack-hammer: counter-productive.
"It's not cheating. It really isn't."
Game Title + 3D
When processors and other hardware were clever enough to render wire-frame objects, coat them with textures, and arrange them in an X/Y/Z axis, we were all going to know about it. Over and over and over. For which developer/publisher could resist jumping onto the 3D bandwagon, where promises of true immersion and virtualily (not a real word) beyond all previous experience were only an installation or disc insertion away? But, it didn't take gamers long and an the industry entirely, to become weary of this overused buzzword. 3D (as in three spacial dimensions, not 3D projection) swiftly became the standard, and adding it to your title was like adding 'video game' in large, red letters to the front of the game box. Only a madman/woman would promote this 'feature' for a modern game, and I suspect for each mention of the words 'virtual' '3D' 'interactive' would halve the sales each if pasted onto the box of any release now...
Well I liked Bubsy in 2D, so I'd have to like this...
3D Games of note:
Worms 3D
3D Tetris
3D Driver
3D Pitfall
Picross 3D (Recent!)
Out Run 3D
Lemmings 3D
Bubsy 3D (Notorious)
Army Men 3D
Duke Nukem 3D (Forgiveable?)
Earthworm Jim 3D
Gex 3D
@mr3bdulla says:
Wolfenstein 3D (The launcher was wolf3d.exe from memory)
@master_zidane says:
Sonic 3D
Prince of Persia 3D (aka Prince of Persia 3)
@Darth-Sifh says:
3D Dot Game Heroes
@Gelugon_baat says:
3D Games of note (new generation):
@OverlordEX says:
Star Fox 64 3D
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D
DJ Hero 3D
Kingdom Hearts 3D
I'll update this list with any significant others you can think of...
Gaming Concepts and Terms of Yesteryear (Part 1)
by so_hai on Comments
Anyone interested in retro gaming, or anyone who gamed in a retro era may be familiar with some of the concepts below. Modern gaming is busy making it's own history and innovations, but what gaming relics have been left in the dust of the MMOs, DLC, FPSs, ARPGs and other futuristic acronyms that would make your original Moon Patrol player check into an asylum for sensory overload?
Here are some familiar ingredients that games of previous generations built their momentary empires upon. Some are good, some are bad, and some should never, ever come back... But the question is, which is which?
This is now a term delegated to the noisy, gaming arenas known as 'arcades'. There was a time though, where credits were a part of most games printed onto cartridges and disks alike. Like some Faustian bargain, losing your last life was not always the end of your existence – the key to your resurrection lie in the possession of an extra credit. This set of new lives comes at it's own cost though, for it is customary to lose your accumulated score, and start afresh from the ghastly, ominous figure of 0. A deal with the devil always has it's price...
The gateway to immortality.
High Scores
Originally the only achievement available to players, the score figure was the only evidence available to prove your accomplishments. Typically indicated as a row of leading digits tucked away in a corner of the screen, the score has since gone the way of the floppy disk, the cartridge and text adventures. Sure, some games record endless player statistics and achievements, but the notion of a single, unquestionable score as a player's badge of honour is now archaic. It has also become a symbol of gaming in it's infancy, (but newsreaders and journalists are yet to catch up to the fact that you don't earn 'points' for shooting citizens in Grand Theft Auto!).
It's all there in black and white.
Hall of Fame
If only digitised gaming experiences existed outside of their local storage device, for at some point most gamers would be immortalised in the most revered and respected fashion possible: in a three-character name. Your local town square would feature a tall, wide and bronze-plated pillar, and chiselled for all time would be the three-characters of your choice – a representation of your personal greatness and community service. Alas, games these days may feature leader boards, but the transient and arbitrary nature of these boards lacks the real impact of the local arcade machine hall of fame – forever at the mercy of the power-outlet behind it.
TIM is 7 times better than SEP.
Extra Life
Though the idea of having a set number of lives does still live on in modern gaming, the ruthless rationing originally employed by game designers of old has never been more out of fashion. It used to be an institution of video-gaming that your experience and progression in the game be heavily limited by the amount of lives you have left, and that progress could only be made by either mastering the obstacles mounted before you, or by collecting 1ups or lives inside the game play itself through score or other magical means. 1ups take many forms, but the most popular seems to be that of a miniture of the game character itself...
In games, gambling gives life.
My 'Diamond is Flawed!
by so_hai on Comments
Whilst innocently playing the Pokemon Diamond DS game, the software had a sudden and fatal embolism. This spasmodic episode froze the game, glitched the graphical output, and stuttered the sound (that damn repetitive 'battle music').
In this case, I think DS stands for Digital Senility.
A Layman Analysis of the 'Star Fox' Series
by so_hai on Comments
Where is Star Fox Wii?
It seems that not a week goes by that someone, somewhere asks this question on one of the countless threads dedicated to Wii and it's software. Although this question seems to lose impact everytime it is asked, it still is (for a while longer at least) a valid question - however repetitive. After all, each system since the Super NES has had an entry into the series. The Gamecube even had two! There are now many Wii owners whose enthusiasm and anticipation for the series seems to be matched only by Nintendos silence on the topic. As far as I'm aware, there has been no meaningful announcement one way or the other as to whether this series has been 'put out to stud', as it were.
Can we learn anything from the previous releases?
As there have been no announcements on the series, I thought it would be neat to look back at the history of the games in order to both take a walk down memory lane, and to also see if there are any patterns or clues as to how Nintendo released these titles. Are any of the results conclusive? I'm not too sure. Am I just flogging a dead horse? Probably. But, at least I got a chance to make up some dorky charts and graphics.
Changing with the times...
In my view, if a game series fails to adapt to it's surroundings, it will mostly likely find itself either delayed repeatedly, delayed indefinitely, or cancelled outright. We've all seen titles come and go in all of these categories, but it's uncommon to see Nintendo (a company (too?) conscious of its heritage and legacy) succumb to these industry anomolies.
Is there something innate in the Star Fox series that put a use-by-date on the games? Has the industry and audience changed so much that Fox and co. are now an embarassment, or a laughing stock? To address these burning questions, I thought it might be worthwhile to compare each game's historical place and the features that each offered.
Here we see that the debut title is relatively light on 'features', but anyone who has played this game will tell you it is a fantastic step forward in 3D gaming while still being fun to play.
Critics seem to agree that this is where the series peaked. Exceptional control, graphics, level-design and replay value make this title a fan favourite. Notice the huge jump of in-game features - largely due to the increase in the '64s horse-power as compared to the Super Nes.
A radical depature in the series direction kind of distorts the integrity of my charts, but you can see that this title is the true black sheep in the family. While the series had gained momentum as a hectic 3D space shooter, this was a sort of re-packaging or 're-boot' of the game. I cant quite remember, but it must of been that open-world adventure games were more popular at the time...
The pendulum has swung back a little for 'Assault, we have a mix of both open world adventure and vehicular action. Players seem to agree that the Arwing sections of the game were superior to the on-foot stages - the real downer is that the game was about half/half. Notice the sort of mix of in-game features?
I've often thought that hand-held systems are where console games go to die - just as washed up Hollywood stars end up on late night TV. Besides that, this game was simultaneously a depature and a slight return to form. Fox the General commands the arwing squadron via the stylus. Sadly, the levels lacked any real imagination, and went for more realistic landscapes and environments. No moving blocks, asteroid fields, metropolises or giant mechanical bosses. But check out the features that this game has! It is by far the most well-rounded, but is it too little too late?
- For a Star Fox game to be great, it doesn't seem to need to be too complicated. The '64 release has no core concept that the original game did not already provide. It was simply a clever extension on a working idea. I see that in the charts above, current technologies do not always improve the series.
- The lesson learned from 'Assault is that significant Arwing sections are necessary but not sufficient for a successful experience. 'Command is solely Arwing, but the level design is sparse and fairly passive.
- Furthermore, it can be seen that if there is a new Fox game, it is most probably going to be packed with features (unless of course the genre changes yet again, and we're faced with a Star Fox RTS and puzzle game hybrid)...
The Timeline Nobody Asked For...
Are there any clues in the release dates in the series? Are we even due for a new game, or are we hopelessly, irrecovably overdue?
The longest distance between two releases was between the '64 and the 'Cube games. A five year span seperated these titles, and an even bigger distance in terms of game content/genre. If we take that as the maximum delay between games, can we then argue that 2011 will see a new release? Or is treating the DS title as true release just hopeless wish-thinking? If that is the case (and please don't laugh!), we are due for a game this year.
The Thin Green Line...
Alright, so do we even want a new Star Fox game? What if we track the critical reception of the releases, is there any indication that the series will return? I can't see that happening myself. Why? Well take a look...
The green line tracks the critical reception of each title as noted by GameRankings. As mentioned earlier, the '64 release seems to easily hold the crown as the premier Star Fox experience, and then we see a steady decline right up until the release of 'Command. But, even with all of it's features, legacy and genre mostly to itself, 'Command scored a 75%. To my mind, it seems like a big ask to reverse the trend of that green line in a single release. If you consider that the game has not existed as new content on televisions for half a decade, and the last time it did it under-performed, I don't see a particularly bright future for the series.
