text:
In this guide I will tell you exactly how to build links so that you can get more traffic from Google and more importantly, make your business more money online.
Chances are you know the value of links.
Links make up the largest ranking factor in the Google algorithm. Period.
Since Google first came on to the scene links have been the bedrock of their ranking algorithm. Not much has changed. They count just as much as they did back then. The only difference now is that you have to be a lot smarter about the way you acquire them.
Having enough of the right type of links can be the difference between ranking number 1 or not ranking at all.
The link building tactics I am going to show you will give you incredible results and allow you to get more traffic from Google.
What makes me qualified to provide link building coaching? Well I have been making money online for the past 10 years. Over this time I have made hundreds of thousands of dollars from content sites.
I have failed in every way imaginable, so i definitely know the pitfalls you have to avoid. I have also had my fair share of successes along the way.
Link building has been a crucial part of my success and in the following guide I will be telling you my exact link building strategy I use to rank for keywords that get as many as 500'000 searches a month in the online gambling industry (Super duper competitive keywords).
So if you are ready to get more traffic from Google and make more money online, just follow this guide.
All I need from you is a solid commitment to act on the information provided in this guide. Otherwise both mine and your effort is wasted.
Don't be fooled by the price tag, although this guide is free, it's incredibly valuable and contains the information needed to solve one piece of the internet marketing puzzle.
Good education on its own is not power. Applied education is power. So to get the most out of this guide, please make sure you take steps to actually implementing the advice given.
But first I want to talk about strategy. Strategy is incredibly important when it comes to link building. All the tactics in the world will not get you the results you want. You need a clear overall strategy, which is based on long-term sustainable growth and continuous results.
With a clear strategy comes clarity. With clarity comes massive action.
My SEO strategy is a simple one and it's worked over the last 10 years with little change. Want to hear it?
- Content.
- Links.
That's it folks! I provide masses of valuable content to the marketplace and I market it by getting links.
I know one thing is guaranteed. The more content and links I build, the more money I make.
The amount of content i put out and the amount of links i get is definitely the most correlated thing with revenue in my business.
Strip everything to its core. That is all that SEO comes down to. Content + Links.
Now enough, of the 50'000 foot view. Let's get started with link building.
White vs Black vs Grey Hat Links
One thing that sets me apart from other SEO's is that I have tested everything. I'm the guy who has the 1000 page white hat authority site, plus the guy who also registered EMD domains and spammed the hell out of them with blog network links and automated tools.
The only thing I haven't engaged in is pure black hat tactics like hacking sites, simply because it's illegal.
I think one of the main things an internet marketer needs to put in to consideration is the long-term viability of any strategy. Being able to delay gratification and work towards a long term goal instead of looking for a short term fix is incredibly important in anything, it is especially important in SEO.
It is essential that you get a big picture view of SEO and what you are trying to accomplish.
In short, the grey-hat, link spamming tactics I have used are great in the short run, but aren't a great way to build a long term business. Your sites will suffer penalties. It will be a churn and burn strategy where you need to continuously bring out new sites to maintain or grow income.
I still make several thousand dollars a month with this strategy (So it's definitely possible to make money).
That being said, I advise all of my visitors not to engage in these tactics. Granted in very competitive industries these tactics are rife, I argue that in the long term, 5 years from now, the work you do now spamming and aggressively ranking sites will not provide any long term value.
However, if you are going to engage in these tactics, be aware that they are short term and do not use them on large sites that you have invested lots of time and money building up.
Being able to look at the long term implications of any strategy is crucial. Also seeing the potential downside of any strategy is necessary.
If you want to go for a high risk, high reward strategy, by all means go for it. I don't think it's an ethical decision. I think it should just be a risk vs. reward decision. Just don't come complaining to me when you lose 10 of your sites and $2000 a month worth of income.
For that reason I like to implement a white/grey hat strategy. In some niches you may be able to get away with a pure white hat strategy (Not violating the Google guidelines one bit), but in most cases, to get the best results you will want to operate in the grey areas.
My aim now is to tell you the areas of link building that provide the largest potential benefits for increased rankings, with the lowest amount of risk.
Minimizing Risk When Link Building
The main reason why people get penalized when building links are:
- Anchor text penalties: You get too many links with commercial or keyword related anchor texts. Exactly where the threshold is, I am not exactly sure. I think keeping your main keyword as being less than 10-20% of your total links keeps you in the safe zone. The more diversified your anchor text links are, the better.
- Unnatural links penalties: You get too many links from bad neighbourhoods (Spammy blog comments, blog networks that have been flagged, links from pages related to pornography, Viagra, gambling etc).
- Lack of topical links: It's possible to get penalized if you have too many links from domains that are not related to your site.
- Link Velocity: If you get a large amount of low quality links over a small period of time, this can cause websites to get penalized or sandboxed in the case of new sites.
- Blogroll/footer/site wide links: If you have too many links from the "boiler plate" sections of a website you can get penalized.
For this reason I recommend the following tactics:
- Pillowing: Pillowing is the process of building links with a wide variety of anchor texts. People often think that Google is an all-seeing computer God. That is not the case; it is simply a computer algorithm. You can avoid a lot of Google penalties by building large quantities of links with a diverse selection of anchors. I would concentrate on URL related anchors (Domainname.com), brand related anchors (Your Site Name), and generic keyword anchors (Click here, Read more etc).
- High Trust and Authority Links: In the next section I will be talking about how not all links are created equal. A couple of very high quality links from relevant domains will do wonders for your rankings and provide you with trust to avoid penalties.
- Consistency: Nothing screams spam like a spike in low quality links. Google has algorithms to tell the difference between when something goes viral and when something is being spammed to death. Good link building is consistent in nature.
Not All Links are Created Equal
The first thing you need to know about building links is that not all links are created equal. One good link could be worth several thousand low quality links.
The two main factors that make up a good link are:
- Domain and page relevancy.
- PageRank/authority of the linking page.
The holy grail of links would be a link from an authoritative, high PageRank niche relevant page, on a high PageRank niche relevant domain, containing the exact anchor text you want to rank for, within a blog post or article.
When starting a website you want to get as many links of this kind as possible (Whilst varying anchor text).
Personally I work in the iGaming space (Gambling, casinos, poker and other "shady" stuff like that). In this industry you basically have to buy these links, and they are not cheap.
How to Spot High Quality Links
I use a number of different metrics to spot high quality link sources from low quality link sources.
These are the metrics I use:
- Domain topic: Browse the website, is it related to my site? Is it in the same industry? Does it look like a good site? Does it have good content?
- Toolbar PageRank: Use the Google toolbar to check the PageRank of the page.
- SEOMoz Authority: Use open site explorer (Free tool) to see the domain and page authority of a site. This tool is free. As a rule of thumb, pages/domains with an authority of 35+ are what I would consider decent value providing links. The Holy Grail links I talk about though are links from PA/DA of 50+ and a PageRank of 4+.
Below is a list of ways that you can get high PageRank, relevant links:
High Quality Content
If you are in a niche that is not as competitive as gambling, chances are there are a linkerati. The linkerati are what I call a selection of people who wield link power within a niche. These can be hobby site owners, bloggers, journalists or business owners.
If you solve a problem that your visitors have, or provide exceptional value with your content, chances are people will be willing to link to it.
If your content is remarkable you should get links without doing any active link building.
This is called content marketing. Now I understand this is called "The ultimate guide to link building" and creating content isn't exactly link building. However I wouldn't feel comfortable putting out this guide without writing a decent amount on content marketing.
If you are going to do this half heartedly, there is no point whatsoever because if your content isn't remarkable you will not get free links. That being said, if you want to throw yourself in to this fully, I suggest you do detailed research in to your niche market and figure out:
- What are your audience's biggest problems?
- How can you best solve these problems?
- What is the largest value adding contribution you can give to the market?
- What does your audience crave an answer to?
- What are your visitor's biggest fears?
- What are your audience's biggest wants and needs?
When you figure these things out, you will be in a better position to provide real value to your audience and get natural links over time.
Now I am not going to say that you can't make money online without doing these things. It just makes things a lot easier. Aside from link building, doing the above will help you develop a USP (Unique selling proposition) and convert visitors better/provide real tangible value to the marketplace.
I must note that these links won't come overnight. Often they will take many years. I do however feel this tactic is incredibly important.
Content is basically an asset on the web. Good content is timeless. It attracts links. It provides value. It makes people subscribe to your e-mail list and makes them convert in to customers. It gets you extra traffic through likes, tweets and word of mouth. In short, if you are not convinced about creating high quality content for SEO reasons, do so for business reasons.
Asides from that, Google is clearly heading in the direction of rewarding high quality content. They are collecting data via various sources (Chrome browser, Google toolbar, Analytics, SERP CTR etc) and in the future will use this to decide whether users respond well to your content or do not.
If they don't, don't expect to rank.
The role of an SEO has been seriously upgraded from just link building. You need to provide pages that perform will with users because this is the clear direction Google is going. Conversely links in general will become slightly less important in the long run.
The writing is on the wall. Poorly performing pages will be gone. Panda was Google's first attempt at this. Future attempts will only get more successful at weeding out poorly performing pages.
Creating a great library of evergreen, high quality content is one of the best ways you can future proof your SEO.
Some ideas of content that will get you natural links include:
- "The Ultimate Guide to [insert topic]".
- Unique tools that your audience will find valuable. This is known as widget bait.
- Infographics: Creating an image that will be shared and linked to. Have an embed code for it.
- Interview an expert and ask for them to link to it.
- Compare multiple products and provide solutions that help your audience.
- Unique research: Create product reviews or unique research that provides value adding information other websites or affiliates do not have.
Greasing the Wheels – Buying Links
The single easiest way to get links from high PageRank, high authority pages is to buy them.
Things I have done in the past are:
- Paid sidebar (Blogroll) links.
- Paid reviews.
- Paid links contextually integrated in to blog posts or articles.
- Building your own high PageRank blog network.
Links you will want to avoid on high PageRank pages are footer links. These have been spammed to death (By template sponsorship) and are mass devalued nowadays. Buying these will not only waste your money, they could get you penalized also.
Ways to find these links include:
- Reverse engineering your competitor's backlinks: Use backlink checker tools such as Open Site Explorer, Ahrefs or Majestic SEO to see the backlinks of your competitors. Start by buying the most powerful relevant backlinks. Also, just seeing what backlinks the highest ranking pages in your niche have, goes a long way to finding out what works. So study their links and attempt to get the same (or similar) links.
- Find related blogs: Do searches within your niche in Google like "Niche name + Blog". Find all the people within your industry with blogs and figure out what it would take for them to link to your site. In some cases, the sites will be run by hobby bloggers and they would be happy to link to your site because it provides something people in your industry are interested in. Other times you will have to grease the wheels and provide payment for the link. The key though is finding a win-win situation that will allow you to get a link on these websites.
- Find somewhat related sites: As some of you know, I operate in the online bingo niche. Getting links from bingo related websites is somewhat hard because most of the sites on the internet are my direct competitors and they will not link to me for any reasonable price. To get around this I started getting links from somewhat related pages. For example, online flash games can be considered related. Other related links come from other gambling related sites, or links from "mom blogs" which are the primary audience of my niche.
- Build a blog network: It's possible to build your own private blog network. Basically my strategy involves buying expired domains with a high PageRank and re-purposing them as niche relevant blogs. I will cover this strategy in detail at a later point, but for now, just know that it is an incredibly effective way to rank for tough search terms.
I would generally avoid buying links on homepage blog networks. These are basically high PR links from unrelated pages. A popular network right now is Sape (A Russian network). These networks are generally on Google's radar and if caught you will not only lose all your increased rankings, but potentially lose your site from the index.
These networks do work however, so again, it is kind of a risk vs. reward proposition. Personally I would never point these links at a site with more than 20 pages of hand crafted high quality content. Because in the long run, I know these sites are going to get penalized.
Generally speaking, if you purchase a handful of high quality links, from high quality sites, on pages that don't look like paid links (Generally go for contextual links within blog posts), the chances of you getting a penalty are slim to none.
Press Releases
There is no point doing press releases if you do not have anything special to offer. Most of the sites that syndicate press releases automatically provide absolutely trashy links that will get devalued (Even if they do appear authoritative).
That being said, how much would the value of a link from the BBC, the Huffington Post or the Guardian be worth? In some cases, the value of such links is worth several thousand dollars and countless more in terms of traffic and endorsement leverage (It's very valuable to say you have been featured in a big publication).
Press releases should communicate the unique value you offer the marketplace.
Apart from press releases you can also try and get media coverage by getting in contact with editors of online publications.
You do however need to look at it from their perspective, what would be a win-win for both of you? How do you help them? You really need to look at it from this side instead of how they can help you.
Popular press release syndication services include PR Web. Check out the marketplace section on several SEO forums to find better deals for mass press release distribution.
Guest Posting and Joint Ventures
A lot of people do guest posting for link building purposes. I argue that this is the wrong way to look at it. If you can figure out a way to getting your content on an authority site/blog within your niche, the benefits of such go way further than the link value. These are:
- Ability to use the endorsement as social proof (Put the logo of the well known site on your blog).
- Ability to get targeted traffic and turn people on to your brand.
In order to get placement on these sites you need to do whatever possible. You need to look at it from the site owner's perspective. What can you offer them? What benefits them and their audience?
Often this is providing incredible value. If you just want to throw up a 500 or even 1000 word generic guest post that says nothing unique, provides no valuable insight etc, what is in it for them?
Arguably, you want to be using your absolute best content for this purpose because you are introducing new people to your brand. They need to be wowed by what you have to offer. Creating remarkable content is your best strategy.
You need to think a little bit out of the box in terms of getting an industry maven to allow you to guest post on their website or provide a link to your content via their social media profiles. Ways to do this include:
- Strategic partnerships: You promote me, I promote you. Look for win-win opportunities. If you sell a product, give them all the upside (100% of sales) and you make money on the backend. Quite simply, make them an irresistible offer.
- Grease the wheels: Nothing speaks louder than money.
- Providing insane value: If you craft a 5000 word ultimate guide on something related to your mavens blog. Chances are you are adding something of value to his business. All blogs need content. Remarkable content speaks for itself.
- Relationship building and ego bait: You will get much more success if your offer isn't cold. If you comment on their blog, re-tweet their stuff and generally participate in their community you will generally get a warmer response than a cold email. Always be sincere and quick to praise. Everybody likes to be told they are doing a good job.
- Ego Bait 2: Build "top lists" or best lists and feature some well known folks in your industry. Then reach out to them and ask them if they would be interested in linking to the post from their Twitter, Facebook or blog. Sometimes you will get a bite, and even if you don't, you have still created an awesome piece of content for your site. In my niche I have seen this done with awards. Many of the sites that win awards link back to the site that gave them the award.
- Ego Bait 3: Interview someone influential in your niche. Chances are they will promote the post on their Facebook, Twitter, Email list or Blog.
A great way to find sites to guest post on is search your competitor's bylines in Google and look for all the posts they have done.
Link Exchanges and Partnerships
Link exchanges and partnerships provide some link value. Reciprocal links have been devalued slightly. But if you have a massive authority site, it definitely helps if you can get links from other similar sites.
If your site is new, you will struggled to develop these partnerships, simply because you have less to offer than you have to gain.
Generally speaking, if you run a blog, there is a lot of value in developing relationships and contacts with people with similar size blogs and doing guest posts/linking to each other's posts sometimes from within your posts.
Most niches will have up and coming bloggers. You won't be able to develop relationships with bloggers who are on the A-list straight away.
Start with people who are trying to accomplish what you are doing and are slightly further down the road than you.
A-list bloggers will have dozens of webmasters on their d*ck all of the time trying to get partnerships. Someone who is a c-list blogger will feel extremely flattered if you reach out to them and they are more likely to form a partnership/help you out.
If you own multiple sites, it could be beneficial to do 3-way linking because reciprocal linking is algorithmically devalued. This is simply you linking to one of their other sites from your main site, and then they link to one of your other sites from their main site.
Chapter 1 Summary
Now we have finished the first chapter, I just want to summarize and clarify some details so that you get the absolute maximum value from this.
I cannot stress this enough – high quality, niche relevant links are the most valuable links you can get.
PageRank and relevance is still the key to ranking in Google.
Being able to think outside the box helps loads when trying to get these. The main ways to get them are:
- Buying them: Do so intelligently, hand select the best sites, try to get contextual links, buy niche relevant links only.
- Get them free: Do so by creating remarkable, value adding content. Do something notable, get press, be awesome. Do real company shit, not just link spam. E-mail hobby site owners, journalists and bloggers, ask for free links.
- Guest post/joint venture: Solicit them. Provide something of value to the site you want to guest post on. This could be money. This could be awesome content. Cultivate relationships and look for mutually beneficial agreements.
- Trade them: Build relationships and provide link love to each other's sites.
Hopefully you can see the full power of content marketing, relationship building and good old fashioned bribing. Remember, the above types of links are the most valuable, so you should spend the bulk of your time trying to acquire these links. Apart from just link value, many of the above tactics will get your business increased targeted traffic, provide you with valuable endorsements and just generally help your business in general
Chapter 2 – The Ultimate List Of Links
In the following chapter I will talk about ways to build links to your website easily. I will go in to detail the perceived value of such links, the risks associated with these links and how to best acquire these links. These are commonly the link is will build when I talk about "pillowing". But first, here are a quick summary:
- Link directory links: You submit your link to the directory (You may have to pay a listing fee) and then the link directory owner reviews your site and approves/denies your submission.
- Article directory links: You write a unique article (Or spun article, more on this later) and submit it to article directories. The owner then reviews your article and if it is deemed suitable will be approved and a link will be given to your site.
- Video marketing: You upload a video to sites like Youtube. You then provide a link back to your website from within the description.
- Document sharing sites/PDF distribution: You create a PDF document and submit it to the site. In turn they provide a link back to your site.
- Software distribution sites: You upload a piece of software to their website. In turn you get a link back.
- Social bookmarking: You submit your link and a snippet about it. The link either is automatically approved or manually approved at a later date.
- Manual blog commenting: You provide an insightful, value adding comment on a blog; the owner approves your comment, which links back to your site.
- Forum signature-links: You contribute value to a forum and engage in the community. In turn you get a signature link pointing back at your website.
- Forum profile links: Same as above but the link appears in your profile.
- Web 2.0 Links: You create a blog/post on web 2.0 sites like Blogspot.com or WordPress.com and then link back to your website from this domain.
- Wiki Links: Submit articles to wiki sites with a link back to your site.
- Design Portals: There are many online design portals that will list your site if it looks great.