But this is one of the things I hope I'm wrong about...
Game Game Rankings Star Fox 86% Star Fox 64 90% Star Fox Adventures 80% Star Fox: Assault 71% Star Fox Command 75%
Review Writing Phrases That Get My Goat! (Part 3)
by so_hai on Comments
As a fervent reader (and writer) of video-game reviews, I can't help but see certain patterns emerging in this (admittedly) developing art. Professional journalists are not immune to criticism (as anyone who's ever visited an author's blog might attest), so I've added them into the mix and you'll see that in one case, they are the worst offenders of all!
Sites that do not allow reader review submissions seem incomplete to me, as if they encourage a seperation of opinion between industry and consumer. This is a micro cla$$ system that I feel is bad for all interested in games and game-reporting. I hope to read and write about games decades into the future - even when cybernetic simulants play and opinionate onour behalf.
So, never take these three items as discouragement (I know you've all got thicker skins than that anyhow), but more as a (hopefully) humorous poke at one of my favourite areas in game reporting. Here are three more phrases that cheese me off:
Messaging other players in your review
What does it mean? Using review headings/summaries as a message board
Where do I see it? Using your review as a message system is a peculiar but not uncommon choice among reader reviews. Sure, as listed in my earlier piece, senseless and unfair 0.0 ratings applied to your favourite game is an affront. But to post a review with such terms as "To all those who rated this game low...", or "Don't listen to the haters!", or "You are all a bunch of N00bs" may be tempting, but it surely belongs in another arena. The review article is certainly supposed to be personal, but it's not supposed to be PERSONAL - (if you get my meaning).
(Links to such articles supplied by request!)
Some messages should stay bottled-up.
Undercooked Reviews
What does it mean? A review that is based on an impression or incomplete experience with a game
Where do I see it? The reader reviews that are the most baffling are those based on a mere scrap of time with the game. Of course, these reviewers will never admit it, and I cannot actually prove it, but I think we can all read between the lines of these premature pieces. Games journalists (typically) have the decency to annouce that their time is an impression or hands-on, but to post a review based on 5 minutes of demo-play at "Ye Olde Game Shoppe", or an unforgetable night of play courtesy of Blockbuster is, at best, a disservice to those looking for informed opinion. At worst, these lightweight reviews may cost impressionable readers actual money!
(Links to such articles supplied by request!)
"The game felt incomplete, somehow"
"Best Game EVER"
What does it mean? The author has made a enormous claim
Where do I see it? Thankfully, less and less. We all may have some idea of what game deserves this ludicrous title (what, for instance, is the best food in the world?), but to declare this mantle is surely asking for trouble. Carl Sagan said that "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence"; so to make such a far-out claim about the game is gonna' mean a lot of explaining to your peer-group! I'm sorry, but two more paragraphs of ill-arranged praise won't do. Rather, please present a current report with govermental studies, double-blind testing with control groups, economic reporting and collation, stock market figures with informed extrapolation, and a broad, multi-demographic survey campaign. These are merely the first places you shoud start. I now await this data to be posted by those users making such claims...
(Of course, after you've made those inquiries, you'll be gunning for your PhD, not gunning for your Halo 3 achievement).
International Law says that in such debates, SHIRT beats NO-SHIRT
Those gripes that I could not expand on could fill another article themselves, but due to my (and Gamespot readers') patience, I chose to list them quickly here:
"Franchise" - I know it's technically correct, but to use this business term when referring to Halo, Mario, or even Hamsterz only conjures thoughts of Burger King, PIZZA HUT and SUBWAY to me. Also, is it really a franchise if there are no franchisees?
"Hype" - Using this term (my article included) only gives this over-used word more credence.
"To summarise..." - This is for those readers (whomever they are) who need clear announcements every step of the review. (See Part 1)
Review Writing Phrases that Get My Goat! (Part 2)
by so_hai on Comments
As a fervent reader (and writer) of video-game reviews, I can't help but see certain patterns emerging in this (admittedly) developing art. Professional journalists are not immune to criticism (as anyone who's ever visited an author's blog might attest), so I've added them into the mix and you'll see that in one case, they are the worst offenders of all!
Sites that do not allow reader review submissions seem incomplete to me, as if they encourage a seperation of opinion between industry and consumer. This is a micro cla$$ system that I feel is bad for all interested in games and game-reporting. I hope to read and write about games decades into the future - even when cybernetic simulants play and opinionate onour behalf.
So, never take these three items as discouragement (I know you've all got thicker skins than that anyhow), but more as a (hopefully) humorous poke at one of my favourite areas in game reporting. Here are three more phrases that cheese me off:
"And now, on to the review"
What does it mean? That we, the readers, are going to see a review.
Where do I see it? Again, reader reviews are the main culprit here. In the same category as the "Click to read on…" remarks, this statement is a revelation to those who need to know precisely when the review will start. Here, the authors are doing a thankless and redundant service – introducing the content already requested by the reader, and already clearly categorised and sorted by webmasters.
And now, on to the next item…
What does it mean? A numerical score representing the worth of a game, also 0%, 0/100
Where do I see it? Alarmingly, we apparently flooded with games that have zero artistic-merit. It is hard to imagine any piece of art (or craft as the detractors might say of video games) that does not even have a single, solitary pixel of worthiness. A game that has no score at all is not a game at all: it is akin to a black hole. Placing the disc into your console or PC gives zero pleasure; it is like putting nothing in – a blank DVD holds as much entertainment value. I understand that paying money for a game that is devastatingly disappointing causes anger and frustration, but an exaggeration of any score causes distortion in the games' final standings around the network. Why, even the notorious 'worst game ever created' has a meta-score infinitely higher than 0.
Your missing game play, replay ability, sound and more importantly time are inside here
What does it mean? Flaws, fault, defect, failing, blemish, imperfection, shortcoming, deficiency, inadequacy, weakness, limitation…
Where do I see it? Nine-out-of-ten reviews that I read use this term. In its own right, it is a valid word to describe something just shy of perfect (a flawed diamond, for example), but to apply it to gaping shortcomings is like calling the Hindenburgs final approach "tricky".
Another web search including the term "flaws" at the sister-site GameFAQs reveals 6410 results, while searching with the equally valid word "faults" at the same site yields a mere 894 results. This means that the term "flaw" is used 700% more than "faults". Does this term have the making of a buzz word? Just as the (insult?) "Fanboy" has become?
A flaw in the airship design
Review Writing Phrases that Get My Goat! (Part1)
by so_hai on Comments
As a fervent reader (and writer) of video-game reviews, I can't help but see certain patterns emerging in this (admittedly) developing art. Professional journalists are not immune to criticism (as anyone who's ever visited an author's blog might attest), so I've added them into the mix and you'll see that in one case, they are the worst offenders of all!
Sites that do not allow reader review submissions seem incomplete to me, as if they encourage a seperation of opinion between industry and consumer. This is a micro class-system that I feel is bad for all interested in games and game-reporting. I hope to read and write about games decades into the future - even when cybernetic simulants play and opinionate onour behalf.
So, never take these three items as discouragement (I know you've all got thicker skins than that anyhow), but more as a (hopefully) humorous poke at one of my favourite areas in game reporting. Here are three phrases that cheese me off:
What does it mean? Supposed, so-called, in name only
What doesn't it mean? Actual, literal. Definitely nothing to do with mammary glands.
Where do I see it? A staggering amount of professional reviews I come across sneak this into the first or second paragraph. Take this for example – a quick, lazy search yields many results at a competitor's entertainment site. I'm all for expanding ones vocabulary, but make sure you keep the expansion going! Besides, the phrase "-of the title" seems less stuffy and equally descriptive to this reader.
Friday the 13th is set on the titular Friday.
"IMO" or "IMHO"
What does it mean? Not all that much
Where do I see it? Mainly in reader reviews. This contracted and redundant acronym has snuck into common use across the forums and 'boards everywhere. But, this is where it should stay, for not only is it a tautology but it reeks of laziness and what I suspect to be an expression borne of obligation. When posting a message, dropping IMO in somewhere is a pre-emptory diffusion of potential lash back from fellow users. How many times have you yourself read something akin to: "…But this is your opinion, not FACT". Well of course it is – we're not authoring an encyclopaedia here…
Warning: Weak opinions for next 5 Miles.
"Click to find out!" | "Keep Reading to See!"
What does it mean? Possible insecurity by the author
Where do I see it? Only in reader reviews. A leading sentence is a great tool for generating interest in the reader. However, these kinds of phrases work better as question, not statements. The problem with "Keep Reading to See!"-statements is that they give no new information, they state the obvious, and they have an quasi advertisement-like subtext to them. Has anyone ever approached a review, wanted to read more of it, and never figured out how to access the rest of the text? If so, they would surely be in the minority, and a small, instructional phrase may be the least of help they need…
Read my review and I'll post you one!
Items 4, 5 & 6 to follow soon...