text:
Water Sampling Companies in Kosovo
Category: Monitoring & Testing ×
Subcategory: Water Sampling ×
Industry: Agriculture ×
Location: Europe ×
Location: Kosovo ×
Eigenbrodt GmbH & Co. KG
based in Königsmoor, GERMANY
Meteorological and Environmental measurement, offering equipment for Meteorological and Environmental sciences. Precipitation collectors / acid rain collectors - Acid rain analysers / precipitation monitors - Fog sampler - Precipitation sensors and rain gauges - Temperature and humidity probes - Radiation shelters for temperature/humidity probes - Radiation sensors / ...
NILU - The Norwegian Institute for Air Research
based in Kjeller, NORWAY
NILU is an independent research institute founded in 1969. NILU`s environmental building on Kjeller, the outskirt of Lillestrøm and Oslo, became the permanent headquarter in 1994. The institute conducts environmental research with emphasis on the sources of airborne pollution, atmospheric transport, transformation and deposition and is also involved in the ...
Isoil Industria SpA
based in Cinisello Balsamo, ITALY
Isoil Industria addresses its pluriennal experience towards different markets such as chemical, food, pharmaceutical, water treatment, industrial and wherever there's a need of process control and automation. Exclusive distributor in Italy for many primary international manufacturers, it is structured in 3 divisions: ISOCONTROL for water distribution, ISOTHERMIC for ...
Ecotech Pty Ltd
based in Knoxfield, AUSTRALIA
Ecotech is an Australian owned company with more than 35 years experience in servicing, maintaining, designing, manufacturing, installing and commissioning ambient air and emission monitoring systems around the world. Ecotech is ISO17025 accredited for the operation and maintenance of ambient air and continuous emission monitoring systems and was first accredited in 1999. ...
Enviro Technology Services plc
based in Stroud, UNITED KINGDOM
Enviro Technology Services plc (ET) was founded in 1983. Now active in over 45 countries with a multi-million pound turnover. ET is a global provider of air quality and emissions monitoring systems and servicing. The UK-based company sell and lease equipment, systems and services covering the monitoring of ambient air quality (AQM), continuous emissions (CEM) and indoor ...
Myron L Company
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Myron L Company manufactures cost-effective high performance tools for solution control and water quality analysis, as well as calibration solutions, accessories and kits that keep instrumentation operating at peak performance in diverse applications. Our current product line includes handheld instruments, inline monitor/controllers and field test kits that measure ...
Ashtead Technology Ltd
based in Letchworth, UNITED KINGDOM
Ashtead Technology was formed in 1985 when Ashtead Group plc acquired SubSpek Limited, which at the time provided underwater positioning, survey and inspection equipment rental from a base in Aberdeen. In 1994 the Singapore base was opened, focussing on the offshore oil and gas industry and the subsea telecommunications cable market in Asia Pacific. The first US ...
C Tech Development Corporation
based in Henderson, NEVADA (USA)
C Tech Development Corporation offers Environmental Visualization System (EVS) and Mining Visualization System (MVS) software. C Tech unites state-of-the art analysis and visualization tools into an extremely powerful software system developed to meet the needs of geologists, geochemists, engineers and modelers. The graphical user interface is integrated with modular ...
Decagon Devices, Inc.
based in Pullman, WASHINGTON (USA)
Decagon is the world leader in research grade instrumentation with applications in agronomy, soil science and crop science. Whether you're looking to measure soil-water interactions or canopy characteristics we have the instrument for you. As the designer, manufacturer, and marketer of its instruments, Decagon prides itself on excellent customer service and support. ...
Lumex Instruments Group
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Lumex Instruments develops and manufactures high-tech analytical instruments for laboratory and field analysis, process and environmental monitoring, providing with a comprehensive methodological support and extensive training. We have been designing and developing analytical instruments and scientific methods for over 20 years. Lumex Instruments portfolio: high frequency ...
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subset: commoncrawl


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This is the map i made for my Eberron character. An Orc Barbarian. This is his hometown.
Oermog. Pop: 34
Northern Shadow Marshes, Khorvaire, Eberron.
The name Oermog comes from the Elder-Orc language and roughly translates to 'Mud square'.
Its people are very self-providing. Most of its people are part of the 'bear claw' tribe.
The chieftain is the Half-Orc Krogdush. Krogdush lives in the hut to the north of the southern watchtower.
Directly to the east of his house lives the druid Vraalo. Vraalo is human.
By now you probably have noticed that the tribe has no problem with different races. The tribe is very
open minded. But sometimes this leads to problems with other tribes.
The people do not go out much. They live and take care of themselves in peace for most of their days.
However, when they are in danger, they are more than capable to defend themselves.
Most of the people are women and children. The young men are on adventure to honor their tribe with
heroic deeds, and after their physical peak, they return to the village to settle with a woman.
The few men in the town are somewhat older (human age 40-70).
The women are gatherers, they gather fruit and nuts. They take care of the children and meals.
Most of the men are fishermen. The hunting season is short, but during the hunting season, they hunt intensively.
At the eastern watchtower, there is a smithy. The blacksmith's name is Groelarg. The Iron in these
marshes are dirty and full of rust. To be able to make something of this, you need a lot of skill, but of course
the results are not masterpieces. But Groelarg still gets a lot of respect because of his art.
Looks like a great place for a few accidental atrocities to happen, while I scoop up the booty
If the radiance of a thousand suns was to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One...I am become Death, the Shatterer of worlds.
-J. Robert Oppenheimer (father of the atom bomb) alluding to The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 11, Verse 32)
My Maps ~ My Brushes ~ My Tutorials ~ My Challenge Maps
Beautiful! And it looks so cozy.
Haha, excellent map. It reminds me of that one level from the original spyro the dragon. Great work.


text:
I'm the host of RogersTV Lemon-Aid Car Show, live on Tuesday nights at 9pm on Rogers.
I am a regular on CHCH Square Off. I've appeared on Till Debt do Us Part, History Network's What's In A Name, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, CBC Radio, Corus 640 and many others.
I've been a keynote speaker at events ranging from car clubs to community groups, students, parenting groups, mental health symposiums and fundraisers, and women's events. If you're looking for a speaker, please contact me. Be warned: I don't believe in scripts. I do believe in humour.


text:
Your Complete Guide To The 86th Annual Academy Awards
By Sean O'Connell 2014-02-28 04:39:09 comments
We have finally come down to the wire. The 86th annual Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 2 meaning that after weeks (nay, months) of screening, discussing, dissecting and arguing over the merits of the movies nominated for an Oscar, its finally time to hand out some trophies!
Weve been tracking the progress of the various films recognized by the Academy in 2013-14. But in preparation for thie weekends ceremonies, we wanted to help you out by collecting the bulk of our best works into one post. Lets start with our reviews of the nine films nominated for Best Picture:
Once the nominees were announced, we broke down the major categories into Frontrunners, Contenders and Long Shots.
Oscar Analysis
And in the weeks leading up to Sunday, we had our staff write passionate For Your Consideration columns on the Best Picture nominees, which you can revisit here:
For Your Consideration
Dont forget that we will be hosting a live chat during the Red Carpet ceremonies and the Oscar telecast on Sunday.
Ellen DeGeneres hosts this years Oscars, which will air on ABC on Sunday, March 2 beginning at 7 p.m. EST.
Back to top


text: undefinedI just bought an EZ sport lwb this year. Now one toy leads to the next. Most of my riding is done away from my home so I need to transport easily. I am not very tall 5'4" and will be loading the bike myself. I have been transporting in my 1989 Ford Ranger which is just about to give out. I've been thinking of another truck since that seems to be fairly easy. I do not like minivans. I am a huge Honda/Toyota fan. Does anyone have any suggestions on vehicles or racks. Thanks.


text:
Recent Forum Posts
Recent Comments
- 9 months ago Sleek and great looking design
- 1 year ago Not the IPhone 6
- 1 year ago Random comment, for the win!
- 1 year ago I would thoroughly winning this G3. Thanks for running the contest.
- 1 year ago This would be awesome to win. I love my G2, but would love a G3.
- 2 years ago This would be nice. Thanks for the contest.
- 2 years ago LTE Nexus 7!!!! You guys are too generous.
- 2 years ago My last chance to play with a dongle Posted via Android Central App
- 2 years ago Cast that over to me! Please.
- 2 years ago I like my odds!
- 2 years ago The higher the pinkie, the classier the comment. Posted via Android Central App
- 2 years ago This would be a sweet tablet to have. Been excited for this refresh since the rumors started. Posted via Android Central...
- 2 years ago I would be happy to rock this as my Daily Driver.
- 2 years ago It will be handled with care.
- Member for
- 3 years 1 month


text:
Becoming a Teacher Plus MyEducationLab with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package
Questions About This Book?
Why should I rent this book?
How do rental returns work?
What version or edition is this?
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Author Biography
Forrest W. Parkay is Professor of Educational Leadership and Higher Education at Washington State University. He was Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Florida for eight years and at Texas State University for five years. Forrest received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in English education from the University of Illinois-Urbana. He earned his Ph.D. in education at the University of Chicago, and he is a graduate of Harvard University's Management Development Program (MDP). For eight years, Forrest taught at Du Sable High School on Chicago's South Side, and he served as Chairman of Du Sable's English Department for four years.
Forrest is the author or co-author of more than 60 refereed journal articles and several books, including Curriculum Leadership: Readings for Developing Quality Educational Programs (Allyn and Bacon, 2010). His research has appeared in the field's leading peer-reviewed journals, including Phi Delta Kappan, American Journal of Education, and Educational Administration Quarterly.
A former Fulbright Scholar at Kasetsart University's Center for Research on Teaching and Teacher Education, in Thailand, Forrest has facilitated educational reform programs and conducted cross-national research in China, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, India, and Singapore. He has been a Visiting Professor at Beijing Normal University and at Assumption University in Thailand.
His hobbies include classic cars, camping, kayaking, and photography. Forrest is the proud father of three daughters: Anna, Catherine, and Rebecca.
Table of Contents
Becoming a Teacher, 9th Edition
By Forrest W. Parkay
Contents in Brief
Chapter 1: Teaching: Your Chosen Profession
Chapter 2: Today's Teachers
Chapter 3: Today's Schools
Chapter 4: Philosophical Foundations of U.S. Education
Chapter 5: Historical Foundations of U.S. Education
Chapter 6: Governance and Finance of U.S. Schools
Chapter 7: Ethical and Legal Issues in U.S. Education
Chapter 8: Today's Students
Chapter 9: Addressing Learners' Individual Needs
Chapter 10: Creating A Community of Learners
Chapter 11: Curriculum Standards, Assessment, and Student Learning
Chapter 12: Integrating Technology into Teaching
Chapter 13: Becoming a Professional Teacher