subset: commoncrawl


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Once upon a Halloween, a mommy-to-be was going to give birth to a baby girl. With joy, her friends held a baby shower and sent out these beautiful Halloween baby princess invitations, featuring a regal coach and swags of damask. If you have this magical, mystical card design printed on flat card stock, we can custom-design the back with additional wording (shown below) and/or a photo. Just write your requests in the form (you can detail your color preferences in the Notes section): Fairytale Halloween Baby Shower Invitation.
Our matching thank you cards are a stylish gift for the mommy-to-be!
The finished card stock back invites guests to start baby's library with a children's book in lieu of a card, as well as sharing registry information.


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University Condos are designed to generate income for the persistent investor as well as parents who wish to give their children the freedom to create and manage their own space.
The attraction to invest to student property as an asset class is increasing due to the relatively high yields on offer that are a result of increasing demand.
The Location is an ideal place for one not only to spend one's school days, or for families to start building their dreams, it also offers immense investment potential. Start your investment NOW!
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LOCATION: Across UST Engineering Bldg, A.H. Lacson Avenue, Sampaloc Manila
Status: COMPLETED PROJECT 2011
Location: near beside University of Santo Tomas, Tolentino St. corner Espana Blvd, Sampaloc Manila


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Life@Home magazine
Ideas and inspiration for living
Posts filtered on Tag
Kitchen Crumbs: Tasty Tidbits to brighten up your cooking
By Caroline Barrett/Life@Home Winter Warm-up Recipe Warm Spiced Chicken Mole: Truly authentic mole sauce is made with a long list of ingredients. This quick-to-put-together version is simplified, but still has tons of flavor. Serve it with rice and black beans. In the bowl of a slow cooker, combine 1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes, 1 large chopped […] [Read More]


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Openfire Administration
Openfire Administration
Book Details
About This Book
- Build a feature-packed Instant Messaging network using free open-source Openfire server
- Set up an efficient and secure IM service that spans multiple offices
- Connect with users over external IM networks, integrate VoIP, and more
- Easy to understand, with clear step-by-step instructions and examples
Who This Book Is For
This book is for System Administrators who want to set up an in-house enterprise IM system using Openfire.
The reader will need experience in managing servers on any operating system.
Table of Contents
What You Will Learn
- Explore the advantages of IM over other communication modes and Openfire's features so that you can choose the best communication tool with the best server
- Install and run Openfire; configure different IM clients over Windows and Linux
- Extend with plug-ins to make your network feature-packed
- Manage your users and groups; add users via a Directory Server like OpenLDAP and Active Directory and import/export users from other networks
- Connect with users over external IM networks, connect with external VoIP solutions expanding your network's ability
- Monitor and filter content, audit messages, and manage archives as per regulation
- Set up an Openfire cluster and scale Openfire with connection managers
- Set up server-to-server communication, add users from a remote network, and transfer files across servers
- Enable database support in Openfire to handle thousands of users concurrently
- Install Fastpath and webchat to create and configure a helpdesk
- Maintain the server by monitoring sessions, reports, and usage statistics
In Detail
Openfire is a free, open-source and full featured Jabber-based Instant Messaging server.
This book is a guide to setting up Openfire, tweaking it, and customizing it to build a secure and feature-rich alternative to consumer IM networks. The features covered include details about setting up the server, adding and handling users and groups, updating, and extending the service with plug-ins, connecting with users on external IM networks, connecting with external voice over IP solutions and more, with user-friendly instructions and examples so that you can easily set up your IM network.
The book deals with several features of Openfire to streamline communication within an enterprise and beyond. It shows how to configure Openfire to allow only secured connections. It then explains how Openfire complements other existing services running on your network. Managing and fostering IM as a real-time collaboration and communication tool is what this book is about.


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VIDEO: Petzl Frame Construction Harnessesadded Aug/2011, see all Petzl news & reviews
announcement by Petzl
This announcement has been read 4,796 times
Petzl's Frame Construction harnesses feature high-strength bias tape on the edges of the waistbelt and leg loops to provide strength and support. Weight is distributed over the entire area between the tape making the harness very comfortable. Perforated closed cell foam, ventilated mesh and comfortable 3D woven polyester offer maximum ventilation.
Technology, high strength bias tape, foam spreaders ... all the key features of the new Petzl harnesses range are featured in the video below.
Read on for the 2011 models that feature the technology.
More on frame technology:
The 2011 Frame Technology Harnesses are:
(with adjustable leg loops)
- Calidris – broader waist and leg, 2 waist adjustment buckles for centring the harness and gear loops
- Corax - 2 waist adjustment buckles for centring the harness and gear loops
- Adjama – men's lighter harness fully adjustable
- Luna – women's lighter harness fully adjustable
(with fixed leg loops)
- Hirundos – light harness
- Sama - men's lighter harness
- Selena – women's lighter harness
BUY NOW from:
|£61.00. Hirundos - Free UK Delivery!
See this product at the Outside Ltd shop
|All Things Petzl Plus FREE delivery!
See this product at the Elite Mountain Supplies shop
See this product at the Ellis Brigham shop
For more information visit Petzl Frame Technology
Gear Forum ( Read more | 1 comments, 24 Aug 2011 )
This announcement has been read 4,796 times
Return to Latest Industry News & Reviews or list other Harnesses gear
Gear News and Outdoor Industry News at UKC and UKH presents climbing, walking and mountaineering equipment and stories that will be of interest to UKClimbing.com's readers. They are not gear reviews and are provided by companies that advertise with UKClimbing Limited. Please feel free to comment about the stories and products on the associated thread.


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Planet Eclipse Overload Neck Guard
The all new Eclipse Overload Neck Protector is padded and ergonomically formed to fit comfortably around the neck and is the ultimate in paintball protection and safety for the neck and throat. The size of the Neck Protector can be adjusted using the velcro closure for a precise fit.
Punishers Paintball Supply © 2003-
All Rights Reserved.
All photography and text on this site is the original work of Punishers Paintball Supply and manufacturers.
Contents may not be used for any commercial or non-commercial purpose without prior written consent from www.punisherspb.com.
eCommerce Hosting by Resposio


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Abbie Johnson Taylor eBooks
eBooks found: 1
How to Build a Better Mousetrap: Recollections and Reflections of a Family Caregiver
Abbie Johnson Taylor
iUniverse.com, December 2011
Format: PDF
eBookMall is a recognized leader in eBooks. eBook downloads in PDF and ePub formats.
Choose from 600,000+ eBooks and get a Free eBook download now!
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Rocky Mountain Research Station Publications
RMRS Online Publication - Journal
Articles, External Publications, and Special Reports
Summer movements of boreal toads (Bufo boreas boreas) in two western Montana basins
Schmetterling, David A.; Young, Michael K. 2008. Summer movements of boreal toads (Bufo boreas boreas) in two western Montana basins. Journal of Herpetology. 42(1): 111-123.
The Boreal Toad (Bufo boreas boreas) is widely distributed in the western United States but has declined in portions of its range. Research directed at conserving Boreal Toads has indicated that their movements are largely terrestrial and often limited after the breeding season. We used a combination of stream-based netting, PIT tagging, and radio telemetry to examine patterns in captures, movements, and habitat use of Boreal Toads associated with two stream valleys in western Montana. Netting produced 514 captures of 118 adult and 203 juvenile toads from 8 July to 19 August 2003. Juveniles dominated catches initially but declined throughout the summer, whereas adult catches showed less consistent temporal trends. Of the 122 PIT-tagged toads, nearly two-thirds were recaptured 1-7 times in hoop nets, and the median total distance moved was over 1 km downstream. The median distance moved by radio-tagged toads was 2.1 km (maximum, 12.0 km) or 2.9 km (maximum, 13.0 km) if movements before and after radios were affixed are included. Over 17% of relocations of radio-tagged toads were at upland sites, 56% were in riparian zones, and 26% were in or adjacent to water. We believe that Boreal Toads in this area are engaging in long-distance movements between overwintering, breeding, and summer growth sites. Downward redistribution via streams may be common in montane habitats and warrants examination in other regions.
Keywords: boreal toads, Bufo boreas boreas, Montana
About PDFs: For best results, do not open the PDF in your Web browser. Right-click on the PDF link to download the PDF file directly to your computer. Click here for more PDF help.
Download Article
PDF File Size: 705 K
Title: RMRS Other
Publications: Summer movements of boreal toads (Bufo boreas
boreas) in two western Montana basins
Electronic Publish Date: September 3, 2008
Last Update: September 3, 2008
RMRS Publications | Order a publication | Contact Us