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Monday, May 2, 2011
Posted: 12:53 a.m. Updated: 2:27 a.m.
By Jim Salisbury
The real world intersected with the sports world on Sunday night.
In the ninth inning of the Phillies-Mets game at Citizens Bank Park, fans began chanting U-S-A U-S-A U-S-A. It was something right out of Lake Placid, 1980, only this was Philadelphia, 2011.
On the field, Phillies players, locked in a tie ballgame with the Mets, wondered what was going on.
Between innings, a television camera man stationed near the home dugout told them that President Obama was about to address the nation and announce that terrorist Osama bin Laden had been killed by U.S. forces 10 years after masterminding the deadly attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
It was kind of an uplifting moment, Ryan Howard said of the patriotic chants. But we had to remain focused on the game. Ill go home now and catch up on it on the news.
Its difficult to say what was plot and what was subplot Sunday night the game or events of the real world. Either way, it was one of those where were you? moments for everyone in attendance players included. The Phillies lost the game, 2-1, in 14 innings. Afterwards, players talked about the baseball game, but the events of the real world were a close second.
It was definitely a big day in American history, Shane Victorino said.
It was a close game and everyone was focused on the game, reliever Danys Baez said. But obviously what happened for the U.S. and the rest of the world is great.
Baez was a rookie with Cleveland when baseball shut down for a week in the wake of the 9-11 attacks.
Victorino was a young minor league player.
For those who have suffered, maybe theyll have some kind of closure, Victorino said.
The Phillies are off Monday. Good thing. They played until well after midnight.
The Phils staged their second straight late rally to tie the game at 1-1 on Howards two-out RBI single to left in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Phils left the bases loaded in the inning as slumping Raul Ibanez grounded out to end the frame. Ibanez is 0 for his last 34. The Phils left two more runners on base in the ninth en route to 11 LOBs. They were just 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.
We had some good opportunities, but it was one of those nights when we couldnt get the hits, manager Charlie Manuel said. We just didnt get it done.
The feast-or-famine Phils offense has scored just three runs in the last two games. This after scoring 10 on Friday night. The Phils did take two of three in the series from the Mets.
Mets righthander Chris Young held the Phils scoreless on two hits over seven innings. Cliff Lee had an odd start. His command was not good he threw 34 pitches in the first inning but he managed to last seven innings and hold the Mets to one run.
They definitely made me work in the first inning, Lee said. I felt fortunate to get through seven after that first inning.
Kyle Kendrick took the loss as he allowed a run in his third inning of relief. All in all, the Phils bullpen did an excellent job as Michael Stutes, Antonio Bastardo, Ryan Madson and Baez combined on four scoreless innings before Kendrick came on in the 12th.
The bullpen did a good job, said Manuel, who was ejected for disputing a check swing call on Brian Schneider in the seventh. We just couldnt score any runs.
Years from now, folks in the sellout crowd of 45,713 wont remember that the Phils lost this game. But they might remember those patriotic chants of U-S-A U-S-A. The real world intersected with the sports world on Sunday night.
And where were you?
E-mail Jim Salisbury at email@example.com
Related: Fans react to bin Laden news with 'U-S-A!' chants Buy Phillies gear


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Message from the Mayor
Welcome to City of Olivia, The Corn Capital. On behalf of the City Council and residents, thank you for visiting our city.
We have a lot to offer if you are looking for a place to live, work or just passing through our lovely community.
Olivia is a small friendly community. There are many parks, a city fishing pond, indoor swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course in town, a beautiful public library and wonderful downtown.
We will celebrate Corn Capital Days 2015 from July 22 to July 26. There are many activities around town and on Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm is the Grand Parade. It is always a fun time for the whole family.
Stop by for a visit and stay as long as you like.
Suzanne M. Hilgert, Mayor of Olivia
Olivia City Government:
- City Council Members
- Departments
- Ordinances
- Upcoming City Meetings
- Olivia City Code
The City of Olivia is governed by an elected mayor and a city council.
The City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.


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Anne Petterd is a partner in the Technology, Communications & Commercial team at Baker & McKenzie, Sydney. Anne advises clients on technology, telecommunications, customs and export controls, consumer and commercial law issues, and much of her practice involves defence and government procurement. Anne is also the president of the New South Wales Society for Computers. Prior to joining Baker & McKenzie in 2001, she was with the Australian government solicitor. She has also spent 18 months working in the Baker & McKenzie London office and has undertaken several secondments with major telecommunications and information technology service providers.
Anne's practice predominantly involves acting for parties in major defence and government projects and advising on procurement requirements. Anne also focuses on the telecommunications industry, advising on a range of telecommunications regulatory and transactional matters. These include matters relating to the NBN legislative scheme and rollout, service provider regulation, and agreements for supplying telecommunications services and for operating a telecommunications business. Anne regularly advises suppliers and manufacturers of technology, telecommunications and other supplies on Australian Consumer Law requirements. She also advises importers and exporters on customs compliance and export control requirements.
England & Wales (non-practicing)~United Kingdom (2007)New South Wales~Australia (2001)Australian Capital Territory~Australia (1997)
University of New South Wales
University of Tasmania
(LL.B. Honors)
University of Tasmania
Australian National University
(Graduate Diploma Legal Practice)


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One of the first harbingers of spring—frequently spotted on prairies, foothills and mountain meadows—the pasque flower (Pulsatilla spp.) is also a favourite early bloomer in cultivated rock gardens, scree gardens and mixed borders.
The showy, bell-shaped blossoms range from lilac to purple, blue, red, pink, pale yellow and white, all with bright yellow anthers. Each flower is 2.5 to 10 centimetres wide, with five to seven sepals (modified leaves) that look like petals. The clump-forming pasque flower, some species hardy to Zone 4, grows 10 to 38 centimetres tall. Its lovely blooms peek through in late March or early April.
A member of the buttercup or crowfoot family (Ranunculaceae), the pasque flower develops quickly in spring, first sending out a hairy stem with a whorl of bracts and a flower bud (usually only one or two flowers from each small root)—all covered with soft down. The flowers bloom before the leaves appear, opening in sunshine and closing in the evening or in cloudy weather. When the blooms fade after about two weeks, the lacy, deeply cut, grey-green leaves expand and the flowering stalk elongates. The seed heads are fluffy, like a dandelion's, and will disperse on the wind.
As the plant matures, the woody rhizome just beneath the soil gets larger and stores more energy, giving rise, each year, to a new growth of leaves and flowers.
All in a name
The pasque flower's name is derived from its timely bloom, which corresponds to two important religious festivals. Originating in the Middle East, the word Pesach means Passover, and was once the name of the flower. Later, the French altered the name to passefleur or "pasque flower," referring to the plant's habit of flowering around Easter.
Other common names include prairie smoke (because of its seed heads blowing in the wind); goslinweed (for its downy buds that look like baby geese); prairie crocus and May flower.
Inset photo: P. vulgaris


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No idea what your issues are but I think Neonknight uses CC and he might be able to help you out if he reads this. Sorry I'm not more help but I don't use the software you are talking about. Just didn't want you to think nobody cared.
Oh, and woot for another desert dweller even if you are in a higher elevation than I


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I've been taking my resting heart rate every morning that I have a training day planned because Joe Friel told me to. Normal resting heart rate for me is around 41-42, and that's during a training week. If I haven't ridden the bike in a week it'll go down to 39. Today, it was up around 46 because I went for a massive ride 2 days ago, rested yesterday. Then today I found I just didn't have the legs to do 2x20's.
I take it every morning when I wake up - I turn off the alarm, stare at the ceiling for a minute or two while I clear the fog, then take count. I can kinda feel when it's going to be higher than normal, and I took note when I saw it was 46 that I might not be able to do the workout planned. Sure enough, out on the road when I started the first interval, my HR on screen was SUPER sluggish to respond, and I felt like I had dead legs, like I was doing a 3-4 minute V02max interval instead of an SST/Z4 interval. I ended up riding Z1/Z2 for an hour and called it a day.
Anyone else use RHR for anything? Any tips/tricks/wisdom to share?