text:
by makijazowo21
by ilovemyaddiction
by szafkaaa
by DemonicRefusal
by pigmentsandpalettes
by MadamNoire
by GlamDiva.pl
Known as the color of royalty, this exotic jewel toned shade will make your eyes look and feel luxurious from the moment it adorns them. The waterproof formula is perfect for lining the waterlines of the eyes and the rich, smooth formula glides on easily to create the ideal line from thin to thick.
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text:
Former Denver deputy sheriff Matthew Andrews pleads not guilty in inmate escape
DENVER - Former Denver sheriff's deputy Matthew Andrews pleaded not guilty Monday to accusations that he helped an inmate escape from jail.
Felix Trujillo spent three days on the run in April after walking out of Denver's new jail in a sheriff's deputy's baseball cap and jacket. Andrews is accused of giving Trujillo a uniform and escorting him out of the jail.
"Trujillo was observed standing next to Deputy Andrews wearing a Denver Sheriff's baseball hat and winter jacket," the affidavit for Trujillo's arrest said. "They boarded the elevator together and then were observed exiting the DDC onto West 14th Ave."
The document went on to say the deputy drove Trujillo to the area of 84th Ave. and Washington St., where Trujillo got into another car and left.
According to the affidavit for Andrews' arrest, he returned to the Downtown Detention Center and later revealed what he had done to coworkers. He told them he had been threatened and had no choice.
Trujillo turned himself in after three days on the run.
Last week, Trujillo was sentenced to 34 years in prison after pleading guilty to both the escape and the robbery he was in jail for at the time of his escape.
Andrews is charged with one felony count of aiding escape in connection with Trujillo's escape.


text:
DATE: Will be calculated from "Release
Start Date" field.
OAKVILLE, Ont. - A full lineup of cars, utilities and trucks helped Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited kick off the New Year with an 8 per cent sales increase, marking its best January in 10 years. Car sales helped fuel strong sales with a 24 per cent rise, F-Series sales remained strong with a 10 per cent increase and SUV sales jumped 19 percent. "Ford of Canada had a strong 2012, and we are off to a great start this year with sales increases across the entire line up," said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "With forecasts showing that 2013 could be a record sales year, we see lot of opportunity for sales growth for Ford." Transit Connect sales jumped 184 per cent. Escape, Explorer and Expedition also saw sales increases of 24 percent, 2 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively. The all-new Fusion drove car sales with an 84 per cent increase, which marks its best January on record. The C-MAX Hybrid had its best month since launch, and Taurus sales increased 71 per cent, marking its best January in seven years. Truck sales also continued to be strong with a 4 per cent increase, including a 5 per cent rise in F-150 sales.
Access to all HR Related information provided to Ford Motor
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Ford Motor Company's premier wiki...holding all the links your fellow
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Property Manager
Chubb Property Manager
Helping Provide Calm After A Storm
Chubb knows the best way to help protect a home is to provide guidance before a storm even occurs and to be proactive immediately after one rolls through. Chubb can help provide an assessment of your home with our complimentary Chubb Property Manager Service for eligible customers.
Helpful Tips
To help protect your home and family before a hurricane occurs, go to Catastrophe Assistance. Learn More
Lending a Helping Hand
See how our complimentary service can help you quickly assess hurricane damage, potentially keeping a little damage from turning into a big mess.
My Interest List


text:
.WK4 File Extension
NEW: Open any file on your PC with File Viewer
|File Format Description
Spreadsheet created by IBM Lotus 1-2-3 (v.4), a spreadsheet program included with Lotus SmartSuite; stores data in cells that are organized into rows and columns; each cell can store static data or a formula, which automatically updates the value displayed in the cell.
NOTE: Previous versions of Microsoft Excel could import WK4 files, but Excel 2007 and later does not support the WK4 format.
|Program(s) that open .WK4 files
|Updated 8/10/2011


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Lala, Kim Kardashian & Angela Simmons @ The Knicks vs. Bucks Game
Kim Kardashian took a break from her usual post at the Nets Games to hang out courtside with bff Lala Vazquez last night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks ended up losing their fifth straight game to the Milwaukee Bucks, 102-96.
Socialite Angela Simmons was also spotted in the building.
More pics


text: Appendix. Additional Tools and Resources Improving Patient Safety in Long-Term Care Facilities, Module 3 Fabre JM, Ellis R, Kosma M, Moore DS, McCarter KS, Wood RH. Development and validation of the Comprehensive Falls Risk Screening Instrument. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr 2010; 28(2): 181-194.Gray-Micelli, D. 2008. Falls: Nursing Standard of Practice Protocol: Fall Prevention. Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing. Go to http://consultgerirn.org/topics/falls/want_to_know_more; accessed August 27, 2010.Hendrich AL, Bender PS, Nyhuis A. Validation of the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model: A large concurrent case/control study of hospitalized patients. Appl Nurs Res 2003; 16(1): 9-21. Also go to http://uprightfallprevention.com/index.php?view=h2model-main-overview ; accessed November 5, 2010.Reducing Restraint Use. Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes Campaign.accessed November 18, 2010.Taylor JA. The Vanderbilt Fall Prevention Program for long-term care: eight years of field experience with nursing home staff. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2002; (3)3: 180-185.The Falls Management Program: A Quality Improvement Initiative for Nursing Facilities. February 2010. Rockville, MD, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. accessed August 27, 2010.The Timed Up and Go Test for Fall Risk Assessment. accessed November 5, 2010. Page last reviewed October 2014 Internet Citation: Appendix. Additional Tools and Resources: Improving Patient Safety in Long-Term Care Facilities, Module 3. October 2014. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/long-term-care/resources/facilities/ptsafety/ltcmod3ap.html