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Are you already a patient of this doctor? You can book your annual physical and routine appointments online through MyChart!
Sign up or log in now.
"For me, the critical thinking aspect of medicine is always fascinating."
With her interest in the sciences and a strong desire to help others when she was growing up, it's not surprising that Dr. Rebecca Kesman eventually chose to go to medical school and begin a career as a physician.
Dr. Kesman is an internist, a primary care doctor who cares for the needs of adult patients. "One reason I like internal medicine so much is that I really enjoy all aspects of providing care, whether taking care of men, women or geriatric patients," she explains. "As an internist, you never know what you are going to see. It's always different every day, that's what makes it fascinating."
One of the things that Dr. Kesman enjoys most about being a primary care physician is building long-term relationships with her patients and learning what is going on in their lives. "I think the more you know about a patient, the better you are able to care for them. That's why getting to know my patients has always been important to me."
For Dr. Kesman, determining a diagnosis is one of the reasons she likes medicine so much. "When something is wrong with somebody, I really like to understand the puzzle. To me, that's really interesting. I like to take a history from a patient and figure out what's really going on. For me, the critical thinking aspect of medicine is always fascinating."
As a physician in Auburn, Dr. Kesman benefits from a highly experienced staff of internal medicine providers. "I really like working with my colleagues here, they have been a great reference for advice and information, both the physicians and the nursing staff. I think our staff is a big reason our patients enjoy their care here so much – they really make a difference."
In her free time Dr. Kesman enjoys outdoor activities such as boating and hiking. She and her husband Thomas (who is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Reliant) also enjoy dining out, traveling, taking photographs and spending as much time as possible with their young son.
Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine
University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Medical Education
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Internship
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Residency
Registration specialists are available by phone Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, by calling (508) 425-5857. If it's outside of business hours, or you'd prefer a Reliant team member to contact you, fill out the form below and a registration specialist will call you to complete the registration process. We look forward to caring for you and your family!
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Hello Kitty Appetizer Picks Set
Item # 28513-201301
Dress up any meal, bento, or serve orderves in the cutest way with these Hello Kitty... more details
Dress up any meal, bento, or serve orderves in the cutest way with these Hello Kitty Appetizer Picks! This set comes with 5 individual designs!
- 3"H x 1"W
- Set of 15 picks
- 5 unique designs
Safety Message:
Important Message C: The following ";;;Warning";;; cautionary safety statement indicates products with functional sharp edges or points: WARNING: FUNCTIONAL SHARP EDGES OR POINTS HAZARD - This warning statement alerts parents to keep the product away from small children or supervise the use of the product by young children.
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Displaying 1-1 of 1
just perfect
I just love it the moment I saw them arrive I was happy they are the perfect size and quality could not ask for more just love them


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Graphic Novel Titles
9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation By Sid Jacobson
Grade 9+
Comics veterans Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon masterfully rework the official 9/11 commission report into a concise and accessible graphic novel. The book begins by retelling the events of the morning of September 11, 2001, followed by a history of Al Queda and its previous attacks against the United States; ending with the commission's 2005 final report card.
website: http://www.slate.com/id/2149231/
Age of Bronze By Eric Shanower
Grade 9+
Drawn from the myths and legends of centuries, A thousand ships presents the complete prelude to the Trojan war, the entire tapestry of drama and action, for the twenty-first century.
website: http://ericshanower.com/es/index.shtml
Amazing "True" Story of a Teenage Single Mom By Katherine Arnoldi
Grade 9+
Arnoldi recounts her years from the birth of her daughter through her attempts to earn a living in a laytex factory, her experience in an abusive relationship, and her eventual enrollment in college. Arnoldi composed this book to help others in her situation. Not only will this book speak to teens in similar situations or those with friends like the author, but it also serves to inform the adults who work to help all teens realize their potentials.
website: http://www.katherinearnoldi.com/
American Born Chinese By Gene Yang
Grade 7+
Three fables highlighting the experience of growing up Chinese American. Jin faces the pressure of being the only Chinese-American student in his school; the mythical Monkey-King may be the most powerful monkey on earth but he wants to be a God; and Danny, a popular basketball player whose status is jeopardized when his cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit.
website: http://www.humblecomics.com/
American Splendor By Harvey Pekar
Grade 10+
Harvey Pekar, a V.A. file clerk, writes a unique narrative of his everyday mundane experiences with a frank honesty that is both comic and touching.
website: http://www.harveypekar.com/
Amy Unbounded: Belondweg Blossoming by Rachel Hartman
Grade 3+
A deliciously imaginative series about a medieval nine-year-old girl and her friends and family.
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
Grade 6+
A beautifully drawn wordless graphic novel that tells the story of an immigrant's journey towards the future in a new land.
Astonishing X-Men By Joss Whedon
Grade 9+
This series, written by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is the explosive, all-new flagship X-Men – it marks a return to classic greatness and the beginning of a brand-new era for the XMen!
website: http://www.josswhedon.net/
Astro City: Life in the Big City by Kurt Busiek
Grade 10+
A collection of stories about Astro City, a shining city on a hill where Super heroes patrol the skies.
Babymouse Series by Jennifer and Matthew Holm
Grade 1-5
A series of graphic novels about the adventures of Babymouse, a girl mouse, and her feline nemesis, Felicia Furrypaws.
Baby-Sitter's Club Series by Raina Telgemeier
Grade 3-7
A graphic novel adaptation of the Baby-Sitter's Club series.
Barefoot Gen: A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima By Keiji Nakazawa
Grade 9+
First published in Japan in the early 70s, this is the semiautobiographical account of Nakazawa's experiences during the terrible time surrounding the bombing of Hiroshima.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/n/nakazawa.htm
Batman: the Dark Knight Returns By Frank Miller
Gotham City is more corrupt than ever. Batman has not been seen for 10 years. Gangs are everywhere and Bruce Wayne is a nearly broken man. Batman must come out of retirement to return justice to Gotham City.
website: http://moebiusgraphics.com/
Batman: Hush By Jeph Loeb
Batman squares off against Killer Croc while pursuing Catwoman. He follows her trail to Metropolis where the unlikely foes team up against Superman.
website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeph_Loeb
Batman: Year One Hundred By Paul Pope
When the Gotham City PD and other forces come gunning for what is under the Dark Knight's cowl, Batman and his cohorts protect it out of a basic sense of justice. As written, the Batman of 2039 is a living legend, seen in flashbacks that correspond with the dates the stories appeared in print. It's been 68 years since the character's first appearance, and we still have Batman and Robin setting things right.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/p/pope_p.htm
Beowulf By Gareth Hinds
Grade 5+
Beautifully illustrated graphic novel adaptation of the epic poem.
website: http://www.garethhinds.com/
Blankets: An Illustrated Novel By Craig Thompson
Beautifully written and illustrated, Blankets explores the authors' experiences with sibling rivalry, young love, spirituality, and finding himself.
website: http://www.dootdootgarden.com/
Bluesman 1, 2, & 3 By Rob Vollmar
Grade 10+
A Depression-Era story of a blues guitarist falsely accused of triple homicide.
website: http://www.bluesmanproject.com/
Bone: Out from Boneville By Jeff Smith
Grade 3+
The story of three cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone who are thrown out of their town for cheating the citizens. They quickly get lost and separated, but one by one make their way into a valley full of magical creatures.
website: http://www.boneville.com/
Breaking Up: A Fashion High Graphic Novel By Aimee Friedman
Grade 7+
Chloe and her friends attend the Georgia O'Keefe School for the Arts, nicknamed "Fashion High" because of its trendy student body. They are looking forward to a year of fun and romance, but have no idea how difficult love can be.
website: http://www.aimeefriedmanbooks.com/
Cancer Vixen By Marisa Acocella Marchetto
Marisa Acocella Marchetta is a fast-paced cartoonist from Manhattan and self-described 'terminal bachelorette' who is about to get married. Three weeks before her wedding she is diagnosed with breast cancer. Cancer Vixen follows Marisa's battle with breast cancer from diagnosis to cure.
website: http://marisamarchetto.com/
Castle Waiting By Linda Medley
Grade 5+
Castle Waiting begins with a retelling of the classic, Sleeping Beauty, from the perspective of her ladies-in-waiting. The story, however, does not follow the princess after she wakes up and leaves the castle, but stays with the castle as it becomes a refuge for bands of eccentrics who welcome Jain, a pregnant woman with a mysterious past, and a new story begins.
website: http://www.studiolio.com/
Chicken with Plums By Marjane Satrapi
Satrapi tells the story of her great-uncle, a celebrated Iranian musician, and his decision to end his life after the instrument he loves is damaged beyond repair.
website: http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/satrapi.html
Chiggers by Hope Larsen
Grade 5-9
Abby is back at the same old camp she goes to every summer, except for the fact that this summer, nothing is the same.
City of Light, City of Dark: A Comic Book Novel by Avi
Grade 4+
Through courage and cunning Carlos, Estella, and Estella's clairvoyant mother thwart a power-hungry villain and prevent Manhattan from turning to ice.
Clan Apis By Jay Hosler
Grade 5+
Fantastic story of the life in a beehive written by entomologist/cartoonist/storyteller Hosler.
website: http://www.jayhosler.com/
Death Note By Tsugumi Ohba
Grade 9+
When Light becomes the owner of a Death Note, will he use it for good or evil?
website: http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1926508
Deogratias By Jean Philippe Stassen
Grade 10+
Deogratias, a Hutu, falls in love with Binigne, a Tutsi during the Tutsi genocide in Rwanda. After Binigne dies Deogratias slowly loses his grip on reality as his grief leads him into madness.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/s/stassen.htm
Dignifying Science: Stories About Women Scientists by Jim Ottaviani
Grade 5+
Interesting and entertaining stories about the lives of scientists such as Marie Curie, Hedy Lamarr, and Emmy Noether.
Fables: Legends in Exile By Bill Willingham
The characters from fairy tales seek refuge in a Manhattan colony after leaving Fableland. They live in peace for centuries until Red Rose is murdered. It is up to Woodland Luxury Apartments security chief Bigby Wolf, to investigate.
website: http://www.billwillingham.com/
Fallout: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Leo Szilard, and the Political Science of the Atomic Bomb by Jim Ottaviani
Grade 9+
Author and nuclear engineer Ottaviani presents information about the atomic bomb and the uneasy alliance between the military, the government, and the beginnings of "big science."
Ghost World By Daniel Clowes
Grade 10+
Two cooler-than-thou teenagers, Rebecca and Enid, have just graduated high school. They have been friends for so long that neither has the room to change, but change happens whether they want it to or not.
website: http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/clowes.html
Herobear and the Kid: Inheritance By Mike Kunkel
Grade 5+
Tyler isn't impressed when his grandfather wills him a dumb ol' stuffed bear. But then, when bullies at school are all set to beat him up, the toy transforms into - Herobear! Herobear takes Tyler on adventures, but changes back to the toy bear at the worst times.
website: http://www.theastonishfactory.com/
Hikaru No Go By Yumi Hotta
Grade 4+
Sixth-grader Hikaru prefers active sports and playing pranks, but his life changes the day he finds the old Go board in his grandfather's attic. The ghost of Fujiwara-no-Sai, an ancient Go master, has been trapped in the board, and he bonds with Hikaru.
website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yumi_Hotta
In the Shadow of No Towers By Art Spiegelman
Grade 10+
Spiegelman gives his personal account of the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath after witnessing the destruction from his lower Manhattan home.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/s/spiegelman.htm
Jellaby by Kean Soo
Grade 4-8
Quiet, brilliant Portia's boring life begins to look up when she befriends Jellaby, a shy, sweet-natured purple monster living in the woods behind her house.
Johnny Jihad By Ryan Inzana
Grade 10+
Johnny is a 16 year old social misfit living in a post 9/11 world. Johnny is angry at everything and nothing. Then he finds Islam, and Johnny finds a purpose to his life and a place to focus his self-destructive anger... jihad.
website: http://www.ryaninzana.com/
Journey Into Mohawk Country By George O'Connor and H.M. Van den Bogaert
Grade 9+
The journal of Dutch trader H.M. Van den Bogaert, unabridged and analtered, in graphic novel form.
website: http://firstsecondbooks.typepad.com/mainblog/george_oconnor_guest_blogger
Kurt Busiek's Astro City: Life in the Big City By Kurt Busiek
Grade 10+
A Day in the life of Samaritan, the busiest superhero in Astro City.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/b/busiek_k.htm
La Perdida By Jessica Abel
Grade 10+
Carla, a young Mexican American woman moves to Mexico to get in touch with her roots. Her desire not to be an outsider leads her to fall into a crowd of lowlifes who talk about revolution but get by on petty crime. She tries to overlook her friend's deviant behaviors until petty crime becomes more serious and Carla has to face the consequences of trusting the wrong people.
website: http://jessicaabel.com/
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen By Alan Moore
Grade 10+
Allan Quatermain, Captain Nemo, Hawley Griffin, Dr Henry Jekyll (and Mr. Hyde), and Miss Mina Murray were at the height of society, but each was cast out for their social improprieties. Now they take orders from the M, the mysterious head of the secret service. Together this group of flawed heroes must fight a criminal mastermind intent on firebombing London.
website: http://www.alanmoorefansite.com/
Little Lit: Strange Stories for Strange Kids by Art Spiegelman
Grade 2+
The everyday world is turned upside down and the ordinary becomes extraordinary in this collection of the strangest tales.
Marvels By Kurt Busiek
Grade 9+
The stories of disasters and superheroes told from the ground level perspective of newspaper photographer, Phil Sheldon.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/b/busiek_k.htm
Maus: A Survivor's Tale Part I: My Father Bleeds History,
Maus: A Survivor's Tale Part II: Here My Troubles Began By Art Spiegelman
Grade 9+
Spiegelman tells the story of his father's harrowing survival of Hitler's Europe. The story of survival is interlaced with the story Spiegelmans's own afflicted relationship with his father.
website: http://lambiek.net/artists/s/spiegelman.htm
The Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka, adapted by Peter Kuper
Grade 7+
Kuper's drawings combine German expressionism and American cartooning to bring Kafka's prose to life.
website: http://www.peterkuper.com/
Mom's Cancer By Brian Fies
Grade 9+
When Fies mother is diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumor she decides to fight it in every way she could. This is an autobiographical account of how one family coped with the daily struggles of cancer.
website: http://www.momscancer.com/
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind By Hayao Miyazaki
Grade 7+
Nausicaa and her allies struggle to create peace between kingdoms torn apart by war, battling over the last of the world's precious natural resources.
website: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/
Our Cancer Year By Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner
Harvey Pekar was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1990. Along with his wife, Joyce Barbner, Pekar uses his frank writing style to depict his medical nightmares from diagnosis to cure.
Owly: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer By Andy Runton
Grade 5+
Owly, a lonely owl, learns the meaning of friendship when he meets Wormy and a pair of friendly hummingbirds.
website: http://www.andyrunton.com/
Palestine By Joe Sacco
Grade 9+
The autobiographical account of Sacco's extended visit to the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 1990's.
website: http://www.readyourselfraw.com/profiles/sacco/profile_sacco.htm
Pedro and Me By Judd Winick
Grade 9+
Winick tells the story of his friendship with Pedro Zamora, an HIV positive AIDS educator. The story begins when they were both cast on MTV's the Real World in 1993, and continues through Zamora's decline, and death in 1994.
website: http://www.frumpy.com/
Persepolis 1: The Story of a Childhood,
Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return By Marjane Satrapi
Persepolis 1 is Satrapi's autobiographical account of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, and how her liberal family tries to cope with the oppression of the Islamic regime. Persepolis 2 follows Satrapi to Austria where she attended a boarding school. Satrapi tries to cope with the fact that she does not belong in the liberal European culture, but after she returns to Iran she can not accept the oppressive nature of Islamic fundamentalism.
website: http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/satrapi.html
Plain Janes By Cecil Castellucci
Grade 7+
When Jane moves to a new town and meets three other Janes, they form the "P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art In Neighborhoods) Janes".
website: http://www.misscecil.com/
Pride of Baghdad By Brian K. Vaughan
Grade 9+
The Baghdad Zoo was an unfortunate casualty when the allied forces attacked Baghdad to bring down Saddam Hussein. This harrowing tale, based on a true story, is told through the perspective of a pride of lions who survive the bombing and drift out into the city in search of food and shelter.
website: http://www.bkv.tv/
Promethea By Alan Moore
Grade 10+
Sophie Bangs, a New York City college student, assumes the role of Promethea, a super heroine persona passed on from one generation to the next. When Sophia decides leave the 'real' world to help Barbra, the last Promethea, reunite with her husband, she returns to an apocalypse.
website: http://www.alanmoorefansite.com/
Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea By Guy Delisle
Delisle became one of the few westerners allowed to travel into North Korea when he was asked to oversee cartoon production in 2001. His movements were continually monitored by a guide and a translator. Pyongyang is the documentation of Delisle's observations while living in this totalitarian society.
website: http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/artStudio.php?artist=a41e32dcb62910
Queen Bee By Chynna Clugston
Grade 5+
Haley Madison moves to a new school and she wants to put her geeky past behind her, there's only one problem… she has psycho kinesis (the ability to move objects with her mind) and it's always flaring up at the wrong times. Haley decides to compete to be the most popular girl in school, but it turns out the current queen bee also has psycho kinesis. Two psycho kinetic queen bees fighting to rule the hive? This could get interesting.
website: http://www.scholastic.com/queenbee/
Quitter By Harvey Pekar
Pekar tells the story of his teenage years as a bully, a quitter, and an avoider. Pekar reflects upon his life long lack of confidence and questions why his current success has not quelled his insecurities.
website: http://www.harveypekar.com/
Re-Gifters by Mike Carey
Grade 7+
Dixie's only outlet is the ancient martial art of Hapkido. On the verge of winning a championship, will Dixie's chances be ruined by her attraction to surfer boy Adam?
Robot Dreams By Sarah Varon
Grade 3+
In this amazing wordless story Dog learns about friendship and loss when he builds himself a friend from a mail-order robot kit.
website: http://www.chickenopolis.com/
Runaways By Brian K. Vaughan
Grades 9+
Six teenage friends come together as their parents have an annual get together. To their horror they realize that their parents are all evil super-villains. The teens decide to runaway and vow to defeat their villainous parents.
website: http://www.bkv.tv/
Safe Area Gorazde: The War in Eastern Bosnia 1992-1995 By Joe Sacco
Grade 9+
The authors account of four visits he made to the so-called 'safe area' in late 1995 and early 1996. Sacco portrays the stark violence and horrors of the war in Bosnia and the effects upon the people who lived there. Disturbing and shocking, but an important book.
Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes By Neil Gaiman
Grade 9+
The first volume in Neil Gaiman's groundbreaking Sandman series. A man tries to capture Death, but inadvertently captures her brother Dream instead, frightened the man imprisons Dream in a glass bottle.
website: http://www.neilgaiman.com/
Sin City By Frank Miller
Marv finds the girl of his dreams, a beautiful woman named Goldie. But when Goldie is murdered, Marv scours the streets of Sin City gunning for Goldie's killer.
website: http://moebiusgraphics.com/
Spirited Away By Hayao Miyazaki
Grade 3+
This novel is an adaptation of Miyazaki's award winning film Spirited Away. Chihiro's family is moving to a new town. They take a wrong turn off the highway and end up at an abandoned amusement park. Chihiro's parents are turned into pigs and she is trapped in a magical world full of spirits and demons. She must earn her keep at a hotel while she figures out how to get her parents back and get away from this strange world.
website: http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/
The Storm in the Barn By
Matt Phelan
Candlewick Press
Gr. 4+
Stormbreaker: the graphic novel by Anthony Johnson (adapted from Anthony Horowitz novel)
Grade 5+
Now is your chance to see this book visualized in a brand-new format, with bold, edgy, manga-like illustrations that bring Alex Rider to life in a way not seen before.
The Tale of One Bad Rat By Bryan Talbot
Grade 5+
Helen Potter is running away from her sexually abusive father. Accompanied only by her set of Beatrix Potter books and her pet rat, she travels through England from a squat in London to an Inn in the countryside searching for solace from the horrors of her past.
website: http://www.bryan-talbot.com/
To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel By Siena Cherson Siegel
Grade 7+
Siena moved from Puerto Rico as a young girl to attend the School of American Ballet. She danced in ballets directed by George Balanchine and starring Baryshnikov. Siena leaves ballet to attend college after she suffers a serious injury.
website: http://www.comicworldnews.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?column=pastthefrontracks&page=87
Toon Books-assorted titles by various authors
Grade K-3
An innovative line of early readers presented in comics format.
Ultimate Spider Man: Power & Responsibility By Brian Michael Bendis
Grade 7+
A modern reworking of the origins of Spider Man. Peter Parker is bitten by a spider and gains superpowers, he must learn, though, that with such great power comes great responsibility.
website: http://www.jinxworld.com
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
Reinventing Comics: How Imagination and Technology are revolutionizing an Art Form
Making Comic: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels
By Scott McCloud
Grade 5+
These innovative comic books provide a detailed look at the history, meaning, and art of comics and cartooning.
V for Vendetta By Alan Moore
Grade 10+
In Moore's dystopian version of a totalitarian England there is one person willing to fight; a masked crusader, V, wages a war of resistance against the authority.
website: http://www.alanmoorefansite.com/
Vampire Kisses: Blood Relatives series by Ellen Schreiber
Grade 7+
The manga adaptation of Schreiber's popular "Vampire Kisses" prose series.
Vampire Loves By Joann Sfar
Grade 7+
Ferdinand is hopelessly romantic vampire searching for love in all the wrong places. Love isn't any easier when you're undead.
website: http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/sfar.html
War Fix By David Axe
Grade 10+
David Axe leaves his small town reporting job and his girlfriend to cover the elections in Iraq.
website: http://warisboring.com/
Watchmen By Alan Moore
Grade 10+
Rorschach may have discovered a plot to kill the Crimebusters and millions of innocent civilians, but is it real, or a paranoid delusion? Rorschach reunites with his former team mates in an attempt to save the world.
website: http://www.alanmoorefansite.com/
I Kill Giants
Joe Kelly (Author), J. M. Ken Niimura (Illustrator)
Barbara is an angry elementary-school girl who is known as a freak and claims to be a killer of giants. She faces bullies and storms with no fear, but cannot face what she hides from at home. The story is heart wrenching and wonderful at the same time. This work is an example of why comic books are not only art, but a necessary medium to tell a full story. The art blends so well with the writing you will find yourself thinking "Did I just read a comic or a small beautiful novel ?" Truly an example of why comic books/graphic novels are great.