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Ding is a common exclamation used by players to announce to their friends and guild members when they reach a new level. Because of this, ding has taken on several auxiliary meanings, such as the act of a player or pet leveling up, the graphic associated with leveling up, etc. Originally, the sound effect when a character leveled in Everquest was a ding.
The introduction of an achievement for reaching a level that is a multiple of 10 has reduced the need to announce new levels. 'Ding' is still used when someone is excited about reaching a level that does not prompt an achievement announcement.
The appropriate response to 'ding' is grats.
Usage and Word Forms
Dinged - The past tense of ding I dinged 80 last week


text:
7342 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 722-5650
If you are looking for flooring in Tucson you should take a stroll through our showroom and explore our many products and brands. We carry Area Rugs, Carpeting, Ceramic/Porcelain, Cleaning/Restoration, Installation Materials, Laminate Flooring, Natural Stone Floors, Specialty Floors, Vinyl/Resilient, Wood Flooring, and more…
Call (520) 722-5650 for an estimate.
Our courteous staff is always available and ready to serve you.
We Carry a Large Variety of Brands and Accept Most Major Credit Cards.
Hours of Operation: M-F 8AM-5PM
Sat 9AM-4PM
Photo Gallery (click to enlarge each photo)


text:
Washington Post
New tech lets wheelchair users steer with their tongues
Atlanta Journal Constitution
It's called the Tongue Drive System it helps people who are paralyzed in all four limbs to control their wheelchair by a tongue-ring looking magnetic sensor and a headset. (Via LiveScience). But, if you think that alone is cool, then you'll be even more …
Tongue controller for the paralyzed offers greater independence
New wheelchair operates with tongue control
Tongue Pierce Lets the Paralyzed Drive Wheelchairs
New tech lets wheelchair users steer with their tongues – Atlanta Journal Constitution
Comments on this entry are closed.


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There are seating plans, a must do at every wedding, and then there are inspired displays of creativity that just so happen to also guide guests to where they need to go. And it's the latter that bring to an … Continue reading
Tag Archives: unique wedding ideas
Wedding Planning Tips: Pop Up Photo Booth How-To
There's one thing that you definitely don't want to forget to do on your wedding day, and that's to have fun! And let's face it, with the stress of all the planning and the intensity of the emotion that goes into the big day, it's easy to forget that a wedding day is first and foremost a major celebration. So we thought we'd remind you of all the fun there is to be had by breaking down the how-to of one of our favorite wedding pastimes, the pop up photo booth. And with just three easy steps to get the look, stress won't be a factor. Time for a good giggle!
Step 1: The Backdrop
The fundamental basis behind any pop up booth is obviously the background setting. Set the stage right by considering both a personalized backdrop option as well as the overall surrounding area. Having both fit to theme will help set the mood for your guests and guarantees the best final images.
Step 2: Provide Props
Encourage the good times with plenty of props for your guests to play around with. Get creative with what you incorporate and make your props fit to theme. Remember to include things for both male and female guests, young and old alike.
Step 3: Capture the Moments
No pros required! A pop up photo booth is not for your photographer to man. His or her time is better spent capturing other parts of your day. Besides, you're guaranteed to get more candid footage if you allow your guests to capture the moments themselves. Just set up a bunch of disposable cameras and let the clicking begin!
Want this Look?
To get your photo booth party started shop the full range of photo booth backdrops and disposable cameras on weddingstar.com.
Wedding Planning Tips: Welcome Table How-To
First impressions are everything. And weddings are no exception. Start your reception off on the right note by greeting your guests with a well planned Welcome Table for your cocktail hour. Not sure what to incorporate? Follow this simple 'How-To' for your foolproof tablescape layout.
Cheers to Good Times
Arguably a cardinal rule for any wedding, a signature drink is the perfect way to set the tone for your wedding reception. Impress your guests by making it subtly fit to your theme and color scheme. Get original with your choice of glassware and accessorize wherever possible.
Downtime Fun
If not planned properly a 'cocktail hour' can feel like a 'cocktail never-ending night'! Help your guests pass the time by keeping them occupied with conversation starting eye candy. Consider featuring a creative guestbook alternative where guests can leave you their well wishes.
Keep the Momentum Going
Never leave your guests unsure of what to do or where to go next. Guide your guests to their dinner seats with a well laid out display. If logistics permit, use a seating chart for its ease of reference.
Send Off
You started things off with a great first impression, now end them off on a high note with a thoughtful gift for guests. Skip the expected boxed chocolate favor and give them something they'll enjoy long after your day is done.
Want More?
For additional creative reception ideas come back to the blog this coming Wednesday for a simple and super pretty paper straw DIY feature.
{Real Wedding} Michelle & Jason: A Red, White and Gold Christmas Wedding
{Happy Halloween}: Celebrate with A Chic Pumpkin Party!!
{Real Wedding} Laura + Paul: DIY Romance
Gigi + Justin: A Vintage Styled U.K. Wedding
Gigi + Justin had a spontaneous and self planned wedding that threw a lot of amazing surprises their way, including an entire field trip showing up and congratulating them while they were in the midst of snapping their wedding photos! With so much fun and romance packed into their incredible vintage styled wedding, it's a great inspirational story to show how amazing your big day can be when your love guides the design! I am especially falling for all the gorgeous shots Gigi + Justin have with the cobblestone streets, stunning antique architecture and of course, the classic phone booth. Congratulations guys, your wedding is truly wonderful to see and share!!
Ahlia + Eric: Bright + Beachy
Who ever thought a football inspired wedding could be so chic! Meet Ahlia + Eric who had a Green Bay Packers inspired wedding that has me thinking a style guru must have designed the Packers logo – seriously! With the funky backdrops at their venue, the aptly named Post Card Inn, their big day is not only beautiful but full of A + E's own bubbly personalities. I love all their special details and how they incorporated their own love story into the wedding design. Congratulations Ahlia + Eric!!!
The Blue Color Story Lookbook
Introducing our fourth Weddingstar Style Lookbook, The Blue Color Story. Within these pages awaits a journey to find your color personality. Go on an adventure from the peaks of nobility to the depths of the sea as you discover each of three unique shoots. Become immersed in the opulence of Royal Blue, take a seafaring adventure in Nautical Shimmer and loose yourself in the cozy feeling of Something Borrowed. With inspirations like these, your "something blue" won't be hard to find! Continue reading
Jessica + Rodrigo: Florida Flair
Jessica + Rodrigo's wedding on December 1st, 2012 was a stunning affair in Boca Raton, Florida. With the use of the unique design and architecture of their hometown, J + R's wedding photos are the perfect example of what wonders can await in your hometown. Add to the mix their fusion of sophistication and fun in the way of bright pops of color and pattern in their wedding party and accessories, and you've got a fabulously fun wedding that I am seriously in love with!