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Who just rode their ss/fg "home" drunk?
Who just rode their ss/fg "home" drunk?
Well at least I'm housebroken.
Today? Can't remember
last time I did it I was coming home from you house Southie. still can't believe I made it.
Originally Posted by Josh Frank
Drinkin' while cycling can convince you to do supercool stuff like ride a road bike bmx-style. My collarbone still aches when the weather changes...
Originally Posted by Bikeforums
Are you coming home from the Stone Lion when you pull such shenanigans?
(I grew up in Dalton)
Well at least I'm housebroken.
See what I get for not checking bikeforums at 2 am? I got home drunk at 11, and didn't see this until the morning. Dang it.
Still voted yes...
< That was my expression after reading this. Yes, Stone Lion and the Pickle Barrel. We probably know many of the same people, since I'm friends with all these Dalton punx.Originally Posted by South Fulcrum
Originally Posted by Bikeforums
I dont know how i got home last night, but my bike was here when i woke up
no brakes, one gear, a mobbin' a$$ gangsta, screamin' no fear
Oops!... I Did It Again
Well at least I'm housebroken.
i like hot doggin around when ive had a bit too many, like riding backwards, and tight circles and figure eights i usually end up pinching a flat by the end of the night some how. the next morning i end up with a hang over and a flat rear tire...
...and thats always fun
A+Originally Posted by South Fulcrum
i dont think riding your bike while intoxicated is safe.
but i guess its better than driving a car...
Last time I did I got a lift to the hospital so I don't think I'm going to try it again for a looooong time. Stupid collarbone and rotator cuff.
i'm really drunk. i met a cute bikechick tonight, but she disappeared into the bathroom with a f**king hipster, so i went to another bar and got drunker...
The Dog & Pony in Renton, Wa often has me going home BUI. Best beer in town, right on my way home from work, how can I resist?
Makes the large hill right before my house interesting, especially if I spend to much time drooling over the hottest bartender in the world!
Originally Posted by jitensha_de_go!
i hate hipsters.
And butter.Originally Posted by teadoggg
Originally Posted by Doctor Who
ooooooh... show me a hipster covered in butter and i'll just FREAK. OUT.
she prolly left the bathroom grinding her teeth... no loss there, bro.Originally Posted by jitensha_de_go!
i ride everywhere, including bars and parties, and as a result i ride drunk. i usually wake up the next morning relieved that i'm still alive. i also agree that it's better than driving, only because you are prolly only going to hurt yourself and not someone else.
also riding home extremely drunk is how one of my friends lost two of his bikes.
biking home drunk has never been a real problem for me- yet. now skating home drunk, that's a different story. last time i did it i apparently left my brand new krooked ride somewhere on the streets of portland and just decided to walk home. anyone find it? anyone?
Yeah and if it weren't for my truck I would have made it home too. Nothing like waking up Sunday afternoon to find white paint on my bike, and a dent on the tailgate of my truck.
Rode most of Minneapolis Saturday Night ride on 12/4 in a very intoxicated state. Don't know why I was so hammered. All I drank that day was beer, Long Islands, Boones Farm, Jameson, more beer, Jim Beam, rum and a little white wine. Returned home at 5:30 am to a less than happy wife. Only fell 3 times. Was told I had a good time.
post-Bay City Relay Cup. i have never in my life seen so many messengers so drunk. and such nice bikes!
hope everyone made it hope alright.
and me- i ride drunk all the time. that way, it hurts less when you eat $#!+.


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At MaidPro Bethlehem, house cleaning and maid services are our priority. We are located in Bethlehem, and deliver personalized, precise services to Allentown, Bethlehem, Center Valley, Easton, Emmaus, Macungie, Nazareth and Whitehall. Whether you want a house cleaning in Emmaus or maid service near Lehigh University, just call us for all your Lehigh and Northampton County area residential cleaning needs.
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2906 William Penn Hwy #102
Easton, PA 18045
(610) 419-9860
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1 Park near Bastrop, Louisiana
Sterlington, Louisiana 10.82 miles SW
Monroe, Louisiana 20.78 miles SW
West Monroe, Louisiana 24.86 miles SW
Farmerville, Louisiana 28.19 miles W
Bastrop, Louisiana (map) | (318) 283-0812
Sites: 26 | Latest Rate: $23.00 | 9 Reviews
|Clean Restrooms:
|Clean Showers:
Apr 2015 - $23.00
$23 per night was for a level asphalt pad with 50-amp electric and water site. Sites are generous dirt/sand/dead leaves areas with a picnic table on a concrete pad, fire ring, and pedestal BBQ unit. The whole park is loaded with different types of tall trees and low vegetation. There were abundant types of birds flitting about. The night sky is very dark so the stars are brilliant through the tree branches. All the facilities were in great condition and the park staff was very friendly and helpful. There are miles of multi-use and hiking trails. This campground is located about five miles from small town Bastrop where most amenities could be found. The park advertises that it has public Wi-Fi access but it was not working during our stay (they were working on a solution). AT&T and Verizon service was two bars of 4G LTE. We received five over-the-air TV stations and many radio stations. - DD Rolling Ranch
Oct 2013 - $15.00
Last time we stayed here in 2011 we gave the park an 8 but it has declined considerably. Rest room/showers were filthy, sites needed to be picked up after, and asphalt sites needed to be re-leveled. Noted that there was no camp host and did not look like there had been one for awhile. This is a beautiful setting and hopefully will be cleaned up. - horsefolk
Sep 2012 - $8.00
Rate reflects America the Beautiful Senior Pass for Louisiana resident. Beautiful state park, clean, well maintained. Friendly staff. Campsites were mostly level; quiet park. There are planned activities. Fishing areas, boat launch and group areas. Landry facilities were clean and operational, $0.75 wash/$0.75 dry, quite reasonable to us. Bathrooms were clean. They have a separate area for people camping with horses. Several walking and horse trails. Camp hosts and staff were friendly and helpful about the park. Only deterrent for us was a guest who allowed his dog to run without a leash; we had to chase dog out of our campsite. Would stay here again when in the area. - Fixn2gocamp


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COPA Palm Springs
Night Club , Lounge & Entertainment
Live Performances
Copa Nightclub
VIP Host Mr. Miami
VIP Bottle Services
Buy Tickets
Copa Drinks
Copa Video
Lipstick Thursdays
Contact Copa
Photo Gallery
Friday Night "Ladies night"
Saturday Nights
Dining @ The Tropicale
In a throwback to old Palm Springs' nightclubs, the Copa is fashioned around an elevated performing stage and a stunning u-shaped bar lined with leather barstools, upholstered booths, and gilded cocktail tables. Sink into the sexy lounge, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the line up of local and guest entertainers.
On weekends, the Copa transforms into the hottest dance floor in the valley with interchanging lights flashing below your feet and colored lasers ripping through the air. A state-of-the-art sound system fuels your senses as our resident DJ mixes the music and you dance the night away.
Sunday's: Banda Nights
Monday's: Closed
Tuesday's: Taco Tuesdays
Wednesday's: Latin Nights.
Thursday's: Drag / Leather Nights
Fridays: Ladies Nights
Saturday's: Copa Nights.
Opens at 6PM
© 2016 Copa Palm Springs | (760) 866-0021