text:
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Monthly Archives: January 2014
Shaadi.com is Now More Secure & User-Friendly
Shaadi.com recently introduced a new feature to ensure the privacy of all its members. The website will now only show the member's first name along with the initial of the last name on the profile page. Earlier, the profile page … Read More…
Posted by Shaadilive on 31/01/2014 in Product Updates Post A Comment
Study: Women Prefer Sense of Humor Over Looks
A recent survey of 1,000 people conducted by a magazine found that most people today prefer a good sense of humor to any other quality in their partner. "In addition to chemistry, which one of the following do you believe … Read More…
Posted by Shaadilive on 31/01/2014 in #ShaadiTrivia Post A Comment
Happy Republic Day!
Republic Day is celebrated in India on January 26 every year. This day is one of the most important national events in the Indian calendar as years back on January 26, 1950 the Constitution of India came into being.
Posted by Shaadilive on 26/01/2014 in Events 1 Comment
Tagged Festival, Traditional
Tagged Festival, Traditional
It's National Girl Child Day
The Indian Government declared January 24th as National Girl Child Day in the year 2009. Starting from this day a series of events celebrates the Girl Child and these events continue right up to March 8 which is International Women's … Read More…
Posted by Shaadilive on 24/01/2014 in Events 8 Comments
Tagged Traditional
Tagged Traditional
Love Online: Shaili and Gaurang
We met on Shaadi.com a few months back. We liked each other and continued chatting online and talking over the phone for weeks. One fine day Gaurang asked me, if we could meet up. By now, I knew we were … Read More…
Posted by Shaadilive on 22/01/2014 in Inspiring Stories Post A Comment
Study: 15% Women Want a Proposal via Tech Device
If you are thinking about popping the question in 2014, perhaps you may want to consider posting the question or maybe even tweeting it. A recent survey conducted in UK found that 15% of women would prefer that a man … Read More…
Posted by Shaadilive on 20/01/2014 in #ShaadiTrivia Post A Comment
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My goodness, by simply looking at this weekend's forecast, we are going to guess that the high school football season is winding down.
We have reached the final week of regular season play for MHSAA schools in Classes 1A, 5A and 6A.
Welcome to November.
It is time to grab those blankets and start the hot chocolate early.
We are rapidly reaching the end of another high school football season.
The Twitter world is being filled with reminders of Senior Day.
As we enter the final three weeks of the prep football season, playoff berths are now being clinched.
Believe it or not, it is time for some area prep football teams to punch their playoff tickets.
Several quality matchups headline a critical week of battle in the prep football ranks.
It does not seem possible but we are looking at some teams with only three regular season games remaining.
This is a big week for several area prep football teams.
Now that we have flipped the calendar to October, it is time for some serious prep football action.
As the calendar turns to October, it is time for the prep football playoff races to crank into high gear.
With cooler temperatures at night, now is the time to start breaking down the prep football playoff races.
Region play cranks up in Classes 5A and 6A Friday night. Several rivalries games are on tap as we officially hit the midway point of the season.
The intensity is about to pick up for some area prep football teams.
There is no time for rest.
With this week's forecast calling for lows in the 50s, that can only mean one thing -- the prep football action is about to turn serious.
The fourth week of the prep football season provides some compelling matchups. Instead of spending a lot of time telling you should head out to the games, let's pick some winners instead.
1. MSU football team opens camp today COLLEGE SPORTS
2. MSU's Bougard working to improve at javelin, shot put COLLEGE SPORTS
3. Noxubee County's Simmons has one goal in mind HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
4. Starkville Academy girls excited about new season, new coach HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
5. Thrash seizes moment to win MSCCS race in Columbus LOCAL SPORTS


text:
Disney Sports: Skateboarding
Unlock the Hidden Board
On the code menu, enter the following. Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Left, Left, Right, B, and then A.
Effect Code Hidden Board Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Left, Left, Right, B, A
Contributed By: Ryan Rider.
Know Something We Don't?
You can submit new cheat codes for this game using our Cheat Submission Form.
Have We Been Fooled?
If you see a non-working or fake code in the list above, let us know by using our Problem Submission Form.


text:
Hang tight!
Recipe by Renee
"Great Potato Soup, healthy eating, oh so good, and easy to make! Adjust salt and pepper to taste."
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5 pounds
peeled and cubed potatoes
1 cup
heavy whipping cream
2 cups
skim milk
1 pound
carrots, chopped
1 stalk
celery, chopped
onions, chopped
5 cloves
garlic, minced
green bell pepper, chopped
5 cubes
chicken bouillon
bay leaves
1 tablespoon
3 tablespoons
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
Terrific!!Made this soup for Xmas Eve get-together and everyone wanted the recipe. I didn't add amt of salt and pepper from recipe, I added it near the end a little at a time and kept tasting it. I also added 3/4 stick of butter, it added a creamy, buttery taste to it.I put it in a crockpot to keep it warm(amount from recipe filled crockpot perfectly). I served it in round bread bowls, hollowed out, and topped with crumbled bacon and shredded chedder cheese. I'll be making this one for years to come, it's great!!!!!
I spent 4 hours making this soup and I had to throw it away! It tasted like melted pepper... If you make this soup DO NOT follow the directions about the pepper! I was awful--
7 Ratings
my family loves potatoe soup however the ratio of ingredients was alittle off way too much pepper i also used chicken broth instead of the boullion cubes and omitted the the green pepper and the celery as we do not like it the garlic i used powder in stead of minced and only to taste so it was not overpowering other than that it was relativley good
The amount of pepper in this recipe must be wrong. I tasted this soup and the pepper just burnt my mouth!
Do NOT follow the recipe on amount of pepper. It must be a misprint. I spent the whole day cooking this soup, took one spoonful and had to throw the whole thing out....WAY too hot!!! I will make this recipe again but I will add much less pepper.
I have made this soup many times and my family always loves it. Of course, salt and pepper is to taste, I leave it out completely and let everyone season their own. I use only one onion and saute it before adding it to all the other chopped veggies (except the potato) and simmer until tender. Then I add the veggies to the potatoes after they are cooked and use the veggies broth to whip the potatoes. Then add all the rest of the ingredients and heat through. I will sometimes add some cooked ham or shredded cheese or even chopped green chili for a little variety. Wonderful!
Oh my, that soup was not to my liking! The amout of pepper was so overdone nothing would help! Shame on me for not reading reviews and wasting all that effort! I wouldn't give this recipe even one star if the site would let me!
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Cream of Potato Soup II
Serving Size: 1/11 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 11
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 291
Calories from Fat: 77
Hard to believe, but many kids will be back in school at the end of the month. Get ready.
You won't believe all the things you can do with cauliflower. It's a great low-carb option.
Delicious recipes, party ideas, and cooking tips! Get a year of Allrecipes magazine for $7.99!
See how to make a creamy, green garlicky potato soup.
See how to make a creamy cauliflower soup garnished with bacon gremolata.
A delicious, chunky and creamy potato soup with bacon.