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Anyway. If you want more information on it, check out this article from
Try the Babyface Pure Protein today!
There will always be a need for the correction of the visible signs of aging in the skin, and although there are now numerous treatment options available, the first step in treating any skin concern is determining what is happening within the dermis and epidermis that is causing the symptoms. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are the No. 1 cause of visible aging, hence the popular term "sun damage." By identifying the breakdown that occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun's damaging rays and which ingredients can be used to limit or repair this breakdown, more deliberate treatment and product choices can be made.
Understanding UV Sun Damage
External factors, such as sunlight, are responsible for many of the visible changes that take place in the skin. Although some minor alterations would occur regardless of the amount of sun exposure, research indicates that up to 85% of visible aging is due to external factors. The following are among the most common presentations of sun damage.
Deep wrinkling. This is not associated with the normal aging process; fine lines are normal, deep wrinkles are not. The sun's UVA rays penetrate deeply into the dermis and cause the breakdown, disorganization and cross-linking of collagen. Cross-linking refers to what occurs when collagen fibers break down and fuse back together in a crisscross pattern. This process leads to reduced support and structure and, in the end, deep wrinkling. In addition, collagen and elastin breakdown is accelerated by an overproduction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzymes. Important MMP include collagenase and elastase, which break down collagen and elastin, respectively. Studies have found that MMP are increased within minutes of UV exposure, making any time spent outdoors potentially destructive to the skin.
Coarsening. This refers to keratinization of the skin, or the abnormal buildup of keratinocytes. Coarsening is responsible for the dull, thickened and rough-textured appearance often seen in more mature skin. Many refer to coarsening as an orange peel or leather like appearance. UVA and UVB radiation can cause an overproduction of epidermal cells, and the skin's thickness can double as a result of repeated sun exposure. This obvious, rough-textured appearance only occurs in certain cases of sun damage.
Dehydration. This is common in nearly all cases of sun damage. Dehydration of the skin involves a lack of water moisture. Many incorrectly believe that sebum production decreases with age. In fact, the dryness that is common in clients with aging skin is due to a decrease in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). A drop in NMF levels occurs naturally with age, but is worsened by environmental exposure. Even the smallest disruption in this hydrating group of substances can significantly decrease surface moisture levels, and slow the natural shedding and cell turnover process. Additionally, hyaluronidase, which is another MMP responsible for the degradation of hyaluronic acid, increases in response to the inflammation caused by UV rays and free radical damage. Skin that is suffering from sun damage may experience a thickened, dry surface that appears flaky, dull and rough.
Hyperpigmentation. This is one of the most common concerns for mature skin. The melanogenesis, or pigment-producing process, generates melanin in response to inflammation, and UV exposure significantly increases inflammation levels throughout the epidermis and dermis. Sun-induced hyperpigmentation most often appears as random, sporadic freckling that may be more prevalent on the higher, more exposed areas of the face, such as the top of the forehead or the bridge of the nose.
The culprits
Overall, there are five crucial changes responsible for accelerated visible aging:
• The degradation of collagen and elastin
• The overproduction of MMP enzymes
• A decrease in the skin's NMF
• An overproduction of epidermal cells
• An increase in melanin production
The solutions
Now that you know what needs to be addressed, it is much simpler to choose effective ingredients for prevention and correction. The collagen-stimulating and exfoliating benefits associated with chemical peels and microdermabrasion will significantly accelerate results. Research also indicates that alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), salicylic acid and retinoids/retinols also stimulate the production of collagen when applied to the skin. In addition, each acid either dissolves dead skin cells or dissolves the bonds that hold them together, which will decrease surface buildup, increase cell turnover and support NMF retention. Microdermabrasion has also been shown to stimulate collagen production, and the mechanical exfoliating properties will smooth textural changes, such as wrinkling, and encourage healthy cell turnover rates. Peptides added to your daily routine can also help boost the collagen repair process, smoothing and firming the damaged skin.
Practice prevention
Although it is true that each person will continue to age, there are measures that can be taken to limit the severity of visible skin aging. Prevention is, of course, ideal, and people of all ages should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen each morning. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are also important preventative products you can add to your daily routine. Once the damage is done, it is not too late. Those with sun damage should use a combination of corrective ingredients that address multiple concerns simultaneously for the fastest possible results.
Q: I came across your store and wanted to try your products. I am 40, and have several acne scars, scars from attempted laser treatments, and a few age/sun spots starting. What would be your recommended product for those issues. I have not had any success yet...
A: Getting rid of scars is not easy. You can definitely reduce the appearance - but I'm not going to pretend it will be gone in a week or even a month. Basically, you have to replace the current, messed-up tissue, with new tissue. This usually involves the use of some sort of Retinoid, like the Babyface Night Renewal Creme, or if you have the stomach for it, applying frequent chemical peels to the affected area, like a 25% TCA. Next, you'll need something that promotes new cell regeneration, peptides that build new collagen & elastin, a booster agent to help the "work" happen as fast as possible, and nutrients to feed the skin below so it not only reproduces quickly, but as perfectly as possible. For this I recommend the Babyface Collagen Serum with Marine Peptides & EGF. Lastly, if you have an uneven skin tone, you can use the Babyface MAP Serum to even out the skin tone, and fade any areas of blotchy pigment, such as the sun spots.
For more information on scars, how to treat or prevent them, read on....
About Scars and Scar Tissue
Scars form when wounds penetrate to the deeper, thicker layers of skin (dermis and hypodermis). The scar tissue – made of tough, fibrous cells called fibroblasts – will differ from the skin it replaced in appearance and quality. It won't be able to produce sweat or hair, and it will be more susceptible to sun damage. Scars are a natural part of the healing process. While not pretty, they keep our insides on the inside.
Early wound care lessens the severity
It is far more difficult to get rid of scars than it is to prevent – or at least limit – their formation. First of all, keep your wound clean and covered. Infections lead to more severe scars. The bandage or covering will keep the wound moist, which has been shown to speed up healing. Allow the wound to fully heal before starting treatment and avoid picking at scabs. Once the wound has healed, moisturize the scar regularly with a hyaluronic acid serum or cream. Most importantly, protect the scar from the sun. Scars have less pigmentation, and a sun burn will put a stop to healing and make the scars much more noticeable, and the damage can be permanent (hyperpigmentation).
Smoking and Scars
Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which significantly slows healing. Furthermore, nicotine constricts blood vessels and thus reduces blood flow to the skin. No doctor worth her lab coat will allow you to undergo surgical scar removal of any kind until you quit, as it undermines effectiveness, complicates anesthesia, and increases the risk of infection. The good news is that if you quit, research shows that your body will begin to heal normally in as little as four weeks after quitting.
Massage can help get rid of new scars and prevent the buildup of scar tissue
This is one of the best ways to get rid of scars from surgery or accidents. Massaging with moisturizers will increase blood flow to the scar, which will speed up healing, increase collagen production, as well as ensure an even distribution of collagen. It will also keep the scar moist and prevent a loss in skin elasticity. Press on the scar until it becomes white and massage in all directions – vertically, horizontally, and in circles. Most topical scar treatments are massaged into the skin. As many double blind studies have shown, it is the massage, not the topical treatment (vitamin E, onion extract…etc) that gets rid of scars.
You may need to see a Doctor
With the amount of research underway, the medical landscape of scars and scarring is certain to keep changing in the coming years. If your scars require something a bit more intrusive, like surgical scar removal, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, steroid injections…etc – then a Dermatologist will be able to refer you to the right people. There are many procedures and operations that can effectively get rid of scars. Some treatments - including dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels – involve removing the outer layer of skin. Over a period of time, new, more naturally pigmented and contoured skin takes its place. Surgical scar revision involves actual removal of the scar. Yes, this will create a new scar, but its shape or direction should be less noticeable. Other options include collagen fillers, grafts, and steroid injections. On the horizon, more sophisticated lasers and drugs (Avotermin) are set to revolutionize scar treatment in the coming years.
Nothing mentioned above will completely get rid of scars however, so procedures should never be taken lightly. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, even when these procedures are performed correctly by a qualified professional, complications are possible.


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Online shopping set to overtake in-store
Online shopping is set to overtake traditional in-store shopping with 90% of UK consumers searching for their latest purchase via the internet, claims a new report.
Only 8% more consumers shopped in-store than they did online last year, claims the research. Just under half of those polled, 48%, said they received a better level of service online compared to when they shopped in-store. Read more »
Apple iPad sales strong over launch weekend
As predicted by many US newspapers the Apple iPad got off to a solid start at the weekend with the company reporting that it had shifted over 300,000 devices in the US in the first few days. However a large chunk of that figure includes pre-ordered devices and units sold to licensed Apple resellers. Read more »
Apple could sell six million iPads this year
Apple can expect to sell around six million iPads in its first year. That's the view of analysts Morgan Stanley who are one of a number of companies making predictions about the new Apple tablet PC's expected market penetration. To put those sales into context the iPhone sold 9.3 million units in its first year.
Apple gives more details about the iPad
With the US launch the iPad just days away Apple has unveiled eleven guides that show potential buyers how they can get the most out of their new device. Read more »
APA exclusive interview with Ben Hammersley 'Many publishers not ready for iPad'
The iPad represents a huge opportunity for publishers' says Ben Hammersley director of digital at agency Six Creative and Editor at large for Wired UK. 'However if they think they can just package up PDFs they have created for print titles and put them on to the format they are going to be in for a real surprise. It just won't work.' Read more »


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Catch a raw and uncut look at a typical night at the infamous BSB Mansion. Join Kael, Vadim, Jaxon, Sha, and Ms.Sabrina as they cook dinner, joke around, talk about sex, and have an awesome time hanging out and having fun.
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