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January 22, 2014
CONTACT: Douglas Baker, 225-342-7000
Governor's FY 15 Executive Budget to Fully Fund Merit Increases For State Employees
BATON ROUGE – Commissioner Kristy Nichols announced today that performance adjustments for all eligible state employees would be fully funded in the FY 15 Executive Budget. These increases for state employees will be subject to Louisiana Civil Service guidelines and follow all necessary performance metrics and protocols required by the state's Performance Evaluation System (PES).
"In order for state government to run efficiently, public servants dedicate their lives to the day-to-day operations of the people's business," Commissioner Nichols said. "The people who serve Louisiana have worked to harness technology to maximize their productivity and innovate in ways that have created savings across the lines of service for each state government agency. For their dedication to the people of Louisiana, the FY 15 budget fully funds performance adjustments of more than $60 million for all eligible state employees."


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San Antonio Spurs Make History Hiring Female Coach — Who Is She? [VIDEO, POLL]
LeBron James heading back to Cleveland may not be this summer's most eye-opening move in the NBA.
LeBron James heading back to Cleveland may not be this summer's most eye-opening move in the NBA.
The Oakland Raiders want a new stadium, and they might move to San Antonio to get it.
This is the concert George Strait has prepared his entire career for – a stop in his hometown of San Antonio for the grand finale of his "Cowboy Rides Away" farewell tour.
Now, we're giving you the chance to fly to San Antonio to attend the concert with one guest. We'll also give you all of George Straits albums on CD and $500 to blow in San Antonio.
Troubling news from San Antonio overnight as 5 non-US citizens were apprehended in connection with a break in at the Bexar County Courthouse.
Officials are still trying to gather more of the information behind the break in but apparently the culprits were found with documents that showed some of the structural designs of the courthouse.


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Defiant Gardens: Making Gardens in Wartime
Trinity University Press, 2006 - Gardening - 303 pages
Why is it that in the midst of a war, one can still find gardens? In the most brutal environments, both stateside and on the battlefield, they continue to flourish. Wartime gardens are dramatic examples of what Kenneth I. Helphand calls "defiant gardens" -- gardens created in extreme social, political, economic, or cultural conditions. Illustrated with archival photos, this remarkable book examines gardens of war in the 20th century, including gardens built behind the trenches in World War I, in the Warsaw and other ghettos during World War II, and in Japanese-American internment camps, as well as gardens created by soldiers at their bases and encampments during wars in the Persian Gulf, Vietnam, and Korea. Proving that gardens are far more than peaceful respites from the outside world, Defiant Gardens is a thought-provoking analysis of why people create natural spaces.
From inside the book
8 pages matching Elizabeth Vaughan in this book
Page 286
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Review: Defiant Gardens: Making Gardens in WartimeUser Review - Goodreads
The only reason people even find this interesting is that we have become so detached from our old Agrarian way of life that it amazes us that in times of war & conflict people actually grew shit! But alas, the photos and other art included alone are simply amazing. Read full review
Review: Defiant Gardens: Making Gardens in WartimeUser Review - Goodreads
Saw a great talk last year by Helphand. Juuuuust starting to get inside the cover of this now. Read full review
one War and Gardens i
Nazi Europe 193944
Japanese American Internment Camps
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activity Agnes Newton Keith agriculture Archive Auschwitz barbed wire barbed-wire barracks battlefield beauty became block Blunden British cemetery Center Changi civilian created cultural death defiant gardens described desert Diary earth Elizabeth Vaughan environment experience Farewell to Manzanar farm fence fields flowers German Ghetto Fighters Gila Giovanni Guareschi grass green ground grow hell Holocaust hope human Imperial War Museum imprisoned internees internment camp Israel Japanese American Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston Jewish Jews killed Kleinkopf Kovno ghetto labor land landscape living Lodz ghetto Manzanar memoir Minidoka Nazis no-man's-land noted offered Park Photograph courtesy planted pond POW camps Prison Camp quoted Relocation Ringelblum rocks Ruhleben Santo Tomas seeds soil soldiers Somme space spring Stalag Luft stones Street survival survivor Tamura tion Topaz Toporol trees trenches Vaughan vegetable gardens Warsaw ghetto Warsaw ghetto uprising Western Front wrote York


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One of my fundraisers is a virtual run. A virtual run is a race where you sign up, pay a "race fee" (donation), and run the race on your own (or with friends!) on a date of your choosing and at a location of your choosing. You run, jog or walk either a 5k or 10k distance on your own or with friends, outside or on a treadmill. All proceeds of this virtual run are going to Team in Training, and participants have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from great companies like Endorphin Warrior, KT Tape, Larabar and SPIbelt. Participants will also receive Tinker Bell themed "bling" as a thank you for your support.
Registration is open now, and will stay open until November 23rd. You can complete your run at any time from now until November 30th. If you want to sign up, please check out [this post on my blog] ( http://runningjennie.blogspot.ca/2012/10/tink-in-training-virtual-run-team-in.html ). That post also has all sorts of information about participant goodies, the prizes and more!
I hope you all can join us for this virtual run to raise money for Team in Training. For more information about Team in Training, you can visit [their website] ( http://www.teamintraining.com ) and for information on my fundraising progress or to make a donation, visit my [personal fundraising page ] ( http://www.tinkintraining.com ). Thank you for your support!
Virtual Runs are becoming more & more popular! I mean, who doesn't want to get a sweet Tinker bell bling to show that they helped the lives of cancer patients?
You can find Jennie at her blog RunningJennie.blogspot.com or via twitter at @JennieRunning


text:
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Where is it from?
- A Place & Date Depicted Watsons Bay, Australia
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Negative - Watsons Bay, New South Wales, 1878 Reg. No: MM 6380
- Description Of Content:
- Watsons Bay, Sydney Harbour.
- Acquisition Information:
- Copied from Mr J. Goodwin, 1988
- Acknowledgement:
- The Biggest Family Album of Australia, Museum Victoria
More information
|Tagged with:
|churches, harbours, jetties, landscapes
|Themes this item is part of:
|Images & Image Making Collection, Transport Collection, The Biggest Family Album in Australia Collection
|Primary Classification:
|Secondary Classification:
|Metropolitan - Sydney
|Tertiary Classification:
|aerial cityscapes
|Organisations Depicted:
|Sydney Harbour; Watsons Bay
|Negative: Black & White; 35 mm
|Place & Date Depicted:
|Watsons Bay, New South Wales, Australia, 1878
Attributed to Anglo- Australian Photo Company - needs reserach
This item is part of the following themes:
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